Good video of some of the notable transitions on this trip; it's an excellent one for novice canoe-campers with the exception of the potential for sometimes significant wind on the 'ponds'. Did this last month, Monday/Tuesday before Memorial weekend, first time for a spring visit after at least 2 (maybe three?) previous all in late fall. As another poster mentioned, almost empty of other people, almost zero mosquitos and black flies out but not biting; water was high enough that the outflows on the ponds weren't particularly bony. Glorious weather and conditions. For reference, in a 60ish# Mad River canoe, solo paddler and gear, I ran all the river rips without issue; no additional carries required beyond the two mandatory ones. Scouting is a good idea and easy to do, from the water above the ledges at Mosquito/Camel/Spenser, and walking around to plan the Attean sections. All of my trips have been in two days, with early starts and steady paddling. As a caution, both the last two have involved crossing Attean with serious gusting wind, once on the first day with a constant headwind getting from the launch to the portage between the ponds and this May crossing back from the Moose to the outflow and take-out with a mixed headwind and beam wind/chop that might make some parties decide to bivy for the afternoon and finish the next morning. Highly enjoyable.
I think I'm definitely gonna do this trip. I bought a 14' hornbeck NT , its a solo pack boat made in the Adirondacks , I picked it up this past June. I did the debsconeag wilderness canoe loop the first week of July. it was a learning experience for me. I brought way too much gear, and I had never portaged or wilderness camped before, and I did it solo. but it was worth it. I did scratch up my new boat on the final leg down the west branch of Penobscot River , I made a mistake and had to run some serious rapids-a lot of water anyway, but I didn't dump my boat and my outfit. moose river looks awesome. I need to find a partner, not many are willing , I've asked most people I know. if I have to it will be solo again , may be this fall. otherwise I've just been paddling near by where I live, salt water as well as fresh . question; what size is that canoe? it looks huge! 17'? thx for sharing !
Hi Andrew, I'm familiar with the Hornbeck but have never paddled one. It's the perfect solo boat for the Adirondacks and anyplace where portaging is a big part of the trip. Paddling it down the west branch of the Penobscot...wow! As you could tell from this video, my days of paddling any kind of whitewater in an open boat are behind me. If you're looking for paddling partners, I'd recommend joining the AMC and taking part in some of the paddling trips to get to know some of the like-minded people in your area. I've been so fortunate to have close friends willing to sleep with the bugs and paddle the back country. Enjoy your boat and thanks for watching!
I'm planning on doing the Debsconeag loop in late May solo. How long did it take you? I've done the Moose River twice. I'm going to try to do it again this year, probably in June.
hi, I did the debsconeag loop in 3 days. I wish I took 4 or 5. for some reason I did not stay at 2nd Debs lake, I wish I did. there's trails to hike up to other ponds from there, there's actually a water fall right in the campsite, the 2nd campsite if you cross the lake quickly after the portage. there's a campsite on 2nd Debs directly at the end of the portage also. I would say, 1st night on pemadumcook, 2nd night at 3rd Debs, 3rd night at 2nd Debs , 4th night at 3rd debs-which has spectacular sandy beach campsites! then 5th morning into west branch. I just missed a portage by mistake and had to bomb through a drop, it was quick and I didn't dump it, but almost soiled my shorts, hahaha! cheers !
Great video! We have a camp in this area and have recently purchased a canoe for the purpose of canoe camping trips so might have to give this a try. Thanks
Amazing work on this video, you captured the whole trip perfectly! I completed the loop the weekend before Memorial Day. No bugs, no people, and high water. Definitely the best time to go. That initial portage is no joke, definitely feels closer to 2mi that’s for sure! Can’t believe you guys made 2 trips 😂 I’d have turned around hahaha
Right before Memorial Day and no black flies? Awesome!! Glad you enjoyed the video. It’s always fun to go back through a trip with video. The worst part of that first portage was the soaked, twisted bog bridges. Yikes! Keep paddling!
this is a great trip! It's accessible. Pretty easy. There is a 1.2 mile portage but it's not too bad. I recommend going during the week because it is a popular trip! I will do this one again!
