Campbell Hole sleeps with the fishes

Art Keating wrote me recently to pass on an update about the ledge formerly know as the Campbell Hole on the Williams River. "Here is a photo from... the Williams/ Campbell hole @ 1200 cfs. Normally a great flow for this hole and It appears to be gone. @ 1200 the hole normal stretches across 80% of the river." He also writes, "the [whole] river is wider with a newly routed flow coming into the hole and sediment filling in the pool directly behind the hole.  One tree in the eddy.  The route for exiting water from the pool is very different and more serpentine and shallow.  Obviously the ledge rock that spans 75% of the river and creates the hole is still there, but the banks have expanded and it looks like it will take a higher flow to create anything and then at a higher flow the site may be rendered useless." He goes on to say, "It would be a shame to lose this one, but holes and changes in river topography seem to be easily changed…..maybe it will change back soon with a few events of higher flows/ice?" Indeed. Campbell hole is dead. Long live Campbell hole! We look forward to your resurrection. Shalom, Jolyon

Local Hurricane Relief Efforts

Dear paddlers of the upper valley and beyond. As you may know, many folks around here, especially in Vermont have lost a great deal due to the recent flooding. I hope you got out on the good water safely. It looks like there's more in store. I would like to ask you dear readers, who like me, love high water and epic surf, to consider contributing in some way to help those who've suffered much from Hurricane Irene. Best is to help someone you know... next best, someone you don't. If you're looking for an outlet, the Tucker Foundation is coordinating some community response, both monetary and in-kind donations. They are good people, not much like the norm at Dartmouth. I hope you made it through safe and sound friends. Shalom. Jolyon

PS: I do know one local guy, a paddler, who lost his home. Here's how to help.