Halloween BBQ on the Piscat - October 28, 2023

The crew at the put-in

For 20-years the MVP and NHAMC have been sponsoring a Halloween Paddle and BBQ during the fall drawdown at the Gregg's Falls Dam on the Piscataquog River. I did my first whitewater trip here in 2005 after taking the NHAMC Whitewater School and purchasing my first whitewater boat, and have padded here many times since. This year would be the third time paddling tandem with Jonathan in my Mohawk Whitewater 16.

The Piscataquog River arise in Deering, NH and twists and turns for 35-miles before flowing into the Merrimack River in Manchester. We would be running the class II section below the Gregg's Falls Dam. I met Paul at the MacDonalds in Uxbridge for the trip up to Goffstown. As usual, I missed the exit in Manchester and we arrived late after taking the long way around the reservoir. Jonathan was already there, and Conrad and Ellen arrived shortly after.

Paul at Powerline

We dropped off our boats at the dam and ran the shuttle down to the road behind the prison. By the time we got back to the put-in there was a long line waiting to launch. The release was a little lower than usual due to issues with the dam – 5’, 700 cfs. The day was sunny and in the low 80’s – can’t beat that.

This section is about 3-miles long with the most consistent rapids in the first mile. The section just below the dam was a little boney at this level. Conrad and Ellen got hung up on the rocks, but Jonathan and I made it through fine. We did get into the big eddy for the surf wave below the power lines, but got flushed downstream before we could catch the wave. We did our best to turn the boat into a submarine at the surf wave above Henry Bridge, but didn’t swim!

Surfing the wave above Henry Bridge

From there is it mostly quickwater with a couple of easy rapids on the way down to the take-out. There is a squirt line where the river takes a sharp right turn. We pulled into the eddy, and got spun around on the strong eddy line. The last rapid is a rocky drop just above the take out. We got into the eddy on the left, but once again got flushed downstream before we could catch the surf wave.

After the run we headed back to the dam for the BBQ – hamburgers, hot dogs and good company. Great day as always.

Piscat Tandem Surfing - 2023 from Erik Eckilson on Vimeo.

Links:

My Pictures

Surfing above the Henry Bridge in 2023

Surfing above the Henry Bridge over the years

River description from American Whitewater

Goffstown Gage

Planning a Canoe Camping Trip

What’s not to like about canoe camping. You spend the day paddling in nature’s beauty, and then spend the night relaxing around the campfire. I did my first canoe camping trip 2012, and I’ve been hooked ever since. I soon learned, though, that there is more to canoe camping than meets the eye. Planning is the key to a safe and fun trip.

Don't forget to plan for the shuttle

What trip will you do?

Canoe camping trips can run the gamut from easy overnights to month-long excursions, and anything in-between. Choose a trip that fits the group’s skills and schedule. Water levels and weather will determine the best time to run the trip, and the potential hazards you might face. 

For beginners it is a good idea to start off with shorter, easy trips before moving on to longer, more ambitious ones. You will also need to arrange the shuttle in and out, which can add a day or two to each end of the trip.

Crew of five at the end of a trip

Who will you go with?

Your friends of course! If they are not your friends at the start, they will be your friends when you finish. You can solo if you wish, but a group of four to six is my preference. More than that and it can get crowed in camp. Less than that and you may not have enough support if things go wrong. Choose a group with appropriate skills and a willingness to share camp chores.

When deciding on the group, you need to make sure that everyone agrees on the focus of the trip. Some people prefer an easy day of paddling with time in camp for nice meals and adult beverages. Others want to do 40-mile days and have oatmeal for breakfast and dinner (skipping lunch). Make sure the group agrees on where the trip falls in this range.

Chili for dinner

What food will you bring?

The trip you do will definitely influence the food that you bring. On trips where portages are few and weight is not an issue, you can bring coolers filled with fresh food. You will also need cooking gear, which takes up additional space. On trips with portages where every ounce counts, the food is more likely to be dehydrated or freeze dried and cooked on a backpacking stove.

Water jugs of different sizes

Should I bring or collect water?

You will also need a supply of fresh water. Between drinking and cooking, most people will need around 2 liters a day. It is always best to carry in fresh water. You can use a hard jug or water bag. During the trip, it is preferable to resupply from a tap if possible. If you are going to be collecting water from natural sources you will need to boil, chemically treat (Aquatabs) or filter the water before using.

