Whitewater and a Wedding  

         Come one come all was the motto as paddlers flocked from all over the Northeast to paddle, party and show their support for Ben Schott and Catharine Hull.  Ben’s family has a camp about as close as you can get to the Kennebec River near the Forks Maine.   Arriving late Thursday night I missed the rehearsal dinner (and my free lobster!) but made it to the after party in time to meet everyone and enjoy the lakeside cabin.  Friday morning came all too soon and it was the couples desire to paddle their favorite stretch of whitewater (Kennebec Gorge) on the day of their nuptials.  After a delayed start and hiking down a giant pontoon raft (for a friend of Ben’s) we were on the river several hours before the ceremony.  Whitewater does what it always seems to do and takes your distractions away.   We paddled the gorge down to the first takeout surfing, laughing and just having an all-around blast.  When we got off the river it was go time.   Food was eaten, hair was done, bow ties were attempted to be tied and somehow everyone made it where they were supposed to on time.  The wedding went off without a hitch, well maybe one (pun intended)  and soon everyone was socializing, playing lawn games, overeating,  drinking and reconnecting with what seemed like more and more paddlers crashing the wedding.  If you were lucky you even got to see Mike Mainer bust a move or two on the dance floor.  It was as graceful as you would imagine.   The party went on late into the night at the lakeside cabins and once again morning came all too soon.   

        Saturday we reconvened at Ben’s family camp where dozens of paddler’s cars littered the field.  It was quite remarkable how many paddlers showed up!  Shuttles began getting set and we were up at the put in in no time.  Many dressed up in costumes I believe Scott cross-dressed (looking all too comfortable with a women’s wig on), Graham was in a suit and there were many others.   Once on the river groups mixed and mingled all the while the newlyweds took the same Duo they used the day of their engagement for their maiden voyage as a married couple.  The words “Just Married” written on the bottom.   Champagne was had at the takeout and some made their way downstream for the full run, others went for a second lap and some went back to camp.  There were many shenanigans and jokes played on and off the river that day.  Drain plugs were opened, rolls were inhibited and I heard a few rocks were placed in someone’s boat at the takeout.   Overall it’s exactly what you would expect! That night the party shifted to camp where bonfires were built, fireworks went off and beers were drank.  Some made it far into the night; others had some much needed sleep.  Sunday most went back for two casual laps on the Kennebec and others made their long drive back to Vermont (and other parts of the northeast). 

Congratulations to the newlyweds on a great wedding and weekend of whitewater!