Second Swim of 2016 – Lower Millers – January 17, 2016

A little over two weeks into the year, and I’ve already got two swims under my belt – this second was on the lower section of the Millers River in western MA.  I’ve done the Lower Millers several times in the past.  It’s a class II (maybe II+) river with the class IV rapid in the middle – the Funnel. 

The Funnel is pretty much what you would expect - the entire river funnels into a rocky shoot with big holes and standing waves. At 3.6 feet, 1,000 cfs, I thought I’d be able to run the Funnel, but as I approached I decided to portage. I put back in just above the last drop, and dumped in the standing waves at the bottom. I got myself to shore pretty quickly, and the rest of the crew was able to get my boat.

Once I got to shore I looked down and noticed that my pinky finger was pointed out at a 45-degree angle. At first I though it was just the glove, so I pulled on it, and that popped my finger back into place.  Fortunately it was over before I even thought about it, and it felt fine for the rest of the trip. It wasn’t even swollen when I got to the take out due to the cold water.

Here's a poem in honor of my second swim of the year by Tom (canoeswithduckheads) that was posted on P-net. 

Dis Joint Is (Rock) Hoppin'!

Son of Eckil.

Son of man,

 Son-of-a-gun Aquarian.

 On the rocks,

 stirrin' through ice,

 in the drink you go,

 not once, but twice!

Hang tough, E-Squared!

(And thanks for all the wonderful posts/pics/videos from that savage New Eng Land.)
TW

Links:

My Pictures

Lower Millers Gage (USGS)

Lower Millers Gage (USACE)