2004 PADDLING TRIP REPORTS
November 21
|
Owasco Lake
Well,
I was able to convince another crazy kayaker to join me today on my
paddle. We had a overcast sky and chilly temperatures but otherwise a
enjoyable paddle. We put in at the north end of the lake which has a
beautiful park with boat launch sites. Just to the east of the outlet we
encountered a reminder of the season......The sound of gunfire as some
hunters occupied a nearby duck blind which was surprising close to a
residential area and left us with some uneasiness as we paddled out into
the lake and possibly into their line of fire....
Once on the lake
we paddled approximately 10 miles total and being close to the
Montezuma Wildlife area we had a abundance of bird activity. I believe
this was the first trip this year that I did not see a Heron of some
sorts but we were treated with the presence of a pair of Loons which was
very unexpected.
I guess I can feel a sense of accomplishment this
year......I have completed my quest of kayaking on each of the Finger
Lakes this year. Time to start planning next year's trips!
Trip leader - Charlie Helman.
|
Nov 10-14
|
Pine Barrens - New Jersey Pictures
Quicktime Movies - Happy Birthday to Bill - The Dancers
Trip leader - Bill Irwin.
|
November 7
|
Otisco Lake - Pictures
Three
people, two in a tandem kayak and myself in a solo, ventured out of
Rochester to Otisco Lake yesterday 11/7/04. The weather in Rochester was
not looking very good but when we got to our destination we were
treated to a decent day of 55 degrees with partly sunny to party cloudy
skies. The boat launch is towards the southwestern end of the lake. We
paddled north with a southwesterly wind helping us along. We were
surprised to find that when we turned to head south the wind turned with
us and became a northwesterly wind.
Otisco Lake is a short 5 mile
lake and is less than a mile wide. The south end is surrounded by high
cliffs which leave the lake very protected from most wind conditions. We
were treated to our usual Blue Heron sighting, some other bird activity
and a special visit from a curious otter!
I found myself having
to push alittle harder than normal to keep up with the tandem. When we
finished our trip we found the GPS telling us that we averaged between 4
and 4.5 MPH over the 2 to 2.5 hour paddle.
This is a wonderful lake. I am planning on paddling here again, hopefully next fall when the colors are peaking.
Each
of the Finger Lakes is quite picturesque and a much different
atmosphere than what we paddle locally. We have been blessed with decent
weather on each of the paddles except for the Owasco paddle which I
cancelled due to high winds and rain.
Charlie "The lonely trip leader"
Trip leader - Charlie Helman.
|
Oct 31
|
Halloween Paddle on the Erie Canal - Pictures
As
of Sunday morning the forecast winds were still 15-25 mph with gusts to
40. But by 2:10 as twelve of us finally launched, the winds had
diminished to being a good breeze to help us on our way. The sky was
gray with temperatures in the low 50s. We got a little rain, but still
had a delightful paddle. Even with the gray sky it was a good day for
autumn color. The main drawback of the weather was that it kept most of
the spectators indoors, except for the occasional joggers on the canal
path.
We added a car shuttle this year so we could start below the
lock at Clover Street and paddle through Pittsford down to Canalside
Rentals in Fairport. There were Jim with his wild red hair, Sue the
clown, Cheri the pirate (parrot and all), four-eyed Jamie, Luanne the
Tiger, Steve's hat turned buzzard, and of course the tandem sea monster,
assorted other ragamuffins and a cameo appearance by Slick Willy. We
were joined by Steve's nephew Ben from Wisconsin, and, briefly, by
Gary's dog. We had nine solo kayaks, one tandem, and Gary in a solo
canoe (Steve wimped out and paddled a kayak).
Trip leader - Steve Tryon. Photos by pirate Cheri.
|
October 23
|
Skaneateles Lake - Pictures
All I have to say to all you people who did not join us .......it was certainly your loss!
