Vermont Paddling

BFP Does the Sojourn

2011-07-13T13:02:00.000-04:00

Chris Weed of Vermont Paddle Club gives safety tips before setting out on a leg of the the Winooski Sojourn.

Molly Walsh of the Burlington Free Press joined the Friends of the Winooski River for a leg of the annual Winooski Sojourn and wrote a long story that includes several photos of the trip. Read it here.

Video Trip down the Black River

2011-07-12T21:36:00.000-04:00

It is in four parts and the link takes you to part one. Links to the other three parts are found in the sidebar once you go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vEhZzT01JIA Nice to preview a paddle.

NFCT is Outside Mag's Best Canoe Trail

2011-07-07T11:05:00.000-04:00

One lake, two states, tons of wildlife, and 15 miles of rapids. And that’s just one day on the 740-mile Northern Forest Canoe Trail, which arcs across New York, Vermont, Quebec, New Hampshire, and Maine. For a weekend sampler, put in at Umbagog Lake, the heart of the 25,650-acre Umbagog National Wildlife Refuge, which straddles the Maine–New Hampshire line. Let the loons, bald eagles, and osprey overhead preoccupy you. But as you drift into the Androscoggin River, it’s time to reengage: the 17 river miles to Pontook Dam are full of Class I–III rapids.

Outside Magazine, July 2011

Sea Kayaking Essentials

2011-06-22T13:20:00.000-04:00

July is here, Lake Champlain is below flood stage and Canoe Imports is starting their Sea Kayaking classes. This comprehensive, day-long clinic takes place every Sunday and teaches skills needed for deep water paddling. Click here for details, but here's the skinny:

This full-day program is the perfect beginner or refresher course for paddlers who want to experience open-water kayaking on lakes and oceans. Start the day learning about boat design and features, important paddling accessories, and safety practices. Next we move onto learning and demonstrating proper paddling techniques, followed by solo and assisted offshore rescues. Being well-nourished and hydrated is important, so after enjoying a relaxing lunch and discussing our next and final venture, we will embark on a two-hour tour on the lake. Depending on conditions and group abilities, the group will head south to the Burlington waterfront or north along the cliffs of Lone Rock Point and Appletree Bay.

Classes meet at North Beach - Reservations are required call 802-651-8760
(July - August)

Sundays 10:00 am 4:00 pm

$99/per person (includes all necessary equipment)

True North Kayak in BFP

2011-06-21T16:31:00.000-04:00

Dovid Yagoda runs excellent kayak programs on Lake Champlain at True North Kayak and was written up recently in the Burlington Free press. His link is in the sidebar here at Vermont Paddling. Here's the link to the article.

David Yagoda of Burlington runs a kayak touring business, True North Kayak Tours, on Thursday June 16, 2011. / EMILY McMANAMY, Free Press

Stand Up Paddleboard Demo 6/23

2011-06-21T13:29:00.000-04:00

Umiak Outfitters will hold a Stand Up Paddleboard Demo Thursday 6/23 from 5-8 pm at the Waterbury Day Use Area in Waterbury Center. This is a great chance to try this emerging new paddle sport. They supply everything you need to try it, including instruction. All you have to do is pay the entrance fee to get into the park. Or show your season pass to Vermont Day Use areas.
All you have to do is show up prepared to get wet with whatever you need to sustain yourself on the water.
Last week they held a demo that had 30 people trying Stand Up Paddleboards. The weather Thursday won't be so fine as last week, which should affect attendance, so there will be plenty of opportunity to try a variety of boards.
I plan to attend and hope to see you there. With luck I'll have a chance to review a few boards and paddles.
They want me to take one down the Lamoille sometime soon. Hm. That'll be interesting ...

Northern Forest Canoe Trail mid-June update

2011-06-21T13:11:00.000-04:00

Dear Friends,

I’m sending a rare mid-month announcement to share three just-in-time opportunities with you.

