New Zealand

Some of the reasons why we loved New Zealand!

Whitewater Kayak Schools

Whitewater kayaking is difficult! It helps to have expert instruction as early as possible in your kayaking career, before you pick up too many bad habits.

Here is a list of some of the best kayak schools in the world:

New Zealand Kayak School 
The kayak school at the heart of NZ kayaking.
Murchison, New Zealand
http://www.nzkayakschool.com/

Nantahalia Outdoor Center (NOC)
Kayak instruction in the Smokey Mountains, North Carolina.
North Carolina, USA
https://noc.com/lessons-training/paddling-school

Otter Bar Lodge Kayak School
Kayak instruction based at a scenic riverside lodge.
California, USA
http://www.otterbar.com/

Zoar Outdoor
Kayaking instruction for the North East of USA.
Massachusetts, USA
http://www.kayaklesson.com/

Other places offering kayak instruction or guiding:

Ottawa Kayak School (OKS)
Ottawa, Canada
http://www.wildernesstours.com/adventures/kayaking/

Small World Adventures
Guided kayak adventures in Ecuador.
Ecuador
http://www.smallworldadventures.com/

Sundance Kayak School
Oregon, USA
http://www.sundancekayak.com/kayak-schools

Dry River and the Presidentials

The White Mountains

 For our most recent adventure we took our backpacking to the next level. We headed to New Hampshire to hike the Dry River valley trail into the presidential mountain range and back along the infamous Webster Cliff trail. It was to be a challenging 3 day trip with large changes in elevation along the way (see the chart below).

Day 1 - The Dry River Valley

After a night at the Dry River Campground we left our cars at the road and headed into the woods. It was not long before we got our first view of the Dry River, and soon after a view up the valley to Mt Washington and Mt Monroe which was where we were heading:

Mt Monroe and Mt Washington in the Distance

It looked like a long way off, but we weren't deterred. We soon crossed a suspension bridge that took the trail across the river where it continued an onward and upward. We stopped for lunch at the rivers edge and enjoyed soaking our feet in the cold water. After a few more river crossings and trail intersections the trail passed the Dry River falls. An unmarked trail that we nearly missed led down to the falls.

Dry River Falls

We continued to the Dry River Shelter where after a short break we decided to press on and find a campsite for the night. Unable to find the unmarked site we were looking for, and running low on water, we eventually found the last marked campsite before the alpine zone. We quickly found the water source and went about filtering water, setting up camp, and working on dinner. We had a great evening beside the campfire, under the stars, talking about the what the next day might hold.

Our wilderness campsite.

  
Day 2 - The Ridge Line

After a quiet night camping on the side of a mountain, we woke to warm sunshine and blue skies. We ate breakfast, packed our tents and prepared to hit the trail once more. The trail quickly became steep and narrow and the "clambering" over rocks became more like full-on rock climbing in parts. The trees got shorter and after crossing several (refreshing) streams we entered the alpine zone for the final ascent over rocks and boulders. After reaching the summit we got our first view of the AMC Lake of the Clouds Hut:

Lake of the Clouds Hut

We seemed close enough to Mt Washington (the highest peak in the Northeast) to summit that too, but it was the opposite direction of our intended route and knowing we still had a long way to go, we opted to save that for another time. After a short break a the lake of the clouds hut (which seemed a bit like Grand Central station), we set our sights on Mt Monroe (the 4th highest peak in the Northeast).

The imposing Mr Eisenhower

After Mt Monroe, the trail led on to Mt Eisenhower, which was slightly lower but more imposing. It took less than 30 minutes to reach the top and claim victory on another 4000 footer. The ridge top trail offered spectacular 360 degree views all the way. We had great weather and could see for miles around. After 4 of the hardest miles we've ever carried our backpacks,  Mt Pierce was the final peak for the day followed by a steep downhill section to find the Mizpah Spring Hut and Nauman Tentsite. 