Layering for the conditions

What about clothes?

Canoe camping is a water sport, so you should plan to get wet. Cotton cloths should be avoided. I tend to bring synthetic fabrics rather than more traditional wool. Wools socks are the exception – I never forget the wool socks. Layering allows you to be comfortable regardless of the conditions. Outer layers protect from wind and rain. Inner layers provide insulation. Don’t forget a hat and gloves if gets cold, shoes for camp, and your toiletries.

A roomy campsite

Campsites

Unless you are traveling in the remote wilderness, you will probably be camping in established campsites. The perfect campsite is elevated above the river on a flat section of land that has nice views of the surrounding landscape. If you are lucky, your campsite will have a picnic table with a ridgepole for your tarp, a fireplace, and maybe even an outhouse or thunderbox. Find a level spot for your tent that is away from dead trees and sparks from the fire.

Rain tarp is up - just in case

Tarps

If rain is in the forecast, the first thing that goes up is the tarp. Tarps are usually rigged for protection from rain, but can also be used to protect from sun or wind. A good tarp must be large enough to cover the group and have lots of attachment points. Poles are nice, but tall sticks and paddles work just as well. You’ll need a collection of stakes and guy lines to rig the fly in different configurations.

Home for the night

Tents

There is nothing like waking up in the morning to birds singing and the sun streaming into your tent. Tents have come a long way from the heavy canvas tents of old. The nice thing about canoe camping is that there is room for a bit of extravagance. You don’t need to jam yourself into a tiny one-person backpacking tent, unless you want to. Choose a tent with plenty of headroom, a full fly and good ventilation. 

A room with a view

Sleeping Bags and Pads

Waking up all snug and warm in your sleeping bag can make it tough to think about climbing out of the tent. The sleeping bag you use will depend on the season and the weather. To ensure comfort on cold nights, it’s a good idea to use a bag that's rated at least 10° colder than the temperature you will be out in. The sleeping bag's fill can be down or synthetic. Down bags pack small, but can be difficult to dry if they get wet. Synthetic bags are bulkier, but are easier to dry. 

A good sleeping pad can make sleeping on the ground not just bearable, but quite comfortable. Sleeping pads have two functions - comfort and insulation. The simplest is a thin closed cell foam pad. Inflatable hiking pads pack small and have come a long way in terms of comfort and durability. Combination pads that inflate but also contain foam like the original Therm-A-Rest are also available. Pads designed for colder weather usually have an R-value of 4.0 or higher. 

Camp kitchen for a large group

Camp Kitchen

Your kitchen kit should include pots, pans and utensils. A good frying pan and large pot are essential, and you will also need a knife, spatula, serving spoon and tongs. Long handles make it easy to work around the fire, and fireproof gloves are a nice addition. Don’t forget a scrubber and biodegradable soap for the dishes, trash bags to pack out garbage. 

You will also need to decide if you will cook on the fire or the stove, or both. If you cook on the fire you will need a grill or fire grate, and your pots and pans will get covered in black soot – a badge of honor for many camp cooks. A plastic bag will keep the grime from your pots and pans off your other gear.

Sitting around the evening fire

Campfire

When a campfire cook has passed through a campsite you can always tell by the fire pit. It will be clear of ash and debris allowing ample room for wood under the grill. If it is round, it will be large with multiple cooking spots depending on the type of cooking to be done and the heat needed. Or it will be “U” shaped and just wide enough to support the grill.

When collecting wood you will need a mixture of sizes from small to large - tinder to light the fire, kindling to establish the fire and fuel to feed the fire. Firewood should be collected selectively to leave the site and scenery as undisturbed as possible. Softwoods are usually easier to find and burn the fastest. Hardwoods produce a cleaner, longer lasting fire and better coals. Make sure your matches are stored in a waterproof container. 

The morning coffee

For cooking, keep the fire contained under the pots and pans. It is often easier to cook with small sticks rather than large logs. The most important part of the cooking fire is the height of the grill – too low and it will be tough to get wood underneath, too high and it will take a lot of wood. A grill grate at 8” to 10” seems to work best. Shift the pans around to get the heat that you need and prevent hot spots.

