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| Heading out |
Like everywhere else on the east coast, Hurricane Ida dumped a ton of water on us here in southern New England. I was planning to lead a
RICKA flatwater trip on the Pawcatuck, but it was just below flood stage so I had to cancel. One door closes and another opens - I was now free to paddle one of my favorite whitewater runs - the Upper Millers.
The Millers River arises in north-central MA and flows generally west for 52 miles to merge into the Connecticut River at Millers Falls. There are two sections that are popular for whitewater boating – the
Upper Millers from Royalston to Athol (class II/III), and the
Lower Millers from Erving to Millers Falls (class II/IV).
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| Pictures at the first RXR Bridge |
I got an early start so I could drop my boat off at the put in on Blossom Street in Royalston. Then I headed down to meet the crew at the take out on Crescent Street in Athol. The weather was beautiful – sunny and in the mid 70’s.
The kayakers outnumbered the open boaters on this trip with 6 kayaks and 4 canoes. If you are a
Millbrook canoe fan, there was a 20/20 and 2 Shachos. I was feeling a little old school in my royalex
Outrage. The level was around
1,200 cfs – a nice open boat level. The river alternates between class II and III rapids, with some quickwater in between.
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| Running Mile Long |
The first class III rapid starts just below the put-in and continues down to the first railroad bridge. After a bit of quickwater, the second class III rapid – Mile Long - begins at a sharp left turn. The last class III rapid is the Gorge that begins after an island after some class II rapids below the big waves at the lunch spot.
I spent my time dodging rocks, bouncing over waves and dumping out my boat. Still it was a great day.
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| Great day on the water! |
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