The tail to Mizpah Sprint Hut

Day 3 - Webster Cliff Trail

We woke up to some rain on the third and final day of our adventure. By the time we'd eaten breakfast and packed up our gear it had mostly stopped and was just dripping from the pine trees. We set off from Mizpah Spring Hut towards Mt Jackson which would be our last 4000 footer of our trip. The experience on reaching the summit was very different to the peaks we'd been on the day before. This time we were surrounded by clouds and it was blowing gale force winds! It was fun, but there was no view from the top and it was hard to stand upright even when bracing against the gusts of wind.

The view across Crawford Notch

We continued on to the Webster Cliff trail which (as you might have guessed) runs along the edge of a 2000 foot cliff. This was quite treacherous in parts due to the slippery rocks and extremely steep incline/declines the trail took. It was slow going, but we had no other option but to press on.

On the Webster Cliff trail

Eventually the clouds parted and gave us some spectacular views across Crawford Notch State Park and of the surrounding area. We stopped on some large rocks at the edge of the cliff to take a break and to take in the amazing view.

View to the car!

After several hours of downhill, we completed the 2000 foot descent and made our way the half mile or so back to the car. It had been an incredible trip.

Maps and Charts

You will find the map and GPS track below, but perhaps what is more interesting is the elevation profile of our journey over the 3 days. I've added a typical Ben Nevis profile to the chart for comparison. Click on the image for a larger view:

Elevation Profile
Click above for Larger Graph

GPS Track
Click above for Interactive Map

Maine Trip 2015

We recently returned from the third annual trip to Maine and this year was great! We arrived at Indian Pond in the afternoon after meeting friends in Freeport. This year we had lakeside camping and our 3 tents were joined by the princess wagon.

On Saturday we left camp at about 9am to set shuttle for the Kennebec (map). We put on just before 11am for the first run. We had a flotilla of 4 kayaks, the red raft pirate ship with captain and 6 crew, plus 2 paddle-cats with oar rigs. The first run was at 5000 cfs and was super fun as always. One crew member took a swim at Magic falls, but apart from that it was uneventful. Erin and I hiked out at carry-brook for a second run at 2400 cfs while the rest of the group continued downstream.

On Saturday night after dark we tried something new an took the red-raft out on the lake for a starlight cruise. We paddled all the way out and around an island in the darkness. It was amazing to stare up at the star-filled night sky while floating out in the middle of the lake in the dark. What a great experience!

On Sunday we met at River Drivers and then took two cars along the 15 miles dirt road to the Dead river put-in (map). After a quick hike to see Great Falls we put-on and headed downstream. The river level was lower than last year, but the sun was shining all day. One of the oarsmen took a swim in Humpty-Dumpty rapid, and was promptly rescued mid-river. We stopped for lunch on river-right. It was then read-and-run trip down to the final Poplar rapid where we had two more swimmers that were rescued by the team.

Back at camp at the end of the day Erin and I took a swim in the lake before eating dinner and then smores around the campfire. The perfect end to a great weekend.

New Comost Bin

Thanks to the town and the Mayors office for giving us a deal on a new compost bin! It beats the pile of leaves we had before and hopefully it will stop the critters from visiting.

River Adventures

After a crash course at the lake on the basics of how to kayak, James bravely agreed to join us in the Duo (a tandem kayak) for a river run on one of our local runs.

James at the lake.

James at the lake.

Dan and James surfing.

James and Dan floating downriver.

Dan, James and Erin.

Lye Brook Wilderness (#2)

We were lucky enough to have a fellow backpacking enthusiast visit for a few days, so we headed back to the Lye Brook Wilderness for some adventure. Here's a write up from the trip. 

Day 1

We arrived at the trail head at about 11am after a couple of stops to pick up sandwiches and then at Ball Mountain Dam on the West River. After unloading our packs and making final preparations I drove the car a couple of miles to the other end of the loop we would be hiking. It was about noon by the time I’d make my way back to Erin and James, but I knew we’d all appreciate it in a couple of days at the end of the hiking.

We set off up the forest road towards the wilderness. It was a brutal uphill hike for the next couple of miles in the heat of the day with our fully loaded packs. We stopped briefly at Prospect rock to admire the view and get a sense of how much elevation we’d gained. Finally we left the forest road and hit the trail, crossing the first river and stopping to soak out hands/heads/hats in the cool and refreshing water.

