05/03/08
Just a reminder, the water temperature is still a bit too low for recreational kayaking on the island or in the tri-state area for that matter, except of course, if you're properly outfitted, i.e., drysuit, etc. (but even with proper equipment, and training, cold water can still kill). Remember, when kayaking, it isn't the air temp. that's important. In the event of a capsize it's the temperature of the water that can kill you - through shock and hypothermia. On another note, as mentioned below I've submitted a proposal to Islip Town to provide free introductory kayaking lessons. Unfortunately, for the time being at least, because of liability issues, the proposal has been denied.
03/30/08
Having become rather unhappy with the recent commercial direction the kayak clubs, on Long Island, have taken I've decided to end all affiliation with any of them, and can no longer in good conscience recommend any. Difficult to understand why a social club has to make money when it should be for being with like minded people making friends and having fun. I'll try to arrange an opportunity to provide free introductory kayak lessons at a Town beach.
03/30/08
Yesterday my hiking and kayaking buddy Liz, myself, and a couple other intrepid souls (Homo sapiens), were on the upper Nissequogue River at one of our regular river clean-ups that Liz organizes. After having stopped briefly at the park office, to obtain access, we launched at about 11 A.M. at Winston Pond (on the south side of Jericho Tpk.), by the waterfall. We had assembled kayaks, gear and enthusiastic participants by the waterfall where the work of gathering discarded glass and plastic, etc. began. It was chilly at first but once on, and at times in, the water it became very comfortable, even warm. Being shielded from the wind by trees and brush helped measurably. The day was bright if not very colorful (much of the flora was budded but not in bloom), and there seemed to be waterfowl everywhere. We witnessed a couple pairs of Wood Duck (Aix sponsa), what must have been a dozen Great Blue Herons (Ardea herodias), at least three Osprey (Pandion haliaetus), and an assortment of smaller birds. The water level was somewhat lower than our last clean-up, and there was much debris collected. Heavier than water items, i.e., water filled bottles, cans, etc. seen at river bottom are collected by mechanical extenders, but often we'll leave our boats to gather junk seen on the nearby shore. The river, at its beginning, is narrow like a creek, and at times blocked in a place or two by a fallen tree, as it was this day. However, obstacles are usually passed by easily, and it's truly a pleasure floating leisurely through scenery much like what may have been enjoyed by earlier generations of boaters.
10/23/07
This past Sunday I, the trip leader Liz, and seven others got together at Caleb Smith State Park, which is situated in Smithtown off Jericho Turnpike, for one of our river clean-ups. If you've read other journal entries you'll have noticed we help clean both the upper Nissequogue and Connequot Rivers of a considerable amount of debris on a regular basis. On this day the nine of us with five single kayaks, one tandem, and a canoe met at Caleb Smith State Park and caravanned behind an official government truck across Jericho Turnpike to the lake where we assembled (kayaks, gear and all. While we were getting prepared to launch we had the opportunity to talk with some hikers and fishermen who were surprised to see kayakers in the park. And when we explained what was happening a couple were impressed enough to express an interest. The paddle downriver was an absolute pleasure as the sky was clear of clouds and the temperature was in the low 70's. There were no obstructions in the waterway to speak of, and also much less debris than earlier clean-ups (obvious to us all that our efforts were showing results). The scenery was spectacular and beyond description but you can be a witness by viewing here and here. The southernmost part of the river, which is within the park, is truly pristine and while paddling downriver it's easy to lose oneself in the majesty of nature and conjure thoughts of how it may have been many years in the past. At this spillway, which is about the half way point, we tied up and stopped for a snack and a moment to enjoy it all. After a short while we again started off downstream where some Great Blue Herons (Ardea herodias) were spotted, then Wood Ducks (Aix sponsa), and Kingfishers (Megaceryle alcyon). It wasn't long after that we approached the end of our trip which is at the falls that marks the end of the upper and the beginning of the lower part of this river. We were on the water about 3 ½ hours.
