Ripple Effect Parent Day, June 28, 2012

Ripple Effect is a camp for kids and adults on Cow Island in Casco Bay.  The campers are taught boating safety, the names of the different parts of a kayak, how to make sure their life preservers fit them correctly, how to wear a spray skirt, to enter a kayak, and exit one, and how to paddle – among other things.

On day 4 of a week-long day camp, parents were invited to go kayaking with their kids at the camp to see what they had learned. I was invited by our grandson to attend.

It was a gorgeous day, with little wind, and white puffy clouds. The kids and counselors had the kayaks on the beach, ready for the paddle after four other parents and I arrived. The kids taught the adults what they had learned, and then we got into the boats, and headed out into the bay, staying clear of the barnacle-covered rocks.

Erik had us try to turn the kayaks around 360 degrees in fifteen strokes – not easy, especially in a large, tandem kayak like the one we were in. We all worked hard. After awhile I discovered that kids in kayaks tend to bump into each other -- frequently. Erik said it well, “The kayaks all seemed to have magnets on them.”

We paddled around the island and stopped at the far end on a rocky beach to have lunch.  We ventured out into the bay again, this time to play some games – Frisbee, then peanut butter and jelly – a game where one team of paddlers individually had to touch the bow of their boats to the stern of the other team. The games were designed to improve paddling skills. It was chaotic, pure mayhem, and great fun!

We paddled back to the place we started, talked about the day, and headed back to the mainland, tired and happy to have been in kayaks on a warm summer day in Maine.

Presumpscot River with MOACERS

Sunday, 80 degrees and bright blue skies – a perfect day for a paddle up the Presumpscot River.

We joined a MOAC (Maine Outdoor Adventure Club) group, put our kayaks in at Shaw Park in Gorham, and paddled upstream until we came to the Pleasant River. There we stopped for a brief cookie break (home-made), resumed our journey for a about a half mile, until the current outmatched our desire to paddle harder.  We did an about-face and rode the current back downstream paddling with little effort.  On the riverbank, two Canadian geese, a mama and papa, watched us closely, ready to protect their three downy goslings, should we pose a threat.

Back on the Presumpscot River, we paddled against the current once more, delighted by the site of Babb’s Covered Bridge that connects the towns of Gorham and Windham. Kids made a big splash as they hurled themselves into the river on the ends of rope swings. Some were dropping from the underside of the bridge, and some, less daring, were swimming from a beach on the side of the river.

Beyond the bridge we took a short break and stretch, borrowing someone’s picnic table, and enjoying the feel of the cool water on our feet. Slipping in and out of the kayak can be tricky, especially when there is a current. I came close to taking a spill, but two quick MOACERS steadied my boat in the nick of time.

The quiet railroad bridge we passed under on our way up the river was now lined with teenagers, eager for a thrill and attention, jumping 30 – 40 feet into the river, before our eyes. They were eager to entertain this unexpected audience of eight boats and 9 paddlers.

We would have liked to join this great group of MOACERS for ice-cream after loading the gear in the car and our kayaks on the racks, but it we had a commitment and had to hustle on our way. We thanked our leader for organizing the trip and for picking such a lovely day and spot to paddle.

New Meadows River -- from Sawyer Park to Merritt Island

We put in at Sawyer Park in Brunswick, ME, at an all tide ramp, when it was almost high tide on the New Meadows River. The wind was light, clouds were abundant, but the paddling was easy. Usually I have a stiff back after paddling. This time I had very tight lower back muscles before we started, and took my extra large Back Warmer in the car to help with flexibility.

At the beginning of our trip we paddled past a house with a dog that started barking when he spotted us. His owner kept saying, “Frankie, stop barking.”  Frankie did not stop barking and trotted out onto the dock as we paddled by. The owner repeated, “Stop barking." The back and forth barking and human response broke the peaceful aura of this Saturday morning for several minutes until we paddled out of earshot.

Boat traffic was light, and the few who were out in boats waved. Even the herons didn’t budge but nonchalantly watched us paddle by. We saw some lovely homes with expansive lawns and observed people mowing, working on docks, and repairing houses.

We paddled down to Merritt Island, owned by Bowdoin College and listed on the Maine Islands Trail. A small rocky beach offered a scenic lunch spot though we had to smack a few pesky bugs who wanted to share our lunch.

After slipping back in the kayaks, we navigated around Merritt Island and between Williams Island and the Mainland before heading up river. On our return, my back muscles were looser than they were when we departed -- that's a change. But couple of Ibuprofen with a drink of water on Middle Ground – an outcropping of rocks -- helped make the paddling easier.

As we approached the last half mile of the trip we saw what looked like two people walking on the water, but soon discovered they were on paddle floats. They told us they had rented their crafts at Sea Spray Kayak Outfitters just above where we put in. This was the first time they had been on paddle floats. We were a bit surprised that one of them wasn’t wearing a life jacket as walking on water not an option in an emergency.