1. NFCT is currently in the lead for a grant from All Terrain, makers of natural care products, to go towards our Northern Forest Explorers Program. Help us stay in the lead by voting every day and as many times per day as you can through June 30. On hold? Listening in on a conference call? Vote, vote, vote!

2. On Saturday, June 25, NFCT will participate in the High Peaks Alliance’s All Trails Celebration in Rangeley, Maine. Pick from several guided paddles, hikes, and bike rides throughout the weekend, or enjoy the scenery on your own. Come by and say hi to me and my family who will be there representing NFCT on Saturday and enjoying the day. We’ve placed an order for sunshine!

3. On Friday, July 1, join NFCT’s Upper Ammonoosuc River Clean-up in West Milan, New Hampshire, 9 am – 2 pm. Work with volunteers and interns as we paddle a stretch of the river clearing tires and debris from the water. Stay for a BBQ at Gord’s Corner Store (adopter for this segment of the Trail). Good for beginner paddlers. For details and to RSVP, contact Trail Director Walter Opuszynski at 802-496-2285 ext 2, Walter@northernforestcanoetrail.org.

Happy Summer Solstice!

Kate

Life Jackets (or PFDs)

2011-06-19T11:20:00.000-04:00

I just read that 90% of people involved in boating accidents weren't wearing PFDs. I can understand why, they are uncomfortable and the odds of needing it are long.
Really? The same may be said of wearing seat belts.
The rules of the road are known by all drivers. It is when they make mistakes that accidents happen. Many people on the water are unaware of the rules and drinking in boats is much more common that in cars.
So why don't you wear yours?
Yesterday as I returned to the put-in on Caspian Lake after being chased by thunder and omnious clouds, I came upon a couple of kayakers preparing to head out. I told them I heard thunder, the clouds were obvious and we joked about paddling in such conditions was like playing Russian Roulette.
It looked like they were going to wait it out as I loaded my gear into the car. Just as I finished it began to rain and I looked on the water to see them paddling onto the lake. No PFDs.
No chance of survival if lightening struck nearby. No other boats afloat to come to the rescue.
It was the Darwin Theory manifested.

Lake Eligo, a Forgotten Gem

2011-06-18T22:28:00.001-04:00

You've seen it many times along Route 14 between Hardwick and Craftsbury; a mile and a half long finger lake sandwiched between the road and a steep line of mountains on the far shore, bookended by a long marsh on either end. There are a few camps clustered at the southern end, a smattering on the rest of the west shore and nothing on the east side but a few at the north end.
Lake Eligo is often over-looked for a paddling adventure because it is small and there is no place to go on the lake except for a dumpy beach unless you own one of the camps. It suited our needs because of our truncated trip to Caspian Lake and was worth every moment we spent there.
The drive over was spectacular. The Greensboro/Craftsbury area is stunning in every respect. The working farms on rolling hills, the quaint towns and the quiet roads all please the eye and quiet the senses. It is bucolic and beautiful.
The put in is right on Route 14 about a half mile from the northern end of the mile and a half lake. It is easy in - easy out and there is rarely anyone else there. The best part of the lake is to the south featuring two small islands with camps on each of them. The mountains rise sharply from the eastern shore where there are several rope swings for diversion.
It is just the place to spend a couple of hours paddling. It is also infested with Eurasian Milfoil, an obnoxious invasive species that is choking some of our lakes. It grows fast and there is no way to control it. Any time you change water make sure you don't move plants or water into it. Clean your boat, your shoes and make damn sure there is no vegetable matter.
Thanks.

