West Branch Westfield River, MA

12-26-05
Becket, MA III-IV
9.5 miles 32 degree water temp, 38 degree air temp.
1240 cfs (lower level, but smooth)
Toddo, Rob, Jim O. & Jim Michaud


Rob's day on Playkill Creek
(ask him about it someday)

The day after Christmas, and I find myself in Becket, Ma getting ready for one of my favorite stand-by runs. Stand-by meaning that when other stuff isn't running or is iced in or to far of a drive, the West Branch is always there just waiting for a run. The snow at the put-in was at least 12 inches and made getting to the waters edge a little adventure. Snow usually can help things if you don't fight it. We all pushed off and proceeded to chase the Jims downstream. Both Jims are always leading and they did a fine job again. We arrived at the first little feature above Bancroft and let Jim O. check for any wood or ice in the drop. All clear so we followed Jim Michaud, come into it just right of center and power over the little wave / rock on the right. This will put you on a tongue on the far side of the wave (river right) and ready to boof into the pool below. I of course didn't get far enough right and caught the edge of the hole and Pitoned a little on a rock sub-surface level. I didn't hit my boof very well either. Everyone else, Rob and Jim O. made their way through without incidence and we continued with the boogy water this run is known for. And the scenery, many RR bridges in the wilderness. Several of the RR bridges on the lower section (below Bancroft) are the old arch and keystone type. Pretty impressive(?) what can be built with cheap labor.

After Bancroft, Rob empties his boat with fears of a cracked boat. He was sitting in several inches of water but all looked good after inspection. Things quiet down a little for the second half and soon your upon the infamous double ledge drop. We all gathered in the river left eddy above the top ledge. Jim Michaud floated by and went left, the usual line, and made it look flawless. Jim O. mentions he wants to make the right boof but opts for the normal left line. I follow Jim with a little rock landing on the far, far left. I have gotten a little taste of this hole and seen others go for a ride and I don't want any part of that thing. I didn't know there was rocks over there on the far left, guess they weren't there last time at 4800 cfs. Rob comes on through without incidence and a big smile. We head down river to Rob's house and climb his backyard hill for a take-out. Another great day in the Westfield's of MA.