Assist on our club's Saturday Public Open Paddle. There were at least 3 other experient tripleader so I was not really needed but it was fun. The boats were already out and the guests all seem to be set for fun in the water. There were a couple of cuties in the group. I end up taking point, leading the group out and keeping everyone together. It was a leisurely paddle. I paddle backward on the way out just to slow myself down and see who everyone was doing. No slacker and do capside. I did not have a chance to chat up any of the hottie thought, that the problem with taking point in a kayak group, you never get a chance to chat the pretty girl up. All in all it was a good day.
I found out durring the trip that Stevie and Jerry were going to be at the Lake so I have to change my plan for Sunday. I need Stevie and Jerry to help me with my bracing and rolling skills. My original plan for sunday was to help with the swimmer in the morning, goes out to Breezy Point to kayak surf in the wave and get home in time for a day at the beach. I really need to practice thought on my bracing and rolling skill for Star 3, and the opportunity to practice with Stevie and Jerry is too good to let pass. I decided to cancel the after noon paddle, pack up my kayak and drive up the the lake. I was a last minute thing so I have to run home and get my overnigh stuffs. The trip out of the city was uneventful. Not big traffic jams. I get to Campmore by 3PM. End up getting a new watershoe and cockpit cover for my kayak. I get to the cabin at 5:30PM.
I meet Joyce and her friend Adam at the cabin. I found out that Stevie and Jerry is already out on the water practicing. By the time I get my boat down and into my gears they were coming back so we decide to have dinner. I did not get to go back into the water on Saturday.
Sunday, I get up at 9AM. Have breakfast at a local dinner with Stevie, Jerry, Ann and David. We finally get on the water at 10:30AM. I asked Stevie to help me with the side skulling for support....
Flash forward.
It had been a couple of weekends since I first started to side skooling(I believed this is the correct spelling.) On my good side I am completely confident that I lay my whole back in the water, with my boat on it side and not capside. On my offside less confident but I am sure I can do it. Since my first tentative attempt at side skooling, I finally learn how to do an Eskimo roll. Still have moment where I have to wet exit but not often. I also learn 3 differents kind of roll. I will post movie when I get them. I will try to get more details later.
Monday, August 21, 2006
Thursday, August 17, 2006
Quicky Summary
Do my first Wednesday afternoon paddle last week. I was late. The paddle was very nice. I was hoping to go out again for the full moon paddle but there was not enough interested people so we cancel it.
Spend a long weekend at the lake, but do not do as much practicing as I hope. Everyone else was busy. I took more tour of the lake then I ever did. Good for my long distance endurance. I need more excercise. I am not ready for the 3 star assessment.
Spend a long weekend at the lake, but do not do as much practicing as I hope. Everyone else was busy. I took more tour of the lake then I ever did. Good for my long distance endurance. I need more excercise. I am not ready for the 3 star assessment.
Monday, August 07, 2006
Baby Steps
Spend a great weekend outdoor. I assisted on a Public Paddle on Saturday. End up spending much of the trip teaching one of our elderly member basis of kayaking. Rose is in her 80's, so the fact that she is paddling is amazing. She is a bit slow due to inefficience paddle stroke which cause her kayak to turned instead of going straight so we end up lagging behind the rest of the group. I radioed ahead to the trip leader tell her that Rose and I will be practicing stroke where we were instead of continuing further ahead. I went over the basic forward stroke, and sweep stroke to steer the boat in the direct she want it to go. She was getting better at at by the time the rest of the group come back. I will need to work with her on it more. Still need a bit more body rotation.
Sunday was spend up at the lake. I get up to the cabin at 15 after 9AM. No traffic at all on the way up. When I get there there were already three person on the dock getting read to go out so I change into my paddling cloth and catch up with them. I find them the old Sebago Beach practicing rescue. I paddled around, watching them and offering suggestion on how to do it better. That get boring real fast since they were doing the same thing over and over. It was a good time to practice my edging sweep as any. I was doing well till I get over confident and capsize. I try to do an Eskimo roll. Still no dice. Spend much of half and hour practicing self rescue. I am not very good with paddle float self rescue, I wend up with ton of water in my kayak.
