Hello VPC Members,

I would like to thank outgoing club officers Peter Briggs, Mark Willett and Peter Grant for their interest and efforts over the past few years. Members like these three gentlemen make VPC possible.

Along these same lines, the club is currently without a vice-president. Historically the VP has assisted the president and arrange for the program at club meetings, but all of this is negotiable. Call me if you're interested.

Do you have a potential program? Do you know someone who does? A slide show or Video of an outdoor adventure has been the norm, but other ideas are welcome. I'd like to build a small "library" of programs to draw on. Compensation is available, especially for non-members.

Would you like to help assemble a club archive? Pictures, articles, old B & S's.

Does a fall meeting, much like the spring meeting, probably in early November, interest the membership? A chance to review the season, share pictures and experiences with others.

The VPC has agreed to spend $300 to help sponsor Ray Ingram's Fiddlehead Slalom Race on the Winooski River, May 11 & 12. Ray's looking for participants and volunteers to help out. 879-4286

Peter Briggs has offered to provide flatwater instruction at a time to be decided. Indicate interest to him.

The VPC treasury has about $3,000 including about $400 in 1996 dues. We will spend $300 on the Fiddlehead Slalom, it's time for a new T-shirt for the newly named VPC, and . . .? I'd like to spend some of this money on river identification signs along Vermont highways. Any ideas?

Julie Isbel called me about the Northern Forest canoe Trail, running 700 miles from Old Forge, NY to Fort Kent, ME. This is a historic route that a group is trying to revive. Are you willing to help with Vermont issues, portage right-of-ways, campsites, etc? Her # is 207-725-5028.

Eric Bishop

The meeting was held at Malletts Bay Boat Club and attended by about 40 people. Rob Farley spoke of the summer kayak and canoe whitewater clinic. He, mark Willett and John Wolfe are the focus of this years clinic and they a looking for help. Peter Briggs offered flatwater instruction for anyone interested. Mark spoke of the 30 rivers program, an effort to encourage club members to paddle 30 different rivers in every county of the state. Interested members should speak with the club officer for details. Peter Briggs spoke of the potential sale of the development rights on the land surrounding Green River Reservoir. He also talked of fall elections and the need for a slate of officers and new board members.

Eric Bishop, Secretary

The meeting was held at Eric's house with about 10 people attending. The officers and board members were elected without opposition. President: E. Bishop; V.P.: open; Secretary: P. Briggs; Treasurer: R. Larsen; Board Members: R. Battistoni, T. Shaw, and J. Wolfe.

Eric Bishop, Secretary

                 President:  Eric Bishop        878-2018
                        VP:
                 Secretary:  Peter Briggs       373-1711
                 Treasurer:  Rich Larsen        878-6828

             Board Members:  Ricky Battistoni   985-8420
                             Tony Shaw          879-1655
                             John Wolfe         434-5874

