Saco Canoe Trip - day 3 report

We woke to rain and mist, after a night of rain.  The forecast called for more rain today.  At this point everyone was willing to concede to the rain and forget the idea of any more canoeing.

 

We had a relatively lazy morning which included the rare treat of hot showers.  Everyone put together their breakfast and we started our final camp breakdown of the trip.  All the wet & sandy gear was packed into our vehicles and we were ready to head home.

The boys had a great trip and kept a great attitude for the whole trip.  We saw improvements in canoeing skills over the course of the trip and I'm sure all the boys learned a little about packing gear for wet weather.  Thanks go out to Mr Kelley and the boys and men that made the trip possible.

 A woodpecker that hung around our sight

Saco Canoe Trip - day 2 report

These are a few of the boys hanging out at the rec center

Last night was rainy and we awoke to some light scattered rain. After everyone cooked a good breakfast and packed up, we were back on the river.  The rain and mosquitos kept us company for the first hour.  At about the time the rain let up we came to the most "challenging" spot on our trip; many years ago a small bridge collapsed leaving behind some small rapids for us.  Mr Kelley coached everyone on a good path through Walker's Rip (or Walker's Falls to some) and we passed without incident.  At about the same time we spotted a large bald eagle.  The eagle stayed with us for nearly an hour, leapfrogging us down the Saco.  We made good time in the morning, even allowing for the rope swings, rapids, eagle and turtle spotting.

 The Eagle heading downriver

At lunch we were caught in downpours and with the cool weather the boys were not enjoying it.  But hot drinks and warm lunches lifted spirits.  After lunch we were entertained by the boys having wrestling matches in the river.  After everyone was ready for a little more canoeing in the rain, we headed out again.  A couple of hours later we found ourselves at the Woodland Acres Campground in Brownfield Maine.  We had left a car here at the beginning of the trip.  We debated overnighting here but the hot showers, laundry and excellent group sites (with covered eating areas) sealed the deal.

We set up camp, cooked dinner and availed ourself of the laundry dryers.  Considering the weather and distance left to travel, Mr. Kelley decided to head home after breakfast the next day.  The boys all wish we could do the complete distance but the rain has dampened enthusiasm as well as clothing.

Saco Canoe Trip - day 1 report

Here are the participants in the 2011 Saco Canoe Trip.
 

Ready to leave the Weymouth Heights Club at 9am for our three day adventure.

Putting in at Swan's Falls

We started the day a little later than planned due to traffic, so we didn't make quite the mileage we wanted. We were on the river for a little more than 2 miles before we came to our 1st rope swing.  With temps in the low eighties - this was irresistible entertainment.  All the kids had a great time here (and at the swing at mile 6 too).  The weather stayed clear all day and the boys were in great spirits. 

This is a shot of our camp for tonight. 

Our camp is located just downstream of the Old Saco on a spot now known as "Mosquito Beach". Everyone cooked a good dinner and we had a nice fire going before we started getting a bit of rain.

The forecast for the next day did not look good but we planned on making the best of whatever mother nature brought us.

More pictures below:

Canoe Trip Prep - 6/13 Meeting

At last weeks meeting, Mr. Kelley focused on the equipment we need for a successful trip.  Tonight he will be speaking about planning a menu and cooking on the trip.  We also expect a special guest speaker; John Lonergan (JL) will be sharing some of his experience and knowledge with us.  JL has probably spent more time in canoes and on trails then any other active member of Troop 2.

It is not too late to sign up.

Some of the details:

Trip Date: June 22 - June 24  (we depart on the morning after the last day of school)

Trip Route: Fryeburg to Hiram Maine via Saco River.

Who can go: Scouts who have earned their Canoeing Merit Badge

Cost: $30 / Scout (due on 6/13/2011)

Scouts will be expected to pack all their own gear for the 3 days.  They will need a life vest, clothes, sleeping bag, toiletries and food.  The Troop can provide transportation and tents if necessary.  Mr Kelley has a complete detailed handout for anyone that need it.

Canoe Trip - 3 days on the Saco

Mr Kelley is bringing back one of the great Troop 2 traditions - the Overnight Canoe Trip.  Back in the days of Mr Kelley's youth, Troop 2 would go on a week long canoe trip on the Saco River which included several portages and a sidetrip up to and across Kezar Pond.  Due to work schedules, this tradition was discontinued.  Mr. Kelley is bringing back an abbreviated version of the trip, which will put us on the river for 3 weekdays (and avoid weekend crowds).

Some of the details:

Sign Up Date:  Monday June 6

Trip Date: June 22 - June 24  (we depart on the morning after the last day of school)

Trip Route: Fryeburg to Hiram Maine via Saco River.

Who can go: Scouts who have earned their Canoeing Merit Badge

Cost: $30 / Scout

Scouts will be expected to pack all their own gear for the 3 days, life vest, including clothes, sleeping bag, toiletries and food.  The Troop can provide transportation and tents if necessary.  A more complete supply list will be distributed later.

Couch Beach - North River Canoe Trip

Stopped for lunch here. 

The weather could not have been better.  We fought some headwinds but the current helped us along.  In the end we didn't do a round trip - instead we pushed on a little further than planned (past Rt 53 in Hanover).  Once the tide started to ebb, everyone backtracked to the Washington St Bridge where our trip ended.

We saw some osprey, ducks and a deer (ask the boys about the deer).

We passed many of the sites of old shipyards (Fox Hill, Wanton, Hobarts) - when clippers and schooners ruled the oceans, the North River was an important part of that industry.  Check out these sites for more history:  http://barquehill.org/history.htm and http://www.norwellma.com/history.htm

The boys all did very well and it was an enjoyable trip.

North River Canoe Trip

What: Canoe Trip
Where: North River (Norwell)
When: Sat 9/25/2010
Who:  All Scouts
What to Bring: Life jacket, appropriate clothing, snack, bag lunch, and plenty of fluids.  We will be on the water the whole day, so electronics are not advised.
Event Leader: Mr. Kelley

We will meet at the Weymouth Heights Club at 9am.  We expect to be on the river by 11am - putting in at the Union St. launch in Norwell. This trip should take about six hour trip start to finish and the trip will be adjusted to stay on time schedule.  If we do well, we will travel to the Pembroke launch and back.

This trip has been timed and planned so that we get the benefit of the tidal current during all of our trip.

We expect to be back to the Heights Club by 7pm.

North River info:	Town or Norwell's River Guide
	Wild Turkey Paddlers - River Info
	Wild Turkey Paddlers - Trip Report  (they did a longer trip)

CANCELED Reminder: Scout Canoe Trip - Whitman's Pond

THIS EVENT HAS BEEN CANCELED DUE TO WEATHER
When:  Saturday 10/3/09 9am-11:30am
Where:  Meet at Clubhouse
Bring:   Lifevests are mandatory.  Water, snack and hat are recommended.

The scouts will be taking a short trip around Whitman's Pond.  All scouts are encouraged to attend.

Back River Canoe Trip - Report

We launched from Abigail Adams part and set out in cold windy conditions.  The boys did well as we made our way down the Back River.  We had eight canoes, three kayaks and a motor boat - a great group of guys.

October Canoe Trip

Our October trip was a tour of Whitman's Pond

Back River Canoe Trip

On September 13, 2008 15 scouts and several leaders embarked on a 3 hour excursion to the back river and enjoyed canoes and kayaks.

The Scouts prepare to leave the Clubhouse

Some direction from the Scoutmaster