You should always leave the campsite better than you found it, and that is especially true of the fire pit. Make sure everything that you place in the fire gets burned completely. Never burn foil, plastic, styrofoam, bottles or cans. Don’t leave anything behind, except perhaps a pile of dry wood for the next campers.

Backpacking stove with a cozy

Stoves

When I started canoe camping everything was cooked on the stove. Over time I have gravitated more to cooking on the fire, but that doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t bring a stove along. When firewood is not available, in bad weather, or if you run out of daylight a stove may be needed. Stoves range from two-burner base camp models like the classic Coleman stove, to small backpacking stoves. Having a wind shield or cozy will significantly increase the stove's efficiency.

Splitting wood - be careful

Axe/Hatchet or Saw

An axe or hatchet is good to have along to split wood - especially when conditions are soggy. Remember though that splitting wood is one of the most dangerous things that you can do in camp. A saw is a must for gathering and cutting firewood. I usually bring two – a straight, folding saw for gathering wood, and a folding bow saw for cutting it into lengths.

Dinner by lantern light

Lanterns and Flashlights

One of my memories of camping as a kid was lighting my father’s white gas Coleman lantern with silk mantles. It was very bright and made a unique sound when lit. Today, there are lots of small battery powered lanterns that produce the same light and are easier to carry. A headlamp is essential for working in the dark, and a flashlight is good to bring along as a backup.

Drybags ready to be loaded

Dry Bags and Barrels

Comfortable camping is all about keeping your gear dry, and drybags and barrels allow you to do that. Vinyl drybags are the most durable, but nylon coated drybags are lighter and easier to compress to fit in small spaces. I use both. Drybags use a roll-down top and heavy clips to create a water tight seal. Some come with pack straps for easy portaging.

I double bag critical items that need to stay dry (sleeping bag, camp clothes) in smaller nylon drybags before packing in the larger vinyl drybag. I also use mesh bags to organize things that I tend to use together. For me, two large dry bags (one for my tent, clothes and sleeping gear, and one for everything else) and a small day bag seem to work right. I know – I don’t pack light. I need to work on that.

Barrels provide a waterproof and animal proof alternative to drybags. They are especially good for storing food, and have the added benefit of serving as chairs and tables in camp.

On the portage trail

Portages

If portaging is part of the trip you will definitely need to pack light. I usually pack for a two carries – the first with my boat and lighter dry pack, the second with my heavier dry back, day bag and anything else. In some areas, a portage cart can be used on rock and root-free trails. On rivers, wading or lining may be an alternative to portaging, and you might be able to run easier rapids empty. 

Enjoying a safe trip

Staying Safe

Safety on a canoe camping trip is just like safety for any other paddling trip - except that you are paddling a loaded tripping canoe and may be days away from potential help. You will need to know the conditions (recognizing that conditions can change quickly), know your group and its skills, and plan accordingly. 

The best way to stay safe is to anticipate what can go wrong, and avoid it. The two most common issues that you will face are whitewater and wind. Whitewater rapids that can easily be run in an empty boat might be significantly more difficult in a loaded tripping canoe. The same is true for long crossings across wind swept lakes. Portaging rapids and sitting out windy days are often the best strategy. 

You should dress for the conditions and always wear your PFD. You should bring appropriate safety gear including a first aid kit, throw bag/tow line and pin kit. You will also need to bring appropriate navigation and communication equipment. In remote areas, a satellite communication device will keep you in touch and allow you to send and receive messages in case of an emergency.

Moore State Park - October 22, 2023

Artist Overlook on Turkey Hill Brook

My original plan was to do a Tville run with the CTAMC, but with yesterday’s rain the river rose from 2.5-feet to 4.5-feet overnight. I knew it was too high for me, and wasn’t surprised when I got an email that the trip was cancelled. Fortunately, Papa Joe was doing a hike at the Moore State Park.

Moore State Park (290 Sawmill Road, Paxton, MA) has 400-acres of well-maintained trails through open fields and woodlands.The section along Turkey Hill Brook, which falls 90-feet in less than a quarter mile, was once the home to at least five 18th and 19th century mills. Old foundations and a restored sawmill stand on the site today. In the early 20th century, the property became a private estate and was heavily planted with azaleas, rhododendrons, and mountain laurels.

