Paddle The Beautiful Moore Reservoir
Gary Moore
July 10, 2025
I love to kayak. Gliding along under my own power inches from the water is relaxing and enjoyable. Paddling on beautiful Moore Reservoir is a real treat. Once away from the dam, you feel like you are on some remote northern lake. No camps or homes line the shore and few motor boats are encountered most times and those generally are fishing.
Since early spring I had been trying to fit in a visit to North County Kayak located at the Dodge Hill Boat Launch in Littleton to check out the operation and take a paddle.
The last Friday in June, I finally made it and had a most enjoyable paddle and a chance to chat with new owner Jack Varin whose obvious love for, and knowledge of, the region is very evident.
Jack has been a professional tour guide in the White Mountains region for two decades. His day job is activities director at Pollard Brook Resort in Lincoln where he provides interpretive experiences for visitors. Jack is also a volunteer wildlife educator with NH Fish & Game traveling around the state providing presentations about wildlife.
In the mid-2000s, Jack worked for a Grand Canyon river rafting outfitter and got a taste of the water sports industry while also falling in love with backpacking. I enjoyed talking with him about his western experiences as we paddled the serene Moore Reservoir.
North Country Kayak was established in 2021 by Jack s friend Elijah Sobel. Jack purchased the business from him in April as he wanted to dedicate more time to his new family.
He told me, Elijah built a great reputation which I plan to maintain and build upon.
Jack grew up in central Massachusetts and would visit the White Mountains every summer with his family to explore the region, hike and camp.
He said, I remember boarding the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway and the operator called me over to "drive" the Tram car. I pushed the button and we went soaring through the sky. That made an everlasting memory.
He added, Twenty or so years later, I decided to make the White Mountains my home, and one of my first jobs was operating the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway. Not only that, but the gentleman who trained me how to do the job, was the same guy who let me push the button when I was 3 or 4 years old. Then I got to carry on that tradition and let the little kids drive the Tram car.
North County Kayak has an agreement with landowner Great River Hydro to operate May through October.
In addition to single and tandem kayaks, paddle boards are also available to rent. One need bring nothing as pfds and dry bags are supplied.
Guided two-hour tours, sunset tours, full moon tours and private tours for groups are available. Hours are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Jack pointed out that they offer regular morning guided tours, which may be the best time for bird and wildlife watching.
Local residents within an approximate 30-mile radius with a VT or NH ID get a discount weekdays at 9 a.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. to rent a kayak or paddle board for $25.
To learn more about North County Kayak go to https://northcountrykayak.com/ or you can stop by the Dodge Hill Boat Launch on Moore Reservoir in Littleton. Be sure to say hi to Winston the resident schnozzle and grumpy old man.
I intend to return for a paddle when I have more time. Perhaps I will see you there. Be sure to look for the bald eagles who perch in the trees on the point across from the launch.
Free Concerts At AMC Highland Center
You won t want to miss the Lynda Cohen Performing Arts Series concerts at the Appalachian Mountain Club s Highland Center in July and August. Not only is the range of concerts wonderful, but the venue is spectacular and all concerts are free.
This is the fifth year of the series which kicks off on July 12 with acclaimed singer-songwriter Mark Erelli. The series continues through August with performances by Karen Mueller and Geoff Goodhue, Wayne Long and Arthetta Faye and a community open mic night hosted by Bruce Marshall. Beg, Steal or Borrow, a nationally recognized bluegrass band from Vermont will perform August 23 to close out the season.
All concerts are free and open to the public at the AMC Highland Center, Route 302, at the top of Crawford Notch in Bretton Woods.
For concert details and to register, visit www.outdoors.org/concerts.
Lynda Cohen, The Woman With A Vision
I finally got to meet Lynda Cohen in late June and to say I was impressed is an understatement. She has a vision and is making it happen. The Performing Arts Series is but a part.