Val
and I were the only two people to venture to Skaneateles Lake
yesterday. We were greeted with clear skies and apporximately 15-20 mph
winds from the south. So of course we headed south into the wind and
waves. We found a marina where we stopped for lunch and were surprised
to see that the wind died completely once we returned to the water. We
crossed the lake and paddled up the eastern side before crossing back to
the boat launch. We had a spectacular day of sun, colorful leaves,
clear water, window shopping on some of the "cottages" along the shore,
some wave jumping and some flat water paddling.
We decided that this is a lake we must return to next summer.
Hopefully
I will have weather as good in two weeks when I do the next lake to the
east....Otisco. AND HOPEFULLY I WILL HAVE SOME OF YOU ALONG AS WELL!
Trip leader - Charlie Helman.
|
October 16
|
Sunrise paddle at Braddock Bay
Only
the trip leaders (Steve and Peg) made it. Luckily the rain that was
threatened all week held off. We even had a good amount of blue sky to
the west. The launch we originally planned was not good for kayaks so
we put in at Braddock Bay Paddlesports. A brisk tail wind helped us get
out to the lake quickly. We went up the east side along Braddock Bay
State Park and in maybe a mile -- what a wonderful spot to paddle.
Again of course heading back out to the lake was easy and the final leg
back upwind was a workout. It's hard to be at the launch at 7AM but
it's great to be paddling as the sky is getting lighter and the day is
really getting started! Look for more sunrise paddles in the future -
the beginning and end of the season allow for the most sleep.
Trip leaders - Peg Warrick and Steve Tryon.
|
Oct 8-11
|
Saint Regis Canoe Area - Pictures
Eleven
people ventured out to St. Regis Pond at the peak leaf peeping time
this Columbus Day weekend. The weekend started out warm, and by the
time we pulled out had cooled to normal Fall weather. Five carries on
Saturday got us into Upper Saint Regis Lake where we explored the
shoreline and had lunch. Other days we checked out St. Regis pond,
adjoining ponds and some of the other campsites nearby. This was a
low-key weekend with several new canoe camping graduates. A great
weekend in all.
Trip leaders - Bill Irwin and Gary DeWitt.
|
September 25
|
West River (Canandaigua Lake)
We
had six kayaks and one solo canoe paddle the winding river to the point
after the road underpass. This is the point where I have always turned
around before, but Jim Bird told us of a whole new area that is not
explored much. That is all the group needed to here, we found a spot to
portage, carry and put back into the river. This new area had a few
beaver dams, lots of trees, some birds of prey flying overhead and some
green and brown stuff covering the water that I am not sure what it was!
We followed the river up torwards Middlesex until we got to a point
where the river became more of a swamp( It reminded me of the Bergen
swamp paddle earlier this year!) and we finally decided to turn around
for the return trip. The weather was beautiful although the sun was
constantly in and out of the clouds. We all said our goodbyes near the
boat launch as some people went in to Naples to enjoy the Grape
Festival, some went to dinner, some went home to paint and some went to
visit local friends.
Jim's wife was the only one with a camera so I am at her mercy to provide pictures.....PLEASE!
Trip leader - Charlie Helman.
|
September 12
|
Hemlock Lake - Pictures
We
had one tandem canoe and 11 kayaks set out on an absolutely beautiful
day of paddling. Warm weather and sunshine prevailed throughout the day
as we paddled south from the north end boat launch. We paddled a little
more than half the length of the lake before stopping for a break and
lunch. After lunch we continued paddling south before some of the
paddlers convinced me that it was time to head back north. (If no one
had said anything i would probably still be paddling!) On the return
trip we were treated to what appeared to be either a pair of osprey or
possibly golden eagles that were flying around overhead!
After
returning to the boat launch we said goodbye to approximately half the
group while the other half followed Nancy to her house for one of our
patented feasts!
Thanks to all for the company on the paddle, the
great food, Nancy for her hospitality, and mother nature for the
wonderful weather!
