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AMC ADVENTURE TRAVELVolunteer-Led Excursions WorldwideWilderness Canoe on Maine’s Penobscot RiverAT Trip # 2171August 30 to September 5, 2021Penobscot River - all photos by Robert White
Lobster Lake - Day Two and ThreePut-inCamping Sites
Penobscot River and Chesuncook Lake - Day four to sevenTake-out
Trip OverviewWe invite you to join us for a wilderness canoe trip in northern Maine, one of the few extensive wilderness areas along the east coast of the United States. The St. Johns, the Allagash, and the PenobscotRivers are all located here, with long stretches of white-water and flat-water canoeing. We have chosen a popular section of the West Branch of the Penobscot River for a seven-day, six-night backcountrycamping/paddling trip. The upper reaches of the Penebscot River run through a mountainous, forestedlandscape defined by the powerful presence of Maine’s highest summit, Mt. Katahdin (5,267 ft.). Wildlife abounds and visitors frequently see moose, deer, and bald eagles. Black bears are present but rarelyseen.The trip will start at Lobster Lake, then we will canoe a flat-water section of the river and end atChesnuncook Lake. We will have a layover day on both lakes to relax and explore the area, including anoptional hike up Lobster Mt. There are no portages but you will need to have basic canoeing and backcountry camping skills, and the ability to paddle up to 15 miles per day. Either bring your own canoe,single or double, or we will arrange for canoe rentals for you. Per Maine regulations, we will have aregistered Maine guide accompany us on the trip.Trip DifficultyTrip rating is canoeing moderate.See ulty-ratingsThe trip will involve both lake and river canoeing. The river is predominately flat with a slow currentbut there are several miles of scratchy class I rapids, mainly avoiding underwater rocks and not gettingstuck on one. Other water dangers include winds and waves on the lakes, and capsizing with the riskof hypothermia. The paddling days are not long but physical stamina is required on the river paddlingstages (see detailed itinerary). Camping has its usual mild risks of burns, cuts, insects, and sunburn.Prolonged rain can also bring on hypothermia and general discomfort. Once we put in, there is noturning back. We will carry an InReach Satellite Communication device and can summon help in anemergency.While we have no portages on this trip, we will teachcanoeing and portaging skills for those who mightplan trips on their own. We will demonstrate andpractice canoe rescues. Portaging a canoe is notdifficult. The canoe will weigh 35-40 pounds and isbalanced on one person’s shoulders.
Daily ItineraryAugust 30 (day one)We will meet at a hotel in Lincoln, Maine. Plan to arrive by 4:00 PM. We will gather for a pre-dinner talkabout the trip, safety considerations and will demonstrate how to pick up and portage a canoe. We willhave a welcome dinner, either at a local restaurant or take-out (depending on the state of the pandemic).Overnight at hotel.August 31 (day two)We will have an early start on our first day withthe end goal of securing one of the eleven campsites on Lobster Lake. These campsites are verypopular and have a first-come policy. Breakfastwill be on your own, then meet the shuttle inMedway, ME to load canoes and gear. We will bein one 15-passenger van to be driven to our putin on Lobster Stream, a two-hour trip on loggingroads, just under 70 miles. We will stop at aNorth Woods check point to pay for our campsitesand road use. Once we are dropped off at LobsterStream, we have a leisurely paddle down LobsterStream and into Lobster Lake. The paddle will bethree to seven miles depending on which campsite is available. All campsites are owned by thestate of Maine and will feature a picnic table andprivy. Camp overnight.CampsiteSeptember 1 (day three)Layover day on the lake. You may join someof us on a hike up Lobster Mountain for greatviews of the area (about four hours roundtrip,1000 ft. gain), paddle around the lake, or justrelax. Bob will offer a canoe rescue clinic.Camp overnight.View from Lobster Mountain
Daily ItinerarySeptember 2 (day four)Break camp after breakfast, paddle back up Lobster Stream until it empties into the Penobscot River,and then paddle down river. We will aim for a campsite on Big Island or nearby. Paddle distance of 1315 miles. Camp overnight. Bob and Brian will talk about navigating in rapids and what to do if you arecaught on a rock (quite possible).September 3 (day five)Break camp after breakfast, continue paddle down the Penobscot River. Paddle distance of 10-12 miles.We likely will encounter class one rapids for several miles. At the upper end of Chesnuncook Lake, wewill cross over to Gero Island to camp for the next two nights.September 4 (day six)Layover day on Chesnuncook Lake. We can explore coves and other ponds in the upper lakes and visitChesnuncook Village, a resort area, go fishing or relax. Chesnuncook Village is a seasonable settlementlisted on the National Register of Historic Places. Camp overnight.September 5 (day seven)Break camp after breakfast and paddle to the take-out at Moose Pond, planning to arrive mid-morning.The shuttle will meet us and we have a two-hour trip back to Medway. End of trip. If you wish to stayaround in the area, there is excellent white-water rafting and the AMC Maine facilities are not far. BaxterState Park (where Mt. Katahdin towers) is just north of this area.Lobster Lake
