MUSCODA - The designation of a specific spot as a “Canoe Staging Area” appeared to working well Saturday morning as groups of paddlers were preparing to “hit the river” on a beautiful day for such an adventure.

More than a couple dozen paddle craft were waiting to be launched from the grass-covered area adjacent to the new boat landing in Victora Riverside Park.

At the same time the paddlers were loading stacks of gear into their craft to begin their downstream journey, a fisherman was launching his boat from the new boat landing and a contingent of young boys was fishing from the new pier.

In past years there have been times when canoe groups using the landing, with large quantities of camping or picnic supplies, have made it difficult for fishermen to launch their boats.