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Apr 18, 2021: Contoocook River, NH

For days, forecasters promised that the rains would come, and we would be joyful paddling New Hampshire and Western Maine Rivers Class III-IV. But Saturday’s scattered showers barely bumped up the river gauges and paddlable rivers were in short supply. Bill Stafford and I headed west to New Hampshire and joined Ryan to escort Mason Galway on his first run on the Contoocook. The gauge had risen overnight to 7.7, a medium level. There were nice surfing waves and fewer rocks than the 6.9 gauge level trip in March. With warm temperatures, it was a beautiful (sunnier than Maine) day on the river.

The Contoocook rapids are progressive starting with class II and building up to the Class III+ finale. As you can imagine, Mason in the Galway tradition didn’t need any warming up or escorting. He sailed down S-turn and Freight Train like an old pro. Only the TC got into trouble by investigating the bony river right line on an early rapid. He was lucky that the river gravel didn’t shave off his beard. We’re looking forward to a rainy season to flood us with paddling opportunities.

TC: Kenny DeCoster

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Apr 3, 2021: Cathance Stream

Cathance Stream is a true gem of a class 4 creek as it is located entirely within the town limits of Topsham – no need to travel to the mountain for this run.  Ron Chase, Kenny DeCoster and I had a mid day start, having waited for temps to rise before meeting. The gage was at 2.5, which Ron described as being medium low, but all of the drops were fluid and we had plenty of water.  Although I was the TC for the trip, Ron did all of scouting as he is very familiar with all of the rapids and Kenny and I had not been on the river for several years.  Similar to previous trips this season on the Webb and Souadabscook there was a considerable amount of wood in the water and we scouted all of the blind drops to make sure that they were clean and safe to run.  One river wide strainer forced a portage but it was easily visible from upstream.  Everyone had good runs and enjoyed the first CL 4 trip of the season on this unique and challenging lowland creek.

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Apr 10, 2021: West Branch of the Union River

Water levels were low across most of the state but my research indicated the eastern coastal watershed was still at normal spring volumes.  Apparently almost no one believed me as only Mark and Asa Berry signed on for a paddle on the West Branch of the Union River.  The Union used to be a popular club trip.  Probably because there is a fair amount of flat water, not so much in recent years.  When we arrived at the takeout it was obvious we had a stimulating level.  Rated Class III/IV in the AMC guidebook, I think that overstates the difficulty.  With the exception of two rapids and two pitches, the whitewater is easier.  Launching from Great Pond, we encountered some straight-forward Class I/II rapids followed by a stretch of flat water.  Progressing at a steady pace in a continuum of easy whitewater, avoiding debris in several areas was a challenge.  We enjoyed a rollicking ride at Hell’s Gate Rapid and successfully plunged down the more difficult pitches.  Watching us run the final rapid at Tannery Road was a learning experience for Asa.  His Dad showed him how to run it properly while I provided comprehensive instruction on what not to do.  It was a great day on the river.  Advice to Asa:  Follow your Dad.

Participants:  Mark Berry, Asa Berry, and TC

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Feb 26, 2021: Bradbury Mountain Bike Ride

Trail conditions at Bradbury Mountain State Park were near perfect for the (1st?) official PPCS Winter Fat Tire Mountain Bike Ride.  As the result of a dedicated group of trail groomers Bradbury has become the “go to” area for fat tire winter riders and today’s ride lived up to everyone’s expectations.  Initially a group of four, Ryan and Mason Galway, Dave Boyle and myself, we were joined by former PPCS kayaker Brian Budd for an 11 mile tour of Bradbury’s single rack trails.  The ride had been scheduled for Saturday, Feb 27, but incoming rain (again) had forced me to move the trip forward a day.  The trails were packed hard enough that Dave and Mason were able to easily ride with their “skinny tires”.  We rode almost all of the available terrain except for the mountain side of park; after 11 miles most of us had had enough.  It was an excellent day and we all agreed to schedule a few more PPCS rides for the 2022 winter season; it’s just one more way to get outside and enjoy the company of friends in the beautiful State of Maine.

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Mar 27, 2021: Skip Pendleton Memorial St. George River Trip

The Skip Pendleton Memorial St. George River Trip is a sure sign of spring.  Skip passed away on 9/24/17 at age 84 and this was the fourth St. George trip in his honor.  For those who didn’t know him, Skip, who had a remarkable outdoor resume, never paddled whitewater until he was in his seventies.  He quickly developed strong paddling skills and adopted the George as his favorite river.  Four of us turned out for the event this year.  Fittingly, we consisted of two canoes and two kayaks as Skip was adept at both.  The weather was partly cloudy and a little cool, but everyone had a most excellent time.  Preoccupied with perpetually stimulating conversations, the flat water section quickly passed.  It was a treat catching eddies and surfing waves in the easy rapids.  Everyone had successful descents at Magog Chute.  It was a busy day on the river with groups ahead and behind us.  Think this might be the first official club paddle trip of the year. Looks like I beat the Eggster with the ice breaker….again.   Let the games begin.

Participants:  Helen Hess, Craig McKinnon, Jim Tierney, and TC.  Special thanks to Nancy Chase and Faryl Wiley for assisting with the shuttle.