Write-up: Bobbie Scarpino
Leader: Bobbie Scarpino
Co-Leader: Norma Vleer

After hearing that traffic was taking an hour to travel from Thendara to Old Forge on Saturdays, the scheduled shuttle was abandoned and the paddling course was changed. On a picture-perfect day, our group of 12 launched our boats at Green Bridge in Thendara. Arriving early enough, we were fortunate to find ample parking for our nine vehicles in this very busy spot.

We headed up the river on the Middle Branch of the Moose River. Once past the Rt. 28 bridge, we continued upstream on the North Branch, past the golf course and turned around just short of Indian Rapids. A rope swing hanging overhead had a few seriously considering taking a leap and a plunge. But thinking about the consequences to their bodies, the rope was left dangling and unused.

Once back near the Rt 28 bridge, we took a side trip up the Middle Branch of the Moose to Whispering Falls. Kathy tried to paddle up the falls, but got stuck on a rock. Peter came to the rescue, got her canoe off the rock and facing back downstream. As we drifted back a group of 5-6 deer were spotted frolicking on the banks.

Heading back to Green Bridge, our plan was to continue under the bridge and on to the Lock and Dam to have lunch. But upon reaching a fork in the river and stopping to make sure that our group was altogether, the leader realized she had lost half the group! 50% is not acceptable! Feeling confident that the other half must have abandoned ship at the bridge, the remaining six continued on to our destination. The dam is a unique wooden structure. A pull-out there allowed us to stretch our legs and eat lunch. The trip back to Green Bridge seemed much shorter and took no time at all, even though we had to paddle upstream.

On the way home, some of the remaining paddlers made a stop at Kratzy’s for a well-deserved beverage. We learned that the other 50% had also made a stop there.