Bow and Stern
Summer 2000
The Official Newsletter of the Vermont Paddlers Club |
Volume ? + 2, no. 2
< < < Go with the Flow > > > |
|
Volume ? + 2, no. 2
< < < Go with the Flow > > > |
NB: With the passage of time, a good number of the links embedded in back issues of the Bow and Stern may fail. If you notice any broken links in particular that merit repairing/replacing (and you know the correct URL to which the link should point), please email the webmaster. Thanks!
| Editorial Page |
|---|
 |
So here we are in the summer of a new year, one that has been graced (or cursed, depending) with quite a lot of water. I can't say I've benefited from it much, having been laid up with an injured ligament, but judging from the volume of trip reports I've received, there's been a lot of paddling going on. |
Our next paddling clinic is about to get under way (or already has by the time you receive this) and for the first time we have ACA certified instruction. It looks like the club is experiencing a revival. Let's just hope that creaky old Waterbury dam doesn't decide to collapse and unleash its 30 foot wall of water while the clinic is going on! The clinic has not been real successful the last couple years and I, remembering the good ol' days of six groups of three boats with two instructor boats per group (freezing our tails off on the Mad) hope that it takes off again. A lot of new members came out of those clinics.
Here's an apology for a sort of dull looking issue. I've been real busy at work and didn't get a chance to collect any good photos. Here's a request to all who take pictures on the river. Scan a few (see Tony) and have them sent my way. The newsletter looks a lot better with some pictures here and there.
Let's also look for any other interesting material for this publication. I don't guarantee I can use everything I get, but I can't use what I don't get.
Michael
| Who's Who in the VPC |
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Officers:
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Directors:
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| A Note from the President |
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The Phoenicians believed that a day spent on the water did not count against one's lifetime allotment. If so, a few more years like 2000 and some VPC'ers can begin looking forward to the 22nd century (and even paddling in it!).
 |
Late season snows and incessant rains through April and May
left us 6 inches ahead of normal annual precipitation as of
June 1. Non-paddlers were disgusted...while people like
Faith Knapp were still leading trips on the White River
from Stockbridge! I had a blast endeavoring to raise my
paddling to the next level this spring (and I have the
holes in my boat to prove it!).
Optimal conditions prevailed on VPC staple rivers like the Huntington, Mad, Black, White, Winooski, Lamoille, Moose, Hudson (NY), and Ammonoosuc (NH), and several descents were made on rivers seldom if ever run by the VPC (Lewis Creek, Jail Branch, Battenkill, N. Br. Winooski, W. Br. Ausable, among others). Thanks go to all those who organized these trips, and those who have documented their adventures in the pages which follow. |
Thanks to all members whose time and energy has helped make the novice whitewater clinic a success, but especially to Ricky Battistoni, Eric Bishop, Faith Knapp, and John Wolfe.
I've had almost no feedback from members on the ACA Paddle America liaison undertaken in May, except that most folks notice the ...l...o...n...g... delay in receiving their member cards and confirmation. Expect this to take a month, at minimum. There are some new expectations for trip organizers and surely it will take a while to adjust to the new routine. Before spring 2001 we will have to have a forum (or two) for trip organizers to help clarify the initiative and the explicit expectations for trip organizers. As always, the VPC leadership will welcome any and all willing paddlers into their elite echelon. Preferred experience would include how to use a phone, fold letters, or lick stamps. At a minimum, please be sure Rich Larsen (Larsen007@aol.com) has your email address, which saves on all of the above.
Here's to making 2000 another great year to paddle!
 |
| Sales of the (not quite) new Century!! |
|---|
Boats For Sale:
Riot Hammer, yellow, $400.00
Prijon Rockit, blue, $300.00
Perception Pirouette S, white, $300.00
Perception Supersport, tangerine, $300.00
Tom Yurista
Phone: 802-388-9750, please leave a message if I'm not home.
email: tyurista@together.net
FOR SALE : MOHAWK XL-13 plastic L 13'3" W 32.5" $275 Andy Meilleur 878-3008
(Warning: That Mohawk has a tendency to face upstream!! -ed.)
Buy/Sell gear online!! Visit the VPC message board, where all
kinds of boats and gear change hands
(http://www.vtpaddlers.net/talk/mb/index.php).
| Summer/Fall Trips Schedule |
|---|
| TRIP DIFFICULTY RATINGS ARE ONLY A GUIDE. | ||
|---|---|---|
 |
READ THE SAFETY CODE OF AMERICAN WHITEWATER!!! STAY ASHORE WHEN | |
| CONDITIONS ON A GIVEN DAY EXCEED YOUR COMFORT LEVEL!!! | ||
Danger exists for participants in canoeing, kayaking, tubing, and other activities organized or advertised by the Vermont Paddlers Club. Such participation may result in illness or injury due to accidents, the forces of nature, or other causes not foreseeable. Such illness and injury may include disease, strains, sprains, fractures, dislocations, paralysis, and/or death. Possible injuries may cause serious and permanent disability.
