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Sep 6, 2024: Sea Kayak to Wood Island Lighthouse

TC: Shweta Galway

Trip Participants: Shweta Galway, Ryan Galway, Jean Miller, Bill Stafford

The original day was supposed to be Saturday the 7th. However mother nature waved her mighty hand, and with higher than expected seas on saturday, we quickly made plans to try for the day before. The predicted weather for friday was fog to start that was supposed to clear up as the day progressed.

We put in at Marblehead boat launch in Biddeford on the Saco River. The planned excursion was estimated to be about 4 miles out and 4 miles back, with a half mile walk to the lighthouse from where we landed.

We started on the Saco river and kayaked out to the end towards Saco Bay, dodging some boat traffic. The  4-6 feet long jumping sturgeon kept us entertained as we made our way out and kept our minds off the fog. We could not get behind some protected islands as quickly as we hoped due to the long breakwater, but the seas cooperated and we were able to navigate forth. We had a GPS device that helped point the way which was definitely needed as visibility was lower than hoped. We stopped at a midway point, Stage island, to regroup and gauge feelings about going ahead. Everyone agreed that we had come this far and we could make it out to Wood island which was visible in the distance, about another mile. So back into the boats we went. We avoided the daunting surf waves that were crashing along the right side of the landing dock as we approached and got in just fine.

Wood Island lighthouse is situated on the other side of the landing dock and is not visible when you land. However the beautiful boardwalk just beckons you. The walk was about a half mile on a well-maintained boardwalk and as you approach, the lighthouse and the keepers quarters are so quaint and inviting. We could not go into the lighthouse itself, but there are tours that are available from Friends of Wood Island Lighthouse.

The predicted clearing of fog was incorrect and in fact, on our approach back to the boats, it seemed the visibility had gotten worse. Thankfully someone in our group was smart enough to bring a light! We masterfully skirted the surfing waves as we took off, and quickly realized the waves were picking up. Fortunately we made our way back with a little more shelter from the island and with help from the tide, the mouth of the river did not seem as far out. Jean even caught some surf- unintentionally – or so she said!

All in all, we were very happy that we completed the trek. The TC learned to be better prepared, and that mother nature does not care what the weather person predicts, she will do what she wants!

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Jul 21, 2024: Dead River at 1800cfs

On Sunday, July 21, 2024 four intrepid paddlers comprised of 4 open boats- all canoes (!)-paddled the Dead River at 1800 cfs. It was a lovely day on the river, made especially nice with an eagle sighting downstream of Minefield. The water was warm, and the paddlers made good time downriver fully enjoying the perfect summer day. Lunch was enjoyed at Enchanted stream due to no issues along the way and the small nimble river group. One swim in Poplar Hill Falls interrupted the perfect day- this rapid is always challenging-however was more tolerable simply by the very warm river water, which is typical this time of year.  Our river group was strong and had a fabulous day paddling on an uncrowded river.  Lastly, it’s always good to practice safety on and off the river, including reviewing boat outfitting to ensure the whitewater craft can be rescued in any dump situation. Proper outfitting for an open canoe includes adequate airbags to displace water in the event of a capsize, and also bow and stern painters which allow boat rescue easier access and ability to tow the boat to shore.  The paddlers returned early enough to leave plenty of time to break camp and get on the road to return home, after enjoying light snacks and more sunshine and few bugs.  There is simply nothing better than a fabulous day paddling the Dead River with wonderful paddlers- this time all canoeists together.   Paddlers included: Donna Jean Kaiser (TC) – OC1, John Brower- OC1, Glen Widmer- OC1, Kevin Morrissey – OC1.

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Aug 9, 2024: Rapid River

Participants-  Ryan Galway OC-1 (TC),  Kenny Decoster OC-1,  Chip Wallingford k-1,  AJ Held k-1,  Rob Radowicz and Paul Peters shredder. 

