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The St. Croix River -- the border of Maine and New Brunswick is one of the finest for quietwater canoe camping trips. A true gem, the St. Croix has been designated as a Canadian Heritage River; scenic, steeped in history and abundant with wildlife. The St. Croix river is noted as a major nesting areas for the American Bald Eagle, and has a generous moose population. The fishing is excellent and includes landlocked salmon and smallmouth bass.
The river has several notable features including its gentle but challenging whitewater, its sustained water flow all season long, and the uniqueness of paddling along an international boundary. The river basin is a blend of rolling wooded hills, extensive wetlands and marshes and lakes, granite outcrops and glacial deposits.
Our adventure begins at Loon Bay Lodge on the St. Croix near St. Stephen New Brunswick. Built over 55 years ago in the tradition of the Great Camps of the North Country, Loon Bay provides the perfect setting to begin our journey. After a great breakfast we are off to the put in. After a brief orientation and instruction we pull away from shore and settle into the gentle pace of the river.
We will make camp at a scenic secluded sights at rivers edge. Over the next two days we will become fully immersed in the wonderful isolation of the St. Croix. Mornings find some of us up early enjoying the solitude and the mist rising off the water, while others curl up deeper in their  sleeping bags waiting for their first cup of coffee. Rapids like Elbow Rips, Mile Rips, and Rocky Rapids fill our days with excitement. In between the quickwater sections we can slow down and wander through English Cove and other quiet sections where we can take the time to fully appreciate our surroundings. The St. Croix provides the perfect playground for novices wishing to learn, or for those simply seeking a relaxed and tranquil river sojourn.
Our journey ends as it began at Loon Bay Lodge. We are enchanted by the lodge and our warm and rustic surroundings. During our final dinner we reminisce about our adventure together and look forward to the next time. This is the classic camping canoe trip for families and beginning paddlers. The St. Croix is designated as a Canadian Heritage river that forms the border between New Brunswick and Maine. Our first and last evenings are at Loon Bay Lodge — a wilderness lodge built in the tradition of the great camps of the North Country. Early the next morning we are immersed in the grand isolation of a wilderness river. The St. Croix River is one of the finest for quietwater canoe camping trips; the perfect playground for novices wishing to learn, or for those simply seeking a relaxed and peaceful river sojourn.
A true gem, the St. Croix has been designated as a Canadian Heritage River; scenic, steeped in history and abundant with wildlife. The St. Croix river is noted as a major nesting areas for the American Bald Eagle, and has a generous moose populati on. The fishing is excellent and includes landlocked salmon and smallmouth bass.
The river has several notable features including its gentle but challenging whitewater, its sustained water flow all season long, and the uniqueness of paddling along an international boundary. The river basin is a blend of rolling wooded hills, extensive wetlands and marshes and lakes, granite outcrops and glacial deposit.
Our adventure begins at Loon Bay Lodge on the St. Croix near St. Stephen New Brunswick. Built over 55 years ago in the tradition of the Great Camps of the North Country, Loon Bay provides the perfect setting to begin our journey. After a great breakfast we are off to the put in. After a brief orientation and instruction we pull away from shore and settle into the gentle pace of the river.
We will make camp at a scenic secluded sights at rivers edge. Over the next two days we will become fully immersed in the wonderful isolation of the St. Croix. Mornings find some of us up early enjoying the solitude and the mist rising off the water, while others curl up deeper in their sleeping bags waiting for their first cup of coffee. Rapids like Elbow Rips, Mile Rips, and Rocky Rapids fill our days with excitement. In between the quickwater sections we can slow down and wander through English Cove and other quiet sections where we can take the time to fully appreciate our surroundings. The St. Croix provides the perfect playground for novices wishing to learn, or for those simply seeking a relaxed and tranquil river sojourn.
Our journey ends as it began at Loon Bay Lodge. We are enchanted by the lodge and our warm and rustic surroundings. During our final dinner we reminisce about our adventure together and look forward to the next time.
Sunday
We meet at the Three Stallion Inn in Randolph Vermont. To get to the inn, from the south take Exit 4 ff of I-89, turn left off of the exit and follow for two miles. Turn left onto Stock Fram road and go approximately a half mile to the inn. If you are coming from the north take exit 4 off of I-89 and turn right off of the exit and follow for two miles. Turn left onto Stock Farm road and go approximatley a half mile to the inn.
This classic vermont stock farm has been restored and remodeled to provide the ideal combination of charm and comfort. The grounds and surrounding hills provide an idyllic setting.
