Monday, July 23, 2012

Dropping into Lake Boon

Today my last work-related chore left me in Hudson, so I decided to finally explore the waters of Lake Boon (at left).  After launching at Sudbury Road (Dawes Lot on map) in Stow, there were two things I wanted to accomplish: 1) paddle to the pond's outfall to the Assabet and 2) find my way back to where I launched from.  A third goal was to keep an eye and ear to the sky for predicted thunderstorms.
Weird to think of all the years I've lived in this area yet never managed to paddle this body of water.  Much of the pond's shores are lined with cottages, docks, and boats of all types.  Fortunately, this being a weekday, most boats were sitting quietly at their moorings.   This was one of the stranger boats seen tied-up...

Having so many docks and boats in the narrower passages created the feel of a vacation village.
Eventually, I found myself at the gateway to the Assabet River...
The Assabet is on the other side of the Barton Road and is considerably lower in elevation.  Many times while paddling on the Assabet, I've approached Barton Road from the other side and could hear water dropping down from above.  However, not having a periscope, I could only imagine what was on the other side of the road.  Now, I know and got a good look at the outlet to boot...
Very little water was leaving the pond.  In fact, what little water did slosh over the structure resulted mostly from boat wakes.

I successfully made it back to the launch enjoying a fine breeze.  No thunderstorms and my mission was accomplished.

Very little trash was seen in the pond...only 8 pieces.  However at the boat launch and kiosk area there was plenty...
There were 14 recyclable containers (4 redeemable) and 34 pieces of miscellaneous rubbish such as styrofoam, plastic bags.  Whoever left the bulk of this trash had a fondness for Dunkin' Donuts!
YTD = 4167

No comments: