Bow and Stern

June 1985

A Letter from the Editors

If one word could summarize this past whitewater season, I think it would be "PARTICIPATION". From the highly successful white water clinic, right through the white water season, a surprising number of Cruisers participated in club trips. There were many trips with over 20 boats, with the largest participation during the weekend of April 27th, which had two trips. The Ammonoosuc, in which 18 boats participated, and a local trip on the Lower Lamoille with 16 - a total of 34 boats. Certainly a very successful season from a participation viewpoint.

The Governor has proclaimed June "Vermont Rivers Month", but we know the rivers and lakes are always in season. Many of our club members have offered to lead summer trips, there is a wide selection to choose from, something for everyone. Hopefully you will be able to include one or more of these events into your summer activities.

We would like to express our thanks to all of the cruisers who made this issue of the Bow & Stern possible. Contributors include Mary Lavigne, Ray Gonda, Charlie Thompson, and all of the trip leaders who took the time to share their trips with those of us who could not participate.

See you on the rivers, or on the lakes.

George and Margaret McIntosh

Governor Proclaims June 1985 'Vermont Rivers Month'

WHEREAS;	Vermonters can take pride in the past with the achievements of our state and federal agencies, private citizens, environmental groups and planning commissions which have made our State a leader in achieving clean water; and
WHEREAS;	abundant clean water is a vital asset of this State, providing safe drinking water, providing a basis for a thriving tourist industry, offering the potential for better fisheries, and providing recreational opportunities as well as opportunities for industrial, commercial and residential development; and
WHEREAS;	many of the rivers and lakes of this State possess outstanding aesthetic, recreational and economic value of present and potential benefit to citizens of the State; and
WHEREAS;	in recognition of the need to protect our gains and to continue to improve, additional efforts at deliberate planning are needed due to the inevitable pressures on our river basins and lakes of a rising population and increasing development;

NOW, THEREFORE, I, Madeleine M. Kunin, Governor of the State of Vermont, do hereby proclaim the month of June, 1985 as

VERMONT RIVERS MONTH

and encourage all citizens of the State to take advantage of the opportunities which will be available throughout the month of June to reevaluate the importance of our streams, our rivers and our lakes to our well being.

Given under my hand and the Great Seal of the State of Vermont, this twenty-ninth day of May, A.D., 1985.

Madeleine M. Kunin
Governor

Treasurer's Report

May 29, 1985

General Fund Beginning Balance: 1/15/85 $156.59 Income: March Dinner 322.00 T-Shirts 35.00 Patches 15.00 Dues 370.00     742.00 Expenses: Postage 56.60 Printing 62.64 Bank - S.C. 12.13 Mailing Labels 19.00 March Dinner 344.50 Church Rental 25.00   519.87 Balance - May 29, 1985 $378.72

Safety & Training Fund Beginning Balance: 1/15/85 $347.03 Income: School 942.00 942.00 Expenses: Pool Rental 140.00 Classroom 35.00 Books 353.72 Film 25.00 Printing 49.72 Refreshments 38.55   641.99 Balance - May 29, 1985 $647.04

Respectfully submitted,
Mary Lavigne
Secretary-Treasurer

Minutes of the Spring 1985 Meeting

The annual spring dinner meeting was held on Sunday, March 3. Dinner was served at 6:00 p.m. and President Al Roberts called the business meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Al welcomed all in attendance and thanked the Dattilios for once again catering the dinner. Committee reports are as follows:

White Water Schedule Chairman, Rich Larsen directed members to the schedule for the upcoming season, which is on the back page of the Bow & Stern. The trips will be listed in the Free Press on Thursday or Friday before the scheduled date. Rich urged club members to call the trip leader before going as all trips are subject to change. If you are interested in leading a white water trip, be sure to contact Rich. There is always a need for new trip leaders.

Summer Schedule Chairman, Charlie Thompson: There is still alot of work to be done yet on the summer schedule and if you have any ideas on a trip or are interested in leading one, please be sure to get in touch with him.

Al announced Paula Gerlack would be coordinating the June dinner meeting.

White Water Training Coordinator, Rick Davis announced the schedule and description for this year's class is in the Bow & Stern. The pool session this year will be at the YMCA and classroom session will be held at the College Street Congregational Church. Pre-registration is required and Rick has the necessary forms to sign up. Some help is still needed for the river session. See Mike Fullerton if you can lend a hand.

Bow & Stern Coeditors Margaret & George McIntosh thanked George Agnew and the So. Burlington high school students for the printing of the Bow & Stern. The newsletter will have a section called "the bulletin board" which will contain people who are looking for canoeing partners, used equipment sales, etc. Contact Margaret or George if you have something you would like to submit for this. They also have trip report forms if you need them. Deadline f or items in the June Bow & Stern is June 1.

Old Business

There are still club t-shirts available. Price is $7.00

New Business

None

Anne Chetham-Strode reported on a white water rescue workshop she attended last summer and slides of last spring's canoeing were the evening's program.

Respectfully submitted,
Mary Lavigne
Secretary-Treasurer

Conservation Corner

WEST RIVER, JAMAICA VT

The club has obtained legal party status as intervener to the first of two competing applications for a F.E.R.C. license to develop hydro at the base of Ball Mountain Dam. Extensive comments and requests for conditions to be required in the license if granted were filed by the Cruisers. We have been relieved of that burden for the competing application since the State of Vermont has intervened and has fully supported and has attached the Cruiser's package to the comments of the State (VAEC). Again we are being supported by the Conservation Agency as in several other issues of the past and should consider ourselves extremely fortunate for this relationship. Much of the credit goes to Stephen Sease, Director of Planning for the Agency.

A working group has been established with the concern being the water release regime on the West River. It includes the Army Corps of Engineers, the Environmental Conservation Agency (Planning, Forests and Parks, Fish & Wildlife) the A.M.C., the West River Wildwater Association, and the Cruisers. The Fall release and other items were discussed at a weekday meeting in Springfield, Vt. in early May. We will have a fall release in 1985 and 1986. We will revisit the fall release issue in the future.

