2008 Trip Schedule

www.wampypaddlers.org

 

With each trip listing there is a notation for the type of water that is expected:

F=flat;  Q=quick; and 1, 2, 3 = Class 1, 2, & 3 rapids

 

March  15       Weweantic River, Carver, MA                (P, F, Q, 1, 2)

(Sat.)                 This "ice breaker" will prepare you for the upcoming season. The river has two sections. The first (F,Q) is flat-water through classic bog country and may require occasional bushwack. After a small portage around the Tremont Dam, the river is a quick-moving stream (F,Q, 1,2) that will require you to have skills to execute a ferry, backpaddle, and eddy turn. You MUST have a change of clothes in a waterproof bag due to the quick changes in temperature at this time of year.                                   

                                                                                          Contact Walter Zaremba  781-544-3122

 

March 22        Middle Nemasket River, Middleboro, MA

(Sat.)                     

                                                                                                                      Contact Walter Zaremba  781-544-3122

 

March 29        NSRWA Paddling Expo, Norwell, MA    

(Sat.)                 Come join a celebration of paddling sports, sponsored by the North and South River Watershed Association. learn how to get started in the sport, get information on upcoming events on the South Shore, or take a chance in a raffle for a new kayak. Volunteers needed to assist at the Wampy booth to enlist new members.

                                                                                                                    Contact George Estano  781-248-9876

 

March 29        Salmon/Jeremy River, Colchester, CT  (2)

(Sat.)                      This is a very pretty river valley lined with hemlocks. The Salmon/Jeremy river is a solid class 2 river. Compared to the West River, it has less volume of water, but much more rock dodging/technical skills needed. Wetsuits or dry suits are strongly advised.

 

                                Shuttle will start at 10 a.m sharp at the take out.  Directions: from Rt 2 in CT, take exit 16. This is Rt. 149. Follow it South to Rt. 16. Go right on Rt. 16 for 2 iles to Old Comstock Covered Bridge. The take out is on the right, just past the bridge.

                                                                                                                Contact John Dasilva  401-739-4961

 

April 5            Willimantic River, Tolland, CT     (Q)        Due to bad weather moved,  to April 6 Sunday!!

(Sat.)                 A fun trip on one of CT's prettiest rivers,  We will put in on Plains Road and take out on Merrow Road- about 9 miles.  At high water levels this is a quickwater trip with tight turns and a few play spots.  At low water levels, it can be scratchy.

 

Directions to Put-in:  Follow Route 101 West until it becomes Route 44.  Continue on Route 44 West until the intersection with Route 74.  Bear right on to Route 74.  Continue on Route 74 until the intersection with Route 32.  Take a right on to Route 32 and proceed for about 4 miles.  Plains Road is on the left just after you enter Thompson.  Put-in is around 100 yards down the road on the left.      

 

(The Galleranes are likely making this a camping trip, to stay at Nickerson  Park  Campground (860-455-0007) in Windham, CT on Friday and Saturday.)                                                                                                        Contact Rob Gallerane 508-340-7967

 

April 12          Shepaug River, Washington, CT        (Q, 1, 2)

(Sat,)                 The Shepaug is one of the most beautiful rivers in New England.  This fast, rocky river flows through over 5 miles of protected nature preserve.  One of the steepest rivers in Connecticut, the Shepaug’s steep, tree lined slopes tower over the river providing one of the best spring runs in the state.  Call to ensure sufficient water.  Proper cold weather paddling gear is required.                                             Contact John Seelenbinder  860-417-3602

 

April 26- 28    West River, Jamaica, VT                       (1, 2, 3, Camping)

(Sat & Sun.)          Semi-annual dam release weekend in scenic southern Vermont. There's a section of river suitable for all skill levels and there will be multiple trips to accommodate all. Or watch the fun at the "Dumplings" or "Little Colorado" rapids! Whitewater sections require supplemental flotation, appropriate equipment, and trip leader evaluation of your skills and experience. Call now for camp reservations at Jamaica State Park or Ball Mountain.

                                                                                          Contact Walter Zaremba 781-544-3122           

 

May 3                         Lower Quinebaug River, Central Village, CT       (F, Q, riffles)

(Sat.)                      This river trip is suitable for everyone. Mostly smooth with some  riffles and quickwater.

 

Shuttle will start at 10 a.m. at the put-in. Directions:  from Rt. 395 in CT take exit 89, this is Rt. 14. Go East about 2 miles, and take right onto Cady Lane which turns into Fish Hatchery Rd. Follow this to the river and put-in.