Charlie
Trip leader - Charlie Helman.
|
September 11
|
- Owasco Lake makeup
I
and three other individuals paddled the east side of Owasco Lake for a
total distance of 12.3 miles. The three other participants were Bill
Lawton, Frank Cabron and Gordon Robinson. We had a perfect day. The wind
speed was minimal and the air temp was approximately 78 degrees F The
water temp was approximately 68 degrees F. We launched from a marina at
the south end at approximately 9:15 am and and arrived at Emerson Park
in Auburn on the north end at 12:30 pm. Our average speed was 3.8 mph.
Trip leader - Gerry Wahl.
|
September 10
|
Irondequoit Creek from the Bay -
Nancy
Donny, Jamie Brown and I (Steve) closed out the 2004 Thursday evening
paddles with a Friday evening paddle on Irondequoit Creek. The water
was as high as I have seen it on the creek--the concrete ledge that
serves as an informal depth guage was completely submerged--and moving
fast. There was a foot and a half wall of water at the flow-control
weir with a good foot of water coming over the top of the usual portage
route. We didn't go there. We did, however, have a lovely paddle on a
crystal clear evening. We explored the side routes and dead ends, but
the water was moving quickly even in those. We did get to relax a bit
on the (quick!) return leg from the weir to Baycreek. Then it was off
to Abbotts to replenish the burned-off calories.
Trip leader - Steve Tryon.
|
Aug 27-29
|
Taughannock Falls State Park (Ithaca) - Pictures
This
weekend was a classic example of who or what the ADK club is all about.
We had twelve people participate in our adventure weekend down in
Ithaca.On Friday we set up camp and headed to the first of three state
parks I had put on our itinerary. Buttermilk Falls State Park is unlike
most parks in the area in that as soon as you enter the park you are
greeted with the site of the waterfalls cascading down to the swimming
hole. After some of us went for a swim and others pummeled the bottom of
their feet, we went for a hike up the trails around the falls. After
the hike we headed to Alan Treman State Park to launch our boats for a
paddle up one of the inlets to Cayuga Lake. Then it was off for one of
our patented dinner feasts and spending time around the campfire.
Saturday after a good breakfast we headed to Robert Treman State Park.
This park is probably one of the biggest secrets in the state. We
started with Charlie the "drill sargent" marching everyone up and up and
up numerous stairs.( Next time I think I will have to bring oxygen
bottles as part of my first aid kit!) According to the park info the
elevation changes from 450 feet above sea level to 1050 feet above sea
level and most of it is very steep stairs. I think Bob made the
statement, "That this was the first hike he has ever gone on where you
go up hill to go down hill"! After the hike we had a relaxing late lunch
before heading to the lake for a paddle. Mother nature took over here
as it was raining to the north and south of us and eventually we had to
cancel the paddle due to thunderstorms in the area. After the storms
passed some of us went swimming again. Then it was feast time and
campfire again.
Sunday after we had breakfast and packed up the
campsites we headed to the hike in our host park, Taughannock Falls
State Park. Here we split into two groups, one group that wanted to stay
dry and the other group that decided to take the wet route through the
creek trail. This was definitely the easiest hike of the three parks but
it lead us to the most spectacular waterfall. The falls in Taughannock
are 215 feet tall in a gorge that is over 400 feet deep. The falls are
higher than Niagara Falls! After the hike we headed north to Cayuga Lake
State Park for lunch and what was suppose to be our longest paddle of
the weekend. Well,mother nature took control again after a short 20
minute paddle...the beginning of the tremendous thunderstorms that
rolled through the area, hit and we were forced to cancel the paddle
again.
This was a fun trip and I will certainly plan this one
again, if not next year certainly in 2006! Until then if you get the
chance visit the Ithaca area, there are at least five state parks that
all have waterfalls and each with its own history and character!
Thanks to all who participated and brought the great food!
Charlie
Trip leader - Charlie Helman.
|
Aug 20-22
|
Twitchell Lake - Pictures
Ten
of us made our way to the Adirondacks on Friday to arrive at the
Twitchell Lake landing by early afternoon. Access to the cabin by boat
gave our paddlers an early warm up to the weekend's paddling adventure.