By your participation in any Vermont Paddlers Club activity you knowingly assume the risks arising out of that activity. In so doing you release, hold harmless and indemnify the Vermont Paddlers Club and its agents, officers and employees from any and all claims and suits for bodily injury, property damage, wrongful death, loss of services or otherwise which may arise out of your participation in canoeing, kayaking, tubing and other activities, whether or not such claims or suits arise from negligent acts or omissions by the organizers and conductors of this activity, their employees or volunteers, another participant, any other person or from any other cause.
| NH AMC Paddlers Trips Schedule |
|---|
To increase paddling options for our members and foster cooperation with the NH AMC Paddlers, we have begun sharing our trips schedule with them, and vice versa. NH AMC runs trips on many rivers that we seldom paddle.
| Dam Release Schedules around New England |
|---|
| May | June | July | August | Sept. | Oct. |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sat. 27 | Sat. 3 | Sun. 2 | Sat. 5 | Fri. 1 | Sat. 7 |
| Sun. 28 | Sun. 4 | Fri. 14 | Sun. 6 | Sat. 2 | Sun. 8 |
| Sun. 11 | Sat. 15 | Sat. 12 | Sun. 10 | ||
| Fri. 16 | Sat. 22 | Sun. 13 | Sat. 23 | ||
| Sat. 17 | Sun. 23 | Fri. 18 | Sun. 24 | ||
| Sat. 24 | Fri. 28 | Sat. 19 | |||
| Fri. 30 | Sat. 29+ | Sat. 26 | |||
| Sun. 30 | Sun. 27 |
| April | May | June | July | August | Sept. | October |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sat. 8 | Sat. 6 | Thu. 8 | Sat. 1 | Thu. 3 | Fri. 1 | Wed. 4 |
| Sun. 9 | Sun. 7 | Fri. 9 | Sun. 2 | Fri. 4 | Sat. 2 | Thu. 5 |
| Wed. 12 | Thu. 11 | Sat. 10 | Wed. 5 | Sat. 5 | Sun. 3 | Fri. 6 |
| Thu. 13 | Sat. 13 | Sun. 11 | Thu. 6 | Sun. 6 | Wed. 6 | Sat. 7 |
| Fri. 14 | Sun. 14 | Sat. 17 | Fri. 7 | Thu. 10 | Thu. 7 | Sun. 8 |
| Sat. 15 | Wed. 17 | Sun. 18 | Sat. 8 | Fri. 11 | Fri. 8 | Wed. 11 |
| Sun. 16 | Thu. 18 | Wed. 21 | Sun. 9 | Sat. 12 | Sat. 9 | Thu. 12 |
| Wed. 19 | Fri. 19 | Thu. 22 | Sat. 15 | Sun. 13 | Sun. 10 | Fri. 13 |
| Thu. 20 | Sat. 20 | Fri. 23 | Sun. 16 | Thu. 17 | Wed. 13 | Sat. 14 |
| Fri. 21 | Sun. 21 | Sat. 24 | Wed. 19 | Fri. 18 | Thu. 14 | Sun. 15 |
| Sat. 22 | Thu. 25 | Sun. 25 | Thu. 20 | Sat. 19 | Fri. 15 | Wed. 18 |
| Sun. 23 | Fri. 26 | Wed. 28 | Fri. 21 | Sun. 20 | Sat. 16 | Thu. 19 |
| Wed. 26 | Sat. 27 | Sat. 22 | Thu. 24 | Sun. 17 | Fri. 20 | |
| Thu. 27 | Sun. 28 | Sun. 23 | Fri. 25 | Sat. 21 | ||
| Fri. 28 | Wed. 26 | Sat. 26 | Sun. 22 | |||
| Thu. 27 | Sun. 27 | |||||
| Fri. 28 | Wed. 30 | |||||
| Sat. 29+ | Thu. 31 | |||||
| Sun. 30 |
7000 cfs | 
5500 cfs | 
3500 cfs | 
2400 cfs | 
1800 cfs | 
1300 cfs
| May | June | July | August | September | October |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Sat. 6 |
Sat. 3 |
Sat. 1 |
Sat. 5 |
Sat. 2 |
Sat. 7 |
|
Sat. 13 |
Sat. 10 |
Sun. 2 |
Sun. 6 |
Sun. 3 |
|
|
Sat. 27 |
Sat. 17 |
Mon. 3 |
Sat. 12 |
Mon. 4 |
|
|
Sun. 28 |
Sat. 24 |
Tue. 4 |
Sun. 13 |
Sat. 16 |
|
|
Mon. 29 |
Sun. 25 |
Wed. 5 |
|||
|
Fri. 30 |
Sat. 15 |
||||
|
Sun. 16 |
Entrance fee will remain $3. Please note that starting this year, because of installation of a stream gauge on Spencer Stream we will be releasing water from Long Falls dam as necessary to provide the above flows as minimum values directly below the confluence with Spencer Stream. Also this year we are pleased to provide the 1300 cfs flows on June 30 through July 5 in support of The Maine Canoe and Kayak Racing Organization's (MCKRO) hosting of the 2000 White Water Open Canoe National Championships on the Lower Dead River. Best of luck to all the contestants!
