Another spring season has come and gone, this one as quirky as all the others. The low snow cover caused the water to fall to very low levels by mid-April, and the weekends were often cold and damp. Then, by early May, we started to get substantial rain, and many trips were altered because of higher than expected flows. But, all in all, the paddling was good.

This season, as is common, saw paddling fatalities among untrained and unorganized groups without proper preparation. In addition, however, there was a fatality on the West River in an organized and experienced paddling club. It should serve to remind us all of the potentially serious nature of the sport, and the need to keep our attention focused on ways to make each trip as safe as possible. As they said on Hill Street Blues, "Let's be careful out there".

The final topic of this note is ELECTIONS. At the end of this year, we will have elections for the coming two years. A nominating committee will be formed in the next few months to make sure we have at least one qualified candidate for each office. If you are interested in being considered for one of these offices, it would help the committee if you notify me of that fact. We do need your interest and your help.

Rich

Total (combined) Balance: $748.51

Respectfully submitted,
Cathy A. Chamberlain
NVCC Treasurer

Upper Lamoille: April 2, 1989

It was a warm and sunny day, an unusual event in itself on the Upper Lamoille. Unfortunately the level was only 3.0 on the Wolcott St. gauge. 4.0 feet is about the minimum for a good ride. The leader was sidelined with the flu, and did not paddle, electing to provide shuttle support instead. All parties reported a good trip, though scratchy. Notably, the ice boom above the motel was still in place, nearly a week after ice-out. We had been led to believe those were to be removed within 48 hours of ice out.

The trip was marked by the first known descent of (most of) East Hardwick Falls. It turns out that there is a safe and non-frightening drop through the remains of an old stone dam, with a handy eddy on river right. A short carry is necessary down the steep section of the falls, but it is an easy one. Put in gets the paddler into a lively class III that runs into the usual put-in at the end of the carry trail. It saves a longer portage.

Michael F. Fullerton

Huntington River: April 8, 1989

While many club members were participating in the training trip on the Mad River, several other boaters decided to try paddling on the Huntington River. The water level was lower than it had been when Jack and John paddled it earlier in the week, but it was still a pleasant level. We had a leisurely trip with no mishaps. Margaret McIntosh took care of the shuttle while we paddled, which was a great help.

Sheri Larsen

Moose River: April 9, 1989

Beautiful sunny Sunday and plenty of water (6.5 on the river gauge downstream of the put-in) insured a superior day of paddling for the group. We ran the section of river north of rte 2 twice, with a bit smaller group for the second run. The large rapid near the takeout was a strong class III and claimed one OC-2 on the first run. Both paddlers and boat emerged unscathed. This is a beautiful and challenging river at this level, well worth the drive.

Eric Bishop

White River: April 23, 1989

After discussion about the low water level at the put in on the Tweed, we got on with the trip. The weather was cold but showing signs of improving, and the forecast was encouraging. Unfortunately, the weather didn't improve and we got colder and colder as the day went on. The water turned out to be adequate but not much more. The clarity of the water in the White fools you into thinking that the water is lower than it really is. We had lunch at the campground but this was not enhanced by the disposition of the owner. No one managed to swim, either because of the great skills of the participants or because we were too cold to take any chances.

George McIntosh

Schroon River, NY: April 30, 1989

The day was typical of any days this year, in that the weatherman had no idea what would happen. The day started with a drizzle when we left Big Boy, but by the time we got to the Schroon it was mixed sun and clouds, and reasonably warm. We made two runs with no incidents. The water level was medium. The lower ledge could be run down the center, which we did a number of times. At this water level, the trip is suitable for intermediates, or even advanced beginners as long as a number of experienced boats are present.

Rich Larsen

Huntington River: May 7, 1989

This was a trip composed of people who for mechanical or other reasons could not make it to the West River. The Huntington was up at a nice medium level, mostly class 1-2. The river was full of sweepers, as it always is. Since the water is not very pushy, they were easy to avoid, but one always has to watch out for them on this river. We made the run without incident. Other than the down trees, the Huntington is a reasonably safe river, as long as one remembers to take out a judicious distance above the gorge.

