Merrymeeting Bay is a curiosity of nature, a large lake with tides. Formed by the confluence of six rivers -- the Kennebec and Androscoggin being the largest -- waters from the bay must funnel through a very narrow constriction --- The Chops -- before flowing out to sea.

Because of this constriction, the strong tides of the Lower Kennebec act as a "plug" with the familiar 12 1/2-hour diurnal cycle, thus causing tides in the bay even though saltwater seldom enters.

Yesterday a few friends and I -- all members of the Maine Outdoor Adventure Club -- spent the afternoon exploring a part of Merrymeeting Bay. With just-perfect planning, we put in at the Bowdoinham boat launch on the Cathance River, rode the ebb tide into the Bay, spent a couple of hours out there at the cycle's low, then followed the flood back up the river to the point where we'd started.

We put in our canoes and kayaks at the Bowdoinham boat launch on the Cathance River yesterday.
ALL PHOTOS SCOTT ANDREWS (except as noted)

Great day to be out on Merrymeeting Bay!

Merrymeeting Bay is one of the best places in the country to see bald eagles. We enjoyed numerous sightings, including a pair in a nest in a pine tree along the Cathance River. Lots of info can be found at the Friends of Merrymeeting Bay website.

Checking out an eagle. Merrymeeting Bay is one of the best places in the country to see bald eagles.

We had lunch on Brick Island, then paddled across to The Chops, where we noted the flood tide rushing into the Bay, continued behind Sturgeon Island and hugged the southeastern shore for a mile before re-crossing near Bird Island and returning up the Cathance River.

Returning up the Cathance River: The low-angle, late-day sun on a yellow kayak makes a striking image.

MOAC has many cultured members, and some of us finished the day by attending the Bowdoin International Music Festival Upbeat! concert last night. The Cassatt String Quartet appeared. Ditto Brunswick restaurateur Marty Perry and members of the Juilliard School faculty.

The Cassatt String Quartet performed last night at the Bowdoin International Music Festival.
PR photo courtesy of Cassatt String Quartet

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