Dear Fellow Paddlers,

The canoes and kayaks are still covered by snow, but the sun is getting stronger. Soon that snow will be melting and running down the rivers just in time for white-water season.

With spring, comes another new group of whitewater paddlers, all eager to take the classes, and take up the challenge of the rivers. Rick Davis is heading up the clinic this year along with Mike Fullerton (canoes) and Anne Chetham-Strode (kayaks). The Clinic has evolved considerably over the years but, as always without the continued support, and involvement of you the experienced Canoe Cruisers, the clinic could not exist.

For all members that have not experienced the thrill of whitewater paddling, this is your opportunity to widen your horizons and join in the fun.

See you on the river, or in the pool.
George & Margaret McIntosh

One evening in early August, three surreptitious figures were seen lurking near bridge abutments in Hardwick, and Greensboro Bend. Armed with a can of paint, they placed depth gauges on the usual put in and take out bridges. The Greensboro bridge was marked with 6" increments, with even digits provided. The Hardwick bridge has a scale corresponding to the 3" river level rises, again with even foot readings provided. For the next few years all trip leaders on this section are asked to provide gauge readings from both bridges in reports, so a correlation can be developed.

One question remains: WHO were those masked men??????????

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*                                                                          *
*                       ANNOUNCEMENT TO CLUB MEMBERS                       *
*                                                                          *
*      The phone number to call regarding the ice retention structures     *
*         on the Upper Lamoille is: Hardwick Police - (802) 472-5475       *
*                                                                          *
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The annual June dinner meeting was held on Wednesday, June 13. The traditional potluck dinner started at 6:00 p.m. and the business meeting was called to order by President Al Roberts at 7:90 p.m. Al welcomed all in attendance and thanked Anne Chetham-Strode and Cathy Chamberlain for doing an excellent job of organizing the dinner. The minutes of the previous meeting and treasurer's report were read and accepted.

Committee Reports as follows.

White water Chair., Rich Larsen announced, "it was a good spring for paddling". His thanks to all the trip leaders for making it another successful year.

White water Training Chair., Tim Marugg, said both the open and closed boat sessions went well this year; there was good attendance at both. Tim also read several of the comment sheets from students.

Margaret McIntosh, coeditor of the Bow & Stern, thanked all who contributed to this edition of the Bow & Stern. If you have anything for the Bow & Stern, please send it to Marqaret and George. Thanks to George Agnew for the printing of the newsletter.

Conservation Chair., Ray Gonda gave a brief status on the following rivers:

Missisquoi: Negotiations have finished with Boise Cascade and a water release agreement will be in their license from FERC.

West: The Cruisers have petitioned FERC to be interveners in the license. More on this as events firm up.

Upper Lamoille: Concerning the ice retention structures; an amendment has been worked out with Larry Wood, the Hardwick Town Manager, to a water project bill that would assure recreation and aesthetics be considered in any future placement of ice retention structures on rivers. The amendment has been accepted by Sen. Stafford and his committee to the bill.

Old Business

There are still plenty of club T-shirts left if members are interested. Sea Al if you would like one.

New Business

None

Meeting was adjourned followed by several slide shows of this past sprinq's paddling.

Respectfully submitted,
Mary Lavigne
Secretary-Treasurer

January 15, 1985

Grand Total: $503.62

Respectfully submitted,
Mary Lavigne
Secretary-Treasurer

SWEET AND SOUR CURRIED RICE

4 Servings - Cooking time about 15 minutes.

Bag these 3 bags in a larger baggie and label with directions.

Directions:

1. Boil 2 cups water. Add rice and let sit 5 mins.
2. Add all other ingredients.
3. Heat thoroughly, adding extra water if necessary.

Variations:
Adjust seasonings to taste with extra spices.
Use any variety of fruit and nuts.
Add a can of shrimp, crabmeat, chicken or turkey.

Pat Ezekiel

FOOD TIP

When preparing freeze dried foods, it they state soak 10 mins, put it in to soak as soon as you reach camp, an hour plus if available. If they state let stand, then simmer it, and double the simmering time they tell you, but remember to stir frequently, and you may need to add a little water if it is cooked uncovered.

FOOD TIP

Take time to browse around your local super market, there are many easy foods to prepare, and small packages to take camping, and save the extra money it costs for freeze dried foods, and then you only need to take a freeze dried as an extra emergency meal.

