The Ruahine Swallow is now 1 for 1 in Maine following a winning debut at the Passagassawakeag River Race last Saturday. I paddled the Swallow (and managed not to get bucked off her) for a winning time of 45:19 over the 8 mile course. Bangor Daily News article here. Next in was Jeff Owen and Bucky Owen of Orono, paddling a canoe in the rec century division at 46:45. A little research showed not only the winning time, but the average times in all the divisions seemed several minutes slower this year. It’s true that absent from the race were some of the KI-1 heavy hitters — Fred Ludwig, Jeff Sands, Kenny Cushman — who have led the race in recent years. But my guess is that despite the dam release, the Passy ran 4 – 5 minutes slower than in 2005 when Cushman sprinted to a time of 38:05.
Category: maine
Spring snowfall while getting ready for the Passy River race to be held Saturday, April 7.
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Which way to the ocean?
This and other photos of the recent St. George River Race can be viewed at Village Soup.
Water level was relatively low on the Passy today, despite the rain. (Maybe they are already holding water back at the dam). Left an intermittent trail of red polyethylene on the riverbed! Actually wasn’t that bad. Hit or rubbed over about a dozen rocks overall, including at least a couple I could have avoided. (Won’t risk the new kevlar Ruahine on it just yet). Who’s complaining? It was great to be on the river today!
Chased some geese on the upper river. Then startled a buck who leapt off the left bank and swam across the river just 40 feet in front of my bow.