Greetings Paddlers:

What a spring! Early cold quickly gave way to moderate temperatures, and the warm weather sent rivers to very nice levels. A day of mid-April rains on saturated ground quickly put all rivers into flood one weekend, and since then water levels have risen and fallen as rains and snow melt have had their usual effects.

Whitewater trips have been numerous, varied, and well attended. Throwing a couple of flatwater/family trips into the spring schedule seems to have been a good idea, too, and we will continue this in the future.

The Message Line (878-8647 -- see details later in this issue), run by Eric Bishop, has been used to coordinate a number of non-scheduled trips this spring, as well as to announce miscellaneous items such as boats for sale. I hope members will use the Message Line to coordinate a variety of activities as we progress into the summer paddling and hiking season.

Rich Larsen has managed to prod a number of us through CPR classes. I recommend CPR training for all of you; the investment of $25 plus a few hours of your time may prepare you to assist in saving a person's life.

(from River Rescue by Bechdel and Ray)

I took a crash course in shoulder dislocations while paddling with Eric Bishop on the North Branch of the Lamoille. What a great river! But see me for field treatment information, and kayakers, work on that low brace. Thanks to Rob Farley for setting up the March pool sessions, where a good number of us refreshed our paddling and rolling skills, and to Mark Willett, Rob Farley, and Rich Larsen for coordinating another successful canoe clinic. This type of activity requires considerable time and effort on the part of the organizers, and the members who teach in the classroom, the pool, and on the river. I thank all of you who helped.

Members voted at the March meeting to change the Club's name to Vermont Paddlers Club, and we are gradually taking the steps required for transition.

Members also voted to give the Executive Committee permission to proceed with and finalize incorporation. With the assistance of Ed Amidon this is on the verge of being accomplished. Then we will move on to the next step, which is recognition by the IRS as a 501(c)(3) educational non-profit organization.

Club members also voted to allow the Executive Committee to finalize policies for a 'waiver and release of liability, " and we are nearly finished with this task. This spring, trip participants have been required to sign a waiver prior to each trip. I hope that in the future a single signing will be sufficient. I'll let you know.

Thanks to all the trip coordinators who sent me reports. Its been a great spring.

Peter Briggs
President

     President                     Peter Briggs            985-8257
     Vice President                Mark Willett            434-4297
     Treasurer                     Peter Grant             453-2278
     Secretary                     Eric Bishop             878-2018
     Membership                    Peter Grant             453-2278
     Summer Trip Schedule          Tony Shaw               879-1655
     White Water Canoe Clinic      Mark Willett            434-4297
     White Water Kayak Clinic      Willett, Farley, & Briggs
     Conservation/Water Resources       open
     Bow & Stern Editor            Peter Briggs            985-8257
     Safety & Education            Rob Farley              482-2427
     Spring Dinner                 Peter Briggs            985-8257
     Summer Dinner                 Krista Willett, Zander Ponzo, and Peter Downey

If you are interested in participating in Executive Committee meetings, or in helping some other way, please call Peter Briggs, or any other committee member. We would love to hear your suggestions and get you involved.

The winter meeting was held 3/6/94. The meeting started with a catered pasta dinner. This was followed by a slide show of sea kayaking off the coast of Labrador, given by Sally Spear and Len Carpenter.

Following this, the business meeting was called to order by Peter Briggs, the President. Peter announced that Ray Gonda had chosen to resign as Secretary, and that Eric Bishop had been appointed. (But since Eric was out of town for the meeting, the minutes were done by Rich Larsen.)

A name change was voted for the Club. First it was voted that the majority did not want to retain the name Northern Vermont Canoe Cruisers. After a flurry of votes to determine the favored options, a final vote was held, in which the name Vermont Paddlers Club won out over Vermont Canoe and Kayak Club, 24-13.

It was also moved and passed that the Executive Committee be authorized to incorporate the Club. And, it was moved and passed that a waiver of liability be required of anyone participating in a Club trip this year. Peter announced that the Club had purchased new throw ropes, and made them available to the trips leaders on indefinite loan. Bob Schumacher announced that Canoe Imports would have a sale (25% off) on all safety- related gear through April 15. (Thanks, Bob!!!) Rich announced that a CPR class would be scheduled, and that interested people should sign up.

Mark Willett encouraged people to send in ideas for the slide show portion of future meetings. Minutes of the last meeting were waived. The Treasurer's and Membership reports were read. Announcements were made in many areas, with the key ones being about the canoe school and the Norm Lavoie plaque. The, meeting was adjourned a little after 9 PM.

