Bow and SternJune 2004 |
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in partnership with the American Canoe Association
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Volume XXX No. 2
< < < Go with the Flow > > > |
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Bow and SternJune 2004 |
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Volume XXX No. 2
< < < Go with the Flow > > > |
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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!
| From the President |
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| In Memory of Linda Weiss |
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Former VPC member Linda Weiss drowned on April 10th while kayaking on the Mettawee River in Truthville, New York. Linda was 30 years old and lived in Burlington. Originally from New Mexico, her passion for kayaking took off when she moved to Vermont in 1996. She joined the VPC and became a regular on club trips.
| Treasurer's Summary |
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| INCOME AND EXPENSES | YEAR 2003 | 01/01/04-05/25/04 |
| DUES | $835.00 | $925 |
| EVENTS SPONSORSHIP | ($100.00) | ($200) |
| WEB-SITE | ($300.00) | ($150) |
| BANK FEES + INTEREST | ($32.56) | ($20) |
| MEETINGS / MAILINGS | ($622.16) | ($575) |
| VERMONT RIVERS CONSERVANCY | $0.00 | ($50) |
| ROLLING SESSIONS THRU APRIL | $353.50 | $175 |
| BANNER | ($159.00) | $0 |
| CANOE AND KAYAK SCHOOL | $0.00 | June |
| NET ACA COST | ($5.00) | $0 |
| DATE | GENERAL FUND | SAFETY / EDUCATION | TOTAL |
| 12/31/2001 | $773.96 | $1,158.63 | $1,932.59 |
| 12/31/2002 | $688.68 | $898.12 | $1,586.80 |
| 12/31/2003 | $748.15 | $808.43 | $1,556.58 |
| 05/31/2004 (approx) | $930.00 | $730.00 | $1,660.00 |
| Trip Reports |
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US Olympic Trials / West Virginia: April 2, 2004
Organizer: USOC
Participants: Kayakers (K1): Preston Hartman / Canoers (C1): Alden Bird
Water:
Character: intermediate WW
I took some time off to compete in the US Olympic Trials for whitewater slalom this past weekend. I broke up the long drive to South Bend Indiana by stopping in West Virginia to do some creeking on a gem I had long heard about, the Lower Big Sandy. It was fantastic -- warm and sunny. So sunny, in fact, that I redeveloped my "hand tan" again. Warm-weather boating has begun! We camped at the put-in and played our way down the river. We carried back up and ran Wonder falls about five times, and laughed the whole way down. I drove from there to the man-made whitewater river in South Bend, and spent several days training in the slalom gates before the race, exploring the city, and of course hanging out in the hot-tub! Race day brought big crowds and lots of cameras (and a big hole surf for some unlucky boaters at gate 11!) Racing down through what seemed like a tunnel of people lining the banks and cheering from the bridges is something I will remember for a long time. Everyone paddled incredibly well, but the guys and girls at the top are unbelievably skilled. It's really something just to watch. I think everyone had a good time hanging out and racing in South Bend, and I hope to race as much as possible next year! See yall at the Fiddlehead . . .
Ball Mt. Brook: April 3, 2004
Organizer: Jim Z (K1)
Participants: Kayakers (K1): Mike Petronic
Water: Painted Gauge (ft): 5.25 block
Character: int-adv WW
Low broachable, I mean boatable level. The narrow steeper drops had plenty of water, but the wide easy parts were too low. The bridge "gauge" was showing either 5.25 or 6.25 blocks....I'm never sure whether to count the big top block. A challenging run at any level.
Huntington River: April 3, 2004
Organizer: Jamie Doaln
Participants: Kayakers (K1): Jamie Dolan / Canoers (OC1): Mike Fullerton; Mike Smorgans
Water:
Character: novice WW
We knew it was going to be a low rider day and it was. Water was flowing about 8-12 inches below the top of the gauge rock. But this was the first paddle of the season for all of us and we were determined. We put in at the Audubon parking lot. While we never had to walk the boats, the river is now blessed with some additional coloration from the bottom of them. Below the bridge at Hinesburg Hollow road the play wave was still there but with a bit less water. And at this level you get to see what makes the ledge by the rock wall towards the end of the run. The toughest part of this trip was the opening on Dugway road. It was in the full glory of mud season. We all had a good time, didn't get wet and didn't loose any axles.
Gihon River, upper and lower: April 4, 2004
Organizer: James Raboin (K1)
Participants: Kayakers (K1): David Diederich
Scott Cummings
Ryan Young
Scott ?