Accomodations, Meals, and TransportAdventure Travel will develop a protocol for viral screening pre-trip. We hope most of the participantswill be vaccinated before the trip starts.You will need to drive yourself and gear to the start of the trip at Lincoln and then to Medway for theshuttle. We can assist with carpooling if there is interest.First night accomodation at a basic hotel in Lincoln with a group welcome dinner.Transportation to put-in and from take-out by 15-passenger van towing a canoe trailer. Two-hour tripeach way on dirt logging roads, often dusty. We may ask you to wear a mask on the shuttle.All campsite meals, breakfast, lunch and dinner will be provided by the leaders. Leaders will bringgroup cooking gear, stoves, water purification, and tarps. Participants will bring personal camping gear.There will be the expectation of sharing and loading group gear among the canoes. We will have rotating crews for cooking and clean-up. All food will be kept in bear-proof containers. We will observe stricthygiene. Participants should bring their own snacks. If you like a drink, feel free to bring wine but onlyin boxes or sacks, no bottles or cans.WeatherOn average, we should expect warm days and cool nights (from the mid-70s to the low-50s). Insectsshould be at a minimum. The lakes are still warm enough to swim in. But rain is always possible andyou should have a full rain suit. With prolonged rain, it can be quite cool. You should have clothing forboth extremes of warmth and cold. Winds can be a problem, mostly when paddling on the bigger lakes.We will provide a suggested clothing list to all participants.We typically see beaver, otter, chipmunks, andsquirrels in or by the lakes, occasionally moose ordeer. We need to be prepared for black bear, butactual encounters are rare.Loons are seen on every lake, often female merganser, black duck, spotted sandpiper, chickadees,wood warblers, grouse, gulls, woodpeckers, andherons. American eagles and osprey are possible.
Trip PriceThe AMC Member price is 670.The non-member price is 720 Consider joining the AMC (2020 pricing is 50 individual, 75 family)You can join on-line at the AMC home page lachian-mountain-club-todayPrice includes:First night hotel, dinner, the shuttle, camping and road use fees, all camp meals, and tipping of thedriver. Hotel costs are based on double occupancy. The trip includes emergency evacuation insuranceshould there be an accident or medical emergency, covering up to 5,000 for accident expenses and upto 200,000 for emergency evacuation and repatriation. Coverage only includes the dates of travel ofthe official AMC trip, so coverage for early arrival or trip extension is not included. Please be aware that,in accordance with AMC policy, you are subsidizing the leader’s costs. Beyond this, the leaders are notallowed to realize any profit from this excusion.The price for this excursion is based on quotes or estimates obtained at the time the trip
was submitted to the Adventure Travel Committee for approval. The final price of thetrip will be adjusted in accordance with the best final arrangements we can make. Any savings weachieve, as well as any cost increases we incur, will be shared by trip participants. Our cost estimates areconservative, and so a refund is considerably more likely than a price increase. AllAdventure Travel trips are run on a non-profit basis and refunds, if any, are issued afterthe trip’s financial accounting is complete and approved by Adventure Travel.Price does not include:transportation to and from the start/end of the trip, the second-day breakfast, any alcoholic beverages,and snacks. Canoe rentals are NOT included, which we estimate will be 25 per tandem canoe per day.If you bring your own canoe, there will be an extra shuttle cost. If you wish to have a single room for thefirst night, there will be a single supplement charge subject to availibility. If you plan to fish, you willneed a Maine fishing license. The fee does not include insurance for travel delay or interruption. Individual travel insurance is recommended. More information about recommended travel insurance will besent to you upon acceptance for the trip.Participant ExpectationsWhen you participate in this activity, you should be in proper condition for the challenges outlined inthis prospectus and equipped with the appropriate gear as stated. You should always be aware of therisks involved and conduct yourself accordingly. You are ultimately responsible for your own safety. Priorto your acceptance as a participant in this trip, you will be asked to discuss your capabilities and experience with us. We may also request references to confirm your fitness level and suitability for participating in trip activities.This trip is designed so that everyone may experience our adventure in the Maine wildernessthrough shared participation in activities and tasks in an organized group environment. AMC travelersare known for their cooperative efforts, and expectations are that all participants will be considerate ofothers sharing this AMC Adventure Travel experience.It may happen on any trip that a trip member is or becomes unable to participate in one or more of theplanned activities. Leaders in their sole judgment have the right and obligation to refuse participationin any activity to any group member for reasons of safety, whether it be of the group or of the individual.Illness, injury or lack of proper gear or fitness for a particular activity are examples of some conditionsthat might resultin a participant’s being unable to perform one or more activity. Leaders may try to find asubstitute activity for the trip member, but this may not always be possible.While the itinerary is what the leaders have planned at the time of writing, various factors may requirechanges for reasons of group ability, camping site availability, and unforseeable circumstances such asweather considerations (e.g. high winds or thunderstorms), natural disasters in the area to bevisited, or recommendations of government agencies. The leaders reserve the right to make such changes as necessary, both before and during the trip.
