I had spent the past few weeks trying to throw together a big kayak trip with all the folks from work. Originally we had quite the crew who were planning to go. After some time though, they all started to drop like flies. Certainly most of them had valid reasons to miss the trip, and all assured me that they are interested in another outing. But, I have to say, the Clancy family and their kids were the perfect company on our outing. Even though we only had 6 of us piled into 3 kayaks, I really had a wonderful time, and I know they did too. Mike has been talking to me for over a year about wanting to come out. His kids and wife were wonderful, and very excited about the whole trip.
We started at our normal spot at the Summer Street Bridge on the Taunton River, just upstream from the mouth of the Nemasket. I want to make a shout out to Jim at the Kayak Barn. I had been working with Jim to get the rental kayaks for the large crew we had originally expected to come. Jim lives directly across the street from the put in at Summer St. and he rents both kayaks and canoes out to anyone interested in taking a run on the river. He has great prices, and loads of boats. If you are ever in the area and looking to rent, give Jim a call a few days ahead of time and he will set you up with everything you need to make the trip. Call him at 508-697-8521!
Strangely, the Taunton River was a little low for this time of the year. We haven’t had much snow this winter, and not much rain to speak of since, so the high water mark was about a foot above water level. Yet the Namasket was pretty high. I wouldn’t say at its peak, but it was noticeably higher than what it had been for the last run I made there. This was causing the water from the Nemasket to have a pretty quick flow going into the Taunton. Luckily the kayaks have no trouble going against the current. It was a little work getting under trees and making turns along the winding river while having the current trying to push you in another direction.
The Clancy family killed it, even on their first run out with me. It took a bit of getting used to for them, but as the trip went on, I could see them learning by the minute. It’s always encouraging seeing this happening with new kayakers. Loving kayaking as much as I do, nothing pleases me more than to see someone else getting hooked on the power of the river. The Clancy kids loved every moment of it. They were about Desmond’s age, and were a perfect addition to the trip. Des is a pretty reserved shy kid, and I think if the big trip would have gone as planned, he probably would have been more intimidated by the big crowd. With just the Clancy kids in tow, he was much more comfortable. They hit it off quick at the put in as they all enjoyed tossing rocks into the river. I knew from the start it was going to be great for him.
If you are looking for a description of this part of the river, check out some of my previous posts on the lower Nemasket. I have made this trip dozens of times, so there are plenty of good descriptions of this route already posted on my page.
I just want to make one last shout out to the Clancy family for making this such an enjoyable trip. Though I think we were both a little bummed that the whole crew of 15+ kayaks weren’t able to make it for the trip, we still had a great time, and I think I may have created a couple new kayak fanatics that will get to enjoy the sport for years to come. Thanks Clancy family! You made our day!
