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Dec 13, 2021: Puzzle Mountain

My original trip was scheduled for Saturday December 11th but was postponed due to a significant rain/ice storm.  Since Suzanne & Gary Cole had planned a hike on Puzzle Mountain for the following Monday, they graciously agreed to let me post it as my club trip.  It was an icy adventure.  When we arrived at the trailhead parking area, it was covered with a thick layer of hard ice.  Initially, trail conditions were better than the parking lot with some snow and patchy ice.  Snow and ice diminished to dry ground after about a mile.  At around 2,000 feet, while climbing a series of serpentine ledges, the ice became a major obstacle which continued for the remainder of the ascent.  Every turn presented a new challenge.  Sometimes we left the trail thrashing through brush on the side.  A common technique was clinging to trees and pulling ourselves up.  We nicknamed ourselves “tree huggers.”  Careful placement of our micro spikes to ensure a firm grip was essential.  Full crampons would have been preferable.  Despite the obstacles, we made it to the summit, although it took us far longer than normal.  Our careful descent was tediously slow but we made it without any falls.  The memorable 6.4 mile ordeal took over six hours, two more than anticipated.  Did I mention the views were great?   Participants:  Suzanne Cole, Gary Cole, Ken Gordon, Brent Elwell, and TC

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Dec 5, 2021: Ragged Mountain

We had a cool sunny day for our Ragged Mountain hike in the Camden Hills.  At Dave Boyle’s suggestion, we chose a loop hike on two relatively new trails, Hosmer Brook and Red Tail, with a side excursion along the scenic ledges facing Grassy Pond and Mirror Lake.  For the most part, dry conditions were encountered but there were some icy spots that needed to be avoided.  The 4.1 mile trek was just what the doctor ordered for all of us. Participants:  Suzanne Cole, Gary Cole, Dave Boyle, and TC

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Nov 7, 2021: Caribou Mountain in Evans Notch

Four Chowderheads joined me for a climb of Caribou Mountain in Evans Notch on a cool November day.  We encountered varying conditions during the 6.6 mile trek with multiple stream crossings being the most challenging obstacle.  The views on the sunny windless summit were spectacular.  A blanket of snow and a wet trail were experienced during the descent.  Overall, it was an outstanding day with great friends.

Participants:  Brent Elwell, Laurie Wunder, Tom Meredith, Nancy Chase, and TC

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Oct 10, 2021: Porcupine Islands

Unpredictable winds and logistical issues made my first choice, a traverse from Seal Harbor to Bar Harbor, problematic.  So we opted for a circumnavigation of the Porcupine Islands.  It was good decision.  We launched at Bridge Street boat landing in Bar Harbor shortly after low tide and began our voyage on the north side of the islands with modest winds from the north.  The views were phenomenal in all directions.  An absence of cruise ships was not a disappointment.  After lunch on Burnt Porcupine, we navigated through the narrow channel between East Porcupine and The Hop before starting our return on the outer side of the island chain.  For the remainder of the excursion, we enjoyed continuous views of the mountains of Acadia National Park.  A changing wind from the southeast caused a little turbulence between Long and Sheep Porcupines; otherwise it was a calm yet exceptionally stimulating day of paddling.  I made it back to our very rustic motel room in time to watch the Red Sox win a playoff game.  In short, it was a great day.

Participants:  Ken Gordon, Eggman DeCoster and TC

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Oct 16, 2021: NH Drawdown Trip – North Branch Of The Piscataquag

Trip Participants Ryan Galway OC-1 TC, Mason Galway OC-1, Kenny Decoster OC-1, Nick Beaudoin K-1, Emma Earler K-1, Brian MCCormack, Paul Leclerc and friend Pat K-1, Hal Earle K-1.

One of the things I really enjoy about being a TC is leading people down new rivers for the first time. I enjoy this because I am grateful for all of the times other club members have taken me down new rivers and it feels good to return the favor. On this trip, if I remember correctly, Kenny and I were the only two who had run the river before so we had lots of people to show some new lines. For those who haven’t run this river before, it is a narrow with fast current and hazards like wood everywhere. Due to the lack of space we pretty much ran the river in single file one behind the other over the span of 9 boats. This seemed to work well and we seldom had any issues with people being on top of each other. In addition to the narrow fast moving water, there are a series of large drops spaced out over the run. The first of which is called slab city which is a steep river wide drop of about 6 feet. This was the first test of the group about a 1/2 mile in. Everyone had a stellar run with cheers in the pool at the bottom. Following slab city, we had a little trouble doing the limbo under a low tree which resulted in a swim, and a missed line that resulted in another. The rest of the large drops were aced by all. Following the last large drop called Buzzels, is a river wide drop which is called turnover ledge. This is traditionally not a difficult rapid but it is better known for the playspot that it creates, which is about perfect for enders. We shared the spot with another group so it made for a fun positive atmosphere with some competitive encouragement. One real highlight was seeing Emma attempt her first ender which ended up being the best one I saw performed there that afternoon. Great job Emma! Shortly after we completed the run ,which was followed by some relaxing and enjoying a cold beverage on a warm fall day.