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!
No comments:
Post a Comment