                                                                                                                        Contact John Dasilva  401-739-4961

 

May 10           Charles River, So. Natick,  to Dedham, MA          (F)

(Sat.)

                                                                         Contact Maureen Febiger 781-235-6112

 

                       

May 17           32nd annual Canoe & Kayak River Race  -- Blackstone River

(Sat.)                      Throughout the riverway, the river and canal segments form an interesting and sometimes seamless exploration of the Valley and its industrial heritage where you will discover the dams, canal locks, bridges and other structures that tell the story of “America’s Hardest Working River”. Come and join the race, or just paddle and explore.  Volunteers to man the Wampy booth and sign up new members are also needed.

               Contact Joe Packard 508-478-8500           

 

May 30- 6/1    Pemigewasset River, Waterville Valley, NH  (F, Q, 1, Camping)   

(Fri – Sun.)            Planning to stay at Goose Hollow Campground:                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             Contact Steve Choiniere 508-883-0035.

 

June 6 - 8        Battenkill River, Arlington, VT       (F, Q, 1 Camping)                             

(Fri – Sun.)            This classic Vermont/NY stream provides easy paddling on beautiful quickwater. It is a world-renowned trout fishery and there is lots to see and do in the surrounding areas. Call early for camping details and reservations:  Battenkill RiverSports and Campground

1-800-676-8768 or 518-677-8868. Let Tom Lane know if planning to attend: 617-966-1840

 

June 14           Onset Bay, Wareham, MA              

(Sat.)                                                                                      Contact Howie Foster  Abigail.foster@verizon.net

 

 

June 28           Wood River, West Greenwich, RI       (P, F, Q)

(Sat.)                      This clean river flows through thick brush and open valleys. The banks are lined with blueberry bushes, laurel, oaks and pines, as it flows through the Arcadia Management Area. It is a truly delightful run.          

 

                                The shuttle will start at 10 a.m. at the take out in Wyoming, RI.  Directions: Rt. 95S to exit 3/Rt. 138. Go West on 138. Just past the junction of Rt. 3, look for the fishing area and landing at a dam on the right.

                                                                                                                Contact John Dasilva  401-739-4961

 

July 4-6           Green River Reservoir, Moscow, VT    (F, Camping)                       

 (Fri - Sun.)            This trip requires early reservations. A paddle-in canoe camping trip on a motor-free lake in Northern Vermont. A great intro to canoe camping or a relaxing weekend. Excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.                     Contact John Seelenbinder 860-417-3602

 

July 25 - 28     Deerfield River Festival, Charlemont, MA             (F, Q, 1, 2, 3, 4)

(Fri – Sunday)      Enjoy watching the races & whitewater rodeo in the Monroe Bridge (3/4) section, or paddle the Fife Brook section (1, 2, 2+) or the Rt. 2 to the Tree Farm section (F, Q, 1, 2). Lastly a lazy float on the flat water section from the Tree Farm #7, taking out just before the dam at Shelburne. Party, dance, & visit the vendors at this annual event sponsored by Zoar Outdoors & the A.W.A. We are doing it all and base camping at CountryAire Campground. You will need to call for camping reservations or just come out for the day (2 hrs. from Boston).                           Info link:       http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Wiki/aw:events_deerfield    

Contact Walter & Chris Zaremba 781-544-3122

 

August 2         Hopkinton State Park, Hopkinton, MA      (F)

(Sat.)                      2nd Annual Family Day/Training Day – One of the largest attended (around 20) trips last year!  Paddling kayaks or canoes with tips from experienced paddlers.  Picnic, swimming, geocacheing, hiking and fishing.  We will secure tables at the end of the boat ramp parking lot.  Just find the boat ramp and drive to the end of the parking lot, park, and we will be in the shaded area just beyond parking lot. 

                                  http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/northeast/hpsp.htm                                                                                          Contact Joe Packard  508-478-8500

 

Aug. 8-10        Delaware Water Gap, NJ/PA             (F, Q, 1, Camping)                         

(Fri, Sat, Sun.)       Camp in Worthington State Forest and paddle from 12 miles upstream into camp on Saturday. Then paddle the Delaware Water Gap with lunch in the national park on Sunday. Great swimming and lots of wildlife.  Call Worthington State Forest for reservations: 1-908-841-9575.                            Contact Tom Lane 617-966-1840

 

Aug. 16           Slocum River, S. Dartmouth, MA    (F Tidal River)

(Sat.)                      Put in at the town landing at pretty Russell Mill section of South Dartmouth. Tidal river to Demarest Lloyd State Park.  Nice beach and fishing.  Tide turn helps power return trip.

