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Feb 13, 2021: Mt Blue State Park

mount blue xc ski

Participants: Laurie Wunder, Tom Meredith, Ken Gordon, Gary Cole, Brent Elwell, Ron Chase, TC: Kenny DeCoster

Living in southern Maine doesn’t give me a clear picture of how the snow is behaving up north. I hear meteorologists constantly talk about flurries in the mountains, but how does that translate into track quality? Ken Gordon assured me that the snow would be perfect. So 7 chowderheads braved the forecasted -“frigid” temperatures – on Saturday morning and socially distanced in the state park’s parking lot under sunny skies and light wind – a regular winter day. On the trail, we quickly shed layers climbing the back of Center Hill. The persistent cold had preserved the snow over the last weeks and the skiing was excellent. 

I was surprised that we were the first group to break trail to the top of Hedgehog Hill. The reward was a glorious sun-bathed view of Webb Lake, Tumbledown, and Jackson Mountains. After lunch, we each picked our own way down the hillside leaving it cobwebbed with ski trails crisscrossing between the trees. I haven’t learned to switch from gloves to mittens after stopping for lunch, and my hands froze on the long downhill stretch off of Hedgehog. From the bridge over Houghton Brook, we saw otter tracks in the snow and an access hole in the ice. A rare treat. We met more skiers this year and had to watch out for snowmobilers at trail crossings for the first time since I’ve started leading these trips.

We introduced Tom and Laurie to the 10-mile loop trail. And even though some of us had to work to keep up, nobody took a wrong turn or got left behind. It’s tricky to plan XC skiing when the winter schedule is posted so far in advance. But I got lucky. As Brent said at trail’s end, “Best snow conditions ever.” Lucky Ron has more snow on the way for his trip next weekend. Stay tuned.

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Jan 10, 2021: Sunday River Whitecap

Participants:  Andrew Carey, Brent Elwell, Paul Peters, Rick Farnsworth, John Stokinger, and TC Ron Chase

Sunday River Whitecap is one of the most unique mountain hikes in Maine.  Rugged terrain, phenomenal views, and a barren alpine summit provide a remarkable winter mountaineering experience.  Located on the northeastern end of the Mahoosuc Range in western Maine, the 3,337 foot peak entails about 2,100 feet of elevation gain.  Our group of six enjoyed a sunny breezy day with seasonal temperatures during the six mile trek.  Since there was only about ten inches of snow, snowshoes were left behind.  The views on the blustery summit were truly exceptional.  For the rest of the story, visit my blog at Seniors Not Acting Their Age (bdnblogs.com) or see columns with the Bangor Daily News, Times Record, Twin City Times or Portland Press Herald (online).

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Sept 19, 2020: Dead River 3500cfs

We had a large group of 22 for this “last hoorah” trip on the Dead. Several new members joined us and we divided into two groups. We had a “fast” group and a “slow” group on this bright fall day. We were all dressed for the weather and enjoyed the foliage. Many thanks to those who helped with or ran shuttle at the end of the day.

The fast group consisted of John Brower – OC, Clyde Mitchell and Catie Meehan – tandem ducky, Kenny DeCoster – OC, Frank Yulling and Paul Peters – shredder, Ryan and Mason Galway – tandem OC, Ron Chase – K1. The fast group headed down the river, but lost one participant at the Gravel Pit due to hip pain. The others continued down stream although we heard there was a swim or two.

The slow group consisted of TC’s Suzanne and Gary Cole – K1, Nick Beaudoin – K1, Emma Erler – K1, Hal Earle – K1, Elaine Madrid – K1, Ken Gordon – K1, Jean Miller – K1, Katie Brady – K1, Randy Berube -K1, Charlie Berliant – K1, Patti and Tom Rutka – shredder. The two main themes of the day for this group were surfing and guiding those unfamiliar with the river through the major rapids. We had fun doing both; lots of great surfs and successful runs of rapids. 

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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