Paddling Maine’s small ponds is ideal for recognizing wildlife
Exploring Maine’s many small lakes and ponds might be stimulating out of doors adventures. Lately, my spouse, Nancy, and I’ve endeavored so as to add extra to our paddling agenda. Small, slender our bodies of water with quite a few islands, coves and inlets which are habitats for quite a lot of birds and wildlife are significantly interesting to us.
The attraction was enough to justify buy of two flatwater kayaks we name “lake kayaks.” Our alternative was a pair of 12-foot Casco 120 solo kayaks. We’ve discovered them to be sturdy, snug vessels preferrred for reconnoitering each shallow constricted areas and open water. And, they’ve enough space for storing to hold virtually something wanted for a day journey.
Not too long ago, we’ve had the great fortune to discover Pitcher, Moxie and Runaround ponds. When our buddy Bruce Weik really useful Department Pond in Palermo, we have been obsessed with giving it a attempt.
Most of Department Pond is situated in Palermo, however entry is within the tiny mill village of Department Mills on the boundary between Palermo and China. A large number of small islands populate the pond, which is about two miles in size, offering myriad alternatives for exploration. On the northern finish, an elongated island located within the heart divides that sector into two separate arms, giving the pond a lobster-shaped contour.
Department Pond is definitely a part of the West Department of the Sheepscot River. In 1817, the primary mill and dam have been constructed at what’s now the outlet of Department Pond on the southern terminus. A hearth destroyed the mill in 1908, however new mill operations have been subsequently in-built that location.
In 2016, the house owners determined the dilapidated mill was too harmful to restore. The next 12 months, the Atlantic Salmon Federation bought the property, tore down the mill and added a fishway to the dam.
We met Bruce in Department Mills on an exquisite, calm, sunny day. There are two prospects for launching in Department Mills. One is on the website of the outdated mill and the opposite is a small touchdown situated on the finish of a brief highway that begins subsequent to the Department Mills Grange. We chosen the latter as there’s high quality parking out there.
Nancy and I selected to paddle our lake kayaks, however Bruce opted to take his sea kayak. Canoes and most kinds of kayaks are good decisions. Shorter whitewater kayaks are acceptable options, however are gradual.
When launching, we have been impressed with the serenity and fantastic thing about the situation. A group of islands was immediately forward whereas the primary channel angled left. We determined to maneuver by the slender passages between the islands. That required navigating by thick swamp grass in some places, a stimulating train in itself.
Our speedy purpose was to find the massive eagle nest Bruce believed was located excessive in one of many island bushes. After some inspection, we discovered the nest and two massive bald eagles perched on branches close by. They clearly have an ample meals provide as fish have been leaping all over the place, proof the fishway is working nicely.
Following our go to with the eagles, we kayaked into the primary channel and proceeded north previous islands on the proper and a handful of small camps left. Progressing deeper into the western arm, swamp grass and lily pads have been extra prevalent. We discovered negotiating the maze of passageways fairly entertaining.
Starting our return, we determined to analyze the potential of discovering a northern route by tall, dense swamp grass to the jap arm. An journey corresponding to Rosie and Charlie’s ordeal in “The African Queen” ensued. Truly, that comparability is a bit overstated, however we did expertise slender, twisting channels in thick vegetation.
We quickly emerged into the jap arm. Bruce identified the situation the place the West Department entered, however the water degree was too shallow for nearer inspection.
For the rest of the outing, we continued amidst the quite a few islands. In a single cove, we discovered a lately constructed footbridge erected from a camp to a tiny islet. Quickly after, we encountered three loons, presumably a household. Two of them dove whereas the third unfold its substantial wings, asserting we have been shut sufficient. Our exceptionally nice paddle ended shortly afterward.
Three extra lake or pond journeys are narrated in my ebook, “Maine Al Fresco: The Fifty Best Outside Adventures in Maine.”
