Safari on the White day by day itinerary

Two great Green Mountain rivers...the ambiance of the Green Trails Inn
Lively water, mountain and meadow scenery, rapids and pools.

They all constitute a rare collection of elements that blend together for a spectacular two

days. We gather at the Three Stallion Inn, a Vermont country inn nestled near the quiet village of Randolph. Originally a farmhouse on a working stock farm the inn now combines charm and friendliness to capture the distinct character of rural Vermont.
We immediatelybegin to unwind as the staff offers us a warm greeting. The Three Stallion Inn is a perfect retreat with the off road seclusion, lawns, high meadows, and flower gardens. The quiet setting encourages us to enjoy our day to the utmost, with the promise that our spirits will be soothed in the evening. The first morning we're off to the Winooski, a name given by the Abenaki Indians that means wild onion". The river threads its way through meadowlands offering distant mountain views, including profiles of Camel's Hump and Mount Mansfield, the tallest mountain in Vermont.
We'll also run some mild rapids, and see lots of birds, including an occasional seagull or cormorant, visitors from Lake Champlain.

Our second day will be spent on the White River in central Vermont. The White is the cornerstone of our most popular trip. It's a clean, bouldery and handsome stream, alternately broad and narrow, in a picturesque unspoiled valley. The White is one of the most beloved canoe runs in all of New England; it's white as its name in the spring, varied, lively and sweet in the summer, and spectacular in the fall colors, and always with sparkling, clear water.
We'll have several choices for put-ins and take-outs, depending on whether we're in the mood for rapids, quiet pools, or both. We'll see mountains, gravel bars, riffles, rapids, quiet water, pools, ledges and more ledges with water so clear you can see fish 10 feet below the surface. In fact, the White is so clean that the Atlantic Salmon Restoration Project chose it as the major watershed for salmon returning to spawn.
The White flows through a picturesque, open valley with quiet rural surroundings. We'll find dozens of private places to swim, sun and picnic. The river, including tributaries, is over 100 miles long, so we won't run out of water. At the end of two days you'll be ready for more.
The White is a fairly sporty stream with a number of short class I-II rapids. This is a good trip for someone who likes rock dodging and waves, and wants a bit more excitement than flatwater, but may not yet be quite ready for big whitewater.

Safari on the White Itinerary
Where and When to go...and how to get thereA Bit About Three Stallion Inn

We meet at the Three Stallion Inn in Randolph Vermont. To get to the inn from the south take exit 4 off of I-89, turn left off of the exit and follow for two miles. Turn left onto Stock Farm road and go approximately a half mile to the inn. . From the north take exit 4 off of I-89 and turn right off of the exit and follow for two miles. Turn left onto Stock Farm road and go approximately a half mile to the inn.This classic Vermont stock farm has been restored and remodeled to provide the ideal combination of charm and comfort. The grounds and surrounding hills provide an idyllic setting. The innkeepers will be expecting our arrival between 3 and 7 p.m. We will gather together for dinner at 7:00pm. Welcome. Three Stallion Inn – phone 802.728.5575

First Canoe Day:
After breakfast we are off to the Winooski River. The Winooski is a splendid river with smooth and easy sections as well as quickwater, such as that at the mouth of the Mad River. The Winooski winds its way through both secluded and civilized areas.
The river sets the pace as we enjoy wonderful views of Camel's Hump, keeping an eye out for kingfishers and great blue heron as they escort us down the river. A short side trip up the Mad River rewards us with an isolated rocky gorge and a refreshing swimming hole. We will enjoy a picnic lunch along the river's edge and perhaps linger in these peaceful surroundings.
At the end of the day we will return to the Three Stallion Inn, perhaps for a swim or a walk before gathering for dinner and reminiscing about the day.
Second Canoe Day:
Today we plan to paddle a section of the main branch of the White River -- one of the best loved canoe runs in the state. It is a clear, clean, bouldery, ledge drop, pool river with generally easy rapids. White as its name in the spring, varied, lively and sweet in the summer in an unspoiled valley. Wilderness no -- but great canoeing with plenty of secluded, rocky ledges and islands for swimming and lunching.
We have many miles of river to choose from, and actual put-ins and take-outs will be determined by our mood and water conditions. We'll run a mixture of flatwater, quickwater, class I and a few class II rapids over the White's ledges. Our trip will probably include a run through Sharon Dam, an old abandoned dam that provides thrills for all and the opportunity to run it twice. Quartermile rapid is also a stretch that will stimulate adrenalin, yet is wide enough to give plenty of choice between mild or difficult water. Whatever we choose, the White will be great fun.
Our trips may be varied to take advantage of the best canoeing water available, as well as the weather.