After unloading the boats we took a leisurely paddle around Twitchell
Lake. We were greeted by momma and her baby loon; saw the architecture
of Earl Covey; and paddled by the 'Woodswoman's' cabin. Dinner was
cooked on an open wood fire and after dinner we enjoyed the bonfire
before getting some rest.
Saturday we began the day with a great
breakfast and headed out for our day's planned activities in the pouring
rain. Our hearty group didn't let the rain stop them from hiking up
"Billy's Bald Spot". At the top of the mountain we saw the spectacular
view of the entire Big Moose Lake. The view enticed us to head over to
the put in so we could explore this beautiful lake. A little mishap
occurred when one of our eager drivers went a little too close to the
water and got stuck as he drove over the cement retaining wall. It took
a couple of hours to get the tow truck to come and get him out but
after that issue was resolved the group took a great paddle and explored
an awesome inlet lined with many beaver houses. We then headed back to
camp for a little swim across the lake to rejuvenate our spirits; had
another great dinner cooked over the open wood fire; took a little
stroll along Twitchell Rd. to see the Twitchell Inn; and relaxed around
the camp fire to watch a beautiful star filled sky and a brilliant
shooting star which shot across the lake.
Sunday we woke up to a
cool 40 degrees and the fog lifting off the lake. We packed and loaded
the boats, said "goodbye" to "Billy" our resident bat and headed over to
the Moose River for our day's paddle. The sun felt great as we paddled
down the river and let the current guide us by the pristine beauty of
the Adirondacks. The 11 mile paddle was peaceful and quiet, with no
trace of civilization to spoil the natural beauty. We ended the trip
with pizza and wings and memories which will last a lifetime. - Sue
(Photos by Cheri.)
Trip leaders - Sue Green and Cheri Lewis.
|
August 13
|
- Canadice Lake
The
sky was overcast as eight paddlers (three kayaks, three solo canoes,
one tandem) headed out for a "new moon" paddle on Candadice Lake. Other
than that, the weather was perfect. We were even treated to someone's
fireworks off to the Southeast. Midway we rafted the boats together and
Nancy passed around a pan of outstanding frosted(!) brownies. As we
headed North on the return leg, the overcast thinned and finally broke.
We enjoyed a fine view of the stars and a few leftovers from the
Perseids meteor shower. And we were privileged to welcome three paddlers
to their first ADK paddle.
Trip leader - Steve Tryon.
|
August 5
|
- Salmon Creek
Ten of us, including several new to the group, put in at Braddock Bay Paddlesports [map]
and paddled up Salmon Creek on a perfectly lovely evening. The breeze
was strong enough to keep the mosquitos away, but not enough to be a
problem for paddling. Charlie took the fast group while Steve (in
Charlie's spare kayak!) paddled with the "relaxed" group. We concluded
with ice cream and a tour of Braddock Bay Paddlesports. A good time was
had by all.
Trip leader - Steve Tryon.
|
August 3
|
- Tuesdays At The Beach with Charlie - Pictures
Trip leader - Charlie Helman.
|
July 31
|
Owasco Lake makeup - PTFL
The
PTFL makeup paddle was completed inspite of the dire weather forecast.
Three people participated including me. Due to the initial brisk 15-20
mph wind from the southwest, we decided to do the west side of Owasco
instead of the east side which is the side I needed to do to catch up to
Jennifer. Bill Lawton, however, needed to do the west side so it worked
out for him. Aaron Slack was the third paddler who hadn't done either
side so he had no preference.
The paddle went off without a hitch
and was enjoyed by all inspite of a down pour that was so heavy it
looked like it was raining "up", a brief thunderstorm and breezy
conditions at the beginning and at the end of the paddle. So, sometime
in the future, probably next year, I will try the east side again.
Owasco
is a great paddling lake because it is only 11 miles long which makes
for a perfect paddle distance. The launch site in Cascade on the
southern end is a little difficult to find and primitive but there is a
marina just before the gravel drive that goes back to the launch site
that would probably be a better place to launch. I would check it out
the next time.
