Penobscot Paddle and Chowder Society
Where Maine Paddling Began
Deb Harris joined me for an impromptu club hike on Pleasant. Since gusty northwest winds and chilly temperatures were forecast, we selected the Ledges Trail for our climb. The lower elevations were wet and some ice was encountered higher up. The summit was blustery but less so than expected. Excellent views from the summit and the ledges. Overall, a nice hike completed before the first winter storm.
Participants: Deb Harris and TC Ron Chase
Only Nancy Chase signed on for what was originally a hike on Burnt Mountain. After some discussion, we decided to climb Bald Mountain near Weld instead. Unfortunately, our attempt to climb Bald was foiled by tiny Wilson Stream that was overflowing its banks. Mount Blue became our third choice. It was my idea so I get the blame. Decades since we’d hiked Mount Blue, we struggled to find the trailhead in part due to poor signage. The first two-thirds of the hike went well. However, at about an elevation of 2,700 feet, we encountered a difficult icy section that continued to the summit. Thanks to our micro spikes, we successfully negotiated up and down the ice; albeit at a snail’s pace. It was very gusty at the top so parkas were necessary. Since our last visit, the old dilapidated fire tower has been replaced by a new structure with an observation deck; a welcome improvement. The hike to the summit of the 3,187 foot peak with 1,774 feet of elevation gain seemed longer than 3.2 miles. Maybe the signage is wrong; or, it could be old age.
Participants: Nancy Chase and TC Ron Chase
Participants: Adam Chase, TC Ron Chase
Adam and I had fabulous weather for the Moosehead Surf &Turf that included climbs of Mount Kineo and Little Kineo Mountain. Initially, I was looking for a two-day forecast with light winds. Unfortunately, several Chowderheads couldn’t make it on short notice. We launched from Kineo Landing in Rockwood and had an easy crossing to the foot of the mountain. The views of southern Moosehead from Indian Trail were phenomenal. The trail surface was wet due to heavy rains the previous day, so we decided to descend on the Bridle Trail. That was a mistake as the heavily eroded path was a virtual stream. From there, we paddled north along the island to Hardscrabble Campsite on the northwestern tip. After
setting up camp, we explored nearby Farm Island where there are three additional campsites. On Day Two, the lake was mirror calm for our crossing to Moosehead Public Lands on the east shore where we quickly found camp roads that led to the trailhead for Little Kineo Mountain. For a remote mountain, the trail was in exceptionally good condition. We encountered a series of steep ledges before reaching an overlook with an expansive view of central Moosehead. Soon after, we arrived at a rounded open ledge that is the highpoint. The calm conditions continued on our return to Hardscrabble Point and then Rockwood. Two hikers on Mount Kineo were the only people we met during our entire trip.
Ryan Galway TC OC-1, Mason Galway C-1, Kenny Decoster OC-1, Craig Mckinnon OC-1, Sean Klutz OC-1, Ron Chase K-1, Bill Stafford K-1, Paul Bicknell K-1, Steve Fortin K-1.
It was a gem of a day in east central New Hampshire. The forecast was for temps in the mid 60s and sunshine and a release of around 300cfs on the Little Suncook river. Pretty hard to beat for the middle of October. I was joined by 8 others for a day of class 3-4 whitewater. Many of the attendees were the usual suspects but it was also nice to be joined by a new club member Sean Klutz. I love having more open canoes in the group and I hope he will join us on some more future trips.
This run starts out with a blast. Just a hundred yards or so from the put in the river thunders through its steepest drop. A shallow narrow section littered with river wide holes rocks and the occasional strainer. Mason, Ron, Paul, Bill, Steve, Kenny and I decided to run this drop while Sean and Craig put in just below. Everyone had great runs with no flips or swims. The run carried on with more narrow steep class 3 rapids followed by a paddle through a short marsh. The marsh terminates with a fun 6 foot boof off a dam to start the second half of the run. The rapids continue as class 2 and 3 and everyone was having a good day until we got stacked up on some strainers. Unfortunately this resulted in one of the kayaks getting pinned and flipped upstream and the paddler washing under the log. The paddler was ok, but I was told at the end of the day it was a humbling experience. The excitement didn’t end there with the boat being set free I had to chase it alone and was finally able to corral it a ways down stream. I was then able to get a bag to the boater and ferry them across the river. We also had to rescue another boat as it drifted into the strainers. In the chaos a paddle was lost and a kayaker was able to use my back up single blade to finish the run. This was a fun day that ended well but made me aware that it is important to have your safety gear every time you are on the river. That day multiple throw bags were used as well as rescue vests and tethers and a back up paddle. All of these items are important and were essential to making it off the river safely in one piece. If you don’t always carry these items please consider doing so in the future.
Trip Coordinator: Brent Elwell K – 1
Participants: Ryan Galway OC-1, Mason Galway OC-1, Jeff Swett, Tom and Patti Rutka Shredder, Greg Winston K-1, Kenny DeCoster OC-1, Eli Ross K-1, Jeff Bickford K-1, Charlie Berliant K-1, Devon Carter K-1 and Paul Sarli K-1
The weather was spectacular with little wind and clear skies. There was plenty of other river traffic including rafts and kayaks. Mason and Eli provided ender entertainment below the Elephant Rock chute on river right. There was no river carnage at Poplar Rapid on this trip which was okay by me. Most paddlers opted for the middle route on this rapid. It was a great day to be out paddling!