#5 Kayak - Merrimack River from Hooksett 6th Circuit Court House, NH

• Meet Time: 10:00 am  
• Launch time:  BIB (butts in boats,) 10:30 am                                
• Paddling Time:  2.5 - 3 hours (1-1 1/2 hrs each way)                                           Be respectful of others.  Be early and on time to depart at BIB! 
• Apres Paddle at Nancy KC's home in Hooksett after the paddle. Bring a dish to share, BYOB. Grill available.  Beef & Salmon Burgers will be provided. Location, directions & parking specifics will be given at the launch - 6 minutes up the road.                  
• Kayak Rentals available:  Kayak Rentals available via Merrimack River Canoe & Kayak Co across the river @ 35 Edgewater Dr. Rental price TBD: $30-35. YOU must call to reserve Kayak rental:  603-753-9804 [at Contoocook Canoe & Kayak of Concord.]   Park your car on Edgewater Drive.  Paddle across the river to meet us at the boat ramp.                                      
• EVENT DETAILS - Merrimack River:  We will travel up the Merrimack River to the power plant on the left. If it is windy we can explore an inlet before the power plant to find wildlife and a beaver hut. If we travel beyond the power plant, we cross the river, to the right, to a sandy beach for swimming and a picnic lunch. There is a unique tree with grand exposed roots.  We return down the river with the current to our starting point for take-out. 
• This is a recreational paddle with a slight to moderate river current.                                                                                                 
• DIRECTIONS: Take Exit 10 off 93 N onto Rte 3A N and follow for about 4 miles through sets of traffic lights, take a right onto Main St. and go over the Merrimack River via bridge, take next left, Merrimack St. [Congregational Church on the corner], and follow the road for just over a mile pass the Hooksett Dam.

OR - Take Exit 11 off of 93N, (or if coming South 93S). After the toll, take a left onto Hackett Hill Road. Take a left onto Rte 3A N to bear right at the lights to cross the Merrimack River via bridge. Take the next left, Merrimack St. [Congregational Church on the corner], and follow the road for just over a mile pass the Hooksett Dam. The launch is on the road to and beyond the 6th District Court House, behind the dog park. Parking and the Boat Ramp is on the left.

• Checklist of things to bring:

- PFD - Paddle(s) - Plenty of drinking water - Lunch/Snacks
- Bathing Suit/Towel/HAT - Insect repellent - Sunscreen 
- Water Toys... Pumps double nicely as a water squirter!
- Rain Gear!... two 10 gallon bags have multi uses.                                             - - Glasses Keeper - Water shoes... NO Flip Flops.

• AS A CONDITION OF ATTENDING THIS KAYAK DAY TRIP, YOU AGREE TO: Hold harmless, and indemnify the organizer(s) and their relations and heirs, and all members and participants of the NH Ski Club from any and all claims for injury, illness, death, and/or property damage including those caused by negligence, ignorance, inexperience and other reasons. You also agree to assume all mental, physical, financial, and/or other risk associated with this NHSC activity. Kayaking, camping, hiking, skiing, bicycling and other activities pose inherent risks and dangers. Participation in these activities is voluntary and dependent upon your own personal judgement. In the interest of safety, wearing a US Coast Guard approved Lifejacket (PFD), securely fitted is required while paddling with this group.   All Guest(s) will be required to sign a Disclaimer-Liability Release with emergency contact information.

Trip Organizers - Nancy KC  - kcaronn@yahoo.com  603-533-7576                                           Carol Stevens - 978-290-8360

Trip Leaders:  Kathy Jacobs and Anne Magrath