CLEARFIELD – Lycoming County photographer and naturalist Michael Kinney will soon launch the “largest solo river journey of his life.”
He’ll paddle 228 miles along the broad meander of the Susquehanna with passage through Clearfield County.
Kinney—who estimates his journey will take 28 days—plans to launch in Cherry Tree, Pa., on May 1.
From there his paddle journey takes him through the West Branch on to Packers Island in Sunbury, Pa.
And, the section of river Kinney believes could pose the greatest obstacles for him lies within Clearfield County.
High levels at Curwensville Lake are being drawn down from April’s heavy rains, he said, creating high river levels downstream.
These variables—when combined with daily weather conditions—create a lot of “unknown conditions.”
That in mind, he’s consulted with local paddling expert Lynda McCracken, owner of McCracken’s Canoe Sales and Rental of Clearfield.
McCracken reached out to Kinney after reading his story on northcentralpa.com.
“Lynda has been a huge help and I am grateful,” said Kinney, adding he’s gauged her expertise of the river downstream of Curwensville Lake, and compared it to other paddles he’s done.
McCracken has advised him on current conditions, offered gear recommendations and passed along information from current paddlers.
“If I would’ve started this paddle without [her] advice, I likely would not have made it to Clearfield because of the unique dynamics of the river in the area.”
Although the recent heavy rains have caused minor adjustments to his put-in date, he said river levels haven’t changed his overall time because he allowed for extra time in his original plans.
“I don’t plan to paddle in any kind of hurry,” Kinney said. “I want to take up all 28 days I set aside for this trip, and enjoy the sights of the river, capturing footage of wildlife including underwater creatures.”
He plans to make good use of his 360 camera to gather new-age, virtual reality type footage that can be viewed with a VR headset so others can also enjoy a more immersive experience.
While he will paddle 228 miles solo, he’s still left open-ended options such as to have friends and a member of the Middle Susquehanna Riverkeeper Association join him.
His girlfriend, Missy Gray, will also support him from nearby campsites, providing daily transportation, and when available, paddling with him until he leaves Clearfield County.
His gear includes a tent, sleeping bag and pillow; inflatable mattress; hammock and tarp as well as 120 servings of dehydrated meals; a stove and fuel; an SOS emergency beacon; water filters; a rain jacket and pants; and three waterproof storage bags.
And, of course, Kinney has four different cameras, plus 12 memory cards and 20 batteries.
He will not need any supply stops until he reaches his hometown of Williamsport.
Kinney plans to overnight at private and public campsites when they are available but said there are not many riverside opportunities through the Clearfield area.
So, current plans are to set up a base camp away from the river and have Missy transport him until he passes the Shawville area.
His love for the river and his hobby of underwater photography are motivation for his adventure.
Per his original story, the idea for the trip originated about five years ago when he was inspired by his friend Keith Williams, who voyaged the entire Susquehanna from New York to the Chesapeake Bay.
Kinney’s estimated arrival time to Curwensville Lake is approximately 2-3 days and then through Clearfield Borough about another day or so depending on the underwater footage he captures.
For more information on Kinney, you can visit his photography Web site here: https://www.michaelkinneyphotography.com/.
