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| Looking downstream from the bow of the pontoon boat. |
If you’re
reading this article, you are probably aware of the North and South Rivers --
two beautiful, healthy, tidal waterways whose watershed comprises much of the
South Shore. Chances are, you’ve also spent some time there – perhaps by boat,
or with a canoe, kayak or paddle board, or by walking in one of the numerous
conservation areas that border them.
On the other
hand, maybe you haven’t. Whether paddling trips and hikes aren’t your thing, or
you have other reasons for not being able to access the rivers, I have good
news to share with you. There’s another option! The North and South Rivers
Watershed Association (NSRWA) now offers Pontoon Boat Cruises.
A pontoon boat
is a motorized boat with a wide, flat deck, and plenty of room for upright
seating. The deck is supported by two or three metal tubes (or pontoons), which
provide flotation. While not the most aerodynamic, a pontoon boat moves quickly
and deftly enough to provide a smooth, steady ride. The NSRWA’s boat – donated
by a Marshfield family -- has comfortable bench seats in both the sun and the
shade, all with a terrific view. Plus there’s no climbing – from the dock, you
walk straight on and off the vessel. This is a very different experience from a
kayak or a canoe.
Throughout
the boating season (late spring til mid-autumn) NSRWA offers pontoon boat
cruises several times per month. Each includes a licensed boat captain and a tour
guide. You can choose the “Nature and History” themed cruise or just “Nature.” “Fall
Foliage” and “River Wildlife” are other options. You can also charter your own.
In August, I
signed up for one of the Nature and History-themed cruises. After registering
online, I received my instructions, so I knew exactly where to park and what to
bring. At 10:00am, I met my captain, guide, and fellow participants at Roht
Marine, on the North River, on the Marshfield-Scituate line (Route 3A). After a
brief safety overview, we were off.
I already
knew a fair amount about the history of the North and South Rivers, but on the
tour, I learned quite a bit more! Our guide explained how our region has
changed since the last ice age – and how the rivers were formed. He discussed
the first European settlers in our area and the ways in which they interacted
with the native tribes who had been here for years. He explained salt marsh
haying, and packet ships, and gave an overview of the local shipbuilding
industry. He also discussed the ecology of the salt marsh, and pointed out some
of the wildlife that make their home there. We saw marsh wrens, red tail hawks
and osprey, and kept an eye out for bald eagles (they nest nearby.) There were
maps and other visual aids to enhance the presentation, plus we were encouraged
to “Ask anything.”
After an
hour moving steadily upstream through gorgeous landscapes, we reached the Route
3 Bridge in Pembroke. The captain turned the boat around, and for most of our journey
back to the starting point, we were encouraged to admire the view. This led to
casual conversations among the participants and plenty more insights from the
guide.
The 2-hour
tour was extremely enjoyable. Time passed quickly. I found myself wanting to
return, soon, with various friends and family members, especially those who
aren’t inclined to experience the rivers in other ways. A Pontoon Boat Cruise
would be a lovely way to mark a special occasion – a birthday or anniversary,
for example, or a retirement. At $50 per person (for NSRWA members, $75 for
non-members) it’s a bit of an investment, but well worth the cost.
If you’re
interested in joining a Pontoon Boat Cruise, there are a number of them coming
up this fall – nearly every weekend through the end of October. Most go upriver
through Marshfield and Norwell, but some go downstream to The Spit. Visit
nsrwa.org for details and to register.
by Kezia Bacon
August 2017
Kezia
Bacon's articles appear courtesy of the North and South Rivers Watershed
Association, a local non-profit organization devoted to protecting our
waters. For membership
information and a copy of their latest newsletter, contact NSRWA at (781) 659-8168
or visit www.nsrwa.org. To browse 20 years of
nature columns, visit http://keziabaconbernstein.blogspot.com
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| A view from the stern of the pontoon boat. |
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