[joejm66]

my buds and I usually run the Saco River the weekend before Memorial day. This year we're running June 8,9 and 10. Any news from the Washington Valley of Black Flies and what not? Haven't hit them since years ago on the Moose river. It's a petty request, but if anyone's been near the area lately, I'd love and update. Joe

[Andrew]

I hate to admit it, but I've never done the Saco trip.

Can someone post a bit of info about it? Things like:

• How long does it take?
  
• Is it for beginners
  
• Can I do an overnight and set up camp?
  
• Do they allow beer's and guitars?

Thanks!

[dudley]

Doin' the Saco in the summer is a lot like campin' on the Tripoli Rd on a holiday weekend..
:nuts:

[joejm66]

I've been doing it off and on since I was born, and religously for the past 5 years. It gets kind of crowded on summer weekends, so my buds and I hit it earlier in the year.

Some quick facts: It can be done as a day trip and up to a week, we aim for two nights. It's all gauged by where it crosses roads, so you pick a road to start at and end at one too. It is very much for beginners, there is a whitewater section north of Conway, but if you just start south of Conway no problem. In the spring it's harder to camp, you really have to know where you're going, but in the summer they run the Swan's Falls Dam out so there are loads and loads of sandbars. I'm pretty sure you're not allowed to go unless you have beer and bringing the guitar is up to whoever you have with you, my friends know that I won't put it down the whole time, and in the woods I tend towards John Denver (rest his merry soul), so I can't bring mine.

Extra facts: Never go when I go 'cause it always rains (as I'm sure it will next weekend). The black flies kick up something fierce in mid summer (though DEET is quite a thing, so is beer). At the end of June and through July Saco sandbars very much resemble fraternity houses on the weekends, it's not strange to come upon keg parties and floating Alabama Slammer rafts (they are usually quite gregarious as well as generous). www.sacobound.com has a good map pdf. We really like starting friday afternoon at the Canal Bridge in Fryeburg and ending Sunday in Hiram, ME.
One last fact, I love the Saco and am happy to share all that I know.