Kennebec River releases are scheduled each day of the week, at least 10 am to 12 noon. Call 1-800-557-FLOW. Entrance fee is $1 per person per run. Kennebec Turbine Test (8000 cfs!!) Mon. July 10, 2000
| DAY | MAY | JUNE | JULY | AUGUST | SEPTEMBER |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | 2 | 6 | 3 | 6 |
| 2 | 1 | 2 | 6 | 3 | 6 |
| 3 | 1 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 6 |
| 4 | 1 | 5 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| 5 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 6 | 4 |
| 6 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 6 | 4 |
| 7 | 1 | 2 | 6 | 3 | 4 |
| 8 | 1 | 2 | 6 | 3 | 4 |
| 9 | 1 | 2 | 6 | 3 | 7 |
| 10 | 1 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 7 |
| 11 | 1 | 5 | 3 | 6 | 4 |
| 12 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 6 | 4 |
| 13 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 6 | 4 |
| 14 | 1 | 2 | 6 | 3 | 4 |
| 15 | 1 | 2 | 6 | 3 | 4 |
| 16 | 1 | 2 | 6 | 3 | 7 |
| 17 | 1 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 7 |
| 18 | 1 | 5 | 3 | 6 | 4 |
| 19 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 6 | 4 |
| 20 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 6 | 4 |
| 21 | 1 | 2 | 6 | 3 | 4 |
| 22 | 1 | 2 | 6 | 3 | 4 |
| 23 | 1 | 2 | 6 | 3 | 4 |
| 24 | 1 | 5 | 3 | 3 | 4 |
| 25 | 1 | 5 | 3 | 6 | 4 |
| 26 | 1 | 2 | 3 | 6 | 4 |
| 27 | 5 | 2 | 3 | 6 | 4 |
| 28 | 5 | 2 | 6 | 3 | 4 |
| 29 | 5 | 2 | 6 | 3 | 4 |
| 30 | 2 | 2 | 6 | 3 | 4 |
| 31 | 2 | - | 3 | 3 | - |
| 1 | 350 CFS for 24 hours* |
| 2 | 500 CFS 9am to 6 pm |
| 3 | 500 CFS 8 am to 6 pm |
| 4 | 500 CFS 8 am to 4 pm |
| 5 | 500 CFS 9 am to 6 pm, full river flow 10 am to 4 pm |
| 6 | 500 CFS 8 am to 6 pm, full river flow 10 am to 4 pm |
| 7 | 500 CFS 8 am to 4 pm, full river flow 10 am to 4 pm |
| * Release rate 1 applies to times, days, and months not noted on this schedule | |
Release info. for the Indian/Hudson (NY) is available: (518)648-5303
| Summer 2000 Whitewater Injury Survey |
|---|
We are a Family Physician, and a Physical Therapist interested in whitewater paddling injuries. We're both members of the Washington Kayak Club, and active paddlers here in Washington State.
We are asking the WKC and the whitewater community to participate in developing good data on paddle injuries. We have found relatively little information on injuries in whitewater paddlers. The AWA keeps information on deaths or near death accidents.
There is especially little information on chronic overuse injuries in paddlers.
For several reasons injury patterns may be changing. Here's a few:
Our goals for this survey are:
What other questions could be studied? We're sure we all could come up with some.
The survey is meant for whitewater kayakers, C-1, C-2, and open canoe. It is not meant for those who paddle only flat water, rafts, or inflatable kayaks. The more people willing to do the survey, the better the data. We will do our very best to keep it simple, and to keep it confidential! Personal contact information will be protected; but it would be nice to be able to call for further details if needed. The survey should take 10-15 minutes of your time.
It may be filed on line at our web site: www.geocities.com/injury_survey, or the survey may be printed and mailed back. The info will not be kept at the web server, but e-mailed to us! We would hope to have copies of the survey at local Washington races, and events, at river take outs, and perhaps at retail stores. We plan to collect the initial survey data over the summer, 2000. We believe it would be of use to all of us, and to medical personnel.
