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Lower New Haven
Saturday April 5th, 2008Organizer: Jamie Dolan
Predominantly: intermediate WW
Water Level: low boatable
Author: Jamie Dolan
Internet Gauge (cfs): 780
USGS Gauge Name: NEW HAVEN RIVER @ BROOKSVILLE, NR MIDDLEBURY, VT
Kayakers (K1): Shawn Enterline, Chris Weed, Dave Hurley, Jamie Dolan
Canoers (OC1): Eric Bishop, Tony Shaw
Canoers (OC2): Anya Schwartz & Guen Gifford
Though the water was low(ish) the boaters were willing. As usual, the start is an attention getter. The cold water face splashes give better adrenaline than coffee. After boat scouting for wood on the second rapid (there was none) we continued on to where the New Haven meets Baldwin Creek. Just above the first bridge one of the kayakers developed a split on the bottom of his boat. Though an on river repair was effected he ended pulling out. Duct tape really doesn't keep out the water too well. Things continued uneventfully as we all made it under the second iron bridge just above the mill. After road scouting, Anya lead Tony down in the tandem very smoothly. All boaters made it down with a smile. Gwen and Anya were having a great day but got caught up in conversation and found their boat full of water just above the last rapid. They said the water wasn't too cold. After getting their boat back to shore they continued on smiling, if not a bit cooler. All in all, a very good time.