tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66667305694603471912024-03-17T20:03:47.560-07:00PenobscotPaddlesPaddling to See- A blog about sea kayaking in Maine. Join us on scenic sea kayak trips in Maine and other beautiful placesPenobscotPaddleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16592313025258461946noreply@blogger.comBlogger236125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6666730569460347191.post-7233569043414519242015-09-07T13:26:00.003-07:002015-09-07T13:26:23.041-07:00Sticking to a plan, or not...<br />
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Today's post was supposed to be pictures of the Porcupine Islands, probably my favorite place to paddle. We haven't been there all summer, for many reasons. One is that, to get there we need to go to Bar Harbor, which is a zoo all summer long. Another is a longer story.<br />
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Mark's tendinitis, which bothered him most of last year, has been more pronounced this year, so most longer kayak trips have been impractical. We've done more short paddle board trips, which seem to bother his elbow less, and I've done lots of trips on the river. <br />
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And not much has happened on the river. For a few weeks there was a seal pup hanging out, but no good could come from sharing that sighting, and other than that it's been the usual eagles, seagulls, ducks and crows.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Could you give away his location?</td></tr>
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Meanwhile, Mark, looking for exercise, has found <a href="http://www.usapa.org/">pickleball</a>. Pickleball, played with whiffleballs, over-sized ping-pong paddles and a badminton-sized hard surface court seems like an odd choice for someone with "tennis elbow" but he swears it's different muscles. <br />
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He started playing one day a week, but quickly ramped up to a five day a week program. Then he began encouraging me to come along. "Anyone can play!" he claimed, "You can play at any level."<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ledges near Ram Island</td></tr>
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And so, one day I found myself on the court. "Just lob the ball over the net," he coached. So I did. In short order, my opponent (not Mark) slammed the ball back. It crashed into my knee at 40 mph. <br />
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"Anyone can play" but not anyone can play well. Mark has an advantage, having played ping pong for many years. Other pickleball players come from tennis, racketball or squash backgrounds. I hadn't done any of those, though I had played badminton as a kid. (in our neighborhood we used a volleyball net to play, I was utterly shocked when my kids started playing to discover the net was only supposed to be 5 feet high - none of my skills seemed to translate to this new net.) <br />
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There are generally four players to each game. In the non-competitive practice I went to, a game lasted about 15 minutes, and the players got switched around after. For a beginner, that's good news, because the people playing with you aren't stuck losing all night.<br />
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Pickleball is known as a social sport, after each game we get to chat. And the court is small enough that that we can talk during the game. There's a lot of support at the game, from hints on playing better, to congratulations on a good shot. I think I got my first congratulations when using the paddle to block my face, resulting in the ball actually going back over the net. Then there are "Good games" all around at the end.<br />
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Mark, as it turns out, is pretty good at pickleball. They call him "The Wall", as in "No one gets past The Wall." They call me "The Sieve."<br />
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There are many good things about pickleball. It is social, if you don't want to play the same game all the time, you have to find new people. One day a group of woman came down from Grand Manan Island seeking new opponents (victims). It helps us exercise, and lose weight. We lose weight primarily because we can't eat before we play, if we have any hope of moving fast enough to get the ball. And, once we're done, what we crave more than food is water, more water, and icy water.<br />
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So, in addition to working around work schedules, and planning shorter kayaks trips, we've also been working around pickleball. Today, Labor Day was supposed to be reserved for a trip to the Porcupines. Then a few weeks ago, a pickleball tournament was announced for Saturday. Mark was quickly snapped up for a men's double team. And eventually, someone convinced me to be their partner. Mark's team came in second. Ours didn't place quite that high. But even with the tournament, we were going to save today for the Porcupine trip.<br />
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Sunday, Mark and I found ourselves paddling on the Penobscot. Mark had pulled a few muscles in his games, but he felt sure he could do a Porcupine run. "I'll just stay away from rock gardening and bracing." <br />
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It can be hard to resist the lure of popping into keyholes, but it's certainly possible. But, I'm not sure I could guarantee that Mark wouldn't have to brace. I can't control the weather, or the wind. I can't promise there wouldn't be confusing waves. Especially not if we were going by the cliffs, and if we weren't going by the cliffs was it really worth it to face the Bar Harbor mobs?<br />
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So instead we went to Castine, where the harbor and islands interact to protect the water and assure there's probably a calm route back to the launch. Because making sure the water is within your capabilities is something you need to determine before you find yourself 3 or 4 miles offshore.<br />
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And to tell the truth, it was a wonderful time in Castine, with some amazing scenery; it is hard to imagine a better day!<br />
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The seal pup picture was taken on the Penobscot River in the spring, the rest were from Castine, today.<br />
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Details for trip planning can be found in earlier posts<br />
Some prior Castine Trips: <a href="http://penobscotpaddles.blogspot.com/2011/10/halloween-tour-remnants-of-maritime.html">Halloween Tour</a>, <a href="http://penobscotpaddles.blogspot.com/2010/08/castine-best-laid-plans.html">Best Laid Plans</a>, <a href="http://penobscotpaddles.blogspot.com/2010/09/castine-maine-we-do-have-plan.html">We do have a plan</a> (Castine is apparently our top choice for plan related blog posts)<br />
Some Porcupine Trips: <a href="http://penobscotpaddles.blogspot.com/2011/07/porcupine-islands-again.html">Porcupines Again</a>, <a href="http://penobscotpaddles.blogspot.com/2014/09/porcupine-islands-in-late-september.html">Porcupines Islands in Late September</a>, <a href="http://penobscotpaddles.blogspot.com/2012/10/seven-reasons-to-visit-porcupines.html">Seven Reasons to visit the Porcupines.</a><br />
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PenobscotPaddleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16592313025258461946noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6666730569460347191.post-44250467784656076922015-08-03T10:35:00.002-07:002015-08-04T05:26:03.043-07:00Ladle Loop, South Addison Maine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Ladle is one of many appealing islands off the Maine coast. Though access is not allowed, its high cliffs with golden lichen draw the eye and begged for closer examination. Ladle is built the reverse of many islands on the Maine coast. Most islands have their rockiest shores to the south-east, but on Ladle the cliffs face to the north, visible from just after our start at the South Addison launch.<br />
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The South Addison launch was about half full when we arrived at 10AM on a Saturday. There were several vehicles with trailers, including a commercial kayaking tour vehicle. Our plan was to paddle around some islands then make it to the Cape Split causeway for the 12:15 high tide, portage the narrow road to get back into Eastern Harbor, and return to the launch.<br />
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On the way out of the harbor, we captured a decent picture of the ersatz lighthouse.<br />
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Freed of the harbor, goal one was Ladle Island. It's a short three-quarter mile crossing, and it seemed like most boat traffic preferred to stay outside the Ladle-Norton island area, perhaps because of the many ledges. None of the ragged cliff edges revealed paddle-able caves.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the base of the northern cliffs</td></tr>
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But we did get to admire the golden lichen.<br />
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The island looks more like a ladle from this angle (to the southeast).<br />
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Many guillemots swam about the island; I have no doubt that several nest on Ladle. One last picture of the east side.<br />
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Then it was off to Norton and Eagle Islands. About halfway there we happened upon a jellyfish bloom. I assume the moon jellies were torn on one or more of the many area ledges.<br />
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Here I'm puttering by one ledge near Norton. Our chart showed a day-marker warning of the outer edge of the ledges, but we weren't able to spot it. Turns out our chart was out of date - it's been replaced by a nun buoy - which we did see.<br />
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This is a nice picture of tiny Eagle Island, just north of Norton (left in the photo.) As we paddled up to it, suitably enough, not just one, but two eagles flew in, paused in the trees for a second, then took off for another location.<br />
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Lunch was on <a href="http://www.downeastcoastalconservancy.org/our-conserved-lands/">Sheep Island</a>, owned by the <a href="http://www.downeastcoastalconservancy.org/">Downeast Coastal Conservancy</a>. It is a lovely island, with a sandy shell-strewn beach, picnic table, fire pit and latrine.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beach closeup</td></tr>
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We chose to eat at a shady spot on the beach, where diving terns kept us entertained as we ate.<br />
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Another tern picture, this one with a young tern begging for food.<br />
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The causeway crossing was fairly easy, although I did wind up slogging through some red seaweed. A slightly lower tide, or not being there at precisely high might improve that, but I'm not sure how it would affect access to Eastern Harbor. The whole northern quarter dries out by low...<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Exploring the peaceful harbor waters</td></tr>
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These residents on Eastern Harbor believe in keeping life fun.<br />
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As did several others! We counted nine kayaks in the harbor. (Not that you need to kayak to enjoy life, but it certainly helps...) We never did spot the commercial tour, so I assume they left Eastern Harbor to explore islands.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A close to full Eastern Harbor as viewed from the launch.</td></tr>
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Summary: Launch South Addison, lots of parking, all tide ramp. No facilities. High 12:15PM. About 6 miles, start 10, finish about 1PM, one stop.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q348GzjQV6g/Vb-1QhCvPUI/AAAAAAAAFc0/xfQgHMY0Sm8/s1600/ladle%2Bchart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-q348GzjQV6g/Vb-1QhCvPUI/AAAAAAAAFc0/xfQgHMY0Sm8/s320/ladle%2Bchart.jpg" width="282" /></a></div>
PenobscotPaddleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16592313025258461946noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6666730569460347191.post-78841234007900187792015-07-30T10:02:00.005-07:002015-07-30T10:02:39.882-07:00Racing low at Naskeag (Maine)<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RvcPk5hnYB4/VbpWtwSRTPI/AAAAAAAAFZk/DHC55LyvVbE/s1600/cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="252" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-RvcPk5hnYB4/VbpWtwSRTPI/AAAAAAAAFZk/DHC55LyvVbE/s640/cover.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Looking from Pond Island to Blue Hill Bay Light on Green Island</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
As I sit in the basement, trying to get my brain to think on this hot, sticky day, it's hard to remember how cold it was last Saturday. 61 degrees (F) with a light but steady wind from the east and iffy skies. So of course we headed to Naskeag, a launch site from which we regularly get caught in fog or rain.<br />
<br />
But we go to Naskeag for multiple reasons; you can get to islands without crossing any channels, it's easy to get to and rarely crowded, and most importantly, there are so many wonderful places to go if it is clear enough<br />
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There is plenty of parking for cars at Naskeag Point in Brooklin Maine, but less for vehicles towing trailers. Some trailers parked on the beach (a firm crushed granite beach), some along side of the road, a few placed a trailer in one spot, truck in the other and one took up four or five spaces.<br />
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Though the skies were gray, there was no fog, so we headed across to Pond Island, passing on the way Mahoney, a active bird island. In addition to the variety showing up in the picture (cormorant, gulls, eiders) terns, guillemots, and loons hung out by the island.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AKoY9jWl7OQ/VbpXmtIC2xI/AAAAAAAAFZs/L2mrSfMd0n4/s1600/smutty.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="318" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-AKoY9jWl7OQ/VbpXmtIC2xI/AAAAAAAAFZs/L2mrSfMd0n4/s640/smutty.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Our crossing took us to Opechee, then it was a matter of seeing if we could beat low to cross between Opechee and Jons, and again between Opechee and Black. The water was just passable between Opechee and Black.<br />
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Over 100 seals were spotted on various ledges. This shot is of a crowded ledge east of John's Island.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IsfsNW2vJI0/VbpXsW-uZdI/AAAAAAAAFZ4/vEO-bVrHWlk/s1600/seals.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IsfsNW2vJI0/VbpXsW-uZdI/AAAAAAAAFZ4/vEO-bVrHWlk/s640/seals.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Only one raccoon was scene, running free on Opechee.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Osv79tntX1A/VbpXzM5j3FI/AAAAAAAAFaA/efII2Avjy9g/s1600/raccoon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="242" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Osv79tntX1A/VbpXzM5j3FI/AAAAAAAAFaA/efII2Avjy9g/s640/raccoon.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Lunch, at just about low, was on Pond Island, before riding some choppy water back to Naskeag.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uqlbiTYpvnk/VbpX5gcnJmI/AAAAAAAAFaI/gcdG7_sSOvw/s1600/pond.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="302" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uqlbiTYpvnk/VbpX5gcnJmI/AAAAAAAAFaI/gcdG7_sSOvw/s640/pond.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Another picture from Pond Island</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Summary: Launch 10:30AM, low just about noon, finish about 1:30. 8 miles, one break. Naskeag offers about 20 single car spaces, trailered vehicles tend to part on the side of the road. Port-a-pottie. All tides crushed rock ramp, dock, also a nice picnic area and beach at the launch.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A6OAeNwYhfA/T_NO22vP1mI/AAAAAAAACTQ/YAn-CCavecs/s1600/NaskeagChart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A6OAeNwYhfA/T_NO22vP1mI/AAAAAAAACTQ/YAn-CCavecs/s320/NaskeagChart.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />PenobscotPaddleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16592313025258461946noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6666730569460347191.post-4191480500820973302015-07-22T10:12:00.001-07:002015-07-22T10:12:22.600-07:00Moose Neck, South Addison, Maine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lb1zvGSxpOI/Va_Lrv3bOoI/AAAAAAAAFYI/dmKJhbA2hIE/s1600/cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="284" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-lb1zvGSxpOI/Va_Lrv3bOoI/AAAAAAAAFYI/dmKJhbA2hIE/s640/cover.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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South Addison has a really nice ramp out on Moose Neck. It's large, all tides and has plenty of parking. We were there on a Saturday in early July, and not very many spaces were taken. The ramp leads into Eastern Harbor, a very protected area, with a few scenic lobster boats.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Tn-hOqc9lhY/Va_MIGHMA3I/AAAAAAAAFYQ/mTwbbhO6eLI/s1600/scenic%2Blobster%2Bboats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="363" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Tn-hOqc9lhY/Va_MIGHMA3I/AAAAAAAAFYQ/mTwbbhO6eLI/s640/scenic%2Blobster%2Bboats.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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In addition to moored boats and wharfs, the harbor seemed to have a goodly supply of moon jellies who'd made their way in and seemed ready to stay for the summer. Across from the ramp, on Cape Split an artifical lighthouse peeked out from behind some trees. Further out, to the southwest and behind scenic Ladle Island, was a more formal lighthouse on Little Nash, though checking the chart, we learned that lighthouse was abandoned.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MrJaE9Erm7E/Va_McGcG0KI/AAAAAAAAFYY/bXGZupkxr34/s1600/ladle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="276" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MrJaE9Erm7E/Va_McGcG0KI/AAAAAAAAFYY/bXGZupkxr34/s640/ladle.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Ladle Island, looking quite appealing. The abandoned lighthouse is barely visible to the left.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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We weren't headed west though, but east into the smattering of islands by Tibbets Narrows.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0uQnBnVFwHI/Va_M9lsM0XI/AAAAAAAAFYg/sbnyNNBWhNI/s1600/buoy%2Band%2Bislands.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="340" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0uQnBnVFwHI/Va_M9lsM0XI/AAAAAAAAFYg/sbnyNNBWhNI/s640/buoy%2Band%2Bislands.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A bell buoy and multiple islands - what could be better?</td></tr>
