Posted on

Mar 23, 2022: Togus Stream

Trip Report:  Togus Stream 3/23/22

Catching tiny Togus Stream with the right amount of water is not easy, but about 950 on the Sheepscot gauge was a Goldilocks’ level.  Three kayakers and two canoeists turned out for the usual wide assortment of river adventures.  Descending through large culverts, ducking under bridges and low hanging branches, navigating numerous rapids, and portaging around strainers were just some of the many exploits experienced.  I provided unintended entertainment hand paddling a rapid after accidentally dropping my kayak paddle while attempting to take photos in a tiny eddy.  It was another great day on a fun river.

Participants:  Morgan Baxter, Adam Chase, Ken Gordon, Eggman DeCoster & TC

Posted on

Mar 20, 2022: Skip Pendleton Memorial St. George River Trip

We had an excellent turnout for the 5th Skip Pendleton Memorial trip on the St. George River.  Twenty- three paddlers in 17 boats challenged the high water on a sunny day March day.  There were thrills, spills, and rescues.  Karen Franceour accomplished the most unique rescue assisting a struggling deer out of the water by nudging it with her kayak past a steep embankment to a safe exit.  Despite the cold water, there was some wave surfing at the bottom of Magog Chute.  Overall, it was a great way to begin the 2022 paddling season.

Participants:  Ryan Galway, Mason Galway, Chris Gailey, Medea Steinman, Dwayne Shaw, Andrew Carey, Cath Kimball, Ex-president DeCoster, Susan Bloomfield, Ken Gordon, Scott Nelson, Lynn Hempen, Dave Boyle, Bruce Weik, Chris Knight, Aili Hartikka, Will Spaulding, Randy Berube, Morgan Baxter, Karen Franceour, Leslie Gregor, David St. Laurent & TC

Posted on

Mar 26, 2022: Marsh Stream – Snowmobile Bridge to 1A, 2.25ft

OC1: Mason Galway, Ryan Galway, Kenny Decoster, Kyle Duckworth

K1: Charlie Berliant (tc), Mark Berry, Kirk Ross, Eli Ross, Oliver Hafford, Greg Winston, Greg Gerbi, Andrew Carey, Devon Carter, Jeremy Todd

IK1 Erin-Kate Sousa

Saturday, I lead my first official PPCS trip on the Marsh Stream in Frankfort. The turn out was unbelievable for the first PPCS fun-only, scheduled trip to the Marsh in more than 10 years. 3 people got seamless first runs.
Our crew ran just about every possible line through Flat Rock with no swims or injury.
This group really killed it, made my job easy. There was one short silly swim and few rolls by the Marsh veterans on the trip, but otherwise it was butter. Some of us were cold at the bottom, a few others hurried off to catch the Sou before dark. Just a classic First Class Marsh day with a really great group.

Posted on

Feb 7, 2022: Mt. Blue XC Ski Class II-III

Trip Leader: Kenny DeCoster. Participants: Gary & Suzanne Cole, Ken & Susan Gordon, Paul Peters, Troad Richmond and TC.

As winter was melting away in southern Maine, 7 of us took advantage of the new snow up north in Mt Blue State Park. We formed two groups. One group skied the long loop around Center hill and Hedgehog Mountain. The second group explored the loop trails in the western part of the park. The variety trails offered something for everyone. The trip was delayed for two days because of the polar vortex, so we had warmer temperatures but very cloudy skies. The snow conditions were great and we had most of the park to ourselves. A glorious ski. We all met back at the heated yurt and shared stories and yummy homemade and homegrown treats. This seems to have become an annual tradition, so y’all come out and ski next year.

Posted on

Feb 13, 2022: Bradbury Mountain Fat Tire Ride

The fat tire trip to Bradbury happened a day later than scheduled because of unseasonably high temperatures the two previous days, but the Bradbury’s stellar groomers  had the trails ready by the morning of the 13th.  Ryan Galway and I enjoyed riding 11 miles of some of the best winter trail network in New England.  Most of the trails were hard packed snow with an occasional icy stretch; we both agreed that studded tires made for a much safer ride.  It was the busiest day we had seen at Bradbury this season.  The main parking lot was completely full necessitating a ride up from the lower lot and judging from the number of other riders that we met on the trails, Bradbury was the place to be on this particular day.  We thoroughly enjoyed the comfortable temperatures, good trails and had one of the nicest riding days all season.