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July 26, 2020: Kennebec (Forks to Caratunk)

For the past couple of years, Nancy and I have enjoyed paddling the Kennebec from the Forks to Caratunk during the Summer Picnic Weekend.  About a ten mile scenic Class I/II trip; we decided not to allow the pandemic cancellations to deter us this year.  Early on, the Eichorn family announced they would participate in their raft.  When we arrived at Webb’s Campground, Dave and Inge Wallace had decided to join them.  Ryan Galway had dropped off the Eichorn’s truck at the takeout on his way home.  I biked our shuttle.  This is not a chore as there is a good shoulder on Route 201 and the ride along the river is very enjoyable.  When I returned, the bubble from the Kennebec release had arrived and by the time everyone was ready, we had acquired another 1800 CFS from the Dead.  If you launch, park, or takeout at Webb’s Campground, don’t forget to pay Kim Webb. Initially, the high water propelled our group rapidly downriver and the Class II rapids had some surprisingly beefy waves.  Several rafts, some tubers, and another group of kayakers were met during the excursion.  A hiker was waiting on the west side of the river for the water to drop when we passed the Appalachian Trail crossing.  Hope he needed a rest as I think he had another two or three hours to linger.  The seemingly obligatory headwind picked up at about the midway point and the intrepid rafters got an unexpected workout.  Paddling against the steady breeze was much easier for our sleek flatwater kayaks.  Despite the nuisance winds, everyone had a great day on a picturesque section of the river.

Participants:  Evan, Shannon, Finn, Cohen, & Sawyer Eichorn, Dave & Inge Wallace and TCs Nancy & Ron Chase

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July 21, 2020: Damariscove Island

A paddle to Damariscove Island is one of my favorite sea kayak trips on the Maine coast.  From Ocean Point in East Boothbay, the distance to the picturesque sheltered harbor at the far southern end of the almost barren atoll is about five miles.  Damariscove has a rich history which is particularly appealing for me.  Entering and exiting the distant harbor can often be precarious so I’m careful to select a day with light winds and gentle seas.   Identifying a Goldilock’s forecast; I posted a club trip with very short notice.  Fortunately for me, Cath Kimball signed on.  When we met at Ocean Point, it was sunny, warm, and winds were light.  After paddling across Fisherman Island Passage, we proceeded southerly along the west side of Ram Island Lighthouse and elongated Fisherman Island.  Traversing a channel to the northern terminus of Damariscove, the waters were remarkably calm.  Approaching the southwestern end, I expected to see waves breaking over the treacherous shoals that populate the area.  Nothing but benign two foot swells on this exceptional day.  A lobster boat was loading traps when we entered the otherwise quiet harbor.  As usual avoiding poison ivy was an obstacle on a hiking trail that leads to the rockbound scenic eastern shore where we enjoyed a leisurely lunch.  The conditions were exceptionally placid departing around the southeastern tip of the island and an incoming tide helped propel us rapidly north along the eastern shore.  Views of Outer Heron and the White Islands farther east were outstanding while kayaking along Fisherman Island to the beach on Ocean Point.  Arriving at high tide, the carry to our vehicles was a short one.  Neither of us could recall a more tranquil Damariscove trip.

Participants:  Cath Kimball and TC

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July 18, 2020: Sea Kayaking Mussel Ridge

It was foggy and very humid when we arrived at the primitive Spruce Head Boat Landing at 9 AM.  The forecast had called for clearing by then.  After unloading boats and changing, the fog remained but appeared to be diminishing.  Laurie had her protractor and map out while I was estimating the probable bearing on my marine chart.  Our concern was a crossing from the tip of Spruce Head Island to Graffam Island, a mile and a half in distance.  We both reached a similar conclusion, a magnetic bearing between 125 and 130 degrees should get us there and 305 to 310 would be required for the return.  Should we go was the overriding question.  Maybe was the answer.  The consensus was to paddle to the end of Spruce Head Island and decide.  Experiencing patchy fog along the western shore, visibility turned to soup entering the channel beyond the island.  Bobbing in three foot seas, the unanimous choice was to continue.  With emergency lights flashing and fog horns handy, our apprehensions were twofold:  Vessels motoring through the often busy passageway and missing Graffam Island.  Bouncing in the mildly bumpy waves while a barely discernible lobster boat was hauling traps ahead of us, our bearing varied between 120 and 140 degrees.  The 30 minute crossing seemed longer.  Navigating through a congestion of lobster buoys, a vague profile of trees above land gradually appeared.  Moments later, we were relaxing along the rugged shore of Graffam Island.  Opting to turn inside the archipelago to avoid the strong wave action, the fog began to diminish.  Halting for rest and relief on sandy Bar Island, nearby substantial Hewitt and Pleasant Islands were hidden from view.  Our ultimate objective, more distant and exposed Two Bush Island, was an unrealistic consideration.  Island hopping northeast in the fog was our alternative choice.  By the time we stopped for lunch at a tiny beach on a nondescript ledge between High and Andrews Islands, the fog had cleared.  Contrary to the forecast, strong winds from the west were encountered during the return to Graffam.  An exciting crossing to Spruce Head Island seemed probable.   Again stopping at Bar Island, Two Bush was barely visible but still partially cloaked in fog.  No matter, if we were to avoid trudging through a long stretch of mud at the Spruce Head Landing, we were out of time.  Approaching the western terminus of Graffam, Tom observed that the winds seemed to be diminishing.  I’d had the same thought but was afraid to voice it.  The forecast got this part right.  The winds were supposed to diminish mid-afternoon and change directions.  A gentle tailwind was enjoyed during the easy crossing.  The goal was to reach the landing by 3:00 P.M to avoid serious mud problems.   Our arrival time was 2:55.  While wallowing in some mud was necessary, it was only at a nuisance level.  Ours was truly an exceptional day in one of Maine’s premiere sea kayaking destinations.  For the rest of the story visit the following link:  http://www.rchase.bangordailynews.com/

