Enjoying a day on the river

Oct 07, 2011 12:00 am

RUMFORD -- The light rain did not put a damper on the first annual Day on the River held Saturday morning from the Hanover to Rumford boatlanding.

The event, sponsored by the Androscoggin River Watershed Council, the Mahoosuc Land Trust and the River Valley Growth Council, attracted people rowing more than 30 canoes and kayaks.

One of the Androscoggin River Watershed Council's purposes is to Promote recreational uses, especially through more access and responsible, low-impact activities.

When asked what wildlife they saw during the trek, people listed heron, geese, ducks and an eagle. Another person added that while there was light rain, there still was a difference in viewing the foliage from the river.

Jim Rinaldo, executive director of the River Valley Growth Council, said "The Androscoggin is such a great asset to our community, and we want to encourage people to get out and enjoy it."

He added that he would like to see this event held on the same day each year.

Canoes were provided free of charge by Bruce Powell, owner of Stony Brook Campground, for those who did have their own boats.

The campground also provided shuttle service back to the starting point.

The outdoor outfitter Ecopelagicon of Rangeley had kayaks to try out for free.

Participants of the canoe/kayak trek also got their first look at the new information kiosk at the Rumford boatlanding. Brookfield Power agreed to donate the funds to make it possible.

The eight-foot wide kiosk, open on both sides with a roof, similar to the one in Bethel, was constructed by Androscoggin River Watershed Council in their ongoing effort to promote the river.

Earlier, Rumford Town Manager Carlo Puiia said the watershed council would also be paying to replace the sign at the entrance to the boatlanding.

The event concluded with a barbeque inside the Rumford Polar Bears' clubhouse supplied by the Growth Council.

Enjoying a day on the river Photo:

Despite the light rain, the first annual Day on the River held Saturday morning from the Hanover to Rumford boatramps attracted people rowing more than 30 canoes and kayaks. (Times photo by Bruce Farrin)

Enjoying a day on the river Photo:

Linda Dexter, owner of Ecopelagicon of Rangeley, poses with lead guide Peter Christensen, in front of the new kiosk at the Rumford Boatlanding. The outdoor outfitter supplied kayaks to try out for free during Saturday's Day on the River event. (Times photo by Bruce Farrin)

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Enjoying a day on the river