On the gorgeous Sunday in early spring-like October 5, 2025, with 80-degree temperatures, local and area canoers and kayakers turned out in force more than 60 boats strong. They put their vessels in at the Newbury ramp, then paddled and floated three or more hours south on an easy-moving Connecticut River.
After all that, boaters made a leisurely take-out at the Bugbee Landing tucked away by the busy Bradford golf links at a perfect, dry, and accessible area of the lazy, meandering Waits River.
This kind of happy recreation on the river has been taking place in spring and fall for 22 years, and without missing a splash (except for four sessions that were called off due to high and fast-moving water), this writer has attended every one of them.
I have been present at all the Paddle the Border events as either a documentarian or a participant, sometimes taking him-her trips with my wife Polly, and some years later, paddling through a series of grandchildren's trips. It was all wonderfully delightful, and we thank Mike Thomas and his many assisting nautical helpers for all their dedicated Sunday programs during the June and October sessions since 2003.
The Paddle the Border program runs once each fall and spring, adhering to rigorous safety requirements on a challenging river and selecting the safest route for the public to enjoy.
There has never been the risk of a capsize in a fast-moving or flooded river headed south. That's because, as Mike Thomas will tell you, if the river is fast-moving, too full, or loaded with flotsam junk after a storm, he does not let the program run; he calls it off.
It has always been weather permitting, and that means Safety First above all else. The only hazardous condition I or my grandchildren ever faced on the river was one time we disturbed a gaggle of Canadian geese swimming around under a hanging swamp maple. They were pretty angry at the intrusion my grandson, Patrick, and I made, as we rudely interrupted their Sunday family float.
It appeared to me that the goose family was highly agitated with our abrupt visit to their playtime and wanted to climb into our boats. They were also honking their loud warnings, and we had to paddle a hasty exit out of their territory to the safety of the mid river.
All this official support from helpers is truly beneficial and has contributed significantly to the program's success over the past 22 years. Down at the Bugbee Landing, Mike Thomas had set up a nice-looking photo display about the Newbury Conservation Commission. Other organizations assisting included the Haverhill Parks and Recreation Commission, Connecticut River Conservancy, Cohase Chamber of Commerce, Butler's Bus Service, Bradford Parks and Recreation, Upper Valley Land Trust, Upper Valley Trails Alliance, and the Haverhill Conservation Commission.
Another helpful program that's part of Paddle the Border includes a free bus shuttle service for participants and personal equipment, which runs between the points of put-in and take-out, so that their vehicles are available at whichever place their boat trip ends.
Kayakers and canoers can paddle their crafts from the Woodsville boat launch to the Bedell Bridge State Park in May. For the program's second run in October, they can put in at the Newbury boat launch and paddle to the Bugbee Landing on the Waits River in Bradford.
Another treat for the voters spending a peaceful Sunday midday on the river included a barbecue that greeted them each year at the end of their trip. Some good local music was provided this year by Sue and Don Picknell of Bath, who are members of the Strawberry Farm Band, playing their banjo and guitar for the boaters and the guests.
In years past, other organizations in the area helped sponsor the program, including the Rotary Club, which provided food for many years, as well as various other service clubs. Food this year was provided by the Tiny Cabin Kitchen, owned by Alene Wheeler of Randolph, Vermont.
It is another high-quality program that has endured and grown in popularity nearly every year.

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