Caspian Lake

2011-06-18T21:58:00.001-04:00

View Larger Map

It was a day to trek north of Hardwick to beautiful Caspian Lake, 80 degrees, stiff breeze and a chance of thunderstorms.
The one lane launch sits hard against the swimming area where all boats are verboten. A busy day could see a line of powerboats on trailers cued to squeeze to the water, but there is space to carry a canoe or kayak to a small beach to the left. Good luck with that on a rocking weekend.
The marginal weather kept the stink boats away and we put in without issues or delay. The choppy lake gave way to smooth water about a third of the way into the 1.5 mile long lake and at the far end we were greeted by the song of a loon who called attention to its mate flopping, thrashing and flapping in an ecstatic state of bathing.
We watched before continuing to circumnavigate the lake, heading toward the Highland Lodge, a lovely place where you can pull your boat up on the beach and enjoy a lunch served Tuesday through Sunday from 11:30 to 2:00 pm. As we approached there was a rumble of thunder in the distance and grey clouds gathering, so we did a fast 1.5 mile pull back to the launch.
Caspian has a well-deserved reputation of being one of Vermont's cleanest lakes. The paddle ended at 2 pm with the now customary swim after just an hour and a half, so we took the beautiful backroads to Lake Eligo, hoping for better weather as a few raindrops fell.

Quiet Water New Hampshire and Vermont: AMC’s Canoe and Kayak Guide to the Best Ponds, Lakes, and Easy Rivers (AMC Quiet Water Series)

2011-06-14T18:51:00.000-04:00

Enjoy days of exploring the flat-water lakes, ponds, and rivers of New Hampshire and Vermont with this new guide from AMC’s Quiet Water series. Great for families, anglers, and canoeists and kayakers of all abilities, this updated guide features 90 trips, covering the best calm water paddling in New Hampshire and Vermont.

Explore the many ponds of Pillsbury State Park and camp overnight, paddle Chocorua lake and view one of New England’s most scenic mountains, and rediscover Vermont’s scenic Lake Champlain.

Each trip includes detailed descriptions of each lake, pond and river, with maps, photographs, paddling routes, and GPS coordinates to help drivers reach the access point for the trip. New to this edition are updated trip descriptions and a useful At-a-Glance Trip Planner featuring helpful information about trip time, distance, difficulty, and special features. Inside you’ll also find resources on local outfitters, safety and equipment tips, and complete driving, parking, and put-in instructions.

I like to buy my books from local, independent bookstores, but you may buy it from Amazon.

2011 Champlain Kayak Club Annual Dinner

2011-06-14T10:53:00.004-04:00

As sherry and I drove up to the North Hero House we were excited to see that parts of the Lake looked calmer than we had anticipated. NOAA was reporting 15-25 knot winds, 1-3 foot waves, with showers and a slight chance of a thunderstorm. We drove by Mallets Bay and the inner bay was flat. We drove by Sandbar and saw the Fishing Access area full of drift trees and white caps on the south side. As we pulled

up to the North Hero House the wind was blowing constant and there were 2-foot waves hitting the shore hard. The nice beach that we usually launch from was totally under water with the pier less than a foot above the water line.

Sherry’s comment was “This will be fun”. We were running late as most everyone else had his or her boat and gear already on the s

mall rock beach. Off we went to unload, get dressed and get on the water with the others.

Sherry and I launched from the protected side of the pier. Sherry could just slide into the water with her plastic boat, off the edge of the concrete retaining wall as the top sat just below the water’s surface. I tried to do a pier launch, kayak along the side of the concrete retaining wall with me trying to sit down from the edge. I need some work on that move.

With a little warm up and trip planning we headed south into the wind so the wind would be at our back on the return trip. The group of 13 boats looked great heading out across the bay and around the point. We were out for about 1 hour and then made a stop to check in with everyone. Everyone indicated good to go so we pulled out of the protected spot and headed south. The trip worked out great as it took about 1 h 45m on the way out into the wind and then the wind motored us back in 40 minutes.

Everyone that paddled said they had a good time. Neil was the only one who took a swim. He said he just wanted to see if anyone was keeping an eye out. I got him back in his boat and on his way.