Results of the initial survey could be published in the WKC bulletin and web site.
Future surveys could look at the incidence of giardia, illnesses, and travel related problems of paddlers. We may want to establish an ongoing injury registry. For more details, please check our web site or contact one of us. And thanks for your time.
Support Paddle Injury Research! http://www.geocities.com/injury_survey/
Rick Schoen // Mike Stano
253-549-4147 // 425-369-0664
rschoen@harbornet.com
// mjstano@worldnet.att.com
| News and Such |
|---|
River Leader Workshop -- By Peter Downey
On April 16, 2000 Tony Shaw and Peter Downey attended an AMC River Leader Workshop at the home of Faith Knapp in Norwich, VT. Faith, who led the discussion is also a member of the VPC, had invited VPC trip leaders to the meeting to share ideas and discuss leadership issues. The meeting was held after a trip on the lower White River and included a delicious pot luck supper. The goals of the meeting were to share information from the experienced trip leaders, leaders in training, and potential trip leaders.
The AMC in general has a more formal structure for its trips with every trip having a rated leader and co-leader. The workshop included a discussion of overall roles and responsibilities of the trip leader, arranging the trip, organization at the river, on the river issues, and after the trip reporting. I found the meeting very informative; it was interesting to see that on many issues there was a lot of disagreement especially dealing with screening people for trips.One of the pointed questions that was asked was why the trip leaders did this when there was so much work involved. The general consensus was that we wanted to give back to the community; share something we enjoyed doing with others; having friends to paddle with; and, of course, to encourage others to become trip leaders so that we might go on their trips. The VPC someday may want to also engage in such a meeting.
Real-time Funding Drought
"Funding for the Lake Champlain monitoring program has been reduced to a point where the U.S. Geological Survey is unable to continue to operate all of the gages." This WWW notice was brought to my attention by Chris Weed in June, and it goes on to say: "If you are interested in continuing these gages and would like to contribute funding to re-establish operations, please email us at wfreeman@usgs.gov or call (518) 285-5665." The ACA ACTION NET is making an effort to mobilize its paddling constituency to fight this sad trend, and Vermont Senator Jeffords among others is getting the message. Visit ACA ACTION NET (http://congress.nw.dc.us/cgi-bin/alertpr.pl?dir=aca&alert=6) to make your voice heard.
VPC Site Upgrades
Traffic on the VPC website steadily increases, with almost 1000 hits per month during the spring. The latest addition to the VPC website is a place to post and read trip reports (http://www.vtpaddlers.net/talk/reports/index.html). You will need a contemporary browser (NN3, MSIE4, AOL4, or later) to play. These reports will be included automatically in a forthcoming Bow and Stern. Let me be the first to encourage you to begin submitting trip reports in this way. As more and more trippers do so, access to these recently published reports will enhance awareness of changeable river conditions and heighten safety on subsequent outings.
Sister Clubs Go Online
The Champlain Kayak Club and the New Hampshire AMC Paddlers recently launched their respective home pages. Both promise to provide a wealth of information and entertainment to the New England paddling community. Logon to http://www.ckayak.com (CKC) or http://www.nhamcpaddlers.org (NH AMC PADDLERS) and check 'em out!
| Important Note! |
|---|
In Re; Matter of Application for ) Relicensing of Waterbury ) FERC Project No. 2090-003 Hydroelectric Project ) -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------THE VERMONT PADDLERS CLUB INTENT TO INTERVENE ON THE LICENSEE APPLICATION FOR THE WATERBURY HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT
Pursuant to Rule 214 of the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (“Commission”), 18 C.F.R. 385.214, The Vermont Paddlers Club (“Club”) hereby moves to intervene in the application for relicensing.
The Vermont Paddlers Club will submit comments and recommendations upon the FERC’s notice that the license application is ready for environmental analysis.
Statement of Interest
The Vermont Paddlers Club is a local non-profit organization with over 200 members who engage in whitewater paddling. The Vermont Paddlers Club maintains an interest in conserving and restoring whitewater paddling resources and creating opportunities for their safe recreational use. The Waterbury Project offers these recreational opportunities for our members, most of whom live very near to this hydroelectric project. For this reason the Vermont Paddlers Club requests intervener status in this license proceeding.
