The Connecticut River has been affected by flooding in northern VT and NH multiple times during the last two summers. In 2023, the result was high/fast water and I managed to log some good paddling in those conditions. This year, however, the release of wastewater and other debris made kayaking in the river much less desirable. Unfortunately, I had to cancel a four day kayak/camp last month and wasn’t sure when/if I could get out there again. Today seemed like a good day to resume my efforts. In the morning, I did chores around the house before departing for West Lebanon for some errands (done by 0945). Afterwards, I drove across the Connecticut River and took I-91 south (listening to audiobooks on the way) to VT-103 after driving east for a bit, I located a parking spot at Herricks Cove. The river in this area was actually more of a lake that continued south to Bellows Falls). I found the conditions to be poor to fair. Right where I began (near the mouth of the Williams River), the water was quite sludgy looking... I did notice a LOT of bigger fish jumping out of the water (I assume to eat bugs) so maybe the water isn’t polluted any more. Between 1100 and 1345, I paddled upriver four miles to the Charleston Boat Launch and back (8 miles total) and had the river mostly to myself (saw two fishing boats but they cleared the area when I arrived). Started with temps in high 70s (overcast) and finished with high 80s (bluebird sky & puffy clouds). Encountered a bald eagle, pairs of herons, several species of ducks and MANY of flocks of Canadian Geese. Disturbingly, they were all headed south - uh oh (wonder if they know something we humans don’t)... Final assessment - I definitely wouldn’t swim in the CR - hope it clears up soon. Glad to have a chance to take Tequila Sunrise out for another adventure! Afterwards, I checked out the island and found there were lots of picnic areas. Next, I headed north on I-91 and got off the highway at Windsor. Using US-5, I drove to the SILO Distillery and sampled some of their tasty spirits (1430 to 1545). Tried two Vodkas infused with a different type of produce (Cucumber and Strawberry) from Edgewater Farms and a delicious Maple Whiskey. Also tried one of the cocktails (with ginger beer) made from the latter - delicious! For most of my visit, there wasn’t anyone else in the distillery except the bartender (a nice lady named Jamie). Meanwhile, outside the distillery, there was much more activity: a wedding, lots of kayakers departing downriver and some rowdy folks near the Harpoon Brewery. The only time it got "busy" at the SILO was when a family from Rhode Island arrived to look inside - they left soon afterwards, though. After experiencing such a great pit stop, I headed back towards I-91 and drove north - made it home by 1630. Glad to have been able to sample some more Upper Valley experiences today!