Rich Larsen

As was announced at the March meeting, a CPR class was arranged through Racquet's Edge in Essex for interested members. The intention was to increase the number of people in the club with this skill, especially among the people that often lead trips. In calling to see if people were interested, I learned that a number of people already had CPR training, and not just physicians and other medical professionals. It was comforting to learn that a core of members already had training.

The class we took was held April 13. It was the basic three hour course given by a Red Cross certified instructor. The people who attended were Rich and Sheri Larsen, Len Carpenter, Sally Spear, Jim Dunn, Mike Fullerton, Eric Bishop, and Cilia Kimberly. (All may not have passed, and even the ones who did are by no means "experts.") The skills taught and practiced were airway clearing (including the "Heimlich Maneuver "), artificial respiration, and basic chest compression. Our fondest hope is that we never have the need to use these skills on any NVCC trip.

Members should remember that there is no requirement or guarantee that CPR-trained individuals be present on river trips. If you want an enhanced level of safety, you should consider arranging a class for yourself and your usual paddling partners. I would gladly give pointers on how that can be done.

Rich Larsen

The Canoe School River Session was held this year on April 10. The class was divided into 5 groups for the river, since some were not able to attend that day. About 25 students participated in the river trip. The leaders of the five groups were Mike Fullerton, Mike Marine, Chuck Thompson, Mark Willett, and Greg Magnant. Helpers were Peter Brown, R. J. Burns, Eric Bishop, Len Carpenter, Tom Berry, Sheri Larsen, Fred Schroeder, Peter Alden, Ray Ingram, Willie Glen, Peter Briggs, Cathy Chamberlain, Peter Downey, Andy Meilleur, Peter Grant, and Bobbie Lambert. Rich Larsen drove the shuttle car and provided organization.

The class day was rainy and cool, in the mid 40s. The river was fairly high, but still within the banks. The rapids did not provide the rock-dodging practice that they often do, because the water was covering the rocks, but the water was pushier than usual for the beginners. A number of boats swam as a result, at least six student boats and an instructor boat, to my count. The class seemed to be a good class, with a lot of strong and interested students, so hopefully some new paddlers will emerge from the group.

Thanks to all the instructors who provided the critical help in teaching on the river.

Rich Larsen

HUNTINGTON RIVER : April 3, 1994

This was Easter Sunday, after a lingering winter. The snow pack was heavy, but the weather failed us. The overcast sky yielded its rain too late, and the temperature hovered around 40, keeping the water at very tame levels. It was a quiet trip but we all worked on skills and worked out the kinks in our winterized joints. Mike spotted a mink, but April showers and spring flowers are somewhere in the future.

-- Peter Alden

MESSAGE LINE INAUGURAL TRIP - HUNTINGTON RIVER : April 5,1994

The begrudging mountain snow pack was helped along by Easter's soaking rain to make for a medium/low level. Signs of spring were everywhere on this seminal voyage. Natives boiled sap in nearby woods according to ancient ritual, a gauntlet of curious calves trailed the group down, and paddlers jumped up and down at river's edge in the belief that this can warm icy feet deprived (too long) of circulation. It was great to be back on the water!

-- Tony Shaw

WHITE RIVER/OMPOMPANOOSUC : April 9,1994

As usual, it never got as warm as advertised, but the nuts were out anyway. The river was high enough to cover most of the rocks and make an enjoyable run. All went well, only one kayak went over, and since he was surfing at the time and rolled (twice!), it doesn't count. We took out at the Gaysville bridge to allow time for a second trip on the nearby Ompompanoosuc.

The Omp is a river several of us have tried to run before, but never caught. Heinz had done it recently and volunteered to lead us.

We ran the east branch from Post Mills to Thetford Center. The river is mostly flat, winding through pleasant woods, but has any number of short ledge drops. One minute it's calm, then there's a sharp turn and another ledge. Nothing is real tough, and every drop has a pool after it. The last mile and a half is meandering through unpleasant muddy banks with trees in the stream and one river-level bridge. The best alternative would be a takeout at the first road bridge you come to, although there is a steep bank.

This is a fun, short Class 11 run that needs water and because of the small watershed is tricky to catch. Call members Heinz & Inge Trebitz in Thetford for information.

-- Mike Fullerton

New Haven River: April 15, 1994

Rob, Peter Grant, and I met at the church where Baldwin Brook flows into the New Haven at 4 PM - Rob and I to run the river, which was at a high level, and Peter to do some filming. Temperatures around 70 degrees kept plenty of water flowing and made the cold water and big waves enjoyable. We tried some surfing at various spots, and ran down to the green bridge, where we were able to eddy in and scout the big drop.

After considerable discussion about possible routes, and spots to set up throw lines, we decided (to the disappointment of Peter Grant) to take out rather than run the drop and the lower section. Peter did film a trio of kayaks that came through before us - actually he only filmed two of them running this section, because the third had left his boat too close to the water while inspecting the drop, and his boat made the trip without him.