MISSISQUOI RIVER, SHELDON SPRINGS

The Sheldon Springs hydro project appears to be at an impasse with the Vermont Public Service Board. The agreement instituted as part of the FERC license for flows for whitewater recreation take effect only if the project is built. A 4 page letter in support of the project based solely on environmental and recreational aspects was submitted as legal witness testimony to a PSB hearing on the project by the Cruisers jointly with the A.M.C.

AMERICAN RIVERS MONTH, 1985

This year Governor Kunin signed a proclamation declaring the month of June as Vermont Rivers Month. The signing took place at a picnic area on the Winooski River downriver from where the Mad River joins. Present were Cruisers Jay Appleton, Joanne Ranney, Fred Jordan and Ray Gonda. A number of leaders of outdoor and environmental organizations and better than a half dozen legislators were on hand to receive the Governor's canoe party, which had embarked upriver, and to witness the signing. A pleasing surprise was the swearing in of Stephen Wright as Fish & Wildlife Commissioner. Steve, formerly of Sterling College, was a colleague of ours when we faced the Hardwick Upper Lamoille rapids issue. Steve is a fellow paddler. The proclamation called for increased levels of protection for Vermont's Rivers. For interested persons Ray Gonda, State Coordinator for American Rivers Month (American Rivers Conservation Council) has copies of the proclamation and a listing of the events associated with Vermont Rivers Month from across the state.

Watch out for a wire fence across the New Haven River in the vicinity of New Haven Mills downstream of Bristol in late spring and summer.

Spring Whitewater Training Clinic

The training clinic for 1985 was held over three weeks in March and April, and introduced sixty people to the joys and rigors of paddling in fast water. The organizers of the Clinic were Al Roberts, Anne Chetham-Strode, Mike Fullerton, and Rick Davis.

We made two changes from the practices of the past several years. Instead of trying to do both pool and classroom sessions on one day, we split the times between Sunday pool sessions and a Friday evening classroom. No one had to give up an entire day for indoor training as a result. We also rented the YMCA's new lap pool for the Clinic rather than use UVM's pool. Everyone seemed to like the shallowness of the new pool, though the noise of the air circulation system was a problem. The kayak pool session was held or March 24, and the canoe session on the following week.

The College Street Congregational Church was the site for the classroom evening. Club members instructed in various safety, technique, and river reading topics. Two movies-"Path of the Paddle" and "Whitewater Primer"- were shown during the class, and the slalom movie "Fast and Clean" afterward.

While the canoeists had their pool session, the kayakers were taken to an introductory rapid on the Winooski. Named "Tidy Bowl" by one of the instructors, this enjoyable rapid is immediately downstream of the Essex Junction sewage treatment plant.

The next Saturday, April 6, everyone had their river training trips. The kayakers ran the Franklin to Arrowhead Mountain Lake section of the Lamoille and then went for pizza. The canoeists used the Moretown section of the Mad. Both trips went well, in sufficient water and nice weather. Swimming was practiced, but the safety instruction of the week before proved its value and everyone survived. Many students and instructors met later at the Larsens' for a pleasant evening of movies, tapes, and stories about whitewater.

Student comments about this year's Clinic indicate that we did a pretty goad job. The committee format worked well, taking the burden off one person and sharing it among several.

I would like to thank everyone who helped this year. The classroom, pool, and river instructors were highly praised by the students, and made the Clinic a success. Mary Lavigne's help at registration, Ray Gonda's suggestions, Bob Schumacher's aid in ordering supplies were invaluable behind-the-scenes support.

Trip Reports

St. Patrick's Day: 1985

Lower Lamoille: March 23, 1985

Participants:

Mike Fullerton, John Blackmore, Pat Farr, Alan Rexford, Al Roberts, Cathy Chamberlain, Sheri Larsen, Rich Larsen, Jack McKnight, Alan Plumb, Chuck Thompson, Bill Gerlack, George McIntosh.

We met at the Fairfax Bridge at noon with the water it about six and half feet. The day was sunny and about 45 degrees. The cold week had left quite a bit of ice around, especially right at the put-in whore there was ice extending 20 feet out from shore. John launched on top of the ice and didn't break through. Rich ended up on the ice, which broke free and thereby claimed the ice canoeing championship of the world, with a distance of 180 feet. The rest of us broke away the ice before putting in.

Further downstream a big ice shelf in an eddy brought a lot of comments about 'hard braces' and the like. Three canoes paddled up on top of the ice and had fun trying to get off, Chuck finally got out of his boat amid jokes about 'walking on water' and pulled it off the ice. Somehow the others also slid of the ice.

The rapids were negotiated among some floating ice without mishap. The lunch stop below two island rapids was covered by a jumble of huge ice flows, which gave the setting an alpine glacial look. We took out above the five chutes since the bridge was out and the river below the five chutes was choked by ice.

George Mcintosh

Huntington River: March 30, 1985

Participants:

OC2: Ray Gonda. & Roioli Schweiker, Al Stirt & Wendy Scott, John Blackmore & Ed; OCl: Jay Kita, Mike Fullerton, Al Roberts, Peter Alden

Although the river had been run the week before, the river was somewhat more navigable than a week earlier from snowmelt. Al and Wendy tandemed in the M. E., a tentative arrangement at the start, which seemed to work itself out without mishap. Jay was even more tentative soloing his Penobscot, but this trip was really just the first of a string of club trips which would see him soloing the Ammonoosuc by mid-season -- no mean feat. This was Roioli's first time on the river though she edited it into the AMC river guide. One swim resulted in one very cold paddler, but with a group effort and contributions of various & sundry items of dry clothing, the trip continued -- and all had a good time!!

Ray Gonda

White River: April 17, 1985

Participants:

(0C2)-Al Roberts and Cathy Chamberlain, Rick Schneider and Silas Towler, Bill and Jason Gerlack, Leslie Dunn and Mike Hill, Tom Leahy and Peter Southworth, Pat Fain and John Blackmore, Laurie Hansen and Jim Higgins, (OC1)-Peter Alden, David Behany, Ray Gonda, Sheri Larsen, Mike Fullerton, Jack McNight, (K1)-Jay Appleton, Kathy McGrath, Rich Larsen, Alan Rexford, Melanie Israel, Steve Metz, Rick Davis, Tim Marugg, George McIntosh, (Cl)-Bob Schumacher, Rosie Stint

The meeting at the put-in on the Tweed River was somewhat like Grand Central Station, with the crowd, but once the trip was under way everything went smoothly. The weather at the start was a bit cool, but it warmed up, the sky cleared and the wind, although strong, blew on our backs all day. My thanks to Peter Alden and Al Roberts, who each led an open boat group, and to Jay Appleton who led one of the closed boat groups. The water level, partly due to the rain during the training trips the previous day, was close to ideal.