Wind bound on Gero IslandApplication ProcessTo apply, you must complete and submit the Participant Application, Confidential HealthQuestionnaire, and Acknowledgement and Assumption of Risk and Release form. All of the applicationmaterials can now be accessed and filled out on-line. Please use this link to find the forms:https://forms.office.com/r/UB8j3ztcaY
You will be considered qualified for the trip when the leaders have determined by a conversation withyou that you and the trip seem to be a good match. You will be formally accepted, and your check will bedeposited, when the trip leaders confirm the trip has sufficient number of participantsand is going as planned. A deposit of 335 is due with the application and the final payment of 335 isdue May 15. Checks from wait-listed applicants will not be cashed until we offer them a spot on thetrip AND they accept. Please make payments by check payable to the “AppalachianMountain Club” and mail to the address shown on the Participant Application. Vouchers from cancelledtrips can be accepted as part of the deposit. Once you are accepted, we will send you a gear list.Cancellation PolicyThe AMC Adventure Travel cancellation policy is based on the premise that your cancelltion may not raisethe cost to the other participants or to the leaders. After notification that the trip will run asscheduled, there will be no cancellation fee before May 15. After that date, we will be makingnon-refundable deposits for services. If actual costs (expenses already incurred on your behalf and anyunavoidable future expenses that will be incurred as a result of your registration and cancellation) arehigher, they will be assessed instead, unless they can be applied toward another acceptableparticipant. Should the leaders be able to replace you, you may be charged a reduced penalty. This willgenerally not be determined until after the trip. Failure to make trip payment (s) will be considered a cancellation.On rare conditions AMC Adventure Travel may need to cancel all or a portion of a trip due to force majeure(e.g. terrorism, local health conditions, natural disaster, changes in local regulatory enviornment, etc).In the event of such a cancellation, your trip fee will be refunded less any trip expenses already occurredplus any non-cancellable future trip expenditures. AMC Adventure Travel is not responsible for additionalexpenses incurred by you in preparing for the trip, including gear and medical expenses.Terms, Conditions, and General InformationAMC Adventure Travel trips are run in a manner supportive of and consistent with the conservation, recreational and educational principles and mission of the Club. Trip leaders encourage participant conductconsistent with Leave No Trace environmental and conservation principles and local regulations.As participant safety is a high priority for all AMC-sponsored events, procedures and policies have beendeveloped to attempt to limit participant risk. Participants are expected to work with volunteer leaders toreduce risks and make the experience successful for all. Participants should be aware that there are risksassociated with outdoor adventure activities, including but not limited to adverse weather andenvironmental conditions, remote locations of our trips and camps, and transportation in vehicles, onfoot, by boat, or on a bike.When you apply for acceptance onto a trip, please carefully read and sign the Adventure Travel Acknowledgement and Assumption of Risks and Release and Indemnity Agreement and call if you have any questions.See: rces/trip-policy
LeadershipBob White learned to canoe and paddle and love the wilderness from his grandfather. For most of his adult life, hehas been active in the AMC. In his younger years, Bob ledwhite-water canoeing trips for the Connecticut AMC and inmore recent years, he has led sea-kayaking trips.About 15 years ago, he discovered Algonquin Provincial Parkin Ontario. He has led numerous family wilderness campingtrips to Maine and Canada, the last one to the Penobscot Riverin 2020. He led AMC inter-chapter trips to Algonquin and LaVerendre Park in Quebec. For Adventure Travel, he has ledhiking trips to Utah and Kauai, a seakayaking trip to Mexico,wilderness canoeing in Temagami and Algonquin, and theBuffalo River in Arkansas. He works as a psychiatrist in NewHaven, CT. His hobbies include cooking, birding and photography, all of which he will practice on the trip.Brian Horowitz’s passion is enjoying theoutdoors. He especially loves hiking, biking,and kayaking. Over the past 30 years, he hasplanned and led many weekend camping getaways mostly involving biking, hiking, rafting,canoeing and kayaking for AMC, Mosaic andother local outdoor groups. He is a Bike, Hikeand Paddle leader for the NoNJ/NY chapter ofAMC leading twenty trips in the last five yearsincluding three camping weekends.Brian is an avid kayaker, including joining the“http://nationalcanoesafetypatrol.com” National Safety Canoe Patrol. This all-volunteergroup partners with the National Park Serviceto patrol the upper Delaware River area. TheSafety Patrol spends time paddling the upper Delaware River and, at the same time, rescuing peoplewho have found themselves in an “out of boat” experience of some sort and guiding people to be safer asthey paddle down the river. Brian’s training for this group includes First Aid, CPR, and Advanced WaterRescue.Brian can be reached at:106 Cedar St.South Bound Brook, NJ 08880brian.horowitz@yahoo.com
country camping skills, and the ability to paddle up to 15 miles per day. Either bring your own canoe, single or double, or we will arrange for canoe rentals for you. Per Maine regulations