                                                                                                                Contact Jim Howell  508-588-0066

 

Aug. 23 –25    Androscoggin River, Bethel, ME     (F, with some ripples, Camping)

(Sat, Sun.)             New camping trip this year. This is a nice trip to link with Cathedral Pines for a 10-day trip.   Contact Bethel Outdoor Adventure and Campground for reservations: 1-800-533-3607 or 207-824-4224.  Let leader Tom Lane know if you are planning to attend. 617-966-1840.

 

Aug. 25 – Sept. 1 (or Aug. 29 – Sept. 1) -- Dead River, Cathedral Pines, Eustis, ME   (F)

(Mon. – Mon)       Our traditional Labor Day weekend camping trip and paddle in beautiful northern Maine.  One of the most beautiful campgrounds.  Blueberry picking as well as paddling. Ride your bike around the campground.  Call ASAP for camping reservations.  Go early, stay late, or go just for the weekend.                           Contact Dick McMullen  781-659-7067

 

Sept. 13           Charles River, Farm Rd. Lake St., Medfield to Sherborn  (F)

(Sat.)                      Full Moon evening trip.

                                                                                                                    Contact Rob Gallerane 508-340-7967

 

Sept. 20 -21    West River, Jamaica, VT        (Q, 1, 2, 3, Camping)

(Sat. and Sun.)            This is the fall river release. Advance reservations needed. Paddle or come and enjoy the fire and scenery.                                   Contact Walter Zaremba 781-544-3122                      

Oct 11 – 13     Connecticut River – Wilgus State Park, NH         (F, Q, Camping)

(Sat., Sun., Mon.)   Classic fall camping trip.  Great fall colors on a peaceful section of the Connecticut.  Also enjoy the yard sales and annual church dinner.  End the season with a campout with friends.  Call early for reservations.             Contact George Estano 781-848-8686      

 

Nov. 15             Yankee Swap & Potluck Dinner

(Sat.)                  Bellingham Community Center, Bellingham, MA

                                                                                                                            Contact Joe Packard 508-478-8500

 

Jan. 10th, 2009  Annual Potluck Dinner Meeting

(Sat.)                        Bellingham Community Center, Bellingham, MA

                                                                                                                            Contact Joe Packard 508-478-8500  

 

May to September

Introductory Moving Water Canoeing or Kayaking 

Howard Foster Abigail.foster@verizon.net

Learn the basic whitewater paddling skills with an experienced paddler. Howard paddles several times a week every week and is willing to show new paddlers introductory skills such as eddy turns, peel outs and ferrying on a variety of small rivers and tidal rips in southern Massachusetts. Contact Howard and learn some new moving water skills.      

Weweantic River, Nemasket River                                 Contact Howard Foster  Abigail.foster@verizon.net

Join us on one of these two beautiful southern Massachusetts rivers. The leader, Howard Foster, paddles these and other Southern MA rivers every week. If you feel like exploring these two great quickwater rivers, contact Howard and pick a time when the water is up, for an impromptu trip.

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Camping Trips

Each year, the Wampanoag Paddlers have several weekend trips which involve camping.  Most of these trips involve car camping at a scenic site on or near a paddling destination.  In most cases, these trips require advanced reservations.  Please contact the trip leaders early in order to get your name in.  Give the leaders a call; they’ll be happy to tell you all about the trip and let you know what the final dates for reservations are.

April 26-28     West River, Jamaica, VT                    (1,2,3)

Semi-annual dam release weekend in scenic southern Vermont. There's a section of river suitable for all skill levels and there will be multiple trips to accommodate all. Or watch the fun at the "Dumplings" or "Little Colorado" rapids! Whitewater sections require supplemental flotation, appropriate equipment, and trip leader evaluation of your skills and experience. Call now for camp reservations at Jamaica State Park or Ball Mountain.                                                      Trip Leader:   Walter Zaremba   781-544-3122

 

May 30- 6/1    Pemigewasset River, Waterville Valley, NH  (F, Q, 1, Camping)   

(Fri – Sun.)            Planning to stay at Goose Hollow Campground:                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             Contact Steve Choiniere 508-883-0035.