10/13/07
After all the rain, and then wind, of this past week, Saturday was an absolute jewel. My friend, and recent paddling buddy, Liz, and I, shared a ride out east where we met up with a group in Southampton (led by Steve B.). There were about 13 boats and 15 kayakers in all, and we were treated to magnificent scenery like this, and this during the trip. We launched off Bullhead Bay and meandered toward Scallop Pond stopping for a breather, a chat, and some lunch here. During lunch most of us were treated to some unexpected humor when one of the ladies in the group spied a stowaway rodent that might have been a mouse but could have been a vole (family Cricetidae) in the cockpit of her kayak. After the rodent was evicted, and upon finishing lunch, we started our return trip, and within 15 minutes of our destination we were invited by one amongst us, Rudy, to stop off at his home which is conveniently located by the waters edge. Some of us accepted the invitation, and after parking our boats we all enjoyed some light conversation as Rudy graciously supplied a libation and light snack which provided the needed strength to paddle through the white caps and wind that blew up while we were acting like hares, and not tortoises. And as an afterthought I took this shot of the bay from Rudy's pier. Wow! What a reward. I rarely if ever carry a timepiece while on the water so I estimate the entire time spent in kayak amounted to about 3 hours.
09/30/07
For some weeks now I've been thinking of paddling the upper Peconic River in Calverton. Once you get upstream of Edwards Ave. the river narrows and there's an almost palpable slowing down of time; every so often I've a yearning for that feeling and this past Friday while on a photography mission I found myself within walking distance of where the State D.E.C. has been building a new launch site, by Edwards Ave. I drove over to see if the work had been completed and sure enough it has: the entrance to the previous launch site is cordoned off, and around the corner is the very nice looking new launch site. However, upon further investigation I noticed the entrance from the new launch to the river is clogged with mud and green slime, and the river itself at this point is a muddy, shallow mess; impossible to launch a kayak or canoe from. The now cordoned off old launch site appeared quite navigable but, of course, it's inaccessible. Could this, I wonder, have something to do with Murphy's Law. As luck would have it though I did manage to do some paddling this weekend as my friend Liz, of "Flowers by Liz", called to say she and her pup were planning to paddle the Brown's River and would I care to join. I did, and so we did. This time I brought a brand new Old Town Loon 120 I've been wanting to try out and I liked it so much it's now my kayak of choice; it handles beautifully and is very stable. Launching on the east side of the river, and at the north edge of the marina, is a cinch and we were on the water in no time. Here's a shot of Liz and pup, and one of a resident Osprey (Pandion haliaetus), sometimes known as a fish eagle, that Liz managed to catch with her brand new digital. And one more by Liz of a Kingfisher (disambiguation) that took to wing just as Liz clicked the shutter. A good two hours were spent on the river first traveling north to the L.I.R.R. trestle then back and south almost to the bay where we walked the beach to stretch all eight legs, and check the sand for some seaglass before the return to the launch site. Liz apparently has a sixth sense regarding weather conditions as the days paddle was an absolute delight but as soon as she decided the day was done an ominous cloud covered the sun, and the day truly was done.
08/24/07
The other day I sent an e-mail to all my kayaking friends hoping I'd find someone available to paddle. My friend Liz responded, and reminded me of a promise she had made to join me on the San Souci Lakes Preserve, in Sayville. I've been wanting to paddle the lakes, actually man made cranberry bogs, ever since Liz had told me she had seen Drosera on the bank of one of the lakes. Drosera is the carnivorous plant commonly called Sundew. We met late in the afternoon, Liz, and I, and launched from the property of friends of Liz's, Chris and Rich. The waters are rather shallow so I had brought an Old Town Cricket sit on top, and Liz had her faithful Micro Poke Boat (what a funny looking boat that is), and we set off paddling north. It's a really beautiful spot unfortunately spoiled by the refuse people leave behind. However, the Lakes aren't easily accessible, and so haven't suffered as much as so many other sites. Liz reported she hadn't been on these waters for some years, but she had little difficulty indicating where the Sundew (Actually what appeared to be a Drosera intermedia, a narrow leaf sundew) could be seen. I've an interest in CP's and am a menber of the International Carnivorous Plant Society, and have been able to see, in addition to the Drosera, local specimens of pitcher plants (Sarracenia spp.) in Quogue, and bladderworts (Utricularia spp.) in Calverton. Here's a link to the ICPS website. We spent but a very short time on the water, having accomplished our mission, and I look forward to doing this again.
08/22/07
Kayak Camp has finished for the season, and I find I'm slightly down about it's having ended. Who'd have guessed I'd love so much doing the camps. Well, shortly I'll be planning for the coming seasons, and making plans for next summer too. But, in the mean time it's been raining, and I've not found anyone to kayak with. That's another reason for feeling down. I've a thought about kayaking the upper Peconic this week. I've been told they've (the powers that be) completed the new launch site out by Edwards Ave., and Mill Rd. in, I guess it's in Calverton. Friday or Sunday are the only days I'm free this week (giving a talk at the Brentwood Library about "Beach Glass" this Saturday afternoon). And next week I'll be doing some hiking as well - perhaps a ride into the city too. Wow! Didn't take me long to be in a more positive mood. I hope I meet with some of you in n8ture in the days that follow.
