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Ultralight boats!
Up Around Errol, NH
A couple of weeks ago I attended a Lumber Manufacturers Convention just east of Colebrook in Dixville Notch, NH. It was held at the Balsams Grand Resort Hotel. A fabulous place surrounded by spectacular scenery and serving even more spectacular meals. One morning after stuffing ourselves at breakfast Deb and I took a ride eastward towards the Maine border. We were headed to Errol, NH to check out the Androscoggin River. Back 15 years ago I traveled from my home in Lake George to race on the river and I haven't been back since. I was also interested in looking at the Magalloway River and Lake Umbagog. This entire area is a canoer's paradise located 2 hrs from us. There are five large interconnected lakes known as the Rangeley Lakes region. Thjey all drain through Lake Umbagog to the Androscoggin River. The region is fairly remote and offers some great canoeing for either a day or extended trips. It's especially popular for its white water runs. There are several dams scattered throughout the area supplying a steady year round flow to the mills down stream on the Androscoggin. There is enough variety to satisfy all ability levels and there is even a white water paddling school run by Saco Bound of No. Conway, NH. A good source for information is the Maine AMC River guide. It can be obtained from most book stores and outdoor outfitters.
We spent most of the morning traveling north and south along NH route 116 following the Androscoggin and Magalloway rivers. Deb watched the road and oncoming traffic while I drove and checked out the rivers (no sense both of us watching the road).
We returned to the Balsams at lunch time but decided to skip lunch as we were both still full from breakfast. Now that's saying something because anyone that knows me knows that I don't often turn down food. Later on that afternoon the Association sponsoring the convention held a "just for fun" canoe race. It was held in front of the Hotel out around the island and back. Approximately _ mile. It was quite comical to watch all the canoes bouncing off each other and the island as they zigzagged their way around the course. When the water had settled the winning team was Jim and Ann Robbins from Searsmont, ME. Their winning strategy, proper form and technique. Where did I place in this race? Well, my wife wouldn't paddle in the rain so I teamed up with Bob "Mercury" Burns. He tells a great story so stop in a HG Wood Corp. in Bath and ask him how we did. Happy Paddling!
Have a question? I'm happy to answer it - just email me at hpcanoes@gmail.com
hpcanoes@gmail.com
603.667.5112
We specialize in ultralight solutions and offer expertise in canoes and Wee Lassie boats, as well as all the related equipment. Our favorites are Wenonah canoes and Wee Lassie boats. Although we will work with any material we like to get folks set up with lightweight canoes so you can dedicate your time to the joy of being out on the lakes and rivers instead of struggling to move your boat between car and water.
Scott Edwards, "Hemlock Pete" himself, offers you decades of paddling expertise. He is friendly, down-to-earth, and provides superior customer service. You won't find a better, or more pleasant, deal elsewhere.