December 8, 2007

Last trip of the year?

Despite fabulous, sunny weather in the high 30's, today's trip was cut short by a river full of ice. Fortunately, I was able to cover an irritating stretch of the river that has several rapids and shallow spots.

More to come...

November 22, 2007 - Medfield & Millis (Causeway Street to Forest Road)

Start: Causeway Street, Medfield (Stop River, a Charles River Tributary)

Finish: Forest Road, Millis (near the end of Causeway Street, Medfield)

http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=1480774

Mileage: about 3.1 miles
Temperature: 62 F

Notes: Thanksgiving Day. Passed a red hunting lodge. One spot with rapids where I had to use my hands tp push through, no issues going back. Beautiful stretch of marshy land, not too many houses in view...quite mysterious.

November 24, 2007 - Millis (Forest Road to Turner Street)

Start: Forest Road, Millis (near the end of Causeway Street, Medfield)
Parking: Well maintained Army Corps of Engineers parking lot for several cars; gated, probably closed at night.
http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=1474676

Finish: Intersection of Turner Street and Pleasant/Dean Street, Millis
http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=1474680

River mileage: about 2.7 miles
Time upriver: 70 minutes
Time downriver: 50 minutes

Temperature: 28 F


Notes: Passed Cedariver, a Trustees of Reservation property: http://www.thetrustees.org/pages/35102_cedariver_formerly_baker_reservation_.cfm.

The rest of the land on the northern bank was posted with “No Trespassing” signs due to hunting/firing ranges. Heard frequent gun shots throughout the afternoon.

At one point got caught in some rocks and pushed through with my hands. Water was so cold I got maybe two pushes before needing a break. Spray from my paddle was freezing on surface of the kayak.

Hit Norfolk Road, Millis road crossing and had to drag the kayak out on the southern bank (no problem going downstream, though). Near 2nd road crossing saw on northern shore a little dock and bbq/picnic spot, looked sort-of like a do-it-yourself yacht club.

Best place to get out is the southern shore.