For more information, contact Larry McIntosh.
Sunday, May 15 – Connecticut River Setbacks, Hinsdale, NH (also known as Lake Wantastiquet – Site #40, CT River Birding Trail, Southern Section.)
Meet at 9:30AM in the NEW Wal-Mart parking lot (Rte 119 in Hinsdale) for a peaceful paddle and picnic lunch in the setbacks of the Connecticut River. This often overlooked wildlife area is the home to hundreds of spring birds and huge fish. Bring water, lunch, snacks, and something warm to drink. We were snowed-out on this trip in May 2002, but it’s usually warm and beautiful. (What to bring)
Wednesday, May 25 – Herrick’s Cove and Williams River Delta, Rockingham, VT (CT River Birding Trail, Southern Section).
Herrick’s Cove offers a pleasant day of paddling through extraordinary marshes, favorite areas for bird watchers especially during spring and fall migrations. Expected sightings are muskrat, beaver, kingfisher, osprey, and songbirds filling the alder, dogwood, and willow trees. If time permits, we may also explore Albee’s and/or Roundy’s Coves and the Great Meadow on the NH shore. We’ll meet at 9AM in Hannaford’s parking lot, Putney Rd, to car/boat pool. Paddlers coming from the north are welcome to meet us at the Herrick’s Cove ramp/picnic area (off Rte 5, near Exit 5, I-91) at 9:45AM. (What to bring)
Saturday, June 11 – Willard Pond, Antrim, NH
“Hidden in the southwestern part of New Hampshire, protected by an Audubon Society preserve, Willard Pond is simply breathtaking.” quotes the Quiet Water Canoe & Kayak Guide. This was last paddled in 2007 and it’s back by popular demand. We’ll meet in the Hannaford’s parking lot, Putney Rd, at 9AM, and should be back by 5PM. Bring water, snack, and a lunch. (What to bring)
Sunday, June 12 – Tully Lake and Long Pond, Royalston, MA
These two beautiful bodies of water are connected by a mile-and-a-half long steam and surrounded by a protected greenway with hiking trails, waterfalls, and vistas. Tully Lake is a new trip for BOC this year. It was suggested by one of our paddling members who lives in the area. We’ll meet in the WalMart parking lot, on Rte 119, in Hinsdale, NH at 8:30AM. (What to bring)
Wednesday, June 15 – Gale Meadows Pond, Winhall, VT (Site #5, CT River Birding Trail, Southern Section)
This was last paddled in 2006 and is back by request. Gale Meadows is a 195-acre pond just north of Bondville off Rte. 30. An ideal spot for an early summer paddle, picnic, and swim, it offers seclusion, easy access, birding, and quiet water paddling. The pond and surrounding land are protected from development and managed by VT Dept of Fish and Wildlife. A great blue heron rookery existed here for many years, but was almost totally destroyed by storms a few years ago. Bald eagles have been sighted here, as well as loons and other waterfowl. We will meet in Jamaica on Rte.30 at the Jamaica Country Store at 9AM. (What to bring)
Fri–Mon, July 22–25 – Mid-Coast Maine Sea Kayak Trip (Reservations required)
This is our third paddling adventure along the coast of Maine and first trip up in the mid-coast region. Our July trip is a camping weekend on the mainland, with day paddling trips to islands, fishing villages, bays, beaches, and rocky headlands. Island camping is optional. Sailing, hiking, and tours are also available. We’ll be staying at Old Quarry Campground near Stonington. Old Quarry is also a Maine Island Trail (MITA) site. This is not a trip for short, wide, slow kayaks or overloaded, underpowered canoes. Sea kayaks can be rented on site. Spray skirts are a must and life jackets will be worn. Maine water is always cold. Paddlers should be familiar with both group and self-rescue techniques and have all appropriate clothing and equipment. This trip is by reservation only. Priority to BOC members; membership information is available online. Register by e-mail to Larry no later than July 7. More information will be sent to registered paddlers. There will be a fee for camping, but not paddling. A special “What to Bring” list will be available.
CANCELLED DUE TO FLOOD: Saturday, September 17 – Connecticut River; Bellows Falls, VT to Westmoreland, NH
Meet at 9AM at the Westmoreland General Store, Rte 63, or at the Bellows Falls canoe launch, Rte 12, on the NH side of the river just below the dam at 9:30AM. We’ll catch the 10AM water release and paddle downstream with a good current, passing Hubbard Farms Wildlife Management Area (WMA), Westminster Station, Green Island WMA, Boggy Meadows, and the confluence of many rivers, streams, and brooks. We’ll take out on the NH shore about 3:30PM and make a stop at Burdick’s Chocolates in Walpole as we shuttle cars and boats. Bring lunch and plenty of water. (What to bring)
CANCELLED DUE TO FLOOD: Sunday, September 18 – Sunrise on Lake Whitingham (Harriman Reservoir), VT
This is our famous sunrise “paddle & nosh” trip. We meet at 6AM at the Chelsea Royal Diner (Rte. 9, West Brattleboro) or 6:30 AM at the VIP Coffee Shop in Wilmington (Jct Rtes. 9 and 100S). We’ll enjoy a potluck breakfast on a warm, sunny secluded beach before the motorboat crowd wakes up. Bring light breakfast snacks to share; OJ will be provided. Also bring whatever makes a picnic breakfast more enjoyable, including something warm to drink. We’ll be off the water by 11AM. (What to bring)
Sunday, September 25 – Third Annual CT River Paddle Battle/Canoe & Kayak Race; Herrick’s Cove, Rockingham,VT
Benefit for the Bellows Falls Rotary Club/Scholarship Fund. This is NOT a BOC event.
Saturday, October 1 – Sommerset Reservoir, Sommerset, VT
This is an all-day fall foliage paddle on a very special out-of-the-way protected body of water, at a special time of year. We expect to see loons and migrating waterfowl, feel the crisp late season air, and witness fantastic fall colors on this favorite outing. Bald eagles have put on quite a show for us over the past few years. Bring snacks, lunch, water, and something warm to drink. We’ll meet at 9AM at the VIP Coffee Shop (Jct of Rtes. 9 and 100S) in Wilmington. (What to bring)
Comments are closed, but trackbacks and pingbacks are open.