We returned a little early so most of us had beer in the bar and chatted about paddling and our trip. Dinner started on time and was presented in a timely manner. I enjoyed the food and the company. We had a short annual meeting and got the business out of the way and then moved on to Mike Winslow’s presentation. Mike did a great job and we had some good questions coming from the group. Many members purchased Mike’s book, which helps support the LCC.

Planning for next year’s dinner will get underway soon. If you have any ideas for presentations please let me know. For that matter, please let me know about any lectures you might like to see. We’d like to pull together some lectures for the winter months as well.

Cheers,

Rob Libby

Support the Northern Forest Canoe Trail by voting on-line

2011-06-11T09:00:00.001-04:00

Dear NFCT Friends,

This June, we want your votes! Our Northern Forest Explorers Program is in the running for funding through an innovative program from our friends at All Terrain, maker of natural care products. We are one of eight programs seeking a grant, but only the top three vote-getters at the end of this month will receive money.

Go to AT Cares Grant Candidate and click NORTHERN FOREST EXPLORERS. Cast your vote and see how we rank. Vote every day and as many times as you can!

Also for the month June, make a purchase with All Terrain and type in discount code “NFCT”— you’ll get free shipping and All Terrain will donate 20% of your purchase price to us!

That’s a win-win for the Trail.

Bookmark and vote NORTHERN FOREST EXPLORERS every day this June!

Canoe Across America

2011-06-08T23:32:00.000-04:00

Darrin Kimbler is stalled in the Tetons as he attempts to cross the country in a canoe with his dog, Mike. Record flooding on the Missouri is far too dangerous for paddling, so he's spending a month cleaning toilets ...
A strange trip indeed. Check out his facebook page.

Paddlers off on an adventure

2011-06-08T20:02:00.001-04:00

NORTHERN FOREST CANOE TRAIL: SLU quartet going from Old Forge to Maine

St. Lawrence University students and recent alumni Evan P. Haynes, P. Alex Comeau, Wesley D. Norton and Silas D. Streeter set off May 24 from Old Forge on the Raquette River. The group is paddling from Old Forge to Maine on the Northern Forest Canoe Trail.

By GABRIELLE HOVENDON

TIMES STAFF WRITER

WEDNESDAY, JUNE 8, 2011

This summer, four St. Lawrence University students and recent alumni are taking the road — or river — less traveled.

Silas D. Streeter, a rising senior from Newbury, Mass.; Evan P. Haynes, a rising senior from Norwich, Vt.; Wesley D. Norton, a May graduate from Peaks Island, Portland, Maine, and P. Alex Comeau, a May graduate from Essex, are canoeing the rarely paddled 740-mile Northern Forest Canoe Trail. The four men, all of whom are or were guides for St. Lawrence University's Outdoor Program, are braving bugs, floods, wind and hailstorms in the name of adventure this month.

"We wanted to have an adventure at the end of the school year," Mr. Streeter said Friday in a phone interview from a Lake Champlain island. "This is kind of the only time in your life where you have an opportunity to do this. It's something not a lot of people have done before, so it's kind of appealing."

Read the whole story.

Whitewater Demo in S. Vermont

2011-06-02T15:19:00.001-04:00

Zoar Outdoor, seventh annual DemoFest on Saturday, June 25 is designed to give paddlers the latest information on the whitewater industry, featuring "Smart Start/Intro to Kayaking" for beginners (9 a.m.-noon), technique clinics and more, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Free; registration for clinics recommended. Also, barbecue (5-6:30 p.m.) and film presentation (6:30-8 p.m.). Route 2, Charlemont. zoaroutdoor.com or 800-532-7483.

40th Anniversary Mad River Explorer

2011-06-02T15:16:00.000-04:00

OK, so they're made in S. Carolina now, but Mad River Canoe still says "Vermont" to a lot of folks. I'd like to take this boat for a paddle ... From their press release:

Jun 01, 2011 – EASLEY, S.C. (June 1, 2011) – You only turn 40 once and Mad River Canoe is celebrating the milestone by offering a special edition Explorer Kevlar. Available for a limited time, the 40th anniversary Explorer has a classic aesthetic reminiscent of 1971 style, with the performance expected from a 2011 Kevlar hybrid hull.

