(Mile 18.4 to 20.6) Medway and Norfolk after heavy rain (March 9, 2008)

When: Sunday, March 9, 2008

Where: Medway/Norfolk/Franklin area

Start: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=1697839
End: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=1697842

Complete route: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=1697854

Weather: Sunny and windy, in the mid 40's.

Recap: The prior day saw very heavy rains, and today the river was swollen with water, making the upstream paddle fairly strenuous, especially upstream of Populatic Pond. Populatic is a neat oasis...you won't see this much open water on the Charles downstream until South End Pond http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=1697862 on the Millis/Sherborn border.

With the high water, the winding channels upstream of Populatic lost their shape...closer to the end of the paddle, the current was extremely fast and among the most challenging I've faced. After turning back downstream, the fast current was awesome to follow, and the trip back was quick and fun.

Kayaking after a heavy rain in March (Charles River)

Kayak in icy waters (Charles River) Dedham Loop (VIDEO)

Cochrane Dam and snow squall (video)

(Mile 44.5 to 47.5) Cochrane Dam and snow squall (February 10, 2008)

Distance: 3.6 miles

Start: Cochrane Dam, Dover/Needham border

Finish: Near intersection of Dedham Ave/West Street/South Street in Needham.

See route: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=1645828

Notes: A cold, clear & sunny day...with occasional snow squalls. Started just below Cochrane Dam. There is parking for a few cars on Willow Street in Dover right by the intersection of Willow and Mill Street.

Due to the recent rain and snow melt, the river current was very fast. Paddling downstream was often necessary just to stay on a straight line. When I turned back upstream, it was over 3 miles of hard, hard paddling...arms were quite tired at end of day.

Although not necessary, paddling upstream to the base of the dam is a lot of fun, and I've heard this is a popular local spot for whitewater kayakers to practice.

(Mile 37.8 to 39.0) South Natick Falls in the winter

A few moments from the bottom of the South Natick Falls (Charles River) on January 21st. Followed briefly by a fighter jet getting back from the Patriots AFC championship game against the Chargers.

Goose slips on ice