08/12/07
Into the last week of Kayak Explorer Camp at the E. Islip Marina Beach, and I almost wish the season would never end. Many of the children return year after year, and I watch them grow taller and more knowledgeable until they reach the age limit, and good-byes are really so very difficult. There's a gap between the age limit, and when they're able to apply to be a counselor, and so some resort to returning to the beach (it's a public beach) to continue the connection. And the counselors also move on, to full time employment or higher education opportunities. My gosh, I'll make myself crazy thinking of these things. On another note, as I've said before I'm not on the water much, during the camp season, but this past weekend I took one of the small kayaks over to a friends, who has an in ground pool, to show the kids (and adults as well) how much fun the sport really is. Wow! If you haven't kayaked, well you just don't know the fun you're missing. Before the season ends, sometime in November, I think I'll get my introduction to fishing from within the kayak too. And I'll eventually get around to sailing from a kayak as well. It is the last week for summer camp you know. Some photos taken by the kids at camp, 1, 2, 3, 4.
07/31/07
Some, I've no doubt may find the following a surprise, but I'm not fond of the summer, and frankly I don't enjoy paddling during this time of year. It's just too hot for my liking, and I don't care how cool the water is. I've mentioned on more than one occasion I prefer creekin' over the open water, and the humidity on the rivers and in the creeks can be, for me at least, unbearable. Unless one takes out a sit on top, and does some surfing - different story, and circumstances, as there's water wetting you, and wind providing air conditioning, not to mention the thrill of riding a wave. Alas, I cannot write much, if anything, of such enjoyments as during the summer months I'm involved with my camps. Which, very honestly, I derive an enormous amount of pleasure from.
06/28/07
Yesterday my kayak buddy Tony and I took advantage of the excellent weather to do some easy paddling on the Connequot River, in Great River. There's a county launch point at the end of Great River Road next to the Timber Point Golf Course entrance with considerable parking available - be sure not to run into deer as they sometimes seem oblivious to human intrusions. I've made comments in the past about this river not being my favorite, and that's probably due to its being so accessible. It's just so easy to get to, easy to get onto, and easy to paddle. There are a couple coves on the west side if your paddling south toward the island that's fun to circle. An adventure perhaps for the beginning paddler or anyone, for that matter, when the wind picks up. This view is looking south from the island, and this looking north. When the tide is in there's a cut that makes paddling past the marina unnecessary. However, it's shallow, and deeper draft kayaks, or those boats containing heavier occupants, may ground out requiring walking the few feet to open water. I often paddle into friends while on the Connequot as it's a popular paddling spot, and today was no exception. It's also easy to make new friends as most everyone on the river is in a friendly say hello kind of place. For exploring there are entrances to canals on the east side of the river. Although I've not yet explored it I'm told one entrance is by the old La Salle Academy (now St. John's U.), and another couple a little further north also on the east side of the river. If you continue paddling north you'll pass Dowling College on the right, and Bayard Cutting Arboretum on the left, and eventually find yourself at a fork in the river (actually just a meandering circle). When the tide is right you can gain access to the trout pond on the other side of the L.I.R.R. tracks too. It's just a destination though and not a place for spending time at as if there are anglers present you'd be an unwelcome intruder.
06/27/07
I called everyone I know who has a kayak, and no one responded. And yes I called "D", who said she'd really like to go paddling, but alas. Okay, so it was short notice (very short), but I felt a great need to be on the water. So I was forced into making my first solo; a guy has to do what a guy has to do. Anyway, not being totally ignorant of such things I made all arrangements (checked my last will and testament, provided for the pets (oh, I haven't any pets)), placed kayak on roof rack, and tied down, ensured I had drinking water (it was hot yesterday), pfd, paddle (and spare), paddle float, pump, informed someone where I was headed, and for how long I expected to be on the water and off I went. Actually I wasn't headed for Montauk or an equally exotic destination, for the island that is. Instead I made do with an hour or so on the Brown's River in Oakdale. It was all I really needed. The marina watchman didn't even bother to hassle me as it was probably evident that I was a man on a mission, and as soon as my kayak severed the lands umbilical cord I was conscious of a distinct sense of peace - wow! I'd never experienced that before. And what a fun paddle - exchanging pleasantries with those I paddled past (as they lounged on their power or sail boats). I find the amused expressions on the faces of those I paddle past an amusement. I made my way south toward the bay, toward the music coming from the outdoor bar at Lands End. I spent just a little time on the small beach across the river from the sounds, and reveled in the cool breeze, and the sights of boats ferrying traffic to Fire Island, people headed onto the bay for a quiet evening, and the sailors practicing their skills off Sayville beach. From there I journeyed up river to Bryan's Bridge which I didn't pass under as there were angler's angling, and I had accomplished what was needed. I did take a few other photos which I'll add to this entry after today's paddle on the Connequot, which will be another entry. In the meantime take a look at my hiking notebook. Additional photo here and here.
