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Sept 8-9, 2019: Donnell Pond Surf & Turf

Participants:  John Brower & TC Ron Chase

The weather was too good to stay home and John answered my urgent call for a Donnell Pond Surf & Turf Trip.  The Donnell Pond Public lands are one of the best kept recreational secrets in Maine. Consisting of 14,000 acres of forested lands that include several rugged mountains enveloping remote ponds and lakes, they offer an extensive trail system and scenic campsites accessible only by water; perfect for a surf & turf.  John & I met at the Donnell Pond boat landing in Franklin on a sunny calm day. Completing a 3 mile crossing, we set up camp on sandy Schoodic Beach. The turf portion of our excursion began by hiking the Black Cliffs Loop Trail that starts and ends at the beach. Leaving the loop trail at a junction above the cliffs, we followed a hilly path to spectacular East Peak where we experienced expansive views of Tunk Lake and Mount Desert Island.  Returning to the beach, we spent an idyllic night camping while enjoying a brilliant sunset during the evening. The following morning we were first on Schoodic Mountain to enjoy one of Maine’s premiere views; Frenchman Bay and the majestic peaks of Mount Desert Island from the summit. Light winds facilitated an easy paddle back to Franklin. We both agreed it didn’t get any better. Stay tuned for the newspaper column and blog which tell the rest of the story: http://rchase.bangordailynews.com/

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Sept 14, 2019: Dead River 3500cfs

Participants: Ron Chase, Randy Berube, Charlie Berliant, Clyde Mitchell, Troad Richmond, Brent Elwell, Mike Fask, Andrea Reising, Tom Rutka, TC Suzanne Cole, TC Gary Cole (kayaks) John Brower, Norm Reins, Patti Rutka (canoes) Don Skolfield & Paul Peters (shredder)

Report: For a crummy forecast, we really lucked out. It rained a bit on the shuttle in, but once on the river, we only had clouds on this cool day.  The good news is that there is not much to report, everyone had good runs, many surfed a bit, and we all enjoyed each other’s company. It was fun to see two eagles tussled over a fish as we left Quatro. However, the most exciting part of the trip was getting on the shuttle. Kim had pleaded with PPCS members, and I repeated her plea, to sign up early for the shuttle because they were going away and had to arrange it ahead of time. I think a slight snag in this plan was that not everyone gets the listserve emails. However, most of us signed up early, but those who did not had to wait and see if there would be room. With a few cancelations, we all made it. A handful even had a lovely fresh air experience in the bed of the pickup truck.