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Post by Justin on Feb 18, 2011 12:32:50 GMT -5
Anyone ever tried these streams? Thinking of checking them out during the freshet.
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Post by Ken Corbett on Feb 18, 2011 15:26:10 GMT -5
My uncle, who spent most of his life in the woods, referred to the Shikatehawk as one of the steepest streams in NB.
I would think they are twisty and prone to sweepers. I suggest you walk them first to get an idea before you decide whether to set out on them.
My 2 cents.
Ken
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Post by ryanward10 on Feb 20, 2011 8:53:40 GMT -5
Topo says it drops 160m over the last 17kms to the SJ River, that's just over 50ft/mile in line with some of the steeper runs discussed on this board. Doesn't sound like canoe country. Also I read specifically where some folks who run a Bible camp up that way had their bridge washed out campshiktehawk.com/ The topo shows 7 bridge over that last 17km stretch, wonder how many more are damaged or destroyed? I've never heard of Monquart, where is it? |
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Post by davidjeffrey on Feb 22, 2011 20:48:30 GMT -5
I explored a decent amount of this stream late last summer. There were definitely steep spots way up stream, more creeking style than anything, it would be a lot of madness and strainers for sure. You'd be scouting alot. Further down it gets wider and less steep, but still keeps the waves going nicely. I remember seeing one section of creek that went up into the woods as I drove along side it going upstream. I didn't get out to see it up close, but it was looking steep. I imagine it is really scrapey, but with enough water maybe it's possible. Hard to say.
All the sections are easily accessible with a 4wd, and the country is beautiful... loads of mountains surrounding you. From one of the higher peaks you get a great view of Mt Katahdin as well.
Down by the bible camp the river has some decent volume to it, similar to the Tay for size, and looks to be easy going.
I'm up for checking this one out this spring... Just bought a new boat last week with more gear coming! Elbow pads hah!
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Post by davidjeffrey on Feb 22, 2011 20:49:33 GMT -5
Oh, and that was the Shikatehawk I was writing about.... haven't checked the Monquart yet... looks steep on the topo though!
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Post by Ken Corbett on Feb 22, 2011 22:16:09 GMT -5
Hi David,
Tell us about your new boat.
Ken
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Post by davidjeffrey on Feb 25, 2011 7:18:45 GMT -5
Well, I got a nice deal from a friend in Edmonton, and had it shipped to me... the boat was used only once. Here's a link to it www.fluidkayaks.com/wwkayaks/detox.html It's much bigger than my original playboat, and has enough volume to pack some gear in it. I'm thinking this is going to be great for just about any kind of conditions. It's fun getting a collection of paddling gear... Jeff Kimball's WW canoe is looking like an interesting buy as well. I would love to have a canoe as well since I can't steal my brothers anymore. I'm itching bigtime to get out in the water again! Maybe another month and we'll be getting our paddles wet again!!! |
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Post by Justin on Mar 1, 2011 15:03:59 GMT -5
Ryan- I think there is a dam, in fact, across the stream at Camp Shikatehawk. At least there was when I was 8. Swimming hole for the campers. The Monquart joins the St. John at the village of Bath. These are both small streams, smaller than the guimec or the meduxnekeag by far.
David- I don't know if I have the gear for it but if you're up for a shot at the Shikatehawk let me know. Just an Old Town flathingyer kayak I have, no skirt. Can't wait for the spring myself. Got a vehicle finally so I can bring the thing along and help shuttle. At the very least I'll be on the guimac the first warm day after the ice goes.
Ken- I'd be glad to meet you man. I've aspired to write a paddling guide for NB for a few years but just haven't had the chance to get started. So far my experience is pretty limited. I really enjoyed reading your website. I've been all the way down the Nashwaak from Stanley but it sounds like I missed the best part.
Anyway cheers y'all
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Post by Ken Corbett on Mar 1, 2011 22:46:20 GMT -5
Well, I don't wanna mince words. I think the Shiktehawk is too small and steep, too great a risk for sweepers and rocks. It sounds like a deathtrap to me. So there.
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tgneal
Voyageur
Little Falls - St. Croix River , NB
Posts: 229
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Post by tgneal on Mar 6, 2011 11:38:14 GMT -5
The Monquart also has a hydro dam not too far upstream from the river.
I can't see it being a very good stream for paddling.
Tom
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Post by Justin on Mar 18, 2011 8:41:00 GMT -5
I'm up for the 'hawk. Checked it at Kenneth yesterday. I'd be crazy to try. I'll let you know if I make it out alive.
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Post by esspeegee on Apr 27, 2011 20:04:24 GMT -5
Learned to canoe on these two "streams" years ago. The Hawk is much more difficult ... lots of sharp and narrow turns with tricky water. Definitely will have a sweeper or two. I remember going for a nice swim on a 90 degree elbow with giant walls of ledge on the outside of turn that seemed to swallow the entire river and spit it right back at you. The Monquart is narrow and steep but is a real hoot. There is definitely a decent sized dam (Bernard's Dam / Hargrove's Dam) at the bottom of the river with a decent headpond. Fond memories and a lot of bruises.  Same neck of the woods and a bit more civilized: - Big Presque Isle Stream (runs thru Centreville) - Becaguimec (just north of Harland) |
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