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There we encountered a Bell Buoy, always a favorite sighting, and in the distance, ledges full of sunning seals.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T8yyBVV4ILg/Va_NLh8IV7I/AAAAAAAAFYo/Ca0HQ4pEx2s/s1600/shiny%2Bdistant%2Bseal%2Blumps.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="176" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-T8yyBVV4ILg/Va_NLh8IV7I/AAAAAAAAFYo/Ca0HQ4pEx2s/s400/shiny%2Bdistant%2Bseal%2Blumps.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Distant shiny seals decorate Hay Ledge</td></tr>
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<br />
We paddled by Plummer's Islands, looking to see if we might make it between the two, but it was well past time for that crossing. Then it was on to another chain of islands, taking a break upon Stevens. I can't help but feel our landing would have been more pleasant at a slightly higher tide, but the shoreline was mostly solid, which just a couple patches of mud.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j8gV180fZiA/Va_NdSlECWI/AAAAAAAAFYw/u7rCZOGY5YI/s1600/two%2Bboats%2Bon%2Bstevens%2Bbeach.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="222" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-j8gV180fZiA/Va_NdSlECWI/AAAAAAAAFYw/u7rCZOGY5YI/s400/two%2Bboats%2Bon%2Bstevens%2Bbeach.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two boats on Stevens Island</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
And dashing about, nearly hidden by their coloring were several tiny sandpipers, which we've identified, tentatively, as least sandpipers. Two pipers are plainly visible in this photo.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wiRSVRSOAiA/Va_Nr24TdsI/AAAAAAAAFY4/XuIpjyIKpTQ/s1600/least%2Bsandpiper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wiRSVRSOAiA/Va_Nr24TdsI/AAAAAAAAFY4/XuIpjyIKpTQ/s320/least%2Bsandpiper.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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But on the island, the birds appeared more as brown blurs against the landscape. This photo has a seven or eight blurry birds in it.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jFWNEBhDetw/Va_N7VM10TI/AAAAAAAAFZA/odEGV7lOmMg/s1600/seven%2Bor%2Beight%2Bbirds%2Bnone%2Bin%2Bfocus.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jFWNEBhDetw/Va_N7VM10TI/AAAAAAAAFZA/odEGV7lOmMg/s400/seven%2Bor%2Beight%2Bbirds%2Bnone%2Bin%2Bfocus.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<br />
After Stevens we headed for Duck Ledges and then back between Tibbett Island and Moose Neck, before returning to the launch. South Addision was a new launch for us, I'm sure we'll be back to explore the area some more.<br />
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Summary: Launch 10:30AM, Finish 12:30PM, Low about 1:20PM. Lots of parking, concrete ramp, no facilities that I saw. 7.5 miles with one break.<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zxo-ZjgaFBA/Va_OaDPy-5I/AAAAAAAAFZM/Fbzuvl_bfr0/s1600/relevant%2Bchart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Zxo-ZjgaFBA/Va_OaDPy-5I/AAAAAAAAFZM/Fbzuvl_bfr0/s320/relevant%2Bchart.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />PenobscotPaddleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16592313025258461946noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6666730569460347191.post-42418639404078715622015-07-14T17:36:00.000-07:002015-07-15T04:58:57.803-07:00Welcoming the Hermione to Castine<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mIpIssofQu0/VaWpJ9UBfJI/AAAAAAAAFW0/C4_zxbJG_1A/s1600/crowds%2Bat%2BMadison.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mIpIssofQu0/VaWpJ9UBfJI/AAAAAAAAFW0/C4_zxbJG_1A/s640/crowds%2Bat%2BMadison.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Crowds fill Fort Madison, and all other access points along the harbor</td></tr>
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"Vive la France!" the cry came up behind me from the crowd at Fort Madison.<br />
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When was the last time Castine harbor heard that cry? Maybe in the mid 1600's when Baron Castin was still in residence. Then the cry might have come from Fort Pentogoet, located near where Our Lady of Holy Hope is currently located, as soldiers saw ships coming in with new supplies.<br />
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Certainly that cry had not been heard from Fort Madison, a U.S. fort built in 1809 to defend against another English capture of Castine. When Castine was again attacked in 1814 by the English the poorly staffed fort made one token shot, spiked their cannons and disbanded.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tCi0oBwU0s4/VaWpXvXzGNI/AAAAAAAAFW8/M0HTDacf4Wg/s1600/arriving%2Bin%2Bthe%2Bmist.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="330" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tCi0oBwU0s4/VaWpXvXzGNI/AAAAAAAAFW8/M0HTDacf4Wg/s640/arriving%2Bin%2Bthe%2Bmist.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Arriving out of the mist</td></tr>
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But on July 14, 2015, the cry was to honor a visit from the <i>Hermoine</i>, a replica of the ship on which Lafayette sailed to America in 1780, bringing with him crucial military strategies used during the Revolutionary War, and more importantly, support for an independent United States from an established European country.<br />
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It was the perfect day for a ship to visit. There was light fog on the water, making it easier to transport back in time to when sailing ships ruled the seas.<br />
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rDFoVxwYBFQ/VaWpjOR6dzI/AAAAAAAAFXE/CFIvRl-2Z54/s1600/canoe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="270" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-rDFoVxwYBFQ/VaWpjOR6dzI/AAAAAAAAFXE/CFIvRl-2Z54/s640/canoe.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The side of the canoe reads: "Water is a blessing for all life."</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We'd arrived at Wadsworth Cove at 1PM, and launched from there to the harbor, it was about three when the ships began to enter the harbor. We'd passed our time paddling up and down, and chatting with other folks in small boats, including <a href="http://www.zollitschcanoeadventures.com/">Reinhard Zollitsch</a>, who along with making several long canoe journeys has also helped race sailing schooners.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qc8ItGMAoz8/VaWp82k_HeI/AAAAAAAAFXM/nBtUEwuAdIM/s1600/libery%2Bchimes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="292" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qc8ItGMAoz8/VaWp82k_HeI/AAAAAAAAFXM/nBtUEwuAdIM/s640/libery%2Bchimes.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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</div>
<br />
It wasn't only the <i>Hermione </i>that arrived, but a whole flotilla of boats, everything from schooners and yachts to dories and kayaks.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3JCQss7G2zA/VaWqXEy-4wI/AAAAAAAAFXc/Ag_obqyfafc/s1600/second%2Bboat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="272" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3JCQss7G2zA/VaWqXEy-4wI/AAAAAAAAFXc/Ag_obqyfafc/s640/second%2Bboat.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The second boat appears to be a sailing diesel yacht</td></tr>
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9jgcK5TJCtQ/VaWqoc277JI/AAAAAAAAFXk/BJ60cm76EYY/s1600/hermoine%2Barrives.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-9jgcK5TJCtQ/VaWqoc277JI/AAAAAAAAFXk/BJ60cm76EYY/s640/hermoine%2Barrives.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<i><b> </b></i><br />
<i><b> </b></i>Some ships announced their arrival with cannon fire, others with honks or fog horns. A very festive event; though it might be fair to state it was also a bit zoo-ey and many kayaks seemed to disregard any guidance about taking care near large boats.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ock7zULPytw/VaWqwYo7CZI/AAAAAAAAFXs/I4HVX67rp7E/s1600/cannon%2Bfire.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="436" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Ock7zULPytw/VaWqwYo7CZI/AAAAAAAAFXs/I4HVX67rp7E/s640/cannon%2Bfire.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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But to see such a grand ship sailing - what can you say but "C'est magnifique!"<br />
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<br />
More about the <a href="http://www.hermione2015.com/#home"><i>Hermione</i></a> <br />
More about the <a href="http://castinehistoricalsocietyhermione.org/">Hermione visit in Castine</a> Several streets in Castine have been set up as temporary one way streets to allow for more parking. Even so, it seemed like every spot was filled when we left.... <br />
PenobscotPaddleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16592313025258461946noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6666730569460347191.post-22403776775900831352015-07-13T17:39:00.002-07:002015-07-21T05:47:52.236-07:00Friar Bay, Campobello Island N.B.<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sVvime7cmUA/VaRWs1ljbnI/AAAAAAAAFVE/Acdbw6RNhJA/s1600/Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="252" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-sVvime7cmUA/VaRWs1ljbnI/AAAAAAAAFVE/Acdbw6RNhJA/s640/Cover.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mulholland Light to the left, Lubec to the right</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We went to Friar Bay to enjoy a low tide paddle. Actually, we came to the Lubec/Campobello area to enjoy low tide, then decided once we were there that the best way to see low tide was from the water. So we crossed to Campobello Island and looked for a place to paddle. We had our passports with us, and they were checked both ways. Campobello Island may only be connected by a bridge to Lubec, Maine (and to the rest of New Brunswick by a seasonal ferry) but don't expect customs to ignore your crossings..<br />
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Friar Bay was recommended by the information center as the place where they paddled, and conveniently it was quite close. It's a broad open bay, with a nice rock/sandy bottom. Friar Head and a sea stack are located to the southwest side of the bay. Friar Bay is where Franklin Roosevelt used to anchor his yacht when he came to visit his summer residence on Campobello Island. <br />
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We paddled off to the sea stacks, going by several sights on the way. A couple abandoned boats, one old, one newer.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YK564wH2-6g/VaRW9Tf4NGI/AAAAAAAAFVM/1qW_DEtK1BQ/s1600/wrecks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="376" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YK564wH2-6g/VaRW9Tf4NGI/AAAAAAAAFVM/1qW_DEtK1BQ/s640/wrecks.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
There's a nice dock, which I think must be associated with Roosevelt Campobello International Park, though I don't see anything about it on their <a href="http://www.fdr.net/">site</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hoq4wfYYZZA/VaRXErg2y4I/AAAAAAAAFVU/RhaTu-Blcjg/s1600/dock.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-hoq4wfYYZZA/VaRXErg2y4I/AAAAAAAAFVU/RhaTu-Blcjg/s640/dock.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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Some sort of aquaculture marked by yellow buoys. <br />
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The sea stack looks most like a friar in this photo.<br />
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And lots of wildlife, several sightings of ctenophora, include a ribbon-like cestid comb jelly. There were also more than a few jellyfish.<br />
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Lots of sea stars, and urchins. (They were mostly on rockier shores)<br />
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This sea gull gets to enjoy an urchin.<br />
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Sand dollars freckled across the floor.<br />
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We paddled down to Mulholland Lighthouse. The narrows under FDR bridge are marked as hazardous for navigations because of the fast currents there mid tide.<br />
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Out along Friar Bay, though, the water was peaceful and quiet, with plenty of time to observe the ocean floor. We arrived back nearly at dead low, with quite a bit more sandy bottom to cross to return to our cars.<br />
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Summary: Launch Friar Bay Beach, adequate parking, no facilities. There is an information center about a mile away. We launched at 10:30 EDT, finished at noon. Low was at 12:40. About 3.5 miles. We headed back to Lubec for lunch, where we captured one of my favorite shots of the day, looking back toward Mulholland Light.<br />
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<br />PenobscotPaddleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16592313025258461946noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6666730569460347191.post-70974013388670440952015-06-28T12:03:00.000-07:002015-06-28T12:03:48.588-07:00Kennebec River, Augusta ME: Wildlife and Current<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beach beside the launch. That tiny white dot by the bridge piling; a sturgeon jumping or an osprey diving?</td></tr>
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If you're in Augusta, even if you're without boats, you should stop by the boat launch under the Memorial Bridge. There's a small park there, trees for shade, a playground, picnic tables and benches looking over the river. And a great variety of wildlife; we saw osprey, eagles blue heron, herring gulls, mink, and ducklings. But we were there primarily to look for sturgeon. Large 3-4 foot long sturgeon, which for unknown reasons jump straight up out of the river, primarily in late June and July. And, while you can just sit on the shore and look for sturgeon, if you have a boat available, it's also fun to play on the Kennebec River.<br />
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Augusta has about a five foot tidal range, we were there about an hour before low, with a swift moving down river current, and a moderate south wind acting against it. Noting the eddylines, we choose to ride the current down to buoy 82, cross there and wend our way back using old boom islands to assist us.<br />
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Just above buoy 82 are some great stone buildings, the old Kennebec Arsenal, built between 1828 and 1838. These structures were annexed by the nearby Maine State Hospital in 1905, and abandoned in 2004. Note the wonderful broad ship landing, and the elegant copper structures capping the ventilation shafts. It's a beautiful property, awaiting redevelopment. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picking my way back upstream behind boom islands, the launch is just beyond the bridge</td></tr>