The innkeepers will be expecting our arrival between 3 and 7 pm. We will gather for dinner at 7:00pm. Welcome
Three Stallion Inn -- phone 802.728.5575 802.728.5575
Monday
We are off on our journey throughout Vermont. After breakfast we leave our cars behind and travel by canoe and our van for the next five days. The Winooski is a sampler in itself with smooth and easy sections as well as quickwater, such as that at the mouth of the Mad River. The Winooski winds its way through both secluded and civilized areas. In the afternoon we will load up for the trip north to Stowe, "Ski Capital of the East", and a pleasant summer town.
Monday evening we will be guests at the Stowehof Inn. The Stowehof is a traditional Swiss-Austrian Inn situated off a quiet country road on spacious and rolling grounds. We will be able to enjoy our surroundings and the majestic beauty of Mt. Mansfield from either the swimming pool or deck--the choice is yours!
Phone 802.253.9722
Tuesday
We usually choose the Lamoille River for our second day. Wide open views of valleys and interesting geological rock formations depict the character of this river. We will put-in at a secluded spot just below Cady's Falls. Lunch is often near the portage around Dogs Head and Sloping Falls. If the water and our mood is right, we will run Sit-A-While rapid and Ithiel Falls, and canoe through the wonderful granite islands in the afternoon.
A point of interest in the Lamoille is the only river we know that changed its headwaters. It originally rose in Long Pond, until June 6, 1810, when folks from Barton opened a channel to drain some more water into the Barton River for the mills downstream. However, the barrier turned out to be quicksand under a clay encrustment, and Long Pond (about 1 2 miles long) drained itself in about 15 minutes. The resulting wall of water swept cows and 100 tons of rocks down stream destroying houses, but killing no one. Now it is known as Runaway Pond - the headwaters of the Barton River.
Tuesday night will be the first of two evenings spent at the Village House Inn in Albany. We usually have the entire inn to ourselves. The sitting room, furnished with antiques, and the large wrap around porch are popular gathering spots to enjoy a refreshing drink before dinner, pass away a quiet summer evening, or just sit and watch the world go by.
Innkeeper - Kate Fletcher, phone 802.755.6722 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 802.755.6722 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Wednesday
Today we begin some wonderful choices. The Missisquoi is a wide meandering river that flows westward across the top of Vermont, with a loop into Canada, on it's way to Lake Champlain. Hills and mountains are the backdrop of this beautiful valley as the river cuts through quiet meadows and farmland almost entirely away from the road. Or we could head to the Black River where there are several sections we can choose from. We easily settle into the Black's gentle pace as we head north toward Lake Memphremagog. The Connecticut river is also a choice with its fast water, seclusion and scenery.
The day ends as it began at the Village House Inn. The peace and quiet of the Northeast Kingdom surround us as we enjoy one more evening with Kate. Her warm hospitality and excellent cooking make it hard to leave. We enjoy sharing stories of the day on the porch or taking a quiet walk along one of the many backroads that meander through the village.
Innkeeper - Kate Fletcher, Phone 802.755.6722
Thursday
We continue our Choice of Rivers day. The Clyde - a stretch that is gorgeous and magical all the way. Hemlock and cedar trees line the banks while blue herons and kingfishers hunt for fish in the clear water of the river. Another choice could be the Green River Reservoir. We could spend days upon days exploring this hidden out-of-the-way lake, with its many coves, inlets and bays. There are no motor boats to disturb the nesting loons, so the canoe is the only way to explore. Indeed a wonderful day if we want to be in a canoe, off the roads and with nature.
We end our journey where we began at the Three Stallion Inn. We will have time to relax on the lawn, go for a walk, or enjoy the hot tub before we gather for our final dinner together.The Three Stallion Inn strives to create an atmosphere of years gone by and is a welcome haven after our journey deep into the fabric of Vermont. When we retire for the evening, we'll appreciate the meticulous attention to detail and decorative creativity that has been provided to ensure our comfort.
Three Stallion Inn -- phone 802.728.5575 begin_of_the_skype_highlighting 802.728.5575 end_of_the_skype_highlighting
Friday
The best is saved for last. The White River! One of the best loved canoe runs in the state. We will run a mixture of flatwater, quickwater, Class I and II rapids over the White's ledges. A lot depends on water level, but we guarantee it will be a fitting finale to our Tour de Vermont. We plan to arrive back at the Three Stallion Inn in the late afternoon to pick up our cars and say our good byes and begin our journey back to reality.