WW = whitewater /// FW = flatwater /// message phone: 878-8647 PIN 95

• Contact the trip organizer for information about each trip. Listed trips may be changed or cancelled as water, weather, or interest dictates.
• Plans for impromptu trips can be relayed through the trip organizer listed and/or the VPC message phone, 878-8647 PIN 95.
• Please give 1-2 weeks notice for overnight trips, to have a say in tentsite/ menu pre-planning, etc.
• Eager to practice or perfect your roll? Pool sessions in Bristol are planned February 5,12,19 and March 4,11, and 18 (space is limited, fee is charged). Call Rob Farley (482-3460) to register.
• Volunteers for the Fiddlehead Slalom Race 5/11 and/or 5/12 are needed. Volunteers are welcome to run gates on Saturday. Call Ray Ingram to lend a hand (879-4286).
• Wednesday evening trips on the Lower Lamoille are planned for 4/17, 4/24, 5/1, and 5/8. Contact Rich Larsen (878-6828).
• Mark Willett (434-4297) can sneak off to run the Huntington (Int WW) when it rains - and yearns to do so. Inquiries welcome.
• Insatiable paddler seeks any number of same for weekday outings on local rivers 3/28, 4/2, 4/11, 4/16, 4/25, 4/30, and 5/9. Call Andy Meilleur (878-3008) to enlist.
• Fish Creek NY (remote class III) is on a shoestring for the May weekend when runoff is prime. Give Eric Bishop notice in advance (878-2018) if youre tempted to go, and hell take care of the rest.
• Randy Allens the guy to keep you company on the Mad R. or Winooski R. where theyre steepest. Call him any time theyre up, 223-3771.
• Paddling southern Vt rivers is a favorite April pastime of Bob and Marvie Campbell (875-2235). Interested parties should inquire and tag along.
• Mike Russom might coordinate additional Adirondack wilderness overnights (Cedar R., Raquette R., etc) if folks are interested. Call Mike at 985-9383.
• The AROUND VERMONT IN 30 RIVERS promotion is underway!!! Ask a VPC officer how you can get started.

               DAY   DATE        RELEASE

               SAT  MAY   4     7000+  CFS
               SAT  MAY  11     7000+  CFS
               SUN  MAY  26     5500   CFS

               SAT  JUNE  1     5500   CFS
               SAT  JUNE is     1800   CFS
               SUN  JUNE 16     1300   CFS
               SAT  JUNE 22     2400   CFS
               SUN  JUNE 23     1300   CFS

               SAT  JULY  6     1300   CFS
               SUN  JULY  7     1800   CFS
               SAT  JULY 13     2400   CFS
               SUN  JULY 14     1300   CFS
               SAT  JULY 27     1000   CFS

               SAT  AUG  10     2400   CFS
               SUN  AUG  11     1800   CFS
               SAT  AUG  17     1800   CFS
               SAT  AUG  31     1300   CFS

               SUN  SEPT  1     5500   CFS
               SAT  SEPT 14     3500   CFS

               SUN  OCT  JS     FULL OPEN -- UP TO 6000 CFS

Please be aware that Central Maine Power Company has provided a public parking area and takeout for Dead River boaters adjacent to the magic Falls Rafting Company base camp in the West Forks. The facility is located on old Route 201 at the base of Durgin Hill and will be operate with a parking fee. Use of this facility is encouraged, to alleviate conflicts with regular traffic or private property owners in the area. We hope you enjoy these recreational opportunities in a safe manner. Proposed releases are subject to change without notice due to current availability of water and anticipated weather/water conditions.

Wesley E. Hallowell
River Engineer
205 Center Road
Fairfield, Maine 04937
PHONE (207) 453-3390 FAX (207) 453-3300

Perception "Spirit" - high volume all use kayak with skirt $250.00

Fischer GTS Extreme Tele Skis, 205 cm, Voile Pinless binding $175.00 or B.O.

Wanted: Used sea kayak

John Wolfe 434-5874

Dagger Vortex Kayak with skirt. Like new. $550.00

Large drybag - $15.00

Ric Gomez 244-6308

GOING OUT OF BUSINESS!
Outdoor Centre of New England, Millers Falls,, MA
$30,000 new & used boats, gear
March 9 & 10, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. call 508-692-1573

Local outdoor and sports shops all have bulletin boards advertising used gear. Replay Sports & Play It Again Sam sell used wetsuits.