Water:
Character: advanced WW
An uneasy feeling driving to the river anticipating high water was quickly turned to joy when driving up 100C and seeing the last drop, Sunset. It looked beautiful from the road, a perfect medium level was seen on the flat rock gauge we use looking up powerhouse rapid from the covered bridge. After some good info from local resident boater Jim Andrus, we got to know the names of all the lower rapids and where to avoid trees. Everyone agreed to the idea of snow trudging while scouting and portaging, and we loaded up. The upper proved to be very challenging, the first drop with a six foot boof drop is my favorite drop on the river. The second is a solid 15 - 20 foot total drop with conseqences when hitting the fold, as Dave found out and went over head first. After seeing 3 other sucessfull runs of it I braved it for the first time and it went perfectly, unlike the rest of my day. We all portaged the big one on the upper, Mustang, it could be in a video. On the lower, 3 tried the first drop, Bedhead, all 3 doing mystery moves and showing up at the bottom upside down. After scouting the second drop myself I tried to show the line, missed it and hit the hole of Eldorado, flipped and proceeded to poorly try to roll, and swam. I got to shore and watched my boat go over the next double drop, luckily it caught the eddy next to the old power house. We all reunited and went down to pin cushion, where Dave found his boat had broken and his day was over. The four of us continued down powerhouse rapid, where Scott C. said that was one of his favorite rapids. The Sunset drop gave me a vertical stern squirt, a fun way to end the day. The Gihon offers a lot of action in doing both upper and lower. A good time was had by all.
Upper Mad: April 4, 2004
Organizer: Tony Shaw
Participants: Kayakers (K1): Jamie Dolan, Robert Fuller, Julie Prior, David Hoene, Cheryl Robinson / Canoers (OC1): Eric Bishop, Tony Shaw, Mike Smorgans
Water: Internet Gauge (ft): 4.25 / Internet Gauge (cfs): 750 / USGS Gauge Name: Moretown
Character: novice WW
This is ALWAYS a fun run. But don't be fooled by its "novice whitewater" designation -- the intermittent easy ledge drops and rapids en route from Warren to Waitsfield can upend unsuspecting novices abruptly -- and frequently do. Today was no exception. But with support and encouragement from our admittedly over-qualified party (including two Grand Canyon veterans and two denizens of the New Haven Ledges) a remarkable improvement in boat control among our party's novices was apparent by the end of the run.
Eric flipped and swam immediately above the constricted Butternut Rd. ledge drop (practicing self-rescue skills?) but the drop itself was successfully run by all who attempted it (6 of 8). The landing for this carry before the bridge (river left) has been stabilized with rip-rap since the last time I was here, making it easier to identify and negotiate.
The low level made it necessary to run single file most of the way down, and in fact we split into two groups of four to give everyone a bit more breathing room on this small and pretty stream.
Schroon River: April 11, 2004
Organizer: John Barrows
Participants: Kayakers (K1): Cheryl Robinson, Paul Kenyon, Stephanie Heath, John Barrows, Eric Rossier, and others
Water: Painted Gauge (ft): ? / Internet Gauge (ft): 5
Character: nov-int WW
We hit the Schroon last weekend, what a great river. It marked the first trip of the year for Stephanie, and the level was nice and high. Air temp was around 40 deg and the ice had not gone off the lake to make the water temperature a bit chilly as well. We did not have any icicles in the eddies though. The run started at the put in above the telephone marker on the river side of the road. Uncle John said that if we parked down stream of that marker, we would get towed. The entrance rapid had one great wave with river left eddy service. We got a few good rides including a surf by Paul. The level flushed much of the catch on the fly waves and reduced the smaller shorline eddies to make our group size a bit too large for the run. It would have been best paddled with multiple groups of 3. The one drop the river had to offer was scouted by all and ran by all. It was a shallow hole that started center left and widened as it met a 5 1/2 standing wave. This wave represented the main flow of the river and had terrific speed. Several surfs were had on this one from two members of our group. It was possible to drop into a smaller hydraulic above the lip of the drop to zero out the downstream momentum. At that point I was able to drift down the drop into the foam pile of the main hyrdulic and blast surfers left onto the main face of the wave. The riot air 55 went into bounce mode and was ready for arials. I however was not. Got some clean front surf on and another member of the group got a series of nice flat spins. Great wave. Nice park and play opportunities.
Lower Lamoille: April 11, 2004
Organizer: Richard Larsen
Participants: Kayakers (K1): John Pandolfo,
Dan Beideck / Canoers (OC1): Richard Larsen,
Sheri Larsen,
Michael Fullerton
Water: Internet Gauge (cfs): 1600 / USGS Gauge Name: East Georgia
Character: nov-int WW
We shuttled cars with the assistance of Frank Wells, who was on call and could not paddle. We put in below the dam at Fairfax, and had a 2.5 hour paddle down to the normal takeout between the bridges. The weather was a mixture of sun and clouds, and seasonably cool, with temperatures in the high 40s. The water flow of 1600cfs was low to the normal of 2400 cfs on the date. It was a pleasant early-season paddle, with a lot of mergansers on the river.
Bingo Creek: April 14, 2004
Organizer: Alden Bird
Participants: Kayakers (K1): Jim Zamecnik / Canoers (C1): Alden Bird
Water: Painted Gauge (ft): 0.0
Character: intermediate WW
Today we ran Bingo Creek, a beautiful little secret down in Rochester Vermont. It's one of the many, many White river tribs that comes up with rain and sees only a few boats per year. This cl. III river is a gem -- beautiful green water and many, many ledge drops. Even still there is plenty of challenge -- with both the boaters having to "practice" their rolls! All in all, it was a very good day.