Final Payments
Your balance is due when we meet on the first night of the trip and may be paid by cash, check or credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Amex, Discover). Please refer to your confirmation letter for the amount due.
Trip Notes Supplement
General Information
If you have any questions or need special arrangements please call our office. Regular office hours are 9:00 am to 5:30 pm Monday to Friday in season. We are open Saturday and Sunday for day trip rentals, but our office staff is limited on weekends. We are generally closed Saturday through Tuesday November through April, although you may catch us in by chance other times.
Trip prices include lodging, all meals (except when noted) guide services and accompanying support van. Trips generally meet mid to late afternoon of the first day, and disband mid to late afternoon of the last day. We may be compelled to increase or decrease trip prices on trips due to matters beyond our control, such as currency exchange, airfare, taxes or price increases. Gratuities for BattenKill guides and other staff are appreciated, but are left entirely to your discretion.
Reservations and Confirmation
Often it is easier to call our office to check for availability and to make reservations. We request a deposit of $100.00 per person for the two to four day trips, $250.00 for five to six day trips, and $350.00 per person for longer trips. Immediate confirmation is possible using your credit card for the deposit.
On receipt of your deposit we prepare a complete confirmation packet, including a full itinerary,
personal equipment list, meeting location with directions, and application for short term trip cancellation insurance. Your confirmation letter will outline the balance which is due at the trip meeting for domestic trips, and 60 days prior for Canadian and other International trips. We strongly recommend that you obtain this cancellation insurance, which reimburses you for nonrefundable costs and deposits should you have to cancel your trip due to a personal emergency.
Cancellation and Refunds
Notification must be received by BATTENKILL CANOE LTD. (BCL) in writing. If you must cancel, but wish to reschedule for another trip, we will do our best to accommodate you. If you must cancel more than 45 days prior to departure, a refund of 50% of the per person deposit, OR a 100% credit valid for another trip. There are no refunds or reschedules are possible with less than 45 days notice or for leaving a trip early or arriving late.
Tips and Gratuities
Gratuities for the inn and food portion of your trip are paid by BCL. Gratuities for BATTENKILL guides are appreciated, but are left to your discretion. Each year the guide staff of BATTENKILL CANOE pledge to pool a portion of their tips and donate them to an outreach program. Over the past several years these outreach programs have included a scholarship program for a high school student in the remote village of Yorkin in Talamanca, Costa Rica, supporting the Ninos in la Calle program (alternative education program for the street kids) in Somotillo Nicaragua, financial and educational support to the BattenKill Watershed Council and an annual donation to the Vermont ACLU.
If you would like to find out more about these projects or have suggestions for other projects your guides would be happy to visit with you. This is just one of the ways we are able to reach out to the greater community and practice socially responsible travel.
Airline Reservations
Our airline desk is able to assist you in making our airline reservations, and we are pleased to do so. We can book with all the major carriers and would be happy to assist you with your travel plans.
Non-Performance
We almost always follow through with our entire trip schedule. However, we must reserve the right to cancel a trip or to make changes to the itinerary if necessary due to weather and/or water conditions, insufficient reservations or other factors outside of our control. Although it is unlikely, if we must cancel your trip, you may choose between: 1. A 100% refund of all monies paid, or 2. A 150% credit of your original deposit for a future trip with BATTENKILL. This constitutes full settlement, and BATTENKILL can not be held responsible for other costs incurred.
Guaranteed Dates & Small Trip Charge
Since you plan your vacation around our trip, it is our responsibility to run every trip scheduled if four or more persons are on the roster. A number of fixed costs make it more expensive to operate a trip with six members than one with 12. We budget our trips with a nearly full sign up, to enable us to price them at the lowest possible cost.
We will still run your trip if four or more guests are on the roster. However, we will be obliged to add a small trip surcharge if there is a low sign up of between four (4) and seven (7) participants. The small trip surcharge is ten (10) percent of the published price.
If you make your reservations 6 months prior to departure, you will qualify for our Earlybird Discount which guarantees your departure regardless of the number of people on the roster.
Value Vouchers
In the event that we discount a trip on which you are booked, we will automatically extend to you a courtesy voucher representing the value of the promotional discount. You may apply the discount certificate to any future BattenKill trip. You may combine discounts, however the maximum is 20% off any one trip.
Accommodations & Meals
Our standard accommodation is two per room, generally with a private bath. Usually singles and triples are available. BCL provides three meals per day, beginning with dinner on the first evening and ending with lunch on the last day (except where noted).
