Cracking down on the Saco

[TDawg]

Fryeburg police cracking down on drunk idiots trashing the river.

Sounds like Memorial Day weekend was a success, good luck to them.

Last time I was on the river it rained an inch or two overnight when we were at Fiddlehead campground off Rt. 5 in Fryeburg. People who camped close to the river on sandbars had their tents, gear, and trash washed away when the river rose. ("Oh really? When it rains a lot the river goes up?" ) Lots and lots of trash the next day was hung up on downed trees in the river, its unfortunate an irresponsible few can tarnish this beautiful waterway.

 

[peakbagger]

Years ago I wrote the Saco off except in the off season. Although there are plenty of "drunken idiots" who own canoes, it seems the majority of the issues were tied to the folks in rented canoes. The long term joke was the Massachusetts Rental special; One Canoe, Two paddles, Two PFD's and One coleman cooler filled with ice. If I have a choice I will pick the upper Androscoggin, despite the lack of sandbars.

It good to see they are making an attempt at cleaning up the river.

 

[Waumbek]

What Peakbagger said. Plus, every time I had a little cut in my foot or hand and it got in the water, it got infected. You could see "stuff" floating in the water.

 

[--M.]

What Peakbagger said. Plus, every time I had a little cut in my foot or hand and it got in the water, it got infected. You could see "stuff" floating in the water.

That's nasty! And an ugly counterpoint to the article's comment:

"Swimming is allowed, camps can be set up on sandbars, and river water often is drinkable, Westerberg said." ["...Fred Westerberg, a canoe and kayak outfitter who helps coordinate cleanup crews for the Saco River Recreational Council, a nonprofit group."]

Kinda reminds me of the Fenway bleachers in the old regime.

 

[roadtripper]

Just how bad is it? I haven't done the Saco yet because of all the stories I've read. Is the river completely disrespected? How is it during the week? Can anyone compare the trash found in the water and sandbars to the streets of Boston?

 

[Waumbek]

That's nasty! And an ugly counterpoint to the article's comment:

"Swimming is allowed, camps can be set up on sandbars, and river water often is drinkable, Westerberg said." ["...Fred Westerberg, a canoe and kayak outfitter who helps coordinate cleanup crews for the Saco River Recreational Council, a nonprofit group."]

Kinda reminds me of the Fenway bleachers in the old regime.

My experience was a long time ago. It's surely better now. But it soured me on the place, and I moved on and found other great places that weren't overrun with outfitters and tourists.

 

[peakbagger]

You can have a good time on the Saco if you avoid most summer weekends and in general try to avoid the summer in general. As the water warms up and the water level goes down, its busier and busier. I cant recomend overnights on the river as most of the good sites fill up quick and there are no sanitary facilities on sandbars. Watch your step if you go out in the woods,between the broken glass and piles of TP, its not pleasant. There is alos poison ivy and wood ticks to add some interest.

People are attracted to the sandbars so if you avoid from the boat landing in Conway to the Rt 302 Bridge, that cuts out a lot of the crowds. The run from Rt 302 to Brownfield is not as sandy but it goes through a huge marsh complex that has a lot if interesting wildlife. If you are comfortable with fast water and cold conditions, there are some fun fast water runs in the spring.