Three of us awoke to the amenities of Wigwams Camp. Ken Gordon, Eggman DeCoster and I had reserved the cabin for the first night of our three-day trip on Mopang Stream and the Machias River. Owned by Downeast Salmon Federation, the cabin is located at the bottom of the first of four challenging whitewater rapids […]
kayaking
Posted inTimes Record
A day of adversity while canoeing and kayaking on Mopang Stream
Although Mopang Stream in Washington County is a significant tributary of the Machias River, it’s rarely paddled. Limited road access, obtaining a reliable description and determining an adequate water level make planning a trip complex. Another complication: Since it enters the Machias River some distance from dependable road access, an overnight trip is necessary. This […]
advertisement
Posted inNews
Smalls to the Wall opens 2025 whitewater series with thrilling races
Kayakers braved icy conditions and rising waters at Smalls Falls for the season’s first Maine Whitewater Championship race.
Posted inTimes Record
Exciting whitewater on the Contoocook River
Friends and I began paddling the Contoocook River near Henniker, New Hampshire, in the spring over three decades ago. In recent years, the renowned whitewater river has become a favorite with members of the Penobscot Paddle and Chowder Society. The Contoocook is usually one of the earliest Maine or New Hampshire rivers to experience ice […]
Posted inTimes Record
A rare descent of Upper St. George River
For many years, I’ve organized a Penobscot Paddle & Chowder Society spring whitewater trip on the St. George River that flows through Waldo and Knox counties. The section chosen has been from Searsmont to North Appleton, the same route as the traditional downriver race held each March. Rarely paddled is a sector of the St. […]
Posted inTimes Record
A challenging paddle on Crooked River
Paddling the Crooked River near East Waterford has been on my mind for decades. When my friend, Paul Plumer, suggested joining him and Eggman DeCoster for a trip down Crooked River in late March, I quickly agreed. Neither Eggman nor I had paddled Crooked, and Paul’s only experience was in the summer of 1990 at […]
Posted inTimes Record
Rolling kayaks and canoes — for safety
The ability to roll a kayak or canoe in whitewater or the ocean is a great asset. A successful roll can make the difference between a very enjoyable paddling experience and an unpleasant swim. A failure to roll risks the loss of boat and paddle or worse. The kayak roll was developed by Inuits for […]
Posted inTimes Record
Seniors Not Acting Their Age: Scrambling to summit Tunk Mountain
In late October, my son, Adam, and I were camped at Redman’s Beach on Donnell Pond. We were on the second day of a surf and turf trip, an annual event where we combine paddling with overnight camping and mountain climbing. During the previous day, we kayaked across the pond, set up camp and completed […]
Posted inTimes Record
Seniors Not Acting Their Age: Caribou Mountain surf and turf
For my son, Adam, and me, fall is the season for our almost annual surf and turf. Surf and turf is loosely described as an overnight paddle trip combined with a mountain hike or hikes. Past trips have included Moosehead Lake and Mount Kineo, and Attean Pond and Sally Mountain. Last year, Tunk Lake and […]
Posted inTimes Record
Seniors Not Acting Their Age: Navigating historic Flagstaff Lake
A large group of Chowderheads from the Penobscot Paddle & Chowder Society was preparing for the second day of the annual Fall Supper weekend of outdoor activities in Carrabassett Valley. Several decided on mountain bike rides in the area; I had scheduled a paddling trip on Flagstaff Lake. A major concern for our planned lake […]