New Haven / Lower Mad: April 17, 2004
Organizer: Jamie Dolan
Participants: Kayakers (K1): Julie Prior; Maura; Cheryl; Tim; Jamie Dolan / Canoers (OC1): Randy Allen; Mike Fullerton / Duckies: Tina Scharf
Water: Painted Gauge (ft): 4.5 / Internet Gauge (ft): 3.85 / Internet Gauge (cfs): 5++ / USGS Gauge Name: Moretown
Character: intermediate WW
The scheduled New Haven trip was cancelled due to lack of water. However, the lower Mad was running at a pleasant 3.85 and 500 + CFS. The day turned into a wonderful exercise of boat rescue. Though it could have turned out differently. One of the kayakers started over the Horseshoe falls on river left (the so called "cheat route") but was quickly caught in the somewhat sticky upper hole. She flipped by the rock in the middle of the river precluding a roll and losing boat and paddle. Two of the boaters used a throw rope to rescue her from having to go over the falls. The paddle flushed out in good fashion and was easily retrieved. Not so the boat. After what seemed like ten minutes, it eventually lodged itself right by the horseshoe determined not to move. Two of the boaters ferried above the falls across the river to retrieve it. Climbing down the rock face the boat was reached and tied off with a throw rope. The boat was full of water and very heavy, so it could not be hauled out. The rope was then ferried to river left where the boat was then pulled in. During this time the ducky, which was used to get across the river to rescue the kayak, got loose and also went over the falls. This flushed into one of the rock crevices below the falls and was relatively easy to retrieve. Even after all this excitement Tina, in the ducky, decided to run the falls (river left) a second time. By her own admission it was because she did not want to carry the ducky anymore. The rest of the trip was relatively anti-climatic, though we did get to do another boat rescue. While no one ever was in real danger there was the potential for that and we all acted accordingly. It gave all of us more respect for the river left run.
Dog River: April 17, 2004
Organizer: Eric Bishop
Participants: Kayakers (K1): Adis Zilic / Canoers (OC1): Eric Bishop
Water:
Character: nov-int WW
We put in under the bridge on Rte 12 by the town of Northfield offices and garage. We paddled under two covered bridges before reaching Northfield Falls and a mandatory portage. Exit river right , walk past the old mill and down an old road to the river. Between the falls and Riverton there is a fair amount of easy whitewater and two portages (at least for us on this day). After Riverton the river continues with good current but little excitement all the way to the Winooski. We took out about a mile down the side road off Rte 12 at the south base of the big hill.
White River: April 17, 2004
Organizer: Richard Larsen
Participants: Kayakers (K1): Nelson Morgan,
Craig Carline / Canoers (OC1): Richard Larsen,
Sheri Larsen,
Len Carpenter,
Ed Amidon
Water: Internet Gauge (cfs): 2200 / USGS Gauge Name: West Hartford
Character: nov-int WW
The day was unexpectedly warm, with a lot of hazy sunshine. The river was relatively low, reading 2200cfs downstream at West Hartford, compared to 3100cfs as typical for this time of year. We had a 3.5 hour paddle, including lunch at the Gaysville ledges, from the Tweed River put-in to the take-out along the road (Vt 107) a few miles below Gaysville. The only incident of note was that a large tree was across the tight channel as the Tweed emptied into the White, and the tree 'grabbed' and rolled one of the canoes. We had a wet paddler, but the air temperature made this a non-problem. All continued on the trip. It is interesting to note that the river has completed re-routing itself where Stony Brook enters, as it as fully eroded the left bank by perhaps 10 feet, and all the flow is now down that side of the old concrete trestle pilings. There are a lot of trees in the water along the left shore in this area, and further downstream, making a minor risk of strainers.
Joe's Brook: April 18, 2004
Organizer: Tony Shaw
Participants: Kayakers (K1): Jamie Dolan, Tad Martin / Canoers (C1): Alden Bird / Canoers (OC1): Eric Bishop, Tony Shaw
Water: Painted Gauge (ft): 1.9 / Internet Gauge (cfs): 250-300 / USGS Gauge Name: Joe\'s Pond (call GMP)
Character: advanced WW
Old Joe, "the Friendly Indian Guide", wandered out into the Newbury VT woods after a winter storm in 1819 and froze to death. For eight decades he lived an illustrious life, at one point being summoned by George Washington so that the General could express his gratitude for Joe's assistance to the revolutionary cause. At six years of age, in his hometown of Louisburg, Nova Scotia, Joe was orphaned during a bloody British invasion of his hometown. His life-long hatred for the Brits (sorry, Simon) led him to fight in the French and Indian war, making several raids into Vermont before the American Revolution. When left behind by his retreating indian raid party, badly wounded, he was taken in by a Newbury area family that nursed him back to health and invited him to stay on. Joe eventually made Vermont his permanent home, but not before wooing a squaw (Molly) to become his wife. They had no permanent home, living sometimes on their Joe's Pond island in West Danville, sometimes in a cave near the Newbury/Ryegate line, and sometimes in a Peacham wigwam. Joe was a scout for General Jacob Bayley, commander of the Yankee's northern frontier forces, and helped map out the historic Bayley-Hazen Road. After the revolution, Joe and Molly continued to wander up and down the valleys of Vermont helping out when they could and making new friends. Joe was always proud of his audience with George Washington, having made the trip with Molly to the General's Newburgh, NY encampment by canoe and on foot. The Micmac believed in reincarnation, and although we did not see Joe & Molly in their canoe on this trip, we think perhaps they were the two deer we startled standing in the brook near the put-in. Their spirit seemed to infuse our group, urging us on and keeping danger at bay. They sustained our level at 1.9 throughout the day, arguably the ideal low boatable level (with the bladder partially down). A formidable glacial ice bridge in the gorge below Morse's Mills prevented our party from running this stretch, but three in our group portaged by car and ran the stretch from Brook Hill Rd. to the Passumpsic for the first time. Here we found some stillwater, some II, and two more boat-scoutable ledge drops. Amid the day's "white noise" and serene hush we could just make out Joe whistering our Micmac names: "Can Spot Sneak Route Through Any Drop - Why Bother?" (Alden) "A Stretch We Haven't Run - Let's Go!" (Eric) "One Chin Laceration Is Enough - Thank You" (Jamie) "Content & Smiling Below Each Big Drop" (Tad) "Runs Big Drops Backwards - Oh ________!" (Tony) We also clearly heard him shout the Micmac translation for the brook that bears his name: "Sipu Nenaqe'g Iapjiw" (Relentless River).