Rob and I regretted missing the lower stretch, but it was late in the day, there were only two of us paddling, the water was very powerful, and we were approaching a stretch that is unscoutable. These factors combined to leave no margin for error. I guess wisdom prevailed. (The next day, when the water was even higher, a canoe missed the eddy above the drop, capsized, and disappeared down river, although the paddlers eventually were able to swim to an eddy and get out.)

-- Peter Briggs

HUNTINGTON RIVER : April 16, 1994

About fifteen of us signed up for this 2 PM trip, tempted by water that had been pleasantly high for a week or so. We expected a good playful river.

Moderate late morning rains (.7 inches) falling on already saturated soil caused the river level to rise steadily and dramatically, and changed the river into a raging brown torrent. The rock at the swimming hole was covered by several feet of water, the gorge was frightening, and Class II conditions were reported in some nearby fields. Large logs and lawn chairs filled the river. (Mark has some of this stuff on video - talk to him if you would like to see it.)

Mark wisely called off the trip.

-- Peter Briggs

UPPER LAMOILLE : April 16, 1994

This was one wild ride. 5.0' on the gauge is always exciting and this was no exception. There was a flood warning in effect, and we were properly cautious, scouting as many of the tight comers as we could from the road. We also noted that the town of Hardwick had not yet removed the two tire booms

from the river, probably due to continual high water. The ice had gone out only the week before. Our plan was to stop well above each corner and scout before going on.

We put in at Greensboro Bend by setting our boats in the flooded field and paddling out into the stream. There were no problems we could see on the upper stretch, but we were very cautious once we got into the woods. River fog did not help, reducing our visibility to 100 feet or less.

At a set of islands we went left, having seen an obstruction in the right channel while scouting from the road. I went first, heading for a pourover in a line of rocks. When I reached it I realized it was not rocks, but a log across the river, just under the surface. Four boats went over with no trouble, there was no way to stop, and the fifth was knocked over when the log shifted. The boater was quickly rescued with the help of one of the new Club throw lines. (My personal one was still trapped in the Mad River from a rescue the week before!) From that point on, we noticed an increasing number of whole trees in the water.

We carried around the East Hardwick falls, and had to go some distance downstream along a snowmobile trail to avoid logs in the river at the bottom of the rapid. (Fortunately, nobody asked to see our VAST membership cards.) The normally calm section down to Route 15 was fast and pushy and the trees kept getting more numerous. We went as far as the railroad bridge and prudently ended the trip. The tire booms were full of trapped debris, and the river so pushy it would have been nearly impossible to avoid them. We checked the wave behind the Village Restaurant. It was 6-8' high, exploding, and while we watched a 20 foot tree, roots and all, went through.

Rivers in flood can be a real thrill, but the dangers increase along with the excitement. We all felt good about having made a good judgment decision.

-- Mike Fullerton

WHITE RIVER : April 17, 1994

Despite a terrible weather forecast of wind, cold, snow, and rain, eighteen people with sixteen boats showed up in Stockbridge to paddle the White River. Although many rivers in the state were in flood, the White River was high but within its banks, a nice change from the low water of the past few trips. The water level was the highest any of us could remember, but didn't seem threatening.

Many of the smaller features were washed out and most of the remaining holes and waves were powerful, if not big. The two left hand turns had a powerful current trying to push paddlers into the rocks. The rocks at the lunch spot, usually 6 to 8 feet above the water, were barely high enough to keep you dry when you sat on them and dangled your feet.

We divided the group into two with the kayakers (7) in the first group, and the canoers (9) in the second. The kayak group had a couple of swims, and the enthusiastic playing produced the need for many successful rolls. Randi wowed us with several enders. One at the lunch spot in Gaysville, where the waves were impressive, shot his boat almost clear of the water.

The canoe group, following the kayakers, had a few swims which gave the group some needed rescue training, The weather was cool, but the wind was from behind us and the rain and snow held off and weren't a factor, An excellent trip enjoyed by all.

-- Peter Downey & George McIntosh

OTTER CREEK : April 17, 1994

We met at the bridge at Leicester Junction on a cold gray morning with a brisk wind blowing from the west. Rain the previous day had put Otter Creek, which was already in flood, several feet over its banks - in fact, we had to drive over a section of flooded road to get to the put-in, and changed the take-out location from the mouth of the Middlebury River to the edge of a flooded field.

This trip had been billed as an opportunity to see some migratory waterfowl in fields by the river, and we were not disappointed. We got close looks at a dozen kinds of ducks and geese, and saw enough other species to total 35 in all. A high point came near the end of the trip when we came within 100 yards of about 600 snow geese, which were at the edge of a flooded field. They eventually took off in a noisy mass, rising in a white cloud, and then circled and returned to the field.

