Sep 18, 2021: Dead River at 3500cfs

Trip participants: Ken Gordon, Devon Carter, Emma Erler, Halen Earle, Deb Harris, Connor Cory, Greg Gerbi, Jeff Bickford, Clyde Mitchell, Mark Berry, Charlie Berliant, Greg Winston, TC’s Suzanne and Gary Cole.

Eleven kayaks and two rafts enjoyed this beautiful day on the river. There were quite a few groups on the river and we kept hop scotching with the Connecticut AMC. We benefited from the skill of one of their kayakers who retrieved one of our kayaks that got stuck in a retentive eddy at Spencer. Once boater and boat were reunited, we proceeded to paddle and surf our way down the river. Surf waves were everywhere, but Quatro had fewer waves to surf and Spruce Ledge wave was non existent. It was great to have new members make some great surfs and enjoy the river at this level. We ate lunch above Hayden’s, took breaks at Enchanted, above Mile Long, and above Upper Poplar. We had a couple of swimmers at Poplar as one flipped and swam while the other ran into trouble while retrieving the swimmer’s paddle. It took quite a while to get boaters and boats reunited as communication was difficult. It all worked out and everyone was fine. There were many rafts on the river, but they all passed us by early and we were probably the last boaters to get off the river.

Fall Supper Update

Hi All,

I have an update regarding this year’s fall supper weekend, scheduled for October 9-11.  Because of the increasing number of Covid-19 cases in Maine due to the delta variant, it is not recommended to be indoors in public without a mask, regardless of vaccination status.  The events that require indoor time, including the chowder making, potluck supper and business meeting are cancelled.  We will still have a list of trips and activities as trip leaders volunteer to lead them.  Please watch this space for additional information.  Also, if you are willing to lead a hike, rock climbing adventure, sea kayak, bike or canoe trip, please let Nancy Chase know so that she can include it in the fall newsletter.Sorry for the disappointing cancellation.  There’s been too much of that this year!  At least we’ll have some good trips and opportunities to connect socially outdoors on Mt Desert Island.  More details to come.

best,

Helen

Jul 24, 2021: Kennebec River, Ballfield to Caratunk

We enjoyed a hot but beautiful summer day for our almost annual Saturday afternoon Summer Picnic trip from the Ballfield in West Forks to the boat landing in Caratunk, a 10 mile paddle.  This year we benefited from a rare occurrence, a minimal headwind.  New members Beth & Shawn Main joined us for a very pleasant paddle on the predominantly Class I and quick water excursion.  It was a great day while getting acquainted with new friends.

 

Participants:  Beth Main, Shawn Main, and TCs Nancy Chase and Ron Chase

Aug 10, 2021: Damariscove Island

Damariscove Island is one of the most unique kayak destinations on the Maine coast.  Visiting the historic island requires about 10 miles of paddling with little opportunity to land and negotiating a sometimes treacherous cluster of ledges called The Motions.  So I waited for a good forecast to announce the trip.  Due to early morning fog, we started late but the forecast held with light winds and partly sunny skies throughout.  The Motions were unusually friendly and we had a remarkably successful outing.  For the rest of the story, follow this link to a Bangor Daily News article about the trip:  https://bangordailynews.com/2021/09/12/act-out/damariscove-island-is-a-remarkable-kayak-destination/

Participants:  Ellen Nelson, Mark Nelson, Dave Boyle, Brent Elwell, and TC

Aug 6-8, 2021: Roll Dam 410 cfs

A sizeable and ever-changing group assembled at Roll Dam for runs on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. A few arrived later, a few left earlier, a few tapped out for Canada Falls on Saturday, but there was always an enthusiastic group ready to have fun on a low-level run at Roll Dam. The weather gods and the bug gods were both kind throughout the weekend. There were graceful, upright runs (yay, Erin), swims and self-rescues. There were rolls, both hit (yay, Evie) and missed (most of the open boaters, including the TC; though John Brower never flipped, not even at the slide at Canada Falls I’ve heard). Lots of little surfing waves kept us busy and smiling. When Charlie Berliant’s paddle broke at the beginning of the run on Sunday, he thought he’d have to walk out. But Mark Berry broke out the neoprene hand-paddling mitts and used them while Charlie borrowed Mark’s paddle. There’s always something new to try or see at Roll Dam!

Helen Hess (TC), Genio Bertin, John Brower, Morgan Baxter, Rick Gause, OC-1, Gary & Suzanne Cole OC-2 and K-1, Jeff Bickford, Mark Berry, Asa Berry, Jeff Swett, Bill Smith, Troad Richmond, Charlie Berliant, Erin-Kate Sousa, Adam Wales, Evie Wales, K-1, Jen and Sasha Wales, tandem ducky.