She talked fondly of her father Edward Alias Cohen who became an owner of the Mount Washington Hotel in 1944, when the Bretton Woods Monetary Conference took over the hotel gaining it worldwide recognition. It was also the same year she was born.
Lynda spent her early years living at the hotel summers and gaining a love of the region and of all types of outdoor activities augmented by her weeks at summer camps in Maine.
She told me, I am proud of the legacy I have.
Although her family sold the hotel in 1956, Lynda never severed her ties to the region. In 1990, she and her husband, Robert Grappel, purchased a condo in Bretton Woods where they spend June through mid-September. Concord, Massachusetts is their home now but her heart is in the White Mountains.
Growing up, Brookline, Massachusetts was her home when not at the Mount Washington.
She is a graduate of Middlebury College where she majored in biology and botany and explored the Green Mountains in her spare time. Talking with her it became clear she is very knowledgeable about the flora and fauna of the region.
Rock climbing was a favorite activity in her younger years and she recounted many of the more famous climbs she has done.
No longer rock climbing, she contents herself with hiking the mountains around northern New Hampshire. She enthusiastically chatted about her favorites, many of which I also enjoy.
I could not help but feel her excitement about a planned hike of Mount Kilimanjaro in August of next year.
Lynda and her husband are accomplished autoharp musicians who have received awards for their music.
She said, Music has a way of forging deep connections, just like time spent in the outdoors. This series is about bringing people together and sharing the joy of live performance in a setting that is so special to me.
She talked about being inclusive and how she was unable to join the AMC in the early 70s because they did not accept Jews. She says, My hope is that these concerts bring people joy, spark new connections, and help everyone feel that they belong here.
It s so different now. I love seeing how welcoming it has become. Everyone belongs here.
More than once in our chat, she said she was grateful to give back to a place that has meant so much to her and her family. We should be too.
Bits and Pieces
Summer is the time of year when the greatest number of unwanted bat-human interactions are reported, according to Vermont Fish and Wildlife s Small Mammals Biologist Alyssa Bennett, who works on the conservation and recovery of Vermont s threatened and endangered bat species.
Instructions for safely capturing, containing and releasing a bat found inside can be found on Vermont Fish and Wildlife s website, https://www.vtfishandwildlife.com/ , including an instructional video.
***
Vermont s newly-passed Act 47 bans the sale of pond slider turtles, which includes the popular red-eared slider.
Pond sliders are the most popular turtle sold in pet stores nationwide. They are also an invasive species that competes for food and habitat with native species like the painted turtle, which is common in Vermont, and the spiny softshell turtle, which is listed as threatened on the state s threatened and endangered species list.
People who currently have pet pond sliders are legally allowed to keep their turtles, and in fact are strongly encouraged to do so. This is because Act 47 also prohibits the release of pond sliders into the wild.
***
Hunters with a current New Hampshire hunting license who want the chance to take additional antlerless deer in Wildlife Management Units L or M in southeastern New Hampshire during the fall hunting seasons can apply for the special permits online at nhfishandgame.com. The application period will close at 11:59 p.m. on July 21.
***
Mark Breen reports in the Fairbanks Museum's Skywatch Almanac that on
July 10-11, 2024: The Anniversary Flood: Exactly one year to the date, a second severe flash flood event drenched central VT into the Northeast Kingdom; 7.1 in Walden, VT; 3rd highest crest on Passumpsic River in St. Johnsbury, VT.
On July 2, 1833: A tornado tracked from Salem Pond, just east of Newport, VT, east-northeast to Holland and Norton, VT, knocking downs trees and buildings.
Parting Shots
I hope you had a happy and safe 4th.
Linda and I visited friends at their home on Comerford Reservoir in the afternoon and enjoyed the A Capitol Fourth on Vermont Public as is our tradition.
Sunday, we went to Haverhill and Court Street Arts where we enjoyed listening to the Saline Fiddlers Philharmonic.
