HomeHemlock Pete's HistoryBusiness PhilosophyCustomer CommentsAmazing Lady PaddlersContact Us
CanoesWee Lassie CanoesPaddlesCustom PaddlesCurrent InventorySale ItemsOutdoor GearCustom Woodworking
Repairs
Paddling ArticlesWater LevelsPaddle Size GuideWhere to PaddleOther Links
Ultralight boats!
Moose Watch
Several weeks ago I traveled north for the weekend with family and a few friends to Pittsburg, NH. The area around Pittsburg has gained a reputation as the place to go in the fall to see moose. For some reason they tend to migrate to a few select viewing areas along route 3 making it very convenient for the tourists to take pictures of them as well as the fall foliage. I was quite anxious to check this phenomenon out known locally as the "MOOSE WATCH" as well as the many canoeing opportunities that appear to be available.
The ride up is quite enjoyable as you cruise along the Connecticut River. I spent most of the ride rubbernecking, paying more attention to the river than the road which makes my wife terribly nervous. Three quarters of the way there you cross over the 45th parallel placing you halfway between the North Pole and the Equator which adds a little spice to the trip. You also pass through several old mill towns which I find extremely interesting. Most people forget that the history and settlement of this area stems from the lumber industry. As we began passing by the Connecticut lakes I was a little disappointed in them. The lakes themselves are man-made and to me lack much character. They are certainly beautiful to look at especially with shorelines blanketed in their brightly colored fall wardrobe. Their resevoirish appearance however squelched the normal exploration urge I usually feel when I see a new body of water.
We set up camp at the Ramblin Ranch Campground, set on a hill with a fine view of first lake. From there we headed north a bit more onto lands owned by Champion International to explore a wetlands known as "Scott's Bog". This 200+ acre wetlands area is a wonderful spot. Completely isolated, the only sounds you here are, the wind and natural inhabitants. Upon arriving we quickly unloaded our 4 canoes and headed down wind, up the flow. Not the best move if you have an option as the wind was quite strong, unfortunately it was our only choice. We spent most of the afternoon exploring until we ran out of room to paddle on the north end of the bog. Having to face the inevitable, we reluctantly turned around and fought the wind back to our vehicles. This is one of those times where good paddling technique really pays off. While casually loading up our boats the weekend "chef" whipped up some hot chocolate for us to savor along with the view as we watched a large bull moose swim across the water we had just paddled through.
On the drive back to camp we joined in the "MOOSE WATCH". It is an amazing event sponsored by the Pittsburg Tourism Dept. It appears they have worked out a deal with the local moose population to make extra appearances at certain times of the year. We saw at least a dozen or so by the time we reached the campground. Dinner that evening consisted of a garden vegetable, chicken stew and a few tenderloin steaks we picked up at a local market. My compliments to the chef, it was a wonderful meal. Afterwards we toured the "MOOSE WATCH" route again and finally enjoyed some smores before turning in for the night.
Next morning we toured the"MOOSE WATCH" one more time seeing yet a few more . From there we headed to another marsh area called East Inlet. I thought Scott's Bog was quite nice feeling a sort of kinship to it, but East Inlet is simply the most beautiful swamp I have ever seen. It was notably narrower than the bog being closed in by the surrounding forest and mountains. The channels were much deeper and seemed to meander on indefinitely. Upon entering the water we were greeted by an osprey hovering above and a number of diving ducks which I could not identify. We paddled into the early afternoon before turning back, never having reached the far end. I definitely plan on returning to this one soon. The view from the water is impossible to put into words. If someone had told me I was in the middle of Labrador, I would have believed them.
I would have to say that the Pittsburg area is all that it is cracked up to be. Both for viewing wildlife and exploring via canoe. We only had time to check out a couple of places but according to the map, there are many, many more. If backwoods ponds, swamps and streams are your thing, than this is the place for you. Until next time, 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.