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Having made it back to the launch in a reasonable time and with a reasonable effort, we headed north, past <a href="http://www.oldfortwestern.org/">Old Fort Western</a>. Fort Western was built in 1754, and is New England's oldest remaining wooden Fort. A bateau associated with the fort was docked at the landing.<br />
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We made it up to the railroad bridge before reaching a point of no further progress, then crossed the Kennebec and rode down to the buoy again.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-guaB941_kt0/VZA39DR-68I/AAAAAAAAFUU/-29mjqgQROk/s1600/custom%2Bhouse.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-guaB941_kt0/VZA39DR-68I/AAAAAAAAFUU/-29mjqgQROk/s400/custom%2Bhouse.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Gliding by the Old Augusta Post Office and Courthouse, the mink was hiding along this shore</td></tr>
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Along the way we probably saw ten or twelve sturgeon jump, including a few really big ones. We didn't get any pictures, but <a href="http://www.riggsphoto.com/Nature/Sturgeon/Sturgeon/">Linwood Riggs</a>, a patient photographer, has captured several jumping sturgeon. Our wildlife photography was limited to some gangly ducks hoping for a handout.<br />
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It was a delightful evening, temps in the 70's, low humidity, incredible architecture, amazing animals and just a great time to play on the water.<br />
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Summary: Launch: Augusta Boat Launch, off Howard Lane. Concrete ramp, kayak condos, several parking spaces shared with a picnic and playground area, porta-potties. The Augusta Tide Chart is <a href="http://tides.mobilegeographics.com/calendar/month/272.html">here</a>, it's far enough up river to have a very different tide from most places. The loop with the extra section was 2.5 miles.<br />
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Links: <a href="http://www.fortwiki.com/Kennebec_Arsenal">Kennebec Arsenal</a> http://www.fortwiki.com/Kennebec_Arsenal<br />
<a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kennebec_Arsenal">Wikipedia Kennebec Arsenal:</a> https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kennebec_Arsenal<br />
<br />PenobscotPaddleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16592313025258461946noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6666730569460347191.post-35559756492569285862015-06-07T10:52:00.002-07:002015-06-07T13:24:57.225-07:00Moosehorn to Hot Hole Pond, a Nalu Test<br />
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Having gone to the effort of dragging the Nalu's back up our hill, we figured we may as well take them out in their ideal test environment, a shallow stream with lots of obstacles. <br />
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The route we picked was a short one, on the Bucksport/Orland line. Our trip would take us down Moosehorn Stream until it met up with Hole Hole Stream, then up Hole Hole Stream to tiny Hot Hole Pond. The backdrop to our journey was Great Pond Mountain, whose land held by <a href="http://greatpondtrust.org/">Great Pond Land Trust</a><br />
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Moosehorn Streams builds up a little speed as it passes under the bridge by the launch, but for the most part it is relatively slow and shallow. The bridge is fairly scenic, new cement over what looks to be old granite supports. <br />
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Moosehorn Stream runs through a mature forest. </div>
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At the confluence with Hot Hole Stream, there was a beaver dam, which the Nalu crossed easily. At that point the two streams flow into Alamoosic Lake.<br />
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But rather than head into the lake, we turned upstream on Hot Hole Stream, heading out into a marshy landscape.<br />
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It was June in Maine and we were paddling on clean water. I expected hoards of black flies. I don't know if it was the temperature ( mid 50's) the gray sky, or the gentle breeze, but few bugs were spotted. Instead we enjoyed other marsh denizens; red winged black birds, swallows, and grackles. A pair of geese and their goslings kept a careful eye on us, and a solitary deer wandered along the stream edge. Unfortunately, none of those pictures came out well, so I will spare you the blurry renditions.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Circumnavigating Hot Hole Pond</td></tr>
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Hot Hole Pond is a smallish pond, it's a place where you can spend the entire day; fishing, hiking, paddling and more. A group of six canoes had claimed the beach area, and seemed ready to spend a day there.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Picking a route downstream</td></tr>
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The Nalu's did very well on the journey. Mostly the trip was done standing on the boards, though some tricky areas required kneeling, and I sat for awhile while circumnavigating the pond, just to rest my knees.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A short carry to finish</td></tr>
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Summary: Launch 9:30AM, finish 11:30AM. Launch where Bald Mountain Rd cross Moosehorn Stream. Side of the road parking, no facilities. 3.4 miles to and around Hot Hole Pond and back. <a href="http://greatpondtrust.org/wp-content/uploads/2010/05/Wildlandsmapsmall.pdf">Map of the area and trust land</a>PenobscotPaddleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16592313025258461946noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6666730569460347191.post-90756816417070297142015-05-31T11:46:00.002-07:002015-05-31T14:46:00.222-07:00Nalu 12.5 from Ocean Kayak<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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If you have access to water, and access to paddlers of all sizes, shapes and abilities, you may want to make space for the Nalu 12.5, a plastic hybrid paddleboard/sit-on-top kayak. <br />
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The Nalu 12.5 is not a performance boat, but it is cleverly designed to be fun and easy to use. The board weighs 49 pounds, and is an easy one person carry balancing well from either center handhold. Aft bungees hold gear in place, and there's a compartment up front for drier storage. Rather than a long fin, there are three keels to help the Nalu hold direction. You can lay it flat on the grass and there is less to worry about as you launch. And, if you've ever caught your SUP board fin on a hidden branch, you know another advantage to the keels.<br />
It's an easy boat to get on, and you can stand, sit, kneel or lie down to paddle. If you're looking for a boat for a variety of skill levels at a lake, or a craft for exploring small streams, this is a great choice.<br />
Newer versions include a handhold in back, as well as in front, and pads to help older joints kneel. But the versions we purchased were close-out models bought at the twice yearly <a href="http://www.oldtowncanoe.com/">Old Town Canoe and Kayak</a> <a href="http://oldtowncanoefactoryoutlet.com/">factory seconds sale</a>; the second cheapest way to add new boats to your fleet.* <br />
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These boards come with an optional seat. The seats can attach at four points (Two by the center handles, two by the bungees.) When all four points are used, the seat is held open. We generally prefer to just use the two front straps, and travel with the seat folded over itself and flat. Sometimes we don't even bother to open the seat, we just sit on the back of the seat, or even use it as knee pad. </div>
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One of the nice features is how well these boards stack on a roof. Stacking is enhanced by a drain line at the rear of the bottom board which lines up with the center keel of the top boat .<br />
The boards do okay in moderate wind and chop, though they are a wet ride.<br />
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The hatch is a strap-on plastic cover. <br />
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Here Mark is testing the hatch by rocking water over it.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VuqkzJXq1Lk/VWtGj_suutI/AAAAAAAAFRk/4WQ684vIlDM/s1600/INSIDE%2BHATCH.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="222" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-VuqkzJXq1Lk/VWtGj_suutI/AAAAAAAAFRk/4WQ684vIlDM/s320/INSIDE%2BHATCH.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
The inside is still dry! But, I would still recommend a dry bag for anything in there, and being wise about using the board on cold or rough water.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wlCknxIQ5z4/VWtG0Kny8WI/AAAAAAAAFRs/f1mQiERADKg/s1600/EARLY%2BTEST.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wlCknxIQ5z4/VWtG0Kny8WI/AAAAAAAAFRs/f1mQiERADKg/s320/EARLY%2BTEST.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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And you can see that they do very well with a <a href="http://penobscotpaddles.blogspot.com/2014/05/greenland-paddle-board.html">Greenland Paddleboard Paddle</a>. There are also hybrid paddles available. The Old Town factory outlet has a model with a tee grip end which can be changed out for a paddle. The model they had on hand could not compete with Marks' cedar GP for lightness or comfort though. Another option is to use a paddleboard paddle and store a break apart two-bladed kayak paddle in the hatch. We had no trouble getting a 240cm Warner break-apart in or out of the hatch.<br />
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Our sons recently came by to pick up "their" boats** to use for a day trip with friends up a beaver stream to a small pond. But, after testing the Nalu's, that's what they left with. The Nalu's were easy to transport and when the group was traveling up the winding stream it was easy for them to stand up and check on the other paddlers. These boats have the most flexibility for getting on and off, which was perfect for getting over beaver dams (and positioning to help other boats over the dams) as well as landing on a steep shore. One used the Greenland paddle, the other a SUP paddle, though he switched to a Euro-paddle to cross the pond in a strong wind. <br />
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So what are the flaws? There are a few. It is rated for up to 350 pounds. We did have a fairly large guy (close to 300 pounds) test it, he enjoyed the boat and found is quite stable. He also liked that he could easily get himself back on the board, a feat which is not possible with some recreational sit-inside kayaks. But I think the rated 350 pounds capacity is optimistic.<br />
When anyone over average weight is seated, the back of the boat tends to drag. One option is to pull the seat pad further forward, but then foot brace positions are limited. Also, the seat angle is better for relaxing than power paddling.<br />
The foot wells, while they add stability by lowering the feet, limit movement on the paddleboard. <br />
Shifting from standing to sitting, and more so from sitting to standing is not as straight forward as you might imagine. Especially when shifting from sitting to standing, it's easier to go through a kneeling stage (and drag a leg off the side to do so.)<br />
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We bought these boats to use on the Penobscot River. The path to our boat launch is narrow with some steep drop-offs so carrying boats, even light ones, up and down regularly is more insane than buying additional boats. Since we plan to paddleboard regularly on the Penobscot River, we'd like to store boards down there. The Penobscot isn't a shallow stream, so the Nalu's keel isn't the advantage it could be other places, but I like to have the option to be able to sit, should the wind pick up while we're out. <br />
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After borrowing the Nalu's for the weekend, one son is thinking of getting one for his own use, which says a lot for their entertainment value. (Remember his real kayak is still stored here.)<br />
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* The best sale is the Old Town Employee-only Sale, held just before the public sale. Old Town employees are held in high esteem in this area.<br />
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** Some of the kayaks regularly featured in Penobscot Paddles are not technically our boats, but boats which were gifts to prior Penobscot Paddlers. I'm sure they appreciate us continuing to exercise their equipment... <br />
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PenobscotPaddleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16592313025258461946noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6666730569460347191.post-77590025841197771882015-05-19T12:46:00.000-07:002015-05-19T12:46:52.378-07:00Gray Day in Castine<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1LV8_lb6r3o/VVuOth-5xMI/AAAAAAAAFPU/yfH4S87z63I/s1600/Beach%2BLaunch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="289" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1LV8_lb6r3o/VVuOth-5xMI/AAAAAAAAFPU/yfH4S87z63I/s640/Beach%2BLaunch.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
It was an iffy day, and the splatters of rain on our car windshield didn't make it any more appealing. But it had been a long hard winter. We'd started with an ice storm in early November which left us without power for a week and downed trees which still fill our property. It had then become a record setting winter for snow and cold. And though we'd been out on our kayaks for a few short trips, they'd all been local. We were looking forward to a day on the water. So, arriving at the Castine dock to see this was disappointing.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MIXeZ-2GnEU/VVuO2Zh0nOI/AAAAAAAAFPc/KjIFAhV1i0U/s1600/construction.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="214" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-MIXeZ-2GnEU/VVuO2Zh0nOI/AAAAAAAAFPc/KjIFAhV1i0U/s320/construction.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
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With the dock blocked off, we headed to Wadsworth Cove to try a launch. Wadsworth Cove is named for General Peleg Wadsworth (grandfather of Henry Wadsworth Longfellow), who, during the Revolutionary War escaped from the British at Fort George by wading across the cove.<br />
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We thought we might start out easy by exploring Bog Brook Stream to the north of the beach. No such luck, access to Bog Brook had be reduced from a twenty foot wide entrance to three feet, which meant being restricted to the highest part of the tide for access.<br />
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But even in that short trip we could see what a delightful and calm day it was. So we headed back to the car for some extra clothes and a deck compass, then took off for Holbrook Island.<br />
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You can see how still the water was as we passed by Trask Rock. A popular local legend says in the attack on Fort George during the Penobscot Expedition, the piper hid by Trask Rock to signal where to charge the hill <br />
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The glory of calm days is you can spot every seal or porpoise that surfaces. The frustration is they just don't stay up long enough to be captured on film. The closest we came to a great wildlife shot, was capturing this flock of 50 or more cormorants heading into the harbor.<br />
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Frustrated with wild life remaining untamed, we turned our cameras to other, more stationary subjects:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DA4_d0BmPcA/VVuPyjEV_4I/AAAAAAAAFP0/kABus1wSEL4/s1600/rocks1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="420" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DA4_d0BmPcA/VVuPyjEV_4I/AAAAAAAAFP0/kABus1wSEL4/s640/rocks1.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The colorful rocks of Holbrook Island</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rybn2T2GzVc/VVuQJHJwRlI/AAAAAAAAFP8/trsROYkDaIg/s1600/rocks2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="430" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rybn2T2GzVc/VVuQJHJwRlI/AAAAAAAAFP8/trsROYkDaIg/s640/rocks2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A golden aspe on Dyce's Head</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iKywibK5QsU/VVuQY9bD7MI/AAAAAAAAFQE/AvgKvz3YrTQ/s1600/channel%2Bmarker%2B.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="430" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iKywibK5QsU/VVuQY9bD7MI/AAAAAAAAFQE/AvgKvz3YrTQ/s640/channel%2Bmarker%2B.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Harbor Buoy with Dyce's Head Lighthouse in the distance.</td></tr>
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All in all, a good start to touring season.<br />
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Summary: High about 10AM. Launch 9AM, stop on Holbrook, finish about 11, about 7 miles.<br />
