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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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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.

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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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March 14, 2020: Cathance River

Trip participants:  Rick Farnsworth, Koa Farnsworth, Adam Chase, Kevin Rogers and TC

Perhaps attempting to supplant The Waterman as club river expert, my son Adam announced that the Cathance was free of ice and all rapids clear of debris. Posting the trip the day before, Kevin, Rick, and Koa signed on. Celebrating diversity, our group paddled two kayaks, a canoe, and a shredder. The gauge read 2.6, providing a medium low level. Everyone had clean runs on technical Z Turn and Second Drop. Despite sloppy lines, we all survived Third Drop upright. Adam and I paddled Boulder Pile tight left whereas the others successfully navigated the center right move. The unanimous decision was to walk Little Gorilla which had some unappealing ice shelves extending out into the main channel bottom right. Final Drop provided the most entertainment. Recognizing the hole on bottom left would be extremely sticky at that level, Adam and I bounced down right center. Kevin and Team Farnsworth had excellent runs punching the hole. Rick and Koa defiantly decided to side surf the snarling monster. At first, they had fun. Then they wanted to get out but couldn’t. When asked if they wanted a bag. “Yes” was the unambiguous reply. It must have been close to 10 minutes before Adam and Kevin pulled them out using two throw bags. The old man took pictures. We had a great day. Since I broke through some ice near the end, the trip has been designated the “ice breaker.” Too bad the Eggster missed it again this year. See my upcoming column at: http://rchase.bangordailynews.com/ for the rest of the story. In an effort to avoid spreading the coronavirus, handshaking and kissing were banned.