Merrimack Valley Paddlers Newsletter always has lots of used kayaks and open boats for sale.
Contact Eric Bishop 878-2018

        NEPC 413-625-8414

        Deerfield R. - Fife Br (Class II)
        April 6, 7, 10-14, 17-21, 24-26                    
        May 4, 5, 11, 12, 15-19, 25, 26, 29-31
        June 1, 2, 12-16, 22, 23, 26-30


        Deefield R. - Monroe Br (III-IV)
        June 1, 2, 22, 23, 28, 29


        Pemigewasset  Bristol, NH (Class II)
        Min. 850 cfs weekends & holidays
        May 1 thru.  Oct 31


        Hudson River 1-518-648-5303
        M-Th 6:00-3:30 PM
        Fri until 10 AM
        Weekends April 6-7 through June 16 10 AM - 12 NOON
        Weekdays    "   "   "   "   "   "  11 AM - 12 NOON

             Salmon Slalom                             Riverfest Slalom
             Brenda Steele                             Amoskeag Slalom Paddlers
             44 South Main St., Apt.                   c/o Mark Ciborowski
             Lodi, NJ 07644                            PO Box 443
             H (201) 614-0848                          Concord, NH 03302
                                                       H (603) 224-W4

             Punch Brook Slalom
             Dan Bowler                                Esopus Slalom
             PO Box 41                                 Chris Carter
             East Hartland, CT 06027                   PO Box 49
             H (203) 653-9538                          Upper Black Eddy, PA 18972
                                                       (610) 982-5354

             Blackwater Slalom Festival
             Sonny Hunt                                Farmington Slalom
             158 W. Parish Rd.                         ACAAtlantic
             Concord, N`H 03301                        ACA Farmington Registrar
             H (603) 753-9576                          PO Box 173
                                                       Scarborough, NY 10510
                                                       (914) 762-5121
             Fiddle Head Slalom
             Ray Ingram
             9 Blakely Rd.
             Colchester, VT 05446
             H (802) 879-4286
                                                1996 Schedule            water class level

             Covered Bridge Slalom              Salmon                 March 24      I-II
             H.A.C.K.S.                         Punch Brook            April 14      I-II
             c/o Barbara Kinusborouah           Blackwater Slalom      April 20-21   I-II+
             12 Boltis St.                      Fiddle Head Slalom     May 12        I-II+
             Mt. Kisco, NY 10549                Covered Bridge Slalom  May 19        I-II+
             H (914) 241-9138                   Amoskeag Slalom        June 9        I-II+
                                                Riverfest Slalom       Sept 8        I-II+
                                                Esopus Slalom          Oct 5-6       I-III
             Amoskeag Slalom                    Farmington Slalom      Oct 19-20     I-II
             Amoskeag Slalom Paddlers
             c/o Mark Ciborowski
             PO Box 443
             Concord, NH 03302
             H (603) 224-6634

A. General Philosophy

Club outings are cooperative adventures among participants. The group is collectively responsible for the conduct of the outing; and each participant is individually responsible for judging his or her own qualifications and for his or her own safety on the river. By participating in a Club outing, you release the Club, its members, trip coordinators, and fellow paddlers from any injuries due to any negligent act or omission or to any intentional act intended to promote your safety or well being.

B. River Hazards

You must understand and accept that whitewater boating exposes you to various hazards, for example, boulders and other obstacles, strainers, undercut or entrapping formations, changing conditions, cold, high water and other hazards, mostly in remote locations. Injuries and deaths occasionally occur due to these hazards, among other things.

You are responsible for learning to recognize river hazards and learning and practicing the techniques for avoiding these hazards. You are also responsible for acquiring boating safety and rescue skills commensurate with the level of difficulty of the river you are paddling (see the International Scale of River Difficulty). One excellent source book is RIVER RESCUE by Bechdel and Ray, available at most outfitters.

Don’t endanger your life and the lives of others by trying to boat on water beyond your ability. Remember - most good paddlers develop by very gradually increasing the difficulty of rivers they run over a period of several years.

C. River Decision Making

You are solely responsible for the following decisions at all times:

1. The decision to go on any trip.
2. The decision to put-in the selected river (which may not be the scheduled river) under conditions existing at the time of the put-in.
3. The decision as to what equipment to wear or take with you.
4. The decision whether to scout any rapid.
5. The decision whether to run any rapid.
6. The decision whether to participate in any rescue or the recovery of any equipment.
7. The decision to pass up any walk out or take out opportunity.

