With winds blowing at 100+ mph in the White Mountains and wet weather covering the Seacoast, I wasn’t sure if I should try to do something outside today. Several days earlier, I’d coordinated for a kayak-shuttle from a friend and, after looking out the window early this morning, I decided to carry through with my plans. I was up early, took care of cleanup at my condo and left home at around 0915. To reach my kayak-end-point, I used I-89, I-91, VT-12, NH-103 and NH-12A. At 0845, I parked at Ashley Boat Access (four miles west of Claremont). Herman arrived a short time later and he drove me (via NH-12A) back to the Cornish Boat Launch. I was able to start kayaking by 0920 from just above the Windsor-Cornish Covered Bridge and covered a total of 10 miles of the Connecticut River in just under three hours. My paddle included side tours into some small tributaries, including the Sugar River. I saw another bald eagle, lots of pretty riverfront homes, camping families at Willis State Park (VT), speedboat fishermen and Mount Ascutney from many angles. The current was quite strong and, even if I hadn’t been paddling, I would still have made great time to my car. Sky was overcast and temps were in the low 60s. Only had to contend with a breeze (stiff at times) and a lot of shallow water (hidden sandbars) but never felt nervous about the conditions. After getting done (1210), I headed towards home via NH-12A and Ferry Crossing Hill Road (detour to try to get a Maple Creamie at Mac's Maple but they were too busy). On the way, I passed the section of river I did last month (WRJ to Cornish) - the water levers were down significantly! Seems like my adventure that day, complete with unplanned ride over Sumner Falls, would have been *completely* different this morning: shallow, narrow, rocky... I arrived at my condo by 1330 and spent some time relaxing and cleaning before heading to Mass (1600) at Sacred Heart. Afterwards, I helped to set up for the Fall Festival - went home at 1800. Tonight, I figured out that this kayaking session puts me over 40 miles of the CT for 2023!
