I'm trying to determine where to go this Spring, and I think I'm down to BWCA or the Allagash in Maine (I would plan on doing the full 90+ mile trip). These are two completely different style trips, but I'm assured good water flow in Minnesota. I've never paddled in Maine, but have the AMC paddling guide that I received a couple of years ago. Yesterday, I ordered the Allagash Waterway Maps North/South, the Maine Gazetteer, and two Allagash books by Gilpatrick. While I've looked at the AMC guide many different times, it is hard to use if you've never been to the area and don't have maps. The major issue that has kept me away from Maine paddling over the last couple of years has been the variable flow of the major paddling destinations I've read about. The tricky part seems to be knowing a safe time frame for comitting to the drive North. I could pick at most a two week timeframe and be prepared to head out based on weather conditions.
It seems that ice out would be a good time to hit the Allagash provided there is a good snow pack by Spring thaw. As long as the water is soft, I don't care how cold it is (within reason for a week long trip) or if there's snow on the ground. My concern is that there's enough water so I don't have to wade/drag sections. I would also like to avoid the bulk of the biting black flies.
So for those who live or paddle the region much, I have three questions that maybe some members could provide input on.
1) Is there a week in May or early June that would generally be a "sweet spot" for good water levels and minimum bugs?
2) While the waterway seems pretty straight forward, is there other data beyond the materials I ordered that one might recommend?
3) I would use an outfitter for shuttle service, are there any that members would recommend?
Thanks for any input. I started cooking and dehydrating meals this weekend for a trip I haven't even began really planning yet this year. I have some other options maybe, but I generally don't take Summer trips to avoid lots of people, and waiting until late September/October would be fairly torturous on my soul.
It seems that ice out would be a good time to hit the Allagash provided there is a good snow pack by Spring thaw. As long as the water is soft, I don't care how cold it is (within reason for a week long trip) or if there's snow on the ground. My concern is that there's enough water so I don't have to wade/drag sections. I would also like to avoid the bulk of the biting black flies.
So for those who live or paddle the region much, I have three questions that maybe some members could provide input on.
1) Is there a week in May or early June that would generally be a "sweet spot" for good water levels and minimum bugs?
2) While the waterway seems pretty straight forward, is there other data beyond the materials I ordered that one might recommend?
3) I would use an outfitter for shuttle service, are there any that members would recommend?
Thanks for any input. I started cooking and dehydrating meals this weekend for a trip I haven't even began really planning yet this year. I have some other options maybe, but I generally don't take Summer trips to avoid lots of people, and waiting until late September/October would be fairly torturous on my soul.