Lunch was on the rocks at the big waves in Gaysville with the entertainment provided by several paddlers, and some swimmers. The most spectacular event was an ME roll (?) by Dave Behany. Although several boats tipped over during the trip, no one was in any difficulty and all finished the trip as planned. The only problem happened when Rosie broke her paddle, used a spare kayak paddle for a while until Bob Schumacher mysteriously produced a spare canoe paddle to save the day. The several new graduates of the whitewater clinic, survivors of the training trips, had a much more pleasant trip today and proved they had learned their lessons well.

George McIntosh

Waits River: April 13, 1985

Participants:

(0C2)-John King and George Agnew, Jim Higgins and Laurie Hansen, John Blackman and Pat Fain, Lenny Carpenter and Sally Spear, Al Roberts and Kathy Chamberlain, Chuck and Charlie Thompson, (DC1)-Steve Gold, Ray Gonda, Mike Fullerton, Peter Alden, David Behany, (K1)-Rosie Powell, Rich Larsen, Melanie Israel, Tom Leahy, (C1)-Dave Boedy

The weather was cool and pleasant, but the water was low. As Rich said, 'six inches higher and it would be scratchy'.

We met in Waits River village at l0 am at the bridge on the small dirt road (at the place where the famous postcard photo of the church and village is taken). The solo boats led in group 1, with the kayaks and the C-1 next, and the tandem boats bringing up the rear. After about a mile of constant rock scraping, the closed and tandem boats decided to take out at the Rt. 25 bridge beyond the village. This group, minus John and Pat, drove over the mountains to the White River and had a pleasant, quieter, and wetter float from below Sharon (at Quarter Mile Rapid) to the bridge at East Hartford. The solo boats continued on down the Waits to Bradford. They found the river quite runnable once they passed the garage at the East Corinth turn-off where a major tributary joins the Waits.

The number to call to check conditions of the Waits for future runs is that of former NVCC members Peter and Sheila Herman, 439-5804.

Charlie Thompson

Waits River: April 13, 1985

Participants:

(OC1)-Ray Gonda, Steve Gold, Peter Alden, Jay Kita, Mike Fullerton, David Behaney

Having started as one of four sub-groups of Charlie Thompson's trip, we were abandoned by the rest of the fleet due to shallow water. Our large solo canoes had little problem dealing with-. the rocks o About 3,5 miles downstream of the Waits River put-in the influx of the Tabor Branch helped considerably, even for tandem canoes. In another 2 miles the South Branch of the Waits swelled the main stem to a very playful level. The rest of the trip was fun with plenty of strong eddies and a few holes for surfing in. A future trip finding low water could put in at East Corinth and take out at the bridge at Bradford for a reasonable 6 or 7 mile scenic trip.

Ray Gonda

Moose River: April 13, 1985

Participants:

(OC1): David Behaney, Ray Gonda

Having concluded the Waits trip David and I drove to St. Johnsbury, and within short order had located a paddler who lived on and was willing to watch the level of the Moose River for future trip. This being accomplished we scouted the most difficult -- the last mile of the river prior to it's juncture with the Passumpsic in downtown St. Johnsbury. After determining it to be an easy class 3 we ended the day with an absolutely delightful run which included several ledges and a 5 foot falls, which David ran dry but over which I collected near a 1/3 boatful of water in my overweight tripper. At higher water this stretch is a solid 3 and possibly 4. The falls become unrunnable at low or high water with open boats, but at high water I think closed boats would find it quite interesting. This stretch is unlike any other river in these parts and is a nice addition to the paddling menu. The falls must be scouted beforehand. At the juncture with the Passumpsic is a very dangerous keeper, which can be avoided by keeping right. It can be scouted from the take-out point.

Ray Gonda

Lower Lamoille: April 14, 1985

Participants:

(0C2)-Rich and Sheri Larsen, George and Linda McIntosh, Laurie Smith and Bill Paley, Barbara Byrn and Jim Merrill, Chuck and Charlie Thompson, Ray Gonda and Peter Wigget, Zoltan Bedo and Gary Godbersen, Jack McKnight and Leigh Rowell, Rich Manahan and Mark Reynolds, Al Stint and Wendy Scott, Kevin Duncan and Cathy Chamberlain, John Blackmore and Ed Farr, Tibor and Ostara Bedo, Steve Dingel and Cuc Huynh, (OC1)-Mike Fullerton, Al Roberts, Dave Behany, (K1)-Margaret McIntosh, Rick Davis, Tom Leahy, Steve Metz, Cathy McGrath, Gil Barber, Val Ugro, Alan Plumb.

Fortunately, the weather was bad in the morning, with rain and 40 degree temperatures. This kept the number of boats to a number that was only somewhat unmanageable. For the trip, however, the weather wasn't too bad. The rain stopped, the river was at a nice 7.5 feet, and the air warmed to 50 degrees. The groups were divided into four groups for safety. The trip was a combination of pleasure and informal instruction, and proceeded with no major mishaps and only a couple of swimmers. Comic relief was provided when the lead group stopped to scout two island rapids without securing their canoes adequately. The wind blew three canoes loose, and only a mad dash into the river prevented the boats from running the drop empty.

Rich Larsen

Upper Lamoille: April 20, 1985

Participants:

Bill Gerlack, Charlie Thompson, Chuck Thompson, Al Stint, George McIntosh, Ray Gonda, Dave Behany, Steve Gold, Rich Larsen, Peter Alden, George Agnew, John King, Lauri Hansen, Jim Higgins, Tom Finland, Eric Schulz, Zoltan Bedo, Rosie Stirt, Len Carpenter, Sally Spear.

This was a great trip with warm sunny weather and a good level. It could have been a foot higher and nobody would have complained, but nobody complained anyway! The new gauges read 2.5 (Greensboro) and 3.25 (Hardwick). There were enough boats to make two groups, 5 solo open canoes, 5 tandem canoes and 6 kayaks. A handful swam, none very far, and one glass boat sustained enough hull damage to force a takeout, but overall the trip was a great success.