We did 11.7 miles in just under three hours averaging
3.9 mph. At times by surfing, which I am not good at, we hit 7+ mph.
Water temp 68 F. Air temp 85 F humid, the rain felt great.
Trip leader - Gerry Wahl.
|
July 30
|
Hemlock Lake -
After
the downpours of the afternoon, we had not a drop of rain at Hemlock
lake. We even caught a glimpse of the full moon making a valiant effor
to peek through the clouds. We had ten paddlers in eight boats -- a
mixture of canoes and kayaks. And supper at the Village Grill in
Honeoye was excellent.
Trip leader - Steve Tryon.
|
Jul 25-Aug 1
|
Sea Ontario Kayak Tour
Five
participants, Gary DeWitt, Luann Mongelli, Mark and Emma Rakestraw, and
Marshal Atwell paddled out from Webster on a fair Sunday morning
heading toward Westcott Beach State Park. We stayed in a combination of
locations, B&B, Hotel and campsites.
The trip was a little
more difficult than anticipated because of the strong headwinds we
encountered the first three days, and rough seas with 2' to 4' waves
most afternoons. We found that we had some strong paddlers by Friday
afternoon when we slid into Westcott Beach State Park to be met by four
other ADK members who had arrived to paddle with us for the weekend.
Thursday
evening we met a young couple camped next to us from Toronto cycling
the second leg of their Lake Ontario circumnavigation. We shared desert
and photos, and found they were heading to Rochester to take the Fast
Ferry home. It was great to be in the company of other travelers using
alternative transport means.
On Saturday the Rakestraw's left us
for home while the rest of us paddled into Sacketts Harbor for lunch and
a stroll around town. The weather turned nasty that afternoon ending a
very full week of paddling.
Trip leader - Gary DeWitt.
|
July 22
|
- Erie Canal from Clover Street
Ten
of us put in at Canal Park on Clover Street and rode the lock down. We
paddled out to Pittsford and back. In spite of the dismal forecast, we
did not get a drop of rain. We had one kayak dump as we were getting
lined up in the lock on the return trip. Since people reacted
appropriately, it was an inconvenience rather than an emergency.
Remember, there are two kinds of solo paddlers -- those who have dumped
and those who are going to. Ice cream at Schoen's Place afterwards.
Trip leader - Steve Tryon
|
July 13
|
- Tuesdays At The Beach with Charlie
Says
Charlie, 'We had 16 people show up for my first Tuesday night,
"training" paddle at the beach. Everyone took turns getting wet and
completing assisted rescues. We then went for a leisurely paddle
eastward from the beach before returning to a wonderful sunset.
'Next week (July 20th) we will just paddle and the following week (July 27th) I am planning on working on self-rescues.'
Trip leader - Charlie Helman
|
July 8
|
Genesee River from Black Creek -
After
a rainy, windy day, four of us drove through sprinkles on the way to
the put-in, then paddled in the sunshine until the sun finally dropped
below the trees. It clouded over as we were heading in, but not a drop
of rain did we see.
We put in at the Black Creek launch and head
downsteam on the Genesee River toward Rochester. It seems, however,
that yours truly rather mis-remembered the put-in location from when we
did the downtown run a year or so ago, with the result that we got as
far as the U of R campus before needing to head back. We'll have to try
the downtown loop again sometime, but put in at the Waterways Center.
As it was, we had a lovely paddle on a stretch of the river that I, at
least, had not been on before.
Trip leader - Steve Tryon
|
July 2
|
Irondequoit Bay -
There is only one word to describe the events of last night.....
AMAZING!
We had a good group of people show up at Luann's for the picnic that
had great food and conversation. After everyone was stuffed we headed to
the water around 8:30 pm. We paddled out into the lake and floated for
awhile before heading into the awesome sunset. Next we witnessed the
fast ferry's arrival back to Rochester on what appeared to be a
successful trip to Toronto....even moving slow it looks like it kicks up
one heck of a wake. On our return trip towards the bay the paddle boat (
I can't seem to remember its name) was leaving the bay on its return
trip to the river. The boat was all lit up and looked impressive.
