PWA Paddler Diane Gilman (Photo courtesy Jean Smith)
On Saturday, Aug. 11 at 9:30 a.m., the Pemaquid Watershed Association Paddlers will be kayaking in the waters of Muscle Ridge off Spruce Head. This group of islands is one of the most beautiful kayak destinations in Midcoast Maine. The paddle duration is approximately 2 1/2 hours and is appropriate for advanced intermediate paddlers. There is a $3 fee for parking and use of restrooms and an optional lunch at the Happy Clam in Tenants Harbor. Directions from Damariscotta: Take Route 1 north to Thomaston. At the second light, turn right onto Route 131 south. Go 2 miles to Westbrook Street and turn left. Continue 2 miles to Route 73 south, then 3 miles and left onto Island Drive. In about 1.5 miles bear left onto Merchants Landing Road and follow to the end. Put in at Merchants Landing at Spruce Head Island.
On Wednesday, Aug. 15 at 10 a.m., the PWA Paddlers will be paddling Damariscotta Lake from Nobleboro. The paddle duration is 2 hours and is appropriate for advanced beginner paddlers. Parking is roadside; no public restrooms. Directions from Damariscotta: Take Route 1 north to Vannah Road, across from the Nobleboro town office and the Minnehata fire station. Turn left onto Vannah Road and follow it to the launch site.
All paddles are free and open to the public. Paddlers must supply their own kayak and paddle, wear a personal flotation device, and carry their own safety gear and medications, including water. All paddlers must have a completed and signed the PWA Paddlers release form or complete one at the time of the paddle; forms are available online at pemaquidwatershed.org/water/pwa-paddlers and from the paddle leader.
Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Paddlers are responsible for their own safety and should determine in advance if conditions are suitable for their skill level. The paddle will be held rain or shine. If weather conditions are extreme, the decision to cancel will be made at the launch site.
Additional information and the 2018 season schedule can be obtained at pemaquidwatershed.org/water/pwa-paddlers, by sending an email to paddlers@pemaquidwatershed.org, or by calling Jean Smith at 312-3846.
Since 1966, the Pemaquid Watershed Association has been a member-supported, volunteer-driven nonprofit organization, and it has been a land trust since 1988. PWA’s mission is to conserve the natural resources of the Pemaquid Peninsula region through land and water stewardship and education.
