The 2005 annual Androscoggin Source-to-Sea Canoe Trek is underway, and the organizers hope that as many paddlers as possible will join them.

Sponsor is the non-profit Androscoggin River Watershed Council. The Trek is organized as a series of one-day excursions that average 10 miles. Most participants join for a day or two, although there's at least one guy from Millinocket who's doing the whole distance.

Nearly every day there's an on-river program conducted by a naturalist, biologist, sportsman or historian.

First launch was July 5 and the Trek ends July 24 at Fort Popham.

Participation is free (NOT a fund-raiser) and despite its name, kayaks outnumber canoes on most days. Organizers also take care of the shuttle with a 15-passenger van.

I've participated for nine years, generally joining for 4-5 total days. I'm also the section guide for July 14, 18 and 19.

Three decades ago, the Androscoggin was ranked among America's Top Ten Dirtiest Rivers, but today it's a beautiful place to paddle. Joining fellow outdoor enthusiasts makes our sport more enjoyable and this 20-day event is a great place to meet new people.

Here are a couple of photos I took showing the Source-to-Sea Canoe Trek in previous years.

For details on joining the Trek, logon to www.avcnet.org/arwc.

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