The crew

We started on the Davis Hill Field and Laurel Loop Trails, which wind through the fields and woodlands across the street from the parking lot. From there we headed up the Azalea Path to the restored sawmill on Turkey Hill Brook, and then up the Old Bringham Road, Secret Garden Loop and Stairway Loop Trails.

We ended up doing 4.6-miles. The leaves were just about peak. I also hear that it is beautiful here in June when the azaleas, rhododendrons, and mountain laurels are in bloom. 

Links:
My Pictures
Moore State Park

Jonathan’s Campfire Cooking

We all have our favorite campfire recipes. When you camp with Jonathan you will always get Fried Fish with Maine Guide Potatoes for dinner, and Egg-in-a-Hole for breakfast. I have now seen him cook it enough to know how it is done. Simple and tasty – the perfect campfire food, and always cooked on the fire.

Jonathan working his magic

Fried Fish

Olive oil (can use cooking oil or butter)
Haddock fillets (can also use Cod or other white fish)
Bread crumbs

Cut fish into serving size pieces. Coat in bread crumbs. Heat oil in frying pan. Add fish skin-side up and cook for a couple of minutes undisturbed to let the first side develop a nice crust. Flip and cook skin side down until a nice crust develops on second side. Serve immediately with Maine Guide Potatoes and salad.

Fried Fish and Maine Guide Potatoes

Maine Guide Potatoes

Baby Yukon Gold or Red Bliss potatoes
Couple of onions
Squeeze margarine (or butter)

Bring a pot of water to a boil. Quarter potatoes. Cut onions in large pieces. Add potatoes and onions and cook until tender. Drain and serve with squeeze margarine (or butter). Left-overs become home fries the next morning.

Egg-in-a-Hole and Sausage

Egg-in-a-Hole

Olive oil (can use cooking oil or butter)
Hearty White Bread (like Country Kitchen Hearty Canadian White or Pepperidge Farm Farmhouse White)
Eggs

Coat frying pan lightly with oil. Tear a hole in the middle of the bread for the egg – save and toast as you cook. Add the bread to the pan and crack one egg into the hole. Once the egg is set, flip and toast the other side. Serve with home fries from left-over Maine Guide Potatoes, lots of bacon, and a fried tomato for the full “Jonathan” breakfast.

Back to the Alligash - September 22 - 30, 2023

Loaded up and ready to go

Getting ready to go on a trip is always hectic, but this time it was particularly so with family stuff, work, and of course packing. When Bob arrived to pick me up on Friday afternoon I turned off my computer, picked up my bags and headed out. Hopefully I had everything.

This would be my second trip on the Allagash Wilderness Waterway with Jonathan and Conrad. For this trip we would be joined by Bob and Ellen. We would be running the river from Churchill Dam to Michaud Farm with a layover day that we used to explore Churchill Lake.

We made it to Fort Kent

The State of Maine established the Allagash Wilderness Waterway in 1966 to preserve this unique section of the North Maine Woods. It is a 92.5-mile state park along the Allagash River that begins at Telos Lake and ends in Allagash Village. It is also one of the original "Wild and Scenic" rivers. While surrounded by commercial woodlands, logging is prohibited within 1-mile of the river. It can be reached only by traveling for miles on dirt logging roads.

We arrived at Jonathan’s house in Wiscasset around 5:30 and enjoyed cocktails on the deck until Conrad and Ellen arrived at 7:00. Dinner was the traditional sausage and noodles. We turned in early to be rested-up for the big trip.

Norm loading the boats

We got up early on Saturday, loaded up the boats and gear, and headed off to Fort Kent. After a quick stop at D&D in Augusta, we settled in for the 3-hour drive to Patten, ME and lunch at Craig’s Claim Shack. Unfortunately, it was closed for the season – we missed it by a week. The back-up was Debbie’s Deli, which worked out fine. From there, it is another 2-hours to Fort Kent.

We arrived at Fort Kent and checked-in at Northern Door Motel for the night. We had some time before dinner so we took a walk around Fort Kent, which has a border crossing to Canada across the St John’s River. We also checked out the Fort Kent Blockhouse – built during the Aroostook War of 1838-1839. The day ended with dinner at Swamp Buck.

