Saco River from Rotary Park in Biddeford

This section of the Saco is fairly quiet and wide. You will have to paddle against the current going up

river and if the water is high, as it often is in the spring then you'll work hard. The plus side is that on the way back you will have the current assisting you along.

The put-in is easy with plenty of parking and a cement ramp. When you drive into the park stay left to find the put-in. There are ball fields and probably bathroom facilities if you bear right on entering the park.

You have to go under the Maine Turnpike, The bridge is quite high and the current under it was not significant. Most of the shoreline is undeveloped and we found a few places where we might stretch our legs for a few minutes. We saw a couple of turtles basking in the sun, a blue heron, a bald eagle, and a couple of hawks antagonizing some smaller birds. We never made it all the way up to Skelton Dam on this paddle, but will save it for another time.

Tight shoulders from paddling can be relaxed with a Maine Warmer.

First Roach Pond

First Roach Pond in Frenchtown Township is anything but a pond and a lovely place to paddle. It's

Put-in on the western end

3270 acres, about six miles long and 1.5 miles wide at it's widest part . The put-in at the western end, in Kokadjo, is easy and there is plenty of parking across the street from the put-in. No parking signs dot the put-in area and the store owner who owns the land keeps a close eye out for violators. Also, there are not any bathroom facilities -- unless there is one inside the store. However, the put-in is only thirty minutes, at the most, from Greenville.

Snack and stretch time on the northern shore

The sandy/stony beach makes an easy place to put in. The shoreline is dotted with camps but there
were plenty of places to get out and stretch without feeling like we were trespassing. We only covered about half of the lake, never making it to North Inlet which I had hoped to check out. There is another put-in on the far east end of the lake which I hope to report on another time.

We saw Loons, but that was about it for wildlife, even though there were places where moose might be spotted. Early mornings and evening are the best bet for wildlife viewing. The lake has quite a few varieties of fish, including land-locked salmon, brook trout, and lake trout, according to the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife.

Cool nights in this part of the state make using a Maine Warmer a welcome event at the end of the

Neck Warmer soothes tired muscles after paddling

day. The heat relaxes stiff shoulder or neck muscles, and at the end of day outside on the water I am ready to snooze.

Kayaking Indian Pond -- Upper-middle section in early summer

Driving to a place to kayak can be an adventure in itself as was the case with finding this put-in. It is on the Northeastern, upper

Indian Pond put-in on the Northeast end

end of Indian Pond which we accessed via a dirt road, called Burnham Rd off Rte 6 & 15 (no road sign visible). The road into the pond is fairly smooth for about five miles, then it jogs to the left, then right. Although this last stretch of road is only a mile, it took us almost 15 minutes to navigate over the bumps and through three or four large, muddy puddles, all the while being careful not to get the kayaks tangled up in low hanging branches. A four-wheel-drive vehicle with a high wheel base will helps.

See map 40 on the Maine Atlas.

Small cove to check for wildlife

There was plenty of parking, some picnic tables, and a wide stone beach that made putting in easy.
Tucked in the trees was a porta-potty that was clean! Although this area is somewhat remote there is a private camp right next to the put-in. We saw only a couple of boats during the four hours we spent on the "pond."

We paddled south, crossing over to the west side, avoiding the northern bulb of the lake where there are a number of campgrounds. Since we started our paddle about 10 AM we missed a lot of wildlife, although we saw a large turtle that I could not identify crossing the dirt road on our drive in. We came across a couple of man-made Loon nesting sites. The second one had a Loon in it, and not knowing what it was,

Man made, unoccupied Loon nest

we got a little too close. As soon as we realized what it was we quickly left the area hoping the mother didn't abandon her nest. If you see one of these, stay clear. The one in this photo happened to be unoccupied when we stopped here for lunch. Not knowing what it was made us curious and we wondered if it was some kind of trap.

Indian Pond -- really a large lake on the Kennebec River -- is a watershed created by the construction of the hydroelectric Harris Station Dam, in 1952-1954. The river starts as an outflow of Moosehead Lake, then opens up into Indian Pond. Several islands provide places for paddlers to step out for a stretch or lunch. As you paddle, be careful of rocks and tree stumps just under the surface of the water. There are also a number of small coves and streams to explore -- and where we had hoped to see a moose.

