To the typical New Englander, if you mention the words Maine and June and one thing leaps to mind: Black Fly season. However, in addition to the swarms of annoying black flys, June also signals a return of activity after a sleepy Winter off-season for many Maine-based white water rafting companies.
One such company, Millinocket based New England Outdoor Center (www.neoc.com) offers comprehensive guiding services for three of the most scenic rivers in all of New England; the Penobscott, the Kennebec, and the Dead. The Penobscott river with it's stunning views of nearby Mount Katahdin and exhilarating mix of technical white water make the five hour trip from Boston worth the ride.
Recently, I had the chance to join one of NEOC's "Double Trouble" Penobscott rafting trips. After an early morning wake up call, NEOC's professional guides help outfit rafters with paddles, personal floatation devices, and helmets. Following instruction in general river safety and etiquette, rafters are bused to the morning put in below McKay hydroelectric dam. Our guide for the day informed us that the water level was "tame" but the Penobscott's mix of class III, IV, and V rapids can be a challenge regardless of water levels.
Following the put in, we immediatly hit one of the most technical rapids of the day, a class V beast known as Exterminator. Living up to it's moniker, Exterminator and the rest of the rapids making up the upper section of the river serve up a constant adrenaline rush. Just as our morning was winding down, we magically appeared at the take out point and after a short bus ride were treated to one of the best meals I have ever had in the woods. In addition to being knowledgeable river guides, NEOC's staff prepared a delicious meal of chicken, steak, fish, and rice over open flame grills while we waited.
After lunch and a return trip to the McKay station put in, we learned the true meaning of our "Double Trouble" trip, we would run the more technical upper section of the river twice! With the afternoon beginning to wind down and our arms beginning to fail us, we surfed our way through the days final rapid and made our way back to NEOC's base camp lodge. The lodge superbly outfitted with a fine dining restaurant, showers, bar, and outdoor hot tub make it easy to transition back from your days adventure.
What's that? Rafting is not your cup of tea? NEOC offers a variety of packages and activities including; guided moose tours, snowmobiling, and fishing trips, All of these and more can easily be packaged with lodging and breakfast at their convenient on-site lodging options.
Final Word: With breath taking views, outstanding service, and a friendly & knowledgeable staff; rafting the Penobscott river with the New England Outdoor Center is not an adventure to be missed!
http://www.neoc.com/
One such company, Millinocket based New England Outdoor Center (www.neoc.com) offers comprehensive guiding services for three of the most scenic rivers in all of New England; the Penobscott, the Kennebec, and the Dead. The Penobscott river with it's stunning views of nearby Mount Katahdin and exhilarating mix of technical white water make the five hour trip from Boston worth the ride.
Recently, I had the chance to join one of NEOC's "Double Trouble" Penobscott rafting trips. After an early morning wake up call, NEOC's professional guides help outfit rafters with paddles, personal floatation devices, and helmets. Following instruction in general river safety and etiquette, rafters are bused to the morning put in below McKay hydroelectric dam. Our guide for the day informed us that the water level was "tame" but the Penobscott's mix of class III, IV, and V rapids can be a challenge regardless of water levels.
Following the put in, we immediatly hit one of the most technical rapids of the day, a class V beast known as Exterminator. Living up to it's moniker, Exterminator and the rest of the rapids making up the upper section of the river serve up a constant adrenaline rush. Just as our morning was winding down, we magically appeared at the take out point and after a short bus ride were treated to one of the best meals I have ever had in the woods. In addition to being knowledgeable river guides, NEOC's staff prepared a delicious meal of chicken, steak, fish, and rice over open flame grills while we waited.
After lunch and a return trip to the McKay station put in, we learned the true meaning of our "Double Trouble" trip, we would run the more technical upper section of the river twice! With the afternoon beginning to wind down and our arms beginning to fail us, we surfed our way through the days final rapid and made our way back to NEOC's base camp lodge. The lodge superbly outfitted with a fine dining restaurant, showers, bar, and outdoor hot tub make it easy to transition back from your days adventure.
What's that? Rafting is not your cup of tea? NEOC offers a variety of packages and activities including; guided moose tours, snowmobiling, and fishing trips, All of these and more can easily be packaged with lodging and breakfast at their convenient on-site lodging options.
Final Word: With breath taking views, outstanding service, and a friendly & knowledgeable staff; rafting the Penobscott river with the New England Outdoor Center is not an adventure to be missed!
http://www.neoc.com/
1 comment:
Thanks for the excellent photo and information about rafting in Maine. I grew up between Bangor and Millinocket and fully appreciate the Maine outdoors.
Jim
Growin' Up in Maine
http://mainestories.blogspot.com
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