Two faces of the Androscoggin River were evident today as the final week of the Source to Sea Canoe (and kayak) Trek began a few miles north of Lewiston-Auburn at Twin Bridges and ended at Center Bridge.

The river was flowing quickly between rocks and boulders at the put-in, but a mile downstream, the current disappeared as we entered Gulf Island Pond, the very long lake created in 1926 by Gulf Island Dam, a major hydropower facility.

Androscoggin River flowed quickly during the first mile.

Judy Gervais of Lewiston relaxes in her kayak.

We spotted several eagles and ospreys while keeping a wary weather eye. Thunderstorms were in the forecast, but none appeared.

The long impoundment progressively widened as we paddled south, and soon the river split into multiple channels that braided around clusters of attractive pine-clad islands. The biggest of these is about a mile long and a few hundred feet wide. There are several good spots for landing and lunch on these islands.

As usual, kayaks outnumbered canoes on the July 18 segment of the Trek.

The segment ended as we passed under Center Bridge, where members of the Androscoggin Land Trust greeted us with a cookout at the boat launch/picnic area. ALT co-founded the Trek 10 years ago, and still shares many common interests with the Androscoggin River Watershed Council, which runs the event today.

Here are three photos taken from the bridge:

Three kayaks paddle head under Center Bridge.

Canoeists head under Center Bridge.

Barbra Barrett and Chuck Knox paddle under Center Bridge.

For a schedule of the Trek's final week and details on joining, logon to www.avcnet.org/arwc.

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