1949

In the previous issue we learned that 30 percent of the members of the University Chorus of the Upper Valley are '49ers. Now it can be revealed that ten percent of the participants in this year's Trip to the Sea were from our class. This is the week-long canoe camp-out down the Connecticut. Actually we're only talking about three callused canoers: Allen Brooks, Vail Haak and Punchy Thomas. The latter two, who also sing in the above chorus, show up a lot in these class notes but, hey, if you're not sending me your news, I can't exactly report it. Incidentally, if you'd like to be a stringer in your region or among your set of classmates, please let me know.

Anyway, some 31 men and women - 24 seniors and seven alums - pushed off from Ledyard at 8 a.m. on a frigid Sunday, May 7, and arrived at Saybrook Conn., on the Long Island Sound seven days later. There were 12 two-person canoes and a giant war canoe for everyone else, plus much of the gear.

"The trip was demanding," according to Punchy. "We paddled from 25 to 40 miles a day. Okay, so it was downstream, but we're talking ten hours a day. Five of the nights were spent in tents, with the first two nights well below freezing. The third day was hot and sunny. The fourth and fifth days were rainy-with occasional deluges. At the end it turned mostly cloudy and temperate.

"The students' idea of food was 'bulk' and more 'bulk.' Pasta and oatmeal. By South Hadley we older types revolted and sought hamburgers, french fries, salads, and wine at a handy marina. The best hamburger I've ever had," says Punchy.

"In Hartford, in accord with tradition (really!), the voyage became 'Strip to the Sea,' with the students of both sexes stripping to the buff as they paddled under the three downtown bridges, each of which is undergoing rehab. The State of Connecticut lost plenty in downtime that day.

"The highlight, and the finale, was landing on the beach at Old Saybrook The first canoe ashore was captained by Walker Weed '40, our elder statesman, who had actually paddled the river from its source. Make that outpaddled. Fritz Hier '44 was our other senior citizen. Welcoming us on the beach were members of the Dartmouth Club of Eastern Connecticut, who wined and dined us that evening.

"The most interesting reflection on the trip? While the College has changed since we were undergraduates, the river hasn't. And take today's youngsters away from their Macintoshes and e-mail and put 'em on the river, and they haven't changed either. Except that now some of them are female.

"I would recommend the trip to anyone who is not bothered by numb hands and feet, lousy food, very hard beds, and seven back-breaking portages."

Don't wait. Sign up now for next year's trip. In the meantime, don't forget that our fall mini is September 29-October 1. There are rooms reserved for '49ers at the Lake Morey Inn; call (800) 423 -1211. Expect football and dinners and brunches and revelry and camaraderie unknown since the last mini.

RR#1, 80x215A, Fairlee, VT 05045