West River - September 28, 2013

Waiting for my turn at a play spot

Had a good time yesterday with Paul on the upper section of the West River in Jamaica, VT.  The release was about 1,500 cfs.  Looking back, I’ve run it at that level before, but the waves seemed bigger than in the past.  I was constantly pulling over to empty my boat - I need to get a pump.

We did three runs that were mostly uneventful.  My only swim was about half way down Initiation. I started in the center, (should have started a little more to the left of the rock in the center) and went sideways into the big hole and in the middle.  Fortunately, I was able to get my boat near the shore eddy on the right side where Paul was able to grab it.  It might have gone a long way otherwise. 

We used the shuttle at the Jamaica State Park for the first time, and it worked out great.  It’s a bit of a hike up to the top of Initiation, but not as bad as hiking down the dam. 

A pretty section of the West River

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River description from American Whitewater

West River gage

Squam Lake

Another NH camping location, and another place to avoid on weekends during the summer – Squam Lake.  Put in is on Metcalf Road off Route 113 near the trailhead for East Rattlesnake. The parking and trailheads for West Rattlesnake and Morgan/Percival are just up the road. Squam Lakes Association also has parking and campsites on the other side of the lake.

Lonsdale Marsh - September 8, 2013

I must have bad genes – or at least not "American" genes.  I tried watching the football game this afternoon, but it was too nice outside to be sitting in the house watching TV.  I decided to take my canoe out and paddle the Lonsdale Marsh.  It was a little windy but beautiful otherwise.  Why sit in the house?

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Upper Wood River - September 7, 2013

It felt like Fall when I headed out this morning, but it turned out to be a great day.  It always helps to start the day off with a morning paddle.  I got together with Jim C, Jeff, Sharon and Jim S to paddle the upper Wood River from Route 165 in Exeter to the Wyoming Dam  (Route 138) in Richmond.  The river was at a nice level – 2 feet on the Hope Valley gage and 3 feet on the Arcadia gage.

We put in at about 9:30 and headed downstream.  The river starts out narrow as it twists and turns through the Arcadia State Forest.  It finally opens up as it approaches Frying Pan Pond, which was full of yellow daisies.  We portaged the Barberville Dam on the right (not enough water to run the small rapids on the left) and headed down to the Wyoming Dam. 

The trip was done by noon, and I was home around 1:30 to do some work around the house – can’t beat that.

Daisies blooming in Frying Pan Pond

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Hope Valley Gage

Arcadia Gage