Words: Scott Edwards
Photos: Brian Threlkeld,
Nicole and John Connolly
Seventy-five days, 1,500 miles and two of the preeminent water trails in the world!
In April of 2016, John Connelly set out to do something extraordinary for his 60th birthday. He set out to do something epic, paddle in their entirety of the Northern Forest Canoe Trail and the Maine Island Trail. Seventy-five days and 1,500 miles and John’s impressive skill set allowed him to paddle the NFCT through places others chose to portage. By any stretch of the imagination, this was an epic expedition, with John’s desire to inspire people to get outside and enjoy the wonders of the natural world.
John Connelly has written a book on his expedition called ‘Dying Out Here is Not an Option’. It can be found on Amazon, with a link on his website. Part of the proceeds from the sale his book are donated to MITA and NFCT. It is available both digitally and in paperback.
John Connelly, The Maine Island Trail The Northern Forest Canoe Trail, and the importance of… water trails
John started his journey at Old Forge, New York and paddled to the NFCT take out in Fort Kent, Maine. Once in Fort Kent, the challenge went from canoeing the lakes and rivers in New York, into Canada, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine, to braving the ever-changing conditions of the North Atlantic and the Maine Island Trail.
His goal: to be the first to connect the two magnificent trails and to avoid dying out there. Returning alive was, a promise he made to his number one trail angel, his wife Nicole, who spent a large portion of that 75 days making sure John was well supplied, well fed and well beered, as he covered the 1,500 miles. The weather was rarely exemplary, and despite it being the warmer seasons for most of the northern western hemisphere, those who live in the north eastern regions, know full well that spring can be interminably delayed and extremely fickle. However, John did complete his expedition and did not die out there much to the relief of Nicole.
message
There was another message that John wanted to share, and that was how the importance environmentally and aesthetically important the water trails of the world are.
John had some very insightful thoughts about these water trails and was kind enough to pen these words, “Water trails like the NFCT and MIT demystify waterways and encourage people to experience sections of them. When people venture out to see what the trails are like and what they have to offer, most often they have unique experiences that touch them in very personal ways. When this happens, they have a visceral connection to the resources that translates into a form of ownership; owning the spirit of the place, interactions with it, and memories of it in its natural state, which is unique and meaningful for many people.
“This translates into caring about conservation and stewardship of these places and is why these trails are so important for the sustainability of the resources for future generations.”
There are close to 600 ACA recognized water trails in the United States. And, they are important not only to paddlers, but, to the environments they are a part of. With so many recognized water trails in the US, you are probably close to one in your area. I cannot stress enough the need for members who support the tireless efforts and superlative work done for the environs where water trails make their homes.
Volunteers
These trails are mostly staffed and cared for by a cadre of volunteers. They clear the trails of debris and fallen trees; on the Maine Island Trail they are the custodians of the islands. With nothing more than a handshake, MITA volunteers keep the host of privately owned islands clean and ready for members use and the islands’ owners get caretakers who truly care about the islands and the environment in general. I have been privileged enough to be a member and paddle segments of the Maine Island Trail and know what it means to me, personally.
I thought it prudent to ask Doug Welch, Executive Director of the Maine Island Tail what the trail meant to him. This is what he so graciously shared, “Over 30 years, the Maine Island Trail has ensured recreational access to the wild islands of Maine and on-ground stewardship of those delicate properties. By giving visitors and volunteers’ access to these spectacular little worlds, we build awareness of the islands’ environmental challenges and encourage people to lend a hand in their care. It is a virtuous and empowering cycle that has resulted in over 230 properties being part of the Trail.”
Guide
It is worthy of note that not only is the MITA the stewards of the islands in their care, but, they publish a trail guide every year in support of the local boating community. This guide is invaluable to people paddling the Maine Island Trail. It is a trusted resource for planning your trips along the coast. The guide gives you information on what islands are open to camping, where the campsites are and their capacity. Landing opportunities, guest limits and fire regulations as well. No Maine trip leader can efficiently create a float plan without this guide. It alone is worth the price of membership and then some.
The Northern Forest Canoe Trail that traverses 7,400 miles following traditional trade routes used by Native Americans and the early trappers, hunters and explorers. The NFCT is the longest water trail in the United States. It covers 23 rivers and streams, 59 lakes/ponds, 45 communities and over 70 miles of portages. There are many books about planning trips on the trail, both in segments and the through-paddler.
The mission statement of the NFCT, from their website is: ‘We protect and steward our water trail and foster community vitality to promote inspiring outdoor experiences in the Northern Forest Region’, which is a universal credo for the water trails throughout the country. One of the most unique characteristics of the NFCT is that it not only does it wind through several US states, it crosses the border between the US and Canada. The board of directors reflects this diversity by being from the states it passes through.
Karrie Thomas, NFCT’s executive director, says this about the NFCT, “The NFCT inspires people. The idea pushes people to consider the magnitude of crossing the northeast by paddlecraft. Once on the trail, whether for an afternoon or a month-long expedition, paddlers experience charming communities, deep wilderness, and conditions from flatwater to whitewater. Our organization provides access to these adventures and the beauty of the region.”
John’s stated mission statement for Paddlequest 1500 was to encourage others to get outside and connect with the natural world. In speaking with him it was also very clear that he wanted to shine a spotlight on two prestigious water trails virtually in his backyard. Both he and I feel that the first step in protecting our waterways comes through connecting with them on a one-to-one basis.
It is true that we will only protect that which we love and treasure. John’s resume reflects both of these. It is my hope that wherever you are, you get out there, get in the water and find that connection for yourself. It is out there waiting for you. Embrace it and treasure that which nature gives us for free.
I would like to take a moment and thank John Connelly for his friendship and his willingness to contribute to this article despite the time pressures of getting his newest adventure off and running. At the time of this writing, the adventuresome couple have gone ‘walkabout’ with no end in sight! You can follow them on Instagram @ConnellyOutdoors.
Thanks to Doug Welch for taking the time to add his wisdom at a time when the staff of MITA is at its busiest. And, for always taking the time to be a good friend.
Karrie Thomas for her excellent leadership as the Executive Director of the NFCT and for her generosity towards writing this article and for her friendship.
RESOURCES
John’s travelogue can be found at www.paddlequest1500.com/
Information on the Maine Island Trail Association https://mita.org/
Information on the Northern Forest Canoe Trail www.northernforestcanoetrail.org/
List of US water trails www.americancanoe.org/search/newsearch.asp