Launch Wadsworth Cove, Town Beach, no restriction on launching kayaks that I am aware of. Generally plenty of parking. In (swimming) season there is port-a-pottie - not yet.<br />
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<br />PenobscotPaddleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16592313025258461946noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6666730569460347191.post-46792100589771790112014-11-28T09:38:00.003-08:002016-10-05T17:04:11.470-07:00Big Foot Paddleboards The final post in the Florida series; this one about a local business.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gr4ZtBPXJ10/VGI3td22bfI/AAAAAAAAFNI/jeN1tv93vxQ/s1600/Mark%2Bon%2Ba%2BBigfoot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="352" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-gr4ZtBPXJ10/VGI3td22bfI/AAAAAAAAFNI/jeN1tv93vxQ/s640/Mark%2Bon%2Ba%2BBigfoot.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mark on a Big Foot Paddleboard</td></tr>
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We weren't the only ones attracted to the warm calm waters of Florida. Pretty much everywhere we went we met others with or on paddleboards. One person we met was Josh Hensley, designer of<a href="http://www.hunterspringskayak.com/big-foot-paddle-boards.html"> Big Foot Custom Fiberglass Paddleboards. </a><br />
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We were immediately attracted to the bright designs and comfortable seats on his boards. The seats lift up, revealing a compartment for storing treasures. The compartment has sealed bulkheads around it.<br />
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The boats vary in width, Josh preferred a narrow width board, but he made wider boards for many of his clients. Those were the ones we tested.<br />
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The boards were comfortable and stable; it was easy to transition to standing on them. Rather than having one long fin, (which could get caught and cause a face-plant) Big Foot Boards have a shallow keel. This makes the board track better, and a bit tougher to turn.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YPrqgStzZ-c/VGI4FKcbXdI/AAAAAAAAFNY/dNhWhpGdhHY/s1600/keel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="352" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YPrqgStzZ-c/VGI4FKcbXdI/AAAAAAAAFNY/dNhWhpGdhHY/s640/keel.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Josh shows the keel</td></tr>
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I could see where these boards would be idea for someone who wanted the easy access a paddleboard provides, with some extra features for increased stability.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N04hdkCF30Y/VGI4SBqdiYI/AAAAAAAAFNg/AMfTu4r6w6U/s1600/designs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="332" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-N04hdkCF30Y/VGI4SBqdiYI/AAAAAAAAFNg/AMfTu4r6w6U/s640/designs.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Designs on some child sized boards</td></tr>
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<br />PenobscotPaddleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16592313025258461946noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6666730569460347191.post-31263268610220818152014-11-11T12:15:00.002-08:002014-11-13T14:41:05.597-08:00Weeki Wachee Springs, Florida<br />
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<a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZeyznuHeN78/VGIuHDQr5DI/AAAAAAAAFMY/90Y3qUCU-iM/s1600/headed%2Bup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="340" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ZeyznuHeN78/VGIuHDQr5DI/AAAAAAAAFMY/90Y3qUCU-iM/s640/headed%2Bup.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
Weeki Wachee Springs starts at a big Florida State Park famous for <a href="http://www.weekiwachee.com/">mermaids</a>. Behind the state park, <a href="http://www.paddlingadventures.com/">Paddling Adventure</a> rents kayaks to folks to ride the spring waters down to Rodgers Park. In 2012, we <a href="http://penobscotpaddles.blogspot.com/2012/12/florida-paddling-adventure-at-weeki.html">just that</a>. On the way down stream we met several canoes and kayaks headed upstream. And that seemed like much more fun, working against the steady 1.5 knot current, then riding the cool waters back to the start.<br />
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So this year we started at <a href="http://www.co.hernando.fl.us/parks_rec/Parks/Park_detail.asp?Key=22">Rodgers Park</a>, about 4 miles down from the beginning, and began paddling upstream.<br />
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We started early, because the air was cooler and so we wouldn't have to dodge downstream kayaks.<br />
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The paddle began pleasantly enough, we paddled by an array of canals providing water-access to various neighborhoods. Along the main river, folks sat out enjoying leisurely Sunday morning coffees while overlooking the river. If they were annoyed to see paddlers disturbing their breakfasts, they were gracious enough to keep it to themselves.<br />
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<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FX5xEwBzfXI/VGIuZQoYTVI/AAAAAAAAFMg/YsGZ9YeWvkc/s1600/upstream.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FX5xEwBzfXI/VGIuZQoYTVI/AAAAAAAAFMg/YsGZ9YeWvkc/s640/upstream.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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But as we reached the edge of the development, where the wider stream capable of hosting motorboats faded into the more natural river we had to work harder. The current was strong, and the stream narrow. The edges, where the current should be less, were blocked from our use, either by low branches, or shallow water, which couldn't accommodate our 9 inch fins.<br />
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By about two miles up, beating against the stream had lost its luster, so we turned around and flew back.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2aDr8ZedOts/VGIuzBnMafI/AAAAAAAAFMw/xjRGhx8s14M/s1600/downstream.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-2aDr8ZedOts/VGIuzBnMafI/AAAAAAAAFMw/xjRGhx8s14M/s640/downstream.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Headed downstream, the river is a 3-4 feet deep, not the few inches it appears in this photo</td></tr>
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I did feel that we might not have had the right boats for this adventure. To keep up our gains against the current we did wind up needing to sit/kneel a good bit of the time. We wound up doing about 4 miles in total, which is pretty standard for a paddleboard venture, but I knew with kayaks we'd have made it further.<br />
On the plus side, our boats were very light and we were able to store them inside our van. Although they weren't ideal for this water, we were able to be on the Weeki Wachee before it was too hot, and before the river was filled with canoes and kayaks headed both directions; and I did feel like I'd put enough effort out to deserve a swift ride downstream. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vblT0yuHCIg/VGIvEWnCwFI/AAAAAAAAFM4/zxp3aTxDaoI/s1600/two%2Bdogs.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="478" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vblT0yuHCIg/VGIvEWnCwFI/AAAAAAAAFM4/zxp3aTxDaoI/s640/two%2Bdogs.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fishing boat with 2 dogs. This was followed closely by 2 canoes, with 2 dogs each. </td></tr>
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Links:<br />
<a href="http://www.co.hernando.fl.us/parks_rec/Parks/Park_detail.asp?Key=22">Rodgers Park</a>: http://www.co.hernando.fl.us/parks_rec/Parks/Park_detail.asp?Key=22<br />
<a href="http://www.weekiwachee.com/">Weeki Wachee Springs State Park</a> http://www.weekiwachee.com/<br />
<a href="http://www.paddlingadventures.com/">Paddling Adventure </a>: http://www.paddlingadventures.com/ <br />
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Summary: Launch: 8:45 AM from Rodgers Park, finish 10:30AM 4.2 miles. Launch from Rodgers Park, fee to use, toilets, picnic area and swimming available.PenobscotPaddleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16592313025258461946noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6666730569460347191.post-8383836732964896532014-11-10T12:32:00.000-08:002014-11-10T12:46:03.584-08:00Chassahowitzka River, Florida<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SfeimvIeKrE/VFVtvP56HvI/AAAAAAAAFKs/qBsIfWb1r3M/s1600/cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SfeimvIeKrE/VFVtvP56HvI/AAAAAAAAFKs/qBsIfWb1r3M/s1600/cover.jpg" height="252" width="640" /></a></div>
Chassahowitzka River runs five miles to the sea. Fed by several tributaries, in Google Earth it looks rather like a haunted tree., or an inflamed coronary system. <br />
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We startied up by the big yellow pin, which marks Chassahowitzka River Camp, and spent most of our morning exploring the minor tributaries, including an especially narrow one known as the Crack.<br />
"Chassahowitzka" translates as "place of the hanging pumpkins" which is an interesting visual to imagine, but not a sight we happened upon.<br />
I'd called the camp the night before, and the answering machine informed me the store was open from 8AM-5PM. We were there shortly after 8, and a bit behind several fishermen.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RC_779zIf9k/VFVxJT-pmHI/AAAAAAAAFLE/QYsKv172vuo/s1600/launch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-RC_779zIf9k/VFVxJT-pmHI/AAAAAAAAFLE/QYsKv172vuo/s1600/launch.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
We headed upstream first, to a collection of springs known as the seven sisters. The water was not very deep around the springs. I've read that several of the springs are connected by caves. A rather grim little sign off to the side commemorates those who failed to navigate the caves safely.<br />
This picture isn't great, but it shows how close to the surface and tempting one of the caves is.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C_zmweTnHnI/VFV7MLrR6RI/AAAAAAAAFLU/fNkeX4EgvVA/s1600/cave.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-C_zmweTnHnI/VFV7MLrR6RI/AAAAAAAAFLU/fNkeX4EgvVA/s1600/cave.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
After exploring those springs we headed downstream, keeping mostly to the right.<br />
This is a view as we headed by an island.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hedtWZhAUQ8/VFV7pt17L4I/AAAAAAAAFLc/h2mVhUDkvDo/s1600/paddling%2Bby%2Ban%2Bisland%2Bin%2Bthe%2Bmain%2Bchannel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-hedtWZhAUQ8/VFV7pt17L4I/AAAAAAAAFLc/h2mVhUDkvDo/s1600/paddling%2Bby%2Ban%2Bisland%2Bin%2Bthe%2Bmain%2Bchannel.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
A number of birds graced the area, there were several osprey, a few eagles, some wood storks and tri-colored heron. This raccoon was the only mammal we spotted. He looks like he might be bowing.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--PnxpQWRwrc/VFV8DwBW_6I/AAAAAAAAFLk/vNbuzAFPtuE/s1600/raccoon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/--PnxpQWRwrc/VFV8DwBW_6I/AAAAAAAAFLk/vNbuzAFPtuE/s1600/raccoon.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
The furthest downriver we went was the mouth of Potter Spring Creek. On the Google Earth picture above, that's the tributary that nearly touches the top. At the end a tiny creek disappeared into the woods.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FHF8gjeEFzk/VFV9Dp58izI/AAAAAAAAFLs/R9Lwdprj4q4/s1600/further%2Bup.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FHF8gjeEFzk/VFV9Dp58izI/AAAAAAAAFLs/R9Lwdprj4q4/s1600/further%2Bup.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
We followed the clear running water further and further, until at last we came to Potter spring, a small spring with just enough space to spin the boats, and plenty of mosquitoes. This <a href="http://www.chassahowitzka.net/rmap.htm">labeled map</a> shows the location of the spring off to the side.<br />
Then it was back to the main channel, where more boats were headed out to explore.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hz4pKIZe4eM/VFV909-3iRI/AAAAAAAAFL0/PTFhGsXaUzg/s1600/boats%2Bheaded%2Bto%2Bsea.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Hz4pKIZe4eM/VFV909-3iRI/AAAAAAAAFL0/PTFhGsXaUzg/s1600/boats%2Bheaded%2Bto%2Bsea.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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The Crack appears in many descriptions of the river; again it's a narrow channel which leads to a spring.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z9OFdrrbHPY/VFV-SX5UjfI/AAAAAAAAFL8/xwvpA-Wshbs/s1600/The%2Bcrack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-z9OFdrrbHPY/VFV-SX5UjfI/AAAAAAAAFL8/xwvpA-Wshbs/s1600/The%2Bcrack.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
The Crack is so shallow and twisty that near the top we had to get out of our kayaks and tow them behind. A the top of the Crack is a good sized swimming hole, but it already had a number of picnickers in attendance, so we moved on.<br />
Back at the main channel, it was apparent that all the other boaters were out. Groups of kayaks streamed by, boats raced down the river, there was even an inflatable paddleboard. My favorite was this paddler who seemed unaware that a predator was close behind.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CZ01go-4Qsw/VFV_SAqN55I/AAAAAAAAFMI/H6m7ezmo5hA/s1600/predator.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CZ01go-4Qsw/VFV_SAqN55I/AAAAAAAAFMI/H6m7ezmo5hA/s1600/predator.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
With everyone else on the river, it was time for us to head ashore. The Chassahowitzka had been a fun river, a briny environment where crabs were frequently spotted. The waters, especially in the tributaries, were often shallow, so I was glad we weren't on our paddleboards looking to find a path for the nine inch fins. The many creeks give lots of places to investigate, I felt like a jungle explorer.<br />
<br />
Links:<br />
<a href="http://chassahowitzkaflorida.com/">Chassahowitzka River Camp</a><br />
<a href="http://www.chassahowitzka.net/rmap.htm">A nicely labeled map of the river</a> : http://www.chassahowitzka.net/rmap.htm<br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chassahowitzka_River">Chassahowitzka River Wikipedia</a><br />
<br />
Summary: Launch and rental from the Chassahowitzka River Camp at about 8:30, finish about 11:30. Bathrooms are available at the store Low was earlier in the morning. We wound up paddling about 8 miles. PenobscotPaddleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16592313025258461946noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6666730569460347191.post-2458749733580912332014-11-08T03:58:00.002-08:002014-11-08T03:58:53.201-08:00Withlacoochee River to Rainbow River, Dunnellon, Florida<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5F59tI53LZY/VFUJY1ZuU_I/AAAAAAAAFJA/RZGwJt9z0OQ/s1600/near%2Bstart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5F59tI53LZY/VFUJY1ZuU_I/AAAAAAAAFJA/RZGwJt9z0OQ/s1600/near%2Bstart.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
"Withlacoochee" means either "crooked" or "big-little" river; "big-little" describing the river as a series of streams and lakes. There are two Withlacooche River's in Florida, the north one, which begins in Georgia and joins the Suwanee River, and Withlacoochee South. Withlacoochee South begins at Green Swamp, near Polk City and moves north and west for 141 miles before entering the Gulf of Mexico by Yankeetown. The river passes through several preserves. Expedition paddlers should be aware of the 76 mile long paddling trail along the river. A whole <a href="http://www.dep.state.fl.us/gwt/guide/designated_paddle/WithSouth_guide.pdf">series of charts is available here</a>. There's also a 46 miles long paved trail which borders part of the river.<br />
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We didn't do the entire paddle trail, (I don't suppose that's any real surprise) instead we just did a short shady section. Unfortunately, the section we did was just beyond where the trail ends, so we used a screen shot from Google Maps to guide us.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JLHEeo_IsWc/VFUE4Auq_TI/AAAAAAAAFI0/kyaG6Y3TQIk/s1600/chart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-JLHEeo_IsWc/VFUE4Auq_TI/AAAAAAAAFI0/kyaG6Y3TQIk/s1600/chart.jpg" height="227" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Map: Goldendale is the green dot, Centennial is just west of 41, and we turned around at 484, by the canoe logo. </td></tr>
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<br />
Even though we were doing a short section, we chose to rent longer kayaks for the trip. We rented from <a href="http://www.floridakayakcompany.com/">Aardvark Kayaks in Crystal River</a>, the same <a href="https://www.blogger.com/">Aardvark Kayaks, owned by Matt who guided us through Ozello in a prior visit</a>. It was a last minute decision, so most of his fleet was out, but he had some nice Eddylines for us to use: a Fathom, and a Raven. Yes, they were more boat than the water required, but they were a fun paddle.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3bUki4_cLoE/VFUKmoerJ4I/AAAAAAAAFJM/aEcm4Ni455E/s1600/launch%2Bat%2Bgoldendale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3bUki4_cLoE/VFUKmoerJ4I/AAAAAAAAFJM/aEcm4Ni455E/s1600/launch%2Bat%2Bgoldendale.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The launch at Goldendale</td></tr>