Maine Warmers Black Bear microwave warmer

Since I like to camp at the Holiday Inn, at the end of a day of paddling I am happy to heat up a Neck Warmer in the microwave and melt away stiff muscles. If you know someone who missed seeing a moose or bear on a trip to Maine, you can give them a unique gift of a Maine Warmer's Black Bear (like the one in the photo) or Magnificent Moose (check Comforting Creatures for more options on the web site) that can be microwaved and used all year long to relax tight muscles or to warm up.

Happy paddling in Maine!

Gulf Island Pond from the boat ramp in Turner

July 6, 2015

We put in Turner off of Center Bridge Road, at an all-tide ramp (not that is makes any difference in this location) on a beautifully calm day. There were a few cars in the parking lot and the porta-potty was okay. I was a bit skeptical after the long holiday week end. It looks like a nice spot to just stop and throw a fishing line in the water or enjoy the shady area and a picnic. I think swimming would be fine here too, although one would have to climb over a few rocks as there isn’t a sandy beach. 

Boat Ramp

It was a gorgeous paddle – no houses to speak of – with the Andorscoggin Riverlands State Park (it must be about 2 miles long) on our right as we paddled down river. The current didn’t look bad for paddling back against it, and as it turned out it was an easy paddle back.

We saw quite a few birds and one large turtle who we must have spooked. He frantically paddled his own way in the opposite direction after seeing us so close by. There were lots of nooks and crannies to explore and few island on which there were WELCOME signs. That was a nice surprise! They are owned by Maine Hydro and are open to the public for camping (no more than 14 days) and for those who want to stop, like we did, and have a picnic and move on.

There is not much development on this part of the river, I think because it was once so polluted from the mills that no one would want to be close to it. We noticed a lot of dirt and grease like substance on our kayaks as we took them out and gave them a good scrub-down once we arrived home.

This is a beautiful spot to see in spite of the need for continual clean-up. There was a very unpretentious and nice group of folks who were there the day we were. I’d go again.

If your shoulders are tight after paddling, try using a microwave heating pad from Maine Warmers to increase circulation and help flexibility. An extra large back warmer is long enough to cover the shoulders.

Mere Point to the Goslings – a great paddle in calm weather

Mere Point Bay and Middle Bay are easily quite accessible at any tide from the boat launch at Mere Point.  After putting our kayaks in at almost low tide, we paddled on the inside of Birch Island, toward Upper and Lower Goose Islands and then around the outside of Lower Goose to the Goslings. On the farthest Gosling ^th. 

Lower Goose Island

there are Osprey nests and paddlers are discouraged from landing there until after Aug. 15

On this day the wildlife was prolific – more Blue Heron than I have ever seen in one area including a mom and pop who were very protective of their youngster even from a distance. The small fish my husband kept calling “brit” were everywhere in the water and the birds were having a feast.  They were as loud as they were visible, darting, diving, and squabbling. It looked like there was a bully herring gull trying to take the lunch that each of his buddies caught.  He would have spent a less energy finding his  own lunch rather than trying to steal one.

We beached on the inner Gosling for lunch and a stretch our legs. There are trails on this island and one may camp here. I like camping at the Holiday Inn. The Maine Island Trail Association is trying to raise enough money so that the island may be purchased and saved for paddlers and others who want to enjoy some open land.  If you want to donate, every little bit helps.  

Lunch stop on the Goslings

Please do not leave trash of any kind, and if you see trash left by someone else, please take it out with you. We all appreciate the clean, natural beauty of these Maine Islands.

On the outside of the Goslings there are some ledges that we read about where seals like to hang out and often have their babies. We stayed at least fifty yards away and still quite a few seals splashed into the bay as we glided by. Several stayed put on the ledges barking and carrying on a conversation among themselves. As we paddled back into Middle Bay a small seal that I thought might be fairly young popped its head up out in front and between our boats which were about thirty yards apart at that time. It turned its head back and forth to watch both of us as we paddled toward it then slipped under the glassy water.