Syndicated columnist Gary W. Moore may be reached by e-mail at gwmoore1946@icloud.com or at Box 454, Bradford, VT 05033.
copyright 2025 Gary W. Moore
Since early spring I had been trying to fit in a visit to North County Kayak located at the Dodge Hill Boat Launch in Littleton to check out the operation and take a paddle.
The last Friday in June, I finally made it and had a most enjoyable paddle and a chance to chat with new owner Jack Varin whose obvious love for, and knowledge of, the region is very evident.
Jack has been a professional tour guide in the White Mountains region for two decades. His day job is activities director at Pollard Brook Resort in Lincoln where he provides interpretive experiences for visitors. Jack is also a volunteer wildlife educator with NH Fish & Game traveling around the state providing presentations about wildlife.
In the mid-2000s, Jack worked for a Grand Canyon river rafting outfitter and got a taste of the water sports industry while also falling in love with backpacking. I enjoyed talking with him about his western experiences as we paddled the serene Moore Reservoir.
North Country Kayak was established in 2021 by Jack s friend Elijah Sobel. Jack purchased the business from him in April as he wanted to dedicate more time to his new family.
He told me, Elijah built a great reputation which I plan to maintain and build upon.
Jack grew up in central Massachusetts and would visit the White Mountains every summer with his family to explore the region, hike and camp.
He said, I remember boarding the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway and the operator called me over to "drive" the Tram car. I pushed the button and we went soaring through the sky. That made an everlasting memory.
He added, Twenty or so years later, I decided to make the White Mountains my home, and one of my first jobs was operating the Cannon Mountain Aerial Tramway. Not only that, but the gentleman who trained me how to do the job, was the same guy who let me push the button when I was 3 or 4 years old. Then I got to carry on that tradition and let the little kids drive the Tram car.
North County Kayak has an agreement with landowner Great River Hydro to operate May through October.
In addition to single and tandem kayaks, paddle boards are also available to rent. One need bring nothing as pfds and dry bags are supplied.
Guided two-hour tours, sunset tours, full moon tours and private tours for groups are available. Hours are 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Jack pointed out that they offer regular morning guided tours, which may be the best time for bird and wildlife watching.
Local residents within an approximate 30-mile radius with a VT or NH ID get a discount weekdays at 9 a.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. to rent a kayak or paddle board for $25.
To learn more about North County Kayak go to https://northcountrykayak.com/ or you can stop by the Dodge Hill Boat Launch on Moore Reservoir in Littleton. Be sure to say hi to Winston the resident schnozzle and grumpy old man.
I intend to return for a paddle when I have more time. Perhaps I will see you there. Be sure to look for the bald eagles who perch in the trees on the point across from the launch.
Free Concerts At AMC Highland Center
You won t want to miss the Lynda Cohen Performing Arts Series concerts at the Appalachian Mountain Club s Highland Center in July and August. Not only is the range of concerts wonderful, but the venue is spectacular and all concerts are free.
This is the fifth year of the series which kicks off on July 12 with acclaimed singer-songwriter Mark Erelli. The series continues through August with performances by Karen Mueller and Geoff Goodhue, Wayne Long and Arthetta Faye and a community open mic night hosted by Bruce Marshall. Beg, Steal or Borrow, a nationally recognized bluegrass band from Vermont will perform August 23 to close out the season.
All concerts are free and open to the public at the AMC Highland Center, Route 302, at the top of Crawford Notch in Bretton Woods.
For concert details and to register, visit www.outdoors.org/concerts.
Lynda Cohen, The Woman With A Vision
I finally got to meet Lynda Cohen in late June and to say I was impressed is an understatement. She has a vision and is making it happen. The Performing Arts Series is but a part.
She talked fondly of her father Edward Alias Cohen who became an owner of the Mount Washington Hotel in 1944, when the Bretton Woods Monetary Conference took over the hotel gaining it worldwide recognition. It was also the same year she was born.