By eleven a large groups from Sebago finally arrive. Jerry, who just get his 3 star certification is a very enthusiastic paddle and teacher. He offered to teach/coach all the skills needed for Star 3 certification. I tried to worm my way out of it by saying I want to paddle rest of the group for warm up, but then Jerry started showing me how to do supporting stroke on my back the challenge was too much to pass up. I capsized the first 3 times I try it. I just was not laying on my back enough, and using my knee to keep the boat from capsizing. So Jerry start from the beginning, just the paddle float to give support while I practice with laying on my back while keep the boat on it side. It was not as hard as I thought. I finished up with just a bit of air in my paddle float but do not have the courage to take the "training wheel" off yet. I think can do it.... My shoulder's muscle is killing me today.
Sunday was spend up at the lake. I get up to the cabin at 15 after 9AM. No traffic at all on the way up. When I get there there were already three person on the dock getting read to go out so I change into my paddling cloth and catch up with them. I find them the old Sebago Beach practicing rescue. I paddled around, watching them and offering suggestion on how to do it better. That get boring real fast since they were doing the same thing over and over. It was a good time to practice my edging sweep as any. I was doing well till I get over confident and capsize. I try to do an Eskimo roll. Still no dice. Spend much of half and hour practicing self rescue. I am not very good with paddle float self rescue, I wend up with ton of water in my kayak.
By eleven a large groups from Sebago finally arrive. Jerry, who just get his 3 star certification is a very enthusiastic paddle and teacher. He offered to teach/coach all the skills needed for Star 3 certification. I tried to worm my way out of it by saying I want to paddle rest of the group for warm up, but then Jerry started showing me how to do supporting stroke on my back the challenge was too much to pass up. I capsized the first 3 times I try it. I just was not laying on my back enough, and using my knee to keep the boat from capsizing. So Jerry start from the beginning, just the paddle float to give support while I practice with laying on my back while keep the boat on it side. It was not as hard as I thought. I finished up with just a bit of air in my paddle float but do not have the courage to take the "training wheel" off yet. I think can do it.... My shoulder's muscle is killing me today.
Wednesday, July 19, 2006
Sunday July 2 and July 4
Take my sister with me to the cabin. This will be the first time I invited her up to the cabin in the 5 years I am with the club. Just never thought she would like it. Good to have a driver. My sister drive when she in the car so I don't have to worry about falling asleep at the wheel. We get there at 9AM and no one was up yet. Find Anne and Berry, we sent to breakfast to meet up with Steve and Adele at a local dinner. Steve and Adele left after breakfast to pick up their daughters, Emily and Toni. Emily brough her boyfriend. Both girls are nice looking.
We took the kayaks for a trip to Sebago Beach. It was hard to find a kayak small enough for my sister. This will be her first real kayaking. She is doing find short distance but on the long trip to the beach have a bit of problem keeping straight. I end up her most the the trip out to the beach. She is enjoying it dispict the difficulties thought. On the way back I switch to skin and fram kayak so Jerry and Ann look after her on the way back.
It was weird kayaking a skin and frame kayak for the first time. There is no foot brace for instince, and you have to price you knee upward instead of to the side. I get adjust to it real fast. I was inform after I was in the skin/frame kayak for 15 minutes that I need to know how to wet exit the boat because it is completely difference then regular kayak. We went to old Sebago Beach to take a breather so that is where we see if i can wet exit or not. It was easy, I did it like a pro.
The weather was getting overcase so we end out trip short. We get back the cabin and hang around. Stevie get a fire going in the back of his cabin and we have lunch, lot of sausages and hotdog. Adele asked me to drive the two girls, and the boyfriend home since we were coming home in the afternoon anyway.
I have to drive home on Sunday because my sister have to work on Sunday. I did not decide yet at this point if I would come in to work for a half a day or not. Turn out I did not come to work on sunday. I would really like to stay the look weekend at the Cabin and come home on July 4th.
We took the kayaks for a trip to Sebago Beach. It was hard to find a kayak small enough for my sister. This will be her first real kayaking. She is doing find short distance but on the long trip to the beach have a bit of problem keeping straight. I end up her most the the trip out to the beach. She is enjoying it dispict the difficulties thought. On the way back I switch to skin and fram kayak so Jerry and Ann look after her on the way back.
