I haven't posted about a paddle in a long time, but this one was kind of "special". Went with Judy, Ed, and Bobby of the Branford Kayaking group.
We put in at a campground in Sprague. The Quick Water started immediately. The sign near the put-in recommended to check the flow rate with the USCG website, and that "if the rate is below 400, expect a scratchy ride". It was just 400, and we had a scratchy ride indeed. The problem wasn't the speed as much as the depth-Judy, Ed, and I all got caught on rocks at one point. While I was caught, it looked like I was moving backwards briskly 😉
There were other dicey spots, but the water got deeper, and the quick water was actually fun. The river widened & deepened. We passed two large islands, and began to see scenery beyond the woods.
Portage at the Occam Dam. The take-out was an easy, sandy beach. We took a typical snack break. The put-back-in was another story-steep slope to the water, loose/jagged rocks, fishermen, and a quick drop-off in the water. We managed it with teamwork.
After the dam, the water was flat all the way to the take-out. 6+ miles total.
As usual, the scrapes were more unnerving than the actual damage. This hull needs work anyway 😉