We also had close encounters with a number of mammals of the river valley, including an otter and a huge beaver sunning itself on top of its lodge at the edge of the river. Residents less thrilled with the flood included a skunk sleeping on top of a stump just eight inches above water level, but with no dry land in sight, and a cluster of sleepy raccoons in the hollow of a tree a few feet above the water.

With the creek at this level, we had to portage around two railroad bridges that we could not pass under, and we paddled around the end of the covered bridge where the water flowed over the road. An unanswered question - should canoes obey a solid double line on a paved highway, or is passing allowed?

We were on the river from 11 to 4, and despite the weatherman's predictions, experienced alternating sun and clouds, moderate temperatures, and only a little wind.

-- Peter Briggs

NORTH BRANCH of the LAMOILLE RIVER : April 23, 1994

What a great river! Eric and I left a car in Waterville and drove north to Belvidere Corners to put in near the headwaters. We started on a flat section no more than 20 feet wide, surrounded by snowy woods and large spruce trees. Almost immediately the river took on the characteristics we would see for the rest of the trip - a nice gradient punctuated with frequent steeper drops over rocks and ledges of 3 to 4 feet.

The river was at a low spring level (as we expected, given its small drainage area and the recent dry weather), which resulted in a lot up bumps on the uppermost section. As we moved downstream, everything slowly and steadily got bigger. The river widened, volume increased, rocks got larger (picking out a clear route was a constant challenge at this level - there always seemed to be a hidden rock just upstream of a drop). The spruces and hemlocks became more impressive, and the chutes and drops grew more involved, faster, stronger, and steeper. This river is fun.

Unfortunately we had to end the trip early. I dislocated my shoulder in the drop above a covered bridge (one of four on the river). We eventually gathered our cars and equipment and headed to the emergency room for treatment and X-rays. See me for a quick course on field treatment of this type of injury.

-- Peter Briggs

WHITE RIVER : April 23, 1994

The day was cool, temperature in the 50's, with a low to medium water level. We put in at the Tweed River access, and had a pleasant float down the river, with no problems. The water portion of the trip was completed in about 3.5 hours, taking out at the normal location along Route 107.

-- Rich Larsen

UPPER LAMOILLE RIVER : April 24, 1994

The day was warmer and drier than expected, with temperatures in the 60s and no rain. The river was at 3.5', a really fun but still sane level. We had a few swimmers at various points in the trip, but most self-rescued, so there were no problems.

At Hardwick, the tire boom was still in the river, so we had to land on the right shore about 50 yards above the motel drop, carry around the boom, and then launch and move into position for the drop. Everything went well through that drop and all through Hardwick, for a successful trip conclusion.

-- Rich Larsen

LOWER LAMOILLE : April 27, 1994

This was the first of the Wednesday night trips for the year. The river was fairly high, at 4.5' on the new gauge. The forecast warned of "severe thunderstorms, hail and high wind. " We never got a thunderstorm, but the wind forced us to stop a couple of times, since we could not go downriver against it. It also blew one boat over.

Since the group was large, with some newer people, we tended to run close to shore for most of the trip, to reduce the chance of a long swim. We had one swimmer in Two Island Rapids, but the real excitement came at Five Chutes. Here there was an insidious pour-over along the right side of the standard center chute. It was almost invisible from upstream, and was quite vicious. Both of the double canoes slipped into this sideways by mistake, which was easy to do, and both dumped after some exciting side-surfing. The swims were fairly long, but not too violent.

This is really a nice water level for bouncing through the waves, since the rocks are mostly covered, but the river is not nearly as wild as it gets at 6-7' readings, We were back to the cars about two hours after starting onto the river.

-- Rich Larsen

AMMONOOSUC RIVER : April 30, 1994

Running at a respectable 3 1/2 foot level the Ammo was amply sporty. The extended section of rapids below the lunch stop (powerhouse) was a particular delight, except for the unfortunate canoeist whose boat went two different ways around a rock. Still there were no long swims, sunshine made a late day appearance, and cake with champagne awaited weary paddlers at the takeout. Moose, osprey, and flocks of AMC paddlers were observed during the day.

The Sunday trip never materialized as forecasted cold and rain sent us all scurrying home. I took the opportunity to scout the Ammo's Class 111-IV sister rivers (Saco, Pemi, Swift) before returning to Vermont, and intend a 3 day weekend "extravaganza" for expert paddlers here in '95.