Lower Lamoille: April 21, 2004
Organizer: Richard Larsen
Participants: Kayakers (K1): James Raboin, John Pandolfo, George McIntosh / Canoers (C1): Ken Roberts / Canoers (OC1): Richard Larsen, Ray Ingram, Pat Cleary, Mike Crane
Water: Internet Gauge (cfs): 2400 / USGS Gauge Name: East Georgia
Character: nov-int WW
This was the first of the Wednesday post-work trips for 2004 on the Lower Lamoille, hosted by Rich Larsen and Ray Ingram. The river had dropped below its average for the date (2400cfs vs 3100cfs), but still had decent flow. The day was warmer than expected, about 60 at the start time, but dropping into the 50s as the sun went behind clouds. The wind was at our back for the whole trip, odd for the Lower Lamoille, so we floated down the river quickly, with extra time for playing at 5 chutes. Some paddlers practiced rolling - some practiced swimming - but there were no problems. The usual river dwellers - Ospreys and Mergansers - were evident in the lower portions of the river..
White -> Lamoille: April 25, 2004
Organizer: Tony Shaw
Participants: Kayakers (K1): Rich Baker, Joel George, Adis Zilic / Canoers (OC1): Tony Shaw / Canoers (OC2): George Agnew & John King
Water: Internet Gauge (ft): 4.6 / Internet Gauge (cfs): 1700 / USGS Gauge Name: E. Georgia
Character: novice WW
A few callers (Lori Barg, Eliot Lothrop, Deb Kirchway) were disappointed that the scheduled Upper White trip was scuttled on account of the prevailing low water conditions across the state during late April, and that the trip was going to occur instead on the Lower Lamoille. I hope they found somewhere else to paddle or be outdoors.
Those who met to paddle the Lower Lamoille were quite happy with the decision despite low(ish) water and strong(ish) headwinds from the Fairfax dam to Arrowhead Lake. We stopped briefly at Crandall Landing to break up the slumber party, and by and by Maura and Julie Prior managed to catch up with us downriver to join in the play. For half our group this was an introduction to the Lower Lamoille reach, though Joel and Adis had been to 5 Chutes a few days earlier to park & play. None of the features are onorous at this level (unless you count the whitecaps coming across Arrowhead Lake near the takeout!).
Several other parties present on the river gave testament to the fact that the Lower Lamoille is a perennial favorite among novice whitewater enthusiasts.
Middlebury Gorge: April 28, 2004
Organizer: Alden Bird
Participants: Kayakers (K1): Rick Cooley, Erin Pittenger, Jake Whitcomb / Canoers (C1): Alden Bird
Water: Internet Gauge (cfs): 220 / USGS Gauge Name: New Haven
Character: advanced WW
A particularly memorable trip. The most beautiful day I have paddled! With temps in the 60s, all the time in the world -- and a long gorge filled with many, many distinct challenges -- we had a long, memorable passage from top to bottom. For two of us, it was the culmination of a long, long quest. This river has been our Stikine, our Tsang Po, our "Last River." There were many hard places, and many strong arms extended in support along the way. When we got to the end, we knew absolutely that four years were not in vain. We only have two more weeks until graduation, and the rivers are drying up. How fitting to paddle the Middlebury.
Hudson Gorge: May 1, 2004
Organizer: Rod Wentworth
Participants: Kayakers (K1): Will Colgan, Jamie Dolan, Jim Fecteau, Dennis Fournier, Scott Gilbert, Jim Poulin, Rod Wentworth / Canoers (C1): Dave Stanley / Canoers (OC1): Andy Meilleur
Water: Internet Gauge (ft): 4.0 (befor
Character: advanced WW
We met at 9:30 am at the take out and got up to the river just after the release began at 10 am. This was one of those rare, beautifully warm (even a little hot - 70s) days, and we remarked about how that often wasn't the case on the Hudson! I often do this trip around the first weekend in May, and this weather seems to come around 1 year in 10. It made for a great day. There were quite a few rafts on the river but not many kayaks. Andy paddled the only open canoe. The black flies had begun to show up but weren't hungry yet. Another great spring trip on the Hudson.
