Friday, July 18, Paddle, Connecticut River, Windsor

Meet at 9:30 a.m. for an expected launch by 9:50 a.m. from the boat launch behind the Sikh Temple, 1530 Palisado Ave., Windsor. This driveway is VERY easy to miss. The entrance is past the two paved entrances to the temple parking lot. This will be a quiet 9 to 11-mile trip on the Connecticut River in Windsor. We will paddle south to the mouth of the Farmington River, and then head back upriver. We pass the twisty Scantic River on the way south and will explore this smaller river, if water levels and lack of obstacles permits this to happen. The Scantic River trip will be up to 2 miles. Those desiring a 9-mile trip with a longer lunch break can skip the Scantic River portion of the trip.
Paddlers must provide their own kayak/canoe and other equipment. Bring lunch, snacks, and water. Per club policy, a life jacket must be worn for the trip duration. This launch has a long, paved ramp, which is bit of a walk from the parking area. Registration is appreciated, but not required. Rain cancels. Any weather-related changes will be published via email by 7 a.m. the morning of the trip: don’t let advance forecasts scare you away — they are frequently wrong.
GPS track (showing only the Connecticut River part of the trip): https://ridewithgps.com/routes/33599879
The Trust for Public Land has an interesting booklet about the river that may be found at this website: http://cloud.tpl.org/pubs/local_ct_river_report.pdf
Directions: I-91 North to Exit 42, then left at the end of the ramp on Lawnacre Rd., then right at the next light on Route 159 South for 0.7 miles. Left into the unmarked gravel driveway entrance at the south end of the property and then drive to the lower parking lot.
I-91 South to Exit 42, then right on Route 159 South for 1.1 miles. Left into the unmarked gravel driveway entrance at the south end of the property and then drive to the lower parking lot.