For the 40th anniversary of the brand, the special edition Explorer is a nostalgic reminder of the legacy that began so humbly in Vermont four decades ago. The vintage aesthetic is two-toned red and white with elegantly stained, slotted gunwales, contoured cane seats and contoured yoke.

Read the rest of the release here.

Escaping the Rain on the NFCT in VT

2011-05-31T13:56:00.000-04:00

Here is a brief trip report on our latest adventure on the NFCT.

Paddlers: Mike "Wickerbutt" Bussell (Mad River Explorer) and Chuck "riverstrider" Horbert (Hemlock Canoe Works SRT).

We took off Wednesday for Vermont's Clyde River amidst intermittent rain showers. Much of Southern New England was forecast to be poured upon, and how far north the deluge would extend remained to be seen. Not too far, as it turned out.

Read the post on Paddling.net

Watch a slideshow of photos.

Darrin and Canoe Across America

2011-05-28T22:44:00.003-04:00

Low water, big winds, rain, waves, hypothermia ... Former Canoe Imports Manager Darrin Kimbler's having a ball paddling from Washington to Florida.

Nice office, no?

Read his blog.

Champlain Kayak Club Newsletter

2011-05-28T22:16:00.000-04:00

The Happy Paddler received this in the in-box today and decided to share.

Newsletter for May 30 - June 5

Here is the first of what we plan to be many E-mail newsletters. The plan is to send out one every week through the paddling season, listing the upcoming paddles and events for the club and in the area.

If you are planning a paddle and would like to invite other members along please e-mail the information no later than the Saturday before. We will be glad to add your paddles to the news letter. We would also be happy to add any trip reports that you write about your paddles.

This newsletter is in the infant stage so any thoughts or comments would be greatly appreciated. Please send any feedback or paddle information to ckc.club@gmail.com

I look forward to seeing everyone on the water.

Cheers

Rob Libby

Scheduled Paddle Trips :

Click above to view Google calendar - click the event to view trip detail. Click 'more details' at bottom of event to see all details.

Wednesday, June 1

6:00pm Mallets Bay F&W Access

Friday, June 3

6:00pm Converse Bay F&W Access

Sunday, June 5

10:00am Green River Res. Sat or Sunday

Monday, June 6

10:00am Missisquoi Bay Mike S.

Wednesday, June 8

6:00pm Waterbury Reservoir

Friday, June 10

6:00pm Sandbar F&W Access

Sunday, June 12

12:30pm Annual Club Dinner

It's that time of year again. The annual dinner has been planned and invitations have been sent. There is a dead line for a head count so if you plan on attending please RSVP as soon as possible. If we hit a max of 50 people it will be the first 50 invites we get back. We will use the post mark on the envelope to break any ties.

Make your reservations for the Annual Dinner

Sincerely,

The Camplain Kayak Club

Leave the Loonies Alone

2011-05-24T12:50:00.000-04:00

'Nuff said.

Green River Reservoir

2011-05-24T12:43:00.000-04:00

May 22 had me trekking to the Green River Reservoir for a mid-day paddle. The gate is open so the schlep to the launch is short and the reward is an almost pristine location where nary a house is seen, except for the jerk who cut trees on the state-owned shore so he could have a view and easy way to launch his rowing scull.

The reservoir is littered with islands, inlets, and loons. Part of it is a bird sanctuary and nesting area, so fowl of all sorts are in abundance. I love GRR and for years didn't tell anyone about it, so let's keep this between us, OK?

After almost two months of cold-water paddling swathed in a Sohlquist dry suit it was a nice enough day to paddle in shorts. I should have worn the suit.

Not that I went swimming; the black flies had waited through days and days of rain and finally the sun was out. They were as excited about the weather as I, swarming in great clouds at the launch and anyplace I went ashore. They were also very excited to see me. Nothing like a free lunch.

