Posted on

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

Posted on

Apr 3, 2021: Cathance Stream

Cathance Stream is a true gem of a class 4 creek as it is located entirely within the town limits of Topsham – no need to travel to the mountain for this run.  Ron Chase, Kenny DeCoster and I had a mid day start, having waited for temps to rise before meeting. The gage was at 2.5, which Ron described as being medium low, but all of the drops were fluid and we had plenty of water.  Although I was the TC for the trip, Ron did all of scouting as he is very familiar with all of the rapids and Kenny and I had not been on the river for several years.  Similar to previous trips this season on the Webb and Souadabscook there was a considerable amount of wood in the water and we scouted all of the blind drops to make sure that they were clean and safe to run.  One river wide strainer forced a portage but it was easily visible from upstream.  Everyone had good runs and enjoyed the first CL 4 trip of the season on this unique and challenging lowland creek.

Posted on

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.