On Sunday, July 21, 2024 four intrepid paddlers comprised of 4 open boats- all canoes (!)-paddled the Dead River at 1800 cfs. It was a lovely day on the river, made especially nice with an eagle sighting downstream of Minefield. The water was warm, and the paddlers made good time downriver fully enjoying the perfect summer day. Lunch was enjoyed at Enchanted stream due to no issues along the way and the small nimble river group. One swim in Poplar Hill Falls interrupted the perfect day- this rapid is always challenging-however was more tolerable simply by the very warm river water, which is typical this time of year. Our river group was strong and had a fabulous day paddling on an uncrowded river. Lastly, it’s always good to practice safety on and off the river, including reviewing boat outfitting to ensure the whitewater craft can be rescued in any dump situation. Proper outfitting for an open canoe includes adequate airbags to displace water in the event of a capsize, and also bow and stern painters which allow boat rescue easier access and ability to tow the boat to shore. The paddlers returned early enough to leave plenty of time to break camp and get on the road to return home, after enjoying light snacks and more sunshine and few bugs. There is simply nothing better than a fabulous day paddling the Dead River with wonderful paddlers- this time all canoeists together. Paddlers included: Donna Jean Kaiser (TC) – OC1, John Brower- OC1, Glen Widmer- OC1, Kevin Morrissey – OC1.
Jul 8-9, 2023: Dead River, 1800 and 1300cfs
Thanks to Kyle Duckworth, he sent out an email asking if anybody would like to do the Dead and gave my phone number.
Sat at 1800cfs (which turned out to be 2400-2800cfs): The shuttle turned out bad. Lindsey Feldman went off the road and had to be towed out by a tow truck – 4pm to 9pm the tow truck took her car to Skowhegan, so she was without a car for the next few months. We all felt bad where she volunteered to do the shuttle. Participants: Lindsey Feldman who came up from Baltimore MD (Kayak), Nicole Grohoski (OC), new club member Brandon (OC), Scott Gee and Bud Gilbert (Shredder) TC: Bud Gilbert
Sun at 1300cfs (maybe actually 2000cfs): Andrew McDowell paddled an inflatable kayak. Lindsey Feldman’s kayak helped a lot on rescues. Paul Sarli paddled a Canadian boat which was very tippy, but he conquered it by the end of the day. Great job! TC: Bud Gilbert
Jul 22 and 23, 2023: Dead River, 2400 and 1800cfs
The two trips on the Dead river during the PPCS Summer Picnic were both well attended. We had over twenty boats on Saturday and 11 on Sunday. The scheduled releases of 2400 and 1800 cfs were a bit higher than advertised on each day, but we’ve gotten used to “going with the flow” in these circumstances. We had some swims, starting on the very first rapid on Saturday, but they were all easily managed by the group. Deft self-rescues or quick assistance from a few boaters kept the drama to a minimum. This left us to focus our attention on the gorgeous setting, great company, bald eagle sightings, and a river that never disappoints.
Saturday
John Brower TC, Helen Hess, Sue Schaller, Shweta Galway, Steve Fortin, Lynn Meehan, Mason Galway, Will, Ryan and Kria Galway, Kenny DeCoster, Koa Farnsworth, Charlie Berliant, Dan Bennis, Ron Chase, Donna Jean Kaiser, Jules Petot, Kyle Duckworth, Andrea Reising, Allan Fuller , Cath Kimball, Jean Miller, Clyde Mitchell and Jessa Solis, Paul Sarli, Justin Schlawin
Sunday
John Brower TC, Helen Hess , Sue Schaller, Troad Richmond, Allan Fuller, Donna Jean Kaiser, Mark and Ellen Nelson, Scott Nelson and Lynn Hempen and Cam, Kevin McKenzie, Paul Sarli
Jun 3-4, 2023: Dead 4000 & 2400
Saturday – June 3 Participants:
K-1: Brent Elwell, Devon Carter, Paul LeClerc, Charlie Berliant, Greg Winston and Ken Gordon
OC-1: Kenny DeCoster
Inflatables: Jeff Swett, Bryan and Alyssa Wolfe, Ron and Adam Chase
Sunday – June 4 Participants:
K-1: Adam Chase, Ron Chase, Paul LeClerc, Ken Gordon
C-1: Mason Galway
OC-2: Peter and Iris Hubbard, Ryan Galway and Will
OC-1: Kenny Decoster, Matt Briere, Dan House
Following two days of summer like weather the paddling weekend arrived wet, cold and windy but it didn’t deter the 19 boaters who showed up at The Forks for Saturday’s 4000 and Sunday’s 2400 releases. Saturday’s 4000 provided great play opportunities and challenging big water rapids. Weather conditions were good considering the windy and cool temperatures but the rapid pace of the trip kept everyone paddling and warm. Other than a few occasional rolls all members had successful runs and thoroughly enjoyed the day.
Sunday’s 2400 started with a scare when the shuttle was cancelled due to a lack of passengers, but paddlers arriving without shuttle reservations filled the quota. Adam Chase volunteered to drive the van and also secured a driver to bring it back out. The man of the day for sure. He even provided a moose sighting on the drive to the put in. The threat of rain and colder temps convinced us to shorten the trip so we started at the gravel pit instead of going all the way to the top. The water level was excellent and provided paddlers an opportunity to have a more technical run with very pushy water. There were a couple swims but paddlers were quickly rescued; Will even got to do some solo OC-1 paddling when he help reunite a boat and paddler. And the rain held off until we arrived at the take out – another great weekend on the Dead.
Sep 17, 2022: Dead River @ 3500 cfs
Trip Coordinator: Brent Elwell K – 1
Participants: Ryan Galway OC-1, Mason Galway OC-1, Jeff Swett, Tom and Patti Rutka Shredder, Greg Winston K-1, Kenny DeCoster OC-1, Eli Ross K-1, Jeff Bickford K-1, Charlie Berliant K-1, Devon Carter K-1 and Paul Sarli K-1
The weather was spectacular with little wind and clear skies. There was plenty of other river traffic including rafts and kayaks. Mason and Eli provided ender entertainment below the Elephant Rock chute on river right. There was no river carnage at Poplar Rapid on this trip which was okay by me. Most paddlers opted for the middle route on this rapid. It was a great day to be out paddling!