Wednesday, October 21, 2015

Petapawag Paddling

Yesterday wasn't the first time I'd launched from Petapawag in Groton.  However, I don't recall having seen the large millstone standing on end before.  The stone and remnants of brick and concrete structures are all that remain of the mill that once stood there on the banks of the Nashua River.

The morning had been dismal with clouds and sprinkles but the sun began breaking through upon my arrival.  After several colder than normal days it was good to, once again, feel a warm breeze out of the south and temperatures in the 60's.

I paddled downriver in a mostly northerly direction enjoying what remained of fall foliage...
...and mute swans...

Captured a balloon that might be saying "Happy Festivus" in French?...

Reached my turnaround point in East Pepperell where a dam harnesses the waters of Babbitasset Falls...

The power generating station can be seen in this photo...
A large penstock conveys water from the base of the dam to the station.

Returning upriver one can appreciate the lake-like conditions created by the dam...

Most of the trash encountered was along the 1.5 mile section above the dam...

2 comments:

Mark Mayall said...

Bonne Fete = Happy Birthday

Al said...

Thanks for the translation Mark. Good thing I'm not traveling to France anytime soon.