Respectfully submitted April 13, 2000
Randy Mead, Executive Committee Member
The Vermont Paddlers Club
P.O. Box 184
Fairfax, Vermont 05454=0184
(802) 849-2367
**************************
N.B: Any club member(s) with an interest in helping to shape
Little River accessibility as a paddling resource should contact
Randy Mead ASAP. This is a great opportunity for VPC’ers
at-large to do something worthwhile for present AND future
generations of paddlers!
| Trip Reports - March-June 2000 |
|---|
Lower Lamoille: Sunday March 26
| Leader: | Randy Mead |
| Participants: | (K1): Randy Mead, Wendy Blay, Paul Kempner, Chris Weed; (OC1): Peter Downey; (C1): Ray Ingram |
| Weather: | Air: 45 deg. Water: ~36 deg. |
| Water: | USGS = 3350 cfs (medium) |
This was a typical Lower Lamoille trip. We had plenty of water
for surfing and playing, but as it was rather chilly, we played
conservatively. We ran into three other paddlers well known on
the river. The quote of the day was from Ray who said: "Old bones
don't like cold water!"
-- Randy Mead
| Leader: | Tony Shaw |
| Participants: | (K1): Ricky Battistoni; (OC1): Eric Bishop, Tony Shaw |
| Water: | medium |
This Sunday trip was moved to Saturday at the last minute on account of inclement weather in the Sunday forecast. It turned out inclement, AND HOW! Water from Sunday's blizzard was still making its way into rivers a week later (see below). Saturday, in contrast, was balmy and glorious. With 3 capable paddlers in the group we chose to start higher than usual (at the next farm road bridge above the 1st covered bridge) and finish further down (below the Rt. 7 overpass). Ricky brought along his HandyCam so we have proof we ran all the big drops, including the concrete dam (river right) and the double drop in Ferrisburgh (river left). Only the steep embankment at the put-in gave anyone (me) trouble! By and large, though, Lewis Creek is a dandy little class I-II stream in a remote valley with lots of wildlife, made even nicer this day by warm sunshine.
Regrettably, only one of the many folks who inquired about the
trip was free to go Saturday instead. I called to invite Eric
late Friday night, knowing he would be interested. He and Ricky
are now both one river closer to their 'Around Vermont in 30
Rivers' awards.
-- Tony Shaw
North Br. of the Lamoille: Saturday April 15
| Leader: | Randy Allen |
| Participants: | (K1): Chris Weed, Jesse Bushey, Jamie Dolan; (OC1): Tom Jones, Tony Shaw, Fred Glanzburg, Kevin Eaton, Mike Smorgans, Randy Allen |
| Water: | medium |
Sunshine, warm winds, temps in the 60's and snowmelt from a local storm all conspired for optimum levels and a great day of paddling. All that on a scheduled trip! We put in at the covered bridge on Back Road (water level 2') and several people ran the slide and ledge drops to the left. Tony was particularly pleased with his successful run of the slide. By the time we reached the gorge the water had risen to nearly 3 feet. This was a new river for 6 members but everyone was paddling admirably. We did encounter two new strainers and were able to remove one. Because of the level, we opted not to continue to Waterville. Chris, Tony & I couldn't resist the great (rising) level and decided to do the upper section. One would think all the bogs of Canada were at the put in. This deep, beautiful meandering brook of oxbows and alders gradually gains gradient and speed to become a challenging class III run among the boulders and ledges.
One boater got endered at a 4 drop and had to bail out and swim some distance, but made it to shore but his paddle wound up in a nasty river wide strainer some 50 yards further down. (we retrieved it). The strainer is in sight of the first house you come to on the right in Belvedere. We completed the run as darkness set in, electing not to attempt the class IV ledge drop right beside the road.
This is my favorite river in the state for continuous class
III+ whitewater. If you haven't paddled it, check it out!
-- Randy Allen
Tweed River: Saturday April 15
| Leader: | Eric Bishop |
| Participants: | (K1): Dave Boedy; (OC1): Eric Bishop, Peter Downey, Andy Meilleur |
| Water: | medium low |
We added a few miles of the Tweed River onto Rich Larsen's
White R. trip on this lovely spring day. We put in just upstream
from Pittsfield and paddled easy water through pretty countryside
to the confluence with the White. Just upstream of the junction
was the only true whitewater, a class III shute that was run
without any trouble. One could start higher up with more water,
but my guess is it isn't worth it.
-- Eric Bishop
White & Tweed Rivers: Saturday April 15
| Leader: | Rich & Sheri Larsen |
| Participants: | (K1): Dave Boedy, Lori Barg, Gary Hafer, George McIntosh, Matt Stacey; (OC1): Rich Larsen, Sheri Larsen, Eric Bishop, Andy Meilleur, Peter Downey; (OC2): John King & George Agnew |
| Water: | USGS = 3400 cfs (medium low) |
We had an excellent day with clear sky and highs in the 70's.