The forecast for the day left something to be desired.  With rain overnight ending in the morning and rain the night after the trip it almost scared a well known bearded open boater away.  But when the vote went out on weather the trip would happen or not the consensus was things were a go.  The decision ended up being a good one as the rain ended 10 minutes before we got there and started up again on the way out,  but for those 6 hours we were dry and things were quite pleasant.  The trip began with a shuttle to drop trucks at the takeout.  As in years past the last 3/4 of a mile to the takeout path was real rough,  but with a couple of 4wd trucks there were no issues.  After completing the shuttle the 1 mile paddle across pond in the river went better than as expected with a light tail wind.  A little surfing took place in the first couple of miles of warm up before we were fast upon First Pitch.  For those unfamiliar the next 3 rapids are steep somewhat shallow class IV rapids with large waves and turbulent water with a few strong holes mixed in.  I lead the group as some of the participants were first timers and unfamiliar with the lines.  Chip and AJ both first timers had great runs and seemed to really enjoy the new river.  After we had lunch at Smooth Ledge and made some somewhat successful attempts at surfing. I think none of us really had the best boats for that type of wave.  Up next was S-Turn rapid.  It is the last of the class IVs but also the longest and probably the hardest.  This one is twice as long as any of the pitches and it is much more shallow.  It would not be a great place to swim and would likely end up in an injury of you were in the water.  Every one had successful runs with some added excitement when the shredder collided with a rock but were able to keep things moving downstream without incident.  All in all it was a great day with an amazing group of folks.

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Apr 26-29, 2024: Machias River

We had exceptional weather, ideal water levels, and an absence of blackflies for our almost annual Machias River Trip.  Four Machias veterans participated:  Rick Farnsworth and Morgan Baxter in solo canoes and Ken Gordon and Ron Chase in expedition kayaks.  Due to multiple road closures, we decided on a four-day trip from about a mile above Carrick Rips to the Village of Machias.  Morgan shortened his trip by a day taking out at Smith Landing.  This was truly an exceptional expedition; great company, exceptional weather, perfect water levels and outstanding cooking by Rick and Morgan.  We styled all of the difficult rapids.

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Apr 27, 2024: Kennebago River at 7.05 feet

TC:  Gary Cole

K-1:  Gary Cole, Suzanne Cole, Jake Bourdeau, Jeff Bickford, Kevin McKenzie, Sean Green, Greg Winston, Casey Clark, Rachel Hovel, Ryan Reed,  Jessa Solis, Chip Wallingford, & Devon Carter

OC-1:  Kyle Duckworth, Ryan Galway, Justin Schlawin, & Will Jeffries

Inflatables:  Clyde Mitchell & Paul Sarli

Slice:  Bryan & Aylan Wolf

We had a cool beautiful start and the day warmed up to everyone’s satisfaction.  The river level at 7.05 feet according to the gauge just downstream from the put in.   This puts the river flow on the medium to low side.  This river flows through a beautiful area and the only sounds to be heard were birds and the river itself.

The first part of the river is pretty mellow, but does have a number of surfing spots that were taken advantage of by the group.  At one of the rapids, a kayaker flipped and almost rolled but didn’t make it.  However, Ryan was in the right place and gave the paddler his bow and a swim was averted.  At the lunch spot, Clyde and Jessa decided to take off the river as Jessa was cold.  They walked to the road and managed to hitchhike a ride to the takeout where they met us later in the day.

To everyone’s pleasure, the rapids pick up below the lunch spot.  In a rapid above Bump ’em, Kyle managed to get caught in a hole that seems to like canoes.  He managed to get out of the hole with style and get to shore.  The next rapid on the right hand corner is what we call Bump ’em.  It is always exciting and did not disappoint.  This section has plenty of rocks and some holes and most everyone got through in good shape.  There was a minor swim here, but it occurred near the bottom of the rapid, so it was a short swim.  Kyle pulled in the paddler and boat with a throw bag while Greg got the paddle.  From here the river eases up a bit and everyone had good runs down to the surfing waves above the takeout.

Bryan and Aylan, in the Slice, were getting some good rides at both surfing spots.  All the boaters who wanted to got good rides.  One kayaker flipped and hit their head in the upper wave and had a short swim, but otherwise everyone had a good time at the waves.  From there, it is short float to the takeout at the bridge.  All in all it was a very good day to be on the river with such a good group of paddlers.