Title: Tim Daisy: The Old Man of New England - A Friend of Greg Introduction: In the vast wilderness of New England, where the rivers flow freely and the forests whisper tales of old, there exists a legendary figure known as Tim Daisy. With his weathered face and a twinkle in his eye, Tim is not just an old man; he is a living embodiment of the spirit of adventure and camaraderie. Among the many souls he has touched, one person stands out - Greg, a kindred spirit who found in Tim a friend like no other. Paragraph 1: The Meeting of Kindred Spirits It was a crisp autumn morning when Greg stumbled upon the New England camp canoe, nestled by the tranquil riverbank. As he approached, he noticed an old man sitting by the fire, his hands expertly carving a piece of wood. Intrigued by the scene, Greg struck up a conversation, and little did he know that this encounter would mark the beginning of a remarkable friendship. Paragraph 2: Tales of Adventure Tim Daisy, with his vast knowledge of the wilderness, became a mentor to Greg, sharing tales of his countless adventures. From navigating treacherous rapids to surviving in the harshest of conditions, Tim's stories painted a vivid picture of a life lived on the edge. Greg hung onto every word, his imagination ignited by the possibilities that lay beyond the campfire. Paragraph 3: Lessons in Resilience Beyond the thrilling tales, Tim taught Greg invaluable lessons in resilience and self-reliance. Together, they would embark on daring expeditions, pushing their physical and mental limits. Through the challenges they faced, Greg learned the importance of perseverance and the power of a positive mindset. Tim's unwavering belief in him became a driving force, propelling Greg to conquer his fears and embrace the unknown. Paragraph 4: A Friendship Forged in Nature Nature became the backdrop for their friendship, as they explored the untamed beauty of New England. From canoeing down meandering rivers to hiking through dense forests, Greg and Tim found solace and inspiration in the wilderness. The shared experiences deepened their bond, creating memories that would forever be etched in their hearts. Paragraph 5: The Wisdom of Age As the years passed, Greg realized that Tim's wisdom extended far beyond the wilderness. Tim's life experiences had taught him the value of friendship, compassion, and living life to the fullest. His gentle guidance and sage advice became a compass for Greg, helping him navigate the complexities of life with grace and humility. Conclusion: In the vast tapestry of life, true friendships are rare gems that illuminate our journey. For Greg, Tim Daisy is not just an old man; he is a beacon of light, a friend who has enriched his life in immeasurable ways. Through their shared adventures and the wisdom Tim imparted, Greg has grown into a person who cherishes the beauty of nature, values the power of friendship, and embraces the spirit of adventure. The bond between Tim and Greg is a testament to the transformative power of friendship, reminding us that age is just a number when it comes to forging connections that transcend time and leave an indelible mark on our souls.
Great video. I’ve been thinking about doing this trip by kayak, after watching this video it seems like it would be doable. What month did you do your trip?
Hi Johnnyat - we did this the last week of July in an unusually high water year. Conditions were more like spring conditions. The 1.4 mile portage will be a beast with a kayak as you’ll have to carry. Do to all of the log bridges you won’t be able to use wheels. Certainly doable, though. There’s another video of the moose and the guy does it in a kayak in two days. Worth the trip!!
Good video of some of the notable transitions on this trip; it's an excellent one for novice canoe-campers with the exception of the potential for sometimes significant wind on the 'ponds'. Did this last month, Monday/Tuesday before Memorial weekend, first time for a spring visit after at least 2 (maybe three?) previous all in late fall.
As another poster mentioned, almost empty of other people, almost zero mosquitos and black flies out but not biting; water was high enough that the outflows on the ponds weren't particularly bony. Glorious weather and conditions.
For reference, in a 60ish# Mad River canoe, solo paddler and gear, I ran all the river rips without issue; no additional carries required beyond the two mandatory ones. Scouting is a good idea and easy to do, from the water above the ledges at Mosquito/Camel/Spenser, and walking around to plan the Attean sections.
