The Moose River
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Report and Images
Kim Wojnowicz
It was spectacular! One awesome view after another as the sprinkling diminished. The swift current carried us along at a brisk pace on the straight-aways and around the curve, after curve after curve after... Did I mention that there were a few turns on this waterway; double, maybe triple, what was scribbled on the map. S~c~r~i~b~b~l~e~. Several of us watched a demonstration the day before that detailed exactly how we should be using those core muscles and feet as we paddle. Those who paid attention and used the technique, got a great abdominal workout. One bearded veteran tried a bit too hard to catch that edge during a turn and took a brief bath. The water was a mere 55 degrees. Very brief bath! The wind kept us from feeling that high 70 degree temperature. It also gave us a bright red glow on our cheeks at the end of the day. Free & natural makeup.
Then the rumbling began. The storm was supposed to hold off until much later. We were barely half way thorough the 13.6 mile trek. We skipped lunch on the "beach" and paddled a tad faster. The rains came. We were no longer just damp. The noise that began on the other side of Bald Mt came closer. Truth be known: It trailed Gene & Tish from Baldwinsville and THEY had a more accurate prediction of when the sky would produce the surround sound and bright lights. Maybe you should get the weatherperson's paycheck for that day! People paddled faster & spread out in groups. We re-grouped a bit when we came to a fork ( 3 -pronged) in the river to decide which way to go. Kevin said he always follows the swiftest current. So, that left us with a choice of 2 ways to go instead of 3. Rick looked around the corner a bit then eany- meany-miny-moe, let's just go. It was a good choice. We saw the take-out for portage after just a couple of squiggles.
Ahh, the portage. The portage is there because there are rapids. Yes, you need to paddle a lot as you wait your turn so you can stay in sight of the narrow take-out and not be sucked into the stronger current... and the rapids. The white water lured the canoeist. Cindy asked him if it was a class 1 ( a little rough), or class 2 trip ( a little rougher, rockier, few drops). He said it was a class 5 ... at risk of life and limb - (whitewater, large waves, large rocks and hazards, drop, precise maneuvering!)
Back to the portage - for many, the wheels didn't work well over the rocks and roots, branches and muck. Wheels were shuttled anyway, you never know (THANKS, GUYS!!!). The wooden bridge was obviously NOT Luber-built. Boards covered the holes and it was creaky. We teamed up to help each other carry kayaks, and some found it was more efficient to just swing the darn thing over the shoulder. And on the other side was a lovely launch area. You didn't believe that, did you? Our fearless leaders evaluated two choices. One was to set the boat between the branches of a fallen tree, just off the little cliff, hop in the boat after a short knee-deep mush wade, and head quickly out of the whitewater leftovers, to the calmer area on the right bank where we could hang out and hang on until all were safely back in the rambling Moose. They decided that the 2nd choice was more dangerous.
On our way again, the drenching rains continued to add an element to the paddle. The sirens kept us as alert as ever. You know that Bob was smiling ear to ear, don't you! We passed Mountain Man, ducked under a bridge, and ran into the deer display. As the rain let up, they meandered down to the water's edge for a drink. They continued to watch us through the trees as we exited the Moose and loaded the boats onto our cars. They munched on leaves (like popcorn), enjoyed the sight of sopping wet humans, and posed for photos. One human tried to entice it with a cracker. They were smarter than the human. After the last shuttle, a few counter-stretches of the hoola-hoop muscles, and some dry clothes, we headed to the Old Mill. The menu offered a great selection. Of course Dave got the platter. It added an element to the paddle!!
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Anne Schofield
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Roger Harrod
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