Digdeguash Estuary

Buried in Foam at Digdeguash Falls

Shoulder high foam churned up by the cascade was the surprising result of a 50 mm deluge the area received two days earlier.  In addition to the foam, there were modest standing waves, not enough to be dangerous, just enough to add a little excitement.

 

We launched an hour before high tide in the gorge under the Route 1 bridge, expecting the flood to carry us effortlessly up the estuary.  But the freshwater outflow from the upper section of the estuary was enough to overcome the powerful flood tide in Passamaquoddy Bay.  Instead of the placid water displayed in the Google Earth image below, we had an uphill battle, fighting a two knot outflow, paddling hard to get around the points, then pausing to catch our breath in the back-eddies.

 

 

 

 

We had intended to explore the islands in the lower estuary, but didn't allow enough time.  We'll look forward to that on the next visit.  It would have to be a day with light winds.  Passamaquoddy Bay is too big to challenge unless you are an expert kayaker, especially in the prevailing brisk south-westerly's.  The calm conditions in the image below would become three to four foot breaking waves in open water.

 

 

 

If conditions permit, another launch site could be the public beach at Owl's Head.  That would provide an opportunity to enjoy some seafood at Ozzie's, still going strong at their long time location on the old Route 1 at Bethel.