Jun 7, 2022: Cathance River Cleanup

A sizeable group of dedicated Chowderheads turned out for the second Cathance River clean up.  As a result of trips last fall and this spring, we knew debris was accumulating in Z Turn.  However, when our anonymous river scout sent photos and reported that Z Turn was completely impassable, it was time to act.  We loaded packs and a plastic sled with gear and equipment for the short hike from Highland Green to the river.  While Ken Gordon and Eggman DeCoster were wizards operating their chainsaws, the rest of us completed the less glamorous tasks.  Three fairly substantial trees were cut into small logs and removed along with a substantial amount of brush and debris.  Floating some of the logs in pools was necessary to get them out.  Afterwards, we hiked downriver to inspect the remaining rapids.  Debris and obstacles were removed or moved out of the way in First Drop, Boulder Pile, and Final Drop.  Overall, it was a very successful day.

Participants:  Ken Gordon, Eggman DeCoster, Bruce Weik, Brent Elwell, Adam Chase, Ron Chase, and Anonymous River Scout

2022 Boating Season

We are hoping for a lot of snow this winter to avoid losing so much of our whitewater options in the summer on the dam-controlled rivers: Kennebec, Dead River, Seboomook and the Rapid River like we did last year. The 2022 trip schedule is a work-in-process and will be revised. We will attempt to keep the trip schedule on our Calendar page as up-to-date as possible, but please check with the Trip Coordinator to be sure of the details of any scheduled trip.

The vote at the Cook’s Meeting in January was to basically keep the current COVID-19 protocols in place. With all the variants, no one knows exactly what works and what doesn’t. People have to feel comfortable and the trip leaders will have the guidelines they want to use. Below is the COVID general protocol from Helen:

Hello Paddlers!

The spring season is upon us, and we’ve got a large and diverse set of trips scheduled. There’s something there for everyone. We will continue to take appropriate precautions regarding the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

As always, the TC will have discretion in whether and how to run a given trip. Please check in with the TC several days ahead of time regarding a scheduled trip. And, if you feel at all sick, do not come on a trip.

Participants should wear a well-fitting mask when in close contact to protect themselves and others. N95 or KN95 masks are most effective; double masking with a disposable surgical mask covered with a cloth mask is a good alternative.

Participants should be responsible for their own shuttles, which should be arranged before arriving at the trip site if possible. People have different degrees of vulnerability and different levels of tolerance to risk. Please, respect the choices made by your fellow boaters. 

Have fun and stay safe!

SYOTR

Helen Hess, President

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

2021 Spring Paddling and Covid Update

Hello Paddlers,

The PPCS trip schedule is now open, so it’s time to get out the boats.  We will be continuing to take appropriate precautions regarding the ongoing Covid-19 pandemic.

As always, the TC will have discretion in whether and how to run a given trip.  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.  Please check in with the TC several days ahead of time regarding a scheduled trip.  And if you feel at all sick, do not come on a trip!

Participants should be responsible for their own shuttles, which should be arranged before arriving at the trip site.  Consider a bike shuttle, wearing masks in vehicles with open windows, or riding in the back of a truck.

Participants should wear a mask when in close contact (e.g. loading boats) to protect yourself and others, and for now, skip signing the trip release form.

Have fun and stay safe!

SYOTR

Helen Hess, President

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