Source to Sea continues down the Androscoggin River

BETHEL — In its 20th year, Source to Sea is making its way down the Androscoggin River from its source, New Hampshire’s Umbagog Lake, to where it meets the sea at Merrymeeting Bay in Brunswick.

Source to Sea hiked Mt. Jasper near Berlin, N.H., Wednesday. The hike was led by Sally Manikian from the Appalachian Mountain Club. The rain ceased just in time for the hike to begin, and participants enjoyed beautiful views of the Berlin valley below the summit while learning about the native American Indians who traveled the Androscoggin and mined rhyolite, a form of jasper, for tools and weapons from atop Mt. Jasper. There are interpretive signs with a lot of information about the Native Americans in New Hampshire along the trail.

Thursday’s paddle traveled in Berlin, N.H., from from Nansen Wayside to the Northern Forest Heritage Park for PaddleBREWmania hosted by the Androscoggin Valley Chamber of Commerce. Sixty-eight people paddled a variety of kayaks and canoes. The food and beverages were a welcome treat at the end of the paddle. ELC and Mahoosuc Inn provided shuttle services and free canoe/kayak rentals for the day.

Source to Sea paddled from Shelburne, N.H., to Gilead on Friday. Guest speaker Russ Cohen shared his plethora of knowledge about edible wild plants, and the group stopped along the way to gather these plants and Cohen explained how to prepare them. Stagecoach Shuttle Services of Bryant Pond shuttled the group.

Cathy Johnson of the Natural Resources Council of Maine discussed the proposed North Woods National Park while participants paddled from Gilead to Bethel on Saturday. Jeff Parsons of Bethel Outdoor Adventure served as the guide for group. The rain once again stopped just as paddlers departed Gilead and didn’t return until after they were off the river.

Source to Sea left Bethel Outdoor Adventure Sunday and paddled in a little light rain for a portion of the trip. The rain stopped when paddlers took out at Moran’s Landing in Newry for lunch hosted by Stony Brook Campground and Anna’s Greenhouse and Gardens. We had pizza and an organic salad with local raspberries and goat cheese. Good eating for being on a river. Thanks to our food providers for their support of the Source to Sea. Bethel Outdoor Adventure provided shuttle service.

Interested paddlers and hikers may participate in the events. Pre-registration is encouraged. Although there is no fee to participate, a $10 donation is suggested at the time of registration. Donations will also be accepted on each event day.

Upcoming trips include:

Thursday, July 23: Hanover to Rumford at 8:30 a.m.

Friday, July 24: Mexico to Dixfield at 8:30 a.m.

Saturday, July 25: Dixfield to Canton at 8:30 a.m.

Sunday, July 26: Canton to Snoopy at 8:30 a.m.

Wednesday, July 29: Livermore Falls to Twin at 8:30 a.m.

Thursday, July 30: After Hours Paddle at Otis Mill in Jay at 5:30 p.m.

Friday, July 31: Twin Bridges to Center Bridge at 8:30 a.m.

Saturday, Aug. 1: Center Bridge to Gulf Island at 8:30 a.m.

Sunday, Aug. 2: Auburn to Rancourt Preserve at 8:30 a.m.

Thursday, Aug. 6: Auburn After Hours Paddle at 5:30 p.m.

Friday, Aug. 7: Durham to Lisbon Falls at 8:30 a.m.