Note to self: put insect repellent in the dry bag.

The paddle was as good as flatwater gets with a solid breeze blowing away from the launch providing a 30 minute drift mid-paddle. Floating with the wind on a warm, hazy day is a fine way to relax.

Later I learned I forgot another essential bit of gear: sunscreen. Ouch.

Paddle the White and Connecticut Rivers

2011-05-21T08:44:00.000-04:00

As the end of September rolls around, the Northeast Kingdom is usually the first place in Vermont to see the beginning of the fall foliage show of color. While many people view this display by car or bike, a canoe trip gives you an amazing perspective you can't get from the pavement. Paddling slows you down, forcing you to appreciate the moment and enjoy your surroundings. You feel the power of the blade on the water and after a while, you don't even have to think too much about it as you serenely make your way downriver. There are a number of companies in Vermont that feature paddling adventures. They range from barebones day trips to multi-day, fully guided excursions with lunch prepared for you right on the river and nights at spent at Vermont country inns. Host Marianne Eaton puts in on the White and the Connecticut rivers with Battenkill Canoe on their Vermont River Sampler tour.

Watch it on VPT.

Canoe-based Bass Fishing

2011-05-21T08:41:00.000-04:00

Canoes are perfect for fishing Vermont's countless small ponds. Native Americans developed these simple, versatile vessels over the course of thousands of years and they are well suited to exploring everything from tiny creeks to the shores of Lake Champlain. Today's canoes are lightweight, low maintenance and relatively inexpensive, and they open up a world of hidden waters that are either off-limits or inaccessible to larger boats. We visit Emerald Lake State Park as well as another local pond for some exciting bass fishing.

Watch it on VPT.

Water Quality Monitoring - Volunteers Needed

2011-05-21T07:57:00.003-04:00

With the help of many partners, the Friends will continue our water quality monitoring program during the summer of 2011. We need volunteers in the Headwaters (Plainfield, Marshfield and Cabot) area as well as for the Four Rivers Partnership (North Branch, Stevens Branch, Dog River and the Winooski River). In both areas, we will be using data from prior years to refine our testing locations and parameters. In the Four Rivers area, we also plan to expand to include sites on the Dog River and rain-event testing on small tributaries. In addition to support from the state laboratory, the Friends have been able to purchase a variety of water quality monitoring equipment and supplies that will improve the flexibility and scope of both monitoring programs.

What does it mean to be a volunteer?

Each program (Headwaters and Four Rivers) will have a set sampling day (e.g. Tuesdays) every two weeks from late June to mid-September. Volunteers, usually in pairs, collect samples from a set of 2-5 sites and bring them to a central location. Depending on the number of sites, this generally takes between 1-2 hours. Samples are collected between 6 and 9 a.m. Volunteers do not need to be available for all of the sampling dates. A training session will be held in June for each of the programs..

If you are potentially interested in volunteering, please email info@winooskiriver.org , or call 882-8276. We will be in touch in early June with more details.

Last Summer's Water Quality Monitoring Results

For the past five years, Friends of the Winooski River has been monitoring water quality in the headwaters section of the Winooski River between Cabot and Plainfield. In addition we've conducted water quality monitoring in the mid-Winooski section of the watershed on the mainstem running through Montpelier as well as the North Branch and Stevens Branch rivers.

We've been tracking e.coli, a bacteria that can cause serious illness in humans. Additionally, we've been collecting data on phosphorus, chloride, alkalinity and turbidity - all of which indicate the status of the river's environmental health.

Results Summary for Headwaters - Cabot to Plainfield

While most sites along the main stem of the Winooski were above acceptable state levels for e.coli - 77mpn/100ml, only a few sites in Plainfield Village, downstream of the dam exceeded the EPA's acceptable bacteria levels of 235mpn/100/ml. Because these are popular swimming areas in the community the Friends will be conducting further monitoring in 2011 to help determine potential sources of the contamination.

