Forty years ago, my wife, Nancy, and I paddled the iconic Seboeis River canoe trip from Grand Lake Road west of Shin Pond to Whetstone Falls on the East Branch of the Penobscot with our friends John and Diane Stokinger. Twenty years later, I descended the turbulent upper Seboeis to Grand Lake Road with a […]
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The Recycle Bin: Rethink your modes of transportation
Without continued behavior change by towns, businesses and individuals — including a demand for efficient technology and a willingness to adopt a reduced-carbon lifestyle — we cannot achieve the emissions reduction we need to build a livable future. To meet Maine Can’t Wait’s carefully developed steps, Mainers, businesses, industry, state and town governments need to […]
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Seniors Not Acting Their Age: New adventures on the Machias River, Part II — Little Falls to Smith Landing
Ken Gordon and I awoke to a remarkably beautiful spring day at our campsite next to Little Falls on the Machias River. We were on the second day of our river trip and sharing the scenic site with six canoeists we met the previous day. Anticipating an exciting paddle on upcoming Wigwam Rapids, our young […]
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Seniors Not Acting Their Age: New adventures on the Machias River, Part I — Airline Rapids to Little Falls
Forget the St. John, Allagash or St. Croix rivers. As far as I’m concerned, the Machias River is the best tripping river in Maine, maybe in all of the northeastern United States. A free-flowing river with a large watershed, it begins in the lakes region of northern Washington County. From Fifth Machias Lake, it meanders […]
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The Recycle Bin: The ins and outs of electric-vehicle batteries
How are electric-vehicle batteries different from the lead-acid batteries vehicles use to start gasoline engines? How can I use my electric vehicle to extend its life and range? What are the environmental effects on ecology, wildlife and native peoples of mining or salt pond evaporating to produce lithium? Rechargeable lithium batteries have a positive terminal, […]
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Seniors Not Acting Their Age: Weaving the Webb River
Hidden away in the rural community of Carthage, except for locals, Webb River is relatively unknown. Whitewater boaters are an exception. Each spring, scores of enthusiastic paddlers converge on the Webb as soon as ice is out for some excellent Class II/III whitewater. A free-flowing river, it’s unique in that a comparatively large watershed keeps […]
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Seniors Not Acting Their Age: Exciting whitewater adventures on Kingsbury Stream
Paddling Kingsbury Stream in Abbot has been a Penobscot Paddle & Chowder Society spring tradition for decades. In recent years, club member Kyle Duckworth has coordinated the exciting whitewater adventure almost every April. Planning the excursion around the weather, ice and varying water levels is always a challenge. Starting after ice-out is a must. Determining […]
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Seniors Not Acting Their Age: Whitewater thrills and spills on Marsh Stream
For several years, the Penobscot Paddle & Chowder Society has provided safety for the Marsh Stream Canoe & Kayak Race. Traditionally led by Kyle Duckworth, each April, safety-minded club members enthusiastically volunteer their time to support this worthwhile paddling endeavor. There are added benefits for club members. Many Chowderheads participate in the downriver race. And […]
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The Recycle Bin: Reducing plastic in the waste stream
What are some ways cities, manufacturers, and individuals can reduce the huge amount of plastic that encloses many of our food and consumer products? In our home, with assiduous separation of all organic material into the compost pile and recycling as much as Topsham Transfer Station will accept, plastic bags make up the majority of […]
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Seniors Not Acting Their Age: Spring excitement on the Sheepscot River
Forty-five years ago, I experienced my first spring paddle on the Sheepscot River between Whitefield and Head of Tide with my friend, Bob Smith. Novice paddlers, we navigated an 18-foot tandem canoe wearing jeans, wool tops and old sneakers offering little defense from the icy water. We capsized in a Class II rapid about a […]