Margaret McIntosh

Novice and intermediate canoeists and kayakers are encouraged to try their hands at slalom competition this year in a new series of races, the New England Cup. This is the first series in the region created specifically to introduce people to the exciting and rewarding sport of whitewater slalom. There will be four races, one each in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and Connecticut. Each racer's best three results count toward the Series Championship. All open and closed boat classes will be recognized. Special classes for novices will be a feature of most of the races.

Each race will be locally administered and sponsored, and the results sent to the Series administrator. Participants in each race will be entered automatically in the Series at no additional cost. At the final race, the CCRA Slalom, points will be tabulated and the Series winners announced. Various paddling companies are donating prizes for the Series. A feature of the Burlington Slalom is a pre-race clinic for open boat competitors offered at no charge by the Mad River Canoe Company.

For more information on the New England Cup, contact Rick Davis at Canoe Imports, RD 3, Box 2000, Shelburne, VT 05482 (802-985-2992).

For information on the individual races, contact:

TEN REASONS A CRUISER SHOULD ENTER A SLALOM RACE

1. It will make you try things you would normally not.
2. It will improve your boat control.
3. You will learn to use new moves.
4. It will give you a change to compare your technique to other paddiers'.
5. The gates are softer than rocks.
6. You can meet new paddlers, some of whom are worth meeting.
7. There is a great carousing when it is all over.
8. It makes a well-known section of river new and exciting.
9. You will learn new ways of doing old moves.
10. It's FUN.

Huntington River: April 6, 1984

This was an after-work trip, which got started late after some confusion about put in spots. The trip was relatively slow paced, with lots of playing in every available eddy. As is typical of this kind of trip, darkness fell near the end, and some of the paddlers took out early. Ray and Tim ran the final stretch by the Braille method, and found the takeout with no problems. This trip should be shortened for evening excursions at this time of year, with a possible put in at the large left shore eddy where the river bends away from the road toward the right. All the best rapids are between this point and Huntington Gorge.

Upper Lamoille: April 14, 1984

The Lamoille was wonderful at this level, with many good eddies to play in, plenty of water covering the shallow spots, and excellent surfing at the wave behind the Village Motel. Alan got to practice his newly found Eskimo Roll, quite successfully and there was a wave behind the diner that was almost good enough for enders. The only mishap of the day was when one of the open canoes overturned practicing peel outs.

Boreas NY: April 15, 1984

This is a river which requires very high water to run, and we were lucky to catch it after an evening rain storm. The base level on the Hudson was 6.1 feet, and rose to 6.55 feet during the course of the day. There is a flatwater stretch at the beginning of the run, followed by what Burmeister calls a "runnable falls". This should be scouted, as there is no way to see the drop until you are committed to running it. There are some smaller rapids suitable for playing, and then a very LONG section of flat water before the real fun begins. There is continuous section of absolutely unbroken class 4 rapids about 2 km long, which then fades into class 3. Don't relax on the class 3, however; Dick managed to pin his kayak on an innocent looking boulder in this section. With considerable effort, the Hollow-Dog was freed, and we began the long grunt down the Hudson to the takeout.

La Ouareau (Notre Dame de Merci, PQ): April 19, 1984

After spending the morning scouting l'Achigan, we were running out of time do try a hitch-hiking shuttle, so Steve and I carried our boats about 5 km upstream along a game trail to run at least some of the Ouareau. It was a nice, technical river, but next time we'll get there earlier in the season (for more water) and earlier in the day (for time to run a shuttle).

La Rouge ( across the Ottawa from Hawkesbury, ONT ): April 20, 1984

We ran the Canyon and Seven Chutes sections as a single run, not realizing the kilometers of flatwater and the power dam between the two maps we were referring to. The Canyon section was fun at this level, and actually safer than at lower water. Tim had some free instruction on racer-style traverses from a five-time national champion. After a number of class 2-4 rapids, we left the rafters for the long flatwater trek and 2 km portage down to the Seven Chutes section. Due to the type of drops and the water levels, the rafters were not running commercial trips on the lower section. The black flies were out in force, and ate us alive every time we stopped for a portage. At this water level, we decided to portage quite a few of the bigger rapids, notably la Seouil (the Ledge) and Machine a Laver (the washing machine). All in all, though, seeing the awesome power of this river at high water was well worth all the carrying, especially at the Seven Chutes themselves.

Hudson Gorge NY: April 22, 1984

The Hudson was running at 5.6 feet, but by arriving late we missed the release on the Indian, and had to scrape our way down to the Hudson. The Hudson was enjoyable, but the Indian was a big disappointment.