D. River Rescue

Trip participants usually assist each other when someone appears to need assistance, but only so long as they can do so, in their own judgment, without significant risk to themselves. Some participants may choose to accept greater hazards to rescue a fellow paddler. However, trip participants and the trip coordinator are under no legal duty to assist you.

E. Other Responsibilities of Participants

1. Telephoning the trip coordinator well in advance of the trip you are planning to go on.
2. Asking the trip coordinator about his or her training and experience, if these considerations are significant to you.
3. Informing the trip coordinator of your skills, experience, training, and rivers run.
4. Not bringing unexpected guests to the trip.
5. Bringing appropriate equipment and making sure it is in good repair, specifically, life jacket, helmet, protective footwear, knife, whistle, throw bag, extra clothing.
6. Observing good safety practices on the river.
7. Informing yourself of the difficulty of the river under existing conditions.
8. Sharing the optional group responsibilities (see section H).

F. About Your Trip Coordinator

Trip Coordinators are volunteers and they receive no pay. Their functions are to get the group to the same river at the same time, to arrange the shuttle, and to respond to inquiries to the best of their knowledge. However, your trip coordinator may never have run the scheduled river under the conditions encountered on the trip day. Indeed, the scheduled river may not be runnable on the day of the trip, and the trip may be switched to an unfamiliar river without prior notice.

Your trip coordinator may not have had any organized or formal training in whitewater boating skills, boating safety skills, first aid, or CPR. If you prefer to go on a trip only with a trip coordinator who has had organized or formal training in these areas, or who has had a lot of experience, it is your responsibility to ask him or her about his or her training and experience. It is solely your decision whether the trip coordinator’s qualifications are satisfactory to you. Bear in mind that your trip coordinator is not responsible for judging your qualifications or for your safety on the river.

G. Trip Coordinator Responsibilities

1. Finding a substitute coordinator if you are unable to go on the trip and notifying the VPC president of the change.
2. Familiarizing yourself with the put-in, take-out, shuttle, major obstacles and rapids on the scheduled river.
3. Determining the rendezvous place and time.
4. Responding to participant inquiries to the best of your knowledge about the river, your training and experience, and the participants’ training and experience. You have the authorization to refuse a particular participant on any reasonable grounds, but it is not your responsibility to determine whether a participant is qualified for the trip.
5. Insuring that all participants in all trips (flatwater and whitewater) have signed VPC’s waiver of liability.

H. Optional Group Responsibilities

The group may wish to consider the following suggestions. Which of these suggestions are adopted on the trip is solely a group decisions, and is not the responsibility of any particular person.

1. Obtain river stage or flow data.
2. Obtain knowledge of the difficult parts of the run and emergency takeout routes.
3. Equipment: throw rope in each boat, duct tape, first aid kit, extra paddle, flashlight, fire starter and matches, pruning or wire coil saw, survival suit, extra clothing, caribineers, prusik loops, map, guidebook.
4. Keep group compact enough for communication, but not so compact as to interfere with each other.
5. Consider dividing a large group into smaller groups, or having “buddy boats”.

UPPER MAD RIVER/HUNTINGTON RIVER : October 16,1995

This outing followed the first of three October downpours. En route to Warren at noontime the Huntington was very high, fast, and basically washed out. By 5 PM when we returned there to paddle, the larger rocks were all exposed, making our abbreviated run more 'play friendly'. In between, the upper Mad in Warren flushed us downstream to Waitsfield, with scouting required at four drops, but only one carry. The controversial snowmaking dam and pond were under construction, and I expect this will add a short carry on future outings. Aesthetically, this project detracts little from what has always been a lovely beginner whitewater run.

Tony Shaw

LOWER MAD RIVER : September 23, 1995

The fall release of the West River was canceled due to lack of water, so we held the West River Release on the Mad River where there was plenty of water from a timely rainstorm.

