Brattleboro Kayaking

A quad of GOers from the far flung corners of New England assembled outside the kayak rental facility hoping for the rest of those who registered to join us.  A very cute 27 y.o. attendant arrived to open the business, having just relocated from Michigan.  With overcast skies and spitting rain, we sat in a car wondering about our options.  A museum?  Shopping? What else is going on in the area? 

At 11:05, Richard discovered that a message had been sent 20 minutes earlier. "Rain cancelled the trip".  After a brief counsel, considering we had traveled considerable distances: Dave had driven from Augusta, ME; Richard and Michael, from Connecticut; and I, from Boston, we decided to embrace the elements and launch.  And glad we did!

The water was clear allowing us to see to the bottom of the river.  Temps were moderate. For the most part the rain held off...just a few sprinkles.  We paddled up stream until the depth prevented further exploration. Rock River with its accompanying naturist scenes would have to wait. At that point several artful cairns were scattered about the bed of the river.

We headed back to the launch, exploring the width of the meadows, around islands seeking the confluence of the mighty Connecticut River.  Before we arrived, we were graced by a snowy egret and a great blue heron, both of which entertained us with their wide wing spans as they took flight.

We ventured into the Connecticut River and discovered it to be considerably warmer that the West River. I crossed it to piss on the NH side, gather a purple loostrife blossom and than return.

We met up at Top of the Hill Grill for a BBQ lunch with a view of the river and meadows below. A lesson learned!  Unless the weather is dangerous, best not to cancel.  Most often inspite of weather an outdoor venture is a rewarding experience.  And with a little challenge makes for an interesting story and memory.

I will host a kayak outing on the Retreat Meadows/ West River.  Kayaks can be rented at Vt Canoe Touring Center on Putney Road which will also be the meeting place.  This delightful event takes in the beauty of the Meadows and the river wetlands, and is relaxing and fun.  We normally paddle upstream where there is a nice private swimming spot. Which always gts out appetites going so we go out to lunch at a BBQ place that sits way atop a hill overlooking the area we just kayaked!