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Apr 30 – May 4, 2022: Machias River

As anticipated, all of the necessary components for a spring trip on the Machias fell into place at the end of April and beginning of May.  The water level was moderately high, most of the roads were open, a quality five day weather forecast was predicted, ice was out on the lakes, and the dreaded blackflies had yet to appear.  Ken Gordon enthusiastically joined me but unfortunately several other interested Chowderheads were not able to participate during the narrow window of opportunity.  We decided on a trip from 3rd Machias Lake to Machias.  Ken and I both used expedition kayaks and they worked out great.  We enjoyed numerous wildlife sightings including a deer swimming near Holmes Falls and a young bear foraging along the shore above the confluence with Old Stream. Overall, it was a most excellent trip.  For more details, visit the Bangor Daily News link:  https://bangordailynews.com/2022/05/17/outdoors/paddling-maines-challenging-rivers-joam40zk0w/

Participants:  Ken Gordon and TC

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Apr 24, 2022: Souadabscook Stream

The water was low, but spirits were high as 23 boaters gathered to paddle the Sou on a glorious spring day.  This was the largest trip I’ve seen on this little river, and we had a wide variety of vessels and a range on experience from first-timers to seasoned veterans.  We kept up the PPCS tradition of welcoming new boaters to the club and creating a safe and celebratory vibe.  There was some surfing and some swimming and plenty of fun as we paddled the full length from Manning Mill bridge to the water works on Rt 1A.

K-1: Bud Gilbert, Carlisle Landel, Maggie Hetherington, Ron Chase, Tom Rutka, Charlie Berliant, Erin-Kate Sousa, Jeff Bickford, Ray and Leslie Wirth, Devon Carter, Karen Francoeur

OC-2:Warren and Betsy Whitney

C1: Mason Galway

OC-1: Reid Anderson, Patti Rutka, John Picone, Kyle Duckworth, Helen Hess (TC)

Raft: Matt, Tina, and Josiah Landel

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Apr 16, 2022: Webb River (+.25 ft)

Disregarding the rainy weather forecast five Chowderheads (Gary and Suzanne Cole, Kenny DeCoster, Randy Berube and TC) showed up for a fine day of paddling on the Webb.  No rain.  Though the level was lower than the previous week, there was plenty of water in the steepest rapids and numerous surf waves to keep everyone busy.  The slightly lower level did result in some hidden rocks that were difficult to detect and provided some surprise hits but there were no swims or ice water rolls.  A piece of wood just before the first bridge, that had caused a swim last week, was slightly exposed and didn’t cause us any trouble.  Farther down the river, there is a large pine tree lying completely across the river.  We were able to paddle over it, but at lower levels it will require a portage and higher levels might result in a sticky hydraulic.  It is very visible on the right shore and not in the middle of a serious rapid.

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Apr 10, 2022: Webb River

As usual, the first Webb trip of the year was great fun.  We had .2 on the Berry Mills gauge, which is an excellent early spring level.  There was lots of surfing and a little carnage.  We rescued the boat of a most appreciative solo canoeist right next to the gauge.  Alas, we couldn’t convince him to join the club.  Overall, a most excellent day of paddling.

Participants:  Randy Berube, Ken Gordon, Mark Berry, Andrew Carey, Brent Elwell & TC

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Apr 5, 2022: Contoocook River

For many years, the Contoocook River in Henniker, NH has been a spring club favorite.  The Class II/III 2.5 mile run includes the exciting Freight Train Rapid which is a little more difficult.  Five seniors not acting their ages met to challenge their skills on an early spring trip at an excellent level, 6.5 on the gauge.  No ice cream headaches on this day.  Everyone was on their game.  Most of us enjoyed a second helping.  Sorry, no photo.  I somehow managed to lose them.

Participants:  Steve Fortin, Carolyn Young, Frank Yulling, Jean Miller & TC