Look for levels of about 4 feet at Hardwick and 3.5 feet at Greensboro for a real challenge.

OFFICIAL THANKS TO GEORGE MCINTOSH FOR THE SUNSHINE.

Mike Fullerton

Ammonoosuc River NH: April 27-28, 1985

Participants:

Rich and Sheri Larsen, Peter Alden, David Behany, Al Roberts, Mike Fullerton, Lenny Carpenter, Cathy Chamberlain, John Blackmore, Ray Gonda, Chuck and Charlie Thompson, Jay Appleton, Pat Ezekiel, J. Quitz, Eric Schulz, Cindy Sprague, Jos Coqgeshall, Alan Rexford

This was a weekend of partially fair weather; a bit cool which kept the water level low. The gauge is broken and hard to read but it was about 4 feet on Saturday, 3.2 feet on Sunday.

On Saturday we planned a long (11 mile +) trip to Railroad Rapid (takeout). With a good deal of playing, and some swimming, we finally finished at 6pm. Sunday's trip was shorter, to the Wing Bridge, and we finished at 2:30 and were on our way home by 3pm. This river is a fine technical whitewater run with big waves at high water. Opportunities for playing and finesse are plentiful but it is not for beginners, or a weak party. Spills are to be expected.

Peter Alden

Lower Lamoille: April 28, 1985

Participants:

(K1)-Janet Dufresne, Melanie Israel, Lesley Smith, Kyle Smith, Fred Jordan, Ostara Bedo, Rosie Stirt, Val Uqro, Alan Plumb, Rick Davis, (0C2)- MaryAnne Schmidt and Alan Wildgust, Tibor and Zoltan Dedo, Bill and Jason Gerlack, Linda and George McIntosh, Mark and Brian Reynolds, Tom, Tom Jr., and Nathan Oats

The day started out sunny, but by put-in time the McIntosh weather had gone and we put-in under cloudy skis, the gauge was just a tad under 8 feet, a great level for the group. Today the kayaks outnumbered the canoes with a lot of graduates of the canoe and kayak courses. It's good to see the new paddlers continue with the club. We split into two groups with 5 kayaks and three canoes in each. A few of the kayakers had swims, none of them long, and everyone seemed to enjoy themselves in spite of the clouds. Fortunately, the rain which had been forecast never did arrive.

George McIntosh

New Haven River: April 23 & 24, 1985

Participants:

(OC1): Len Carpenter, Ray Gonda, David Behaney

This river is not frequently run by Cruisers. It is fickle due to rapidly fluctuating flow levels but is a super challenge and an adrenalin pumper at any level. It is only 45 minutes away and is my favorite. Having located a river watcher in Bristol and being ready to go on notice, we did so two evenings in a row. On the first evening much bailing was in order and Len and I nearly got trashed pioneering a new route at the Bristol bridge which required punching through a hole in the middle of the river below a tricky ledge. The next day the river had half the water as the previous day, but the river was a challenge regardless. David loved it. Both at the put-in and takeout points, courtesy gained for us easy access to the river and protection for our parked vehicles from local landowners. The folks I've met in that area are really friendly.

Ray Gonda

Moose River Epic: April 25, 1985

Participants:

OC1: Bill Gerlack, Jay Kita, Ray Gonda; 0C2: Dan Kennedy & Suzette Tixler

All having agreed to depart within a day's notice of a river level readout from the St. Johnsbury contact, we gathered on a Thursday morning at the Richmond Commuter lot under a cloudy sky but with a forecast for milder weather. We initiated the first trip to the Moose River for club members by embarking on the river near Gallup Mills in Victory Bog as far up river as was possible and reasonable. The weather was mild. In the Champlain Valley everything was in spring green-up but up here it was still winter as evidenced by the crusty snow beneath every fir tree. A thin tinkling broken plane of ice was suspended everywhere about a foot over the water, dangling from every available branch or bush. This was to be as nearly a source to mouth epic voyage as possible. The first surprise were the endless meanders through the Bog on good current -- possibly 5 or 6 miles -- an incentive to return in late spring for a wildlife trip. Ducks and cormorants were spotted. Whitetail deer were nearby. Moose tracks were visible. The next surprise was a snow squall as we entered the head of the rapids, which were run with much bailing. The river was quite challenging with a few short class 3 pitches until we reached the flatwater above the route 2 bridge. The river was unquestionably exciting and fun despite the cold. The snow changed to a light drizzle, thence to rain and sleet mixed for nearly the remainder of the trip. Despite the discomfort the river presented us with mile after mile of continuous class 1-2 rapids interspersed with some flat stretches all the way to East St. Johnsbury where we abandoned the trip due to an epidemic of early hypothermia (all except Bill who thoughtfully wore long johns). This left about a mile of river left unrun but we were satisfied. We were shown great hospitality by a local car-dealer in East St. Johnsbury and allowed to change clothes and wait while the local squad car helped us initiate a shuttle. He just happened to be there to our good fortune. We were given free coffee while we waited. By the time we were tying boats onto the cars it was pouring buckets of ice-cold rain. We gathered for dinner at a local spot and relived the day's events with great satisfaction. We agreed that it would make a fantastic trip in warmer weather. We were on the river about 5 hours.

Ray Gonda

Lower Lamoille River: April 30 and May 12, 1985

Participants:

First trip: OC2: Ray Gonda & Kevin Duncan, David Behaney & Joe Desrosiers; K1: Rosie Stirt Second trip: OC2: Ray Gonda & Tibor Bedo, Joanne & Terry Ranney, Bill & Adam Gerlack; 0C1: David Behaney; K1: Cindy Sprague, Ostata Bedo, Rosie Stirt

The first trip was specifically for instruction and was arranged rather impromptu. The river was at a good level (about 8 feet). By driving past the school on a side street in Fairfax we were able to bypass all the flat water and start at the head of the first rapid. This maximized our use of the rapids for learning and gave us 2 good hours of working the rapids before paddling on due to approaching dusk. An easy swim during a peelout in a relatively safe stretch turned into a workshop in self-rescue --- a valuable learning experience that every paddling initiate should go through.