Other Points of Interest:
We encourage you to explore the area further before or after your stay with us. The White River National Fish Hatchery is a large facility that hatches, raises, and imprints nearly one million salmon smolts for the Connecticut River restoration program. A visitor center is open daily, located on route 107 just south of Bethel.
The Chandler Music Hall and Cultural Center in Randolph is known for its acoustical excellence and elegantly restored interior. The music hall, which was built in 1906, presents musical and theatrical productions year-round.
The small villages of South Royalton and Rochester provide a quiet, unhurried picture of Vermont. South Royalton is an attractive village gathered around an oversized green with an elevated bandstand in the middle. It is the home of Vermont's first and only law school founded in 1972. Rochester is a quiet village tucked into a narrow valley between the Green Mountains and the Braintree Range. A drive through the Hollows provides superb views and a delightful mixture of field and forest. In addition, the area provides an array of picnicking and hiking choices.

WHAT TO BRINGThis list is intended to be skeletal, and we anticipate you will have your own ideas of what is "necessary." In general bring half the clothes you think you will need and twice the film.
Getting wet is always a possibility when participating in outdoor activities. Clothing has to keep you warm even when wet. Try to avoid cotton. The problem with cotton is that once it is wet it absorbs water and does not dry out quickly.

*Inns and B&B are casual so cotton or cotton mix clothing--for off river and evenings is appropriate.
*Polypro or capilene undershirt and pants for Fall trips
*Lightweight nylon pants (the type where the legs zip off into a pair of shorts are very handy)
*Lightweight/medium weight long sleeve top.
*Wool sweater or fleece top for Fall trips
*Rain jacket and pants
*Wide brimmed hat.
*Sunglasses with security strap.
*Sunscreen, insect repellent
*Lip balm, chapstick
*Water bottle
*Personal toiletries
*Personal medications
*Bandana
*Camera and film
Additional Clothes for Paddling
*Shorts
*T-shirts or comfortable paddling tops
*Canoe shoes that can get wet for paddling such as sandals, or booties.
Optional Gear
*Binoculars
*Pocketknife
*Swimsuit
*Field guides, bird books, and travel books
*Journal notebook, pen, good book
*Extra eye glasses, sunglasses, security straps

