Blackstoned RIVER Canal & (Hike + Potluck BBQ) @ Perg State Park
Details
Hi Everyone,
Pictures from Last Years Event Here:
https://www.meetup.com/HCR-SK/photos/15238092/
Wild Ride on the River Loop course and later Visit to the Devils Coffin & Fat Man's Misery Features before the Fireside Potluck Dinner on site.
New time--> 12:00 pm to start hitting the water time since this is a far distance, and Perg Park will be less crowded when we get there after our paddle event.
-----> I hope Things look promising for this weekend, weather, water flows and many other factors seem on target so far ?? for both of these great locations again.
If you are late for the "downriver: part, you are on your own and thats not good at all, stick to the up river part and xplore the locks..etc...
We need apx as close to 300 CFS @ 7 to 8 foot Gag Depth ..
CURRENT Flow-rate:
http://waterdata.usgs.gov/ma/nwis/uv/?site_no=01111212&PARAmeter_cd=00065,00060
OPTION 1 for those that are not ready for fast water: You can avoid the fast water section and join some ? by paddling the flat areas UPSTREAM OF THE DAM and Locks to explore the interesting features which can take a few hours also---> then join us for the hike and fireside BBQ after at Prego Park.
Fast Water Option 2 : Remember, once starting downstream there is NO turning Back or Exit at all until the full end and you need good turning skills and strong paddling muscles to do this for enjoyment else you will learn and earn them,.
This is our first return from last year to a "FAST WATER PADDLING ENVIRONMENT" wild ride downstream on the Blackstone River -- we LOOP back via the side canal.
I have done my best to remember the ENDING portage point in my mind as a picture --> but a year later things change - so don't be a fool and pass that point, i can not save you if you do !
No car moving on this one. It is a LOOP via the old locks canal
(You need good water shoes for this event--there will be a few short portages also so be prepared). Keep your boat light and tie down what you can not put in a hatch or better don't bring all the junk.
Good turning and handling skills are needed for this section of river or you will be in the water and sometimes in very unsafe areas.
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Air: http://www.usairnet.com/cgi-bin/launch/code.cgi?Submit=Go&sta=KPVD&state=RI
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Kayaking info: If you want to see a bit of info on the place---here is the link for the river part of the day:
http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/central/blst.htm
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The Hike and Pot luck Fireside Dinner will be at Pergo Park Nearby.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Purgatory_Chasm_State_Reservation (http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/central/purg.htm)
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Additional Info for the PADDLE EVENT:
We will start at River Bend Farm area.
http://www.nps.gov/blac/planyourvisit/upload/Northbridge8x11.pdf
Blackstone River and Canal
Heritage State Park
River Bend Farm Visitors Center
287 Oak St.
Uxbridge Massahussies 01569
508 278-6486
The Blackstone River and Canal Heritage State Park recalls the role of canals in transporting raw materials and manufactured goods between emerging industrial centers. Walk along restored sections of the Blackstone River Canal and Towpath from the River Bend Farm Visitors Center (http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/images/blstMainMap.gif).
This park is operated in conjunction with the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor (http://www.nps.gov/blac/) which extends from Worcester to Providence, Rhode Island. Straddling the town line between Uxbridge and Northbridge is a 1000 acre natural area offering walking and hiking paths, canoe access, picnic areas and a broad expanse of the Blackstone River known as Rice City Pond, which is a great area for watching wildlife.
Trail Map
Download printable version (pdf) (http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/trails/blackstone.pdf)
History
Inspired by the success of the Erie Canal (begun in 1817) and spurred by the expansion of textile manufacturing along the Blackstone River in the early 19th century, the Blackstone Canal was built to link Central Massachusetts to the Atlantic via Providence, RI. Between 1828 and 1848, segments of the river were paralleled by the canal on which horse-drawn boats carried freight and passengers between Worcester and Providence. Initially highly successful, the canal was made obsolete by the completion of the railroad in 1847. Most of the canal structures are now gone, but the remains of lock chambers, dams, bridges, workers' housing, and a company store serve to remind us of the rich industrial history of the Blackstone River Valley.
Along the Way
Be sure to visit Millville Lock (http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/images/blstMillville.gif), the best preserved lock along the canal. Follow Rte. 122 south from Uxbridge to Millville Center. Turn right at the intersection of Rte. 122 and Central Street. parking is available at the corner of Hope and Central Streets. Follow the old railroad bed to the lock, which is about 3/4 mile away. The Blackstone River runs wild through high rocks at Blackstone Gorge (http://www.mass.gov/dcr/parks/images/blstBlackstone.gif) about 6 miles away. Follow Rte. 122 south through Millville into Blackstone. Turn right on County Road, following signs to the Gorge. There is limited parking at the end of the street; trails are left of Roaring Dam.
Park Directions
The park is located off of Rte 122 in south central Massachusetts.
Meeting Spot and put in spot:
Just use your GPS...
287 Oak St.
Uxbridge Massachewsetts
From the East/West/Boston/Southeast:
Take Mass Pike (Rte. I-90) to exit #10A in Millbury, Rte 146 South.
Take Rte 146 S & follow for 12 miles to exit # 3, Route 16.
Turn left onto Rte 16 East and follow for 2 miles to the traffic lights.
Turn left onto Route 122 North and follow for 1-1/4 mile and then turn right at traffic light onto Hartford Ave.
In 1 mile, turn right onto Oak Street at the UMass Tri-River Family Health Center.
Visitor Center is 1/10 mile on the left in the red barn if you need to pee or just visit.
~~> Park up on the HILL PARKING LOT where there is enough room for us after dropping off Kayaks by the water in the visitors center lot.
More details added as the time gets closer IF NECESSARY.
See those that are interested there.
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KAYAKS AVAILABLE:
The following Kayaks with paddles and life jackets are available for the put in site if specifically reserved in advance and if you know your skill to boat character:
Note: if you reserve a kayak and i take it all the way to the site and you do not show -- you will never join us again for any event, these are my personal hobby boats and its asked you be sincere in showing up besides i ask less than half of what a local shop charges and you get better equipment right at the event site.
Yes i will understand traffic may cause you to be late and if i hear of of any traffic via my GPS or by other arriving members, then we usually wait a bit longer than normal.
Please get a GPS, or a GPS with traffic data is even better.
Boat use Doughnation is $20.00.
KAYAK #1: Eddyline Wind Dancer Fiberglass/Kevlar, Red, Rudder Equipped 18' @ 24" wide.
This is an expedition style sea kayak designed for rough sea conditions and heavy loads.
Highly stable (initial & secondary), heavy weight (52 LB).
For almost any sized paddler apx (100 to 240 lbs) with beginner and up skills.
http://www.epinions.com/otdr_Kayaking_Touring_Sea-Eddyline-Wind_Dancer
RESERVED FOR STUART
KAYAK #2: Necky Eliza Plastic, Fire Color, Rudder Equipped 15'-3.5'' @ 22"wide.
Transitional Recreation to Sea Kayak, moderate weight (49 LB) ladies kayak
Small to Medium sized paddler (100 - 175 lbs) with Beginner and up skills.
This is the heavier model and largest cockpit of the Eliza series. http://www.frontenac-outfitters.com/kayaks/one_boat.cfm?ID=706
--- - --- AVAILABLE
----> KAYAK # x - MAYBE ANOTHER ONE BUT IT DEPENDS ON YOUR SKILL LEVEL and if you plan to stay on the flat areas (you will be on your own here) or join us on the fast water.
al-r
Blackstoned RIVER Canal & (Hike + Potluck BBQ) @ Perg State Park