Recently set out on my Debsconeag Loop trip Solo May 15th, 2019. The trip was a two night three day trip that took me from the Grant Brook Road Bridge down through Ambajesus Falls, Ambajesus Lake, Pemadumcook Lake, 3rd Debsconeag, 2nd Debsconeag, 1st Debsconeag then into the West Branch of the Penobscot (Debsconeag Dead Water) and eventually the take out back at Grant Brook Road Bridge. Winds throughout the trip were tolerable but variable with gusts reaching 25 mph - 30mph. Wind made the paddling a bit challenging but seeking protection of the coves and tacking as necessary allowed forward progress. Weather during each day had intermittent rain showers with heavy cloud cover blanketing the skies. Minor glimpses of the sun struggled to break through. I completely underestimated this trip to say the least. Mainetrailfinder.com considers this trip strenuous and I must agree with that assessment. This was my first paddle of the year and the old body wasn't in the best of portaging or paddling shape. Water temps were extremely cold at approx 40 degs due to recent ice out exactly one week prior. Utilized my newly acquired Ocean Rodeo Soul dry-suit throughout the trip to provide that extra bit of security if immersion had occurred. Luckily I didn't have any of that.
My original plan was to camp on the Eastern end of 3rd Debsconeag Lake on Day 1, but as I stated earlier I underestimated this trip to a certain extent. Winds held me up and placed me in lockdown so I needed to head for Moose Island where I resided for the first night and observed spectacular evening skies. Moose Island was quite hospitable with a wide open camping space, decent fire pit.....and well the Thunder Box was quite questionable and borderline disturbing, but what the helk this is camping right? Day 2 awoke early had a delicious pancake breakfast with maple syrup and cinnamon sugar. Honestly, this tasted just like a Cinnabon and of course the coffee was the first thing that was prepared on this chilly morning. Packed up and continued my journey Northwest towards White House landing where the portage trail begins for the portage into Third Debsconeag. The 1.25 mile or so portage from Pemadumcook to Third is somewhat challenging mostly due to the fact that I had some cart issues, but once I figured that out it was smooth sailing. Although a significant portage, especially on the initial incline, the second half of the portage is mostly downhill and leads up to a nice level put in to Third Debsconeag. Originally I had planned to camp at the campsite on Third about .25 miles from the put in but recognized this campsite is up a fairly steep bank without a soft landing since the shore was strewn with decent sized boulders. I decided to move on and paddle the length of Third and search for the portage trail to Second Debsconeag. Paddled the North shore of Third Debsconeag against a stiff wind but eventually made the end of the lake and finally found the portage signage. An orange something or other that was battered and broken. Originally scouted a trail to the left of this sign since it was the first trail markings that I found. Low and behold it was not the right trail. I believe the other trail was some type of snowmobile trail of some sort.
After the portage from Pemadumcook to Third Debsconeag I thought that the carry to Second would be a breeze, however, what I had failed to consider is the amount of travel I had already accomplished up to this point and was more tired than I had realized. I found the carry to Second Deb to be challenging due to my level of fatigue not necessarily because of trail difficulty. The trail was in pretty decent shape with some blow down across the trail at certain points. I wanted to clear these obstructions but I did not and I apologize to the next person for not lending this type of service. I was physically at the point where I was just ready to make camp and hunker down on the Northern campsite on Second Debsconeag and needed to ensure I was going to get there. Second Debsconeag was a beautiful site to behold and the Northern campsite was just as pleasing. Had a nice campfire and listened to the stream that borders the campsite. The stream is fed from Big Minister pond that I was hoping to explore but I didn't. Shortly into my stay at the campsite I was visited by a black cat of some sort (not a house cat!!). Black cat, not a cougar, not a lynx...panther?? Anyway I made some noise and was not bothered by this elusive sighting. Slept like a baby as temperatures were in the low 40's but comfortable. Awakened on day three to a beautiful morning had a light breakfast with coffee and I was on my way. This was the first day of sunshine but it did not last long. Paddled the length of Second Debsconeag and I missed the portage signage. I continued down the stream through some quick water and pulled into an eddy to scout what was further ahead. Tied off the canoe and did some boulder hopping to discover that further down there were some major sweepers in the stream which made me conclude that this stream is not