Our main objective was still no where to be found...Were the heck was
the moon? The paddle was billed as a moonlit paddle since we were
suppose to have a full moon last night.We all headed south in the bay
only to be greeted by a onslaught of bugs...still nothing but bugs and
darkness everywhere, no moon.. We finally decided to head for home and a
few minutes after we had turned around to head for Seabreeze.....the
moon finally made its presence known as it peaked over the hills of the
eastern shore. As we landed to load up our boats I had some regrets
....I can't talk for all but I was disappointed that we could not paddle
for a while longer....As I drove home on Route 590 south I looked to
the east and witnessed that man (or woman) on the moon smiling at me... A
simply perfect end to a great evening. Thanks to all that participated.
Trip leaders - Charlie Helman, Luann Mongelli
|
June 29
|
- Tuesdays At The Beach with Charlie
With
another threaten night of weather, most paddlers decided to stay away.
We had six paddlers who ventured out into the bay. We had some very
strong winds for most of paddle but they were manageable. We paddled
approximately 3/4 of the length of Irondequoit Bay and then returned to
our start-point. Along the way we encountered other kayakers and...we
got to see where Ellen's relatives lived. Again......thats enough for
awhile Ellen! By the time we were done with the ice cream ritual, the
wind had died down and we witnessed a nice sunset. Thanks to all that
showed.
Trip leader - Charlie Helman
|
June 25-27
|
Presque Isle (Lake Erie) - Pictures
This
is a very unique natural sandbar peninsula that is 13 miles long and
extends into Lake Erie, creating inland marsh ponds, several protected
bays and Presque Isle Bay between the peninsula and the main shore.
There are many miles of sandy beaches, hiking trails, light houses, and a
nature center to enjoy.
Friday evening June 25th, 13 happy
kayakers met at the R&J Campground in Erie, PA. We enjoyed dessert
around a campfire while making plans for Saturday's paddle. Before any
paddling could be done, the screen house needed to be set up. So just
how many paddlers does it take to set up a screen house?
Saturday
we launched at Lagoon boat launch and headed out into Misery Bay, but
the storm clouds followed, so back we went to the ponds. We found our
way through several ponds and into Marina Bay. The clouds passed us by
and we had sunshine the rest of the weekend. We found a nice sandy
beach with a "lunch log" or better known as a fallen tree, long enough
to seat 13 people for lunch. Saturday afternoon we headed into rougher
waters with winds 10-15 knots. Some of the group played in the lake
waves and later we took a hike to Gull Point Natural Area. Before
leaving, we stopped at the North Pier Lighthouse. Dinner was at a local
restaurant, then another campfire with roasted marshmallow and smores.
Charlie & Karen stayed awake for the spectacular meteor shower.
Sunday
was sunny and windy so we put in at Thompson Bay, went out to Gull
Point and into the lake. Lunch was again on a sandy beach with a "lunch
log" for us. Those who stayed after lunch were able to explore the
coves off Thompson Bay with sightings of turtles & gold fish.. We
even found an ice cream stop at the end of the day.
Presque Isle is a must do again place.
Trip leader - Karen Pakulski
|
June 24
|
Irondequoit Creek from the Bay -
Six
of us in a pair of solo canoes, two kayaks, and one tandem canoe headed
out on a glorious evening. We were bucking a stiff breeze as we
started, but we were soon sheltered by the valley and reeds. We paddled
up past the Browncroft Boulevard bridge before heading back. The sun
was shining brightly as we put in. We watched the towering cumulus
build as we paddled. It was darkening up for a storm by time we got
back.