Lynda spent her early years living at the hotel summers and gaining a love of the region and of all types of outdoor activities augmented by her weeks at summer camps in Maine.
She told me, I am proud of the legacy I have.
Although her family sold the hotel in 1956, Lynda never severed her ties to the region. In 1990, she and her husband, Robert Grappel, purchased a condo in Bretton Woods where they spend June through mid-September. Concord, Massachusetts is their home now but her heart is in the White Mountains.
Growing up, Brookline, Massachusetts was her home when not at the Mount Washington.
She is a graduate of Middlebury College where she majored in biology and botany and explored the Green Mountains in her spare time. Talking with her it became clear she is very knowledgeable about the flora and fauna of the region.
Rock climbing was a favorite activity in her younger years and she recounted many of the more famous climbs she has done.
No longer rock climbing, she contents herself with hiking the mountains around northern New Hampshire. She enthusiastically chatted about her favorites, many of which I also enjoy.
I could not help but feel her excitement about a planned hike of Mount Kilimanjaro in August of next year.
Lynda and her husband are accomplished autoharp musicians who have received awards for their music.
She said, Music has a way of forging deep connections, just like time spent in the outdoors. This series is about bringing people together and sharing the joy of live performance in a setting that is so special to me.
She talked about being inclusive and how she was unable to join the AMC in the early 70s because they did not accept Jews. She says, My hope is that these concerts bring people joy, spark new connections, and help everyone feel that they belong here.
It s so different now. I love seeing how welcoming it has become. Everyone belongs here.
More than once in our chat, she said she was grateful to give back to a place that has meant so much to her and her family. We should be too.
Bits and Pieces
Summer is the time of year when the greatest number of unwanted bat-human interactions are reported, according to Vermont Fish and Wildlife s Small Mammals Biologist Alyssa Bennett, who works on the conservation and recovery of Vermont s threatened and endangered bat species.
Instructions for safely capturing, containing and releasing a bat found inside can be found on Vermont Fish and Wildlife s website, https://www.vtfishandwildlife.com/ , including an instructional video.
***
Vermont s newly-passed Act 47 bans the sale of pond slider turtles, which includes the popular red-eared slider.
Pond sliders are the most popular turtle sold in pet stores nationwide. They are also an invasive species that competes for food and habitat with native species like the painted turtle, which is common in Vermont, and the spiny softshell turtle, which is listed as threatened on the state s threatened and endangered species list.
People who currently have pet pond sliders are legally allowed to keep their turtles, and in fact are strongly encouraged to do so. This is because Act 47 also prohibits the release of pond sliders into the wild.
***
Hunters with a current New Hampshire hunting license who want the chance to take additional antlerless deer in Wildlife Management Units L or M in southeastern New Hampshire during the fall hunting seasons can apply for the special permits online at nhfishandgame.com. The application period will close at 11:59 p.m. on July 21.
***
Mark Breen reports in the Fairbanks Museum's Skywatch Almanac that on
July 10-11, 2024: The Anniversary Flood: Exactly one year to the date, a second severe flash flood event drenched central VT into the Northeast Kingdom; 7.1 in Walden, VT; 3rd highest crest on Passumpsic River in St. Johnsbury, VT.
On July 2, 1833: A tornado tracked from Salem Pond, just east of Newport, VT, east-northeast to Holland and Norton, VT, knocking downs trees and buildings.
Parting Shots
I hope you had a happy and safe 4th.
Linda and I visited friends at their home on Comerford Reservoir in the afternoon and enjoyed the A Capitol Fourth on Vermont Public as is our tradition.
Sunday, we went to Haverhill and Court Street Arts where we enjoyed listening to the Saline Fiddlers Philharmonic.
Syndicated columnist Gary W. Moore may be reached by e-mail at gwmoore1946@icloud.com or at Box 454, Bradford, VT 05033.
copyright 2025 Gary W. Moore
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