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2021 Spring Paddling and Covid Update

Hello Paddlers,

The PPCS trip schedule is now open, so it’s time to get out the boats.  We will be continuing to take appropriate precautions regarding the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

As always, the TC will have discretion in whether and how to run a given trip.  The size of the trip may be limited for safety. Less experienced paddlers may be excluded from more challenging runs so that rescues and the physical contact they require are less likely.  Please check in with the TC several days ahead of time regarding a scheduled trip.  And if you feel at all sick, do not come on a trip!

Participants should be responsible for their own shuttles, which should be arranged before arriving at the trip site.  Consider a bike shuttle, wearing masks in vehicles with open windows, or riding in the back of a truck.

Participants should wear a mask when in close contact (e.g. loading boats) to protect yourself and others, and for now, skip signing the trip release form.

Have fun and stay safe!

SYOTR

Helen Hess, President

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Feb 20, 2021: Cranberry Peak

To ski or not to ski was the question when planning the February 20 trip.  My preference was to ski but an untimely freezing rain storm had limited the choices.  As late as the day before, I still hadn’t decided.  My son, Adam, motivated my final decision as he liked the idea of hiking Cranberry Peak, the western most summit in the Bigelow Range.  About a 6.5 mile roundtrip hike from the winter trailhead at the end of Currie Road in Stratton, the 3,213 foot peak with a little over 2,000 feet of elevation gain is moderate in difficulty.  It was snowing when four of us met at the trailhead.  The usual debate about whether or not to wear or carry snowshoes raged.  Three of us started out wearing them.  By the time the trip was over, everyone was bare booting on the previously packed trail.  The snowstorm abated and we enjoyed excellent hiking conditions for most of the trek.  However, wind chills in the summit area were quite extreme limiting the time spent enjoying the truly phenomenal views that included a panoramic vista of frozen Flagstaff Lake.  By the time we returned to the trailhead, it was snowing again.

 

Participants:  Chowderheads Adam Chase, Deb Harris, and TC.  Guest:  Steve Anderson

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Feb 13, 2021: Mt Blue State Park

mount blue xc ski

Participants: Laurie Wunder, Tom Meredith, Ken Gordon, Gary Cole, Brent Elwell, Ron Chase, TC: Kenny DeCoster

Living in southern Maine doesn’t give me a clear picture of how the snow is behaving up north. I hear meteorologists constantly talk about flurries in the mountains, but how does that translate into track quality? Ken Gordon assured me that the snow would be perfect. So 7 chowderheads braved the forecasted -“frigid” temperatures – on Saturday morning and socially distanced in the state park’s parking lot under sunny skies and light wind – a regular winter day. On the trail, we quickly shed layers climbing the back of Center Hill. The persistent cold had preserved the snow over the last weeks and the skiing was excellent. 

I was surprised that we were the first group to break trail to the top of Hedgehog Hill. The reward was a glorious sun-bathed view of Webb Lake, Tumbledown, and Jackson Mountains. After lunch, we each picked our own way down the hillside leaving it cobwebbed with ski trails crisscrossing between the trees. I haven’t learned to switch from gloves to mittens after stopping for lunch, and my hands froze on the long downhill stretch off of Hedgehog. From the bridge over Houghton Brook, we saw otter tracks in the snow and an access hole in the ice. A rare treat. We met more skiers this year and had to watch out for snowmobilers at trail crossings for the first time since I’ve started leading these trips.

We introduced Tom and Laurie to the 10-mile loop trail. And even though some of us had to work to keep up, nobody took a wrong turn or got left behind. It’s tricky to plan XC skiing when the winter schedule is posted so far in advance. But I got lucky. As Brent said at trail’s end, “Best snow conditions ever.” Lucky Ron has more snow on the way for his trip next weekend. Stay tuned.

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Jan 10, 2021: Sunday River Whitecap

Participants:  Andrew Carey, Brent Elwell, Paul Peters, Rick Farnsworth, John Stokinger, and TC Ron Chase

Sunday River Whitecap is one of the most unique mountain hikes in Maine.  Rugged terrain, phenomenal views, and a barren alpine summit provide a remarkable winter mountaineering experience.  Located on the northeastern end of the Mahoosuc Range in western Maine, the 3,337 foot peak entails about 2,100 feet of elevation gain.  Our group of six enjoyed a sunny breezy day with seasonal temperatures during the six mile trek.  Since there was only about ten inches of snow, snowshoes were left behind.  The views on the blustery summit were truly exceptional.  For the rest of the story, visit my blog at Seniors Not Acting Their Age (bdnblogs.com) or see columns with the Bangor Daily News, Times Record, Twin City Times or Portland Press Herald (online).

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Sept 19, 2020: Dead River 3500cfs

We had a large group of 22 for this “last hoorah” trip on the Dead. Several new members joined us and we divided into two groups. We had a “fast” group and a “slow” group on this bright fall day. We were all dressed for the weather and enjoyed the foliage. Many thanks to those who helped with or ran shuttle at the end of the day.

The fast group consisted of John Brower – OC, Clyde Mitchell and Catie Meehan – tandem ducky, Kenny DeCoster – OC, Frank Yulling and Paul Peters – shredder, Ryan and Mason Galway – tandem OC, Ron Chase – K1. The fast group headed down the river, but lost one participant at the Gravel Pit due to hip pain. The others continued down stream although we heard there was a swim or two.

The slow group consisted of TC’s Suzanne and Gary Cole – K1, Nick Beaudoin – K1, Emma Erler – K1, Hal Earle – K1, Elaine Madrid – K1, Ken Gordon – K1, Jean Miller – K1, Katie Brady – K1, Randy Berube -K1, Charlie Berliant – K1, Patti and Tom Rutka – shredder. The two main themes of the day for this group were surfing and guiding those unfamiliar with the river through the major rapids. We had fun doing both; lots of great surfs and successful runs of rapids.