We continued hiking for several more miles along the wooded AT/LT encountering a few other people along the way. We stopped at Winhall River for a short break and a snack. Pressing on we covered more distance and as we neared Stratton Pond there were a few passing rain showers. Once at the pond we found the north tail closed due to flooding so made our way around the south side and doubled back to reach the tenting area. We were the first to arrive which gave us the opportunity to secure one of the tenting platforms. Next priority was finding water and filtering water. Once the water shortage/crisis was over I took a refreshing dip in the lake which was one of the highlights of the trip.

Swimming in the lake.

With camp setup James and I began working on the fire. Having yet to discover the full potential of birch bark, it was hard work, but we got it going as Erin presented us with some very tasty burritos. As it got dark, the fire continued to thrive and James was able to utilize a drying bush that was near by. We finished the day off with some ginger-o’s and hot chocolates before turning in for the night.

The blazing campfire of the first night.

Day 2

We woke up to the sound of heavy rain on the tent in the morning. We gave it some time and fortunately the worst of it passed. Breakfast was oatmeal. I went to the spring to get more water to filter and saw the morning fog rising on the lake.

Enjoying breakfast on the second day.

With our bags all backed up again, we set off towards Bourn Pond at about 11am. The terrain/scenery was slightly different for this section. The trail was wetter and harder to follow in parts as we pushed through dense thickets. After a couple of river crossings we stopped for lunch at the side of the pond. We did a quick exploratory hike to the site of the North Bourne shelter to see what it was like.

One of several river crossings.

We left the pond and headed onto an overgrown trail with the intention of finding somewhere to camp for the night. One section of the trail ran through a blackberry patch where the berries were a sweet surprise as headed onward. We crossed a small stream, but weren’t able to find a place to camp in the original target area. After some time we stopped to regroup and agreed to continue along the trail while looking for a place to camp.

On the trail.

Water was the priority so when we encountered a stream I dropped my pack and completed a scout of the surrounding area for anything suitable. The first search was unsuccessful, so we continued along the trail, our legs tired and our spirits fading.

We crossed another small stream and then a larger stream. I knew we had to take on a serous scout of this area as we were losing daylight. We left the trail and started searching up stream. The terrain was difficult to get through so I followed the stream looking for somewhere that could accommodate two tents. I found nothing within a reasonable distance of the main trail.

I headed back with the intention of finding somewhere closer to the trail and met back up with Erin, and then James. James said he’d found something we might want to check-out - a flat spot on the edge of pond like area. It sounded too good to be true. We followed him through the bushes, around trees, and up-and-over mounds a short distance to the area he was talking about. It looked good and had a plentiful supply of fire wood.

With camp established at our new location. We set forth on fire-making, water-filtering, cooking dinner. We had noodles followed by freshly baked cupcakes. We had a great fire that we hoped would keep the bears away. After a late night mission to get more water, we put some more wood on the fire and retired to our tents.

Our wild campsite.

Day 3

After a night spent listening for bears we ate breakfast, packed up camp and hit the trail for the final leg back to the car. The trail began descending and after several miles we reached the spur to Lye Brook falls. We stopped at the falls for lunch and then continued downwards. After miles of downhill we finally reached the car after completing 19 miles.

GPS Track

Click the "View larger map" button at the top right to open in Google Maps.

Lye Brook Wilderness

Erin at Lye Brook Falls

We spent 3 days backpacking in the Lye Brook wilderness which is part of the Green Mountain National Forest in Vermont. Lye Brook Falls (above) is one of the tallest in Vermont and one of the best I've seen. We covered 21 miles and camped at Bourn Pond and Douglas Shelter.

River Crossing

Crossing Stratton Pond

Camping at Douglas Shelter

River Rescue Tips

Whitewater kayaking can be dangerous. We recently had an encounter with a river-wide tree, known as a "strainer". Fortunately we were well prepared and knew what to do. Here's the video:

Xmas 2014

Fireplace Heat Exchanger

For a while I have been thinking about how to make our fireplace more efficient. Modern fireplaces are not efficient and are known to suck air from inside the house and send out of the chimney. That lost air is replaced by much cooler outside air, resulting in a net heat loss (less the heat radiated by the fire).

