Wednesday, September 16, 2020

White River Junction, VT (USA)

I got done with work a bit early today and, even though it was pretty rainy, I decided I'd try (again) to find some new places where I could launch my kayak.  This time, I started much closer to home, looking at places near the Wilder Dam and at River Park in West Lebanon.  They appeared to have a bit of promise but I wondered if there might be something better on the other side of the river.  So I crossed into White River Junction (using Maple Street) and looked around near/under bridges on both sides of the White River.  Seemed like there might be some promising spots but I wasn't completely sure (no obvious parking signs).  I drove up the White River for a few miles on Mill Road and looked for launches off US-4 (no real luck).  Used the VA Cutoff Bridge (it was finally open for car traffic) and got on VT-14 (headed south).  I did find a promising location - the Watson Upper Valley Dog Park - that could be useful for kayaking.  Throughout the day, I saw people in the river (paddling) but I have no idea where they launched.  Just like my other exploratory trips in the area, I finished my search with some disappointment.  I suppose I shouldn't be too upset - on most Recce trips recently, it was so rainy I'd never have been able to get any paddling time.  Somehow, someday, I'll figure out how to kayak at will in my new home!