Burlington tied a record at 77! The water was medium low, not as
high as normal for the date. The gauge below W. Hartfort
confirmed this showing 3400 cfs as opposed to the usual 4000.We
had a total of 11 boats and split into two groups as some wanted
to paddle the Tweed. Eric Bishop, Andy Meilleur, Peter Downey and
Dave Boedy put in south of Pittsford adding another hour to the
trip. Rich Larsen , Sheri Larsen, Lori Barg, Gary Hafer, George
McIntosh, Matt Stacey, John King and George Agnew put in at the
usual spot. The only excitement was watching a beaver surf
through one set of rapids and watching gear get blown into the
river at the lunch spot!
-- Rich Larsen
Lower New Haven: Sunday April 16
| Leader: | Jamie Dolan |
| Participants: | (K1): David Hill, Joe Bromka, Megan O'Rielly; (OC1): Tom Jones |
| Water: | medium |
The first swim occurred before anyone even entered a boat!
Would be participant Tina Scharf, scouting the river, slipped on
a rock and fell hard. This ended her paddling before it started.
The water level was real fine and all boaters took advantage of
it to play frequently. One other swim occurred with no
consequence. The only strainer was just above the confluence of
the New Haven with Baldwin Creek. Tom and Jamie took out just
above the mill while the rest ran the rapids behind the mill.
Another good day on the New Haven.
-- Jamie Dolan
North Br. of the Winooski: Saturday April 22
| Leader: | Eric Bishop |
| Participants: | (OC1): Eric Bishop, Tony Shaw, Randy Allen |
| Water: | medium |
On this spring day it was snowing when we put in from Rte 12
near the Worcester/Elmore town lines, north of Worcester. Words
would hardly do this short stretch ( 2 miles or so) of class IV
pool-drop paddling justice. We did not finish the run as it took
over 2 hours to go about 11/2 miles, over about 10 drops ranging
from 3' to around 20'. We did not attempt the 20' , nor another
three part drop of about the same size, but we felt they were
both runnable in open boats with the proper group and courage. If
you like tiny rivers with waterfalls, the North Br. Winooski is
for you.
-- Eric Bishop
Upper Lamoille: Sunday April 23
| Leader: | Andy Meilleur |
| Participants: | (K1): Georgia Myer, Ryan Moore, Jeff Fletterick; (OC1): Randy Allen, Andy Meilleur |
| Water: | riverside = 3.5 ft. (medium) |
It was overcast and rainy with the water and air temperature
combined barely 80. The river was at 3-1/2 feet. Three members
were new to this trip but there were no mishaps and everyone was
exhilerated by the water. We spent 2 1/2 hours playing from East
Hardwick to Hardwick!
-- Andy Meilleur
Lower Mad River: Sunday April 30
| Leader: | Randy Allen |
| Participants: | (K1): Steve Lawson; (OC1): Andy Meiller, Eric Bishop, Tom Jones, Randy Allen |
| Water: | riverside = 4.75 ft. (medium) |
The Moose was scheduled but because of low water we moved to
the lower Mad which was running at 4-3/4. The Mad is always a
good standby and this time we spent a little under three hours
playing on it.
-- Randy Allen
Contoocook River (NH): Sunday May 7
| Leader: | Tom Jones |
| Participants: | (K1): Becky Bates, Roger; (OC1): Tom Jones |
| Water: | riverside = 6.7 ft.; USGS = 6.7 ft. (medium low) |
Becky Bates, Tom Jones and Roger from the Merrimack Valley Paddlers put on the Contoocook above S Turn Rapids in a large slow moving pool. A friendly place to practice rolls and to loosen up for the fun to come.
The day was warm, 80 degrees, and sunny. The river level was 6.7', a good level for play and a great level for an introduction to this big water river. Ray Gabler lists this level as low, but do not be fooled. There is plenty of action in Freight Train rapids at this level and S Turn is fun. I would call the run Class III. Most of the rapids are easy to read on the fly. Some boaters may want to scout Freight Train to pick out the most interesting or safest routes.
The run starts with some mellow surfs and easy Class II rapids. No big deal although I took it too easy and found myself swimming. After that I woke up and paddled with authority. As the action picked up there were lots of pour-overs for surfing and some submerged rocks waiting to dump the inattentive. S Turn has many possible routes at this level. Catch the eddies and surfs, scout, and position your boat for a clean run. Near the bottom of S Turn is an island on the right. You can run right or left. We chose to run left because it was easier to scout on the fly. At the bottom of S Turn is a large eddy and the gage is on river right.