Browns River: May 1, 2004
Organizer: Ricky Battistoni
Participants: Kayakers (K1): Ricky Battistoni
John Pandolfo / Canoers (OC2): Michael Malley & Peter Malley
Water: Painted Gauge (ft): 1.5 on Low
Character: nov-int WW
Assumed to be a little scratchy... and it was. But all agreed to take on the Browns and tack on the lower lamoille after that. No regrets. It was a beautiful day, and the three boats made the most of it. Only the first drop at the broken dam forced a carry due to low water. It was here that we picked up another paddler (of the doggy paddle kind). Better than most of us at the ferry, and definately excelled at cleaning up sticks out of the river (his part for green up day, I suppose). He paddled with us for over 1/2 mi. The couple of ledges were run by all and the double ledge drop after catching Ricky for a moment... posed no problems for anyone, and enjoyment for all. It is a long trip, and it never felt longer than with a headwind on the lower lamoille. But as the rapids approached all was forgotten, and the boats began playing once more. We left exhausted (except for Marathon Kayaker Mike Malley, who was using this as a rest day from his normal training routine), but were glad to be on the water on such a day. Trip time approx. 4 hrs.
Lower Hudson: May 2, 2004
Organizer: Richard Larsen
Participants: Kayakers (K1): Julie Prior, John Pandolfo, Frank Wells / Canoers (OC1): Richard Larsen, Sheri Larsen, Len Carpenter
Water: Internet Gauge (ft): 4.0 / USGS Gauge Name: North Creek
Character: intermediate WW
The trip was scheduled for the Ammo, but moved to the lower Hudson because of low water in the Ammo. (Except, of course, once the trip was moved, the Ammo came up with snowmelt - but we stayed with the Hudson.) The water was relatively low for this time of year, at 4.0' at the North Creek gauge. When we got to North Creek, we learned it was Hudson River Downriver Derby Day - so we raced to get on the river first, then pulled over a ways downriver to let the racers pass. The wind was remarkably strong, and blowing upriver, to the point that the canoes could hardly made progress in the 2 miles above and below Riparius. In Spruce Mountain rapid, boats were literally being stopped and slipped sideways unexpectedly by gusts, in the middle of class II-III drops. One canoe took out at Riparius because of the wind, and allegedly the paddler hitch-hiked to the takeout with some turkey hunters, if the story is to be believed. The winds did abate before the major rapids below Mill Brook were reached. Other than the wind, there were no problems. We saw the usual collection of birds - osprey, mergansers, mallards, and finished at the Glen Bridge after about 5.5 hours on the river. The wind slowed us up by at least an hour.
Upper Pemigewasset: May 6, 2004
Organizer: Ed Clark
Participants: Kayakers (K1): Ed Clark / Canoers (C1): Alden Bird
Water: Painted Gauge (ft): even with / Internet Gauge (ft): 4.34 / Internet Gauge (cfs): 1130 / USGS Gauge Name: Woodstock
Character: advanced WW
The Upper Pemi runs for three miles through Franconia Notch New Hampshire. This river is WILD! I mean, I was laughing down this thing. I couldn't believe how cool it was the whole way down. I wont ruin the surprise by describing rapids -- suffice to say, it's exciting! We had some carnage. This river is friendly, but very challenging. Ed took his first swim of the year in a sticky hole. I pitoned off a falls and ripped out my thigh straps. Fortunately a little work had us both going again. This is a river trip you would not want to abandon. This is the coolest river I have ever done. Hands down. Life is a novel thing in Franconia.
Hudson Gorge: May 16, 2004
Organizer: Tony Shaw
Participants: Kayakers (K1): Jamie Dolan, David Hill, Phil Marshall , John Pandolfo, Frank Wells / Canoers (OC1): Eric Bishop, Tony Shaw
Water: Internet Gauge (ft): (with the / Internet Gauge (cfs): (with the / USGS Gauge Name: North Creek
Character: int-adv WW
The Indian River is ALWAYS III+. But at 4 feet before the bubble the Hudson Gorge is by and large II-III not III-IV. Still, the holes can impede your progress if you let them. The day began overcast but turned out gorgeous. A slight tailwind helped us onward and kept the blackflies from eating us alive.
In the Paddle Talk/Paddle Pix area I posted a photo of 4 kayakers in our group making their way down "the Narrows", which was the most turbulent rapid we encountered. For three of the four pictured this was their first descent of the Gorge and they all loved it, including John Pandolfo who (remarkably) has been whitewater kayaking for less than a year.
Big Branch: May 17, 2004
Organizer: Jim Z
Participants: Kayakers (K1): Jim Z
Water: Painted Gauge (ft): 0.5
Character: advanced WW
Ran a quarter mile of the Big Branch today at an absurdly low level: 0.5 on the bridge gauge. Started below the old abutments and ran down to just above the take-out bridge. The river was really too low, but in this short stretch I found a runnable line all the way down, and didn't have to walk anything. Like an addict, I've had a small taste of this creek, and now I want more!
