Gary Letcher, who spent a career in environmental law, recently published the fourth edition of his popular book, “Paddlers’ Guide to the Delaware River”, writes Chris Mele for the Delaware Currents.

Letcher published his early guides, “Canoeing the Delaware”, in 1985 and 1997. He had to rename the guide in 2012 to “A Paddler’s Guide to the Delaware River: Kayaking, Canoeing, Rafting, Tubing” following the explosive growth in other forms of paddling the river.

Finally, he published the latest iteration in May under his own imprint, Penn Del Press. For the first time, the book features color photos and maps.

The fourth edition also reflects layers of research Letcher gathered in the field and recorded in a notebook.

“I would sometimes frustrate my paddle buddies because I would be taking notes while they did all the work,” he said.

He used the Delaware River Basin Commission recreational maps as foundational material and solicited photos from participants on the Delaware River Sojourn. However, he is quick to point out that the final product is truly a collaborative effort.

Read more about the new addition of the book in the Delaware Currents.

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