 

June 6 - 8        Battenkill River, Arlington, VT                   (F,Q,1)       

This classic Vermont/NY stream provides easy paddling on beautiful quickwater. It is a world-renowned trout fishery and there is lots to see and do in the surrounding areas. Call early for camping details and reservations.                               

Trip Leader:  Tom Lane  617-966-1840

 

July 4-6           Green River Reservoir, Moscow, VT    (F, Camping)                       

(Fri - Sun.)         This trip requires early reservations. A paddle-in canoe camping trip on a motor-free lake in Northern Vermont. A great intro to canoe camping or a relaxing weekend. Excellent wildlife viewing opportunities.                    

Contact John Seelenbinder 860-417-3602

 

 

July 25 - 28     Deerfield River Festival, Charlemont, MA             (F, Q, 1, 2, 3, 4)

(Fri – Sunday)      Enjoy watching the races & whitewater rodeo in the Monroe Bridge (3/4) section, or paddle the Fife Brook section (1, 2, 2+) or the Rt. 2 to the Tree Farm section (F, Q, 1, 2). Lastly a lazy float on the flat water section from the Tree Farm #7, taking out just before the dam at Shelburne. Party, dance, & visit the vendors at this annual event sponsored by Zoar Outdoors & the A.W.A. We are doing it all and base camping at Mohawk State Park. You will need to call for camping reservations or just come out for the day (2 hrs. from Boston).            Info link:       http://www.americanwhitewater.org/content/Wiki/aw:events_deerfield    

Contact Walter & Chris Zaremba 781-544-3122

 

 

Aug. 23 –25    Androscoggin River, Bethel, ME     (F, with some ripples, Camping)

(Sat, Sun.)             New camping trip this year. This is a nice trip to link with Cathedral Pines for a 10-day trip.   Contact Bethel Outdoor Adventure and Campground for reservations: 1-800-533-3607 or 207-824-4224.  Let leader Tom Lane know if you are planning to attend. 617-966-1840.

 

 

Aug. 25 – Sept. 1 (or Aug. 29 – Sept. 1) -- Dead River, Cathedral Pines, Eustis, ME   (F)

(Mon. – Mon)       Our traditional Labor Day weekend camping trip and paddle in beautiful northern Maine.  One of the most beautiful campgrounds.  Blueberry picking as well as paddling. Ride your bike around the campground.  Call ASAP for camping reservations.  Go early, stay late, or go just for the weekend.                           Contact Dick McMullen  781-659-7067

 

Sept. 20 -21    West River, Jamaica, VT        (Q, 1, 2, 3, Camping)

(Sat. and Sun.)            This is the fall river release. Advance reservations needed. Paddle or come and enjoy the fire and scenery.                                   Contact Walter Zaremba 781-544-3122                      

Oct 11 – 13     Connecticut River – Wilgus State Park, Ascutney, NH    (F, Q, Camping)

(Sat., Sun., Mon.)   Classic fall camping trip.  Great fall colors on a peaceful section of the Connecticut.  Also enjoy the yard sales and annual church dinner.  End the season with a campout with friends.  Call early for reservations.             Contact George Estano 781-848-8686      

 

River Classification Guide

Trips are listed with the types of river conditions you can expect. The bold initial indicates the predominant class of water based on the International Scale of Difficulty as defined by the A.M.C.

Tidal (may be subject to open winds and currents may be strong)

P  Portage

F  Flatwater

Q  Quick

1=Class1  rapids

2=Class2 rapids

3=Class3 rapids

4=class4 rapids

Feel like coming along?

To join us on a trip, please contact the leader by mid-week for a day trip or ASAP for a weekend trip requiring reservations. The leader will give you directions for the trip. Day trips usually begin at 10:00 A.M. and include breaks and a lunch stop, so be sure to pack your own food and drinks.

Safety

You must have life jackets for all canoe occupants. By law they must be worn from September to May and at all times by children. All canoes need a spare paddle and a rope tied to both bow and stern.

We encourage you to bring a spare change of clothes in a waterproof container in spring, fall or inclement weather. You are responsible for providing your own camping and paddling equipment.

 

Contacts

If you need more information or cannot reach the trip leader, please contact any of the officers.

President: Joe Packard                 (508)478-8500                                           joe@joepackard.com

 

Vice President: Steve Choiniere (508)883-0035                                             constructionreconstruction@comcast.net

 

Secretary:  Rob Gallerane         (508)478-5837, (508)340-7967 (cell)          rgallerane@yahoo.com

 

Treasurer: Margaret Estano         (781) 848-8686                                           memeestano@beld.net