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North Branch of the Lamoille
Sunday April 12th, 2015Organizer: Paul Carlile
Predominantly: intermediate WW
Water Level: medium low
Author: Paul Carlile
Painted Gauge (ft): 1.75
Internet Gauge (cfs): 1400
USGS Gauge Name: Lamoille River at Johnson
Kayakers (K1): Paul Carlile, Jim Fecteau, Max McGregor
A beautiful sunny day and the first real paddling weekend of the season brought out a group of 3 paddlers. New to area Max McGregor joined Jim Fecteau and myself for run down this Northern Vermont jewel. Due to a mix up in meeting time, Jim and I had time to scout the Waterville ledges while waiting for Max. We agreed the ledges needed a little more water but it was sunny day with plenty of snow up high which promised more water as the day went on. We put in at the school as the upper section would have been too scrapey . There was ice that blocked only a few of the side routes but the main channel had no ice that came into play. The water was crystal clear and we had a blast paddling the gorge section. The gauge was at 1-3/4 when we passed it; low but fluid.
By the time we got to the ledges there was indeed enough water. We took our time scouting three of the drops. Though there were a couple of scarey lines inadverntantly taken, we ultimately had a great run and a fitting end to a beautiful day.