Westford to Lamoille River

This year we finally broke the foul weather jinx that has plagued the Browns-Lamoille trip for several years. The morning was brisk, but by the 1:00 start time the sky was clear, the temperature comfortable. The Browns River was running just high enough to avoid scratching, and well below the heavy push of the previous week. The turnout was excellent, six kayaks, three solo canoes and a tandem canoe. The Browns River put-in is in Westford, just south of town, about 1/4 mile above the washed out dam which is just below the bridge behind the store. The dam is a difficult Class III when the river is high, the river right passage is the preferred route. When the river is low the preferred route is to carry around, which we all did. The Browns River runs several miles before reaching the Lamoille. The current runs fast and fun for short stretches, slow and lazy for others. There are two distinct ledges to negotiate. Some of the less experienced decided to line through. The group divided into two after the second ledge, allowing some of the faster boaters to move ahead. At the Lamoille the water level was at a low spring level, quick but easily managed. The entire trip ran just over four hours. No swimmers, plenty of sunshine, and a great day on the rivers. \-\- Mark Willett