Trip leader - Steve Tryon
|
June 19
|
Black Creek from Churchville to Black Creek Park - Pictures
Trip leader - Don Welch
|
June 17
|
Black Creek from the Genesee - - Pictures
Trip leader - Karola Jones
|
June 15
|
- Tuesdays At The Beach with Charlie
We
had 9 paddlers, 8 kayakers and one brave canoeist who ventured out into
the lake on a absolutely beautiful evening. Clear skies and extremely
calm water. We had a few newcomers to our normal group but everyone was
in a mood for a brisk paddle. We paddled almost to Webster Park and back
and then watched as Mark practiced his rolls in the bay.
Next week
and the following week we are at the same place at Seabreeze park.....
Please note...I will make the shift to Durand starting on July 6th.
Contact Charlie Helman, 585-266-0424, chelman(at)rochester.rr.com.
|
June 10
|
Cranberry Pond in Greece (Map) -
Doug
led seven of us on a quiet tour of Cranberry Pond. After a cloudy day,
the skies cleared and the wind dropped to a whisper. The shores on the
northern half of the pond are dotted with homes; on the southern half
the marsh prevails. Ice cream afterwards by Schallers.
Trip leader - Doug Smith
|
June 8
|
- Tuesdays At The Beach with Charlie
We
had 11 kayakers who paddled from the Sea Breeze boat launch way down to
the Newport House to complete a paddle wave to fellow paddler Karola
who was at a business dinner and could not join us.
Gordon invited a new paddler who did a wonderful job of paddling considering it was her first time in a kayak.
We
then proceeded back up to the lake where 8 paddlers ventured through
the busy outlet into the lake. We paddled into the sunset until it was
time to turn around and head for home, and ice cream for some...... A
beautiful night on the water.......
Thanks everyone, Charlie
Trip leader - Charlie Helman
|
June 5
|
Howland Island - Pictures
Photos by Karola Jones and Bill Irwin and Cheri Lewis
Trip leader - Gary DeWitt
|
June 3
|
Erie Canal from Ayrault Road -
The
forecast said partly cloudy, but I couldn't see a cloud in the sky as
we launched the 2004 evening paddles. We had a total of eighteen
paddlers, seventeen each way - one paddler gave up her seat and walked
back along the canal path so that one of the latecomers could paddle
back with the group. 'Twas a lovely evening for either paddling or
walking; this is one of the prettier stretches of the Erie Canal in the
Rochester area.
This evening's outing was a joint venture of
Waterways and Younger Members. We had a good range of ages and skill
levels, including one first-timer who acquitted herself quite acceptably
in the bow seat of a tandem canoe.
Back at the Ayrault Road
launch, we spread out the picnic blanket and enjoyed ice cream sundaes.
Thanks to Cheri for providing the assorted toppings!
Trip leader - Steve Tryon
|
June 1
|
- It was a dark and stormy night
Approximately
7 people showed up for what looked like a very trying paddling
experience. Mother nature again was telling us who was boss. Dark clouds
loomed to the north and we had winds gusting from 25 to 30 MPH. A few
people decided that this was not going to be fun so they departed for
warmer & dryer ground. The remaining brave individuals surveyed the
situation.....and navigated themselves across the parking lot to Vic
& Irv's to consume dinner and discuss other paddling adventures
either past or future events. We all survived to paddle again!
Trip leader - Charlie Helman
|
May 26
|
- Tuesday Comes on a Wednesday This Week
We
had five or six kayakers who ventured out into the lake and paddled
towards the first visible point in Webster. Along the way we
investigated numerous pieces of driftwood and one lone paddler that
thought it was mid-summer, no shirt, PFD, sit-upon kayak and a canoe
paddle ( Not a part of our group!). I know this will come as a shock to
our group....but it rained and we moved the group into the north end of
the bay. After paddling for a while we headed for home and dryness!
Trip leader - Charlie Helman
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May 22
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Genesee River from Wellsville to Belmont - Pictures
It is not difficult to find the Waterways group on paddling days! When I
arrived at Wellsvilles Modern Diner at 8 AM, many of the cars in the nearby
parking spaces on Main St. already sported colorful kayaks. Luann, Charlie
and others had camped nearby overnight, and having endured a good rain, were
ready early for breakfast. Introductions, a review of the map, and a nice
plate of pancakes and eggs had me ready for a day on the river. A short
briefing on the sidewalk prompted by scouting from the bridges, and reports
of high water from a local ADKer and the USGS web site, and we were off to
the Tops plaza for our launch. We spotted 2 cars at the take-out in
Belmont, and left my truck at Scio (half-way) just in case. By 10 oclock we
were ready.