All of my trips have been in two days, with early starts and steady paddling.
As a caution, both the last two have involved crossing Attean with serious gusting wind, once on the first day with a constant headwind getting from the launch to the portage between the ponds and this May crossing back from the Moose to the outflow and take-out with a mixed headwind and beam wind/chop that might make some parties decide to bivy for the afternoon and finish the next morning.
Highly enjoyable.
I think I'm definitely gonna do this trip. I bought a 14' hornbeck NT , its a solo pack boat made in the Adirondacks , I picked it up this past June. I did the debsconeag wilderness canoe loop the first week of July. it was a learning experience for me. I brought way too much gear, and I had never portaged or wilderness camped before, and I did it solo. but it was worth it. I did scratch up my new boat on the final leg down the west branch of Penobscot River , I made a mistake and had to run some serious rapids-a lot of water anyway, but I didn't dump my boat and my outfit. moose river looks awesome. I need to find a partner, not many are willing , I've asked most people I know. if I have to it will be solo again , may be this fall. otherwise I've just been paddling near by where I live, salt water as well as fresh . question; what size is that canoe? it looks huge! 17'? thx for sharing !
Hi Andrew, I'm familiar with the Hornbeck but have never paddled one. It's the perfect solo boat for the Adirondacks and anyplace where portaging is a big part of the trip. Paddling it down the west branch of the Penobscot...wow! As you could tell from this video, my days of paddling any kind of whitewater in an open boat are behind me. If you're looking for paddling partners, I'd recommend joining the AMC and taking part in some of the paddling trips to get to know some of the like-minded people in your area. I've been so fortunate to have close friends willing to sleep with the bugs and paddle the back country. Enjoy your boat and thanks for watching!
I did this in a solo Madriver canoe and my buddy had a 14' Hornbeck. we had a great time!
I'm planning on doing the Debsconeag loop in late May solo. How long did it take you? I've done the Moose River twice. I'm going to try to do it again this year, probably in June.
hi, I did the debsconeag loop in 3 days. I wish I took 4 or 5. for some reason I did not stay at 2nd Debs lake, I wish I did. there's trails to hike up to other ponds from there, there's actually a water fall right in the campsite, the 2nd campsite if you cross the lake quickly after the portage. there's a campsite on 2nd Debs directly at the end of the portage also. I would say, 1st night on pemadumcook, 2nd night at 3rd Debs, 3rd night at 2nd Debs , 4th night at 3rd debs-which has spectacular sandy beach campsites! then 5th morning into west branch. I just missed a portage by mistake and had to bomb through a drop, it was quick and I didn't dump it, but almost soiled my shorts, hahaha! cheers !
This trip is on our canoe trip bucket list. Thanks for sharing! Great video.
Thank you, Sally. Wonderful trip. You’ll love it!
Great video! We have a camp in this area and have recently purchased a canoe for the purpose of canoe camping trips so might have to give this a try. Thanks
It was a pretty unique trip. I’d do it again!
Amazing work on this video, you captured the whole trip perfectly! I completed the loop the weekend before Memorial Day. No bugs, no people, and high water. Definitely the best time to go. That initial portage is no joke, definitely feels closer to 2mi that’s for sure! Can’t believe you guys made 2 trips 😂 I’d have turned around hahaha
Right before Memorial Day and no black flies? Awesome!! Glad you enjoyed the video. It’s always fun to go back through a trip with video. The worst part of that first portage was the soaked, twisted bog bridges. Yikes!
Keep paddling!
this is a great trip! It's accessible. Pretty easy. There is a 1.2 mile portage but it's not too bad. I recommend going during the week because it is a popular trip! I will do this one again!
we did get windbound at Holeb pond. It was a nice place to spend the day.
Some of the best off trail snowmobiling in Maine is around the Moose River Bow
I bet it is!
