Kennebec Float Trip

 

 



 

For my official last day of summer vacation, Lynne was kind enough to watch the kids for us so Amanda and I could head up to The Forks and do the float trip offered by Northern Outdoors--basically, N.O. supplies the lifejacket, paddles, and rubber "kayak," and they shuttle you about seven miles up the river to what the call the "lower" Kennebec. The trip has to be at one, since the dam up by Moosehead is opened at ten or so to provide the "whitewater" for rafters; by the time the water reaches the lower portion, it is still pretty darn fast, with lots and lots of rips and small rapids, but not what you would call 'whitewater.' Cuz if it WAS, then I wouldnt do it.

There are really calm parts and really exciting parts, but one thing is for sure: An intense current that probably brings you down the river at about 5 miles per hour....

Amanda getting ready at the island where they drop you off...where she is standing is LITERALLY 'the forks' of the Dead River (which is right behind her directly)  and the Kennebec River, which is over to the left on the other side of the island....thus, a river intersection or FORK....

Such a gorgeous day...who would have known that in less than 24 hours, I would be back to the stress of the opening days of school. The first day is ALWAYS the worst....and we seemed to start really early this year....

The water was about 4 or 5 feet deep at some points....sometimes, by islands and narrow rips, it was very shallow....and at some points it was over our heads as we swam along....

There was a huge rope hanging from the stern of the raft, in case groups of boats wanted to be tied together a-al Saco Style....we used this rope to dip overboard, hold on, and just float down the river...a very unique experience to be taken along like that....one just has to be sure to keep feet and legs up so one doesnt slam their knees into huge rocks #personalexperience....

We took a short video too to really exemplify the rips and currents. We did this mostly for Callum, because as I paddled I sang the Clifford TV show theme song....

The Forks really is one of our favorite places in the state: pristine rivers, big mountains, secluded lakes, and a microbrewery right at Northern Outdoors...I didnt get to try the HoneyBadger Rye....maybe next time....

back to skool..........................