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By Saint Gratz
For the Express
Two young, northeastern outdoorsmen pulled into town late Monday, April 23 to carry out an adventure they have been planning for more than nine months. Old Forge, being the western terminus of the 740-mile Northern Forest Canoe Trail, can expect to draw many more folks like Zand Martin, 21, and Ben Reilly, 20, of Kensington, Conn. and Southborough, Mass. respectively. That evening, talk of their trip created quite a stir in Charlie’s Steak House. Locals such as Phil Freese and Art Kott of Adirondack Canoe Classic notoriety jumped at the chance to talk about local waterways. Logistics such as where the ice may not be out yet, places to camp and the difficulty of portages were just the topics the young men were interested in discussing. Martin says his biggest concerns about the trip are, “Cold water in the beginning, whitewater and upstream in the middle, and bugs at the end.”
Martin and his partner Reilly are attempting to be “through paddlers” on the 740-mile route. This feat, according to Northern Forest Canoe Trail (NFCT) Executive Director Kate Williams, has only been accomplished five times in the modern recreational era.
“Part of our job is to make this a benefit for the communities along the way by hooking up paddlers with local outfitters, a killer sandwich shop or places to stay,” Williams said.
She loves the “people part” of her job and “all the great people energy the trail seems to attract. Through paddlers, and others who have been far from home, all have something nice to say about the people they meet and how right when they needed something it seemed someone was there to help.”
Being a through paddler requires a commitment of time, resources and endurance. The boys plan to be on the water for seven weeks, with Reilly celebrating his 21st birthday in route. The team is being helped financially by the Otis Fellowship Program offered to Bates College (Maine) students who have displayed interests in the natural world that reflect the spirit of Phil Otis ‘95. Otis lost his life the summer following his senior year in a rescue attempt for some stranded hikers while working as a park ranger on Mount Rainier.
Martin commented on how most paddlers who tackle the NFCT will do it in segments, much like hikers on the Appalachian Trail, but he and Reilly are excited for the challenge of doing it all at once.
“We’ve been paddlers for a long time,” says Martin, an EMS wilderness first responder. “Hopefully (difficult situations) can be mitigated by being smart.”
Reilly says he and Martin’s paddling styles compliment each other.
“I’ve done a lot of whitewater and day trips on the Clyde River (a section of the route through Vermont). Zand has done the longer trips, he’s a tireless paddler,” Reilly says.
The morning of Tuesday, April 24, a red jeep with an 18’6” Old Town tripping canoe sat in front of Walt’s diner. With Martin’s parents, Jamie and Melinda, the boys enjoyed a hot and hearty breakfast, one of their last for quite some time. There are opportunities along the route for hotels, restaurants and amenities, but the two boys claim they want to primitive camp and be as close to the outdoors as possible on their trip.
“Well, we’ve talked about this long enough,” says the bearded Martin to his eager partner, “Are ya ready to do some paddlin’?”
“Oh yea!” exclaims Reilly with a subtle air of confidence.
Under the NFCT kiosk by the covered bridge, the boys unload the boat and squeeze their dry bags, bear proof food containers, extra paddles and maps into the craft. Dan Tickner, on his way to a Bti run down Moss Lake outlet, is drawn to the lakefront by the activity. He nods in encouragement as he surveys the boys' outfit and fields questions by the nervous parents.
Any last words?
“It’s a big trip,” says Martin. “Close to home, but far away at the same time.”
Reilly adds, “I’m looking forward to spending some quality time with a good friend. What a great way to see all over New England.”
A voice rings out, “Good luck fellas, the folks here (from Old Forge) wish you well.” And everyone goes their separate ways, some wishing they were paddling off into the morning sunshine like Zand and Ben.
The Web site www.northernforestbycanoe.blogsport.com will document Martin and Reilly’s adventure online.
