Monday, July 30, 2012

An Assabet Afternoon in Hudson

Finished up work in Hudson today and decided to launch into the Assabet River at the municipal parking lot near the Washington Street Dam.   I headed upriver in a southwesterly direction and found it to be a beautiful day to be on the water...any water...anywhere.

There was quite of bit of trash at the pedestrian bridge in Riverside Park.  However, this was nothing compared to the large floating trash bag containing several day's worth of some family's rubbish...
It was apparent that the family who generated this bag doesn't recycle.  The bag contained plastic containers, a milk jug, plastic bags, garbage, and a Rite-Aid Wellness Card.

End result was similar to a scheduled 15-round fight that ends in the 2nd round with a knockout...

My boat was pretty much full to the gills and I'd only traveled about 1 mile from the put-in.
There were 56 recyclable containers (19 redeemable) and 126 pieces of miscellaneous rubbish. 
YTD = 4485.  This photo shows the need for expanding the Massachusetts bottle bill better than anything I could say.

For the remainder of my short journey to just downstream of Route 495, I enjoyed some of the forget-me-not flowers on the riverbank...

...and this watchful hawk...

...and for my return trip I had the company of this dragonfly who seems to be staring at me from behind his cool shades...
He stayed in that spot all the way to the takeout.



Saturday, July 28, 2012

Redeemed for Recycle or Worthless Trash?

Consider, if you will, a once progressive state's dilemma as to how to deal with this...
The above photo shows the litter recovered this afternoon from a three mile section of the Bruce Freeman Rail Trail in Chelmsford, Massachusetts.  It is fairly typical of what can be seen trailside, streamside, or roadside these days.
 
Under our state's bottle bill, the 6 containers on the left can be redeemed for recycling with a 5-cents per container reward for doing so.  The remaining plastic containers have no value and therefore offer no incentive to insure recycling.  Too often, these containers escape recycling and end up in incinerators or buried in landfills.  I don't think anyone (even bottle bill opponents) sees that as an acceptable solution.

A recently approved bill by the Massachusetts Senate to expand the state's bottle bill would provide a redemption value of 5-cents to the 10 plastic containers on the right, and this would go a long way in insuring these additional containers are recycled versus burned or buried.

Expanding the state's bottle bill to include these previously exempt containers is a viable solution to this problem.  The bottle bill demonstrated its effectiveness back in 1983 when it gleaned the state of empty beer and soda containers.

Opponents of expanding the state's bottle bill don't offer a solution to the problem of littered containers, and I'm beginning to think they just don't see it as a problem.

Over the next three days, a 6-member legislative committee comprised of senators Gale Candaras, Stephen Brewer, and Richard Ross, and representatives Joseph Wagner, Brian Dempsey, and Kevin Kuros will be debating this issue.  If you have an opinion on the matter, please consider contacting them to let them know how you feel.

Friday, July 27, 2012

Champlain's Le Beau Port aka Gloucester Harbor

My last stop for work left me in Gloucester late this morning with my trusty boat sitting roof-top.  What's a poor boy to do?
Shortly, I was paddling across the harbor Samuel de Champlain called Le Beau Port when he saw it in 1606.  His map can be seen here where present-day Eastern Point is shown bottom left (I think).  Instead of today's city of Gloucester (seen in photo at left behind the lucky #7 buoy), Champlain saw numerous Native American wigwams.  The native peoples knew the best place to spend their summers.

In a light rain shower, I headed along the western shore passing numerous lobster buoys till I espied this buoy wannabe...
Once recovered, it was found to be a DK lover's dream...a bottomless cup.

 Hammond Castle looked most appropriate under the low hanging clouds...

The castle is not far from Norman's Woe which was the setting for Longfellow's "Wreck of the Hesperus".
At Magnolia Point, I turned around and re-entered Beauport as a dragger was heading out past the Dog Bar Light under darkening skies...
   
No sooner had he passed than the clouds began lifting over Eastern Point...



Once back at my launching point near Pavilion Beach I felt the work-week had ended on a proper note.

My trash haul was insignificant...
Note the carapace measuring device.  Oddly, it was haddock chowder on my mind rather than lobster. The delicious chowder was obtained at Lobsta Land on my way out of town.  Once home, a "Dark & Stormy" was in order (to go with the chowda) along with some homemade bread and Indian Pudding that Mrs. Trashpaddler had whipped up, rounding things out nicely. 

