Returning to the Connecticut River

By Janice B eetle

Special to The Republican

When I Was

boating on the Connecticut River, my boat was simply a means to get somewhere peaceful, so I could bask in the sun and swim. I spent hours out on the water with family and friends, doing absolutely nothing.

One of my favorite places to drift was the Hadley dike. It was never crowded there, and it was a safe place to ski and tube. My boat was over 30 years old, so I also chose to head north from my dock slip for practical reasons. If the engine quit on me, I could drift back to the marina.

That philosophy helped me, to a degree, one night when I was out with my friend Amy.

We’d headed up to the dike for a picnic and swimming, and because there was little current, we didn’t drift much as we floated about. When the sun set, I always fired up the boat to drive back near the bridge and my slip at Sportsman’s, so I wouldn’t have to make the trek in the dark.

After the sun set, I geared up to move south, but my boat wouldn’t start. There was not one other boater out on that gloriously warm and humid night to offer a tow, and the current was too weak to be helpful in getting me to Sportsman’s before the middle of the night.

So, I jumped in the water, tied the boat’s bow line to my waist and swam about two miles back to the marina with Amy sitting on the bow, paddling.

We chatted up a storm in the about 90 minutes it took us, and we weren’t the least bit fearful or even annoyed. It was an amazing adventure.

I don’t recommend you try it, though, but I do recommend the Head North strategy, if you don’t trust your engine—or your gas gauge.

It’s also a great idea to help other boaters in need. If you see someone waving their arms or simply looking be- fuddled, putt over and ask if they need a tow; keep an extra line on board so you can tow others easily and efficiently. It’s the right thing to do, and someday, the one who is stranded could be you.

Bill Heyn, of Pioneer Valley Marine Services, can also help if you get in a situation. While there was no towing service on the river when I was boating, Heyn can come to the rescue for you now. He can be reached at bill@pvmarine. net or 413-887-4904.

He also offers diving, towing and recovery, and this year, as he has done for nearly two decades, he will install all the channel markers for the last time.

In addition to marking no-wake zones, like the one under the Coolidge Bridge in

If You Go

• Make sure the river depth is safe and the current is manageable. A tremendous amount of water has flooded the Connecticut River this season, making it unsafe for a multitude of reasons. Take it easy out there and keep your speed low; high water brings tree trunks and other debris that may still be just under the surface. Check with a local marina to ensure the water quality is safe.

• If you’re new to boating, avoid the weekends when the river is busiest. Also, it bears repeating: familiarize yourself with Massachusetts boating law.

• If you’re on a jet ski, stay at least 100 feet from other boaters, and give skiers and tubers even more clearance.

The Traditional Summer Picnic in Holyoke is Back!

The public is invited to A traditional summer

The public is invited to attend Hibernian Summer Picnic

picnic-a-staycation!

Hamel’s Summit View Pavilion

555 Northampton St., Holyoke, MA Sunday August 27, 2023 1p-4p Rain or Shine

• If you’re in a kayak, canoe or paddleboard, it’s best to hug the shore and stay out of the path of boaters. If the sun obscures their view, or they are not paying attention, they will not see you. SEE RIVER, PAGE E7

In recognition of Holyoke’s 150th Anniversary of incorporation as a City

Featuring Jim O’ Connor and the Boston Blackthorn Band

Irish and American Music * Dancing * Hot Dogs * Hamburgers

* BBQ Chicken * Baked Beans * Potato Salad * Tossed Salad * Dessert

At Hamel’s Summit View Pavilion

555 Northampton St Holyoke

* Coffee * Cash Bar * Children’s Games * Raffle

On Sunday August 28, 2022 1p-4p Rain or Shine

Featuring Jim O’Connor and the Boston Blackthorn Band

Irish and American Music * Dancing

Tickets are $30 per person for adults and children ages 16 and up Children ages 5-15 * $11

Hot Dogs * Hamburgers * BBQ Chicken * Baked Beans * Dessert

Beans * Dessert

Coffee * Cash Bar * Raffle * Children’s Games with Prizes

Coffee * Cash Bar * Raffle * Children’s Games with Prizes

Tickets are $20.00 per person for adults and children ages 11 and up Children ages 6-10 = $10.00, Children 5 and under = $5.00 (if they eat)

Tickets are $20.00 per person for adults and children ages 11 and up Children ages 6-10 = $10.00, Children 5 and under = $5.00 (if they eat)

For Reservations by Monday, August 22nd and to Purchase Tickets over the Phone call John Gaughan @ 860-904-3056 or Fran Hennessey @ 413-785-5687

For Reservations by Monday, August 22nd and to Purchase Tickets over the Phone call John Gaughan @ 860-904-3056 or Fran Hennessey @ 413-785-5687

For reservations, call by Sunday, August 20th Call John Gaughan @ 860-904-3056 or Fran Hennessey @ 413-785-5687

Presented by the Hibernians of Hampden/Hampshire Counties

Presented by the Hibernians of Hampden/Hampshire Counties

Presented by the Hibernians of Hampden/Hampshire Counties

To benefit The Maurice A. Donahue Memorial Scholarship

To benefit The Maurice A. Donahue Memorial Scholarship

To benefit The Maurice A. Donahue Memorial Scholarship