The second trip was a local Sunday trip. Although rain threatened, this hearty band embarked on what was to be a perfect day in the sun with a lot of playing in the rapids. The trip turned into an informal instructional trip (don't they all!). Adam could almost reach over the gunnels giving the appearance that he was wearing the bow of the boat. He and Bill did fine. Cindy provided a lot of encouragement and instruction to Ostara who was paddling the white Beluga again; Tibor reveled in his new skill doing eddy turns and surfing; Joanne and Terry were out for the first time, Rosie surfed all day and David rode shotgun. At the trip's end half the group drove to the Sheldon Springs rapid on the Missisquoi to see what it looked like in low water. What a sight!

Ray Gonda

Huntington River: May 8, 1985

Participants:

(C1): Bob Schumacher, Ray Gonda; (OC1): David Behaney; (K1): Tim Marugg, Anne Chetham-Strode, Rick Davis, George McIntosh, Kathy McGrath, Jay Appleton, Rosie Stirt

Paddling must have been in the spring air this Wednesday afternoon. What started as Bob & Anne & Rick going for a short spin ultimately turned into a procession of boats streaming into the parking lot at the Audubon area. The river was quite low. I wanted to try out Bob's Gyramax; David wanted to try my newly modified tripper. Going from the tripper to the tiny Cl required Tim running escort for me all the way to the gorge. George, who is coming along quite well now in his kayak, was still trying to get the feel of it on this trip. And all had a rocky run!!

Ray Gonda

West River: May 4-5, 1985

Participants:

Rich Larsen, Joan Gardiner, Cathy McGrath, George McIntosh, Margaret McIntosh, Chris Greene, Pat Ezekiel, Greg Johnson, Melanie Israel, Will Perry, Ray Gonda, Dave Behany, Mike Fullerton, Rick Davis, Anne Chetham-Strode, Tim Marugg, Jay Appleton, Al Rexford, Art Allen and Renee Mercalder, Al Roberts and Cathy Chamberlain.

Somehow, on this trip, almost everyone managed to show up with kayaks or solo canoes; there were only two double canoes. The release for this weekend was 2100 cfs for the races. This is equivalent to a reading of 7.5 feet on both the Salmon Hole and Richter scales. Between the high water and the races, a number of boats did not attempt the upper river, which was best described as 'very pushy'. As is usual on the West, the trip broke up into small subgroups on the upper, with some larger trips (10-12 boats) on the lower. For the lower river, the usual takeout at the route 100 bridge was closed. A better spot about a mile down Route 30 was found late on Saturday, after one trip had been made all the way to Townshend Dam. The trip to Townshend should be avoided. Half of the group camped at Jamaica, while the rest stayed at Winhall Brook (free) or returned to Burlington. The weather was generally good, with some sprinkles Sunday morning. A number of boats swam on both lower and upper rivers, but no major problems occurred.

Rich Larsen

Hudson Gorge: May 11, 1985

Participants:

Steve Sease, Carol Naquin, Peter Conlon, Tom Conlon, Peter Alden, Ed Amidon, David Behany, Ray Gonda, Louise McCarren, Chris Micciche

The water was at 4.15 feet (AM reading) and the weather beautiful but a bit chilly. We caught the bubble on the Indian, which was running high as usual. By the time we got to the Hudson, we were behind the peak. However the water held up through the entire trip at a lively level and the trip was basically a piece of cake.

We will run out of water early this year and this probably represents the best water level for this trip.

Peter Alden

Hudson/Schroon Rivers: May 18-19, 1985

Participants:	Alan Roberts, George, Margaret and Linda McIntosh, Dave Behany, Ray Gonda, Cathy Chamberlain, Rich and Sheri Larsen, Mike Fullerton, and on Sunday, Bob Schumacher and Alan Plumb.
Water:	Hudson 5.2 feet, Schroon low

This trip started out in the pouring rain in Burlington, but by the time we reached Riparius, the sky was clearing. The first of two runs down the Hudson was fun and unremarkable. The second was a 'who's on first' routine. Everybody seemed to want to paddle somebody else's boat and confusion reigned until Al Roberts called out 'everybody go and stand by a boat you want to paddle'. When the dust cleared everyone had a 'yak or 'noe and off we went. I made almost 200 yards before dumping the Otter in an eddy! Others also had the honor, but the run was good.

Some camped out, and some opted for hot showers and sheets, but all agreed on supper at Smith's restaurant (serving North Creek since 1924). Sunday found us on the Schroon at the lowest level in a long time. The famous ledge was almost anticlimactic with no huge standing waves and no cruiser-eating hole. At this low level there were more rocks and eddies and I found it more fun than at a 'big wave' level.

Despite cool temperatures, this was a successful trip.

Mike Fullerton

Hudson River: May 25-26, 1985

Participants:

(Day 1 and 2) Rich and Sheri Larsen, Al Roberts, Cathy Chamberlain, Mike Fullerton, (Day 1) Eric Bishop, Chuck and Charlie Thompson, Al Rexford, Jay Appleton, Anne Chetham-Strode, Jots Coggeshall, Tom Leahy, (Day 2) Al Stirt, Peter Alden, Ray Gonda, John King, Chris Greene, Bob Schumacher.

The first day we arrived at Indian River shortly before the dam was closed, drove to the Gooley Club gate, and put in just above the last heavy drop on the Indian. We rode the tail end of the release to the Hudson with only minor mishaps (one canoe and one kayak swam), then paddled the Hudson 'off the bubble'. The natural river level was 3.5 feet at North Creek, the day was mostly sunny, and we had a fine trip down the Hudson in mostly class 3 conditions. We took out at Barton Mill rather than further down on route 28.

The second day we scrambled, got started earlier, and were at the Indian at 9:30 when the dam was opened. Three solo open boats and two closed boats put in at the raft put-in, while the other five open boats put in at the Gooley Club. The Indian was raging with its usual collection of huge waves and holes. A number of boats swamped, but stayed upright, only one swam. We stayed with the bubble onto the Hudson and thru Harris Rift. Although the natural level was 3.4, the bubble moves the water into the 4.2 - 4.4 range. The higher volume made the river much more difficult and also more interesting. One boat swam Staircase, another the sharp drop below Staircase, and another Harris Rift. Again, many boats swamped but stayed upright, and there were no major problems. The only dangerous situation was a raft customer who was trapped in the recirculating hole at the top of Staircase for the better part of a minute, until he was towed out by the 'NVCC Rescue Service'.