-- Tony Shaw

LOWER LAMOILLE : May 4,1994

This trip started with a 6 PM put-in time, following the dedication ceremony for the Normand Lavoie memorial plaque. It can claim to be the first trip from the canoe access dedicated to Norm's memory! The weather was excellent, with clear sky and a temperature around 70 degrees. The water level was equally excellent, at just under 2' on the gauge.

All boats made a leisurely trip down the river, with no problems. We met two groups of other canoes and kayaks at Two Island Rapids, 7 boats in total, with many familiar faces, but they were each traveling at different speeds from our group. One canoe swam while surfing at Five Chutes, and a kayak flipped and rolled, but it was the kind of weather and conditions where it was no problem at all. We made it to the take-out at 7:45.

The only MAJOR incident was when a certain un-named kayaker "accidentally," SHE says, knocked into the trip leader's boat at the takeout, and sent it floating unoccupied down the river.

-- Rich Larsen

LOWER LAMOILLE : May 11, 1994

This was the last of the planned Wednesday night trips. The day was bright and warm, but started to cloud up in the early afternoon. By 5 PM, the wind was blowing fairly hard from the south, and the temperature had dropped into the 60s because of the clouds. We made a fairly quick trip down the river. The south wind does funny things on the river, since it turns and funnels upriver in some places, but forms a tailwind in others. The water level was just over 1', near the minimum for a trip that is touted as "whitewater. " We were on the river by 5:40, and off by 7:15.

Andy, George, and Mike are hereby granted the title of Wednesday Night Stalwarts for making all three trips!!

-- Rich Larsen

WHITE RIVER - BETHEL TO SHARON: May 14,1994

A beautiful May day. We met at the commuter lot next to 1-89 in Richmond, drove to the put-in in Bethel, shuttled, and started downriver with our four canoes and one kayak at I I AM. The cool morning temperatures had given way to the sun, and bright sun and blue skies were with us all day. Temperatures in the upper 60s were very comfortable. A fresh northwest wind was behind us most of the way and caused little trouble, although John, who paddled solo part of the time, was blown up-river and out of sight just after lunch.

The river was slightly higher than normal for this time of year, but most of the rapids are very easy and only involve a little maneuvering. Very cold, very clear water carried us along with little effort on our part, and the 14 miles seemed somewhat shorter. We ate lunch and picked fiddleheads at the downriver end of an island (and had a tense moment when it appeared that Mallory and Carrie, both age 13 and paddling by themselves at this point, might miss their landfall and continue on to have lunch somewhere else on their own.)

We had scouted the two difficult ledges from the road during the shuttle, and ran them with no difficulty. We pulled into shore to scout the old dam below Sharon and talk about possible routes, and then all boats successfully ran the dam after some minor personnel changes. All agreed this was a wonderful trip for paddlers with limited whitewater experience, if run with a more experienced guide.

-- Peter Briggs

HUDSON GORGE : May 15, 1994

This scheduled trip did not take shape until almost 10 PM the night before. Perhaps the forecast (late day rain) or the NBA playoffs kept folks away. In any case, I'm reluctant to run the gorge with less than the AWA preferred minimum, 3 craft.

The Indian was as high as I've ever seen it and basically terrifying, especially since we used the upper put-in - the aptly named Rafter's Bay. The Hudson itself was running high, too - 4.9 on the North Creek gauge. Extensive erosion befell the upper gorge in early spring, where tangles of mature white cedar now litter the right shore exposing new ledge above. A boat pinned in one of the logjams after an untimely capsize was eventually rescued.

The last rafts passed by us here, and for much of the rest of the trip we enjoyed an isolation and solitude rare on waters plied by so many commercial outfits. Notwithstanding three wooden dories (which we leapfrogged through the Class IV rapids) we had the river to ourselves. At Staircase and again at Harris Rift one brave soul opted for the far left route, with a consequent swim in the first instance and water up to the gunnels (no swim) in the second. To our amazement the dories punched through the biggest waves and holes high and dry.

Rain held off until 3:30. Unfortunately we were only to the trestle.

-- Tony Shaw

HUDSON GORGE : May 21, 1994

The weather was fair, with very little wind, and what there was was from behind, which was especially useful during the long outrun. The water was at an estimated 4.5 feet. With the darn release there was a good 5' level at the Narrows. We had a good clean run with only one swim - from the top of a haystack in the Narrows - and a very quick self-rescue in the pool below.

There was the usual crowd of rafts on the river, but by starting promptly with the release, we were able to stay ahead of most of the traffic.

-- Peter Alden

Waterline is river gauge information service which uses a 900 number to provide river level information on a pay-per-call basis. Before using the service, you need to obtain a list of gauge codes, which you can get by calling 1-800-945-3376. You can request a list of gauge codes by region, such as New England, or by state, such as New York.

