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A Day at the Lake

Perfect Maine day

Saturday, August 14, 2021
Winthrop, ME
Easy to Moderate
Hosted by a member

The trip report

Written by UpInMaine

Unlike a hike, the day at the lake -- Upper Narrow Pond in central Maine -- has no summit, nor even an agenda; it was just a group of like-minded men who gathered and Don and Roger's summer place to do, well, what you do on a lake. Arriving Friday night for a cookout, we gathered around the fire, set up tents, spent early Saturday afternoon waiting for a short storm to pass over, and then spent the rest of the day kayaking, swimming, visiting the lake's small island, conversing, and eating. Another cookout that evening with the usual hamburgers and hot dogs and local sweet corn was followed Sunday morning by eggs, bacon, sausage, and blueberry pancakes. Kudos to our genial hosts, and thanks to the weather gods who made the storm pass through quickly on Saturday. An excellent, relaxing weekend.

Event photos (5)

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About this event

Come enjoy the Upper Narrows in Winthrop, Maine (just 15 minutes West of Augusta) for an active day on the water. We have 12 small watercraft available (or bring your own), including -2 Canoe's, 1 Ghanooe, 2 Paddle Boards, 7 Kayaks and a 12 foot sailboat. The water should be warm. We have a dock you can jump off, a small beach to lounge at, and a ramp to launch your own. This outing is probably not best suited to the beginner kayaker. We'll likely take a 2-3 hour tour after lunch of our lake including the Upper & Lower Narrows, checking out wildlife (Bald Eagles, Loons, Ducks, Turtles) and other lake-front homes. Bring a noodle to float around on afterwards back by the dock, a hat, some sun-screen, and enjoy the warmest part of the year. Our lake is 1 mile long and has a dinky island in the middle where you can dock and jump off Standing Rock into deep water. Bring a pack lunch and your own beverages in a cooler with ice. We do have an old boathouse that provides ample shade and protection from the elements in the event of a temporary rain shower. Downtown Winthrop is 1 mile away where you'll find a gas station, dunkin donuts, Hannaford, etc. We'll offer a Campfire and BBQ (Chicken, Burgers, Veggie Burgers & Corn on cob) dinner that evening bring along a BYOB & pot-luck side dish (Salad, Side, Appetizer, Desert - Please RSVP with your choice, so I can plan accordingly) as a way to extend the day -- we have ICE, and both indoor and outdoor seating available (weather dependant) for comfortable social distancing. We are dog-friendly, and you're welcome to bring your own pooch as long as s/he's socially trained, not a barker, nor aggresive/breed & obviously pick up after them. 

Coming from far away? We have 7 spots for sm/med sized tents on our property right there on the lake, to allow you to drive up on Friday afternoon and spend the night Saturday night (we can split cost to order in local pizza / salad like last year + BYOB). Flat, dirt locations where you can set up a tent for the weekend. Text/Call me with requests of this nature, so we can reserve a spot -- especially if driving from afar. We do have running water, electricity, cell service, and a primitive toilet, or woods to take a leak.

Who came along (8)

A member
Profile hidden
FlyNavy GUEST MEMBER
FlyNavy
Winthrop, ME
HikerLegs SUSTAINING
HikerLegs
South Burlington, VT
GlennCanoe SUSTAINING
GlennCanoe
Rochester NH area, NH
A member
Profile hidden
UpInMaine GUEST MEMBER
UpInMaine
Augusta, ME
Johnzjr GUEST MEMBER
Johnzjr
Warner, NH
menard77 SUSTAINING
menard77
Merrimac, MA

Comments

GlennCanoe · Jun 13, 2021
Questions for the leaders about this event:
1] According to GoogleMaps, there's only one fork on Ashaloona Drive, not two. Could you please clarify or send GPS coordinates?
2] Since the site is primitive, should we being a trowel and/or TP, too?
Thanks!
P.S. Although I'm a Sustaining Member, I couldn't email the Trip Leaders directly.
A member · Jun 14, 2021
I got notice of an Update, but not sure what it was. Also, is there an option to campout Saturday night? If not, are there hotel rooms very close by?
A member · Jul 23, 2021
Gaston, sorry for the delayed response, yes we're offering camping out on Friday night, and/or Saturday night -- we're there all weekend, including most of Friday if you're overnight Friday night. Plenty of level dirt/ slightly grassy area right next to the lake.
A member · Jul 24, 2021
Well, if no serious rain of threat I can camp, although that means more I have to pack. Is there a lodging alternative(s) nearby?
A member · Jul 24, 2021
Cobbossee Motel appears to be closest.

https://cobbosseemotel.com/

There are also a few hotels 10 to 15 minutes North on Route 202 towards Augusta -- near the OFF/ON Ramps of I-95.

We do have a boathouse with floorspace for 1/or/Couple to throw down sleeping pad and sleeping bag/s available Fri / Sat nites. I also have spare (new) cot as well. RSVP for it if interested.

We do have a tent that could be borrowed as well for Fri / Sat nite.

Don
A member · Jul 24, 2021
Well, if no serious rain of threat I can camp, although that means more I have to pack. Is there a lodging alternative(s) nearby?
A member · Jul 28, 2021
Is there a specific address we can plug into GPS? Also, would prefer not to drag my kayak along, can I reserve one in advance?
A member · Jul 28, 2021
57 Ashaloona Drive in Winthrop, Maine --, is the address to our home, but it's rented out to tenants. Hence the written directions, to a different driveway, on the same property, to get down to the boathouse on the lake. Please do not park in the paved driveway, or knock on the tenants door. Thanks.

Yes, we have 8 kayaks, we'll put your name on one of them.

:)
A member · Jul 28, 2021
57 Ashaloona Drive in Winthrop, Maine --, is the address to our home, but it's rented out to tenants. Hence the written directions, to a different driveway, on the same property, to get down to the boathouse on the lake. Please do not park in the paved driveway, or knock on the tenants door. Thanks.

Yes, we have 8 kayaks, we'll put your name on one of them.

:)
A member · Jul 28, 2021
We just launched 17 foot Islands Sailboat - which can seat 4 to 6 guys, so we have another vessel to incorporate into our Day (or two) at the Lake! Don.
A member · Jul 29, 2021
Thanks guys!
A member · Jul 30, 2021
Thanks guys!
A member · Aug 11, 2021
How is it people can comment under their Profiles?

Anyways, i called the Motel suggested on this page. just rings and rings, can't leave a message. So doesn't seem like I will be able to get a room nearby. I have a 10 person tent, says it can hold 2 queen air mattresses. I think it can and leave a little space. It measures 10 by 14. Is there a big enough area (remaining) to set this up? Is there power nearby, or close enough to a vehicle to use my Power inverter with extension cords?
A member · Aug 12, 2021
Take it we should bring life vests?
A member · Aug 13, 2021
We have plenty of life vests, or floating cushions, or bring your own.

:)

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