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Jul 17, 2022: Kennebec Gorge, 5000 and 2685 cfs

Participants were all in kayaks: Jeff Bickford, Greg Winston, Ken Gordon; TC’s Suzanne Cole & Gary Cole

We took over TCing Brent’s Kennebec 2400 as he had family obligations. 

As it turned out, the five of us paddled both releases. We had the usual fun at 5000, surfing our favorite waves and squirting here and there. We took out at Carry Brook and, with enough vehicles there, we were able to run all boats and boaters to the top without a shuttle.

Our second run was at 2685 cfs (what an odd number). We were eager to get on this lower level as we don’t paddle it very often. We found waves in different locations, paddled a different route at Big Mama, and wove our way down Magic. If you think this level is easier than 5000, think again. It is a little less pushy, but the routes through the rapids are tighter and the water is very turbulent in places.

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Jun 21, 2002: Sea Kayak to Eastern Egg Rock

Six Chowderheads met at Bradford Point in Friendship for a two-day sea kayak expedition to Eastern Egg Rock to visit the recently arrived puffins.  Paddling to a campsite on Black Island was the immediate goal.  The weather forecast for day two had deteriorated overnight with fog and strong onshore winds predicted.  The four mile paddle to Black Island with sunny skies and light winds was a delight.  Two remaining trip participants, outliers if you will, were met at the large Maine Coastal Heritage campsite on the north end of the island.  After a group discussion regarding concerns about the worsening second day weather forecast, a change of plans was made:  We would attempt to complete the nine mile roundtrip to Eastern Egg Rock during the afternoon.  Excellent conditions were encountered traversing south through the narrow channel between Harbor and Hall Islands and passing Franklin Island Light, the last island before a couple of miles of open water to Eastern Egg.  Light winds and gentle seas continued to Eastern Egg where we were greeted with scores of colorful puffins.  We also had the opportunity to exchange greetings with club member Olivia Ridley who was working on the island as a member of the Audubon staff.  After completing a circumnavigation of the rock in rolling swells, we returned to Black Island with a tailwind and an ingoing tide.  A sunny end of the day with a cool sea breeze made for a very pleasant evening camping on Black Island.  The following morning, we awoke to patchy fog and a strong onshore wind.  Three in the group decided to return to Friendship while the remaining Chowderheads outwaited the fog and paddled to a beach on Harbor Island to hike Cliff Trail.  The trek across the island led to spectacular cliffs with a panoramic view of Muscongus Bay on the west side.  Afterwards, the hiking contingent returned to the mainland assisted by a strong tailwind and a cooperative ingoing tide.  Jean Miller and Ken Gordon took some exceptional pictures of the wonderful little puffins.  Special thanks to Troad for organizing overnight parking even though she was unable to participate.

Participants:  Helen Hess, Rick Farnsworth, Adam Chase, Brent Elwell, Deb Harris, Jean Miller, Ken Gordon, and TC

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Jun 7, 2022: Cathance River Cleanup

A sizeable group of dedicated Chowderheads turned out for the second Cathance River clean up.  As a result of trips last fall and this spring, we knew debris was accumulating in Z Turn.  However, when our anonymous river scout sent photos and reported that Z Turn was completely impassable, it was time to act.  We loaded packs and a plastic sled with gear and equipment for the short hike from Highland Green to the river.  While Ken Gordon and Eggman DeCoster were wizards operating their chainsaws, the rest of us completed the less glamorous tasks.  Three fairly substantial trees were cut into small logs and removed along with a substantial amount of brush and debris.  Floating some of the logs in pools was necessary to get them out.  Afterwards, we hiked downriver to inspect the remaining rapids.  Debris and obstacles were removed or moved out of the way in First Drop, Boulder Pile, and Final Drop.  Overall, it was a very successful day.

Participants:  Ken Gordon, Eggman DeCoster, Bruce Weik, Brent Elwell, Adam Chase, Ron Chase, and Anonymous River Scout

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Apr 30 – May 4, 2022: Machias River

As anticipated, all of the necessary components for a spring trip on the Machias fell into place at the end of April and beginning of May.  The water level was moderately high, most of the roads were open, a quality five day weather forecast was predicted, ice was out on the lakes, and the dreaded blackflies had yet to appear.  Ken Gordon enthusiastically joined me but unfortunately several other interested Chowderheads were not able to participate during the narrow window of opportunity.  We decided on a trip from 3rd Machias Lake to Machias.  Ken and I both used expedition kayaks and they worked out great.  We enjoyed numerous wildlife sightings including a deer swimming near Holmes Falls and a young bear foraging along the shore above the confluence with Old Stream. Overall, it was a most excellent trip.  For more details, visit the Bangor Daily News link:  https://bangordailynews.com/2022/05/17/outdoors/paddling-maines-challenging-rivers-joam40zk0w/

Participants:  Ken Gordon and TC

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Apr 24, 2022: Souadabscook Stream

The water was low, but spirits were high as 23 boaters gathered to paddle the Sou on a glorious spring day.  This was the largest trip I’ve seen on this little river, and we had a wide variety of vessels and a range on experience from first-timers to seasoned veterans.  We kept up the PPCS tradition of welcoming new boaters to the club and creating a safe and celebratory vibe.  There was some surfing and some swimming and plenty of fun as we paddled the full length from Manning Mill bridge to the water works on Rt 1A.

K-1: Bud Gilbert, Carlisle Landel, Maggie Hetherington, Ron Chase, Tom Rutka, Charlie Berliant, Erin-Kate Sousa, Jeff Bickford, Ray and Leslie Wirth, Devon Carter, Karen Francoeur

OC-2:Warren and Betsy Whitney

C1: Mason Galway

OC-1: Reid Anderson, Patti Rutka, John Picone, Kyle Duckworth, Helen Hess (TC)

Raft: Matt, Tina, and Josiah Landel