Once you have the codes, you can dial Waterline's 900 number and receive the current and prior gauge readings, and the reading frequency, for the gauges you are interested in. (Many readings are updated every 3 - 4 hours.) You will be billed $1.19 per minute for the 900 number call; an average call lasts about 2 minutes and yields about 5 gauge readings.

Eric Bishop

Date      Day      Trip                                   Coordinator(s)        Phone          Notes

Jun 10-12 Fri-Sun  White River (two sections) and Third   Faith Knapp           649-5106  Call Faith 
                   Branch of White. Overnight lodging                                     for details.
                   for $7/night in Rochester, With AMC.                                   Sounds 
                   Excellent trip.                                                        wonderful.        
Jun 11-12 Sat-Sun  Androscoggin River (NH)                Chuck Thompson        878-2536  Nov/Int WW
                                                                                                                            C
June 14   Tues     Lake Champlain. Evening paddle and     Peter Briggs          985-8257  Flatwater
                   picnic from Charlotte. 3 miles.                                        (evening)   F
June 19   Sun      Williston Triathalon - Run,            Tony Shaw             879-1655  Race!
                   paddle, &  mountain bike.
June 22   Wed      Indian Brook Reservoir and Burgers.    Rich & Sheri Larsen   878-6828  Flatwater                                                                                                                            F   Evening
June 29   Wed      Lewis Creek & Little Otter Creek       Judy Rowe             425-4121  Flatwater
                   4 PM to 7 PM. Picnic dinner.                                           (evening)   F
July 10   Sun      Lower White River                      George McIntosh       644-2134  Novice WW
July 17   Sun      Lake Champlain - Shelburne/ Charlotte  Peter Briggs          985-8257  Flatwater
                   shoreline. 1 0 miles.                                                              F
Jul 23-24 Sat-Sun  Deerfield River (MA)                   Mike Fullerton        456-8701  Adv WW
                                                          Eric Bishop           878-2018
July 24   Sun      Indian Brook Reservoir and Burgers.    Rich & Sheri Larsen   878-6828  Flatwater
July 30   Sat      Swanton Canoe Race - part of           For race info call    660-1502  Race! 3.1 or
                   Swanton Summer Festival.               Clyde Yarnell         524-4822  6.2 miles
Jul 30-31 Sat-Sun  White Water Kayak Clinic               Mark Willett          434-4297
                                                          Rob Farley            482-2427
                                                          Peter Briggs          985-8257
Jul 30-31 Sat-Sun  Androscoggin River (NH)                Andy Meilleur         878-3008  Nov/Int WW
                                                          Peter Downey          223-3376              C
Aug 6 - 7 Sat-Sun  Rapid River (NH)                       Eric Bishop           878-2018  Adv WW
                                                          Mike Fullerton        456-8701              C
Aug 9     Tues     Lake Champlain.     Five mile evening  Peter Briggs          985-8257  Flatwater
                   paddle.                                                                (evening)   F
Aug 14    Sun      Androscoggin River (NH) -Training      Peter Briggs          985-8257  Class II
                   session in rapids at Errol.            Mark Willett          434-4297  whitewater. K
Sept 3-5  Sat-Mon  Dead River (ME) @ 1300/2400/1800       OPEN                            Int/Adv WW
                                        CFS                                                                                 c
Sep ??-?? Sat-Sun  Adirondacks overnight. Dates           Peter & Susan Alden   863-6585              C
                   uncertain but call if interested!                                                  F
Sept 17   Sat      Dead River (ME) @ 3500 CFS             Bob & Marvie Campbell 875-2235  Adv WW
Sept 18   Sun      Hudson Gorge (NY)                      Rich & Sheri Larsen   878-6828  Adv WW
Sep 24-25 Sat-Sun  West River Weekend - The Fall          OPEN                            Int/Adv WW
                   Gathering
Sept 25   Sun      Lamoille River - Johnson to            Peter Briggs          985-8257  Flatwater
                   Jeffersonville. 1 1 miles.                                             (mostly)    F
Oct 1     Sat      Hudson Gorge (NY)                      Tony Shaw             879-1655  Adv WW
Oct 2     Sun      Lamoille River - West Milton to        Peter Briggs          985-8257  Flatwater
                   Sandbar. 6 miles.                                                                  F
Oct 15    Sat      Winooski River Fall Foliage Tour       Mark Willett          434-4297              F
Oct 15-16 Sat-Sun  Adirondack Frostbite Tour              Peter Briggs          985-8257              C,F

For information about each trip, contact the trip coordinator. All trips are dependent on water level. The scheduled trips are based on "normal' seasonal water levels or scheduled dam releases. The trips listed may be changed or cancelled if the water level is unsuitable.

