Weather: Sunny, warm, really pleasant
Portages: 2
#1: Around Samsonville ledges
Didn't see any signage, but took tracked and then took out by our campsite. In the morning we used the tractor path along the river to bypass more ledges and the mill ruins
#2: Richford
From the Davis Park take out across the park to the Grey Gables B and B doorstep
Wildlife: Herons, mergansers, ducks, daily muskrat, 3 leeches
Dinner: Chicken curry
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| Campsite near the Samsonville ledges |
We did wake up. Heavy mists and the heavy smell of fertilized fields. Didn't bother making anything for breakfast. Actually was gagging as we portaged around the ledge and old mill ruins using the tractor trail adjacent to the river. Was on the water around 7:30 a.m. heading to East Berkshire for breakfast. Got there around 8:30 a.m. Didn't see the new NFCT-installed stairway and picnic table until after we were at the General Store. (Hint: Do NOT tie up under the bridge by the rock scree. Instead, paddle just a few hundred feet or so and look for the stairs on the left.) Had a grilled Vermont sharp cheddar cheese and bacon sandwich and coffee. Continued on upstream toward Richford and arrived at 1:45 pm. River was low and we were constantly in and out of the canoe, mostly just pulling over low areas. Nothing like working up Abbey Rapids. This was just a pleasant day walking the canoe from time to time with the occasional hitch-hiking leech. I'm really glad we did this segment. Loved both the Samsonville and Magoon ledges. The water seems clearer. We were even able to find some sweet spots in the riffles and punch through them. (Think infinity pool swimming.) To date, this has been my favorite section of the Missisquoi.
We could easily have made more miles today, but...
We're staying at the Grey Gable B & B exactly across the take-out site in Davis Park. We LOVE it here. Tim and Debbie are great and are very supportive of the NFCT. I have a computer to use. I made one of the dinners we hadn't eaten yet. We got to shower again! We spent a delightful afternoon on the front porch. Kids have been swimming in the river and a family played Red Light/Green Light in the park. Was planning on paddling DOWNSTREAM from Stevens Mills later this afternoon, but it was just nice to visit the town. We also aired out the tent. The rainfly still had the smell of money on it.