Results Summary for North Branch - Worcester to Montpelier

Heavy rainfall events directly impact e. coli levels due to increased run-off from fields and urban areas. If we exclude data from August 10 due to a heavy rainfall event the previous day, the data on the North Branch is pretty consistent. Hancock Brook Potholes, Minister Brook Dam and Martins/Herrick Brook and the Reservoir Boat Launch - despite the high rain fall events had e.coli levels below the state standard throughout the summer. E.coli levels spiked during the first sampling date of July 27 and the second on July 10 for Mill Rd. swimming hole, both North Branch Nature Center Sites, and the Montpelier Rec field, but all levels were below the EPA standard of 235mpn/100ml. Areas of potential concern include the Mill Pond Access Point off Elm St. in Montpelier which exceeded EPA levels on one occasion and the mouth of the North Branch behind Shaw's which exceeded it on another occasion. Consistently high e.coli levels were found at the Worcester Dam monitoring location - exceeding the EPA figures.

Results for Winooski River - Montpelier Locations

We collected data in three locations along the main stem in Montpelier. Locations included Two Rivers Center property just before the confluence of the Stevens Branch, Montpelier High School and Gateway Park just below the confluence of the Dog River. All locations consistently exceeded state e.coli limits and all locations exceeded EPA e.coli limits on at least two occasions.

For detailed reports of the Mid-Winooski Collection sites or the Headwaters collections sites, visit thewater qualitysection of our website.

The Jensen is back!

2011-05-18T17:18:00.000-04:00

I bought a Wenonah Jensen a couple of years ago, but it hasn't seen water in over a year. I've been preoccupied with my solo Bell Magic and haven't had a need for a tandem. My friend Mike Strojny, manager of Canoe Imports had it in his barn over the winter.

It's a fast boat, 18' long, kevlar and light, made before Wenonah started filling the bottoms of their canoes with foam. It takes some attention as it is not as stable as your typical Royalex Old Town lake boat.

It's on the car and coming home. I installed knee pads to paddle solo and if there is any daylight left when I get home, I'll be on the Lamoille.

It paddles better with two. Want to go paddling?

Champlain Kayak Club Paddling Events

2011-05-17T16:10:00.000-04:00

The last few years has seen a resurgence of the Champlain Kayak Club. This robust group has a schedule where they paddle 2-3 times a week. Anyone can join them, you simply post to their site that you are going.

See the schedule here.

Islands Concerned Floods Will Keep Tourists Away

2011-05-17T16:04:00.001-04:00

Floodwaters in the Champlain Valley need to recede before officials can fully assess the amount of damage that's been done.

But in the Champlain Islands, people are already aware of the costs, as they predict that the summer tourist season will be delayed by two to three weeks.

VPR report.

Connecticut River Trip on VPT

2011-05-17T14:37:00.000-04:00

For around 200 miles, the Connecticut River forms the boundary between Vermont and New Hampshire, offering a number of great stretches to paddle and enjoy the scenery. It is a river filled with many personalities — peppered with whitewater in some sections and gentle pools and eddies in others. In a southern part of the river near Windsor, Vermont, lies a 12-mile stretch that makes a perfect day paddle adventure. Host Marianne Eaton joins Eric Hanson from Northstar Canoe Rentals in Cornish, New Hampshire, to paddle this stretch of the Connecticut and spend the night at one of the primitive campsites along the river. Watch the episode.

Willow Crossing to Ithiel Falls on the Lamoille

2011-05-13T20:29:00.004-04:00

I had a couple of hours to paddle May 13 and was on my way from Jeffersonville to Morrisville, so I stopped at Willow Crossing for an up and back trip to Ithiel Falls. The water was at 599 cfs at Johnson, a fine level for paddling this section both ways.

It is a short trip, perhaps an hour and a half both was at an easy pace.

