On Mon., July 18, Laurie Chandler paddled under the International Bridge on the St. John River, and into Fort Kent to finish her 363-mile fundraising trip for the Maine Children’s Cancer Program (MCCP). The trip took 30 days and carried her from the Magalloway River near Errol, N.H., across Maine on the Northern Forest Canoe Trail, to the eastern end of this historic paddling route.
Officially, Paddle for Hope’s fundraising total stands at $7850, but Laurie is happy to report that she received a number of contributions along the way, from park rangers, store owners, fly fisherman, and others, that have yet to be added to the total.
“I could easily fill this entire issue with stories from the trail, but I would certainly want to start by thanking the many, many people who helped my dream become a reality,” Chandler said. “Those who paddled with me, donated supplies, prayed for my safety, contributed to MCCP, helped with planning, and befriended me along the way are the ones who made Paddle for Hope a success. As you journey across our wonderful state, you realize how truly good and caring people are.”
The scariest moments of the trip came on the South Branch of the Dead River between Rangeley and Stratton, where five miles of the river alternated between slippery, dangerous carries over downed trees and rocks and deep, rushing current. Traveling this section on the coldest day of the trip, with the high temperature just above 50, the kayak capsized twice.
The second incident could have spelled the end of the trip, as the boat was swept into a downed tree, flipped, and dragged underwater pinned against the tree. It was late in the afternoon and still miles from the day’s intended destination, the Kennebago Road Bridge.
“I had my SPOT satellite transponder and could signal for 911 help if needed,” Chandler said. “Unable initially to free the boat, I gave myself an hour before calling for help. After trying unsuccessfully to saw through a branch underwater, I said a mighty prayer and tried pulling the boat straight upstream instead of sideways. First it moved just a little, but that was enough to encourage me to keep trying, and soon I had wrestled it back from the river and was collapsing in relief. I set up camp for the night right there on a little sand and gravel bar, and was extremely grateful to put on dry clothes, crawl into my sleeping bag, and eat some cheese and crackers for dinner. The Dead River didn’t defeat me, but it did take my GPS, Tevas, two water bottles, some of my food, and one sock.”
Other events along the trail included Chandler’s meeting with Aldro French of Forest Lodge, where Louise Dickenson Rich lived and wrote “We Took to the Woods.” The month-long trip was also filled with wildlife encounters, dramatic weather, challenging rapids, and a 13-hour nonstop day that included traversing historic Mud Pond Carry alone to enter the Allagash Wilderness Waterway. There was even the day that her boat disappeared entirely and the unraveling of the mystery of its whereabouts.
For those still wishing to help reach the goal of $10,000 for MCCP, online donations can be made directly to the hospital at www.mmc.org/paddleforhope. Chandler’s daughter, Megan Chandler, has also organized a silent auction that will take place from July 26-30 at Skidompha Library in downtown Damariscotta.
Auctioned items will include one front-end alignment (Yudy’s), an electric trimmer (Phillips’ Power Products), a one-night stay at The Inn at Round Pond, and a large selection of gift cards generously donated by local businesses.