Crossing Churchill Lake

We were up early on Sunday to meet Norm at Pelletier’s Campground for the shuttle. We would be dropping off our cars at Michaud Farm (about 10-miles), and continuing down to Churchill Dam (about 70-miles). It's a 3-hour ride down dirt logging roads, but at least we were not driving our cars.

After arriving at Churchill Dam we checked in with the ranger, packed up the boats and headed off to our first campsite – The Jaws. Surprisingly, everything fit in the boats and Jonathan’s putt-putt engine made quick work of the crossing. The campsite was open and we got to work unloading the boats, setting up camp, and gathering firewood. Dinner was Jonatan’s Fried Fish and Maine Guide Potatoes. We sat around the fire until it was time for bed.

Checking the flow at Churchill Dam

Winds were predicted to gust to 20 mph on Monday, so we decided to take our layover day. With nowhere to go, I cooked breakfast in the Dutch Oven – Blueberry Bake with a side of bacon. Later in the morning, we took a walk down to the Churchill Dam to check out the release from the dam and the Churchill Depot History Center museum that is located nearby.

After hiking back, we had lunch and spent some time gathering firewood before taking a quick tour around Churchill Lake. Jonathan and Bob wanted to catch a fish, and Ellen wanted to see a moose, but neither were successful. We were back in time for cocktails and to cook dinner. It was my turn to cook and I made lasagna in the Dutch Oven with sausage on the side. I played a game of cribbage with Bob (I lost) and we sat around the fire and enjoyed the stars.

Home fries for breakfast at the Jaws

One thing you learn when you are camping is patience. I rolled out of my tent at around 6:00 on Tuesday to start the fire and the coffee. I sat in front of the fire and waited for the coffee to perk. Jonathan got up at around 6:15, and we sat in front of the fire and waited for the coffee to perk. Conrad got up at around 6:30, and we sat in front of the fire and waited for the coffee to perk. The coffee finally started perking at around 6:45 and we had our coffee at around 7:00 - it was worth the wait.

Jonathan was on for breakfast, and he cooked home fried potatoes from the left-over Maine Guide Potatoes and eggs-in-a-hole – a traditional breakfast for this trip. We packed up camp and headed back to the dam to meet the ranger at 10:00 for the shuttle around the Chase Rapids. For $10, the ranger with shuttle boats, gear and people down to Bissonette Bridge. Jonathan Bob and I would be running Chase Rapids. Conrad and Ellen took the shuttle.

Running Chase Rapid

Chase Rapids is about 2-miles of class I/II whitewater. Jonathan and I ran it tandem in his Explorer. Bob poled it in his Camper. The first rapid bounces down a 200-yard rock garden. The second is a rocky S-turn, and Jonathan and I got hung up on the rocks about half-way down. Bob ran it clean. From there, the river alternates between quickwater and class I rapids. It was a fun run, and we soon met up again with Conrad and Ellen at Bissonette Bridge for lunch.

After lunch, we loaded up the boats for the trip down the river, across Umsaskis and into Long Lake. Jonathan’s putt-putt motor made quick work of the crossings and we were soon at our campsite for the evening – Jalbert. We settled into our familiar routine – unload the boats, set up camp and gather fire wood. Dinner was Conrad’s smoked salmon with grilled vegies. We were all tired and were in bed by around 9:00, except Jonathan who always stays up later.

Frittata for breakfast at Jalbert

It was a foggy morning on Wednesday as I got up to light the fire and start the coffee. I was up for breakfast, so I made potato, onion, pepper and cheese frittata in the Dutch Oven. After breakfast we packed up the boats for the trip down to Round Pond. Jonathan’s putt-putt motor made quick work of the remaining section of Long Lake.

At the bottom of Long Lake is the Long Lake Dam. Due to metal spikes in old timbers it is recommended that you line on the left or portage on the right. Due to high water, there was really no place to land on the left, so we decided to portage. Its a short portage, and we made quick work of it in spite of all the gear.

Entering Round Pond

Just as we finished, an unnamed poler (name withheld to protect the innocent) approached the dam. After a long look, he also decided to portage. After emptying his boat and looking from above he changed his mind. He poled the shoot on the left in an empty boat and made it through fine. It was probably good that we didn’t see that before we lugged our boats.