After five or six miles of paddling my back was crying for a rest. This is a beautiful river to explore and we are eager to return and put in near Merritt Island and head down to Cundy’s Harbor.

Macworth Island, The Brothers, and Falmouth Coastline

We’re at the public boat launch at East End Beach in Portland. The parking lot is full on this Sunday morning, and people are moving around at a measured pace in the warm sunshine. There is a slight hint of a breeze blowing over the water.

We glide into the Bay and head to Macworth Island in Falmouth, and as we cross the mouth of the Presumscot River, we can feel the incoming tide pulling at out boats like a toddler nagging his mother for attention. We paddle a bit harder until we clear the area and feel the water smooth out. We plan to head northeast along the coastline as we do not want to wear wet suits. The water is still quite cold in Casco Bay. We enjoy the expanse of exquisite properties along Falmouth Foreside -- “Where the ‘1 percenters’ live,” says Greg.

We stop at the sandbar between the Brothers, two small islands, and have our lunch – lentil salad and some fresh cherries. We meet and talk with the owners of a small summer cottage on one of the islands and I wish I had time to get to know them better. They are out and about enjoying the warmth & sunshine -- the woman is looking for sea glass to make into art.

Then we slip back into the kayaks, and can see the sandy bottom in the shallow water around the island. As we make our way toward the mainland in Falmouth, we find little coves we didn’t know existed and see gorgeous homes we are happy we don’t have to keep up. A gazebo sits on a small point of rocks, and  I wonder what it would be like to sit there and have my morning coffee.

Handy Boat Yard in Falmouth is close by -- a flotilla of several hundred boats sits a hundred yards away. We turn around and head back pas the Brothers to Macworth, where we find a beach and have a snack of granola bars.

The wind has picked up from the east, blowing 10 to 12 knots, as it does most afternoons, and today it brings the tide with it. I put my spray skirt on before we head back to East End Beach. We paddle hard against the wind, the tide, and the wakes of several motor boats for about 35 minutes. Some of the swells are fun to ride, but I am looking forward to a hot shower and supper. I tell Greg to make sure I have dinner ready before I have a glass of wine. 

I heat up a Maine Warmer to help relax my sore, tired muscles and hop into bed before the sun goes down.

June 10, 2012

Kayaking Prep and Clean-up

I pack a lunch while he prepares the cars for the kayaks and loads the paddles, pumps, paddle floats, life jackets, sponges, shoes, dry bags, spray skirts, gloves, and straps into the car. We pack an extra set of clothing, towels, and shoes. We take water, sun screen, bug repellent, hats, glasses holders, jackets, phones, and camera. Maps, books, and waterproof charts are a big help, and we call a family member to let them know where we will be and about when we will return.

On the car or van we set the straps to hold the kayaks, then carry the boats around from under the deck, hoist them up over our heads, adjust the positioning, and secure the straps. It’s just the beginning.

When we finally arrive at the put-in, take the boats off the car, unload all the gear, and stow the stuff we don’t need, I wait for him to park the car, take a few breaths, and stop to look around. In spite of the preparation marathon we go through each time we go kayaking, I wouldn’t give it up. The process is important and can be insurance toward a safe trip.

At the end of the day, we pull into our driveway and start the process of unloading it all. He washes the boats while I go inside and start making dinner, making sure not to have a glass of wine before the meal is ready to serve.

We relax before dinner and talk about the day, how the equipment worked, and the things we saw.

At 8 PM I heat up my back warmer and go to bed tired and happy to have had such a lovely day.

Cathance River and Merrymeeting Bay May 29, 2012

 

We drove to Bowdoinham, impressed by this lovely town, and arrived extra fast and early, as usual, at the landing. In the large parking lot, we saw only one car with a kayak but several public safety vehicles taking up most of the parking spaces.

As we waited for other MOACERS (Maine Outdoor AdventureClub) to arrive, we watched a small airplane flying low over the river and saw diving equipment on the lawn. It soon became apparent that there was either a rescue or recovery mission happening on the Cathance River.

The mood was somber as other kayakers arrived to participate in the paddle. Our leader, Scott, a Maine Guide, talked with a police officer to find out what was happening as he explained, “We have several pairs of eyes to help look as we paddle out into Merrymeeting Bay.” We were told that three people had been canoeing on the river the night before, and after their canoe capsized, only two made it to shore.

Seventeen people participated in the paddle, and with a colorful flurry of kayaks and gear, we all put into the river. We cut smoothly through the mirror-like water, enjoying the sight of green leaves and bright blue sky, and only a slight ripple of a breeze appeared now and then as we made our way into Merrymeeting Bay. And we all kept an eye out for the missing paddler as we went.

Merrymeeting Bay is the confluence of the Androscoggin and Kennebec Rivers, and as such is becoming a delta of sand bars. Once I had to get out of my kayak and walk it over a sand bar as did others in the group. The mild temperature of the water surprised me, and I welcomed the chance to get out and stretch my legs.

