Magalloway R. (ME)
This second annual funfest featured affable friends, appetizing fare, and aquatic
frenzy. Diane joined Sam to keep him company and to chronicle the trip as our
personal bankside photographer. The overnighters gathered Friday evening at Sam's
(a remote College Grant cabin north of Errol), where Diane kept the rest of us
entertained through dinner and beyond sharing her passion for wildlife biology...and
birding in particular. Sam and Randy found common interests in forestry...and woodworking
in particular. Georgia, Faith and Tony just seemed happy to be out of the fast
lane, however briefly. Sam Brungot (longtime Dartmouth College Grant Caretaker
and namesake for the cabin we rented) would have enjoyed this night of woodsy
conversation in the quiet surroundings he so loved.
The chemistry through dinner and Saturday evening - with Sam and Diane back in
Vermont - was decidedly more unabashed and would have most likely had ol' Sam
blanching. Everyone pitched in with meal preparation and clean-up, leaving time
for exploration on nature trails nearby on bicycle and even a hike up the Diamond
Peaks.
Oh did I mention we paddled? Well we paddled...hard! Never mind that drought conditions
prevailed across New England. The Azisocohos Lake dam release provided spring-like
water levels both days. The play-friendly 900 cfs level inspired many surfers
and even some side/back surfing at the final rapids' big hole on river right.
Tony misguidedly tried to run the big class IV put-in drop on the far right on
the last run Sunday, and learned the hard way it is every bit as turbulent as
it appears from the shore.
Call me if you are interested in joining us for a repeat, July 2003, when the Grant cabin is again reserved and the water will be swiftly flowing (802-879-1655).