Great Marsh / Rowley River Level 2+

LAUNCH TIME: TBA, but on the early side, to catch the tide

Level: 2+.

Launch from: Pavilion beach, Ipswitch

Distance: 10 nm.

Duration: 5-6 hours.

Leader: David Lewis; Assistants: Patty Phelan and Gary Baxter

Group size: 8

RSVP: to "djlewis at triadic dot com"

Clothing: full farmer john/jane wet suit or dry suit; cold water gear and attitude.

What: The Great Marsh around the Rowley has been described as "a paradisiacal expanse of salt marsh and sky." We'll be there at high tide, the best time for experiencing that. We'll: head up the western shore of Plum Island Sound from Pavilion; turn in at Eagle Hill River and work our way through the heart of the Marsh to the Rowley River; paddle up to Rowley Town Landing for lunch; go back all the way out the Rowley and down the Sound to the beach. There should be birds all over the marsh, so bring your binoculars, Peterson and other birding aids.

Special considerations: There can be significant chop in Plum Island Sound, depending on the wind and tide. That's the "+" on the trip rating, since we could have a short stretch of near level 3 water conditions with a level 2 wind force. Other than that, it's relaxed paddling.