This past Saturday, the Maine Outdoor Adventure Club's popular "Paddle-n-Picnic" series got underway with 24 kayakers and canoeists joining a group trip on a section of the Saco River in the Buxton-Hollis area.

On April 22, the Maine Outdoor Adventure Club's popular "Paddle-n-Picnic" series got underway.
ALL PHOTOS SCOTT ANDREWS

In order to strictly observe an "ethical transparency in blogging" doctrine, let's say right off that I lead the Paddle-n-Picnic trips, and like all MOAC ventures, it's strictly a volunteer position. Like most MOAC activities, Saturday's paddle was free to members and prospective members.

We numbered 21 watercraft: 18 solo kayaks and three tandem canoes. Paddlers converged from as far north as the Augusta area and as far south as Berwick.

Six of Saturday's paddlers didn't own their own boats. But thanks to MOAC's spirit of sharing and camaraderie, they were able to match up with paddling partners or borrow boats from other participants.

We put in at Pleasant Point Park in Buxton on a section of the river that's backed up for a couple of miles above Skelton Dam, the largest hydro-power project on the Saco.

Heading west, we paddled up a flooded brook bed to a handsome cascade, where the water plunges about 15 feet over a rock face into a pool below.

We paddled up to a handsome cascade, where the water plunges about 15 feet over a rock face.

MOAC numbers about 800 members; 24 turned out for last Saturday's canoe and kayak trip.

Some paddlers, like Liza Smith of Portland, don't own their own boats. But Liza was able to borrow this recreational kayak from another MOAC member.

Sue Germano of Portland (center of frame) borrowed this multi-hued sea kayak from another MOAC member.

After the waterfall, we retraced our wake for a mile, then stopped at a large island for a picnic lunch.

After visiting the waterfall, we stopped on a large island for a picnic lunch.

Maureen Griffin of Freeport -- who likes healthy picnics! -- is a mainstay of MOAC's kayaking contingent. Last year Maureen co-led a series of midweek after-work paddles in Freeport.

Al Racine of Freeport is another MOAC paddling leader. He headed up a weekly series of after-work paddles last year and plans to continue in 2006.

The Paddle-n-Picnic series continues May 6 on Gulf Island Pond in the Auburn-Turner area. The club will also particpate in National River Cleanup Week on May 13 and the midweek after-work trips will be starting soon. Click here to visit MOAC's website and get membership info.

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