Rich Larsen

Lamoille River, after work: May 9, 1989

The river was at a fine level for an evening trip, probably about 8 feet on the old gage. We made the run with no incidents, except for a practice roll that never came back to upright. The time on the river was about two hours, moving constantly along without pushing too hard.

Rich Larsen

Hudson River: May 13, 1989

It had rained on and off during the week, so the river level kept changing... it appeared to drop 4 to 6 inches per day of non-rain...but ended up raining on Friday, putting the river at the highest level that I have ever paddled the lower Hudson... quite pushy...

We only had one tandem boat - and a first year "student" in bow, so we were somewhat cautious about rescues. As it turned out - I was the first to swim (absolutely NO low brace in my stroke inventory!)...a minor swim.. .The only other swim - really they sank! - was the tandem pair... Nice to see new paddlers in the group... Vicki ...She's paddled a bit in Wisconsin...and tho' a native Vermonter - not much in the area... Also Nancy (from CONN)...she paddled the West with NVCC in May...and helps out at OCNE (Tom Foster's school- Outdoor Center of NE)...Both fine paddlers...

We put in at North Creek and ended at the Glen bridge - about a 5-hour trip - on a pleasant day. Many of the normal play spots were washed out...You couldn't see "the hook of the Hudson" as it was under water. The two great surfing places (the island on the lower stretch, and the big waves at GLEN bridge were just a mass of waves...We just kept saying to each other - "Did you see that HUGE hole/wave?" - always said with a HUGE grin on our faces.

Accommodations for the night varied...many 'moteled it', some of us camped, and others had a cabin on the Hudson on loan for the weekend. Wine and hors d'oeuvres at the campsite, followed by dinner at Loon Lake. Ask Sheri about the wonderful motel accommodations...

East Branch - Sacandaga, NY: May 14, 1989

Two runs were made on the East Branch - at a good level...Plenty of rocks to maneuver around...making the trip quite technical...Most were very pleased with themselves - "quite a fun level!" - but alas...I had had it!... I enjoyed the Sunday paper sitting on river left....with the poison ivy!!!

Thanks to Margaret McIntosh who played official photographer and shuttle driver, making our trip efficient on this weekend.

Cathy Chamberlain

Solo Boat Clinic at OCNE: June 4, 1989

BET Dews and Cathy Chamberlain took a day of lessons from Tom Foster at the Outdoor Center of New England - motivated by a cracked boat (injured on the Hudson Gorge). We had a delightful time...Tom was very articulate in pre-water discussions, a pond session, and a river lesson. OCNE has many options of workshops - (sea kayak/women's/ group/ safety/etc) and is well worth the three hour trip. The staff is very skilled - and make it fun the entire time - even tho' my whole body is aching as I write this report! Accommodations are available on-site, and many options of rivers/ponds are within minutes...

PURPOSE: This introductory instructional clinic is for novice paddlers who have equipment and desire to learn basic paddling skills. The clinic is oriented toward whitewater, however flatwater touring and sea kayakers are welcome. Instruction progresses from the flatwater setting through to Class II whitewater. Instruction in Eskimo roll for kayak or C-1 is included.

DATES:

Wednesday July 12 6 PM - Shelburne Town Beach

Wednesday July 19 6 PM - Shelburne Town Beach

Sunday July 23 11 AM - Connecticut River, Hartland VT

Saturday and Sunday July 29-30 - Androscoggin River, Errol NH

COST: $30 for entire clinic, $15 for the flatwater only.

REQUIREMENTS: Eligible participants must be competent swimmers (capable of swimming 100 yards), have all necessary equipment (properly outfitted kayak or C-1, functioning float bags, paddle, spray skirt, properly fitting life jacket, whitewater-type helmet), have own transportation, and be prepared for a good time.

CONTACT: Jay Appleton 985-2592 (leave name and address), 107 Falls Road Shelburne, VT 05482

SPONSOPED BY: Northern Vermont Canoe Cruisers, a nonprofit recreational club for whitewater, flatwater and touring paddlers.