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We began at Goldendale Boat Ramp,a few miles west of the last ramp shown on the Florida trails map.<br />
It was a quiet, peaceful ramp, the road lined by live oak draped in Spanish moss, which even at 10AM cast shadows over the launch area.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mAqCBrdkO18/VFUNDszhh5I/AAAAAAAAFKc/xvoc2-DYv_M/s1600/side%2Btrails.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-mAqCBrdkO18/VFUNDszhh5I/AAAAAAAAFKc/xvoc2-DYv_M/s1600/side%2Btrails.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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And it was a quiet shady paddle. We spent some time in the wider center canal but, to avoid bass boats and find more shade, we often chose to paddle the tiny side canals. Turtles and herons were sprinkled along the shoreline, but there was also this:<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uXiqbQx61P4/VFUKym2SSZI/AAAAAAAAFJU/GkI19OyW7Qw/s1600/paper%2Bwasp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-uXiqbQx61P4/VFUKym2SSZI/AAAAAAAAFJU/GkI19OyW7Qw/s1600/paper%2Bwasp.jpg" height="143" width="200" /></a></div>
<br />
It's a paper wasp; Polistes annularis. Like other paper wasps, it likes to build nests over water, to minimize sunlight on the nest. Though this wasp is found as far north as New York, and west to Texas, unlike the paper wasps I'm familiar with, it doesn't build the insulating overcoats. But it does cluster many nests in the same area. And what I saw along the Withlacoochee was small nest after small nest, one per tree, each a few feet off the water, just waiting for a shade seeking paddler to hit. So you've been warned...<br />
<br />
We took a break at Centennial Park in Dunnellon, plainly the launch
site of choice. While we rested, kayaks and motor boats came in, and their replacements
launched, while one motor boat rumbled over and over in the vain hope
that this time the engine would catch. <br />
<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-29XLFreXIT0/VFULUQNr0NI/AAAAAAAAFJk/hIA4WRLSsn8/s1600/air%2Bboats.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-29XLFreXIT0/VFULUQNr0NI/AAAAAAAAFJk/hIA4WRLSsn8/s1600/air%2Bboats.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Look there are air boats too! I'm headed downstream and Centennial's ramp is just on the other side of the bridge.</td></tr>
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From Centennial Park is was a short distance to Rainbow river, where the clear spring waters joined the tea colored Withlacoochee.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LC83UBW7OkY/VFULnw_HhjI/AAAAAAAAFJs/1JQMg3ihiKQ/s1600/where%2Bwaters%2Bmingle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-LC83UBW7OkY/VFULnw_HhjI/AAAAAAAAFJs/1JQMg3ihiKQ/s1600/where%2Bwaters%2Bmingle.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
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As I had while paddleboarding two days earlier, I could again see turtles and fish swimming beneath me.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vK1fzyXMkGE/VFUL4hvwb-I/AAAAAAAAFJ0/ePqOYXOydcw/s1600/turtle%2Bswims%2Bby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-vK1fzyXMkGE/VFUL4hvwb-I/AAAAAAAAFJ0/ePqOYXOydcw/s1600/turtle%2Bswims%2Bby.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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This cormorant was standing guard on the cedar as we went upstream (within 6 feet of it), and was still there when we headed back. We nicknamed it the "toll collector".<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IxcXMaoQ3n0/VFUMEhQbeQI/AAAAAAAAFJ8/PmJYVOUVyDk/s1600/guardian%2Bcormorant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IxcXMaoQ3n0/VFUMEhQbeQI/AAAAAAAAFJ8/PmJYVOUVyDk/s1600/guardian%2Bcormorant.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
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Sand Hill Cranes occupied an island in Rainbow River.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gw32i7_6Q8s/VFUMOAGgZaI/AAAAAAAAFKE/OYnwpia4enY/s1600/sand%2Bhill.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Gw32i7_6Q8s/VFUMOAGgZaI/AAAAAAAAFKE/OYnwpia4enY/s1600/sand%2Bhill.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Two out of three cranes</td></tr>
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We didn't go far along Rainbow River, just to another kayak launch, at SR484, before turning back. <br />
A cool discovery on the return trip was this neat little alligator sunning itself on a mat of grass.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gtaIg6LHaiU/VFUMd8XVg2I/AAAAAAAAFKM/AusACXeUltQ/s1600/one%2Bgator.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gtaIg6LHaiU/VFUMd8XVg2I/AAAAAAAAFKM/AusACXeUltQ/s1600/one%2Bgator.jpg" height="195" width="320" /></a></div>
A closer look determined that it wasn't just one little gator, but a few more. We then realized there was probably a mother gator somewhere nearby, and continued on our way before the little guys could start clicking in distress.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h0ORVBfTw3I/VFUMkRINE1I/AAAAAAAAFKU/WqDSZvZKvU4/s1600/count%2Bthe%2Bsiblings.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-h0ORVBfTw3I/VFUMkRINE1I/AAAAAAAAFKU/WqDSZvZKvU4/s1600/count%2Bthe%2Bsiblings.jpg" height="304" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">How many siblings can you spot?</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
All in all an entertaining paddle; lots of varying wildlife, plenty of shade. Another adventure displaying the great variety in paddling options in the Crystal River area.<br />
<br />
Links:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Withlacoochee_River_%28Florida%29">Withlacoochee River Florida - Wikipedia</a><br />
<a href="http://www.dep.state.fl.us/gwt/guide/designated_paddle/WithSouth_guide.pdf">Withlacoochee River (south) Paddling Trail Charts</a><br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Polistes_annularis">Polistes annularis wikipedia </a><br />
<br />
Summary: Launch at <a href="http://www.crystalriverflorida.net/crfo/todo/boating.htm">Goldendale Launch</a>, parking for for about 10 cars, no facilities. Stop at the launch at <a href="http://dunnellon.org/Facilities/Facility/Details/Centennial-Park-and-State-Boat-Ramp-Faci-2">Centennial Park, Dunellon</a>. Toilets, water, picnic table and more parking available. 9.6 miles by our GPS, unsure which canals we used. <br />
<br />
Meanwhile in Maine: Our power was restored late Wednesday by a hard working crew. I thought we might get a paddle in, but it was just in time for a couple of cold rainy days. We've trimmed and moved fallen branches from the yard, the road and the path to the water, and when we're done with that we're usually achy enough for the day.PenobscotPaddleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16592313025258461946noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6666730569460347191.post-781656656628110482014-11-04T17:32:00.000-08:002014-11-04T17:32:00.596-08:00Sunrise on King's Bay<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g3Gn9AYthkw/VFFKxqtWKKI/AAAAAAAAFHY/3D26kokoZkA/s1600/mark%2Bat%2Bdawn.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-g3Gn9AYthkw/VFFKxqtWKKI/AAAAAAAAFHY/3D26kokoZkA/s1600/mark%2Bat%2Bdawn.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
Absolutely the best thing about having the paddleboards with us was being able to go for early morning or late evening paddles. We were able to do one or the other most days we were in Crystal River.<br />
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On past trips to King's Bay, a highlight has been Three Sister's Springs. We didn't get there at all this trip. Mornings and evenings coincided with low tides, and the access to Three Sister's is rocky, the sort of situation which results in face-plants.<br />
<br />
Instead we wandered about, visiting Hunter Springs, Christmas Island and Buzzard Island. Never too fast, we just strolled about looking at the water and shore. As King's Bay has fresh water springs, but connects by Crystal River to the gulf it gets a wide variety of animals. We often saw skates, crabs, mullet, ducks, cormorants, anhingas, pelicans, ibis, grackles, buzzards and manatee. I've got a few pictures to share:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-saOEuuVNj1Y/VFFMQZ0AvrI/AAAAAAAAFHk/chFjN3am6VQ/s1600/ibis%2Bshowing%2Boff.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-saOEuuVNj1Y/VFFMQZ0AvrI/AAAAAAAAFHk/chFjN3am6VQ/s1600/ibis%2Bshowing%2Boff.jpg" height="287" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some ibis showing off</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4jzDORTKJyw/VFFMa0N-X8I/AAAAAAAAFHs/NnoZYbODuPo/s1600/young%2Bnight%2Bheron.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-4jzDORTKJyw/VFFMa0N-X8I/AAAAAAAAFHs/NnoZYbODuPo/s1600/young%2Bnight%2Bheron.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A young night heron(?) by Buzzard Island</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SiZ6Drgvwvo/VFFM1VgN4KI/AAAAAAAAFH0/ifhR4mlJYdQ/s1600/cormorant%2Btree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-SiZ6Drgvwvo/VFFM1VgN4KI/AAAAAAAAFH0/ifhR4mlJYdQ/s1600/cormorant%2Btree.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Anhingas and Cormorants decorate a tree by Christmas Island</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k5vZ_RyTqY8/VFFNBnzQ2nI/AAAAAAAAFH8/xmSx863HvGw/s1600/manatee%2Bpasses%2Bby.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-k5vZ_RyTqY8/VFFNBnzQ2nI/AAAAAAAAFH8/xmSx863HvGw/s1600/manatee%2Bpasses%2Bby.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A young manatee passes by</td></tr>
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The light of the "magic" hours enhanced everything in the bay:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7VghRXqfVCo/VFFNY92EgLI/AAAAAAAAFIE/N35FnxnJdSU/s1600/fishing%2Bfleet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-7VghRXqfVCo/VFFNY92EgLI/AAAAAAAAFIE/N35FnxnJdSU/s1600/fishing%2Bfleet.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scallopers at dawn</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GbsXIh-bHjM/VFFNmpznbeI/AAAAAAAAFIM/JBNMKEYdCKM/s1600/buzzard%2Bisland.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GbsXIh-bHjM/VFFNmpznbeI/AAAAAAAAFIM/JBNMKEYdCKM/s1600/buzzard%2Bisland.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Palm Trees on Buzzards Island (a National Wildlife Reserve)</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_Oz9uOEfso8/VFFN1Xw6ACI/AAAAAAAAFIU/cbgRZraC66Y/s1600/houses.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_Oz9uOEfso8/VFFN1Xw6ACI/AAAAAAAAFIU/cbgRZraC66Y/s1600/houses.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A variety of house styles along the waterfront</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3e8qEUryHIY/VFFOACrZiTI/AAAAAAAAFIc/xpSSbLlwH9Q/s1600/fishing%2Bboats%2Bat%2Bsunset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3e8qEUryHIY/VFFOACrZiTI/AAAAAAAAFIc/xpSSbLlwH9Q/s1600/fishing%2Bboats%2Bat%2Bsunset.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fishing boats at sunset</td></tr>
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And no matter how early we were on the water, dive and snorkel teams were already out. I think the manatee encounter boats began their morning trips at 7AM, we'd usually wait until 7:15-7:30 for better light.<br />
All in all the perfect way to start or end any day.<br />
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Postscript: sitting here by the fire listening to the wireless modem beep its way to powerlessness makes these pictures all the more delightful. It was a surprise to see 14 inches of slush on Sunday, less of a surprise that many trees toppled, including some onto our power lines. Fortunately the weather is not too cold, the wood stove is warm and there's plenty of snow to melt!
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<br />PenobscotPaddleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16592313025258461946noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6666730569460347191.post-28616525143970922732014-11-01T05:20:00.000-07:002014-11-01T05:20:56.763-07:00Rainbow River K.P. Hole to Rainbow Springs State Park<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yQeD6WAJFAg/VFEkB6OrNoI/AAAAAAAAFGI/HV0kN-0NTks/s1600/downstream.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yQeD6WAJFAg/VFEkB6OrNoI/AAAAAAAAFGI/HV0kN-0NTks/s1600/downstream.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mark paddling downstream, development to his right, park to his left</td></tr>
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Rainbow River is absolutely gorgeous; clear, filled with big fish and turtles, bordered (to one side anyway) by a state park. From May to September it's a popular tubing site, groups of tubes up to ten feet in diameter float downstream. And even, in October on a weekday, we didn't have it to ourselves. There was a group of school children snorkeling, a group learning to scuba diver, a private group in a canoe snorkeling, assorted canoes, kayaks, jet skis and pontoon boats, even another paddleboarder.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WgZ5BNwwVnU/VFEkS-7tnHI/AAAAAAAAFGQ/yPbNaoAhgtY/s1600/kp%2Bswimhole%2Band%2Bfleet.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-WgZ5BNwwVnU/VFEkS-7tnHI/AAAAAAAAFGQ/yPbNaoAhgtY/s1600/kp%2Bswimhole%2Band%2Bfleet.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">K.P. swim area and boat fleet</td></tr>
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We launched from a county park, K.P. Hole. K.P. stands for Knights of Pythias, a fellowship which was the original owner of the park. Technically we were launching from the ramp beside the park, but the fee had to be paid at the park, and we walked across park property to launch the boards.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qZnjH-2lPG4/VFEkn9fOLxI/AAAAAAAAFGY/gJIUgtq62bA/s1600/band%2Breminder.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-qZnjH-2lPG4/VFEkn9fOLxI/AAAAAAAAFGY/gJIUgtq62bA/s1600/band%2Breminder.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">We had to purchase a band to launch, and even the band reminds us of the ban on disposable containers.</td></tr>
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In an effort to preserve Rainbow River, no disposable containers are allowed on the water. Snacks need to be taken out of their plastic packing and stored in Tupperware, water can't be in a disposable bottle, but in a genuine water bottle. The ban works pretty well, there was not a lot of trash, but a few cans were spotted. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0eiL-6WdejY/VFElFlFi_0I/AAAAAAAAFGg/iDitd0_vB-g/s1600/resting%2Bas%2BI%2Bpaddle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0eiL-6WdejY/VFElFlFi_0I/AAAAAAAAFGg/iDitd0_vB-g/s1600/resting%2Bas%2BI%2Bpaddle.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Resting as I go. I'm not sure what the water depth is here, but it averages 6-15 feet.</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XfX9yHlhg2E/VFEmuuTC2uI/AAAAAAAAFHI/gZIMagMjxxo/s1600/a%2Bschool%2Bof%2Bfish.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-XfX9yHlhg2E/VFEmuuTC2uI/AAAAAAAAFHI/gZIMagMjxxo/s1600/a%2Bschool%2Bof%2Bfish.jpg" height="261" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A school of fish swimming past</td></tr>
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We headed upstream and up-current to Rainbow Springs State Park. The current averages less than a knot. When looking for a break from wind and current, Mark would kneel, but I preferred sitting flat on the board. We paddled with some effort about a mile and a half upstream, and easily paddled the same distance back down. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qs79hirKDEE/VFElifrtG-I/AAAAAAAAFGo/1ei-MpTegLk/s1600/turtles%2Bsunning.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Qs79hirKDEE/VFElifrtG-I/AAAAAAAAFGo/1ei-MpTegLk/s1600/turtles%2Bsunning.jpg" height="482" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Turtles sunning on a bank</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0e92Fn3JtJs/VFElwIIYm2I/AAAAAAAAFGw/TWzDvRw63eM/s1600/snorklers%2Band%2Bkayak.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-0e92Fn3JtJs/VFElwIIYm2I/AAAAAAAAFGw/TWzDvRw63eM/s1600/snorklers%2Band%2Bkayak.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Three boats full of kids on a snorkeling field trip (Don't you wish you'd had trips like that?) A kayak headed upstream.</td></tr>
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Rainbow Springs is a first magnitude spring, pumping over 400 million gallons of crystal clear water into the river every day.<br />
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At the top of Rainbow River sits Rainbow Springs State Park, another former privately owned tourist attraction. It used to have a zoo and gardens. The zoo is gone, but the garden waterfalls remain and serve as the backdrop for many weddings. Each time we've visited the park a wedding has been in progress. There is a separate charge to land in Rainbow Springs Park, so we didn't land, but went back the next day to get some underwater shots from near the head spring. <br />