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*                                                                          *
*                           T-SHIRTS $7.00                                 *
*                                                                          *
*                           All sizes still                                *
*                           available - see                                *
*                         Al Roberts 878-3187                              *
*                                                                          *
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Moose River, Old Forge NY: April 1984

From the Route 28N bridge to the next downstream road bridge is an excellent series of class 3 and rapids, with some ?5 drops. All the major rapids on this section MUST be scouted before trying to run them. Some of them we scouted before the trip, stopping the car along the road, and then again as we ran the river. This is definitely a closed boat river of the first magnitude. The profile is discontinuous, so there are many ledges with waves and holes to play in below. Nick took his first swim of the 1984 season in a rapid called Maytag, which is a long steep tongue terminating in a rooster tail with a hole behind it. Tim portaged that one. The Moose is an excellent river, with a lot to offer for the experienced closed boater.

Swift River, Conway NH: April 26, 1984

We hooked up with Joe Bruce of New England Whitewater for this trip, and they were nice enough to help us shuttle our car. The Park Service was out with video equipment, filming Joe's raft trip, and coincidentally, Nick and I. We put in with the raft, and with Joe paddling safety, just below lower falls. After some preliminary playing to warm up, we headed downstream. Shortly after the video equipment left, the raft became pinned on some rocks in the channel. Not realizing this, Joe peeled out from an eddy, and was swept under the raft, where his boat became pinned on a rock, and broke in half. Passengers in the raft held his head above water while he extricated himself from the wreckage. Nick and I, downstream, collected floating equipment. Joe paddled the rest of the trip in the raft.

The Swift is shallow, steep, and fast, with narrow, twisting channels. It is an extremely technical run, requiring total concentration, and precise boat control. A week later, at the U.S. Team Trials, Cathy Hearn broke the stern off her boat running the slalom course on the Swift, so even expert paddlers need to have a healthy respect for it.

Nick and I had a great time, and no accidents.

Hudson Gorge NY: May 19 & June 10, 1984

Two gorge trips, one on 5/19 and the other on 61i0 were classics. Both were in good weather in relatively warm water. Both were quite tough, and featured heavy water swims, pinned boats and a number of rescues. They clearly demonstrated the ability of an organized group to deal with situations, which would overwhelm an individual or small group.

Access to the Hudson was achieved via the Indian. On the first trip, the dam on the Indian was being released, transforming it into two long class four rapids. (The first mile, and the last mile). One boat and paddler were trapped in an enormous hole, eventually flipped, and were rescued. Another boat left its paddler behind during a swim, and the boat was not recovered until more than a mile later in the Hudson. A number of minor swims also occurred. The Hudson itself was running around 4.5 feet, and dealt out its usual share of punishment. One boat was pinned at the bottom of Harris Rift, and was freed only thru the concerted efforts of 8 people. It was a fine trip and great challenge, but one gladly completed.

The second trip was made with the Indian not under release, making it a rocky class 3. The fear factor was greatly reduced. The Hudson itself was 4.3 feet, making it still quite challenging. Swimmers were fished out in Staircase, a pinned boat freed further downstream, and a damsel in distress rescued from a rock above the 'bus stop'. Compared to the first trip, however, this one was a picnic, with relaxation, swapping of boats and sunning in great weather. It was the way canoeing should always be.

Rich Larsen

Missisquoi River: June 16, 1984

This event on the Missisquoi River was a scheduled event for American Rivers Month, and turned out to be on a bright, warm June day. This trip was the first time this section was run by this group of Canoe Crusiers. We put in just down stream (about ½ mile) of the border, driving down a car path to the river. The meeting time was 10 am. This section of river consists of many riffles with a few nice little drops at low water levels. In one section the river is broken up by a bunch of islands, bear generally to the right for the most water. When entering the village of Richford there is a ledge upstream around the bend from the bridge; it can be run in the center. Just below the bridge is a short intense rapid that was run several times by most boats. After this drop the river is mainly flat to the take out where the river crosses the road where we took out. If this trip is run again I suggest taking out after the rapid in Richford, or the first time it reaches the dirt road. The flat water seemed to take forever.