It was weird kayaking a skin and frame kayak for the first time. There is no foot brace for instince, and you have to price you knee upward instead of to the side. I get adjust to it real fast. I was inform after I was in the skin/frame kayak for 15 minutes that I need to know how to wet exit the boat because it is completely difference then regular kayak. We went to old Sebago Beach to take a breather so that is where we see if i can wet exit or not. It was easy, I did it like a pro.
The weather was getting overcase so we end out trip short. We get back the cabin and hang around. Stevie get a fire going in the back of his cabin and we have lunch, lot of sausages and hotdog. Adele asked me to drive the two girls, and the boyfriend home since we were coming home in the afternoon anyway.
I have to drive home on Sunday because my sister have to work on Sunday. I did not decide yet at this point if I would come in to work for a half a day or not. Turn out I did not come to work on sunday. I would really like to stay the look weekend at the Cabin and come home on July 4th.
Club Open House
We finallyhave good weather for our club openhouse. The original date was June 3 but we were rain out on that date.
I arrived early, 10AM and find that nothing is set up yet for the open house. Help Linda set up and just clean up the clubhouse. There were already a couple of college kids there, sunning on the dock as they wait for us to get the party started. I did not lead the first kayak trip out. There was one capside before they even leave the dock area. I assisted with two trips in the afternoon. The trips were two short to get the real feel of the water. The party wrap up at 4pm. All, in all a success.
I arrived early, 10AM and find that nothing is set up yet for the open house. Help Linda set up and just clean up the clubhouse. There were already a couple of college kids there, sunning on the dock as they wait for us to get the party started. I did not lead the first kayak trip out. There was one capside before they even leave the dock area. I assisted with two trips in the afternoon. The trips were two short to get the real feel of the water. The party wrap up at 4pm. All, in all a success.
A Full Training Weekend at the Lake
Friday, July 23 Assist teaching star 1. It was fun. I don't have to get wet.
Sat July 24, Assist teaching start 2. I have to demonstrate a couple of time. I hope I did the skills right.
Sunday July 25 A student in star 3. I was not as aggressive as I want to be due to fatigue from the previous two days.
Bonus of weekend - sleep in cabin with the coaches instead of the bunks with the students.
Sat July 24, Assist teaching start 2. I have to demonstrate a couple of time. I hope I did the skills right.
Sunday July 25 A student in star 3. I was not as aggressive as I want to be due to fatigue from the previous two days.
Bonus of weekend - sleep in cabin with the coaches instead of the bunks with the students.
Tuesday, June 20, 2006
Star I Class
I teaching an official Star 1 Class for the very first time on Sunday, June 18. Jennifer, Maury and Peter are also instructor. Jennifer will be the lead instructor. I drawn up lesson plan and bring printout. Jennifer and Maury Bring all the clothing and other equipments to show the class.
We arrive there at 8:30AM. Before we get a chance to set up the students started to arrived.
We spend way too much time with onland class. We rushed a bit. I feel that the students should practice more of each skills rather then rushing to teach new ones.
We arrive there at 8:30AM. Before we get a chance to set up the students started to arrived.
We spend way too much time with onland class. We rushed a bit. I feel that the students should practice more of each skills rather then rushing to teach new ones.
Saturday Open Paddle - Assistant Leader
Date:June 17, 2006
Place: J- Bay, NY
Weather Condition: Calm, light wind, high tide
Group Size :Two Trip Leaders, Two Assistant - including myself. Pete and Steve M leading. Steven and I assisting, and 14 walked in from public.
Duration: 1.5 hours
Get everyone fitted and one the water by 10:20 AM. Everyone in the groups are able body. Only on guy have problem controling his boat. We get to Bergen beach, and hang around. It was a very short trip. Get back by 12PM. There was a plan for another group trip just for conditional members but noone show up. I decided to get dry up and rest for Sunday all day kayak teaching.
Place: J- Bay, NY
Weather Condition: Calm, light wind, high tide
Group Size :Two Trip Leaders, Two Assistant - including myself. Pete and Steve M leading. Steven and I assisting, and 14 walked in from public.
