Day 17: Brighton State Park to Nulhegan Confluence Hut

What a joy to travel downstream! First time not fighting the current – or at least less – in a while. Once we got past the first road walk of the day, a buggy slog on a rural highway, we enjoyed the paddle down Nulhegan Pond – the low mist and glassy water was a welcome change from upstream travel. Even with the oxbows, beaver dams, and meanders, it felt so freeing to go faster than 1 mph. 

The low point of the day was trying to take out between Wenlock Crossing and the start of the class II-IV rapids below the Silvio O. Conte visitor center. We felt led astray by the book, trip planner, and maps, which indicated (in various vague descriptions) that there was a take-out and path that would allow us to avoid the rapids. When none such trail was found, we furiously hauled our way through the dense alder and pine brush to get to the road. ​

The Nulhegan Confluence Hut

A dinner of pasta, Caesar dressing, cheese, and broccoli *chef's kiss*

Even with this setback and mental struggle, along with multiple road walks, today’s 17-mile day felt relatively short. We had a lovely evening and enjoyed the comforts of the Nulhegan Confluence Hut (even though we were only able to sleep on the porch). We walked down to the river at golden hour, Ben made a fire, and we planned out the weekend with friends ahead.