Al Roberts

Winooski River: June 23, 1984

After leaving cars in Richmond and Jonesville we stopped at the railroad bridge below Bolton Dam to scout Rainbow Rapids, just above the bridge. We all decided to run the rapid so we went to the foot of Bolton Dam to put in. The Dam is pretty impressive from the bottom and most boats stayed well away from it. Rainbow rapids was the first whitewater experience for many of the kids. The water was very muddy so we had to read the water, not the rocks, to get through. Paula, Bill and their three kids floated pretty low in the water but we all came through without incident. Lunch stop was a small rocky island with a large tree, which the kids climbed while the rest of us ate and watched. By the time we reached Jonesville we had all had enough, so we ended our trip by lining up the crystal clear waters of the Huntington River and took out just above the road, next to a poison ivy patch.

George McIntosh

Sacandaga Tube Trip: July 7, 1984

The second annual NVCC tubing trip on the Sacandaga River took place on July 7th, the day of the AMTRAK crash in Williston. We left Burlington to the accompaniment of rain and a lot of sirens, but by the time we got to New York the sky was clearing well. We had one float from the dam down to the Hudson, then shuttled and repeated the lower mile three more times. The trips were enjoyable, with no mishaps. Since we had 18 tubers and one kayak, a buddy system (groups of 2 - 3) was used to keep track of everyone.

The trip was done at the normal release level of 2100 cfs. At this level, the river has a ledgy 2+ rapid with strong hydraulics beginning ¼ mile below the dam. This lasts for less than ½ mile, and is followed by 1½ miles of flowing water. The final mile shows increasing rapids, ending in a class 3 set of standing waves 4-5 feet tall. The river then dumps into the Hudson. At this release level, the river is relatively safe if life jackets, no alcohol, and common sense rules are enforced. The rapids are powerful, however, and potentially dangerous. Commercial rafting companies run the river and require a minimum age of 10 years. This should be used as a reference for children on the river.

Rich Larsen

Dead River ME: July 14-15, 1984

Another great Dead River Saga, the shuttle was up to its reputation, but there were no casualties. Saturday was beautiful; Sunday was cloudy but tolerable despite a lunchtime thundershower. We were honored to paddle one day with John Viehman, editor of CANOE and his wife, plus a friend from Pennsylvania. Eric Bishop's canoe survived (Barely!) two attempts by the river to grab it for keeps, but Poplar Hill Falls claimed only one victim. (George didn't swim far!). The only bad experience was the "Hearty Party" at the next campsite.

Mike Fullerton

St. Regis Wilderness: July 28-29, 1984

The summer's only flatwater trip was blessed with perfect weather and no wind. Ray Gonda & Mary accompanied myself and mother (age 61, 2 miles a day!) All went well with the exception of a beaver dam infested trip from St. Regis pond to Ochre Pond (I swear they weren't there 5 years ago!) A side trip up St. Regis Mountain was capped off by a tour of downtown Plattsburg and ferry ride to Grand Isle. Unfortunately Champ was at the other end of the lake.

Mike Fullerton

Dead River ME: September 1-3, 1984

The Dead River has got to be the greatest river for regular summer time paddling in the Northeast. These trips to the Dead are becoming a tradition with the Crusiers. We've had regular trips scheduled since 1979, and a tradition worth continuing. Some of us got off work early Friday and met in Montpelier for the drive over which seems to get shorter each time I drive it. We were to meet at Webb's store at the forks at 7.30 am, and everybody made it. After the Dead river shuttle made famous by Fullerton's ballad and numerous tall tales about boats and trucks that almost got away, we put in. What lies ahead is 16 miles of class 2 water and if you stretch maybe a class 3 drop or two. After a few miles we split into two groups determined by the pace being set. The first day was marred by a short shower, which caught the second group on the river. Another of Big Al's famous community suppers was held on Saturday night. Later that night a few late corners wandered in to boost the totals for the second run the next day. On this day Ed Webb had hired someone to produce a Videotape on the Dead River of which some Canoe Cruisers make Cameo Appearances. I have a copy of this Video for those interested in viewing it. On the Monday we paddled a shorter section of the river, Webb will drop you off at a point 1/3 of the way down the river; by shuttling a car to the base of Poplar Falls one can be on the way home by 1 or 2 pm for a reasonable arrival back in Vermont. Again the Dead is the summer whitewater river in the Northeast.

