Among my dozens of paddling days last summer, none was more enjoyable or more convenient than the annual Fort-to-Fort Canoe and Kayak Expedition on the Kennebec River. It's happening again this Sunday.

Two kayakers finish the 2005 Fort-to-Fort paddle in downtown Augusta.
ALL PHOTOS SCOTT ANDREWS

Among the best aspects: The approximately 20-mile shuttle is taken care of, and there's no charge for it. It's all part of the Kennebec River celebration, courtesy of Old Fort Western.

The official shove-off time and place is 8 a.m. from Fort Halifax Park in Winslow but participants are free to put in whenever and wherever they wish. The full Fort-to-Fort trip takes about five to six hours, depending upon weather and current conditions and participants' paddling pace. Water and snacks will be available at the half-way point at the Sidney boat landing.

Paddling the Kennebec is a great family activity!

“This is not a race and there will be no competition or prizes,” says Jay Adams, Old Fort Western’s director and curator. “Rather, it is an opportunity to be on the water, paddling at your own pace, to re-trace and re-explore the route that linked the two Forts in the 1750s and 1760s and which was followed by Benedict Arnold's forces in 1775.”

In 2005, most participants chose kayaks.

When I paddled this event last year, I brought my lunch and enjoyed it on one of the islands located a couple of miles south of the Sydney boat launch.

Also notice the site of the former Edwards Dam, after the Route 3 bridge and before the Maine Central RR bridge. The removal of this dam -- a milestone event for paddlers and river recreationists everywhere -- opened up the river to this sort of event.

Augusta’s East-side Boat Landing, opposite the downtown area, is the final destination. From there, participants are invited to visit Old Fort Western free of charge.

A shuttle bus will take participants back to Winslow to pick up their cars as necessary. Shuttle service will begin at 2 p.m. The last run to Winslow will depart Augusta at 4 p.m. There will not be room for boats on the bus.

Arriving downtown in 2005.

Normal safety regulations will be in effect, including the use of USCG-approved PFDs. Paddlers should be sure to bring plenty of water or juice to drink (no alcohol please) and snacks to eat along the way. Paddlers owning cell phones are encouraged to bring them along, to help out in case of emergency.

Phone Old Fort Western at 626-2385.

Among the sponsors of this event is L.L. Bean. And guess what? There's a big paddling sales-demo-educational event going on both days this weekend at the Flagship Store in Freeport. So you could buy your canoe or kayak on Saturday, then use it on the Fort-to-Fort on Sunday.

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