Lake Francis in New Hampshire

Trip Overview

As a last minute trip this one turned out perfect. Late night on the 24th Bill and I decided to get out of dodge and headed home to gear up. sunrise on the 25th we here headed north from mass to anywhere. We landed at lake umbagog but it was well past season and all the signs said closed.Asking some local paddlers we found out that lake francis was still open. Well boats in the water was what we were hunting so Lake Francis it was. Found some most excellent sites on the water with a very good put in. So by late afternoon we were paddling the southern end . This lake looks like it is busy on season with a scattering of homes and lots of stores around. but the afternoon we had it we owned the lake Weather was COLD but with the skirts on and good gear prep we were plenty warm. we found a nice point to stretch our legs and our 12 ounce curls ( only one each though ) then back in the water for a killer view of the sun setting on the mountin tops. Back to our site for some of the best steaks ever cooked in an open fire.(sorry vegans) that night got super cold, good reminder that gear was essential. We were on the water at sunrise and afforded once again most excellent views of the surrounding hillsides. paddled all day checking all the nooks and crannies of the shoreeline. Dinner was out at a local resturaunt then my paddle buddy realized we had left his dry bag on the one of walks we took to strech. as he geared up to get it a haunting fog came up. ( wish the picts came out) Bill paddled into it and we both held our breath in quiet awe of the site. with the return of bill a little while later we celebrated that night away. slept in the next am broke camp and went home,gleaming at the great stress free weekend we had accomplished. This weekend is the pemmigewasset river in N.H. Will post the trip !!

See you on the water
The peacefull paddle club in Mass.

Accommodations:

Public park with showers on season. easy put in/out sites on the water. good fire pits.

Outfitting:

Loon 138's (a most excellent touring boat), various camping gear, beer.

Resources:

NH Atlas and Gazetteer