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| Dan |
August has been a month that only a paddler could love. It seems like it has rained continuously for the past two weeks. The heaviest rains were localized, but still brought up many rivers that are usually high and dry this time of year. When I saw the post from Kaz that “a small posse of older, but plucky OC paddlers will be meeting” to paddle the Upper Millers, I knew that was the trip for me!
The Millers River arises in north-central MA and flows generally west for 52 miles to converge with 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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| John |
The day started with an early morning stop at McDonald’s to meet Paul for the drive up to the river. After dropping Paul with our boats at the put in on Blossom Street in Royalston, I headed down to meet the crew at the take out on Crescent Street in Athol. The open boaters out numbered the kayakers on this trip with 6 canoes and 5 kayaks. The level was around 1,000 cfs, after peaking at over 2,000 cfs. earlier in the week. It’s a fun, 7-mile run.
The trip alternates between class II and III rapids, with some quiet water in between. The first class III rapid starts at the island below the put in and continues down to the first railroad bridge. After a bit of quiet water, the second class III rapid – Mile Long - begins at a sharp left turn. The third class III rapid begins after some class II rapids after the second railroad bridge. The last class III rapid is the Gorge that begins below the big waves at the lunch spot. At this level, they are an easy class III, but it is still fun. It was a great day, and a rare treat to paddle this river in August.
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| Erik |
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