Andy Meilleur

LOWER MAD RIVER : October 7, 1995

We put in just below the last dam on the Mad River where the attendant told us we were getting about 1500 cfs for the run. We found this level good for play, and did so for about three hours to the take-out below Junk Yard Rapids on the Winooski. A memorable part of the trip was when both Paul and Randy ran the six foot Mad River waterfall at river left, after which Paul went back for a run at extreme river right.

I had my throw rope ready and looked around to see that Peter and Randy had their ropes out also. I guess the consensus was that this would be a difficult maneuver. I clutched my rope tighter as Paul darted across the top right side of the waterfall to catch a small eddy on the right side just above the drop. Paul's canoe bumped against the surrounding ledge as he ?? to set up for the final descent. No ropes were needed after splash down, which ended right side up.

Andy Meilleur

HUNTINGTON RIVER : October 22, 1995

A message of "intent to paddle" was recorded on the Club answering machine Friday night and the rain came Saturday as expected with a reading of 1.5 inches and rising on Tony's rain gauge. On Sunday the Winooski River was in flood at points along the River Road in Essex. The Huntington had enough water to support a run starting from Hanksville. We put in at the bridge for Larse Road in Hanksville. This section leading to the next bridge at Main Road was narrow and sporty.

We scouted the ledges below the Main Road bridge which looked exciting. There was some concern over the hydraulic at the bottom of the ledges, which covered 3/4 of the river and extended from the right shore. We concluded that the hydraulic could be cleared with some boat speed but were impressed by how much it slowed Ricky down as he went through in his kayak.

For that reason Tony executed to the far left. I ran last and had every intention of running the same route as Tony, but wanted to catch a couple of eddies on the way down. I over-shot the first eddy and got into an involuntary side surfing situation where I picked up half a boatful of water. Next came a temporary pin against a rock, followed by a struggle to make the second eddy to empty my boat. I completed by running the unintended center route.

We made it to the bridge below Huntington Center by 11:30 and Autobahn by I PM. The river level had dropped by about one foot during our trip, but was still good at the finish. Testimony from a Hanksville resident noted that the Huntington River was at least four feet higher in Hanksville and in flood the night before.

Andy Meilleur

BLACK RIVER MASSACRE : October 22,1995

It was one of those Sundays after a hard Saturday rain. It seemed like a good idea at the time. We put in above the "canyon" section of the Black, which was running at a high level. All was fun until the usually technical Class III section, now running at a reasonable IV. Marvie flipped, couldn't roll, and came out. Bob and I gave chase. Bob got spun and ran a rather large drop backwards. I carried.

After ferrying to the road I got a ride with a passerby and located the others. Marvie was OK, no kayak in sight. Bob tried to ferry over to me and lost it.

A chance encounter with another Club member on his way to work rescued Bob's boat, which was stashed in some bushes while I got the car. By the time I returned, Bob's boat was gone. Fine, I thought, he's already been here. Not so.

Marvie, standing at the covered bridge takeout noted that Bob's boat had just floated by! Inspection revealed that some unspeakable (expletive deleted) had dragged it back down the bank and tossed it in.

Bob's boat was found intact. Good thing, as it was brand new and that was the first time he had paddled it. Marvie's was finally found in the North Springfield reservoir, three miles and two dams away, a total loss.

Common sense and good in-water behavior prevented any injuries, but all in all, we've had better days.

Mike Fullerton

MOOSE RIVER FESTIVAL (NY) : October 28-29,1995

Ray and Eric drove to Old Forge on a very wet weekend. Paddled Class In Middle Moose on Saturday, and went to the Festival that night. On Sunday, Eric drove to Fish Creek and paddled that at about 4.5 feet - too high. Let's go back again at about 3 feet. Ray stayed in Old Forge with friends and paddled Middle Moose again. The lower sections were in flood.

