In Search of the Otter's Mouth

Prior to yesterday, the Otter River's confluence with the Millers River was just a remote-looking spot on a map and some scribbled directions in the back of my date book.  That all changed when a work assignment brought me to the general area and, once done, left me a good chunk of the afternoon for aquatic explorations.  I followed my directions to New Boston Road in Winchendon, and from the bridge on that dirt road looked down the Millers River in my intended direction (photo at left).
Cloudy skies and an occasional light mist combined to create ideal conditions for exploring such ancient waterways.  At the launchsite another kayaker was encountered...

...Gary of Clinton, MA had camped nearby the previous night and was exploring the same general area.  Our paths crossed several times when we shared tips on overcoming obstacles such as the numerous beaver dams and blowdowns.   Downpours overnight had disrupted his sleep and forced an emergency tent relocation.  At least the rains had raised water levels a bit which helped with the beaver dam assaults.

At a bend in the Millers, King Philip Rock loomed on the river's bank...

Upon closer inspection it was apparent that the overhanging section has sheltered more than a few impromptu campfires over the eons...

The rock is named for Metacomet (whom the Colonists called King Philip) of the Pokanoket tribe of Native Americans.  Metacomet's father was Massasoit, leader of the Wampanoag Federation and friend to the Plymouth Colony.

After paddling only a short distance beyond the large rock, and making one portage around a downed tree, my objective came into view...

..the mouth of the Otter River.

Landing near this point I ascended a hill to about 15 feet above the confluence and enjoyed this view looking westward towards Birch Hill...

...would have been a nice spot for a few wigwams.

The silence was soon broken by the not too distant rumbling of a freight train.  If not for obstacles such as this...

...I might have seen the tail-end of the train cross over the river.  However, by the time I reached the bridge both the train and the tracks were gone...

Of course if I'd arrived prior to 1941 the train would have passed here, but in that year the US Army Corps of Engineers built the Birch Hill Dam flood control project. This necessitated the relocation of the Fitchburg Railroad's tracks and bridge further to the south where I ultimately turned around...

 

This bridge still sees several trains per day.

In this area were seen belted kingfishers, blue herons, as well as discarded freshwater clam shells where perhaps raccoons had dined.  Cardinal flowers were also plentiful in spots...

The waters of both the Otter and Millers looked very clean and it is said the Nipmuck peoples called the Millers River Payqueage  meaning "clear water" in their language.  The two rivers reminded me of the Squannacook in many ways.

The distance travelled from New Boston Road to the active railroad bridge on the Otter was less than 2 miles.  It also looks possible to continue down the Millers River another 2 miles + to the Birch Hill Dam location.

My trip back to the takeout required overcoming the same obstacles in reverse (but still paddling forward) and soon the New Boston Road bridge came into view...

 My trash haul was small...

Only 8 recyclable containers (4 redeemable) and 12 pieces of miscellaneous rubbish such as plastic bags etc.  YTD = 4182

This one piece of trash served as testament to just how high these waters can get...

Anyone wanting to paddle this area should take Rt. 202 north out of Templeton and take a left at this sign...

...go past the parking area and the lake's SW side to the unpaved New Boston Road which leads  to the river. So long as beaver dams don't easily deter you, some nice paddling awaits.