Wilder, VT (USA)

Felt pretty sore today after the big climb yesterday but didn’t want to take a break since the weather was awesome again.  After some shopping in West Lebanon, I decided to continue my exploration of the Vermont side of the Connecticut River.  The goal this time: searching for kayak launch sites off US-5 in Hartford, Wilder and Norwich.  The area I explored was directly across the river from me (equivalent to following NH-10 between Hanover and West Lebanon) and I’d heard there were good put-in spots there, especially near the Wilder Dam.  Along the way, I found some new stores (they had a “Cumbies”!) and several farms/markets.  Unlike the NH side, there is a busy railroad track in VT and this made even getting to the River more challenging.  Eventually, I found a cool place called Kilowatt Park - they had walking trails, picnic areas, a dog park, a huge hydro-plant, fishing spots and easy places to launch.  Across the river, I could see the parking area for the Boston Lot - as the crow flies, I was very near my condo.  I spent about 1.5 hours in the area, exploring and talking to local people (friendly as always).  I found some evidence that NH “owns” the Connecticut River: there was a marker on the VT side that noted the NH-VT border (placed there by order of the US Supreme Court, apparently).  The weather was so nice - lots of sun, warm temps, no wind and no bugs.  Left feeling better in body & spirit.  After several months of searching for kayaking spots, I’m really going to be in business, paddling-wise, in 2021!