Posted by Erik on 2/15/2009, 10:19 am
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It's been over a month since I was out doing any serious paddling. My last trip was a New Year's paddle on Jan 4th with Mike, Ken and Joe. Things were already pretty iced up by then, and we did as much hiking as paddling, but it was still a good time. Since then, its been too cold to paddle. I've taken my boat down to my local river a couple of times, but the excursions were short and not very exciting. With the warmer weather this week, I was able to head down to CT yesterday to do the Collinsville section of the Farmington. At higher water levels, this section is an easy class II. Unfortunately, water levels peaked on Thursday and started dropping fast. Yesterday's level was more like class I, but that was OK. We ended up with 5 boats – 2 canoes and 3 kayaks. When we put-in at around 11:00, temp's were in the mid-30's and it was windier than I expected. Even in winter the river is pretty. Boulder gardens and short rapids are separated by sections of flatwater. We quickly got into a nice rhythm – run an easy rapid then take in the scenery or do a little socializing on the flats in between. http://outdoors.webshots.com/album/570092615sugMAb It was a relaxing run - no swims to report. By 2:00 I was on my way home – back in time for dinner with the family. A good day!

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