New England sulking over soggy May

Kayaking easier
The rain actually makes it easier to paddle in Vermont’s Mad River, a popular canoe and kayak destination, but it discourages people from venturing outside, said Guy Dedell of Clearwater Sports in Waitsfield.

“We won’t do as well this weekend because every weekend’s been rainy and people are just getting tired about it,” he said.

In Maine and Vermont, state parks reported overall campground reservations were up from last year, but spokesmen from both states acknowledged recent days of rain had prompted some Memorial Day cancellations.

“I can’t help but think it’s the weather,” said Larry Simino, Vermont parks director. “Stick with your reservation. Just think of how many times the weather man is wrong.”

Depressed gardeners
The dreary weather is also discouraging to people who didn’t plan to venture far from home this weekend.

Jim Cole / AP When this photo was taken Tuesday, the arcade at Hampton Beach, N.H., was empty — except for employee Paul Fields.

Rosemarie Glynn, of York, Maine, said she’d like to get out in the garden, “but it’s a little too wet for me and a little too cold.”

Gardeners throughout the region worry their gardens will drown — the lack of sun and abundance of rain has stunted seedlings’ growth and threatens to rot seeds before they sprout.

Glynn is worried about her pea plants.

“They all started coming up just before the rain started so the peas are up about 5 inches, but they’re kind of stagnant because there’s no sun whatsoever,” she said.

“At the Fourth of July people want to serve their peas, that’s the tradition here in New England — certainly ours won’t be ready.”

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