Petapawag to Squannacook

With this morning's cold temperatures, a few seasonal firsts were in order: neoprene wetsuit, neoprene pogies, set of dry cloths stowed, and a thermos of hot cocoa.  As much as I hate to see the end of warm weather, there is something about paddling on colder days that I sort of enjoy.  Throw in the smell of someone's wood burning stove and a few recently added Van Morrison tunes on my shuffle and I ask you...how could this not be enjoyable?

I launched at Petapawag (Rt. 119 in Groton) and headed up the Nashua River (opening photo).

Aside for some trash on the upstream side of the Route 119 bridge this section of the Nashua River was remarkably clean.

Early on I came across this tired and sagging culvert where trains once passed from the long gone Squannaccok Junction to Milford, NH many moons ago...

While I hadn't originally planned to go as far as the Squannacook River....the next thing I knew the confluence was drawing me in...

Not more than a hundred yards in I looked up this sunny slope and could easily imagine there having been wigwams at the top...

Made a perfect spot for a hot cocoa break before returning to the Nashua for the downstream run.

A short time later Petapawag was approached...

...where my modest trash haul spilled forth...

There were 22 recyclable containers (4 redeemable) and 15 pieces of miscellaneous rubbish such as plastic bags, nip bottles, and a Frisbee.  YTD = 5561