This morning, I went to Mass in Lebanon (0800) and then went to UVAC in White River Junction for a workout (45 minutes swimming, 60 minutes with rowing and reclining bike). When I was finished, I drove back across the Connecticut River and headed south on NH-12A until I reached the Blood's Brook Boat Launch, located near the Plainfield town line. I'd visited before and the location seemed promising. While I was able to paddle for over an hour (both up and downstream), this launch provides little in the way of ease or strategic logistics. Instead, I was treated to the toughest currents and rockiest going on the Connecticut I’ve seen yet! At one point, I was paddling as hard as I could but still going downstream - when I noticed my lateral drift towards even worse rapids, I gave up and turned downstream. Later, I had to fight a heavy wind to get back onshore. Whew! Highlight of the day was reaching a cobble stone beach and getting to watch several raptors, including a bald eagle, fishing among the rocky rapids. Also got to wave to “The Vermonter” as it passed on its way south. Lowlight: seeing the evidence of a growing “Mount Trashmore” that overlooks the river. Finished by 1430 and headed home. Overall, I’m not regretting this attempt to kayak but I’m going to have to get more creative (shuttle for longer downstream distance?) to resume my paddling to the south of Lebanon...
