Penobscot Paddle and Chowder Society
Where Maine Paddling Began
Suzanne and Gary Cole TC, Greg Winston, TJ Farnum, Peter Hockmeyer
Another gorgeous day for mid September. We had the pleasure of showing TJ, who had done the river once before, our favorite surf waves and the lines we run through the rapids. We lingered here and there, enjoying the river, the day and each other’s company.
Suzanne and Gary Cole TCs, Patti and Tom Rutka, Paul Sarli, Paul LeClerc, Eric and Jack Kingsley, Jessa Solis, Kevin McKenzie, Loren Starcher.
We couldn’t have had a better day on the Dead. Warm and sunny, in our 6 kayaks and 3 inflatables, we made our way down river. We had a couple of people who were unfamiliar with the river and we enjoyed showing them the way through the more challenging rapids. Although 3500 is gentler than 5500, we found plenty of excitement.
We wondered if we were ahead of the bubble as surfing at Quatro was not as good as usual, but it was hard to tell and we paddled on. It seemed too early to have lunch above Hayden’s, so we continued on and ate at Enchanted Stream. Some of us wanted to run the chute next to Elephant rock, but it was clogged with North Country rafts going round and round. We had to make a quick left and run the other side of Elephant.
Mile Long seemed pretty calm (we were probably comparing it to 5500) until the last bit. Our discussion after we made our way through the slot at the bottom was, “I don’t remember that big wave hole, do you?” On we went, some of us surfing here and there. Spruce Ledge wave was flat and things were uneventful until Poplar. We made our plans, where we were running it and who was following who. A few had to switch to Plan B, but we all came through in good shape.
We floated to the takeout reveling in our adventurous day. Two of us were enjoying our conversation so much that we floated right past the takeout. We ended up dragging our boats through the alders and up an old road back to the takeout.
TC: Shweta Galway
Trip Participants: Shweta Galway, Ryan Galway, Jean Miller, Bill Stafford
The original day was supposed to be Saturday the 7th. However mother nature waved her mighty hand, and with higher than expected seas on saturday, we quickly made plans to try for the day before. The predicted weather for friday was fog to start that was supposed to clear up as the day progressed.
We put in at Marblehead boat launch in Biddeford on the Saco River. The planned excursion was estimated to be about 4 miles out and 4 miles back, with a half mile walk to the lighthouse from where we landed.
We started on the Saco river and kayaked out to the end towards Saco Bay, dodging some boat traffic. The 4-6 feet long jumping sturgeon kept us entertained as we made our way out and kept our minds off the fog. We could not get behind some protected islands as quickly as we hoped due to the long breakwater, but the seas cooperated and we were able to navigate forth. We had a GPS device that helped point the way which was definitely needed as visibility was lower than hoped. We stopped at a midway point, Stage island, to regroup and gauge feelings about going ahead. Everyone agreed that we had come this far and we could make it out to Wood island which was visible in the distance, about another mile. So back into the boats we went. We avoided the daunting surf waves that were crashing along the right side of the landing dock as we approached and got in just fine.
Wood Island lighthouse is situated on the other side of the landing dock and is not visible when you land. However the beautiful boardwalk just beckons you. The walk was about a half mile on a well-maintained boardwalk and as you approach, the lighthouse and the keepers quarters are so quaint and inviting. We could not go into the lighthouse itself, but there are tours that are available from Friends of Wood Island Lighthouse.
The predicted clearing of fog was incorrect and in fact, on our approach back to the boats, it seemed the visibility had gotten worse. Thankfully someone in our group was smart enough to bring a light! We masterfully skirted the surfing waves as we took off, and quickly realized the waves were picking up. Fortunately we made our way back with a little more shelter from the island and with help from the tide, the mouth of the river did not seem as far out. Jean even caught some surf- unintentionally – or so she said!
All in all, we were very happy that we completed the trek. The TC learned to be better prepared, and that mother nature does not care what the weather person predicts, she will do what she wants!
On Sunday, July 21, 2024 four intrepid paddlers comprised of 4 open boats- all canoes (!)-paddled the Dead River at 1800 cfs. It was a lovely day on the river, made especially nice with an eagle sighting downstream of Minefield. The water was warm, and the paddlers made good time downriver fully enjoying the perfect summer day. Lunch was enjoyed at Enchanted stream due to no issues along the way and the small nimble river group. One swim in Poplar Hill Falls interrupted the perfect day- this rapid is always challenging-however was more tolerable simply by the very warm river water, which is typical this time of year. Our river group was strong and had a fabulous day paddling on an uncrowded river. Lastly, it’s always good to practice safety on and off the river, including reviewing boat outfitting to ensure the whitewater craft can be rescued in any dump situation. Proper outfitting for an open canoe includes adequate airbags to displace water in the event of a capsize, and also bow and stern painters which allow boat rescue easier access and ability to tow the boat to shore. The paddlers returned early enough to leave plenty of time to break camp and get on the road to return home, after enjoying light snacks and more sunshine and few bugs. There is simply nothing better than a fabulous day paddling the Dead River with wonderful paddlers- this time all canoeists together. Paddlers included: Donna Jean Kaiser (TC) – OC1, John Brower- OC1, Glen Widmer- OC1, Kevin Morrissey – OC1.
Participants- Ryan Galway OC-1 (TC), Kenny Decoster OC-1, Chip Wallingford k-1, AJ Held k-1, Rob Radowicz and Paul Peters shredder.
The forecast for the day left something to be desired. With rain overnight ending in the morning and rain the night after the trip it almost scared a well known bearded open boater away. But when the vote went out on weather the trip would happen or not the consensus was things were a go. The decision ended up being a good one as the rain ended 10 minutes before we got there and started up again on the way out, but for those 6 hours we were dry and things were quite pleasant. The trip began with a shuttle to drop trucks at the takeout. As in years past the last 3/4 of a mile to the takeout path was real rough, but with a couple of 4wd trucks there were no issues. After completing the shuttle the 1 mile paddle across pond in the river went better than as expected with a light tail wind. A little surfing took place in the first couple of miles of warm up before we were fast upon First Pitch. For those unfamiliar the next 3 rapids are steep somewhat shallow class IV rapids with large waves and turbulent water with a few strong holes mixed in. I lead the group as some of the participants were first timers and unfamiliar with the lines. Chip and AJ both first timers had great runs and seemed to really enjoy the new river. After we had lunch at Smooth Ledge and made some somewhat successful attempts at surfing. I think none of us really had the best boats for that type of wave. Up next was S-Turn rapid. It is the last of the class IVs but also the longest and probably the hardest. This one is twice as long as any of the pitches and it is much more shallow. It would not be a great place to swim and would likely end up in an injury of you were in the water. Every one had successful runs with some added excitement when the shredder collided with a rock but were able to keep things moving downstream without incident. All in all it was a great day with an amazing group of folks.