Sandy River Ponds

Body of Water: Sandy River Ponds, Rangeley Maine [Map 19, A1]

Directions:  From intersecton of South Shore Road and Rt. 4 in Rangely, drive south on Rt. 4 for 4.5 miles and slow down.... the boat launch will be on the left in about 0.2 miles.  It is easy to miss.  

***Note... this parking lot feels like it drops off the side of the road, Rt. 4.  It is a steep drop and can be tough when pulling out back onto Rt 4.  Rt 4 can be busy with big trucks.. so be careful when leaving!! 

Parking: This is a dirt lot, room for 3-4 vehicles. 

Launch:  You have to walk a ways down onto the water, I recommend a cart.  To get to the water there are a few steep, tall stairs.  Remember to keep an eye on where the launch is.  It can blend in pretty easily! 

Fees:  None

Bathroom:  None

Wildlife: Loons, ducks, heron, deer

Notes: This is a nice hidden spot.  I assume when water levels are high it is possible to go between all of the ponds.  While I was here the water levels were low-ish and I was not able to move between all four ponds.  I was able to move between two of them. 

These ponds are small but don't be deceived by their size.  There is a lot to explore and see. 

The morning was pretty hazy.  The sky and light were cool as the dreariness lifted.  

On the far side of the pond there was a small island with this sign.  

The edges of the pond had lots of lily pads. 

This was us trying to get to the pond above where we were.  But... we were blocked.  I think if the water was higher this would have been easy! 

Looking down the other way of the pond...

 I was SO excited to see a baby loon in its parents' back!  I had never seen that before!  (Hence all the pics!)

Spotted this heron well hidden. 

This was the connection to the lowest pond.  It was too shallow to paddle through but maybe next time! 

On my way back to the launch I watched the loons again.  

I Loved seeing this baby strutting its stuff! 

It was a great morning paddle.  Sandy River Ponds are small, but had a lot to offer! 

On my way  back to the campground I stopped and checked out Smalls Falls!  It was really pretty!  

My friend and I returned here later in the day and sat in the pool for a bit.  It was pretty and the water was sooo nice and cool!  

Nortn Pond to Lake Megunticook

Body of water: Norton Pond to Megunticook Lake

We paddled down Norton and into Megunticook... went to the lwft and then circled back and round the point hugging the western shore.  We paddled between the penninsula and the islands towards Fernald's Preserve exploring the coves then back over to the west side.  of that area and paddled around that island before heading back to Norton Pond. 

Directions: Breezemere Park Norton Pond Road, Linconville Maine
 

Parking:  At the launch there are 6 or 7 spots for parking.  There is additional parking across the street. 

Launch:  The boat launch at Breesemere Park is a cement boat ramp.  It is very nice. 

There is a great gazebo at this park.  

Fees: None

Bathroom: Porta Potty

Wildlife: Loons, Ducks, Canada Geese, Deer, and probably more!

Notes:  I have heard about Megunticook Lake... heard how big it is and how much use it gets.  To be honest that kind of lake is less enticing to me than smaller places where I can explore nooks and crannies, but when I looked at the map I thought accessing the lake via Norton Pond would be fun with the potential for places with more seclusion and wildlife. 

Turns out... I was right!  

  I should note... there is also a small beach area near the launch.  It was pretty busy with families when we got off the water.  It seemed like a pretty popular place... so getting on the water early was smart!

These boats were docked very close to the boat launch.

I was happy to have a paddling partner on this trip.  Donna met me at the launch and we were on the water by 6:45 a.m. 

Despite being so early the sun was already out in full force!

Norton Pond was not that big.  IT has quite a few homes/camps along the shores, but still a peaceful place.  We did see some boats on Norton later in the day. 

 As we paddled from Norton Pond to Megunticook there was a narrow area. 

This is a good spot for a chair!!

We saw  young heron looking for breakfast.  

It didn't stay around very long.  

I loved the colors of the grass and trees.  

 

I saw this painted turtle hanging out.  

We went under a nice bridge to get to Megunticook named the Ken Bailey Bridge.  What a nice tribute to someone.  

 

 This was my first peek at Megunticook... I believe "WOW!" was my reaction!

 

 I saw a loon as we came into the lake.  

Off in the distance I spotted a deer.  She didn't stay out very long! 

We paddled around a bit and then headed towards an area that was a bit grassy and more marshy... there were Canada geese and  a heron. 

Donna snapped this pic of me and my girl!  

 

We saw a narrow stream and padded it to the end... the beavers had been here before us!

We kept paddling...

It was really pretty. 

Gladys had two modes on this trip... totally asleep... 

Or... needing to go to the bathroom!  Ha!  We stopped a few times to let my girl take a pee break.  

At this stop she decided to relax a little. 

The shoreline here was interesting... lots of rocks and in most places steep transitions from the lake to the shore.  I loved this rock.

As we paddled by one house they saw Gladys and asked if they could give her a treat.  Gladys never says no to a treat... so we paddled over.  These folks were very nice!  They ended up giving her two treats!  Lucky Dog!  

We paddled a bit further and it seems that we could see the cross that is on Maiden Cliffs.  

After that we paddled around another little island in a place that was very calm and peaceful...

As we went  back towards Norton Pond we were introduced to this little loon and its parents.  It was so much fun to watch this family. 

We headed back into Norton Pond under the bridge. 

Gladys saying goodbye to Megunticook.

I really enjoyed this trip, this place. I want to return and explore the other end of the lake.  

It is a beautiful place!