"Paddle the Border" day! After canoeing with my friend, Jared, during the Fall edition of this event in 2023, I was excited to join the Spring iteration in 2024. I got up early and left my condo by 0830. Drove to Bradford (via I-91) - listening to audiobooks on the way - and arrived at Jared's house at 0915. We immediately loaded his new tandem kayak on the roof of his car and then drove from his house (north on US-5) to Wells River. We then crossed the Connecticut River and drove (via the River Road near the bridge) to a launch point in Woodsville. After we unleaded the kayak, Jared drove to Bedell Bridge State Park. It took him quite a while to get back (via the free bus) but we were able to launch by 1125. This time, we dropped into the fast-running waters at the Woodsville Community Field and got out again at Bedell Bridge State Park. Most of today’s section of the Connecticut River (VT/NH Border) was new to me. For nearly three hours, we paddled (along with about 70 other boats) the 14 miles of river in Jared’s new (since yesterday) tandem kayak. It was overcast but pleasant (high 50s) and we took our time. Talked with some folks who had brought foldable kayaks, a manager of a local water adventure company, a teacher who was paddling in a canoe built by his students and the coordinator of Paddle the Border for 21 Seasons. Visual highlights included ospreys in their nest, a stealthy bald eagle, Canada Geese families, folks fishing from their farms and distant/inviting peaks. Along the way, we caught up to folks who’d left the landing an hour before us - although we got passed by speed demons in their Epic kayaks. Finished our fun by enjoying some burgers and corn on the cob at Bedell Bridge (starting at 1410) and listening to some good mountain music. Afterwards, Jared drove me back (by reversing our route from the morning). I visited with him for a little (after putting away the kayak) before I departed for home (1530). I used US-5 and VT/NH-25 to cross the Connecticut River again and then got on NH-10 and used it to reach Orford. For a lot of this drive, I was following slow traffic (annoyed a Massh*le). Eventually, I was able to get on River Road, which had less traffic, and drove towards Lyme. Before the covered bridge, I somehow annoyed a man mowing his lawn "for going too fast" but I don't think I really was. In any case, I had no other issues reaching NH-10 on the north end of Hanover. I did see two town police speed traps before I reached my condo (just after 1600). I’ve now paddled 70+ miles of Connecticut River - what a great day on the water!
