Kid Count: 5, Moose Count: 0

By Michelle Davis

Had a great time paddling this week with five students from Jackman, Maine! We started out Tuesday on Holeb Pond, entering the Moose River and camped above Holeb Falls. The kids had a great time fishing, and caught a few trout worthy of keeping. Wednesday we got an early start, and continued down the Moose River, ending our day with a tough little portage to Holeb Falls.

Carrying four canoes full of food and gear is no easy task, especially when three of the students were peanuts. They certainly pulled their weight (literally) and kept up good spirits through the multiple trips. We lucked out Wednesday night and got to stay in a cabin at the campsite. It gave us an opportunity to dry out and forgo setting up tents. The kids loved it, and peeked through the window to watch raccoons try to get in our ingeniously secured boxes and coolers. Thursday was our long day: 11 miles to Attean Falls. We had beautiful weather which made the paddle go quickly. We even got to run a few small rips, and since the water has been so high, we didn’t need to portage around them. The kids were a bit nervous about the whitewater at first, but pulled through like champs and ended up saying, “That was the funnest thing I’ve ever done!” Friday we headed across Attean Lake and said goodbye to the kids, most of whom I wish were going every single week.

We lucked out with weather, only getting seriously rained on Wednesday, which as some of you in the Northeast know, is a serious feat this summer. Thursday couldn’t have been nicer, and now I’ve got a bit of a suntan to go with my mosquito bites. The kids were great, enthusiastic and high-energy, always keeping Roger and me on our toes. I’ve come to truly understand the phrase, “from the mouths of babes.” My only disappointment for the week was the lack of a moose sighting, but I wouldn’t want it to come too easily for me. We saw some tracks and.. remnants.. of moose presence so I know they’re out there. Hopefully over the next three weeks my wish will be granted by the Moose Gods.

I’ll have more trip news after another week on the Moose River.