AMC Paddle - Swampscott River (Tidal)

I am getting a late start on paddling this season.  Possibly because hasn't been obscenely hot this spring.  Possibly because we've been super busy almost every weekend.  Whatever the reason, it's finally time to get the kayaks out and get paddling.

Today's trip is a tidal out-and-back trip on the Swampscott River.  I have never been here, so I thought it would be a fun trip.  

We start at put on NH 108 in Stratham NH.  We want to put in at 11am because high tide is at about 12:30.  That way, we will be able to ride the tide upstream all the way to Exeter.

Lots of space at the put-in, so we're not on top of one another.

We're on a wide river, so the Cap Horn will do today.  The grade to the river is gradual and easy.

The original leader had to beg off today, but there are still 7 of us: 
Tom, Lynn, Max, Michelle, Kevin, Nick, and me.

It is a full five miles up the river with very little civilization and no places for take-out along the way.

We are going by a lot of marshland.

Exeter is home to Philips Academy, a prestigious (and exclusive) college prep boarding/day school. 
The sixth oldest boarding school in the country, boarding tuition is around $71,000.   They have about 1,100 students in grades 9-12, but their acceptance rate is only about 1 in 5.
The boat "dock" (above) is new and impressive....

... as is the boat house itself.

Coming into town, there is an easy-to-find public boat ramp.

The town of Exeter is so cute.  There are book stores, coffee shops, a toy store, ice cream shop,
 and even a music store with instruments and records.

I think this is worth of a return visit.

Quintessential New England. 

Along the river, there's a winding walkway.  Perfect for taking our lunch break.  
After the tide turns (going out), we get back into the boats and head down river. 
Again, the tide will help carry us back the 5 miles.

Arriving back where we started, we have to avoid getting swept past by the tide, while we wait for other boaters to get their craft out and clear the boat ramp.

As expected, our total distance was 10.03 miles over 4h30m.  However, our moving time was only 3h.

A great way to start the season.