If you have any questions on what to bring or how to pack please give us a call at 1.800.421.5268
Trip Notes SupplementGeneral Information
If you have any questions or need special arrangements please call our office. Regular office hours are 9:00 am to 5:30 pm Monday to Friday in season. We are open Saturday and Sunday for day trip rentals, but our office staff is limited on weekends. We are generally closed Saturday through Tuesday November through April, although you may catch us in by chance other times.
Trip prices include lodging, all meals (except when noted) guide services and accompanying support van. Trips generally meet mid to late afternoon of the first day, and disband mid to late afternoon of the last day. We may be compelled to increase or decrease trip prices on trips due to matters beyond our control, such as currency exchange, airfare, taxes or price increases. Gratuities for BattenKill guides and other staff are appreciated, but are left entirely to your discretion.
Reservations and Confirmation
Often it is easier to call our office to check for availability and to make reservations. We request a deposit of $100.00 per person for the two to four day trips, $250.00 for five to six day trips, and $350.00 per person for longer trips. Immediate confirmation is possible using your credit card for the deposit.
On receipt of your deposit we will prepare a complete confirmation packet, including a full itinerary, person equipment list, meeting location with directions, and application for short-term trip cancellation insurance. Your confirmation letter will outline the balance which is due at the trip meeting for domestic trips, and 60 days prior for Canadian and other International trips. We strongly recommend that you obtain this cancellation insurance, which reimburses you for nonrefundable costs and deposits should you have to cancel your trip due to a personal emergency.
Cancellation and Refunds
Notification must be received by BATTENKILL CANOE LTD. (BCL) in writing. If you must cancel, but wish to reschedule for another trip, we will do our best to accommodate you. If you must cancel more than 45 days prior to departure, a refund of 50% of the per person deposit, OR a 100% credit valid for another trip. There are no refunds possible with less than 45 days notice or for leaving a trip early or arriving late.
Final Payments
Your balance is due when we meet on the first night of the trip and may be paid by cash, check or credit card (Visa, Mastercard, Amex or Discover). Please refer to your confirmation letter for the amount due.
Tips and Gratuities
Gratuities for the inn and food portion of your trip are paid by BCL. Gratuities for BATTENKILL guides are appreciated, but are left to your discretion. Each year the guide staff of BATTENKILL CANOE pledge to pool a portion of their tips and donate them to an outreach program. Over the past several years these outreach programs have included a scholarship program for a high school student in the remote village of Yorkin in Talamanca, Costa Rica, supporting the Ninos in la Calle program (alternative education program for the street kids) in Somotillo Nicaragua, financial and educational support to the BattenKill Watershed Council and an annual donation to the Vermont ACLU.
If you would like to find out more about these projects or have suggestions for other projects your guides would be happy to visit with you. This is just one of the ways we are able to reach out to the greater community and practice socially responsible travel.
Airline Reservations
Our airline desk is able to assist you in making our airline reservations, and we are pleased to do so. We can book with all the major carriers and would be happy to assist you with your travel plans.
Non-Performance
We almost always follow through with our entire trip schedule. However, we must reserve the right to cancel a trip or to make changes to the itinerary if necessary due to weather and/or water conditions, insufficient reservations or other factors outside of our control. Although it is unlikely, if we must cancel your trip, you may choose between: 1. A 100% refund of all monies paid, or 2. A 150% credit of your original deposit for a future trip with BATTENKILL. This constitutes full settlement, and BATTENKILL can not be held responsible for other costs incurred.
Guaranteed Dates & Small Trip Charge
Since you plan your vacation around our trip, it is our responsibility to run every trip scheduled if four or more persons are on the roster. A number of fixed costs make it more expensive to operate a trip with six members than one with 12. We budget our trips with a nearly full sign up, to enable us to price them at the lowest possible cost.
We will still run your trip if four or more guests are on the roster. However, we will be obliged to add a small trip surcharge if there is a low sign up of between four (4) and seven (7) participants. The small trip surcharge is ten (10) percent of the published price.
If you make your reservations 6 months prior to departure, you will qualify for our Earlybird Discount which guarantees your departure regardless of the number of people on the roster.
Value Vouchers
In the event that we discount a trip on which you are booked, we will automatically extend to you a courtesy voucher representing the value of the promotional discount. You may apply the discount certificate to any future BattenKill trip. You may combine discounts, however the maximum is 20% off any one trip.
Accommodations & Meals
Our standard accommodation is two per room, generally with a private bath. Usually singles and triples are available. BCL provides three meals per day, beginning with dinner on the first evening and ending with lunch on the last day (except where noted).
On our Voyageurs we provide top quality tents along with all other group camping gear. You are requested to bring only a sleeping bag and pad, as well as your personal gear. If you choose not to bring your own sleeping bag, you may rent one of ours which includes a cotton liner and foam pad.
Solo Travelers
If you're traveling alone and would like to assure yourself of a private room, there is a single supplement surcharge of $45.00 per evening. Singles willing to share will be matched with a roommate. If unavailable, a forced single supplement of 50 percent of the full supplement will be charged.
Bringing the Kids
We believe that sharing an adventure with your kids or grandkids is a life-enhancing experience. Children twelve years of age or older are welcomed on all trips. Special arrangements must be made for all children 7-12. Regular discount is 25% off the trip price for folks under 18 years old.
Guest Responsibility
You must understand that river trips involve some risk. Guests are responsible for: choosing a trip that suits their abilities, level of fitness and state of health; arriving at the trip start with the clothing and gear recommended in the confirmation packet; respecting the laws and customs of the countries visited; following environmental guidelines and regulations while on the trip in accordance with guides direction; and respecting the rights and privacy of other trip members. You will be asked to sign a Hold Harmless and Release of Liability form prior to your trip.
BATTENKILL CANOE reserves the right to substitute lodges, leaders and to alter the itinerary when deemed necessary or advisable. BCL shall not be liable, directly or indirectly for any delay, cancellation, mishap, inconvenience, expense, personal injury or death, or damage of property for any reason whatsoever, including acts of God. BATTENKILL reserves the right to decline to accept, retain, or ask to leave any person whose actions or deportment impede trip operation, or rights, welfare and enjoyment of other trip members. No refund is possible under these circumstances. Payment of deposit, and release of credit card number represents your acceptance of these terms and conditions. All disputes shall be settled by binding arbitration in Bennington County Vermont.
About BattenKill Trip Guides
We are proud of the folks who lead our trips, and help make an extra special adventure for you. Each recognizes, welcomes and encourages the varying skills and interests of each guest.
On the first evening of our get-together, we will conduct a simple orientation of the trip to come, and go over safety regulations. You will be asked to sign a liability of release form, and we will collect your final payment then.
A Word About Equipment
Canoe rental is included in your trip price. You are welcome to bring along your own canoe if you would like, just let us know. We furnish premium canoes, paddles and PFD's (life jackets). We feature canoes by Mad River, Dagger, Old Town and others. If you have a particular canoe you would like to demo, please give us a call and we will attempt to have one available.
What Happens if it Rains
It does rain, so rain gear is a must. So are dry clothes, which can be stored in the waterproof bag that we furnish. If it's raining hard, we don't all have to go canoeing. The nice thing about Vermont is that there are plenty of other things to do...visit museums or go antiquing...spend some time in a general store. Or, we can just have another cup of coffee and wait till the rain abates. Whatever makes sense, we'll do.
And So On...
Also, enclosed is our suggested personal equipment checklist. Little things like lip balm, sun blocks and dry socks make a big difference, so check it over carefully.

Safari on the White

Two great Green Mountain rivers...the ambiance of the Green Trails Inn Lively water, mountain and meadow scenery, rapids and pools.

Two great Green Mountain rivers...the ambiance of the Green Trails Inn
Lively water, mountain and meadow scenery, rapids and pools.