Big Branch breakfast run: May 19, 2004
Organizer:
Participants: Kayakers (K1): Jim Zamecnik / Canoers (C1): Alden Bird
Water: Painted Gauge (ft): 3.5
Character: advanced WW
I had been thinking maybe I was ready for my first run on the legendary Big Branch. Alden had run it a few times, and seemed to think so too. So after a couple days of storms sweeping through south of Rutland, we decided play hooky for the morning and see if it was up. Up it was, to 3.5, a pretty solid level I'm told. We put in at 8AM. The run started out well, boofing over an endless staircase of 2 - 4' drops. This is cool! The drops are so close together there's hardly time to think. The scenery is amazing, if you can find the time to look. Blue sky, warm sunshine, lush spring foliage, and a riverbed full of glacial boulders. Soon we were at the first of the named drops, "Cave rapid". A 6' drop, cave on the right, rock wall on the left, piton rocks in the middle. Tough choices. Alden runs first, taking the middle line. With a thump he pitons into the rocks, breaking both thigh straps. Not easy to roll a C-1 like that, but he tries twice, then he's out and swimming. We recover the boat but his paddle has gotten away. Thankfully he has a spare in his boat, so we jury-rig his straps and continue (I took the sneak route, on foot, boat on shoulder, river right) Another stretch of steep stair-step drops and we're at "Mushroom", a maze of small boulder drops ending in a couple bigger ones. It's my turn for carnage. All goes well until I somehow find myself running the last 2 drops upside down, lose my paddle, and swim. The boat stays with me but the paddle tries to escape. After a short search we find it and we're off again, dropping and boofing. At about the halfway point I'm flipped again, banging along through the boulders. Too confused to roll, I pull the ripcord and gather up the pieces. This time I have a firm grip on the boat and paddle, but I watch as some of my outfitting floats away. With a hip pad and my confidence washed away it's time for me to admit defeat. I shoulder the boat and hike the last 3/4 mile to the take-out bridge. Alden finished the run solo, without further incident. Afterwards, on the drive to work, I find my shirt sleeve wet with blood. A quick stop at the doctor's office for a few stitches in my elbow and I'm ready for the next adventure. What an amazing creek. Far steeper than anything I've been on. Absolutely relentless and unforgiving rapids. Gorgeous green wilderness. Beats the heck out of working! Not sure how soon, but I'll be back again to redeem myself. At a lower level. It's too cool a run not to try again.
A Little Piece of the Cold River: May 24, 2004
Organizer:
Participants: Kayakers (K1): Jim Z
Water: Painted Gauge (ft): 0.2
Character: int-adv WW
Everything around Rutland was running but not a paddling partner in sight. I couldn't let all that water go to waste, so I ran about a half mile of the Cold River. I parked at the covered bridge and carried up as far as I could. At medium-high flow this section is a technical III+, eddy hopping and hole dodging all the way down. Great fun! The class IV "Asskicker" drop lived up to it's name....thank goodness for padded seats. The gradient keeps up past the covered bridge down to the confluence with the N. Branch (It drops about 180 feet/mile in this stretch). It was tempting to continue; the N.Branch was adding a lot of water. But it was getting dark, the lightning was getting closer, and it's a 2.5 mile walk back from the next possible take-out. A short bushwhack on river left brought me back to the bridge. The gauge is on the Middle Road bridge, downstream river right.
WB Deerfield: May 24, 2004
Organizer:
Participants: Kayakers (K1): Justin Beckwith
Jules Campbell / Canoers (C1): Alden Bird
Water: Painted Gauge (ft): 4
Character: advanced WW
At 4ft the river is much more powerful than at 1ft, and much more fun. There is much more power to "turn to your desires" (ie control if you can, or get spanked by if not!) The drops were quite turbulent and some of them were class V. There are so many interesting sections of frothing whitewater flowing over different collections of rocks that I can barely begin to recall it all, much less describe it. It all stands out like a slideshow in my head of vivid, almost magical images. Some highlights: "Big-air boofs" (everywhere!), watching Justin disappear over "Tunnel Falls" (only to be quickly engulfed myself), flying down the river (or so it felt) as fast as the cars next to us on the road. It was 70 degrees, sunny, big water and I was with my friends in Vermont. It would be a good bet to quit paddling today, with yesterday as my freshest memory in the whole slideshow. But then again, it just keeps getting better and better . . .