Trip Participants:  Laurie Wunder, Tom Meredith, President Eggman DeCoster, and TC

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July 9, 2020: Eastern Egg Rock

After weeks of disappointing weather forecasts, we finally had a decent prediction.  A 16 mile expedition with substantial exposure, a B+ weather rating is my required standard for a trip to Eastern Egg Rock.  Five of us met at Round Pond Boat Landing shortly after heavy fog had dissipated.  A hot humid sunny day; light winds and two to four foot seas were anticipated.

Participants:  Jean Miller, Brent Elwell, Bill Stafford, Randy Berube, and TC

Paddling against an incoming tide, we departed Muscongus Sound between Ross and Haddock Islands.  Our first objective, Western Egg Rock, could be observed directly ahead with tiny Eastern Egg barely visible in the distance.  Western Egg would be the only place to land until our return to the sound and disembarking on the diminutive atoll is often precarious.  We sent Brent and Randy in to probe.  No problems were encountered this time, so we stopped for relief and snacks.  Persisting southeasterly towards Eastern Egg following a magnetic 142 degree bearing, the four foot seas were gentle and entertaining.  Approaching the rock, the flutters of our little puffin friends began to appear.  While their numbers seemed lower than previous years, the handsome birds appeared less timid than usual providing for some great photo opts.  After completing a circumnavigation of the rock, a puffin tour boat was engaged as we began our return.  My guess is they were a bit surprised to find sea kayakers frolicking with the puffins at that distant location.  Unable to land on Western Egg, we persevered into the sound and found a rocky beach on Loud’s Island for a much needed respite.  An incoming tide and a gentle tailwind helped propel us back to Round Pond completing another exceptional trip to perhaps the finest sea kayak destination on the Maine coast.

Covid concerns:  All participants were requested to bring masks and sanitizer and to wear the masks if appropriate social distancing was not possible.  Anyone feeling sick was instructed not to come.

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Reopening of the PPCS Trip Schedule

Hello Paddlers,

As you know, in early spring we canceled the PPCS trip schedule due to Covid-19.  While the pandemic is still very much with us, there have been some signs of improvement in Maine in recent weeks (increased testing capacity, very low rates of positive test results, and decreasing numbers of new cases and deaths).  We have also learned a bit more about how to make choices that limit our risk.  Because spending time outdoors while practicing social distancing is considered lower risk, and outdoor activities can be an important part of mental and physical health, the executive committee has agreed that it’s time to reinstate the published PPCS trip schedule in a limited way. 

The TC will have discretion in whether and how to run a given trip.  The TC may decide that the trip cannot be run safely and choose to cancel.  The size of the trip may be limited for safety.  Less-experienced paddlers may be excluded from more challenging runs so that rescues and the physical contact they require are less likely.  These are all decisions the TC may make.  Please check with the TC several days ahead of time regarding scheduled trips.  And if you feel at all sick, do not come on a trip!

Participants should be responsible for safely running their own shuttles.  Ideally, a household member who is not paddling will drive the boater’s vehicle if a walk/bike shuttle is not possible.  Alternatives involving the back of a truck or two boaters in a vehicle with windows down for a short shuttle have been used this spring.  But these arrangements should be agreed upon ahead of time.  Do not assume you will be able to get a ride in a shuttle vehicle. 

Although some of the scheduled paddling trips may happen, with appropriate safety considerations, the summer picnic, potluck, and meeting will not be happening at the Forks this year.  Instead, the summer Cooks Meeting will happen via Zoom video conference on Monday, July 27 at 7:30 PM.  Helen Hess will send out details and an invitation to all members via email on that day.  The Swiftwater rescue class that typically occurs on the Friday of the summer picnic weekend is also cancelled.

Club members will make different choices regarding paddling trips. People have different degrees of vulnerability and different levels of tolerance to risk. Please, respect the choices made by your fellow boaters and their shuttle drivers during this reopening of the trip schedule.

Have fun and stay safe!

Kenny DeCoster, President
Helen Hess, Vice President
Ron Chase, Treasurer
Ken Gordon, Secretary
Ryan Galway, Past President