Our MVPC friend left the river at the quiet water just before Freight Train. Time to catch your breath and to let the timid head for their cars. The entrance to Freight Train is mellow with many places to eddy and scout. The classic move is to make the first eddy on the right in the fast moving part of the rapid. It is small and is guarded by a strong eddy line, but has a nice rooster tail to help you over and in. I could not hold position in the eddy, but not to worry, I found some friendly surfing room just beyond it. Time to look around and quickly plan the next move. I needed to make the next move a good one because several three plus foot drops with stopper waves and heavy volume were waiting for me. A real blast.
Hope we can entice a few more VPC members to try the Contoocook. It is only an hour from Lebanon NH. It has a large drainage area so the season is a bit longer and it comes up after a good rain. Early season we can expect 8+ foot levels and Class IV action.
Happy Paddling.
Editor's note: A lot of us know about this one. Freight Train
is a nifty swim!
-- Tom Jones
Ammonoosuc River (NH): Tuesday May 9
| Leader: | Andy Meilleur |
| Participants: | (K1): Greg Decell, Ryan Moore; (OC1): Andy Meilleur, Mike Smorgans |
| Water: | riverside = 4.7 -> 5.5 ft.; USGS = 4.7 -> 5.5 ft. (medium high) |
We started at 1:30pm at a level of 4.7 ft. fueled by a rainy
night with thunderstorms still lurking. The river had a thick
blanket of fog that was not warm and fuzzy and made water reading
difficult. The river was rising and was capable of rising 2 more
feet in a matter of hours. The roar at the Powerhouse Rapid
beneath the fog was too much for me so I found a good carry route
on river right 150 ft above the dam along an abandoned access
road to the power house. Greg and Ryan ran left for the full
effect and Mike found a channel on the right side of an island
that forms at higher levels. We regrouped at the powerhouse and
continued down a mile long class 2/3 stretch where we were
oppressed by a thunderstorm which at least cleared the fog out.
Even though I could see Alderbrook Rapid it did not diminish my
need to carry one more time. I found a well worn path on the
river right just beyond the gray house. Greg joined me in the
carry as we watched Mike tangle with a large hole at center where
some brace and roll action was timely. This trip was great
learning for me finding the wide range (2.5-5.5ft) that the river
can be run. At 5+ feet the river was just beginning to wash out
but was still well below flood. Given the two relatively short
class 4 rapids making the carries would make this great river
accessible to those wishing to avoid class 4 water.
-- Andy Meilleur
West Branch Ausable (NY): Saturday May 13
| Leader: | Tony Shaw |
| Participants: | (K1): Ricky Battistoni; (OC1): Andy Meilleur, Tony Shaw |
| Water: | riverside = 1.25 (Hazelton) ft.; USGS = 3.3 (E. Branch) ft., 6.6 (Saranac) ft. (medium) |
May rained and rained and rained some more -- 4 inches had fallen by May 10. So we weren't surprised to find the Saranac below Union Falls dam at a medium-high 6.6 feet, higher than any of us had ever run it (or cared to on this occasion). So we probed Jamieson for a suitable alternative, and opted for the Ausable, West Branch.
Over in Ausable Forks, our initial bewildered search for the take-out was aided by a friendly local who showed us where to park and take out, as well as a shortcut to the Wilmington put-in (both via Ausable Drive). Then, in Wilmington, another local gave us permission to ignore a "No Trespassing" sign at the put-in (Lake Everest outlet, river left). It looks as if a river right put-in would be possible/preferable, behind the public library.
The 9 mile run to the backwater of the high dam in Ausable
Forks is a delight at this medium level, with 2 long stretches of
continuous class II-III water and a scenic stretch of quickwater
in between. Weather was hazy and warm, with no black flies out
yet. Ricky had the audacity to comment on the lack of predicted
afternoon thunderstorms, but they held off anyway! The banks
(aside from "POSTED" signs) are largely unspoiled, and the views
up-valley to Whiteface Mt. and its kin are captivating. We intend
to paddle here again, and perhaps next time add the East Branch
(as a chaser).
-- Tony Shaw
| Leader: | Randy Allen |
| Participants: | (OC1): Randy Allen, Mike Smorgans |
| Water: | medium low |
Some of us have been eyeing this river for some time now and an impromptu scout and phone call put us on the river the next day. We put in at the spillway below the dam in East Barre and pulled out at the Rte. 302 bridge just above the Dugout restaurant, probably a mile and a half or so. The water was low making it a challenge to find a clear line (even in a 9' 6" C-1) and to get some purchase with the paddle. Where the river narrows it becomes a challenging class III run, steep, fast and continuous with only occasional eddies. We portaged some drops and some nasty looking rip-rap at an outside bend near a big granite shed and a log strainer about two thirds of the way down.
This is an exciting run. The look on Mike's face after some of
the drops attested to that! It would probably be class IV in high
water. The gorge further down would be another challenge and the
beauty of this river is that the marshlands and dam temper the
flow so it could be run almost anytime there s water, just pick
your flow.