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Links:<br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rainbow_Springs">Rainbow Springs Wikipedia</a><br />
<a href="http://www.floridastateparks.org/rainbowsprings/default.cfm">Rainbow Springs State Park</a><br />
<a href="http://www.kphole.com/">K.P. Hole County Park</a><br />
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Summary: Launch K.P. Hole, I think we paid $3 each, but the site says a fee of $5 to enter. Flush toilets and changing rooms are available. 1.5 miles upstream to Rainbow Springs State Park, must pay entry fee to dock. Unlimited miles downstream. Kayak and canoe rentals are available at both KP Hole and Rainbow Springs State Park. <br />
<br />PenobscotPaddleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16592313025258461946noreply@blogger.com7tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6666730569460347191.post-14174401544137979412014-10-29T08:22:00.000-07:002014-10-29T10:42:49.633-07:00Silver Springs State Park - Florida<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Silver Springs State Park is home to glass bottom boats, which do 30 or 90 minute tours of the area, including a group of springs considered to be one of Florida's largest first magnitude springs. It got its start as a steamboat destination. In the 1860's Hubbard Hart purchased a steamboat which he used to bring tourists from Paloka to Silver Springs. The steamboat offered a 24 hour trip, but was safer and faster than the roads. Hart was key in developing Silver Springs, attracting a railroad depot there for connecting trips and building a hotel at the springs. Considered one of Florida's first tourist attractions, the park has offered glass bottom boats rides since the late 1870's. <br />
Like many early attractions, it is now a state park. Over the years Silver Springs was used as the backdrop for early Tarzan movies, and also appeared in Creature from the Black Lagoon, among other films. The park has many other components; a camping area, an outdoor stage, a reconstructed village (open on weekends only) the boat tours and smaller museums. Also off to the side is a canoe/kayak rental and launch. The launch (and the boat tours) are an additional fee to the park entrance.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wkyQvCgnlN0/VFD6HFQU1FI/AAAAAAAAFE4/5bd8JXU7V5Y/s1600/back%2Bchannel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-wkyQvCgnlN0/VFD6HFQU1FI/AAAAAAAAFE4/5bd8JXU7V5Y/s1600/back%2Bchannel.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></div>
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The launch is in a corner of the parking lot, away from the main entrance. It leads on to a small channel, like that shown above. (This picture was taking coming back along a connecting channel.) Spanish moss dripping from live oak, adds a certain serenity to the trip.<br />
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Because we were there when the park opened, the boats were not yet at their docking stations, and we could glide over the various springs, admiring the depths and water life.<br />
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Another picture showing how still and quiet the park was, and how clear the water is.<br />
We paddled by a variety of springs, some are known for their depth, or for their use in movies or TV scenes; one has a boat sunk into it, others are known for attracting turtles.<br />
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In the 1930's the park offered "jungle cruises." In an effort to enhance the experience, Colonel Tooey placed some rhesus monkeys on an island. According to the woman at the entrance gate, Colonel Tooey had been told monkeys did not swim, and would be confined there. By the next morning the monkeys were gone and now can be found from the Carolinas to the Keys. There are still several troops on the ground, each with their own personality. We didn't happen to spy any, but I did learn that anhingas have a cry very similar to squirrels, and sort of like a monkey.<br />
We did see lots of turtles and fish though.<br />
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And several birds, including these ibis.<br />
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We were a little worried either that the current from the springs would be fairly strong, or that the back channel behind the springs would be too shallow for the nine inch fins of our paddleboards, but neither was the case.<br />
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The back channel was also filled with interesting sights and a fair number of animals. At one point, Mark heard a splash and saw a three foot long alligator, fish in mouth, take off in the river. The alligator swam by my boat, a dark shadow moving quickly. We didn't manage to capture it on film, but let's pretend Mark is observing the alligator above.<br />
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The back channel also passes by another sunken boat, a reconstructed "cracker" village, fort and steamboat landing, so there was plenty to entertain us on our journey back.<br />
The loop we did was just under two miles, pretty short, but considering we got to travel over several springs (in many parks the more active springs are roped off for swimming), see all sorts of scenery and wildlife, plus enjoy a shady paddle, it felt like a great deal. Those seeking longer paddles can head down Silver Springs River. Though you may not be able to get all the way to Palotka anymore, you can certainly paddle a number of miles. <br />
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Links:<br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Silver_Springs_State_Park">Wikipedia Silver Springs Park</a><br />
<a href="http://www.floridasprings.org/visit/map/">Map of Florida Springs</a><br />
<a href="http://www.floridastateparks.org/silversprings/default.cfm">Florida State Parks information about Silver Springs</a><br />
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Summary: Entrance to the park $8, launch fee $4 per boat, kayak and canoe rental's available. Portapotty by boat ramp, flush toilets in the park. Glass bottom boat tours are an additional fee. Displays, and food available in the park. The park sometimes shuts early for concert events. Two mile loop with gentle current, longer trips available down the river. <br />
<br />PenobscotPaddleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16592313025258461946noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6666730569460347191.post-48280333245040415302014-10-27T15:28:00.001-07:002014-10-29T10:43:42.251-07:00Florida Road Trip! Visit with Durhamblogger! Carl and the important rhyme!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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About two weeks ago we packed our van with towels and paddles and life jackets and way too many clothes and a few too many guidebooks and just two iSUPs and headed south!<br />
Why no kayaks? Because we weren't planning any big trips and having kayaks with us meant always keeping them on the roof. Besides our kayaks are meant for big water and we were headed for shallow bays and narrow springs.<br />
We drove as fast as was comfortable to Florida, spent some time there and drove back a little slower and more randomly. Which was grea,t because that gave us a chance to meet <a href="http://www.durhamblogger.com/">Durhamblogger</a>; Mike and his lovely wife, Rachel!<br />
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If you read his blog regularly, you know he is very safety conscious and also has many <a href="http://www.durhamblogger.com/p/how-to-posts.html">how-to posts</a> and <a href="http://www.durhamblogger.com/p/gear-review-inquiries.html">gear reviews</a>. It's obvious that he is an avid kayaker, but you might not guess that it was his wife, Rachel, who talked him into getting that first kayak. It was a terrific visit!<br />
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Now we're back home and in the midst of catching up on all sorts of miscellaneous work/house chores. We've got all our pictures stored on the computer, so I just need to sort out what to report from the thirteen paddle adventures and 200 plus photos.<br />
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Tonight I'll just post one more picture: a portrait of Carl the venomous Coral Snake:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mFr7pUTf52w/VE7FmVvsUiI/AAAAAAAAFEc/saANvON3KdA/s1600/carl.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mFr7pUTf52w/VE7FmVvsUiI/AAAAAAAAFEc/saANvON3KdA/s1600/carl.jpg" height="222" width="320" /></a></div>
For years and years a part of my brain has been dedicated to this rhyme:<br />
"Red touch yellow; kill a fellow"<br />
(There may be more to it than that, but it didn't seem as important.)<br />
Finally it's proved useful! Without that rhyme I surely would have picked up and cuddled Carl, but because I had it memorized, I just kept my distance and let him go his own way!PenobscotPaddleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16592313025258461946noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6666730569460347191.post-85870769125539131732014-10-18T12:25:00.001-07:002014-10-18T12:25:11.312-07:00Mount Hope Cemetery Animals<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mTxha7E3c84/VDgojRo3M5I/AAAAAAAAFDY/c4D74bqAQwU/s1600/stream.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-mTxha7E3c84/VDgojRo3M5I/AAAAAAAAFDY/c4D74bqAQwU/s1600/stream.jpg" height="414" width="640" /></a></div>
More animal shots gathered off the water, this time from Bangor's Mount Hope Cemetery. There are entrances off State St and Mount Hope Avenue. The State Street Gate is open more hours.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LvLKq_xbwkM/VDbbZzgn3XI/AAAAAAAAFCI/I-ijdENAdjo/s1600/turtle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-LvLKq_xbwkM/VDbbZzgn3XI/AAAAAAAAFCI/I-ijdENAdjo/s1600/turtle.jpg" height="374" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"I'm flying"</td></tr>
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Mount Hope is the second oldest garden cemetery in the United States. (The oldest is Mount Auburn, Cambridge, MA.) It has a stream running through the middle which widens into several ponds and a seperate turtle pond by the main office. The water, and the banning of dogs, makes this a great place to find animals.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_OJKAYfIpio/VDbcCyg5KLI/AAAAAAAAFCQ/JZSncq8o_Yw/s1600/groundhog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_OJKAYfIpio/VDbcCyg5KLI/AAAAAAAAFCQ/JZSncq8o_Yw/s1600/groundhog.jpg" height="376" width="640" /></a></div>
Groundhogs are especially common, as are squirrels. Unfortunately, by October, all the groundhogs are hibernating.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E5a71xA9fxk/VDbcV-wObOI/AAAAAAAAFCY/tayTw1bML4A/s1600/young%2Bmuskrat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-E5a71xA9fxk/VDbcV-wObOI/AAAAAAAAFCY/tayTw1bML4A/s1600/young%2Bmuskrat.jpg" height="366" width="640" /></a></div>
In the spring and summer, uskrats are frequently seen in the ponds, or on nearby banks. This one is just a baby.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tvvKGgXewb4/VDbdCpnwcaI/AAAAAAAAFCk/PG5otHhhyDs/s1600/chipmunk.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tvvKGgXewb4/VDbdCpnwcaI/AAAAAAAAFCk/PG5otHhhyDs/s1600/chipmunk.jpg" height="388" width="640" /></a></div>
Less rarely seen are chipmunks. And just once this summer were we able to spot a fox or mink.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wqrsn_J62tI/VDbdSn5x7HI/AAAAAAAAFCs/H2XT59926jk/s1600/bluebird.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Wqrsn_J62tI/VDbdSn5x7HI/AAAAAAAAFCs/H2XT59926jk/s1600/bluebird.jpg" height="400" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Eastern Bluebird</td></tr>
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A variety of birds show up through the season. For awhile Merlins were nesting in a tree.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jqCpLrj9g6Q/VDbd-pDEMAI/AAAAAAAAFC8/r7i485z61-Y/s1600/cooper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-jqCpLrj9g6Q/VDbd-pDEMAI/AAAAAAAAFC8/r7i485z61-Y/s1600/cooper.jpg" height="414" width="640" /></a></div>
But this Cooper's Hawk just showed up recently.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_bXmvIvw_54/VDbdkthigTI/AAAAAAAAFC0/ZQYB3pxu79k/s1600/frog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-_bXmvIvw_54/VDbdkthigTI/AAAAAAAAFC0/ZQYB3pxu79k/s1600/frog.jpg" height="464" width="640" /></a></div>
There are an abundance of frogs, and tadpoles in season. Surprisingly, herons and kingfishers are not there every day.<br />
But there are lots of mallards. These ducks are hoping for some food.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_kUlfojlZlI/VDgqtG-UkII/AAAAAAAAFDk/q7RJYOm_VvU/s1600/ducks%2Bgather.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_kUlfojlZlI/VDgqtG-UkII/AAAAAAAAFDk/q7RJYOm_VvU/s1600/ducks%2Bgather.jpg" height="372" width="640" /></a></div>
I hope you're having some wonderful fall adventures!PenobscotPaddleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16592313025258461946noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6666730569460347191.post-83417727891007799162014-10-10T08:03:00.000-07:002014-10-10T08:11:04.800-07:00Essex Woods Animals<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q17U1iQ8HlY/VDbXWeR4nCI/AAAAAAAAFBE/uDPXpwC8i8o/s1600/green%2Bheron.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Q17U1iQ8HlY/VDbXWeR4nCI/AAAAAAAAFBE/uDPXpwC8i8o/s1600/green%2Bheron.jpg" height="400" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Green heron</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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This may not surprise you, but it's a lot easier to get pictures when
you're not in a kayak. This is especially true if not being in a kayak
means you can use a camera you wouldn't dare take on the water because
it's not particularly waterproof. </div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vxqqtxB8H6I/VDbW30YGaVI/AAAAAAAAFA8/Autif_e4kWg/s1600/spotted%2Bsandpiper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vxqqtxB8H6I/VDbW30YGaVI/AAAAAAAAFA8/Autif_e4kWg/s1600/spotted%2Bsandpiper.jpg" height="387" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Solitary Sandpiper</td></tr>
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But there's a second reason it's harder to get pictures while kayaking. Kayaking takes us to many wild areas where animals are not acclimated to people. Walking, on the other hand, takes us along trails frequented by many other residents.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OjIawjhGG9s/VDbXqRpVdsI/AAAAAAAAFBM/iVlGYDJNNTg/s1600/cedarwaxwing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-OjIawjhGG9s/VDbXqRpVdsI/AAAAAAAAFBM/iVlGYDJNNTg/s1600/cedarwaxwing.jpg" height="416" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cedar Waxwing</td></tr>
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These pictures are from Essex Woods, a 70 acre park tucked beside I-95 and situated between developments. Featuring a path around a 40 acre shallow swamp, the park does not overwhelm with beauty, but it attracts an amazing variety of wildlife. Essex Woods is one of several Bangor parks, accessible from either Watchmaker St (off Essex) or Garden Way (off Stillwater.) Visiting is a great reminder of the discovery and wonder which can be found in local parks.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oDyceCigdqU/VDbX-eBqytI/AAAAAAAAFBU/d3k73oadyg8/s1600/cormorant.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oDyceCigdqU/VDbX-eBqytI/AAAAAAAAFBU/d3k73oadyg8/s1600/cormorant.jpg" height="406" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Cormorant- just noticed the ripples line up with some ruffled neck feathers</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dbssIJXGhWc/VDbYJOFQWlI/AAAAAAAAFBc/dBxnqIyTX5g/s1600/green%2Bwinged%2Bteal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-dbssIJXGhWc/VDbYJOFQWlI/AAAAAAAAFBc/dBxnqIyTX5g/s1600/green%2Bwinged%2Bteal.jpg" height="384" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Green-winged teal</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5KKAXPQsuVY/VDbYYFAsEjI/AAAAAAAAFBk/eA2kY7isE7w/s1600/flicker.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5KKAXPQsuVY/VDbYYFAsEjI/AAAAAAAAFBk/eA2kY7isE7w/s1600/flicker.jpg" height="388" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Flicker</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GOQu0aAnBtI/VDbYiUIGDSI/AAAAAAAAFBs/cMWmFLtdhOA/s1600/sora.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-GOQu0aAnBtI/VDbYiUIGDSI/AAAAAAAAFBs/cMWmFLtdhOA/s1600/sora.jpg" height="364" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sora</td></tr>
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These are just some of the animals we've seen there. It's not unusual for us to see more than 20 species in a day. Experts probably see many more. And there are also, lots and lots of mallards there.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-giJ9Sr154S8/VDbZFSn35pI/AAAAAAAAFB0/KRZczyaYXPU/s1600/mallards.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-giJ9Sr154S8/VDbZFSn35pI/AAAAAAAAFB0/KRZczyaYXPU/s1600/mallards.jpg" height="426" width="640" /></a></div>