Eric Bishop

UPPER LAMOILLE RIVER : October 29, 1995

This was yet another Sunday after a hard Saturday rain. The river was alleged to have been at five feet, but was down to three and ainall by put-in time. It was cool but not bad and the run was fun and uncomplicated. The upper Lamoille has changed a bit with all the flooding during 1995. Several channels are different, some corner logjams are gone and others have appeared, but there are no blockages or serious strainers.

The new ice control structure is a series of large granite blocks in the river just above the Village Motel. The two tire booms from prior years are gone. The blocks present no threat at all; they are just some more rocks in the river. The town has put up two signs upstream advertising "potential hazard" and suggesting scouting. The blocks are clearly visible from Route 15 and can be scouted from the car. They could hold up a long tree if it came along the right way, so a look on the way is worth the trouble.

The run was uneventful, only one paddler swam, and the large features near the end gave us some good surfing. It snowed on the way home.

Mike Fullerton

LOWER LAMOILLE RIVER : October 30,1995

We put in at 2 PM and took out at 3:38 PM. The level at Fairfax was 2.5 feet, but the Lamoille behaved as if the level was 3 + feet. I called this the "Browns River effect." This was a relatively short trip due to the 'effect" (or was it the whisper of snow we saw on our way down?)

Andy Meilleur

WINOOSKI RIVER NEAR MONTPELIER : November 4,1995

This is a short section just above Montpelier, which involves one somewhat difficult carry around a dam. It was overcast and in the low 40's, with the water temp about the same. Randy was cozy in a new drysuit while the rest of us remained warm by staying busy. The section above the dam was Class 11 and that below was ]I+.

The Lower Mad was also up that day but the weather didn't warrant the trip. Ricky has developed a tolerance for new rivers, having gone on a different and new local river on each of his last four outings.

Andy Meilleur

BROWNS RIVER : January 18, 1996

Lots of rain and snowmelt. Tony Shaw and I paddled the upper Browns River in Underhill, Class II-III whitewater made more difficult by lots of trees blocking all or part of the river, many on blind curves. The debris took most of the fun out of the day on the river.

Eric Bishop

WINOOSKI RIVER : January 18, 1996

On January 18 Fred and I took advantage of 60 degree weather and lots of water to paddle for a while at the Bolton railroad trestle.

John Wolfe

Last spring, VPC established a message line. With a touch-tone phone and the correct access code, a caller may listen to message and leave messages. The line was heavily used last spring. We hope that this service will be used by Club members to coordinate trips which are not on the formal trip schedule. (Use is not restricted to paddling trips.)

Briefly, the system operates as follows:

Tape 1, with the "greeting" message, will be updated each week to list the trips on our normal schedule, plus selected trips run by other paddling groups. Callers will hear this message when they dial the Message Line number.

Tape 2 will hold messages that callers leave. Leaving a message requires no special procedure -- simply leave a message after the beep. Listening to trip messages that others have left requires the procedure printed in more detail below (see Option 2).

PROCEDURE FOR USING THE MESSAGE LINE:

Dial 878-8647.

The machine will answer and announce scheduled trips. If that is all you want, hang up at the end.

Option 1: To leave a message without listening to other messages:

Leave your message following the beep at the end of the list of scheduled trips.

Enter the "remote code number" before the end of the trips announcement. (We'll leave enough time for you to both listen to the trips and enter the code.) The code is 95 (as in the year 1995).

The machine will begin to go through its voice menu. It announces "Press 1 to play back all messages. Press 2 for other functions."

You should Press 1. You may hang up when done, or continue by waiting for 5 seconds after the machine says "End of final message." See Option 3.

If you have stayed on the line after listening to messages, the machine will restart at the top of its voice menu.

Therefore, when the machine says "Press 1 to play back all messages. Press 2 for other functions," you should Press 2.

The machine will continue "Press 1 to play back new messages. Press 2 for other functions." Again, Press 2 to continue.

The machine now states "Press 1 to record your message. Press 2 for other functions." Press 1 and leave your message. Hang up when done.

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