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Jul 30-31: Roll Dam at 420cfs

July 30-31

The final weekend of July at Roll Dams included a small but spirited group of paddlers.  We did three runs on Saturday and two on Sunday, swapping boats and trying out new things.  There was a tandem canoe, a solo canoe, three kayaks, and two inflatable kayaks, and most of us paddled at least two different boats.  The weather was beautiful, and the bright sunshine inspired plenty of play in the waves and holes with lots of opportunity for rolling and swimming.  The drier weather and the breeze kept the bugs down to a dull whine.

Elliot Rappaport, Karen Merritt, Charlie Berliant, Erin-Kate Sousa, Nina Berliant, Genio & Ross Bertin, Helen Hess (TC)

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Jul 24, 2022: Kennebec River – Carry Brook to West Forks

There were several trips on the second day of the Summer Picnic Weekend.  Nancy and I organized a paddle on the Kennebec from Carry Brook to West Forks.  New member Ken Stickney met us at the ballfield for the shuttle to Carry Brook where we met a sizeable contingent of Chowderheads who had finished the fish flow in the gorge.  The group consisted of an assortment of kayaks, canoes, and inflatable boats.  Everyone successfully navigated large waves in Big Black Rapid.  From that point, it was different strokes for different folks.  Some surfed and played while others floated and socialized.  The weather was superb, the water level excellent, and the company even better.  A great way to end a to an exceptional weekend!

Participants:  Ken Stickney, Deb Harris, Allan Fuller, Krea Galway, Shweta Galway, Ryan Galway, Reid Anderson, Mike Fask, and TCs Nancy Chase and Ron Chase

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Jul 1-3, 2022: Roll Dam at 430cfs

When I am paddling early in the season during the spring runoff, tromping through snow to the put in, thoughts of summer at Roll Dam warm my heart even while my hands freeze.  At last July arrived and the trip was on with just enough water for a good time on the river.  It was a slightly smaller group than in previous years, and on Saturday only three of us remained at Roll Dam while the rest of the crew headed over for bigger thrills at Canada Falls.  The only flaw in the lovely weekend were the bugs which were decidedly thick, fierce, and diverse.

K-1: Charlie Berliant, Jeff Bickford, Troad Richmond

iK-1: Erin-Kate Sousa, Deb Harris, Jeff Swett

OC-2: Gary & Suzanne Cole

OC-1: Rick & Koa Farnsworth, Kenny DeCoster, Helen Hess (TC)

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Jul 17, 2022: Kennebec Gorge, 5000 and 2685 cfs

Participants were all in kayaks: Jeff Bickford, Greg Winston, Ken Gordon; TC’s Suzanne Cole & Gary Cole

We took over TCing Brent’s Kennebec 2400 as he had family obligations. 

As it turned out, the five of us paddled both releases. We had the usual fun at 5000, surfing our favorite waves and squirting here and there. We took out at Carry Brook and, with enough vehicles there, we were able to run all boats and boaters to the top without a shuttle.

Our second run was at 2685 cfs (what an odd number). We were eager to get on this lower level as we don’t paddle it very often. We found waves in different locations, paddled a different route at Big Mama, and wove our way down Magic. If you think this level is easier than 5000, think again. It is a little less pushy, but the routes through the rapids are tighter and the water is very turbulent in places.

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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