TC: Paul Leclerc, Upper Millers
TC Pat Cavanagh, Lower Millers
K1: Paul Leclerc, Pat Cavanagh, Ken Gordon, Jean Miller, Paul Bicknell, Bill Stafford, Sean Green, Ben Gorman
OC1: Kenny DeCoster, OC2: Brendan Regan & guest
R1: Zach Yinger, Paul Sarli
Shredder: Patti & Tom Rutka
Due to low precipitation in the Winter and into Spring, a few water-driven, northern New England Chowders migrated south. The weather was mid 50’s and the promised abundant sunshine was a weatherman’s dream. We met at the new easy parking take-out and shuttled to the put-in. There was a bit of confusion through the grapevine as to Ken and Kenny already being there, which they were not, and I had to suffer Kenny’s humiliation (rightly so) the entire trip. The release was 1900 cfs, the highest I’ve ever known it to be. I was worried it would be too washed out, but it was perfect. Along with a few other groups, there were plenty of boats on the water. We had lucky 13 – for the time being. At the first corner rapid, the OC2 flipped, emptying its occupants into the cold dark waters. After collecting ourselves again, we headed for Freight Train. The turbulent waves tossed the OC2 aside. They made the decision to portage back to the put-in and leave the Millers for another time. A short while later we had a swimmer. And for the 1st time, I actually helped rescue and ferry a swimmer to shore, rather than be rescued myself. At the last rapid, the largest and longest, we had another swimmer. He and his boat made it to shore, but his paddle didn’t. As it were, the first swimmer attempted to retrieve the paddle but got flipped and swam again. So much for Karma. Fortunately, I carry a 4 piece break-down for such an occasion. And with that, Kenny partially forgave me. We continued down to the take-out, said our farewells to those not running the Lower then Pat, myself, Sean, Zach, Kenny, Ken, Patti and Tom headed out.
Although the release was a very high release, it didn’t translate into the Lower. The Lower Millers is a wider river and before the water gets to it, it fills in a lot of open space, flat water between the Upper and Lower sections where they run the annual canoe races. The Lower greatly benefits from natural flow, which unfortunately this year was paltry. However, the class IV Funnel never disappoints. After running through the numerous wave trains, we pulled off to scout our lines of choice.
One by one we entered the foreboding rapid. Pat went first and nailed a roll in the turbulence. I followed, rolled as well, but got pushed back down and nailed it on the second (or maybe 3rd) try. The TC’s were showing off. Everyone else ran it perfectly. After a few more rollicking wave trains, we were on terra firma. Nothing like having a long Millers day with new and old friends. And I’m pretty sure I’m all good with Kenny again.