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Essex Woods is near the Bangor Dog Park, so in addition to runners, walkers and birders, expect to see lots of dog walkers. You might even meet John and Kelley, of <a href="http://hikinginmainewithkelley.blogspot.com/">Hiking in Maine with Kelley</a>, who provides this <a href="http://hikinginmainewithkelley.blogspot.com/2014/08/8414-essex-woods.html">nice map</a> with his posting. PenobscotPaddleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16592313025258461946noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6666730569460347191.post-67646680544661695922014-09-29T10:20:00.000-07:002014-09-29T10:20:14.371-07:00Porcupine Islands in late September<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-teKPUrZuOWw/VClwiofi-dI/AAAAAAAAE_8/Ly3nRocgPsU/s1600/Cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-teKPUrZuOWw/VClwiofi-dI/AAAAAAAAE_8/Ly3nRocgPsU/s1600/Cover.jpg" height="324" width="640" /></a></div>
80 degree(F) days in late September! Who can resist being outside? Not me!<br />
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Sunday we were up early and off to Bar Harbor to launch from the bar. At 8:30 there were some walkers, and a few cars out testing the make-shift road exposed by the tide.<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5iLgO4_Eka0/VClwq-2OtBI/AAAAAAAAFAE/Dfso_WycV24/s1600/bar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-5iLgO4_Eka0/VClwq-2OtBI/AAAAAAAAFAE/Dfso_WycV24/s1600/bar.jpg" height="324" width="640" /></a></div>
It was a still day, perfect for exploring - and the photos say it is definitely fall.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WCu7skvu97k/VClwzFJSvaI/AAAAAAAAFAM/qfb6XTxyHGE/s1600/long%2Bporcupine%2Bexplore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-WCu7skvu97k/VClwzFJSvaI/AAAAAAAAFAM/qfb6XTxyHGE/s1600/long%2Bporcupine%2Bexplore.jpg" height="332" width="640" /></a></div>
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Just one cruise ship in the harbor, but my eyes kept being drawn to it. Cruise ships dominate the waters off Bar Harbor in the fall. A few lobster boats were out working, as were various tour boats.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vC43RkPk6Kg/VClxClXmVZI/AAAAAAAAFAc/b1P1PyoEwmY/s1600/hop.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-vC43RkPk6Kg/VClxClXmVZI/AAAAAAAAFAc/b1P1PyoEwmY/s1600/hop.jpg" height="354" width="640" /></a></div>
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All alone at the Hop, except for this armada of loons.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5hf46qkkF24/VClw8h2DoEI/AAAAAAAAFAU/U16HPQbEbuM/s1600/loons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5hf46qkkF24/VClw8h2DoEI/AAAAAAAAFAU/U16HPQbEbuM/s1600/loons.jpg" height="314" width="640" /></a></div>
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Not many urchin casts on the beach, usually in fall there are several. This is a picture of the only one I saw. Instead, there was a fair amount of trash, enough to fill a grocery bag, with an extra bottle or two to spare.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0zpTnDBgtwI/VClxJhveCuI/AAAAAAAAFAk/lCRCWVcoE6A/s1600/shore.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-0zpTnDBgtwI/VClxJhveCuI/AAAAAAAAFAk/lCRCWVcoE6A/s1600/shore.jpg" height="342" width="640" /></a></div>
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Not many other kayaks out; two tour groups by the first two porcupine islands (Bar and Sheep) and this paddleboarder way out by Long Porcupine.<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hsd7VZTmGT8/VClxQyjYinI/AAAAAAAAFAs/1IGz5rC-ky0/s1600/paddleboard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Hsd7VZTmGT8/VClxQyjYinI/AAAAAAAAFAs/1IGz5rC-ky0/s1600/paddleboard.jpg" height="372" width="640" /></a></div>
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I felt very lucky to have been able to take advantage of the warmth; that so few others were at the Porcupines with us I can ascribe only to the multitudinous choices of outdoor activities in Maine.<br />
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Summary Information: Launch Bar at the end of Bridge Street in Bar
Harbor. No parking at launch: parking is available on West Street and
side streets. No facilities: the information booth on Thompson Island
is one options as are public toilets at the town dock.<br />
High about 2:30 PM Launch 8:45AM Finish 12:30PM. 8.8 miles one stop.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ogDjEpKwk9k/TjH9wjJ4vOI/AAAAAAAABXk/KfB2gVOMb2w/s1600/chart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ogDjEpKwk9k/TjH9wjJ4vOI/AAAAAAAABXk/KfB2gVOMb2w/s1600/chart.jpg" height="320" width="202" /></a></div>
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<br />PenobscotPaddleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16592313025258461946noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6666730569460347191.post-83130897843864718762014-09-25T12:48:00.004-07:002014-09-25T16:15:58.380-07:00Ironbound Island from South Gouldsboro<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-26ZgZ0DIsac/VCRttWMIyWI/AAAAAAAAE-g/8gnZgMYDUdE/s1600/launch.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-26ZgZ0DIsac/VCRttWMIyWI/AAAAAAAAE-g/8gnZgMYDUdE/s1600/launch.jpg" height="248" width="640" /></a></div>
South Gouldsboro is not a good launch to use during the summer. There aren't many parking spaces, and being located beside a lobster facility, its a good bet those spaces go early. But on a Sunday, in September, it was OK.<br />
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The launch at Bunker's Cove is across from Stave Island. And pretty much immediately we discovered where the cormorants had been hiding all summer.<br />
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<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HiOecFAYVIA/VCRt5Ot42oI/AAAAAAAAE-o/f5gjfL_EReY/s1600/cormorants.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-HiOecFAYVIA/VCRt5Ot42oI/AAAAAAAAE-o/f5gjfL_EReY/s1600/cormorants.jpg" height="358" width="640" /></a></div>
In the distance is the Veendam, off Bar Harbor, on the other side of Frenchmen's Bay. A second cruise ship, Granduer of the Sea is behind an island right now.<br />
<br />
Our journey took us by Yellow, Jordan and Ironbound Island. These are all privately owned islands without public access. The buildings on the islands indicate they are owned by people who love them and have the funds to enjoy them.<br />
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Check out this little studio:<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3I44p_NcEPU/VCRunlErAzI/AAAAAAAAE-w/rg8XWcTK9oc/s1600/studio%2BA.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-3I44p_NcEPU/VCRunlErAzI/AAAAAAAAE-w/rg8XWcTK9oc/s1600/studio%2BA.jpg" height="183" width="320" /></a></div>
When I first saw it, I thought it had a sagging roof and was ready to collapse. But no; it has a tiny wing. Adorable!<br />
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<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UrpLLvV_Yt4/VCRuycVZzyI/AAAAAAAAE-4/wZSgvnOcTHY/s1600/studio%2BB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-UrpLLvV_Yt4/VCRuycVZzyI/AAAAAAAAE-4/wZSgvnOcTHY/s1600/studio%2BB.jpg" height="179" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
It wasn't the buildings, or the ships which brought us to this site, it was exploring the keyhole sea caves of Ironbound. These are found on the south east side of Ironbound, carved into the high cliffs. They are best explored on still days. The marine forecast called for waves a foot or less, but unfortunately that's not what we found. So we only popped into a few, which were at angles that minimized waves.<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TK4G79lRX7g/VCRvcBLmYTI/AAAAAAAAE_I/xRhrvVv24H4/s1600/looking%2Bup%2Bin%2Ba%2Bkeyhole.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-TK4G79lRX7g/VCRvcBLmYTI/AAAAAAAAE_I/xRhrvVv24H4/s1600/looking%2Bup%2Bin%2Ba%2Bkeyhole.jpg" height="360" width="640" /></a></div>
Inside a keyhole looking up, such an amazing sight!<br />
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<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-to8eh-oNi80/VCRvt2Qtv4I/AAAAAAAAE_Q/_XEscU5b6Fo/s1600/heading%2Binto%2Ba%2Bkeyhole.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-to8eh-oNi80/VCRvt2Qtv4I/AAAAAAAAE_Q/_XEscU5b6Fo/s1600/heading%2Binto%2Ba%2Bkeyhole.jpg" height="376" width="640" /></a></div>
Same keyhole, but further back.<br />
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On the southwest of Ironbound, we were surprised by a passel of seals bobbing in the water. It was great fun to watch them watching us, but unfortunately the pictures are terrible, so I'll spare you those.<br />
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We didn't see other kayaks on the water, but the Margaret Todd was out.<br />
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Three or four lobster boats were also on the water. Remember "no lobstering Sunday" is a tradition, not a law.<br />
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Summary: Launch: South Gouldsboro, maybe 10 spaces, no facilities. Launch 9AM, High 9:35AM, finish 12:30PM, 9.8 miles.<br />
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<br />PenobscotPaddleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16592313025258461946noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6666730569460347191.post-58073881965406890572014-09-06T14:30:00.000-07:002014-09-06T14:30:05.847-07:00Circumnavigating Mount Kineo<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Whr8asCUl40/VAtyRXP09PI/AAAAAAAAE7s/8wl6pyOnDbI/s1600/cover.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-Whr8asCUl40/VAtyRXP09PI/AAAAAAAAE7s/8wl6pyOnDbI/s1600/cover.jpg" height="280" width="640" /></a></div>
About 15 years ago, I looked at a map and thought "Huh, Mount Kineo (one of Maine's geographic wonders) is less than a thumbs width (about 3/4 mile) from a launch site. We could do that."<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KvvlIArZYvk/VAtyYUVvtEI/AAAAAAAAE70/BwzWY7xFRJE/s1600/map.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-KvvlIArZYvk/VAtyYUVvtEI/AAAAAAAAE70/BwzWY7xFRJE/s1600/map.jpg" height="231" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A map at the launch area</td></tr>
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And so we packed up a Naturebound canoe, a Wilderness Systems Cape Horn kayak, two small kids, a bunch of paddles and life jackets and headed for Rockwood, a tiny town on the western shore of Moosehead Lake. When we got there the wind was blowing and large white-capped waves were funneling through the squeeze point in the big lake. It didn't take but a glance to see that there was no way this particular set of paddlers and boats was going to make it to Kineo.<br />
Instead of attempting the crossing, we paddled into Barrows Cove and explored there.<br />
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Then a few weeks ago, while paddling on Mathew's Cove in Moosehead Lake, I saw Mt. Kineo in the distance and thought, "This would have been the perfect day to do that paddle." It was a still day, and, unlike years ago, even if the wind picked up we had seaworthy kayaks and spray skirts. But the day was more than half over, and there was work to get to at home. <br />
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This Friday was another calm day, so we packed up our Current Designs Sirocco and Wilderness Systems Zephyr, spray skirts, life jackets, paddles and assorted gear and headed once again to Rockwood.<br />
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At the launch we discovered a dozen or so hikers hoping to catch the Kineo shuttle, a pontoon boat which makes the crossing about hourly in season. <br />
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But we didn't have to wait, we could take right off for Kineo.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FQq89FYwqkM/VAtzL9cMPKI/AAAAAAAAE8M/bLJyIggvEvQ/s1600/on%2Bthe%2Bway%2Bto%2Bkineo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-FQq89FYwqkM/VAtzL9cMPKI/AAAAAAAAE8M/bLJyIggvEvQ/s1600/on%2Bthe%2Bway%2Bto%2Bkineo.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One the way there!</td></tr>
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Mount Kineo has hosted a huge resort hotel between 1848 through 1938. Presently, it's home to some lovely, grand cottages, a golf course (with a restaurant open to all), and a fairly large structure which was merely the employee housing for the old hotel.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7IcyNFd8NqA/VAtzRqrJvUI/AAAAAAAAE8U/IfsynG6ao_o/s1600/employee%2Bhousing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7IcyNFd8NqA/VAtzRqrJvUI/AAAAAAAAE8U/IfsynG6ao_o/s1600/employee%2Bhousing.jpg" height="237" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The employee housing is the palest building</td></tr>
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We paddled into shallow waters of Frog Pond(actually a bay), admiring the views. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uNUtvBmMuPc/VAtzbAYQMsI/AAAAAAAAE8c/Z_MblAfQSdc/s1600/Mark%2Bpaddles%2Bby%2Ba%2Blow%2Bspot%2Bin%2Bthe%2BFrog%2BPond.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-uNUtvBmMuPc/VAtzbAYQMsI/AAAAAAAAE8c/Z_MblAfQSdc/s1600/Mark%2Bpaddles%2Bby%2Ba%2Blow%2Bspot%2Bin%2Bthe%2BFrog%2BPond.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mark paddles by a shallow area in Frog Pond.</td></tr>
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At the back of that bay is the narrow causeway which connects Kineo with land. Kineo is not an island, but a penninsula.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wr7qb1AJ63Y/VAt0Hk7nwgI/AAAAAAAAE8k/HE6F67CQJSo/s1600/parked%2Bon%2Bthe%2Bcauseway.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-wr7qb1AJ63Y/VAt0Hk7nwgI/AAAAAAAAE8k/HE6F67CQJSo/s1600/parked%2Bon%2Bthe%2Bcauseway.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Boats beside the causeway</td></tr>
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On the North Bay side of Kineo the mount is revealed in full splendor. The top is about 760 feet (45 sea kayak lengths) from lake level. The sheer cliff must be at least 700 feet straight up and portions are concave.<br />
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It's hard to capture how grand it was:<br />
The cliff alone against the sky:<br />
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A concave section with Mark for scale.<br />
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Can you even see my tiny yellow boat in this photo?<br />
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We did not know it at the time, but that small bay below the cliff is nearly 250 feet deep.<br />
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Mt. Kineo is composed of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rhyolite">rhyolite</a>, a form of flint. Flint from the mountain is found throughout New England and beyond, showing its value as a trade item to Native Americans. A few pictures of the rock face close up:<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5SUhCEPRdcQ/VAt1WNaekvI/AAAAAAAAE9M/gWM6mdN3TCM/s1600/tree%2Bstruggles%2Bcliff.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-5SUhCEPRdcQ/VAt1WNaekvI/AAAAAAAAE9M/gWM6mdN3TCM/s1600/tree%2Bstruggles%2Bcliff.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A cedar clings to the cliff</td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XNLm-SLOdTQ/VAt1lmBZQoI/AAAAAAAAE9U/dCKXQ4MHCPI/s1600/rocks%2Bat%2Bthe%2Bbase.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-XNLm-SLOdTQ/VAt1lmBZQoI/AAAAAAAAE9U/dCKXQ4MHCPI/s1600/rocks%2Bat%2Bthe%2Bbase.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Rocks at the base</td></tr>
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We stopped for lunch at Hardscrabble Point, a backcountry camp site with picnic tables, fire ring, pit toilet and space for several tents. These sites are first-come, first-served and shortly after we left, we passed a dozen canoes headed there for the night. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A_h2E_GqzGk/VAt1xf618AI/AAAAAAAAE9c/TQ9V6Oq9f48/s1600/camp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A_h2E_GqzGk/VAt1xf618AI/AAAAAAAAE9c/TQ9V6Oq9f48/s1600/camp.jpg" height="480" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At the campsite</td></tr>
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The rest of the paddle was upwind in choppy water, enlivened by views of hikers on the shoreline trail or heading up the hill. <br />
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Now you might think finally getting to Kineo, <i>sans</i> two children would be a <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KUwjNBjqR-c">"Cats in the Cradle"</a> event. <br />
But it wasn't, because that misadventure was not the end of paddling with our kids. First one child then the other grew into individual kayaks. Our trips shifted from short paddles on lakes and streams to short paddles on the sea, to visiting Ironbound and Isle au Haut. Along the way we explored lighthouses and forts, sea caves and islands. We've paddled with whales, dolphins, seals, alligators, manatees, and much more. There were also non-kayak adventures: biking, hiking, museums, attractions, family, friends, school, scouts etc. The years have gone by in a flash, but they were traded for some wonderful memories and two incredible adults with their own lives and interests. <br />
Instead of being melancholy, we were thankful we'd had the opportunity to see another Maine marvel and looking ahead to our next adventure.<br />
