Can't go wrong in Camden Harbor

Kayaking in small, picturesque harbors is a joy. Obviously, you must follow safety rules and be aware of what's going on around you, but the dangers in the smaller harbors are minimal. Weaving among the yachts, schooners, and crafts of all sizes is fun. The calmer waters in the harbors also reduce danger and since motor craft must go slow, their wakes provide non-threatening ups and downs.

Here are some shots of Camden Harbor taken from Mount Battie State Park:

You can launch from a small public beach or the boat landing and the trip around Curtis Island is enjoyable as there's a lighthouse on the east side. It was a slightly foggy morning when we took the pictures.

Kayak Review for Camden Harbor

Camden Harbor is, to me, the quintessential image of coastal Maine. It's a place we go to often for breakfast, shopping, and just because it's a nice place to be. While there is a public boat launch, the parking is quite a distance from it, and there are no facilities. But for kayakers, that's no problem; just go to the public beach a few minutes from the town center. There are restrooms by the parking area.

(Oh, and might it be appropriate to mention here that ever since we started kayaking, there's been a steady refrain of "I want to kayak in Camden Harbor"? -D)

Here are two views of the beach/launch area:

It's a steep drop to the beach and for this reason we have to take off a half kayak in the rating.

The interior of the harbor is to the left which opens to Penobscot Bay to the right.

Heading into the harbor.

The outer harbor area.

That's the library in the background.

There are always 2 or 3 masted schooners at dock.

There are some massive yachts here.

Not a bad cottage!

The homes are are quite beautiful.

Heading out into the bay.

Better not start a fire in that fireplace!

 More photos are posted in the Pages section of the blog. Clearly, this is a beautiful place to visit. You can dock and take in the wonderful restaurants and shop the quaint stores. Of course, many things here are pricey, but most of the shops carry high quality, often locally made, items.

KAYAK RATING FOR CAMDEN HARBOR: 4.5

NOTE: The video is a little shaky. Waves will do that.

Kayak Rating for Megunticook Lake, Maine

1300+ acres just 2 miles outside of Camden

5 KAYAK RATING

Just outside of beautiful Camden, Maine, Lake Megunticook is an ideal place for kayaking. It has many "nooks and crannies", islands, cottages (some so integrated into the scenery you have to be right on top of them to see them), clean/clear water, and nice views.  It's an all around enjoyable place to be.

There are two easily accessible landings, one near the beach on Rte 52, so if it gets too hot you can always take a swim after your excursion, and the other on Rte 105. Motor boat traffic is moderate. This is a lake we have visited before and will return to.  There's always something new to discover.

 This is the walk-in landing on Rte 105-about 5 minutes out from town. There is also a boat ramp.

Images From 2013 Kayaking

Since we started this blog this year, we will give fresh reviews of the lakes we have and will visit. But we thought we'd show some pics from last season.

This is heading into Rockport Harbor:

:

Getting ready for Damariscotta Lake

Megunticook Lake, Camden

Seven Tree Lake, Union

One of three Megunticook Landings

Callie on Clary - Not her favorite activity, too hot in the bright sun.

The Landing at Seven Tree

Peaceful Megunticook Waters

Over the course of the summer, we'll provide details of locations as well as additional reviews.

HAPPY PADDLING!

To kayak or not to kayak

 

On one of our many trips to Camden in early summer 2103, we decided to stop at a business that sells kayaks, canoes, etc. Being within a relatively short drive of many lakes and the ocean, we had often thought of taking up some kind of boating of the non-motor variety. Our goal was to keep it simple and hassle free. The business had many kayaks since, in addition to sales, they rent to summer tourists.

With the help of a very knowledgeable salesman, we reviewed the hard shell kayak options which came in a variety of sizes and styles. One thing we discovered very quickly was that getting started was not inexpensive. From the kayak to oars, life vests, and roof rack, the cost added up pretty fast. Not out of range, but high for trying something we weren't sure if we'd even like. There was a very small pond at the site they use for people to test kayaks and canoes so we decided to give it a try. The first issue we encountered was that the kayaks were a bit heavy, taking two people to carry them to the pond, which meant two people to load on and off a car roof rack. Having to go to a chiropractor on occasion anyway, this was a negative.

Getting into the kayak was a bit awkward as it felt that just the wrong movement and I'd be in the drink. Once in and balance attained, the little paddle in the pond was enjoyable. What we disliked was the somewhat claustrophobic feel with my legs under the shell up to about the knees. To be fair, there are more open kayaks, often used for fishing, but they are also more costly, or, at least, the ones we were shown were. When it was all said and done, we decided that we enjoyed the experience, but weren't sure we wanted to make the investment in something we weren't sure that we would enjoy in the long run. We opted to postpone any purchase, at least at the moment.