Calculating the exact heat loss is difficult, but the way I look at it is: most of the heat from the fire is going up the chimney and while the fire may be heating the room, it's actually cooling the rest of the house.

So I decided to make a heat-exchanger grate to use in the fire place to see if we could "reclaim" some of the lost heat. The concept of a heat exchanger is for the fire to heat metal tubes which circulate and heat air that can be directed back into the room.

The first step was to acquire the tubes. I considered bending my own, but it was much easier to purchase some already bent to shape. I used some wood supports to keep the tubes in position prior to welding:

Heat-exchanger tubes aligned with wood guides.

I needed to bend some metal rod for the leg supports. This required some ingenuity as using a propane torch did not get the metal hot enough to easily bend. With the help of a jig and hammer I was able to bend (or break) the metal for the legs:

Metal bending jig for the legs.

With all the metal pieces all setup, I was able to weld everything into position. This was a bit harder than is sounds and even with the wood in place, it was hard to get everything lined up:

Ready for welding.

After a few welding, grinding, adjusting, and more welding cycles, things were looking good.

After welding, almost ready for paint.

I added a coat of high-heat paint and the heat-exchanger was ready for testing. Would it really make our fires more efficient?

After paint, ready to test.

Somewhere in New Hampshire

The Tutshi and Takhanne

This summer we spent a few weeks in Alaska for some paddling opportunities. We paddled 3 different rivers in the first few days. After arriving in in Juneau and flew to Skagway where we entered Canada to paddle the Tutshi. We then traveled to Haines and drove into Canada again to paddle the Blanchard and Takhanne.


Useful GPS coordinates:.

• Tutshi Put-In" N59° 44.399' W134° 58.379'
• Tutshi Put-Out" N59° 47.844' W134° 54.646'

The book "Paddling in the Yukon: A Guide to Rivers" by Ken Madsen is also useful resource if you can find a copy.

Maine Trip 2014

We recently completed the annual trip to Maine. It was a great trip this year! We drove up on Friday and arrived just before dark. On Saturday we did 2 glorious laps on the Kennebec at 4800CFS and 2400CFS. Andy and Wendy joined us again on Saturday night. On Sunday we finally got on the Dead at a nice burly 5200CFS. On Monday we drove home. It was a great way to spend the long weekend!


See the Maine Trip post for last years more detailed report.

The Dynamic Duo run Dragons Tooth

Building a Pea Trellis for the Vegetable Garden

The trellis we had in the garden for peas and pole beans suffered a bit of a collapse last fall, so it seemed like a new structure might be in order. I did some research and drew up a plan. The goal was to create a structure that would be sturdier but also functional. With plan in hand, I made a list of supplies and then we were off to Home Depot. The stack of 12, 8 foot long 2x2 boards weighed more than I expected, so I revised the original plan to build two trellises instead of one so that they would be easier to move. We rotate what we plant in each vegetable bed each year, so it was important to have a structure that could easily be moved if needed. The revised plan is below.

With the plan in mind, I got to work. The first step was cutting the 8ft boards into the correct lengths.

Once the pieces were cut, it was time to start assembling.

Things started coming together very nicely.

Here is a picture of the first trellis finished and in the garden.

And here is a photo of the two trellises complete and in the garden ready for the peas to start growing.

Happy Gardening!

Lower Millers Funnel

New Backhoe Tooth

This afternoon I put the welder to the test by replacing a missing tooth on the Kubota B670 backhoe. The tooth is part number 70020-00781 and I had one shipped for $25:

The new tooth, part number 70020-00781.

The backhoe bucket missing a tooth (in the middle).

The new tooth ready for welding.

The new tooth after welding.

The backhoe is now back in business. :)

Ecuador Paddling

We recently got back from a trip to Ecuador where we spend 7 days paddling along tropical jungle lined rivers with Small World Adventures.

I was impressed with Ecuador. The people, scenery, and kayaking made for an amazing week. It’s certainly a place I would like to go back to and explore further. I just need to work on my Spanish first.

Some photos from the trip:

The vans loaded ready for paddling.

Crossing and old bridge.

The first rapid.

Erin

Tena

Monkey

And here's a map of the places we visited when we were there:


View Larger Map