TC Kyle Duckworth, Adam Chase, Cath Kimball, Mike and Stephanie Timberlake, Devon Carter, Ross Cameron, Ryan and Schweta Galway and daughter Krea, Henry Bodkin, Charlie Berliant, John Preble, Reid Anderson.
The gang was in Millinocket to help out with safety for the 5th annual Millinocket X-Stream Canoe Race, and to get a couple runs in for our own enjoyment.
After setting up camp on Friday, Mike Timberlake led a late-afternoon paddle. The TC and a couple others put on later as part of the crew whose task was clearing wood from the race course. We all enjoyed the evening together at the Wilderness Edge Campground, chowing on Stephanie’s delicious chili.
Saturday morning the Galways got moving early and made a run down the stream before the race. The rest of us joined with the safety team set up at various points along the ¾-mile long Turtle Pit rapids. This is the most challenging stretch of rapids of any canoe race in Maine, and with over 100 people (including several PPCSers) registered to run the race, there was carnage aplenty. Even the sweep boat capsized!
We cheered on several chowderheads who were competing, including Henry Bodkin, Mark Berry, and Will Smith.
Even though the rain had started by the end of the race, four of us went back up for more and put in at the halfway bridge for another quick run. It continued to rain throughout the evening, but we were warm and dry beneath the big tarp, enjoying another potluck meal.
There was no Sunday paddle this year. Due to low lake levels, Brookfield cut the dam release short. Instead we hung around camp most of the morning, waiting for the rain to stop so we could pack up after a great weekend of paddling and companionship.