Although we have paddled just about the whole Blackstone from time to time this was Blackstone Valley Outfitters first guided paddling trip outside of Rhode Island . Today the group started along the Blackstone River at Riverdale Street in Northbridge, Mass. and paddled 3 hours down stream to Riverbend Farm in Uxbridge, Mass. After two days of heavy rain the water was pouring over the dam at Riverdale Street as we put in. The group quickly leaves the mill complex area behind and entered a hard wood forest, where the lead kayak sends a great blue heron flying. Even with the high water, the riverbanks are steep with overhanging trees. On the woods edge squirrels and chipmunks play tag and morning doves coo as we float by. Passing under the stone arch bridge at Church Street we enter an area known as Plummer's Landing.

The area was named for a store and inn owner that catered to the canal trade. Here the river picks up speed as is snakes it's way through wooded wetlands and fields. After passing a small island on the left side of the river, the lead paddler rounds a sharp curve and forces his kayak into a broadside move coming abreast with a downed tree. The newly downed tree crosses the whole waterway blocking the river. Luckily the right side of the river forms an eddy in front of the tree, here I try to get everyone into the calm water to portage over the tree. Unfortunately two of the kayakers miss the eddy and get caught in the tree. The first flips and is sucked under the tree and out. The second paddler performers a gymnastic like moves and swings herself up into the tree. Finding everyone in good condition and high spirits we collect our gear and take stock. Lost is a water bottle, a pair of sunglasses and most important, a kayak paddle.

After a good search, the paddle was written off and I gave my paddle over to the paddle-less kayaker. With a good flow I steered down stream with my hands till Evan found a replacement. Hung up in a tree was a cedar picket from a fence. The jokes about my new paddle stopped as a cruised by the others and took the lead. Leaving the river and entering a small backwater the group explore Goat Hill Lock, one of the last intact locks from the canal. Following the Blackstone into Rice City Pond large flocks of small birds fly in and out of the wild rice waving in the breeze. Once again our progress is slowed down, this time by water vegetation that chokes the pond. Forcing our way through the vegetation we return to the canal, portage around a dam and continue our paddle to River Bend Farm. While paddling the last leg of the trip, a hiker walking along the towpath asked if I had lost my paddle? A fellow yaker replied back 'No he just likes to ruff it.'