Penobscot River, West Branch

Commerical white water rafting trip, 57 people in our Arlington/Waltham group across 7 boats (8-10 people per raft).  Phenomenal experience going down two Class V rapids -Exterminator and The Cribworks- and multiple class III and IV throughout the day.  Gorgeous scenery with Katahdin nearby, saw a bald eagle in flight.  Grilled lunch along the river and lengthy flatwater section allowed for relaxation between the exciting rapids.  

 

Start: McKay Station, Millinocket, ME

End: Nevers Corner Rd, Millinocket, ME

Trip distance: 16 miles

Trip time: 6-7 hours

 

 

Assabet River - Magazu's Landing to Gleasondale

Rainy day up-and-back trip along the Assabet.  Relatively high water levels (for summer) made this a great trip, Maynard gauge 2.65 ft and 230 cfs, on a gray day 58F.  Launched from Magazu's Landing, passed Boon Outlet, got twisted around in the marshy areas (thx google maps).  Took short side trip up Fort Meadow Brook to first culvert but did not feel like making the muddy portage around it.  Back on the main river saw a lot of red-winged black birds, one woodpecker and a vocal blue heron.  Closer to Gleasondale were a couple quickwaters that required effort to get upstream.  At the Gleasondale bridge itself (Rt 62) the passage left of the center abutment was blocked for construction, so I attempted to power up through the right to get a closer look at the dam 200 yds further up, but the current was too strong.  Took a quick break here before heading back downstream.   

 

Start: Magazu's Landing, Stow, MA

Turnaround:  Gleasondale, Stow, MA

Trip time: 2 hrs 10 min. 

Eagle's nest

Fort Meadow Brook culvert

Quickwater at Gleasondale

Blue heron in flight