Taunton River at Fall River: Saturday, 9/8/12 9:00am Arrival

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norm
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Taunton River at Fall River: Saturday, 9/8/12 9:00am Arrival

Post by norm »

Looking for a new, protected place to go on Saturday since the swells off-shore might be out of most people's comfort zone. Also, weather forecasts right now say increasing wind throughout the day and possibility of thunderstorms so I'd like a spot where we could put ashore quickly if necessary.

My idea is to launch at the Brownell Street Boat Ramp on the Taunton River in the city of Fall River. From here, I'd like to explore north, up-river towards Dighton Rock, 7.7miles one-way. Probably won't go that far unless the weather is better than predicted. We could also take a detour down to Battleship Cove if people want to - it is less than a mile south of the boat ramp.

We would be launching soon after low tide. I don't know how muddy it will be. I'm guessing that at worst we could use the slippery concrete boat ramp if necessary. Last year we did a trip from here and used a beach beside the ramp but I don't recall exactly how muddy it was. The tide will be rising, so we could wait for more water if needed. Low tide is at 8:52am and high tide at 3:18pm.

The area north of the ramp will all be new to me, so be forewarned, this is an exploratory trip. Distance for the trip could be anywhere from 10 to 17 miles dependent on weather.

If I recall correctly, Brownell street comes up on you quickly and would be hard to get back to if you miss the turn, so be careful. I believe an address that will work on a GPS is 6 Brownell Street, Fall River, MA.

Here is a Google Maps link to the spot: https://maps.google.com/maps?q=6+brownell+street,+fall+river.+ma&hl=en&ll=41.71795,-71.156452&spn=0.004645,0.009645&sll=41.717342,-71.152782&sspn=0.00929,0.01929&t=h&hnear=6+Brownell+St,+Fall+River,+Massachusetts+02720&z=17

Here is a link to a site that describes the boat ramp and area and has additional maps: http://www.exploreri.org/siteReport2.php?siteID=346&src=gmap

Wet exit/Rescue skills are required.
I would recommend at least a 15 foot boat with front and rear bulkheads and spray skirt.
Ability to paddle 10-17 miles.
This could be an easy trip or there might be tough headwinds on the return leg
Bring a lunch, snacks, water and sunscreen.
Arrive at Brownell Street Boat ramp at 9:00am for a 9:30 launch
Last year there were bathroom facilities at the park beside the ramp - no guarantee it's still open

I will not have computer access from about 5:30pm to 9:30pm this evening, so hopefully I've covered any questions that might come up. If not, you might be able to reach me via email if you have my address (can check email on Blackberry at halftime of the football game). Won't be able to check PMs.

Please respond if you plan to attend.

Norm
gifallen
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Re: Taunton River at Fall River: Saturday, 9/8/12 9:00am Arr

Post by gifallen »

Hi Norm, I'll join you. I paddled the Taunton River about a month ago. My put-in was the ramp in Hathaway Park, Assonet. However, this ramp is mud at low tide. Not even approachable.

There are not many places to put into if there's a T-storm.

See you in the AM

Gif
Ken R
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Re: Taunton River at Fall River: Saturday, 9/8/12 9:00am Arr

Post by Ken R »

I'll be there
KR
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Re: Taunton River at Fall River: Saturday, 9/8/12 9:00am Arr

Post by rkhederian »

I am going to join you also.
Azane
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Re: Taunton River at Fall River: Saturday, 9/8/12 9:00am Arr

Post by Azane »

We plan to be there.
Abby
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Steve
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Azane
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Re: Taunton River at Fall River: Saturday, 9/8/12 9:00am Arr

Post by Azane »

Okay!
So with no last minute changes posted we are heading OFF to 6 Brownell street with our brand new shiny GPS!

*feeling all fluffed up and fancy*
Abby
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Steve
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Azane
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Re: Taunton River at Fall River: Saturday, 9/8/12 9:00am Arr

Post by Azane »

Just to be clear, that is probably just Abby who is feeling fluffed and fancy... I shouldn't speak for Steve. As designated navigator for our entire marriage the GPS comes as a bit of a revelation.
Abby
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Steve
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Ken R
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Re: Taunton River at Fall River: Saturday, 9/8/12 9:00am Arr

Post by Ken R »

I'm glad we did not go to one of those areas that were on the 6pm news where it was windy and rough.
Thanks all for a great day on the water.
KR
gifallen
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Re: Taunton River at Fall River: Saturday, 9/8/12 9:00am Arr

Post by gifallen »

Good paddle Norm ... a real "BB" ! Thanks for the planning. Really, all that for a 40 ton rock, and it was locked up !

Gif
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norm
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Re: Taunton River at Fall River: Saturday, 9/8/12 9:00am Arr

Post by norm »

The goal was not to see Dighton Rock, it was to find a nice park with a picnic table. :D :D :D

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Our speed on the way up river was 4 to 5 mph without much effort.

Steve was wishing he had Skip's sail.

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Our speed paddling back into the wind was 2 and 3 mph. The trip was good exercise. :shock:

Gif kept talking about calling a taxi, but we all persevered together and made it all the way back.

"What doesn't kill you makes you stronger"

We've been working on strength the last two Saturdays. Hopefully next weekend we'll get calmer waters to paddle in.

Thanks everybody for coming out. It's always great to get out and face the elements, even when there's a little adversity.

Here's a Google Earth look at yesterday's route:

2012_0908_Kayak_Taunton_River.JPG
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Our total distance paddled was 15.5 miles. 7.5 upriver and 8 miles back with a few stops to duck out of the wind for a little rest.

Norm
Ken R
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Re: Taunton River at Fall River: Saturday, 9/8/12 9:00am Arr

Post by Ken R »

I will admit my arms were sore for several days.
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KR
Azane
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Re: Taunton River at Fall River: Saturday, 9/8/12 9:00am Arr

Post by Azane »

Heh... there we go again, patting each other's hatches.
Abby
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Steve
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