03/26/07
Not an extensive hiatus from an adventure on the water, however, for newbies, and those ill equipped it's still not the right time of year to be kayaking. In fact we're months away from when kayaking, without cold weather gear, would be a consideration to the reasonable. I'm a strong advocate of enjoying the sport safely: being aware of, and prepared for what nature is capable of dishing out. And at times that can be extreme. As far as cold weather goes it isn't only the temperature of the air that should be of concern, but more importantly the temperature of the water. And it never ceases to amaze me when I hear people report they've no intention of falling in the water - yeah right! Perhaps those people should be reminded of the definition of "accident". Anyway, having mentioned the caveats, yesterday (Sunday) was our annual river clean-up on the upper Nissequogue, the entrance to which is obtained through Blydenburg County Park (this portion of the river is off limits to boaters normally). The level of the river was optimal for a fun, and interesting day on the water for our diverse group of stalwart river cleanerupppers. There was a crew working alongside the river busily cutting away shrubbery and such, and, besides collecting debris, at one point we had to move a fallen tree to the side in order to pass. What boggles the mind is the amount of garbage collected in the form of plastic containers, bags, general wind blown debris, and the incredible array of beer containers strewn into and alongside the river by those assumedly unaware, or perhaps uncaring, of the pollution they're causing. About midway along our adventure we stopped for a snack at a convenient place, and shared thoughts of the day. There are myriad ins, and outs to explore along the river (both upper and lower sections), as well as sights such as the lone Great Blue Heron, Sharp Shinned Hawk, and ubiquitous Canada Geese, Mallards, and Swans seen. Time, or our sense of its passing, occurs at breakneck speed when having fun, and although more than four hours went by from start to finish it seemed as no time at all.
02/04/07
Winter has finally arrived, and I don't enjoy tempting fate on the water with my kayak. I can, with difficulty, endure the restriction of a wetsuit, however, a drysuit is really more suitable for these days, and I'm incapable of wearing one; it's the tightness of the enclosures (that's what keeps out the water) that drives me mad. So until warmer water returns I'll be busy taking walks, hikes, and trips, and recording my thoughts of them, along with photos, on the hiking page. Take a short trip with me here.
01/06/07
January of the new year, and the weather is so unusually warm (60 ish) I wasn't at all surprised when a friend, 'liz, e-mailed suggesting a short kayak trip. Initially we thought Southaven Park, as a sign at the park indicated kayaking on weekends. However, 'liz called, and the person who answered denied everything. All excited about paddling we decided on an old standby, the Browns River, in Bayport. We launched a little after 1pm with the tide being high, and spent about 2 1/2 hrs. on the water. We headed north to start, 'liz with her Surge, and I in my Old Town 111. When we reached the L.I.R.R. underpass (a culvert) I proceeded ahead to see if anything had changed since my last trip here while 'liz stayed behind as her Surge at about 17ft. couldn't manage the twists, and turns. However, while I was exploring 'liz was passing the time by extracting garbage from the river bottom to dispose of properly later. After a while we headed back south past the launch point, at the marina, to the mouth of the river and did a little beach combing. We then returned to the launch point, and discarded the refuse. But this is where the excitement really began. As I only had about a mile to drive I intentionally didn't secure my kayak at the mid point, thinking "gee what could happen". Well, I didn't get past the first turn when the kayak flew off the rack while I was doing less than 5mph. What a way to have a point of safety burned into my sometimes useless brain. 'liz, to her credit, promised not to tell. However, there's a lesson to be learned in my carelessness. And yes, the kayak just slid neatly off, I really was going at a slow rate of speed, no one, and nothing was damaged. And the moral: don't do that again.