Wednesday, July 25, 2012

Stony Brook and Merrimack River

Late this morning I launched into the Merrimack River at North Chelmsford's Southwell Park.  There was a nice breeze out of the north and it delivered my boat and me rather quickly to the confluence of Stony Brook, where we passed under Middlesex Street.  Previously, I'd not ventured into the opening pictured at left as it is dark and who knows what might be lurking in there.  Today, however, I poked my bow into the opening and found that it turns sharply to the left and passes under the mill building before emerging again at Princeton Street...
A Pan Am Railways freight train greeted me upon my emergence and we both passed under Princeton Street (in different directions)...
Beyond Princeton Street, another large mill complex looms over the brook...
This area must have really bustled back in the day.  These days, not so much.
I turned around at this point and headed back to the Merrimack after rounding up 36 pieces of trash in this short section of Stony Brook.

Once back into the Merrimack, I headed up river towards the intake for the City of Lowell's drinking water treatment facility...
Heading into the wind, I aimed for the south end of Wickasee Island and paddled up the narrow passage on the island's east side sheltered from the breeze.  As I entered the passage I came upon what I believe are Cardinal flowers...
It seems a little early, but I guess they're like everything else this strange year.

After rounding the island's north tip, I turned around and paddled along it's west shore before returning to Southwell Park.

Trash was plentiful today and everyone enjoyed stretching their legs on one of Wickasee's small sandy beaches...
Today's haul numbered 57 recyclable containers (27 redeemable) and 47 pieces of miscellaneous rubbish including plastic bags, spray cans, netting, another 15 Hooksett disks, and a large stuffed fish.  YTD = 4271

There was a nice article in today's Globe by David Abel concerning the possible expanding of the state's bottle bill to include non-carbonated beverages.  The article informs us that Representative Joseph F. Wagner of Chicopee chairs the Joint Committee on Economic Development and Emerging Technologies that is now reviewing the proposed expansion.  Hopefully, Mr. Wagner will consider how many plastic containers are ending up in our waterways and that there's no financial incentive or reward for getting them to where they belong.  Expanding the bottle bill will go a long way in cleaning up our rivers and streams. 

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

Sunday, July 22, 2012

Cochituate Waters



With most local rivers running short on water lately, my grandson and I paddled the warm waters of Lake Cochituate this mid-day.  In the photo at left we're passing through the keyhole from Middle Pond into South Pond.  It was nice to see so many folks enjoying a day on or at the water; swimming, fishing or boating...

It was also nice to not encounter any trash!



Saturday, July 21, 2012

Mass. Bottle Bill Expansion Up Off the Canvas!

Though the two plastic containers pictured above are identical, one (carbonated) has a redemption value of 5 cents when empty whereas the other (not carbonated) is worthless when empty.  Too many of those containers without a redemption value are ending up in the landfills, incinerators, or the environment.  Numerous polls show that most folks find this situation to be just plain silly and lacking any common "cents".

Thanks to the Massachusetts State Senate's recent approval of a bill which includes a provision for expanding the state's 30 year old bottle redemption program, it's now up to a 6-member legislative committee and Governor Deval Patrick to finally remedy this discrepancy.  Of course Speaker of the House Robert DeLeo will, most likely, play a role in the bill's fate.  I'm hoping he'll take a walk around his neighborhood and look into the nooks and crannies, rivers and streams, curbs and shrubbery, before deciding whether to aim his powerful thumb up or down.    

Friday, July 20, 2012

Around Salem Neck to the North River

My work brought me to Cape Ann this morning and before returning home I couldn't resist getting in a paddle 'round Salem Neck.  After launching at Winter Island Park, I rounded Juniper Point (at left) and Salem Willows before entering the Danvers River along with the last hour of incoming tide.  An east wind was coming in off the open ocean and keeping things on the cool side.  After passing under the Essex Bridge and the commuter rail bridge, I headed towards the North River near Salem Depot.  This side of Salem has a more industrial look and feel.  This spot looked like a commuter's worst nightmare...

There was a fair amount of trash along the sea wall by the depot.

As a result of watching the "Deadliest Catch", I've been working on my crab-catching techniques and brought this monster onboard...

The nicest boat seen today...
The artwork at the bow was worth a closer look...