Al Roberts

Hudson River NY: October 21, 1984

This trip had been a long time being put together trying to get enough people together at the same time took some doing. After meeting at Canoe Imports we drove to North Creek the gauge was at about 3.0, rather low for the Gorge but with help from the Indian release it should come up. I was expecting a normal release but actually they were releasing at least twice the normal amount. Water was going over the dam plus releasing full tilt. We put in, in the rain when I went around the bend and caught the "first big eddy" it wasn't there. I knew it was going to be challenging, and challenging it was. There were not many eddies and the waves were big and pushy. This was definitely big stuff. The open boats had problems keeping from filling up, I swam twice. This level was ok for closed boats but was felt to be pushy by some; I recommend that open boats put in further down as close to the Hudson as possible at this water level. The Hudson Gorge itself was fun and pretty in different way without the leaves on the trees. We moved right along and negotiated the Staircase & Big Nasty without incident. After we got of f the river we looked at the gauge; it looked like it had been up to 4.3 feet (about a 15-16 inch increase, whereas in the Spring with a release the delta is typically 6-8 inches). I recommend we schedule these trips in the fall but scout out a put in down the Indian closer to the Hudson.

Alan Roberts

Lower Lamoille River: December 3, 1984

Early morning snow flurries did not daunt the trio. As a matter of fact Pat arrived 20 mins. early to meet Al who was already at their meeting place and they arrived 15 mins. early at Fairfax to find Mike waiting. The sun was peeking through winter clouds when boats were launched, the temperature was in the 50's, and only a small breeze dared lower the mercury further. Water level was around 7 feet at Fairfax. To our surprise Margaret & George McIntosh were discovered on the river bank along the long flat stretch below where the Browns River comes in! After a brief visit we continued on and stopped at Two Islands where Mike left one of his outer garments. Later in our garment retrieval maneuver we discovered you can drive almost to the top of the Two Islands rapids. The river gods were gracious and let us paddle the frigid waters with great delight and no dunkings. We had a wonderful December paddle.

Pat Ezekiel

As the snow begins to melt, leave the mountains, flow downhill and fill the rivers, the annual whitewater training clinic will provide a new group of paddlers with the opportunity to become safe, competent, and enthusiastic river rats.

The schedule is:
Monday March 18th Registration deadline
Sunday March 24th 8.30 - noon Decked boat pool session
Friday March 29th 6.30 - 10 pm Classroom session for ALL
Sunday March 31st 8.30 - noon Open canoe pool session
10.00 - 14 pm Decked boat moving water trip
Saturday April 6th ALL DAY River trips for all

Pool sessions will be held in the new lap pool at the YMCA in downtown Burlington. Efficient stroke technique will be explained and practiced under the watchful eyes of experienced instructors. Waves will be created and gill development begun. Boats and paddles will be provided. Be prepared to get very wet.

The classroom session will be held at College Street Congregational Church, across the street from the YMCA. Presentations will concentrate on safety aspects of white-water paddling: prevention and recognition of hypothermia, appropriate clothing and equipment, and strategies for running and swimming rapids. Movies will be shown; bring your own popcorn. Attendance at both the classroom and a pool session is required to be eligible for river trips.

Once again, river trips will be on the mighty Mad River near Moretown. (This will give clinic participants and instructors the opportunity for close inspection of the site of the upcoming slalom race.) This section of the river is a delightful place to learn boat handling. It is playful without being threatening at all. In small groups, with an instructor and sweep boat, ferries, eddy turns, and the occasional brace, broach, and swim will be practiced. Paddlers must supply their own boats, paddles, and life jackets. Decked boaters must have helmets and spray skirts, too. Other accessories may be required, and will be explained during the classroom session.

If all this sounds like fun, it is!!!

To register, call or write to Rick Davis, Canoe Imports, PR 3, Box 2000, Shelburne VT 051482. Phone him at 985-2992 (days) or 658-9361 (evenings). You will receive a registration form to fill out and return before March 18. To keep the clinic at a reasonable size and provide a good instructor to student ratio, the number of participants is limited. REGISTER EARLY! Tuition will be about $15 to $25, collected at the classroom session.

Volunteers are needed to make classroom presentations, instruct at the pool and river trips, and run safety boats and shuttles on the river. If you have previously completed the clinic and would like to help, please call Rick to offer your valued and appreciated assistance.

We hope to see you in the pool, classroom and river.

02-13-1985

* These trips intended to continue the progression of river "training" on an informal basis for graduates of pool, river instruction.

** For more slalom races, see Rick Davis's article in this bulletin.

April 22-26 and May 22-26, Tim Marugg toay lead Quebec River trips, contact Tim for details.

Evening Trips on Lower Lamoille Tue-Wed-Thurs, first 3 weeks in May, depends on water and weather - contact Al Roberts (878-3187) or Rich Larsen (878-6828) for details.

Possible Southern Rivers trip - Sept. or October - more details to follow (Rick Davis 658-9361)

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