DAY	MAY	JUN	JUL	AUG	SEP
 1	 1	 2	 6	 3	 6
 2	 1	 5	 6	 3	 6
 3	 1	 5	 6	 3	 6
 4	 1	 5	 3	 6	 6
 5	 1	 2	 3	 6	 4
 6	 1	 2	 3	 6	 4
 7	 1	 2	 6	 3	 4
 8	 1	 2	 6	 3	 4
 9	 1	 2	 6	 3	 4
10	 1	 5	 3	 3	 7
11	 1	 5	 3	 6	 7
12	 1	 2	 3	 6	 4
13	 1	 2	 3	 6	 4
14	 1	 2	 6	 3	 4
15	 1	 2	 6	 3	 4
16	 1	 2	 6	 3	 4
17	 1	 5	 3	 3	 7
18	 1	 5	 3	 6	 7
19	 1	 2	 3	 6	 4
20	 1	 2	 3	 6	 4
21	 1	 2	 6	 3	 4
22	 1	 2	 6	 3	 4
23	 1	 2	 6	 3	 4
24	 1	 5	 3	 3	 4
25	 1	 5	 3	 6	 4
26	 1	 2	 3	 6	 4
27	 5	 2	 3	 6	 4
28	 5	 2	 6	 3	 4
29	 5	 2	 6	 3	 4
30	 2	 2	 6	 3	 4
31	 2	 -	 3	 3	 -

RELEASE RATES

1. 350 cfs for 24 hours
2. 500 cfs 9AM to 6PM
3. 500 cfs 8AM to 6PM
4. 500 cfs 8AM to 4PM
5. 500 cfs 9AM to 6PM, full river flow 10AM to 4PM
6. 500 cfs 8AM to 6PM, full river flow 10AM to 4PM
7. 500 cfs 8AM to 4PM, full river flow 10AM to 4PM

ERRATA

Jim Higgins phone number listed incorrectly in the March Bow & Stern should have been listed as 899-3687.

See you there!

Notes

1. 1-2 week's notice is needed for weekend/out of state trips is required.
2. Due to unforeseen level changes and glut or dearth of water, trips are subject to last minute changes.
3. If we have a rainy season the Hudson may be runnable in summer.
4. Fall trips on the Hudson are usually day trips with Sunday the rain date.
5. The Jacques Cartier is a national park in Quebec. An excellent place for Paddling, Hiking, Mountain Biking or just relaxing in an extremely beautiful setting about an hour from Quebec City. Come spend a few extra days in this beautiful park.
6. As has become tradition in the north woods Big Al's annual Buffalo throw extravaganza will be conducted again to the delight of all those in attendance.
7. Biking in the vicinity of the Tubing trip on the 29th is a possibility - contact R. Larsen.
8. Release on the Dead is only on the Sat/Sun. For those who have the 3rd and 4th off, other activities are possible. Rich Larsen is interested in hiking (878-6828) or contact Al Roberts (899-4129) for Biking possibilities. There may even be other paddling opportunities (i.e. Kennebec, Moose, Pennobscot, Rapid??). These however would be exploratory trips on our part.

We'd like to compile a list of members who own sea kayaks - -

Please drop a line to Cathy Chamberlain if you're interested in flatwater or ocean trips or if you'd be willing to lead a trip!!

THINK OCEAN!!

ANY SEA KAYAKERS INTERESTED IN AN OCEAN TRIP OVER THE JULY 9TH WEEKEND...CALL TOM FYLES, RICHMOND VT, 434-3236

VT/NEW ENGLAND LAKE TOURING

If anyone is interested in touring area lakes, please contact Ann Monte, 49 Prospect St, Montpelier, VT 05602, h: 223-6067, w: 223-2044

SEA KAYAK DAY TRIPS

JOSIE & DAY KOKAREV have just purchased a 2-man sea kayak and are interested in meeting others for day trips...25 Hubbard Park Drive, Montpeller VT 05602, h: 229-5226, w: 728-4466

FOR SALE

15 ft Richardson wood & canvas canoe - 20 yrs old (needs some work), Barb Waters, 25 Brookwood Dr, So. Burlington VT 05403, h: 862-2984, w: 658-8030

FOR SALE

LIGHTWEIGHT/ UNSINKABLE FOLBOT PACKAGE AVAILABLE

17 ½ foot, 2 PERSON, WITH CARRYING BAGS & PADDLES. CONTACT ED GILL FOR DETAILS - 73 OAKWOOD DR, SO. BURLINGTON VT, 863-1531

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