This is a paddle I would do again, but weather conditions must be ideal as it is fairly exposed. Today, the few motor boats that went by us provided a little wake for entertainment and play in the waves.

Irony Island

The trip was about seven miles and we took our time, taking about four hours to paddle from Mere Point, around the outside of the Goslings, Irony, and Birch Islands. Take special care between Birch and White Islands as there are several spiny and shallow areas at low tide.

Even thought the temperature is mild tonight, my shoulders are tight and I will be using my Maine Warmers’ microwave heating pad to help loosen those tight muscles from paddling and lifting the kayaks.

Dyer Long Pond in Jefferson, ME

 The put-in at the southern end of this lake is lovely and picturesque and parking is easy but the ground water
seems to be high in this area, as advertised in QUIET WATERS, so you might want to have your water shoes on before you get out of the car. We were glad to have our heavy duty mosquito repellent handy, even with the wind blowing 10 to 15 mph.  Fortunately, the town grader had just been over the dirt access road, making it smooth and easy to drive over.

This lake is developed, but not completely, and many of the houses and camps are spread out. The east side of the lake is fairly deep, and in windy conditions, we were reluctant to take out for a break.  If the water and air temperatures were warmer we might have risked getting wet.  The west side of the lake is shallow but much of the land is posted or too filled with low growing vegetation to get close to shore. So we ate out lunches in our boats.  

A bald eagle startled us as we paddled under the overhanging branches where he had been perched. I think we startled him too. We heard more wildlife than observed on this lake, maybe because we put in late morning instead of earlier. On this day, with a steady northwest wind, about half of the time, we were paddling moderately hard. Because the lake is fairly narrow, the waves were minimal, and we were able to find sheltered areas.

This beautiful patch of Water Iris was a nice surprise.

After three hours without a stretch we were ready to disembark, but happy we had a chance to see this lovely spot in Maine. I was wishing I had left a Maine Warmer on the dashboard of my car so when we drove home I would have heat to relieve my stiff muscles.

We drove up on Rte 1 to Rte 215, along Damariscotta Lake, and found the drive to be quite beautiful in mid-June. The drive back to the Portland area was about ½ hour faster, taking Rte 126 west to Gardner and south on 295.

Nequasset Lake in Woolwich, Maine

This quiet lake and stream provided a wonderful wildlife experience and was easy to access. We put in at the bridge on Old Stage Road off of Rte. 127, only a few miles from Rte. 1, at the north end of the lake. The put-in was easy, and we were able to get a parking place in the four-car lot. Otherwise we would have parked on the side of the road, before the bridge. There are not any public rest rooms, which we fortunately anticipated ahead of time. But there were places to stop on the lake and get out of the kayaks for a few breaks.

Nequasset Stream

We paddled the stream first – about a mile north and a mile back. I was surprised that we only saw one painted turtle sunning itself on a rock, but we saw a huge snapping turtle sunning itself in the water, just under the surface. I was happy to paddle away from that creature. Great blue herons and small birds entertained us as we enjoyed the beautiful scenery. We maneuvered under and around a couple of fallen trees. The stream ends at a small waterfall and an open meadow with some houses in the distance.

We turned the kayaks around and paddled with the current back past the put-in and under the bridge to the lake, where we saw an osprey scouting out his lunch just above us. He dove into the lake a couple of times and came up with nothing, but the third time he carried it away a decent sized fish. About half way down the 2-mile long lake, we saw a bald eagle fly overhead and hoped we would catch sight of him again. When we stopped on the east side of the lake, we watched young fish swimming close to shore like they were chasing a food source or playing tag.

 

Nequasset Lake

The lake was outlined by rocks and we saw a small dark, almost black, animal making its way just above the rock line. At first, we thought it was an otter, but it seemed fatter than an otter, and it had an almost cat-like shape. Later, speculated that it was probably a fisher cat.  I thought it must be hunting fish, but I read that fisher cats seldom eat fish.

Nequasset Lake does not have many houses on it and is a drinking water source for the surrounding area. It’s a wonderful place for a paddle and one I would love to paddle again. 

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.

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.

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.