TC: Shweta Galway
Trip Participants: Shweta Galway, Ryan Galway, Jean Miller, Bill Stafford
The original day was supposed to be Saturday the 7th. However mother nature waved her mighty hand, and with higher than expected seas on saturday, we quickly made plans to try for the day before. The predicted weather for friday was fog to start that was supposed to clear up as the day progressed.
We put in at Marblehead boat launch in Biddeford on the Saco River. The planned excursion was estimated to be about 4 miles out and 4 miles back, with a half mile walk to the lighthouse from where we landed.
We started on the Saco river and kayaked out to the end towards Saco Bay, dodging some boat traffic. The 4-6 feet long jumping sturgeon kept us entertained as we made our way out and kept our minds off the fog. We could not get behind some protected islands as quickly as we hoped due to the long breakwater, but the seas cooperated and we were able to navigate forth. We had a GPS device that helped point the way which was definitely needed as visibility was lower than hoped. We stopped at a midway point, Stage island, to regroup and gauge feelings about going ahead. Everyone agreed that we had come this far and we could make it out to Wood island which was visible in the distance, about another mile. So back into the boats we went. We avoided the daunting surf waves that were crashing along the right side of the landing dock as we approached and got in just fine.
Wood Island lighthouse is situated on the other side of the landing dock and is not visible when you land. However the beautiful boardwalk just beckons you. The walk was about a half mile on a well-maintained boardwalk and as you approach, the lighthouse and the keepers quarters are so quaint and inviting. We could not go into the lighthouse itself, but there are tours that are available from Friends of Wood Island Lighthouse.
The predicted clearing of fog was incorrect and in fact, on our approach back to the boats, it seemed the visibility had gotten worse. Thankfully someone in our group was smart enough to bring a light! We masterfully skirted the surfing waves as we took off, and quickly realized the waves were picking up. Fortunately we made our way back with a little more shelter from the island and with help from the tide, the mouth of the river did not seem as far out. Jean even caught some surf- unintentionally – or so she said!
All in all, we were very happy that we completed the trek. The TC learned to be better prepared, and that mother nature does not care what the weather person predicts, she will do what she wants!