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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

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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.