Duration: 1.5 hours
Get everyone fitted and one the water by 10:20 AM. Everyone in the groups are able body. Only on guy have problem controling his boat. We get to Bergen beach, and hang around. It was a very short trip. Get back by 12PM. There was a plan for another group trip just for conditional members but noone show up. I decided to get dry up and rest for Sunday all day kayak teaching.
Sunday, June 11, 2006
Are We Home Yet.
Saturday was an interesting day. I get up at 3AM to take my sister to the Airport. Get there and back to my parent by 5AM. I take a nap in my sister's room. Get up at 8AM and drive to the club. I have a feeling that the Saturday Open Paddle would be cancel. I can feel the winds blowing my car around as I drive on the highway so I suspected that the wind will be a problem. I get a call while I drive to the club but was unable to pick up.
I did not know that the trip is official cancelled till Tony and Chris get to the club. It was a very nice day except for the bellowing wind. We can see whitecap on the bay water. We very rarely get wave in the Pauragut Bay itself. The air also smell foul from all the runoff from the runoff holding tank on the other end of the Bay. By ten o'clock we have a couple of experience paddlers around, Chris, Phil, Mike, Tony, Elizabeth, and a prospective member who biked all the way from Manhatten, and myself. We decided that it would be nice to go out and play in the wave. We get out on the water by 10:20 somthing.
We started by going up wind, toward the water treatment plant. It was hard to keep from hurling my breakfast foul smelling air enter my nose with each labor breath. We finally decide to turn around and proceed out to the bridge. We went flying with just a couple of strokes to control the both. I would not want to go over in the white milky water of the Pauragut Pay. When we get pass the bridge the water is suprisingly calm, no wave more then half a feet. The original plan was just to go pass the bridge and play in the waves a bit. Since there is no wave someone tossed out going to Mill Basin, staying on the same coast, and someone wanted to to around Canarsy Pol. We decided that it would be nice to go around the pol. I leaded everyone to th green buoy so we can cross. The wind was not a factor on the crossing.
We proceed to the western top of Canarsy Pol. There were enought wind to make it interesting but not too much of a bother. We breezed around the western tip of Canarsey Pol and went along the northern shore till we came to a good beach to make a landing. We landed, Chris handed out his bag of goodies, dry berries, Chocolates and Kisses. We were are feeling very good and feel that we can handle a bit more. Chris and Tony were thinking of going over the Ruffle bar, a small island directly north of Canarsey Pol and directly in front of our beach, and practice some rescue. Elizabeth thought that that would be taking a good thing too far. I agreed with her. I don't want to get wet. There were talk of splitting the group up, on going around the pol and another to Ruffle Bar.
It was decided that we should all to around the pol and home. I get back on my kayak first and proceed to heard to the northern tip. I get a call throught the radio from Phil, it was decided to when back the way we come. I race back to meet to where the rest of the group was, only to be told that we will be going around after all. I lead everyone out from the coast and the norther end of the marsh totrying to avoid the shallow water that run between the north shores and the marsh. I turned back after 15 minutes and notice that everyone else was hugging the shores. They were all follow Tim. I end up haveing to cut across to intercept the group. I catch up with Elizbeth and old her to hold up, then race to catch Tim. As I feared I run aground as I try to clear the marsh. I was left with only one option, I get out of my kayak and drag it out to find the narrow channel that have at least 1 feet of water. The others also have to get out of their kayaks and drag their kayaks to for 2o feets to the only part of the channel that was navigatable. I finally catch up with Tim, and inform that that I was leading. Tim do have a habit of heading off on his own.
We finally regrouped, and make the turn toward the other side of the pol. As we clear the the Eastern side we were confront by strong wind. Challenging but not impossible to paddle against. For some reason, our only guest on this trip end up getting towed by Chris. I don't know when that happen. As we turn back south the wind pick up and push us toward the pol's shores. I was having problem keeping clear of Chris and his tow. We end up landing on the beach, and the prospect of trying to launch against the wave and wind were dunting. We decided that it was easier to walk along the shores, dragging our kayak till we get somewhere closed to we have to cross. It was a good quarter mile walk through knee high water, with a small portage to get to where we are almost opposition to where we have to be.