navigable and I made a mistake by going to far downstream. I was able to paddle against the current and make my way out of it and low and behold as obvious as the hardness of woodpecker lips I saw the portage sign that I should have seen from the get go. I guess my eyes aren't what they used to be. I was scratching my head on how I missed this portage, but for those who intend to do this trip the portage is on the south eastern end of the lake not on the northern side of the lake for which I was searching. This trail is a nice trail. I actually have video, but I do not have photos but the trail is pretty straight forward with an initial climb and then a straight path to a crossing which leads to a bridge for a great view of this raging stream of the Second Debsconeag outlet to First Debsconeag. This crossing is approximately the 3/4 way point of this portage where the trail leads to a nice soft landing at First Debsconeag. My plan was to stop for lunch at one of the Eastern First Debsconeag campsites but they were occupied so I paddled forth onto the Debsconeag Deadwater. Temperatures dropped dramatically and I felt my hands going numb and at this time I was not wearing my drysuit so I eyeballed a decent location to don the suit prior to the first set of riffles upstream of Passamagamet Falls. Followed the swift water to the right of the island. Water was moving quickly but it was a nice ride down through to an awaiting pool which then brought me back out to to the river where I needed to carefully place my canoe on the island that I would eventually end up portaging around Passamagamet falls. Passamagamet Falls was a violent boil and although some may brave the standing waves on these rapids I chose to play it safe and carry across the island.
I was now on my final leg of day three and was soon able to see the starting point as Grant Brook Road Bridge lurked in the distance. Water flowage under the Grant Brook Road bridge clips along at a pretty good rate. I had concerns about making a mistake and not eddying out properly so I carefully scouted a take out upstream of the bridge and I discovered a blue and pink ribbon dangling from a tree with what appeared to be an upstream take out prior to the bridge. This ribbon was probably 200ft upstream of the bridge. This was my target and this was even kind of tricky due to the river current here. Eventually I made it to shore and pulled my canoe up onto the bank and completed my final carry to my vehicle. TRIP COMPLETE! I had an amazing adventure and although I found this trip strenuous, I also found it be rather enjoyable and relaxing. My recommendation would be to take more time to enjoy more of what this great land has to offer and spend some time fishing which I didn't do. Strangely I did not see any Moose or deer, but plenty of signs of their existence with hoof prints and scat everywhere. I guess they heard me coming. Hope you all enjoy this report. It is my first and hopefully not my last. Next trip Allagash Wilderness waterway with my Dad (73 yrs old) my three children, my cousin and his son. Coming in June!
My original plan was to camp on the Eastern end of 3rd Debsconeag Lake on Day 1, but as I stated earlier I underestimated this trip to a certain extent. Winds held me up and placed me in lockdown so I needed to head for Moose Island where I resided for the first night and observed spectacular evening skies. Moose Island was quite hospitable with a wide open camping space, decent fire pit.....and well the Thunder Box was quite questionable and borderline disturbing, but what the helk this is camping right? Day 2 awoke early had a delicious pancake breakfast with maple syrup and cinnamon sugar. Honestly, this tasted just like a Cinnabon and of course the coffee was the first thing that was prepared on this chilly morning. Packed up and continued my journey Northwest towards White House landing where the portage trail begins for the portage into Third Debsconeag. The 1.25 mile or so portage from Pemadumcook to Third is somewhat challenging mostly due to the fact that I had some cart issues, but once I figured that out it was smooth sailing. Although a significant portage, especially on the initial incline, the second half of the portage is mostly downhill and leads up to a nice level put in to Third Debsconeag. Originally I had planned to camp at the campsite on Third about .25 miles from the put in but recognized this campsite is up a fairly steep bank without a soft landing since the shore was strewn with decent sized boulders. I decided to move on and paddle the length of Third and search for the portage trail to Second Debsconeag. Paddled the North shore of Third Debsconeag against a stiff wind but eventually made the end of the lake and finally found the portage signage. An orange something or other that was battered and broken. Originally scouted a trail to the left of this sign since it was the first trail markings that I found. Low and behold it was not the right trail. I believe the other trail was some type of snowmobile trail of some sort.
