Assabet River - Finally through Damonmill Dam

The breached section of the Damonmill Dam (at left) may not look that challenging to paddle through.  For me, however, it's been one of those things I've long wanted to conquer but never had. Until today, that is, when following boats paddled by folks with considerable whitewater experience, I managed to slide down and through.  It was a very satisfying way to wrap up 2011.
Our small flotilla of 3 boats had started at the Acton Canoe Launch and headed downriver expecting rain showers that, thankfully, never developed...

Erik and Jeff paddled the Old Town Appalachian and Tommy paddled his Swift Osprey.
At Damondale, Erik and Jeff went through first staying to the right.  Tommy than went to the left followed by me trying for the right and ending up near the middle...

(Thanks to Erik for the photo)
Here Erik and Jeff are playing a bit facing upstream...

The rest of the way down to Egg Rock was pleasant with only a few blowdowns to negotiate our way around or under.
Reaching Egg Rock, we continued on to the Old North Bridge...

The trash we encountered and recovered along the way (paddle not included)...

Our haul totalled 28 and consisted of 13 recyclable containers (2 redeemable) and 15 pieces of miscellaneous rubbish such as plastic bags, a balloon, a beach ball, and some styrofoam bits.


This trip down the river left me feeling like a million bucks, so tomorrow I'm heading to Million Dollar Beach in the Empire State to paddle in the new year with some Adirondack Pirate Paddlers.