Posted on

Fall Supper Update

Hi All,

I have an update regarding this year’s fall supper weekend, scheduled for October 9-11.  Because of the increasing number of Covid-19 cases in Maine due to the delta variant, it is not recommended to be indoors in public without a mask, regardless of vaccination status.  The events that require indoor time, including the chowder making, potluck supper and business meeting are cancelled.  We will still have a list of trips and activities as trip leaders volunteer to lead them.  Please watch this space for additional information.  Also, if you are willing to lead a hike, rock climbing adventure, sea kayak, bike or canoe trip, please let Nancy Chase know so that she can include it in the fall newsletter.Sorry for the disappointing cancellation.  There’s been too much of that this year!  At least we’ll have some good trips and opportunities to connect socially outdoors on Mt Desert Island.  More details to come.

best,

Helen

Posted on

Jul 24, 2021: Kennebec River, Ballfield to Caratunk

We enjoyed a hot but beautiful summer day for our almost annual Saturday afternoon Summer Picnic trip from the Ballfield in West Forks to the boat landing in Caratunk, a 10 mile paddle.  This year we benefited from a rare occurrence, a minimal headwind.  New members Beth & Shawn Main joined us for a very pleasant paddle on the predominantly Class I and quick water excursion.  It was a great day while getting acquainted with new friends.

 

Participants:  Beth Main, Shawn Main, and TCs Nancy Chase and Ron Chase

Posted on

Aug 10, 2021: Damariscove Island

Damariscove Island is one of the most unique kayak destinations on the Maine coast.  Visiting the historic island requires about 10 miles of paddling with little opportunity to land and negotiating a sometimes treacherous cluster of ledges called The Motions.  So I waited for a good forecast to announce the trip.  Due to early morning fog, we started late but the forecast held with light winds and partly sunny skies throughout.  The Motions were unusually friendly and we had a remarkably successful outing.  For the rest of the story, follow this link to a Bangor Daily News article about the trip:  https://bangordailynews.com/2021/09/12/act-out/damariscove-island-is-a-remarkable-kayak-destination/

Participants:  Ellen Nelson, Mark Nelson, Dave Boyle, Brent Elwell, and TC

Posted on

Aug 6-8, 2021: Roll Dam 410 cfs

A sizeable and ever-changing group assembled at Roll Dam for runs on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. A few arrived later, a few left earlier, a few tapped out for Canada Falls on Saturday, but there was always an enthusiastic group ready to have fun on a low-level run at Roll Dam. The weather gods and the bug gods were both kind throughout the weekend. There were graceful, upright runs (yay, Erin), swims and self-rescues. There were rolls, both hit (yay, Evie) and missed (most of the open boaters, including the TC; though John Brower never flipped, not even at the slide at Canada Falls I’ve heard). Lots of little surfing waves kept us busy and smiling. When Charlie Berliant’s paddle broke at the beginning of the run on Sunday, he thought he’d have to walk out. But Mark Berry broke out the neoprene hand-paddling mitts and used them while Charlie borrowed Mark’s paddle. There’s always something new to try or see at Roll Dam!

Helen Hess (TC), Genio Bertin, John Brower, Morgan Baxter, Rick Gause, OC-1, Gary & Suzanne Cole OC-2 and K-1, Jeff Bickford, Mark Berry, Asa Berry, Jeff Swett, Bill Smith, Troad Richmond, Charlie Berliant, Erin-Kate Sousa, Adam Wales, Evie Wales, K-1, Jen and Sasha Wales, tandem ducky.

Posted on

Jul 24, 2021: Moxie Pond

It was great to be able to have a PPCS summer picnic at the Forks, with so many unmasked faces, familiar and new. Even though the releases on the Dead river were cancelled, we found plenty of ways to get in boats on the water together throughout the weekend. Check out the trip reports for the various ways to enjoy the Kennebec river! On Saturday three of us enjoyed a windless, sunny day on Moxie Pond, which offered spectacular views, lots of loons, and plenty of time to share conversations and laughter. Lunch on the rocks of a tiny island was preceded and followed by a swim, which all lunches should be if at all possible.

Helen Hess (TC) and Cathi Reed OC-2, Kenny DeCoster in a sea kayak