After the portage from Pemadumcook to Third Debsconeag I thought that the carry to Second would be a breeze, however, what I had failed to consider is the amount of travel I had already accomplished up to this point and was more tired than I had realized. I found the carry to Second Deb to be challenging due to my level of fatigue not necessarily because of trail difficulty. The trail was in pretty decent shape with some blow down across the trail at certain points. I wanted to clear these obstructions but I did not and I apologize to the next person for not lending this type of service. I was physically at the point where I was just ready to make camp and hunker down on the Northern campsite on Second Debsconeag and needed to ensure I was going to get there. Second Debsconeag was a beautiful site to behold and the Northern campsite was just as pleasing. Had a nice campfire and listened to the stream that borders the campsite. The stream is fed from Big Minister pond that I was hoping to explore but I didn't. Shortly into my stay at the campsite I was visited by a black cat of some sort (not a house cat!!). Black cat, not a cougar, not a lynx...panther?? Anyway I made some noise and was not bothered by this elusive sighting. Slept like a baby as temperatures were in the low 40's but comfortable. Awakened on day three to a beautiful morning had a light breakfast with coffee and I was on my way. This was the first day of sunshine but it did not last long. Paddled the length of Second Debsconeag and I missed the portage signage. I continued down the stream through some quick water and pulled into an eddy to scout what was further ahead. Tied off the canoe and did some boulder hopping to discover that further down there were some major sweepers in the stream which made me conclude that this stream is not navigable and I made a mistake by going to far downstream. I was able to paddle against the current and make my way out of it and low and behold as obvious as the hardness of woodpecker lips I saw the portage sign that I should have seen from the get go. I guess my eyes aren't what they used to be. I was scratching my head on how I missed this portage, but for those who intend to do this trip the portage is on the south eastern end of the lake not on the northern side of the lake for which I was searching. This trail is a nice trail. I actually have video, but I do not have photos but the trail is pretty straight forward with an initial climb and then a straight path to a crossing which leads to a bridge for a great view of this raging stream of the Second Debsconeag outlet to First Debsconeag. This crossing is approximately the 3/4 way point of this portage where the trail leads to a nice soft landing at First Debsconeag. My plan was to stop for lunch at one of the Eastern First Debsconeag campsites but they were occupied so I paddled forth onto the Debsconeag Deadwater. Temperatures dropped dramatically and I felt my hands going numb and at this time I was not wearing my drysuit so I eyeballed a decent location to don the suit prior to the first set of riffles upstream of Passamagamet Falls. Followed the swift water to the right of the island. Water was moving quickly but it was a nice ride down through to an awaiting pool which then brought me back out to to the river where I needed to carefully place my canoe on the island that I would eventually end up portaging around Passamagamet falls. Passamagamet Falls was a violent boil and although some may brave the standing waves on these rapids I chose to play it safe and carry across the island.
I was now on my final leg of day three and was soon able to see the starting point as Grant Brook Road Bridge lurked in the distance. Water flowage under the Grant Brook Road bridge clips along at a pretty good rate. I had concerns about making a mistake and not eddying out properly so I carefully scouted a take out upstream of the bridge and I discovered a blue and pink ribbon dangling from a tree with what appeared to be an upstream take out prior to the bridge. This ribbon was probably 200ft upstream of the bridge. This was my target and this was even kind of tricky due to the river current here. Eventually I made it to shore and pulled my canoe up onto the bank and completed my final carry to my vehicle. TRIP COMPLETE! I had an amazing adventure and although I found this trip strenuous, I also found it be rather enjoyable and relaxing. My recommendation would be to take more time to enjoy more of what this great land has to offer and spend some time fishing which I didn't do. Strangely I did not see any Moose or deer, but plenty of signs of their existence with hoof prints and scat everywhere. I guess they heard me coming. Hope you all enjoy this report. It is my first and hopefully not my last. Next trip Allagash Wilderness waterway with my Dad (73 yrs old) my three children, my cousin and his son. Coming in June!
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