The Wrack

Join us for a paddling excursion on the Little River Estuary this summer!

The kayaks are nestled all snug in their winter beds, with visions of the 2018 Little River Estuary paddling season dancing in their heads.

Paddle on calm and quiet waters while observing wildlife and learning about the natural history of estuaries, our treasured habitats.

Paddle on calm and quiet waters while observing wildlife and learning about the natural history of estuaries, our treasured habitats.

2016 is our sixth year offering these popular guided tours led by registered Maine Kayak Guides.

As the first snow of the season fell outside my window yesterday, with our fleet of kayaks safely stored in the barn for the winter, I compiled the evaluation results from our fifth kayak season at the Reserve. Sixteen kayaking programs were held between early July and early October (eighteen were scheduled, but two were cancelled due to high winds/small craft advisories) and 82 people participated. Sixty-one of these paddlers completed evaluations immediately following the program. This is the first year we've conducted a formal evaluation of the program. What valuable information did the evaluations provide? Lots!

Early this summer our 12-year-old granddaughter from Ohio visited us here in Wells. We had heard about the reserve’s kayaking program and hoped she might be interested in trying it. We could sense a bit of trepidation on her part as she had never been in a kayak and would not know anyone in the group.

We met the others on a sunny morning in front of the barn and were greeted by the smiling and enthusiastic leaders, Suzanne and Kate. They would watch over Allie as neither of her grandparents could manage a kayak. We could sense our granddaughter begin to relax, especially upon being introduced to several who were also from Ohio.

I have been the Natural Resource Specialist here at the reserve for over a decade. I know the land well… or at least I thought I did.

This year, several of the staff here were certified to lead kayak trips up the Little River estuary, which forms the northern boundary of the reserve. I was one of the lucky one. This was a whole new place for me. I had seen it from the river banks countless times. But being ON the water of the river is a whole new experience. Being on the water with a small group of people is even better.

Their stories add to this story. Where they have traveled from, how they heard about this trip. What they would like to learn about this estuary.

Paddling upstream to enjoy the shade of overhanging oaks, maples, and pines providing a forested buffer along the river's edge. What a peaceful, lovely trip.

A big congratulations to Stephanie, Suzanne, Sue, and Nancy for passing the Registered Maine Guide Sea Kayak exam. Maine is one of the few states that requires outdoor guides to be licensed to maintain a quality of outdoor recreation for visitors, as well as to protect our natural resources when visiting wild spaces. It is one of the most difficult guide exams to pass. Usually, half of the people taking the test fail on their first try. Not these ladies! They will continue to hone their guide skills this summer during our kayaking programs.

Tin and I had been trying to find time for a paddle for months. Despite the threat of thunderstorms all day, yesterday was the day. We both showed up to work here at the Reserve, our cars each donning kayaks on racks. The weather threatened all day but the storms never materialized. Four o'clock came and off we went.  Within a few short minutes we pulled into Wells Harbor, unloaded our boats and were afloat…