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Al Staats Memorial Picnic and Paddle Al died on October 28, 2005 of pancreatic cancer after a very brief illness. We have a few pictures of Al doing some of things he loved. Please come and celebrate Al's life and his commitment to social justice, community empowerment, the environment, and rivers with family and friends at a picnic and (canoe and kayak) paddle. The Park | Schedule | Directions | On Arrival | The Picnic | The Paddle | Renting Canoes and Kayaks | Other Activities | RSVP and Contact Information | Airports and Lodging Al loved the Chesapeake Bay and often paddled from Pohick Bay Regional Park. It is 45 minutes south of Washington. We will be picnicking at tables in the field behind the Boat Rental Office and adjacent to Picnic Shelter #3. We will use the shelter if it rains. Pets are welcome, but must be on leashes. No alcohol is permitted in the Park. The Park map is available in PDF. The Park phone number is 703-339-6104. Paddlers please arrive by 10:00. The paddle will begin once we are all in boats, maybe about 10:30. The picnic will begin at 12:00 with paddlers joining when they return. After the picnic friends and family will gather to share memories about Al. To reach Pohick Bay from Washington, D.C., take I-95 south, exit at Lorton. Turn left on Lorton Rd., right on Armistead Rd., right on Rt. 1 and left on Gunston Rd. Continue 3 miles to main park. Enter the Park and say you are attending Al's Memorial to pay a reduced entrance of $4 per car. Residents of Arlington County, Fairfax County, Loudoun County, the City of Alexandria, the City of Falls Church and the City of Fairfax enter free. Drive through the Park towards the Marina. Drive in behind the Boat Rental Office to discharge passengers and supplies, and to unload canoes and kayaks. Park in the lot above the Marina if you don't have boats. Park in the Marina lot if you have boats. The Picnic The picnic will start at 12:00. The families will provide the food. Put in or paddle over to the Boat Rental Office. We will paddle together into the marsh about 10:30. Novice paddlers and those who have never paddled before are encouraged to paddle. Experienced paddlers will assist you. Al would want all paddlers to wear life jackets. He would recommend wearing synthetic clothing that dries quickly. Paddlers do get wet. He would also tell us to carry water even on a short paddle. You may rent canoes and kayaks from Atlantic Kayak or at the Park. Rent in advance from Atlantic Kayak to be sure you have a boat and to have a choice of kayaks. Call them at 301-292-6455 after March 1st. Fees apply. Rent canoes and kayaks the day of picnic at the Park. The Rental Office opens at 10:00 and closes at 6:00. Fees apply. Since Al was active in many sports and spheres, friends and family who prefer not to canoe or kayak, are welcome to take advantage of the other activities the Park offers. Runners and walkers will find numerous trails in the Park. AIDS riders are welcome to ride the bike path between Pohick Bay Regional Park and Mason Neck State Park. Miata folks are welcome to tour the area. Please RSVP if you can so we can know how many people to expect. Please come even if you do not get a chance to RSVP. Pat Case Reagan National Airport and Dulles International Airport are the two closest airports. Lodging is available at either airport, in Washington, D.C., and near Old Town Alexandria, VA. Please call if you need help in selecting lodging. There are also rustic cabins and a campground at the Park which may be reserved by calling the Park at 703-339-6104 after March 1st.
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