-- Randy Allen
New Haven Ledges: Saturday May 20
| Leader: | Tony Shaw |
| Participants: | (K1): Ed Clark,Chad Chamberlain,Jamie Dolan; (OC1): Tony Shaw; (C1): Randy Allen |
| Water: | riverside = 12 in.; USGS = 4.4 ft. |
Mike Fullerton asked me if I'd lead his Hudson Gorge trip while he nursed a back injury, but only one person called to inquire about the Gorge so I began contemplating local options.
Based upon Tom Yurista's USGS correlation table for New Haven Ledges levels (http://www.vtpaddlers.net/paddle/gagepage/index.php) I surmised that the Saturday level would be ideal for this challenging run. It was. Unfortunately Tom was heading to New York to run the lower Moose, but I managed via phone and email to find 4 willing paddlers for the trip.
Jamie and Randy (like myself) had never run the ledges before, while Chad and Ed had each logged over a dozen descents this year alone. With river gods...uh, guides...like this we were well prepared for each challenging drop. With the exception of Randy (who blew out a D-ring at the put-in but completed the trip at a disadvantage anyway) we got down with little difficulty. At times we were like ducklings in a row...behind Ed and Chad...but hey, whatever works! Bartlett Falls (aka 'Toaster') is quite the adrenaline rush, though technically one of the easiest drops on the river. Chris Weed came along to spectate and took a roll of great panoramic photos, which I still show off every chance I get.
I can't wait to try this again!
-- Tony Shaw
| Leader: | Bob Marshall |
| Participants: | (K1): 7; (OC1): 1 |
| Water: | riverside = 4 ft. (medium low) |
This trip went off without a hitch. The water level at the
Randy Allen gauge was just under 4'. We had 7 kayakers and 1 open
boat. Three of the kayakers were beginners. Of the 8 boaters,4 of
them were 13 yeas old. I would like to thank Andy, Scott and Tor
for putting up with the high energy level of the kids. I would
also like to thank the kids for a hassle free trip! We had no
swims until it was play time at the bottom rapids.
-- Bob Marshall
Battenkill River: Sunday May 28
| Leader: | Tony Shaw |
| Participants: | (K1): Mary - in a Keowee; (OC1): Faith Knapp, Julia; (OC2): Mary and Al, Naomi and Murray, Karen and Holly, Tony and Emily Shaw |
| Weather: | Overcast |
| Water: | USGS = 4.0 ft. (medium) |
We had 7 boats on the Battenkill (Emily and myself, along with Faith Knapp and 5 boats she recruited from the NH AMC). Emily had a really great time, as did her dad. The folks Faith brought were very pleasant company, the weather was overcast but warm enough, and the river was (as always) an absolute class I delight. We covered about 9 miles in 3 1/2 hours including a stop at the Arlington covered bridge for bankside picnic lunch. The take out at the first covered bridge in NYS (Eaglesville) makes a perfect length trip. None of the paddlers in our group had any trouble, however the neophytes we observed in rental canoes were having a tough time with the unusually fast water (4.0 feet WWW gauge), including a number of swims and one wrapped canoe.
Do yourself a favor and plan to run the Battenkill the next
time it appears on the VPC schedule.
-- Tony Shaw
Third Br. of White River: Saturday June 3
| Leader: | Eric Bishop |
| Participants: | (K1): Lori Barg, Tim Parsons; (OC2): Eric Bishop, Barb Frankowski, Tater |
| Water: | low boatable |
We put in just south of W. Braintree on Rte 12A and dragged,
scraped and paddled almost 8 miles to the Recreation Field
take-out on the north side of Randolph. This trip took over 4
hours because of the low water level, but the afternoon was sunny
and warm, the water generally clean and the scenery rural
Vermont. There were a few small drops that with water would be
class II or III but in general this would be class I-II even with
a fair amount of additional water.
-- Eric Bishop
Hudson Gorge: Saturday June 24
| Leader: | E.Bishop, A. Meilleur |
| Participants: | (K1): Georgia Myer; (OC1): E.Bishop, Andy Meilleur, Randy Allen |
| Water: | USGS = 3.7 ft. (medium) |
This trip came together at the last minute, even though I had
added it to the schedule the week before. The weather was great,
warm with intermitent sun; the water level was a little over 4ft
with the bubble, and warm. Everyone paddled well- warm water and
sunshine does that to you- and we had no trouble at all. We even
outran the raft horde until Harris rapid were we stopped for
lunch- and it was a horde. Perhaps it was just that they were all
together, but I have never seen so many rafts on the river, all
visible at the same time.
-- E.Bishop
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Paddlers Club 