Eager to fit in the season's final few days of truly glorious canoeing, my paddling pal Anne Tarbell and I headed for the sunny sandy Saco River on Wednesday.

There were only a handful of others on the river, including a couple who had camped the night before on a sandbar -- an experience that ranks among the Saco's main attractions.

Paddling on the sunny sandy Saco River was glorious on Wednesday, but only a few canoeists and kayakers were out there to enjoy it
Scott Andrews photos

Anne and I launched my little Maine-made Bear Creek canoe at Walker's Bridge on Route 302 in Fryeburg and took out at Route 160 in Brownfield. Total disance was 8.6 miles according to the Appalachian Mountain Club's chart.

South Portland canoeist Anne Tarbell checks the river chart after lunch at Walker's Rips

Plus we tallied a couple of miles on side ventures into Pleasant Pond and Lovewell Pond, also among the Saco's many attractions.

Total time, including lunch on a sun-drenched sandbar, was a bit under five hours. And mind you, those were among the most glorious hours of 2005.

With its crystal-clear water, pleasant current and outstanding scenery, the Saco River rightly ranks as Maine's most popular paddling excursion. I try to get on the river at least two or three times each season. September and October, due to lack of bugs and lack of people, is a great time to get out and enjoy this gem.

If you want to go soon, don't wait past Saturday. The Fryeburg Fair opens Oct. 2, and motoring around the area becomes quite problematic until it shuts down Oct. 9.

No canoe? No kayak? No problem. Rental companies such as Woodland Acres Camp 'n' Canoe in Brownfield, are ready to help with equipment and shuttle service. You can also call 935-2529.

No canoe? No problem. Rental companies such as Woodland Acres Camp 'n' Canoe in Brownfield are ready with gear and shuttle services

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