Cold River: May 26, 2004
Organizer:
Participants: Kayakers (K1): Jim Zamecnik
Scott Gilbert
Water: Painted Gauge (ft): -0.2
Character: int-adv WW
Scott Gilbert and I ran the Cold this afternoon. Pretty low level; there was just enough water in the steeper narrow rapids, but too low anywhere the riverbed widened. None the less, it was an excellent run. Soon after leaving the roadside it starts to rock and roll.....bouldery class III-IV drops requiring a lot of maneuvering. The gradient is fairly constant. We boat-scouted everything except the "asskicker" drop (about 1/4 mile above the covered bridge)....a confused boulder pile with a couple places to squeeze through. About a quarter mile below the covered bridge the North Branch spills in, adding some water. A little below there I got the chance to practice a couple class III shallow water rolls...successfully. There's a few strainers in the last third of the run; all dodgable or duckable at low water, but maybe not with more water. We took out under the Cold River Road bridge to avoid the small dam and the shallows coming into N. Clarendon. The last rapid is a beautiful marble gorge; crystal clear water flowing over white stone in a series of almost river-wide ledge holes. It's been over 10 years since I first (and last!) paddled this river. I'll tell you what....the Cold is steeper, more continuous, and more beautiful than I remember it. Hard to believe this run is completely unknown. Hard to believe I "forgot about it" for the last 10 years. I won't forget again! (I'll put a description and directions on the almanac page when I get a chance)
Otter Creek: May 31, 2004
Organizer: Paul Kenyon
Participants: Kayakers (K1): Paul Kenyon, Randel Sands, Chris Weed
Water: Internet Gauge (cfs): 2700
Character: intermediate WW
The Otter Creek often runs when other rivers in Vermont are low as was the case on Memorial Day. The OC is usually considered runable between about 450 cfs and 2000 cfs. Though some paddlers may run the gorge section above 2000 we had not. A look up into the gorge from the pool below convinced us that staying out of it was a good idea. We decided to play on the last wave train of the rapid below the Belden Falls Gorge. This feature can be accessed by putting in at the take out above the Huntington Falls Dam and back-paddling the mile or so to the bottom of the rapid, or, as we did, by paddling the last section of the New Haven River. We put in at the Dog Team Restaurant and proceded over some very pretty micro drops to the Otter Creek. At 2700 cfs that last wave train is long and it is possible for paddlers from beginners through at least intermediate level to gain experience with eddys, wave surfing and ferrying in a fast current. The first wave in the train appears enormous from the portage lookout (river right). Looking down on it one would think twice about launching into it. The roar of the water alone is impressive. Beside it in the eddy the wave was sufficiently large, forceful and noisy to present a worthy challenge. It is possible to put in just below the portage lookout and ferry across to the large river left eddy or to paddle the more tiring river left eddy. Play boats will fare better chosing to ferry into the top of the river left eddy from along the river right portage trail. This wave is sticky at flows below about 700 cfs. Above that it forms and distorts throwing boats back into the waves behind it. It's value above 700 cfs seems primarily to be for practicing bracing and rolling skills. This wave seems to be safe. I, at least, have rolled in it many times and never seen a rock or felt one with my paddle or body. It appears to be, and has proven to be, an excellent place for a new paddler to turn a pool roll into a combat roll. In it's own right and certainly when little else is running locally, it's worth checking out the Otter Creek for an afternoon of vigorous wave catch, roll, eddy and bracing practice especially for beginner and intermediate paddlers. At high flows the wave train offers smaller waves farther back and less powerful though still restless eddies to practice riding and crossing for beginner paddlers.
Otter Creek: June 8, 2004
Organizer: Cheryl Robinson
Participants: Kayakers (K1): Steph Heath, Patrick Rogers, Eric Rossier ,Simon Wiles
Water: Internet Gauge (cfs): 1300
Character: intermediate WW
At a mere 1300 cfs, the thought of running the Otter Creek Gorge didn't seem that Terrifying. Simon kindly nick named it the gorge of Terror after a 2003 late summer run at 2000 cfs when gorge spat out four swimmers out of a group of eight. I don't know what it is about running this gorge but it is one of my favorite runs it always seems to get the adrenaline pumping. We played and practiced rolling at the top for awhile before deciding to head into the first rapid...a great place to practice eddying out. We take a quick glance at the gorge before Simon and I decide to run it. This gorge is always full of surprises, it often throws you a wave or boil that unbalances you which a trusty braces keep you from flipping over. All five emerge upright and unscathed...a successful run...yippee!! The next rapid is really fun and just before the final wave train a nice wave had formed on the river right...it was perfect. What wasn't perfect or at least for me was trying to get to it..I managed a couple of successful attempts as well as a roll, but I also managed the only swim of the night..Doh!! Everyone got a surf and Simon and Eric delighted us with their play boat skills. I was surprised to see that the main wave below campground was at a good level. We managed to get four people surfing at the same time. Patrick seemed to be at home on this wave and was very protective if someone tried to surf at the same time.(Paddler basher!!!). A good time was had by all and the night ended with a wash down of special Lemonade and Margaritas with the Mozies feasting on our succulent flesh.
Lamoille (Bootleg): June 10, 2004
Organizer: Cheryl Robinson
Participants: Kayakers (K1): Dan & Ann Beideck, Scott Gilbert, Jim Poulin, Patrick Rogers, Randel Sands, Simon Wiles (and Maura and Julie)
Water: Internet Gauge (cfs): 1200 / USGS Gauge Name: East Georgia
Character: novice WW
Well after a high level around 3000 cfs last week. This week's level seemed pitiful and the trip was almost cancelled. Wednesday my rain danced worked and the heavens opened and provided enough rain to bring the Lamoille up to a runnable level. Although I doubted it would provide enough excitement for some of the more experienced paddlers in our group.
The usual wave at Maura's house was disappointing and just about surfable, but we all had a surf just in case there wasn't anything else...how wrong could we have been. The low water level had diminished the usual rapids to rock fields providing various play opportunities for everyone. A usual sticky stopper which appears on river left provided an ideal opportunity for me to learn the basic techniques for surfing and spinning on stoppers. I didn't want to get off.