Persons interested in leading an alternate trip on a particular day should contact the coordinator of the scheduled trip so that information about the alternate trip may be relayed to others. Also, the new VPC Message Line (878-8647) is available to communicate information on unscheduled trips.

Please give one week's notice for overnight trips so that tentsites, menus, etc. can be preplanned (two weeks for Dead River trips.)

Mark Willett (434-4297) can drop everything to run to the Huntington (Int) when it rains -- and he yearns to do so. Inquiries are welcome.

Please read Guidelines for Vermont Paddlers Club Trips before going on any trip.

For more information on times and meeting places, contact the trip coordinator. Trips are subject to change depending on water level and interest.

                      NOTES: K = Kayak WW = Whitewater F = Family C = Camping

Below is a list of members who have expressed interest in being a tandem partner for whitewater or flatwater trips. I encourage you to review the trip schedule, look for someone whose skills seem to complement your own, and call him or her to discuss teaming up for a trip.

Please consider it your own responsibility to be comfortable with the paddling skills of your prospective partner, as well as the suitability of the canoe you will paddle in. Also,

please read Guidelines for Vermont Paddlers Club Trips, which is published elsewhere in this newsletter.

Feel free to call me at 985-8257 if you have any questions.

Peter Briggs

Name                  Town                Phone      Skill Max Class White-   Flat-   Have
                                                     Level  Paddled   water   water   Boat                               
Peter Alden           Burlington          863-6585     A      4         Y       Y      Y
Randy Allen           Montpelier          223-3771     I      4         Y       Y      y
Erik Anderson         Pittsford           483-2188     N                        Y      Y
Teri Ames             Burlington          899-1821     I      3         Y              Y
Lisa Barrett          Richmond            434-2744     I      3         Y       Y
Tom Berry             Colchester          860-6310     A      4         Y       Y      y
Eric Bishop           Colchester          878-2081     I      4         Y       y      Y
Peter Brown           Montpelier          223-2448     A      4         Y
Ann Burcroff          Montpelier          229-9677     N      3                        Y
Kathe Camardo         S. Burlington       860-4922     I                Y       Y      Y
Jerry Carruba         Northfield          485-3092     I      3
Pat Cleary            St. Albans Bay      524-3167     A      4         Y       Y      Y
Lawrence Duggan       Burlington          862-5831     I      3         Y       y      Y
Mitch Fried           Colchester          879-1491     I      3         Y       Y      Y
Len Gerardi           St. Johnsbury       748-8928     N      3         y              Y
Jane Gibbons          Charlotte           425-3093     N                Y       Y      Y
Fred Glanzberg        Sharon              763-7800     I      3         Y
Alfred Goldstrom      New York City   212-927-0652     N      2         y       Y      Y
Peter Grant           Bristol             453-2278     N      2         Y       Y      Y
Joe Greene            Burlington          862-7166     N                Y
Ev Grimes             Grand Isle          372-5386     I      2                        Y
Jeffery Hendrickx     N. Grafton      508-839-9744            4         Y              Y
Theresa Hoffman       Cuttingsville       492-3322     I      2         y       Y
Christopher Johnson   Shelburne           985-2010     A                Y              Y
Chris Jones           Loudenville, NY 518-484-1464     I      4         Y              Y
                                          864-5265
Tom Kastner           Marshfield          426-3734     I      3         Y       Y      Y
Russ Kinaman          Essex Jct.          879-6666     I      3         Y       y      Y
Faith Knapp           Norwich             649-5106     A      4         Y       Y      Y
Vincent Koehler       Burlington          863-1444     I      3         Y       Y      Y
Larry Lewack          Winooski            655-9446     I      4         Y       Y      y
Jim Loewen            S. Burlington       658-1489     I                Y
Margaret MacDonald    Winooski            655-9446     I      3         Y       Y      Y
Mark McCaffrey        Port Kent, NY   518-834-9881     I      3         y       Y      Y
Steve Metz            Melvin Vill. NH 603-544-9663     I      2         Y       y      Y
Nancy L. Olsen        Plattsburgh, NY 518-561-0189     I      2         y       Y      Y
Tim Parsons           Burlington          863-6147     I      3         Y       Y      y
Alverta Perkins       S. Burlington       863-4822     N                Y       Y
Jonathan Reichert     Maplewood, NJ   201-763-6028     I                        y
Michael Russom        Shelburne           985-9383     I      4         Y              Y
Merle Schlof          Salisbury           352-4246     I      3         Y       y      Y
Sally Schroeder       S. Burlington       863-4415     N                        Y      Y
Sonja Shaver          Burlington          860-2931     N                Y       y
Tom Slayton           Montpelier          229-0164     I      3         Y       Y
Tom Stevens           Waterbury           244-1663     I      3         y       Y      ?
Caroline Strauss      Moretown            496-3895     I                y       Y      Y
Charlie Thompson      Colchester          878-2536     I      3         y       Y      Y
Vicky Viens           Waterbury           244-1367     I                Y       Y
Tom Walker            Underhill           899-5440                      Y              Y
Linda Wall            Waterbury Center    244-6923     N                Y       y      Y
Steve Webster         Norwich             649-3708     I      3         Y       Y      Y
Krista Willett        Richmond            434-4297     I      3                 Y      Y
Mark Willett          Richmond            434-4297     I      4         Y       Y      y
Martha Heidi Willis   E. Middlebury       388-9207     I                Y       Y      Y
John N. Wolfe         Stowe               253-2148     I      3         Y       Y
Barbara Wolf-Reichert Maplewood, NJ   201-763-6028     I                        Y