To the best of our knowledge, this was the first NVCC trip in which a tandem female crew, Sheri Larsen and Cathy Chamberlain, successfully ran the Gorge. They took on a lot of water, as did many others, but never swam.

Rich Larsen

Lower Lamoille : May 2,8,14,23, and 30, 1985

A number of evening trips were held on the Lower Lamoille in May. All trips were advertised as 'meet at 4:45', but the actual meeting was usually 5 pm. Typically, 4-10 boats showed up for the trips. For 5/2, 5/8, and 5/14, the reading was always near 7.5 feet, a good level for the inexperienced boaters who were brought on some trips; by 5/23 the river finally dropped to 6.5 feet, getting toward the 'too low' side. In general, these are good playing and training trips. There were usually no swimmers until we got to Five Chutes, where experimentation with new strokes would sometimes go awry.

Rich Larsen, Al Roberts

Where Are You Going This Summer?

Have you ever wondered if you should send a trip report of your non-club canoe camping trip to the Bow and Stern? Well, wonder no longer. The Bow & Stern welcomes your reports.

The following guidelines are given for your consideration. Please try to include information which will help others who are considering a similar trip. Names and addresses of people you contacted to get information to help you plan your trip, availability and quality of campsites, directions to the put-in, if appropriate, are some of the useful information you might include. The body of the report should be limited to about 500 words since the Bow & Stern is a small newsletter and there is not room for multi page reports.

Once again, let me encourage you to send trip reports of your personal trips to the Bow & Stern.

Skilled Slalomists Steal Show Cruiser Kayakers Crush Competition

The crowds were thrilled by members of the NVCC at New England slalom races this year. The spectacle of competing Cruisers was a highlight of the whitewater season.

Slalom races are classified by difficulty. The decked boat races held in rapids like the Dumplings on the West River were among the most difficult, requiring superb skill and control just to get through the course. Other races are open to both open and decked boats and while challenging, are not as intimidating. Most races of this type encourage participation by beginning racers, and often have novice or cruising classes. This was the first year of the New England Cup, a series of easier slaloms, which counted toward a regional championship for recreational racers.

The Cruiser Competition Contingent who attended two or more races consisted of Jay Appleton, Anne Chetham-Strode, Pat Ezekiel, Greg Johnson, Tim Marugg, Alan Rexford, and Cindy Sprague. The first race in the NE Cup series was the Blackwater, in Webster, NH. The Cruisers enjoyed the small, rocky course and did well in their first race: Jay, Greg, and Alan were 5th, 6th, and 7th in K-1, and Anne was second in K-1W.

The Burlington Slalom was the next race in the Series. Sponsored by Mad River Canoe and Canoe Imports, the Burlington was held on the Mad River and was well attended by the Cruisers. Jay held second in K-1 by one second over Tim Marugg, with Alan, Greg, and Brian Truax pushing hard. Cindy Sprague was second in K-lW and Anne third. In their first race, Pat Ezekiel and Cathy McGrath were 5th and 6th. Alan Plumb was third in C-1. NVCC members participated in the clinic given by John Berry, Jan Palmer, and Keech and Ann LeClair, but no canoeists from the Club raced. We missed you open boaters; hope to see you next year.

At the West River, the competition was fierce, Anne was 6th, and Tim was the highest placed K-1 in 7th. A small group next attended the Westminster Slalom in Tarriffville Gorge, CT, organized by US Team coach Ken Stone. Dealing with ledges, holes, and pushy water, the Cruisers placed well against fast juniors and experienced seniors.

The final race in the New England Cup was also in Tarriffville Gorge, but with an easier course and lower water. The C.C.R.A. was a popular race, with many entrants in all classes. Anne came in a close second in K-lW, and the author's debut resulted in a fourth.

In the Cup Series, Jay Appleton was third in K-1, and Anne was second in K-1W, an excellent season. The next race in the region is at the Androscoggin on August 3-4. This is an excellent race for both open and decked boats, and one which beginners can try. You can camp right there, the weather is warm, there is time for lots of practice, you'll not only be a better paddler as a result of trying to get through the gates, but you'll have fun!

Congratulations to everyone who raced--you all won!

Rick Davis

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*                                                              *
*                      HAVE YOU GOT YOUR                       *
*                                                              *
*                        CANOE CRUISER                         *
*                                                              *
*                           T SHIRT?                           *
*                                                              *
*                  THERE ARE STILL A FEW LEFT!                 *
*                                                              *
*                  CALL MARY LAVIGNE, 879-0354                 *
*                                                              *
*                 THE PRICE IS STILL ONLY $7.O0!               *
*                                                              *
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1985 Summer Events Schedule

Date	Trip	Leader	Telephone	Class
June 22-23 Sat-Sun	Androscoggin NH	George McIntosh	879-6076	Whitewater II
June 30 Sun	Lower White River	George McIntosh	879-6076	Quickwater
July 6-7 Sat-Sun	Canadian Rivers	Tim Marugg	879-0813	Whitewater IV
July 13-14 Sat-Sun	Magalloway R. & Umbagog Lake ME/NH	Ray Gonda	862-6164	Quickwater
July 20 Sat	Lower Sacandaga R., NY	Rich Larsen	878-6828	Tubing Trip
July 21 Sun	Winooski River	Charlie Thompson	878-2536	Quickwater
July 20-21 Sat-Sun	Hudson Gorge NY	Ray Gonda	862-6164	Whitewater II
July 27-28 Sat-Sun	Dead River ME	Mike Fullerton	456-8701	Whitewater III
Aug 3-4 Sat-Sun	St. Regis Canoe Area NY	Mike Fullerton	456-8701	Flatwater
Aug 24-25 Sat-Sun	Stillwater Reservoir NY	Ray Gonda	862-6164	Flatwater
Aug 31-Sept 2 Sat-Mon	Dead River ME	Al Roberts	878-3187	Whitewater III
Sept 7-8 Sat-Sun	St. Regis Canoe Area NY	Ray Gonda	862-6164	Flatwater
Sept 14-15 Sat-Sun	Lake Lila NY	Ray Gonda	862-6164	Flatwater
Sept 21-22 Sat-Sun	Androscoggin River NH	Al Roberts	878-3187	Whitewater II
Sept 28 Sat	Green River Reservoir	Ray Gonda	862-6164	Flatwater
Sept 29 Sun	Local Fall Foliage Trip	Charlie Thompson	878-2536	Flatwater
Oct 5-6 Sat-Sun	West River Fall Release	Rich Larsen	878-6828	Whitewater II & III
Oct 12-13 Sat-Sun	Canadian Missisquoi R	Ray Gonda	862-6164	Quickwater