Once back at Winter Island Park passengers gathered on the stony beach...
There were 20 recyclable containers (9 redeemable) and 30 pieces of miscellaneous rubbish such as nip bottles and plastic bags.  YTD = 4119

Sunday, July 15, 2012

Cape Ann Hiatus with Nod to Howard Blackburn

After experiencing last year's Blackburn Challenge without the logistical complications of an automobile, I decided to give it another go and travel to/depart from the event via my boat.  To accomplish this I set up camp at Cape Ann Campsite amidst cedar trees and glacial rock formations overlooking the Jones and Annisquam Rivers...
 
To prevent last year's "sweat lodge" conditions, my tent was equipped with a battery powered fan which is now an essential part of my summertime camping gear.

Camping at this location put me within striking distance of the Gloucester High School where participants gather for check-in.  I launched into the Jones River from the campground's tidal access and began my commute as the day was dawning...

Arriving at Gloucester High School, a wide variety of boats and paddleboards were undergoing last minute preparations.  This 6-man Hawaiian outrigger canoe had a most distinctive "ama"...

Soon the event that celebrates the legendary accomplishments of Gloucester's Howard Blackburn was underway and more than 300 rowers and paddlers began the approximately 20 mile journey 'round Cape Ann.  As luck would have it, clouds sheltered us from what would have been a punishing sun and, once past Thachers Island, a southwest breeze freshened things nicely.
I arrived at the Greasy Pole finish line with a few castaways that hopped aboard, earlier, as I paddled to the start line...

They much enjoyed their scenic ride and so did I.

There was news at the finish line that most likely this was the last year the finish line festivities will be held at Gloucester's Pavillion Beach, as a major hotel will soon occupy the site.  Hopefully, this great event will continue and a new location for the post-event party will be found.  Henry, the only man to have completed all 26 Blackburn Challenges, put it best: "It's a good cardio check.  If you can do the Blackburn, you're probably good for another year."

In the days leading up to the Blackburn, while paddling around the Jones and Annisquam rivers, I came across this ideal houseboat...

and this ideal home for ospreys...
 
many great egrets...

and a modest amount of trash...
There were 10 recyclable containers (5 redeemable) and 12 pieces of misc. rubbish such as plastic bags, and 2 of those ubiquitous disks that escaped from the Hooksett Wastewater Treatment Plant located 40 miles up the Merrimack River.  These disks are a reminder of how water connects us all.  YTD = 4069

The morning after Blackburn sunrise...

Here's to "High Summer" in New England, and a Cape Ann state of mind!

Sunday, July 8, 2012

Lower Assabet Getting Lower



This morning found low water levels on the  lower Assabet River as most of  the tributaries such as Spencer Brook (at left) are being downright stingy.

I had launched near daybreak into the lower Sudbury River and found the river shrouded in mist...

Arriving at Egg Rock, the sun was found to be starting another day's work...

After rounding the sandbar at the confluence, I entered the Assabet River and trash patrolled it up to Nashoba Brook before turning around.   Some additional trash was recovered from the lower Sudbury where some shore fishermen had recently left it at their feet.

Here's the combined day's catch...

They were later joined by some plastic fencing encountered near the Leaning Hemlocks...
Final tally for the day was 26 recyclable containers (6 redeemable) and 54 pieces of misc. rubbish such as plastic bags, nip bottles, bait tubs, fishing line, etc.  YTD = 4047

Only 6 days 'til this year's edition of the Blackburn Challenge draws paddlers and rowers to the salty waters of Cape Ann.


Thursday, July 5, 2012

Concord River in North Billerica


Picking up where I left off on Monday, my downriver patrol of the Concord River resumed from Contribution Park at Rt. 3A/129 in Billerica near midday.  Similar to Monday there was a breeze out of the north which was a welcome change from yesterday's muggy conditions.  It didn't take long to reach the shady stretch where the river passes through the Fordway Bar...

Families were fishing from the shore above this spot while a lone cormorant was drying his wings below the bar...

After crossing the wider section of the river, where the Middlesex Canal's floating towpath once crossed, I reached the spot where the river drops over the falls...
There's still another 5 miles before the Concord reaches its confluence with the Merrimack in Lowell. However, the final 2 miles are not recommended for canoes or kayaks.

Before turning around and heading back, I snapped this photo of the Talbot Mill bell tower...

Back at Contribution Park my day's catch dried quickly in the sun...
There were 40 recyclable containers (25 redeemable) and 26 pieces of miscellaneous rubbish such as plastic bags and a plastic pail.  YTD = 3967

Most of today's trash was recovered from the riverbank just upstream of the Talbot Mill.