We continued downstream and stopped at Cunliffe Island for lunch. The level was high (between 2,500 and 3,000 cfs.) and the river was mostly slow moving water. It was still a quick trip, and before we knew it we ran past the American Elm trees, under the Henderson Bridge and into Round Pond. Our campsite for the night was Inlet, and we unloaded the boats and set up camp. Jonathan went off to replenish our water supply at the spring while the firewood crew went to work collecting and cutting wood for the night. Dinner was Ellen’s Magic Chili. It was another early night.

Running Round Pond Rips

I woke up at 5:30 on Thursday to the sound of a Bard Owl somewhere near our camp – “who-cooks-for-you, who-cooks-for-you-all”. It reminded me of the time at an owl parked himself over Jim Cole’s tent at the Pawcatuck River Boot-leg site and hooted most of the night. He was a little grumpy the next morning.

I finally rolled out of the tent at around 6:00 to start the fire and the coffee. By the time Jonathan got up at 6:30 the coffee was ready – amazing the difference good wood will make. Breakfast was eggs-in-a-hole and sausage, and we were soon packing up our gear and heading out.

Rafted-up on the Musquacook Deadwater

We paddled the short distance down Round Pond to the Round Pond Rips, which were running at a great level. Running Chase Rapid was fun, but Round Pond Rips was the highlight of the trip. The water was high, the scenery was great, and the rips continued for a couple of miles – you don’t get that combination very often. Eventually we arrived at the Musquacook Deadwater. Even there the water was moving, but we still decided to fire up the putt-putt engine for the trip down to Five Fingers Brook. We stopped for lunch at Fiver Fingers South, and Jonathan tried his hand at fishing – no luck.

From there it was a quick run-down to our campsite for the night at Deadwater South. We were hoping for Deadwater North, but an unnamed poler beat us to it. We pulled into camp and went through our usual routine. Dinner was Bob’s chicken and dumplings with cheese cake for dessert. We enjoyed the fire one last time before tuning in for the night.

Chili for dinner at Inlet

On Friday we knew it would be a quick trip down to Michaud Farm, but we had no idea how quick. As usual I was up around 6:00 to start the fire and the coffee. Breakfast was eggs-in-a-whole with bacon and sausage – a treat for our last day. We were packed up and on the river by 9:40, which is a record for us.

The current was fast, and we quickly floated past Cunliffe Depot. Realizing that our trip was quickly ending, we rafted up and let the current take us downstream for the last mile. We still arrived at Michaud Farm at around 10:30. Everyone packed up, Jonathan signed us out at the ranger station, and we were quickly on our way.

The crew at Michaud Farm

Conrad and Ellen went off to buy wood for a gazebo project. Jonathan Bob and I checked out the Big Rapid on the St John, stopped to thank Norm at Pelletier’s and had lunch at Two River’s Lunch in Allagash Village. Then it was off to the Overlook Motel for a shower and a shave. We returned to Swamp Buck for one last dinner and agreed on a group name – Standing Deadwood since that is what we are always looking for.

Bob and I left early the next morning for the long drive home. After a quick stop at Debbie’s Deli for breakfast, we were on our way. The only moose that we saw on this trip were on the moose crossing signs on the ride home. It was still an amazing trip!


Standing Deadwood on the Alagash from Erik Eckilson on Vimeo.

Ellen put together this poem about our adventure.

The Ballad of the Allagash
by Ellen Jean Keiter

Way up in Maine, in the North Country
Went three good friends, Conrad and me.
With three canoes and food for a week,
The aim was to paddle the Allagash Creek.

Well, it’s not a creek, but a river wide—
With lakes and whitewater to be tried.
The water was a-runnin’ and the weather was fine
And we five folks had a mighty good time.

We paddled the river, loaded with gear,
But didn’t see a moose or even a deer.
The loons were vocal on big Round Pond,
Callin’ to their mates and singin’ their songs.

Great blue herons we did see,
And huge bald eagles—at least three!
Barred owls woke us in the middle of the night,
And a pointy-eared hare was a very strange sight.

We paddled each day and camped each night
In the many well-provided river campsites.
With lots of standing deadwood all around,
The guys sawed up all the wood they found.

Dinner on the fire and cocktails, too!
Hot breakfast in the morning with a beautiful view.
Blueberry bake and lasagna too—
Oh, what that Dutch oven can do!