GENERAL COMMENTS

1. MIKE FULLERTON WILL LEAD ADDITIONAL DEAD RIVER TRIPS IN JULY AND AUGUST IF SUFFICIENT INTEREST.
2. RICK DAVIS IS ORGANIZING A SOUTHERN RIVERS TRIP FOR OCTOBER 6-1l.
3. HUDSON FALL RELEASE MAY OCCUR IN LATE SEPTEMBER AND EARLY OCTOBER.
4. THERE IS INTEREST IN FORMING THE 'POLAR PADDLERS' GROUP, QUALIFY BY JOINING A CLUB TRIP IN NOV, DEC, JAN, AND FEB. CONTACT CHARLIE THOMPSON (878-2536)
5. CONTACT TIM MARUGG (879-0813) FOR SUMMER KAYAK TRIPS
6. CONTACT CHARLIE THOMPSON FOR WEEKDAY EVENING TRIPS ON THE LOWER LAMOILLE.

NOTE ABOUT SUMMER/FALL FLATWATER TRIPS - RAY GONDA

FOR THESE TRIPS, I WOULD EXPECT JUST A FEW BOATS TO BE INTERESTED. THE TRIPS WERE SELECTED ON THE BASIS OF BEING THE MOST BEAUTIFUL PLACES I'VE BEEN AND WILL NEARLY ALL BE CAMPING TRIPS, SOME OF THEM 2-NIGHTERS. THE GORGE TRIP WILL G0 ONLY IF THE WATER LEVEL IS SUFFICIENTLY LOW (REALLY LOW!). THE TRIPS WILL ALL BE FOR LEISURELY OUTDOORS & WILDLIFE ENJOYMENT AND EXPLORATION OF THE SURROUNDINGS. REGARDLESS OF FUTURE INTEREST EXPRESSED IN THEM, I AM COMMITTED TO THEM FOR MY OWN ENJOYMENT.