Old~ you made perfect channel~sleep well! ;))
Beautiful day
Good times ! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks! Not the quality I hoped for, but it should be a good resource of this route for others.
Great video, thanks for sharing!
Whatcha paddling?
Thanks! I’m glad you liked it. We’re paddling a Wenonah Minnesota II. Love it!
I'm told you can do this trip in 2 or 3 days . I recommend you take your time and enjoy the place! You're on vacation after all!
Title: Tim Daisy: The Old Man of New England - A Friend of Greg
Introduction:
In the vast wilderness of New England, where the rivers flow freely and the forests whisper tales of old, there exists a legendary figure known as Tim Daisy. With his weathered face and a twinkle in his eye, Tim is not just an old man; he is a living embodiment of the spirit of adventure and camaraderie. Among the many souls he has touched, one person stands out - Greg, a kindred spirit who found in Tim a friend like no other.
Paragraph 1: The Meeting of Kindred Spirits
It was a crisp autumn morning when Greg stumbled upon the New England camp canoe, nestled by the tranquil riverbank. As he approached, he noticed an old man sitting by the fire, his hands expertly carving a piece of wood. Intrigued by the scene, Greg struck up a conversation, and little did he know that this encounter would mark the beginning of a remarkable friendship.
Paragraph 2: Tales of Adventure
Tim Daisy, with his vast knowledge of the wilderness, became a mentor to Greg, sharing tales of his countless adventures. From navigating treacherous rapids to surviving in the harshest of conditions, Tim's stories painted a vivid picture of a life lived on the edge. Greg hung onto every word, his imagination ignited by the possibilities that lay beyond the campfire.
Paragraph 3: Lessons in Resilience
Beyond the thrilling tales, Tim taught Greg invaluable lessons in resilience and self-reliance. Together, they would embark on daring expeditions, pushing their physical and mental limits. Through the challenges they faced, Greg learned the importance of perseverance and the power of a positive mindset. Tim's unwavering belief in him became a driving force, propelling Greg to conquer his fears and embrace the unknown.
Paragraph 4: A Friendship Forged in Nature
Nature became the backdrop for their friendship, as they explored the untamed beauty of New England. From canoeing down meandering rivers to hiking through dense forests, Greg and Tim found solace and inspiration in the wilderness. The shared experiences deepened their bond, creating memories that would forever be etched in their hearts.
Paragraph 5: The Wisdom of Age
As the years passed, Greg realized that Tim's wisdom extended far beyond the wilderness. Tim's life experiences had taught him the value of friendship, compassion, and living life to the fullest. His gentle guidance and sage advice became a compass for Greg, helping him navigate the complexities of life with grace and humility.
Conclusion:
In the vast tapestry of life, true friendships are rare gems that illuminate our journey. For Greg, Tim Daisy is not just an old man; he is a beacon of light, a friend who has enriched his life in immeasurable ways. Through their shared adventures and the wisdom Tim imparted, Greg has grown into a person who cherishes the beauty of nature, values the power of friendship, and embraces the spirit of adventure. The bond between Tim and Greg is a testament to the transformative power of friendship, reminding us that age is just a number when it comes to forging connections that transcend time and leave an indelible mark on our souls.
HAHAHAHAH
Great video. I’ve been thinking about doing this trip by kayak, after watching this video it seems like it would be doable. What month did you do your trip?
Hi Johnnyat - we did this the last week of July in an unusually high water year. Conditions were more like spring conditions. The 1.4 mile portage will be a beast with a kayak as you’ll have to carry. Do to all of the log bridges you won’t be able to use wheels. Certainly doable, though. There’s another video of the moose and the guy does it in a kayak in two days. Worth the trip!!
So you parked between wood pond and attean lake on the moose river?
Yes. Just before the gated road. The water was high so we could easily paddle into the pond from the river. I believe it can get quite low and boney.
Road was most likely closed due to all of the rain. Dirt roads and heavy traffic and heavy rain don’t mix well.
What song plays during the intro?
Catchy isn’t it? It’s something from Apple iMovie.