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More information: <a href="http://www.moosehead.net/hiking/kineo.html">Hiking Mount Kineo</a><br />
<a href="http://www.maine.gov/dacf/parks/camping/backcountry_camping.shtml">Backcountry Camping: Maine Department of Agriculture Conservation and Forestry</a><br />
<a href="http://www.mooseheadlakegolf.com/">Mount Kineo Golf Course, Shuttle and Restaurant </a><br />
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Summary: Launch: Paved, about thirty spaces, half trailer length. Pit Toilets. Distance, 7.8 miles, about 3 hours with 3 stops. Moosehead Lake is a part of the <a href="http://www.northernforestcanoetrail.org/">Northern Forest Canoe Trail</a>. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K23m5_Z1JOw/VAt2B3cjlnI/AAAAAAAAE9k/vZBnJfT3djk/s1600/greenville%2Bpolice.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-K23m5_Z1JOw/VAt2B3cjlnI/AAAAAAAAE9k/vZBnJfT3djk/s1600/greenville%2Bpolice.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Greenville (another community on Moosehead Lake) Police on ATV patrol</td></tr>
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<br />PenobscotPaddleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16592313025258461946noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6666730569460347191.post-68412458219923528622014-09-03T05:43:00.000-07:002014-09-03T05:43:48.862-07:00200 Years Ago - War Sails Up the Penobscot: The Battle of Hampden.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Saturday morning, September 3, 1814 was an anxious one for the 550 men stationed by Hampden Academy. They were there to defend the <i>USS Adams</i>, a damaged vessel which was currently down near where Souadabscook flows into the Penobscot. That the 228 men who crewed the <i>Adams</i> had set up cannons along the wharf and on the high bluff overlooking the river and loaned their muskets to the volunteers was scant comfort. The task of the local forces was to guard the solitary road against land attack.<br />
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The Penobscot Bay Region had fallen to British control in the Revolutionary War. In August of 1779 the Bangor region had seen the tail end of the failure of the Penobscot Expedition, when a few American ships had tried, unsuccessfully, to escape by making their way up the river. The region had remained under partial British control/blockade through the end of the Revolutionary War.<br />
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In this new war, the War of 1812, one of Britain's goals was to shift the borders of the U.S., from the current St. Croix River to the Penobscot. In addition to giving the British access to the timber in the area it would even the southern line of British territory, so it was easier to move between Halifax Nova Scotia and Quebec City. <br />
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It had been raining through the night while militia gathered from the surrounding towns to serve under the command of General Blake of Brewer. Even as they arrived to defend the road, They were aware that the British had recently claimed Castine and Belfast, and many felt resistance was futile. <br />
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Meanwhile, three miles south at Bald Hill Cove, the 750 British soldiers who'd disembarked the night before began the march north. On the river the Britsh squadron set sail, continuing in their practice of firing shots to warn of the size of the advancing squadron. <br />
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It was between 7and 8 AM when the British Troops arrived at Pitcher Brook (now Reeds Brook) at the base of the hill where the militia was positioned. At the time, a narrow bridge crossed the stream, but Pitcher Brook is a small stream, and it's likely the British could have marched through it easily.<br />
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As the British came up on Pitcher Brook, the militia, led by Lt. Lewis, opened fire. Two British soldiers were killed, but the rest marched on.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IvBzC8jhZ6w/U_9YQB6nVjI/AAAAAAAAErY/BHsua45I6gU/s1600/Pitcher%2BBrook.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-IvBzC8jhZ6w/U_9YQB6nVjI/AAAAAAAAErY/BHsua45I6gU/s1600/Pitcher%2BBrook.jpg" height="322" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pitcher Brook passes under the road by the guard rail. Usually, the sharp dip creates more of a slow down than the stream flow. There is a building roof at wire height which is about where the militia set up.</td></tr>
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The militia on the hill made a rapid assessment of the approaching troops; the gleaming bayonets and uniforms appearing through the fog and mist. No doubt they could hear the blasts coming from the Penobscot River as well. Either in fear or rational judgement, the line broke. Men shed their arms and fled swiftly, in some cases swimming across the Souadabscook rather than waiting to cross the narrow bridge there. <br />
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North of the brief battle, by the pier, Capt Morris had seen the British squadron headed north. He began
firing upon them, until signaled from his men on the ridge that the
militia had fled. Realizing the hopelessness of his condition,, Captain
Morris gave the command to spike the cannons remaining and sink the <i>U.S.S. Adams</i>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Captain Morris and his crew quickly departed the area and hiked a trail
from Bangor to Canaan on the Kennebec River where they found transportation
south. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KcGLP1LAOSo/VAOs2Ant6CI/AAAAAAAAE2w/NR3u4uwlAHM/s1600/Battle%2BGoogle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KcGLP1LAOSo/VAOs2Ant6CI/AAAAAAAAE2w/NR3u4uwlAHM/s1600/Battle%2BGoogle.jpg" height="400" width="311" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Some Battle sites on Google Earth</td></tr>
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Many men were captured and held on the British prison ships overnight. However, the town as a whole survived. Windows were smashed, gardens ruined, livestock shoot and a bond demanded. No doubt 1815 became the long, hard winter the residents had feared. British maintained rule over the region until April 1815.<br />
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A few lighter tales from the Battle:<br />
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<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V9srXexIcPk/U_9YE7eqaAI/AAAAAAAAErQ/bWCBIgWoaOo/s1600/kinsley.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-V9srXexIcPk/U_9YE7eqaAI/AAAAAAAAErQ/bWCBIgWoaOo/s1600/kinsley.jpg" height="290" width="400" /></a></div>
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The Kinsley house, now owned by the Hampden Historical Society, was sought by Captain Barrie to use as his headquarters. He sent officers to her house to "request" it's use. As they approached the house, Mrs. Kinsley gathered the tools she had at hand, the slop buckets and chambers pots from the upstairs and, with the assistance of her maids, threw them out the window upon the officer. One officer was later heard to remark, that if the militia had been under Mrs. Kinsley's command, Hampden would be celebrating a victory.<br />
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The children of Hampden were gathered and led away to a house on Cold Brook for protection. However the housing there was decidedly inferior. Girls were bedded in the kitchen, boys in the hayloft, and meals consisted of nothing but cold potatoes. The next day the children were brought back to their parents, feeling their treatment at the hands of the British could be no worse. <br />
<br />
Those are cute stories, but it must have been a very trying time. The records of the Massachusetts Volunteer Militia records this quote from the British Captain, Richard Barrie in response to a request for common safeguards of humanity, "I have none for you. My business is to burn, sink and destroy. Your town is taken by storm and by the rules of war, we ought both to lay your village in ashes and put its inhabitants to the sword. But I will spare your lives, though I don't mean to spare your homes."<br />
(Maine was at the time still a part of Massachusetts.) <br />
<br />
Hampden has never been very proud of the brief battle. In a direct quote from Historical Sketches of Hampden: "For years Hampden's militia bore the majority of the blame, since several officers and three militia companies raised in Hampden were present at the battle. A look at the records, however, will show that the militia companies of Bangor, Brewer, Dixmont, Eddington, and Orrington ran as quickly, as fast and as far as Hampden's."<br />
<br />
And interestingly, this was not the end for the USS Adams:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fe055HT5Lvw/U_Ig4s0X2-I/AAAAAAAAEbo/XBHQ0yfT5ro/s1600/looking%2Bnorth.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fe055HT5Lvw/U_Ig4s0X2-I/AAAAAAAAEbo/XBHQ0yfT5ro/s1600/looking%2Bnorth.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the Penobscot, by the mouth of the Souadabscook. The pier is about where the wharf would have been.</td></tr>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XQ7Pv4B92x8/U_IhQJWwEeI/AAAAAAAAEbw/OMzTwrV0vvA/s1600/south.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-XQ7Pv4B92x8/U_IhQJWwEeI/AAAAAAAAEbw/OMzTwrV0vvA/s1600/south.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pretty much dead low looking south, the ship probably would have been somewhere in this area, depending on if hull work was still being done. </td></tr>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>The <i>U.S.S. Adams</i> remained on the bed of the Penobscot River for fifty-six years; its
copper sheathing quickly salvaged, but the rest undamaged.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It’s hard to imagine that forty-six years of
ice freezing and thawing and high spring run-offs didn’t destroy the ship
completely, but in 1870 she was raised.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>Her thick oak hull was relatively undamaged and sent to Boston for
repairs.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>She would spend another 40
years as a Navy sailing trainer ship, sailing all over the world before being
retired in 1920.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<a href="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/df/USS_Adams_Drydock_B.jpg/800px-USS_Adams_Drydock_B.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/d/df/USS_Adams_Drydock_B.jpg/800px-USS_Adams_Drydock_B.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
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Perhaps it is not surprising that Hampden has not chosen to officially celebrate the bicentennial of the battle - though it seems like the perfect occasion for a cross-country race (heading north). <br />
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Sources: A Call to Arms Celebrations Re-enactment of Battle at Hampden August 22,23,24 1980<br />
Historical Sketches, Hampden Maine 1767-1976 Hampden Historical Society 1976.<br />
<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Battle_of_Hampden">Battle of Hampden</a>, <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Adams_%281799%29">USS Adams 1799</a> Wikipedia<br />
<a href="http://files.usgwarchives.net/me/penobscot/hampden/revolution/battle/sj2p185.txt">Sprague's Journal of Maine History</a> 1914<br />
<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Historic
Shipwrecks of Penobscot Bay, Harry Gratwick History Press 2014<br />
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Maine Gravestones and Flags; Honoring our Heroes. Emeric W. Spooner, 2010 </div>
PenobscotPaddleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16592313025258461946noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6666730569460347191.post-18150882006351964022014-09-01T15:27:00.000-07:002014-09-01T15:27:09.629-07:00200 Years Ago: War Sails up the River: USS Adams <div class="MsoNormal">
The
<i>U.S.S. Adams</i> was a small frigate built in the Brooklyn NY in 1798.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some sources reference it as the first ship
built by the US Navy.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> It began its duties in the West Indies, protecting American shipping from French privateers. After that, she served in the Mediterranean and along the US coast.</span></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>Captain
Charles Morris was given command of the <i>U.S.S. Adams</i> in 1813, and he was not
impressed.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He felt it “insufficient for
sea service” and was able to convince a naval board of his opinion.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The frigate spent several months being
converted to a twenty-eight gun corvette, a process which included cutting the vessel in half and adding fifteen feet in length. In January 1814, Captain Morris took
command at the Washington Navy Yard. His first challenge was to move the <i>U.S.S. Adams</i> through a British Blockade of Chesapeake Bay. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>He then
sailed to the south, where he captured three to five small merchantman brigs, before taking a break in Savannah in either April or May. From there, the <i>U.S.S. Adams</i> next sailed to
Ireland;<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>where additional ships were captured.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>On the passage home, he was
spotted and outran a total of three British frigates.</div>
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<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span> Unfortunately,
on August 17th, while passing off the Western Ear of Isle au Haut, the USS Adams
struck Flat ledge.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>They continued on
their journey, but the presence of leaks indicated repairs were required.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>So the <i>U.S.S. Adams</i> sailed up to Hampden,
arriving on August 19<sup>th</sup>.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></div>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span>They
did not arrive unnoticed - <i>HMS Rifleman</i> had spotted them. The Adams had unfortunate timing with its accident as a few days later, August 26, a British squadron of battleships headed for Machias from Halifax, Nova Scotia. But hearing that the <i>U.S.S. Adams </i>was undergoing repairs, plans were quickly changed. <br />
Instead of attacking Machias, the squadron added five additional British battleships to the force and sailed into Castine and Belfast's Harbors on September 1. Both communities quickly surrendered to the superior force. The British now bracketed Penobscot Bay to the north and south. The <i>U.S.S. Adams</i> hadn't escaped, it had crawled into a deep trap.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K2OWL5IWTm8/VASAHQ0AdqI/AAAAAAAAE4E/RboMftBHes4/s1600/uss%2Badams%2Bgoogle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-K2OWL5IWTm8/VASAHQ0AdqI/AAAAAAAAE4E/RboMftBHes4/s1600/uss%2Badams%2Bgoogle.jpg" height="400" width="246" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Locations on Google Earth</td></tr>
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<span style="mso-tab-count: 1;"> </span><span style="mso-tab-count: 1;">
Almost immediately after capturing Castine, a battleship, two sloops of war, a transport and
various tenders set sail under the command of Captain
Robert Barrie. They were not silent as they headed up river, but
randomly fired their guns, giving warning to those on shore of the
strength of the force. The battleship stopped at Frankfort Marsh.
By late Friday the remaining ships arrived at Bald Hill Cove where
approximately 750 disembarked to camp. </span></div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3fhSSKmRGU8/U_9XwLQuHLI/AAAAAAAAErM/wKRohiTa9a4/s1600/Bald%2BHill%2BCove.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-3fhSSKmRGU8/U_9XwLQuHLI/AAAAAAAAErM/wKRohiTa9a4/s1600/Bald%2BHill%2BCove.jpg" height="475" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Low tide at Bald Hill Cove, but even then troops could land at the corner.</td></tr>
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Five
hundred militia, and thirty regular troops arrived in Hampden to defend the <i>U.S.S. Adams</i>. The crew of the <i>U.S.S. Adams</i> moved nine guns to a high hill to assist with the defense. Guns were placed on the wharf and on the hill overlooking the river. The militia set up their defense about a half mile south across from Hampden Academy and overlooking Pitcher Brook. (Now Reeds Brook) There they waited overnight, in the rain for the invasion.<br />
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Next post: The battle! (see next post for the ignominious conclusion)</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fe055HT5Lvw/U_Ig4s0X2-I/AAAAAAAAEbo/XBHQ0yfT5ro/s1600/looking%2Bnorth.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-fe055HT5Lvw/U_Ig4s0X2-I/AAAAAAAAEbo/XBHQ0yfT5ro/s1600/looking%2Bnorth.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">On the Penobscot, by the mouth of the Souadabscook. The pier is about where the wharf would have been</td></tr>
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PenobscotPaddleshttp://www.blogger.com/profile/16592313025258461946noreply@blogger.com0