SCHUYLKILL HAVEN - The Schuylkill River Sojourn started a little differently Saturday as Mother Nature forced the event to change locations to the Landingville Dam from the Island in Schuylkill Haven for the first time in the sojourn's history.
"We're disappointed that we're not putting in here," said safety coordinator Allan Quant as he stood at the pavilion at the Island.
Participants were transported with their kayaks to Landingville, where they would spend part of the day on the water, then drive to Port Clinton because water conditions downstream were unsafe. The sojourners were to launch from Port Clinton this morning.
This is the 14th year for the 112-mile event meant to bring attention to the river and the Schuylkill River Heritage Area.
Traditionally, participants launch at the Island and then stop at points along the river ending at Boathouse Row in Philadelphia on June 8.
Those participating this year live in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Maryland, Delaware, Virginia and Massachusetts, Executive Director Kurt Zwikl said. About 223 people were expected to participate, he said, and of those, 114 were on the water Saturday.
Safety reasons only permit a certain number of people on the river at a time.
Schuylkill Haven Mayor Mike Devlin, Schuylkill County commissioners Gary Hess and George Halcovage, borough Councilman Jerry Bowman and Economic Development Director Carl Berger also showed up at the Island.
Fran Griffin, 69, of Springfield, Mass., came back again this year after her 2010 experience "because it's a beautiful river, one of the best sojourns," she said, adding the opportunity to socialize is another selling point.
She has been kayaking for 18 years.
"The water just calls. I enjoy the water," she said.
Carl Raring, 63, of Pottsville, was there for the start even though he will participate later in the week.
"This is the first year we haven't launched from this spot," he said while standing at the Island. He has taken part each year.
Celia Martin, 49, of Phoenixville, was at the Landingville Dam with her family including her son, Mitchell, 16, daughter, Raina, 13, and husband, Clint, 51.
"We've been doing it since 2008," she said of the sojourn.
They even did the entire length one year, she said.
Julia Iannucci, 16, of Bronx, N.Y., has been among those on the water for eight years.
"I love the people. I love the river. It's a wonderful experience," she said.
Sharon Brunner, 52, of Mohnton, and her friend, Amy Bruckner, 51, of Lyndell, met on the sojourn two years ago and have been friends since. This is their third adventure away from the responsibilities of daily life.
Like others, they have stickers on their crafts as a testament of their experiences.
"It's just a lot of fun," Brunner said of the sojourn.