By the time we reached five chutes the sun had set. Five chutes never fails to surprise me. At every water level there is something for everyone. Even on this run there were a few nice beginner waves on the left sneak chute and a small hole in the center to keep the experts happy.
All the way down, Cartwheels, stern squirts and bow stalls where being thrown and I am sure there were a few other moves made too.
For a grade 2 river at low water and a bunch of paddlers ranging in experience from grade 3 to 5, everyone came off smiling. A job well done.
Kennebec: June 10, 2004
Organizer: Alden Bird
Participants: Canoers (C1): Alden Bird
Water: Internet Gauge (cfs): 4800
Character: advanced WW
Wow, what a great river! My long-boat friends had been telling me about this for years -- storys about sky-scraping stern squirts, enders with the whole boat out of the water, 8-ft surf waves . . . Anyway, after walking almost the ENTIRE 5-mile shuttle (although I was at least picked up -- by some blond female raft guides!) I was quite ready to "turn off my mind, relax and float downstream." It was wonderful. I took off down the gorge with the raft company's "video boater" who needed to get out ahead and stop to take video of the rafts. He was kind enough to show me the gorge. It was the best kind of river-running -- big, harmless and unfamiliar. I think William Nealy, rest his soul, would have described our grins as "illegal!" This river reminded me how few big-water runs we have in New England. Earlier in the week I had run the Tewkesbury section of the J-C in Quebec, another big-water river. It was nice to be able to take a solid stroke without cracking bottom -- and to be able to fall 8 feet straight down -- off the back of a wave rather than off a waterfall. The only problem was that I had my stubby little creek boat. Next time I'll bring my slalom boat and get in on those big enders. Or maybe I'll bring my 17-ft sea kayak. Think about the enders!
| Conservation Chairman Appointed |
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| Funding for Conservation |
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| VPC Novice Clinic, June 26-27, 2004 |
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| Advanced Swiftwater Rescue Clinic, June 26-27 |
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| VPCNews Resurgence |
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| Taking the Lead |
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| Who's Who in the VPC |
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Officers:
Directors:
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Appointed/Volunteers:
Resources:
| Summer/Fall Trips Schedule |
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| Date | Event/Trip | Organizer | Expect | Comment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sun Jun 20 | Hudson Gorge | Eric Bishop | int-adv WW | contact me before Saturday |
| Sat Jun 26-27 | Novice Whitewater Clinic | James Raboin | nov WW | details |
| Sat Jun 26-27 | Swiftwater Rescue Clinic | Umiak Outdoor Outfitters | int WW | AW benefit, honoring L. Weiss |
| Sat Jul 10-11 | Maine Rivers | Cheryl Robinson | int-adv WW | Dead, Kennebec and Magalloway |
| Sun Jul 11 | Passumpsic River | Eric Bishop | flatwater | some dams to carry,call early |
| Sun Jul 18 | Sacandaga in NY | Ray Ingram | nov-int WW | Paddle twice |
| Sat Jul 31 | Rouge River, Montebello, PQ | James Raboin | int-adv WW | 1 hour west of Montreal |
| Wed Aug 4 | Pond and burgers | Richard Larsen | flatwater | |
| Sat Aug 7-8 | Rapid River (ME) | Rod Wentworth | int-adv WW | need SUV for shuttle; will camp nearby |
| Fri Aug 13-15 | Ottawa R | Rod Wentworth | adv WW | Drive up Fri AM; camp 2 nites; return Su nite. |
| Sat Aug 14 | Summer Sports Challenge | info@skimhs.org | flatwater | Poland, ME (website) |
| Sat Aug 14 | Deerfield Dryway | Tony Shaw | int-adv WW | poss. Sunday too |
| Sun Aug 15 | Valleyfield, PQ | Ray Ingram | nov WW | park & play, surfing & eddy hopping |
| Mon Aug 23 | Lower White R. | Jim Z | nov-int WW | at 5pm Monday |
| Sat Aug 28-30 | Ottawa River last weekend in Aug | Randel Sands | int WW | |
| Tue Aug 31 | Pond and burgers | Richard Larsen | flatwater | |
| Fri Sep 3-6 | Ottawa - Labour Day weekend | Cheryl Robinson | int WW | Friday will be at Hole Brothers NY state |
| Sat Sep 4-6 | Magalloway (NH) Getaway | Tony Shaw | int WW | group cabin reserved; call early for a spot |
| Sat Sep 18 | Hole Brothers / Route 3 wave NY | Cheryl Robinson | int WW | lessons on playing/surfing cantact Paddle Hut |
| Sat Sep 25 | West River Release | Cheryl Robinson | int WW | |
| Sat Oct 23-24 | Farmington River Mass | Cheryl Robinson | nov-int WW | Camping available over night at the Union Take out |
| Fiddlehead Slalom 2004 |
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There were a lot of waves and holes, which demanded some extra attention during the operation of the event this year. Nearing the end of the event everyone seemed happy with cheers like "best course you ever designed, Ray. I love that gate 17 move." That was encouraging. Or, "What are your big plans for the ten year anniversary next year?" Wow, ten years. Let's get through this one first.
© 2007 Vermont
Paddlers Club