Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
WISE WORDS:
Avoid the Canadian sites, at least the
ones with road access, during fall hunting season as
wildlife sightings will likely include a non-stop pa-
rade of beered-up good ole' boys with guns. They are
largely harmless but annoying.
One of the endearing factors on this trip is that river left is one country,
river right another. The time zones change too, depending on which side
of the boundary you are on.
The St. Croix Waterway is managed by an international commission.
They produce an excellent, detailed, full-color map with rules and regula-
tions on the back. You can reach them at St. Croix International Water-
way Commission, 435 Milltown Blvd., St. Stephen, New Brunswick, E3L
1J9.
The Hop, Frenchman Bay
This attractive offshore island, which is part of Acadia National Park, is a
popular kayak destination in Frenchman Bay. Most paddlers put in at
the Bar Harbor Town Pier or nearby town beach and head east across the
bay island-hopping among the Porcupine Islands, so named because of
their distinctive rounded shapes.
The Hop, located at the eastern end of Long Porcupine Island, is sepa-
rated from its larger sister by a gravel and stone bar. The Hop features a
nice beach on the northwest side, a grassy meadow on top, and tall cliffs
on the south. No fires or camping allowed. Paddling across Frenchman
Bay, with its high level of nautical traffic including a high-speed catama-
ran ferry to Nova Scotia, requires an intermediate level of paddling skill.
Several companies offer guided trips that include a stop at the Hop.
Union River, Ellsworth
Most people who get stuck in traffic on Ellsworth's commercial strip have
no idea there is a lovely sea kayak trip only half a mile away.
Paddlers can park and put in at the town dock on Water Street and head
south down the tidal Union River, which after several miles opens up into
a broad bay. There are plenty of small coves to explore and wildlife to
watch.