Where the water was still and the flow was low,
Our leader pulled us through with a putt-putt-motor tow.
But best of all were the whitewater parts
That made us whoop! and cheered our hearts.

A wonderful time was had by all,

Even though we never heard the moose’s call.
A treasure of a trip it was for sure.
Wilderness is a mighty fine cure.

Links:

My Pictures

Allagash Wilderness Waterway from Maine.gov

Allagash Wilderness Waterway Brochure

Gage at Allagash Village

North Maine Woods
Allagash from American Whitewater
Pelletier's Campground and Shuttle

Charles - Medfield to Dover - September 4, 2023

Into the marshland

With family plans this weekend, I decided to get the "early morning crew" together for Labor Day run on the Charles River. Back in the COVID days, the "early morning crew" were my primary paddling partners, doing up-and-back trips and bike shuttles in the early morning to avoid the crowds. We actually did this trip as a bike shuttle back on July 4, 2020.

The Charles River arises at Echo Lake in Hopkinton, and flows generally east for 85-miles, zig-zagging through 22 cities and towns in eastern MA before emptying into Boston Harbor. There are a lots of great flatwater trips on the Charles including the Bays Region from Natick to Wellesley, the Lakes District from Weston to Waltham and the Dedham Loop.

South End Pond

We would be running the section from Dover Road in Medfield to Bridge Street in Dover - about 5-miles. You can easily extend this trip another 3.5-miles down to the South Natick Dam, but I was looking to finish up before lunch.

We met at 8:00 to run the shuttle and were on the river by 8:45. Most of this trip runs through a large marshland, so it can be hot and exposed in the summer. The river was at a nice level - 1-foot, 250 cfs on the Dover gage. About a mile downstream we took a side trip up Bagastow Brook up to South End Pond. Once back on the Charles we paddled through the section that runs through Rocky Narrows, and took a break at the picnic area. From there it is a quick trip down to the take out. I was on my way home by noon.

It was surprising that the leaves were already starting to turn. Fall is coming. We also saw a few patches of water chestnut on the river. Hopefully a clogged up river isn't coming as well.

Leaves turning at the takeout

Links:

My Pictures

Al's post on the Trash Paddler

Charles River Gage - Dover

Pemi - Bristol - August 27, 2023

Below the Ayers Island Dam

It has been a while since I had my whitewater boat out, and the sea kayak trip that I was planning to do yesterday got cancelled due to potential thunderstorms, so I decided to head up to NH to run the Pemi in Bristol with the NHAMC.

The Pemigewasset River, also known as the “Pemi”, arises at Profile Lake at the base of Cannon Mountain in the Franconia Notch. It flows south for 65-miles to Franklin where it joins the Winnipesaukee River to form the Merrimack River. There are a couple of other sections of the Pemi that I like to paddle including the quickwater section from Woodstock/Thornton to Campton and the whitewater section in Woodstock.

Scouting Wourthens

We met at 10:00 at the put-in at the Pemi-Bristol Boat Launch below the Ayers Island Dam. As you turn onto Ayers Island Road from Route 104, you will see a ball field on your right - follow the road around the ball field and take a left. Just before the gate to the DPW garage, turn left down a hill past the Bristol Transfer Station. Keep going down the hill until you see a large array of solar panels. Turn left just before the solar panels, then turn left again before the gate to the metal dump and go down the steep hill on the small dirt road.

The river was at a nice level – 2 feet, 1,500 cfs. We had 8 boats – 7 kayaks and one canoe (guess who). This is a short section of river - about 1.5-miles with a couple of nice play spots. The biggest rapid is called Wourthens and is located about 1/4 mile down from the put in. A ledge protrudes from the left bank (Wourthen's Rock) forcing the river to the right. The usual line is to the right, but we had people run the drops in the middle, and even the slot on the left.

Running the slot

The rapids continue with another ledge and surf spot downstream, and a couple of class II rock gardens. The last rapid sweeps gradually to the right as it passes through two ledges on Coolidge Woods Road, including the playhole that was washed out.

It rained a little as were paddling, but it really came down as I was driving home. Still worth the trip.

Taking in the rapids

Links:
My Pictures

Video from Pink Packraft
Plymouth Gage
River Description from American Whitewater