It started out as a vague idea. As I was finishing up my cross country ski of the entire Catamount Trail (https://catamounttrail.org/) which runs the length of Vermont and is the longest cross country ski trail in the country, I was wondering what I could do next. For a number of reasons I have to stay close to home this summer, so going west to hike was not an option. I realized that by completing the Catamount Trail I had now hiked, biked and skied the entire length of Vermont. “Why not paddle it?” I thought. I had a second, truly crazy idea that I am not going to mention here yet.

My original goal was to paddle the length of Vermont down the Connecticut River, but I am now thinking I might continue on once I hit the Vt/Mass border. While researching the river I read about some folks who have paddled it from source to sea, and the more I think about that the more it appeals to me!

Even with all the trips behind me and all of my paddling experience, including much white water paddling, this trip scares me a bit. I am a strong swimmer but I have great respect for the river. I once was pulled unconscious from a river when my kayak spray skirt failed.

I will be paddling a solo canoe loaded with gear, including fresh water. There will be plenty of dams I have to portage around. There are some serious class III rapids which I will also portage. I have run plenty of class III rapids but few in a solo canoe loaded with camping gear. Rapids of this level require precise maneuvering and can easily swamp an open canoe. I am hoping I can run most, if not all, of the many class II rapids. For an explanation of the river grading system go to https://paddling.com/learn/classification-of-rapids-water-level-and-canoeists

My biggest concern is missing a pull out and getting sucked into big rapids. But then I remember what my large concerns were before my last adventures and I remind myself that the worst never came to pass. I managed and thrived throughout those trips. So I am trying to apply some common sense knowledge and then let go of the fear enough so it does not stop me.

I have done some research. I have chosen a boat and gear. I have talked with a few people who have given me a tiny bit of information about what I can expect to find. I know when hiking, a shakedown hike before a big trip is always a good idea. With that in mind I am heading out this weekend to do a shakedown paddle. I hope to do the northernmost segment of the river where some of these rapids lie.

I expect the river will be rocky and narrow in places. There are some unpaddleable sections between what are known as the upper Connecticut Lakes. Two of my goals for this weekend are to do as much of this very upper section as I can, without full gear, and to scout some of the other river rapids along the drive up and back. Another goal includes gaining confidence in my abilities and in my gear. And finally I want to have fun.