Ritzhikes

Where: Charles River, Part I When: 4/21/96 With: Solo The Charles River originates in Hopkinton and then flows some 80 miles to Boston Harbor. At its beginning, the river is no more than a small brook but eventually it widens into a something paddleable. The AMC River Guide describes the lower 64 miles of the river, splitting them into four sections, each a day's journey. The first section, beginning in Bellingham, is described as being rather pretty with some Class I-II rapids in high water. Recent heavy rains and snow melt had raised the water level and I thought it would be a good place to try out my paddling skills and my Keowee kayak on some rough water. I'd only paddled on flat lakes and ponds before and was curious to see how my boat and I would do in rapids. The Keowee is not designed for whitewater, but what it lacks in maneuvering ability it makes up for in stability, so I figured it could handle this easy stuff. The day was beautiful - warm and sunny. I left my...

Where: Westfield River When: 16 April 1996 With: Solo I'm a-going fishing, all of the time, My baby's going fishing too. Bet your life, that your sweet wife Is gonna catch more fish than you. Little fishies bite if you've got good bait, That's a little tip that I would like to relate. With my pole, and my line, I'm a-going fishing, yes I'm going fishing, And my baby's going fishing too. - Taj Mahal I had this song playing on my tape deck when I got onto the Turnpike, heading west. I'd hoped to get out at the same time as Jane and Andy (7:30), but I'd neglected to pack up the night before so I didn't get going until 8:30. The weather was perfect...sunny, cool, a few clouds and a light breeze...and traffic was light. I took a slightly different route that avoided downtown Northhampton and made it to the parking area for the Westfield River by 10:00. I decided to forgo the waders, opting instead for scuba boots, river sandals, and s...