                 Key: N = Novice     I = Intermediate        A = Advanced

The following people have offered to provide river level information if you give them a call:

REGISTER BY JULY 26		LIMITED CLASS SIZE

NAME:___________________________ PHONE:___________________________

ADDRESS:__________________________________________________________

I have access to a Kayak? ________ Life Vest? ________ Wet/Dry Suit? ________

Other equipment?(specify)_____________________________________________

Kayaking experience: None ________ Flatwater ________ Whitewater ________

Mail to Mark Willett, RFD 1 Box 282, Richmond VT 05477

The White Water Kayak Clinic needs instructor volunteers, See Mark Willett, Rob Farley, or Peter Briggs for additional information.

Vermont Paddlers Club Logo: We need a new logo to go along with our new name. We'd like to hear your ideas and look at rough sketches of designs you think might work. If you would like to be part of a group which reviews design ideas, call Peter Briggs (985-8257).

For Sale: Old Town Tripper canoe, 17', ABS. Excellent condition. Asking $600. Call Ed Kyle at 885-3023.

For Sale: 16-foot Mohawk canoe, Royalex, portage yoke, good condition. $375. Call Deane at 985-503 1.

For Sale: Perception Eclipse whitewater kayak. Yellow. Floatation bags included. Good condition. Call Merle Schloff at 802-352-4246.

For Sale. O'Neill Oasis wet/dry suit. Farmer lane with separate top with roll-together waist. Excellent condition. Will fit size 8 person. $50. Call Ann Douglass at 655-7313.

For Sale: Adirondack Camp at beautiful Indian Lake. Converted post & beam barn on 4+/- acres w/lake rights. Can be subdivided. Rustic. w/Heat/wood stove. Call 802-879-1184 after 5 PM. Asking $50K. Bob/Melinda Dodds.

Kayak Wanted: Emer Downs would like to buy a kayak - Dancer or similar model. Good condition, low price. Please call at 865-0638.

Missing: A blue Wave Sports Lazer kayak was stolen mid-summer 1993 from Jon Jamieson in Richmond. It had red " Sto Floats" and an extra paddle (breakdown) stowed inside. If anyone has seen it, call Jon at 434- 4546. No questions asked.

Day  1  2  3  4  5  6  7  8  9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31

May  1  1  1  1  1  1  1  1  1  1  1  1  1  1  1  1  1  1  1  1  1  1  1  1  1  1  1  5  5  5  2
June 2  2  2  5  5  2  2  2  2  2  5  5  2  2  2  2  2  5  5  2  2  2  2  2  5  5  2  2  2  2  -
July 6  6  6  6  3  3  3  6  6  6  3  3  3  3  6  6  6  3  3  3  3  6  6  6  3  3  3  3  6  6  6
Aug. 3  3  3  3  6  6  6  3  3  3  3  6  6  6  3  3  3  3  6  6  6  3  3  3  3  6  6  6  3  3  3
Sep. 3  6  6  6  6  4  4  4  4  7  7  4  4  4  4  4  7  7  4  4  4  4  4  4  4  4  4  4  4  4  -

Release Rate 1 (minimum release) applies to all times,  days, and months not noted on this chart.

                 Release Rates:
                           1 - 350 CFS for 24 hours
                           2 - 500 CFS 9 AM to 6 PM
                           3 - 500 CFS 8 AM to 6 PM
                           4 - 500 CFS 8 AM to 4 PM
                           5 - 500 CFS 9 AM to 6 PM, Full river flow 10 AM to 4 PM
                           6 - 500 CFS 8 AM to 6 PM, Full river flow 10 AM to 4 PM
                           7 - 500 CFS 8 AM to 4 PM, Full river flow 10 AM to 4 PM

            Thanks to George McIntosh for providing this information.

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