We saw eagles, loons, heron, fish jumping, and birds diving. A bald eagle stared at us from a pine tree and we stared back. We got tired of looking before he did and paddled on to find a lunch spot, which we discovered on Birch Island. It was a bit muddy and our feet sunk into the clam flats. One woman fell and had to go for a swim to clean off. Whenever we go kayaking we always have a contingency plan for ending up soaking wet -- extra clothes in the dry bags and another set in the car.

We never saw a sign of the missing person, but apparently, soon after we left the landing where we put in, his body was found. He was the only one in the canoe without a life jacket.

We stopped for ice-cream at the local corner store, then headed home, tired, but quite happy to have enjoyed a lovely day on the water and thankful for loved ones at home. As always, I was happy to trade my PFD for my Extra Large Back Warmer to help relax my tight back and shoulder muscles.

Gulf Island Pond

Loons, turtles Canadian Geese with chicks, an otter, turtles, a myriad of birds, ducks, and a few sea planes  greeted us on our paddle today. We put in at the end of East Waterman Road in North Auburn – almost into Turner, and not far from Twitchell Airport. The weather was perfect – clear blue sky and about 80 degrees with no wind until about 1 PM when a light breeze developed and offered a bit of relief.

There were few houses or camps along the shoreline – amazing for waterfront in Maine. Maybe because the textile and paper mills polluted the river so badly that people never considered owning riverfront land. How ironic. The pollution, in the end, saved the riverbanks form overpopulation.

We were happy to paddle without another boat in sight on this pond (actually a lake) created by damming the river in Auburn years ago. Only in the early afternoon did we see two motor boats in the distance.

We found some sandy spots to stop for lunch and a snack – places where we could get out of our kayaks and stretch. I packed a lunch of Quinoa Salad with a bit of blue cheese thrown on top at the last minute. We had home-made granola bars, apples, strawberries, and dried apricots.

 I'll be happy to use my Neck Warmer tonight and turn in early.

May 19, 2012

Runaround Pond

2nd Day of Kayaking in Maine, May 17, 2012 -- Runaround Pond

We put in off Runaround Rd. (about 1.5 miles from Rte. 9 in Durham, ME) at the public access where a sandy shore made carrying in easy. A Portable Potty at the  put-in helped to make the trip more comfortable. The water temperature was surprisingly warm -- easy to stand in for several minutes while loading and unloading.

The spring landscape was painted as an impressionist's canvas with dots of greens, pinks, grays, blues -- more colors than one can find in tubes of oils. The sky settled the eye with its calm blue background as it's reflection danced on the windy surface of the water.

We saw only one house in the distance. What a nice surprise to paddle on water where the shoreline is not wall-to-wall camps.

We spotted a myriad of active birds, ducks and a few turtles as we paddled quietly up the left branch, then turned around and found the right branch of the pond. It was a perfect paddle for a windy day. Like every day we kayak, I am tired and ready for my Maine Warmer by 8 PM.

Left photo: lunch break on the left branch

April 16, 2012 First Paddle on Lower Range Pond

First day of kayaking in the new year, and on some lakes in Maine the ice isn’t even out yet. We packed a lunch of lentil salad, apples and strawberries, stopped at the accountant’s in Portland to sign our electronic tax return form, then escaped into a glorious get-a-way day.

We drove to the state park on Lower Range (pronounced rang) Pond only to find the entrance gate down blocking automobiles from entering the park – not pedestrians of which there were plenty. It is only April 16^th. Carrying kayaks and all the gear was not worth it for the little bit of paddling we planned to do.

We drove to Middle Range pond, talked with a few of the locals, and found a free-bee parking space and put-in just off of Schellinger Rd. Take an immediate left just after crossing the bridge on Rte. 26 heading north.

Most of the lake was lined with camps until we approached a shallow and narrower end of the lake near Upper Range Pond. We saw Loons, a Canadian goose (looked like it might have been protecting a nest), a Merganser, a muskrat, red-winged blackbirds, and a few turtles. It was quite marshy and the bugs were enjoying the nice weather as much as we were.

We found another put-in with a motor boat ramp (state-owned) between Upper Range and Middle with plenty of parking. However, a couple who were just taking out their kayaks said that the parking lot was full at 11 AM when they drove in.

We lunched in the shallows of the marshy area then paddled to the state boat ramp where we were able to disembark and stretch our legs. There are not any public bathroom facilities – a big drawback. But it was early in the season and we didn’t encounter any other boats on Middle Range for the few hours we were in our boats.

I’ll be ready to heat up my Maine Warmer and put it on my shoulders and lower back. Lifting kayaks onto the car-racks – even after doing overhead weight lifting all winter long – makes shoulder muscles tight. It will be nice to relax those tight muscles with a Great Big Back Warmer.