The launch bank is mowed grass but quite steep, and was
lubricated by an occasionally sprinkling rain. So, at the urging of some of
his compadres, Charlie did a slide-in launch, successfully, with his
separated paddle halves serving as ski poles. Having waited until the last
to get a picture of Charlie, I slid off the bank before getting into my
boat, becoming the days first casualty. I nestled my cold muddy butt into
the seat and we were off! Not to worry - I would be well rinsed off before
the day was through!
The Genesee at Wellsville seems only a little
bigger than Black Creek, but the water was really moving. For many of our
group of eleven, this was a first experience with a fast moving river. It
was a challenge that all met, but not without some learning experiences
along the way! As experienced boaters, all of us were prepared for a
capsize with dry bags, pumps, waterproof clothes and painter ropes. It
wasn't long before we got to try them out. Some of the currents were
tricky, and down trees formed strainers on some of the many bends.
Fortunately the high water had covered virtually all the rocks, so our boats
were washed, but not battered. By days end, I think over half of our brave
band had swum the river, which thankfully was surprisingly warm for spring.
One of the best things about boating with the Waterways group is the way
people come prepared, and then willingly share and care for each other.
When any of us was in trouble, others were there to help. Gear which
floated away from a tipped boat was captured just about every time by others
downstream. I think we lost one hat, but all paddles and boats made the
take-out.
Even though the river flows through partly populated areas,
farms, yards and a golf course, we saw quite a bit of wildlife. A mama
mallard sheparded her tiny ducklings into a hiding place under the bank
while we passed. Several pairs of Canada geese guarded their territories,
and mergansers, kingfishers and herons were sighted. The highlight of the
day for most of us came around a wide sweeping bend north of Scio. Not a
hundred feet from shore, a huge bald eagle flew up from the brushy bar
inside the bend, frantically bombarded by a redwinged blackbird. It had
perhaps been robbing nests in the weeds. Its head was massive, the white
feathers and bony yellow beak clearly visible, it was so close!
Too
soon for me, we rounded the point next to the dam at Belmont, and pulled
each others boats up onto the sunny lawn to drain and dry. Dry clothes felt
good and we chatted in the sun while the cars in Wellsville were retrieved.
An ice cream just up the road was a great finish. For some of us, there
were times of, shall we say, uncertainty. But I hope everyone had at least
half as good a time as I did!
Trip leader - Don Welch
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May 15
Saturday
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Irondequoit Creek from Penfield Road
Why
should a little rain keep anyone from going out and playing in the
water? It was raining steadily as we put in behind Panorama Plaza (good
spot - due West of the Southwest corner of the lot behind Tops). The
water is fast as you go around the quarry, then slows as you get into
Ellison Park. The rain let up about time we went under the Browncroft
bridge. We even got to rescue a lost dog along the way and reunite it
with its owner. The wind picked up later as the temperatures dropped,
but by that time we were enjoying our picnic at Luann's. We had 16
paddlers in one solo canoe, two tandems, and a flotilla of kayaks.
Trip leader - Steve Tryon
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April 24
Saturday
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Black Creek from Churchville - Pictures
Photos by Karola Jones
Eleven
of us in seven kayaks and a pair of tandem canoes enjoyed a beautiful
afternoon on the water. We put in at the boat launch in Churchvill Park
and paddled up Black Creek into the swamp and back. The temperature
was in the low 50s with bright skies and a fair NW breeze which settled
as the afternoon wore on. Water levels were still high, making it
tricky (at best!) to keep track of the main channel once we got up into
the swamp proper. All in all, a delightful afternoon with some new
paddlers.
Trip leader - Luann Mongelli
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