June 1985 Cruisers Roster

last updated May 21, 1985

NAME	TOWN	PHONE
AGNEW, GEORGE & BARBARA ALDEN,PETER & SUE ALLEN, ARTIE ALLEN, FULLER & PEG ALLEN, RICHARD & LUCILLE AMIDON, ED ANDERSON, LARRY & MARGERY ANDRES, GERHARD & WALLACE, MARLENE APPLETON, JAY ARMSTRONG, MICHAEL & DOROTHY BARKER, BOB BARLOW, GILL & DEB BEDO, TIBOR & OSTARA BEHANY, DAVID BEMIS, LAURA BISHOP, ERIC BLACKMORE, JOHN BOEDY, DAVID BORDEN, TERRI BOYE, CAROL CABELL, NORTON & HOLLY CALLAN, VIRGINIA & RICHARDSON, C. CARPENTER, LEONARD CARRIGAN, JOHN & LINDA CHAMBERLAIN, CATHY CHAMBERS, CAROLYN CHETHAM-STRODE, ANNE & DAVIS,RICK CLARKSON, BRENDA CONLON, TOM & MUFFY CROWE, BILL CUTLER, CRIS DAWSON, JAMES C. & CAROLINE DEERY, MARY DESILETS, MAURICE & CONNIE DESROSIERS, JOSEPH & RHONDA DEWS, ELIZABETH / BORDON, THERESA DINGLE, STEVE & HUYNH, CUC DODDS, ROBERT & MELINDA DUBEY, DOTTIE DUFRESNE, JANET DUNCAN, KEVIN & TRICIA DURKIN, BOB & ALICE EZEKIEL, PAT FARR, PATRICIA FINNEY, HENRY & HELEN FOELL, CHUCK & JOANNE FOELL, WAYNE FRESE, DAN & KATHY FROST, JR. ROBERT FROST, ROBERT & LAURA FULLERTON, MICHAEL FYLES, TOM GALLAGHER, MAC & DIANE GARRISON, VIRGINIA GERLACK, BILL & PAULA G OLD,STEVE & MARKOV,IRINA GONDA, RAY GREENE, CHRISTOPHER GROOM, JAMES & CAROL HACKETT, LYNN HANSEN, HOWARD & MACKENZIE, JOAN HARRINGTON, LANCE HENRY, JIM & KAY HIGGINS, JIM HILLMAN, BARB ISRAEL, MELANIE JETTE, RICHARD JOHNSON, GREG JOHNSON, RAYMOND & LOLA JORDAN, FRED KAPLAN, MARK & JUDY KASTNER, TOM KEENAN, DAVID KINAMAN , RUSSELL & LILO KING, JOHN KOHN, JOHN LACLAIRE, LARRY & DIANE LANGDON, JIM & MARSHA LANPHER, HOOPIE LARSEN, RICHARD & SHERI LAVIGNE, MARY LAVOIE, NORM & ELAINE LEAHY, THOMAS LEITENBURG, HAROLD LOEWEN ,JAMES MANAHAN, RICK MARUGG, TIMOTHY MCGRATH, KATHLEEN MCINTOSH, GEORGE & MARGARET MCKNIGHT, JACK METZ, STEVE MORSE, DAVID & ELINOR MCCARREN, LOUISE NUQUIST, ANDREW O'BRIEN, KATHLEEN PARRIS, SANDE PETERSON, DANIEL & DIANNE PLUMB, GEORGE & DORIS PLUMB, ALAN RANNEY, TERRY & JOANNE REXFORD, ALAN REYNOLDS, BOB REYNOLDS, MARC ROBERTS, ALAN ROCQUE, ROGER ROSE, CORINA RYAN, CHARLIE SCHNECK, JOHN & BONNIE SCHNEIDER, BETSY SCHNEIDER, RICK SCHULLTHEIS, ARNOLD SCHUMACHER, BOB & BARB SCHUSTER, GLENN SCHNEIKER, ROIOLI SCOTT, WENDY SIMMONS, JOHN SMITH, CLYDE SMITH, LESLEY & ELLIOTT SONNTAG, PAUL SQUIRES, ANDY & CARLENE STIRT, ALAN SUCHMAN, HYMAN & PAT SUCHMAN, NANCY & VICTOR, KEN THOMPSON, CHARLES & MARION THOMPSON, CLEMENT THOMSON, LARRY TRENT, PHILIP TRUAX, BRIAN & KATHY TRUDELL, DICK & KAY TSAO, FRANK UNGER, GARY & LINDA VANGRABER, JOHN & GLORIA WALKER, RACHEL WALSH, FRANK & ELIZABETH WALTHER, LYNNE WATTLES, LAURIE WEINBERG, DONALD & SIIRO, MERLE WELTIN, EUGENE & ELIZABETH WIGGETT, PETER WILDGUST, ALLON	HINESBURG, VT BURLINGTON, VT QUAKER HILL, CT PLATTSBURG, NY ESSEX JUNCTION, VT CHARLOTTE, VT KILLINGTON, VT MORETOWN, VT WILLISTON, VT ESSEX JCT, VT ST. ALBANS, VT CHARLOTTE, VT RICHMOND, VT SO. BURLINGTON, VT MILTON VT SOUTH BURLINGTON, VT MONTPELIER, VT BURLINGTON, VT BURLINGTON, VT JERICHO, VT HANOVER, NH E. MONTPELIER, VT ESSEX JCT, VT ESSEX JUNCTION, VT SO. BURLINGTON, VT WINOOSKI, VT S. BURLINGTON, VT EAST CALAIS, VT MONTPELIER, VT UNDERHILL CENTER, VT ESSEX JCT, VT PERU, NY COLCHESTER, VT ESSEX JUNCTION, VT MILTON, VT FAIRFAX, VT JERICHO, VT ESSEX JCT. VT STRAFFORD, VT SO. BURLINGTON, VT MILTON, VT WATERBURY CENTER, VT BURLINGTON, VT MONTPELIER, VT BURLINGTON, VT BURLINGTON, VT ESSEX JCT., VT ORFORD, NH ESSEX JCT., VT ESSEX JCT., VT EAST CALAIS RICHMOND VT BURLINGTON, VT MORETONN, VT WESTFORD, VT MONTPELIER, VT SO BURLINGTON, VT SO. BURLINGTON, VT WARREN, VT BURLINGTON , VT UNDERHILL, VT BURLINGTON, VT WAITSFIELD, VT CAMBRIDGE, VT ESSEX JCT., VT BURLINGTON, VT ST. ALBANS, VT WILLISTON, VT CHAZY, NY MONTPELIER, VT BURLINGTON, VT MARSHFIELD, VT ESSEX JUNCTION, VT ESSEX JUNCTION VT SO. BURLINGTON, VT BURLINGTON, VT  HYDE PARK, VT JERICHO, VT E. CALAIS, VT ESSEX JCT., VT ESSEX JUNCTION, VT SO. BURLINGTON, VT WILLISTON, VT BURLINGTON, VT SO. BURLINGTON, VT ST. ALBANS, VT ESSEX JUNCTION, VT RICHMOND, VT ESSEX JUNCTION, VT SO. BURLINGTON, VT SHELBURNE, VT MONTPELIER, VT BURLINGTON, VT MONTPELIER, VT ESSEX JCT., VT MORETOWN, VT MONTPELIER, VT WASHINGTON, VT JEFFERSONVILLE, VT RICHMOND, VT MONTPELIER, VT BRISTOL, VT ST. ALBANS, VT COLCHESTER, VT RUTLAND, VT BURLINGTON, VT ST. ALBANS, VT MILTON, VT BRISTOL, VT BRISTOL, VT SWANTON, VT SHELBURNE, VT ESSEX JCT., VT CONCORD, NH BURLINGTON, VT POUGHKEEPSIE, NY WESTPORT, NY WARREN, VT ESSEX JUNCTION, VI RICHMOND, VT ENOSBURG FALLS, VT STARKSBORO, VT BURLINGTON, VT COLCHESTER, VT SHELBURNE, VT RICHMOND, VT BURLINGTON, VT RICHMOND, VT WINOOSKI, VT SHELBURNE, VT STARKSBORO, VT SO. BURLINGTON, VT MONTPELIER, VT POUGHKEEPSIE, NY BURLINGTON, VT ESSEX JUNCTION, VT BURLINGTON, VT ESSEX JUNCTION, VT BURLINGTON, VT FORESTDATE, VT	482-2005 863-6585 518-561-5317 878-3853 425-2375 775-4508 496-4191 879-6079 879-0574   425-2674 434-2865 819-6740 658-5874 223-6936 862-3383 864-9040 899-3990 643-8561 223-3174 899-3668 878-8828 863-3067 655-0108 658-9361 456-7047 223-7347 899-2469 879-1755 518-643-9289 879-7364 893-2645 849-6594 899-3238 879-1184 765-4507 658-6607 893-7963 244-8626 864-9217 223-6936 862-2000 878-4144 603-785-4332 879-1713 879-1713 456-8701 434-3236 658-3874 244-7545 879-0979 229-0028 862-6164 862-0214 496-3926 964-6563 899-3067 863-8493   899-3687 524-4463   518-846-8234 223-3935 863-3965 456-7030 878-4694 879-6666 863-6429 863-3057 253-9886 879-0800 878-6828 879-0354 863-5456 879-1822 658-4922 659-1768 524-5847 879-0813 434-2532 879-6076 862-0395     223-2550 878-5390 496-4257 229-5040 883-2313 849-6558 434-3233   453-2938 524-3811 878-3187 775-7276 658-3376 524-9062 893-7706 453-4631   985-2992 878-8437   862-3830     496-5236 879-4657 434-2533 933-2125 453-4824 862-1846 878-2536 985-2615 434-3454   434-4086 655-3554 985-3809 453-3980 862-0569 223-6584   864-5042 878-8019 658-4364 878-5061 863-0231