On our Voyageurs we provide top quality tents along with all other group camping gear. You are requested to bring only a sleeping bag and pad, as well as your personal gear. If you choose not to bring your own sleeping bag, you may rent one of ours which includes a foam pad.
Solo Travelers
If you're traveling alone and would like to assure yourself of a private room, there is a single supplement surcharge of $45.00 per evening. Singles willing to share will be matched with a roommate. If unavailable, a forced single supplement of 50 percent of the full supplement will be charged.
Bringing the Kids
We believe that sharing an adventure with your kids or grandkids is a life-enhancing experience. Children twelve years of age or older are welcomed on all trips. Special arrangements must be made for all children 7-12. Regular discount is 25% off the trip price for folks under 18 years old.
Guest Responsibility
You must understand that river trips involve some risk. Guests are responsible for: choosing a trip that suits their abilities, level of fitness and state of health; arriving at the trip start with the clothing and gear recommended in the confirmation packet; respecting the laws and customs of the countries visited; following environmental guidelines and regulations while on the trip in accordance with guides direction; and respecting the rights and privacy of other trip members. You will be asked to sign a Hold Harmless and Release of Liability form prior to your trip.
BATTENKILL CANOE reserves the right to substitute lodges, leaders and to alter the itinerary when deemed necessary or advisable. BCL shall not be liable, directly or indirectly for any delay, cancellation, mishap, inconvenience, expense, personal injury or death, or damage of property for any reason whatsoever, including acts of God. BATTENKILL reserves the right to decline to accept, retain, or ask to leave any person whose actions or deportment impede trip operation, or rights, welfare and enjoyment of other trip members. No refund is possible under these circumstances. Payment of deposit, and release of credit card number represents your acceptance of these terms and conditions. All disputes shall be settled by binding arbitration in Bennington County Vermont.
About BattenKill Trip Guides
We are proud of the folks who lead our trips, and help make an extra special adventure for you. Each recognizes, welcomes and encourages the varying skills and interests of each guest.
On the first evening of our get-together, we will conduct a simple orientation of the trip to come, and go over safety regulations. You will be asked to sign a liability of release form, and we will collect your final payment then.
A Word About Equipment
Canoe rental is included in your trip price. You are welcome to bring along your own canoe if you would like, just let us know. We furnish premium canoes, paddles and PFD's (life jackets). We feature canoes by Mad River, Dagger, Old Town and others. If you have a particular canoe you would like to demo, please give us a call and we will attempt to have one available.
What Happens if it Rains
It does rain, so rain gear is a must. So are dry clothes, which can be stored in the waterproof bag that we furnish. If it's raining hard, we don't all have to go canoeing. The nice thing about Vermont is that there are plenty of other things to do...visit museums or go antiquing...spend some time in a general store. Or, we can just have another cup of coffee and wait till the rain abates. Whatever makes sense, we'll do.
And So On...
Also, enclosed is our suggested personal equipment checklist. Little things like lip balm, sun blocks and dry socks make a big difference, so check it over carefully.
WHAT TO BRING
This list is intended to be skeletal, and we anticipate you will have your own ideas of what is "necessary." In general bring half the clothes you think you will need and twice the film.
Getting wet is always a possibility when participating in outdoor activities. Clothing has to keep you warm even when wet. Try to avoid cotton. The problem with cotton is that once it is wet it absorbs water and does not dry out quickly.
*Inns and B&B are casual so cotton or cotton mix clothing--for off river and evenings is appropriate.
*Polypro or capilene undershirt and pants for Fall trips
*Lightweight nylon pants (the type where the legs zip off into a pair of shorts are very handy)
*Lightweight/medium weight long sleeve top.
*Wool sweater or fleece top for Fall trips
*Rain jacket and pants
*Wide brimmed hat.
*Sunglasses with security strap.
*Sunscreen, insect repellent
*Lip balm, chapstick
*Water bottle
*Personal toiletries
*Personal medications
*Bandana
*Camera and film
Additional Clothes for Paddling
*Shorts
*T-shirts or comfortable paddling tops
*Canoe shoes that can get wet for paddling such as sandals, or booties.
Optional Gear
*Binoculars
*Pocketknife
*Swimsuit
*Field guides, bird books, and travel books
*Journal notebook, pen, good book
*Extra eye glasses, sunglasses, security straps
If you have any questions on what to bring or how to pack please give us a call at 1.800.421.5268
WE stay at three great Inns, Visit their web site for more details.
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