Ithiel is a fun place to play, with looming rocks and cliffs and the suspension bridge on the Long Trail. The river takes several paths through the area, creating eddys, riffles and cross-currents. I paddled up the right fork (when looking down stream).

It is a popular launch for folks looking for an afternoon paddling to Jeffersonville.

I paddled as far as the rapids that empties the large pool below the falls and discovered two tires, then a folding chair. I picked them up and paddled down stream to Willow Crossing, taking the left fork back, and floated over a half-dozen more tires and a ladder.

I unloaded the trash then paddled up for two more tires and various other trash. I spent two hours fooling around and came away with a good workout and a cleaner river.

Hybrid

2000 ft

500 m

Time 2011-05-13 13:28:07

Altitude 477 ft

Speed 0 mph : Heading 0°

Location N 44.64987° W 72.74622°

Other Lamoille River posts:
Hogback Rd. to Dog's Head Falls in Johnson
Wolcott to Morrisville

Lamoille in Johnson

2011-05-13T20:01:00.001-04:00

The bottom of Dog's Head Falls in Johnson

I visited a short section in Johnson on May 10 at a palatable level of 780 cfs, putting in at the old Long Trail Tavern on Route 15 on the Cambridge side of town. It was a two hour round trip up and back at a moderate pace.

The launch is a baseball field away from the parking area and the schlep ends with a steep bank that lands on uneven, sandy ground terminating at a sandy launch. The area appears to be populated with Japanese bamboo that was just coming up. Below the launch is the Route 15 bridge at Hogback Road and the top of Ithiel Falls.

There was a large flood this year that stripped away any dead foliage from last year. I'm not sure this launch is accessible every spring.

The uphill paddle was fairly easy, with three riffles to beat. It takes one under the Railroad Street Bridge and as far as the bottom of Dog's Head Falls, where there is a large swimming hole and generous beach, good place to leave the boat and scramble on the rocks, exploring the potholes and rock formations.

Hybrid

2000 ft

500 m

Time 2011-05-10 17:13:40

Altitude 398 ft

Speed 0 mph : Heading 0°

Location N 44.64179° W 72.70967°

More pics of the falls:
http://www.vtfalls.com/johnsondogsheadfalls.htm

Other Lamoille River Posts:
Wolcott to Morrisville
Willow Crossing to Ithiel Falls

Lamoille from Wolcott to Morrisville

2011-05-13T19:34:00.002-04:00

OK, I've decided to paddle the length of the Lamoille River in sections this year. This has been on my bucket list for years and this is my year to do it.

I paddled the section from Wolcott to the Oxbow in Morrisville with a friend on May 8 at a level of about 1000 cfs at Johnson, a great volume for this section. The water is high enough to hide the rocks behind "pillows." Any lower and the rocks are easily seen and paddled around.

It is also enough so that the water is deep enough on both tines of the few forks in the section.

The put in is on the Morrisville side of Wolcott, easily seen from Route 15. There is a short walk with gear to the launch area. The end is the park on the Oxbow, just off Bridge St. in Morrisville behind Morrisville Lumber.

Hybrid

2 mi

2 km

Time 2011-05-08 16:44:37

Altitude 667 ft

Speed 4 mph : Heading 292°

Location N 44.56580° W 72.58797°

Other Lamoille River Posts:
Wolcott to Morrisville
Willow Crossing to Ithiel Falls
Hogback Rd. to Dog's Head Falls in Johnson

Cold Water Paddling Safety

2011-05-11T12:06:00.001-04:00

The days are getting warmer but the water is still cold. It is a fact that when water is 40 degrees, you have about 15 minutes to get out before reaching the point of exhaustion. Being soaking wet in 65 degree air is a short trip to hypothermia.

Get the low down on the risks: http://www.northernforestcanoetrail.org/media/NFCT_ColdWater20090302.pdf

Paddle safely by following with these tips: http://www.northernforestcanoetrail.org/media/NFCT%20Paddler%27s%20Safety.pdf

Thanks to the NFCT for the info.