Chris will be towing Christine across with me being the communicator and Elizabeth being the lead. It was a challenging paddle. I try to be close enough to the tow to communicate with Chris and his tow but not too close that I may run across his line. I end up being further away then I should been. Elizabeth, end up all the way on the other side of us and no where close enough where I can communicate with her if I need to. We beach again on the opposite shore to catch our breath. Elizabeth told me I need to be close to Chris. I did not reply to her comment. She was not even in sigh when we crossed.
Tony towed our guest the rest of the way to the clubhouse. It was a challenging trip. I was tied but invigorated. The next day I feel better then I thought I would. I have no sore muscle or anything.
I did not know that the trip is official cancelled till Tony and Chris get to the club. It was a very nice day except for the bellowing wind. We can see whitecap on the bay water. We very rarely get wave in the Pauragut Bay itself. The air also smell foul from all the runoff from the runoff holding tank on the other end of the Bay. By ten o'clock we have a couple of experience paddlers around, Chris, Phil, Mike, Tony, Elizabeth, and a prospective member who biked all the way from Manhatten, and myself. We decided that it would be nice to go out and play in the wave. We get out on the water by 10:20 somthing.
We started by going up wind, toward the water treatment plant. It was hard to keep from hurling my breakfast foul smelling air enter my nose with each labor breath. We finally decide to turn around and proceed out to the bridge. We went flying with just a couple of strokes to control the both. I would not want to go over in the white milky water of the Pauragut Pay. When we get pass the bridge the water is suprisingly calm, no wave more then half a feet. The original plan was just to go pass the bridge and play in the waves a bit. Since there is no wave someone tossed out going to Mill Basin, staying on the same coast, and someone wanted to to around Canarsy Pol. We decided that it would be nice to go around the pol. I leaded everyone to th green buoy so we can cross. The wind was not a factor on the crossing.
We proceed to the western top of Canarsy Pol. There were enought wind to make it interesting but not too much of a bother. We breezed around the western tip of Canarsey Pol and went along the northern shore till we came to a good beach to make a landing. We landed, Chris handed out his bag of goodies, dry berries, Chocolates and Kisses. We were are feeling very good and feel that we can handle a bit more. Chris and Tony were thinking of going over the Ruffle bar, a small island directly north of Canarsey Pol and directly in front of our beach, and practice some rescue. Elizabeth thought that that would be taking a good thing too far. I agreed with her. I don't want to get wet. There were talk of splitting the group up, on going around the pol and another to Ruffle Bar.
It was decided that we should all to around the pol and home. I get back on my kayak first and proceed to heard to the northern tip. I get a call throught the radio from Phil, it was decided to when back the way we come. I race back to meet to where the rest of the group was, only to be told that we will be going around after all. I lead everyone out from the coast and the norther end of the marsh totrying to avoid the shallow water that run between the north shores and the marsh. I turned back after 15 minutes and notice that everyone else was hugging the shores. They were all follow Tim. I end up haveing to cut across to intercept the group. I catch up with Elizbeth and old her to hold up, then race to catch Tim. As I feared I run aground as I try to clear the marsh. I was left with only one option, I get out of my kayak and drag it out to find the narrow channel that have at least 1 feet of water. The others also have to get out of their kayaks and drag their kayaks to for 2o feets to the only part of the channel that was navigatable. I finally catch up with Tim, and inform that that I was leading. Tim do have a habit of heading off on his own.
We finally regrouped, and make the turn toward the other side of the pol. As we clear the the Eastern side we were confront by strong wind. Challenging but not impossible to paddle against. For some reason, our only guest on this trip end up getting towed by Chris. I don't know when that happen. As we turn back south the wind pick up and push us toward the pol's shores. I was having problem keeping clear of Chris and his tow. We end up landing on the beach, and the prospect of trying to launch against the wave and wind were dunting. We decided that it was easier to walk along the shores, dragging our kayak till we get somewhere closed to we have to cross. It was a good quarter mile walk through knee high water, with a small portage to get to where we are almost opposition to where we have to be.
Chris will be towing Christine across with me being the communicator and Elizabeth being the lead. It was a challenging paddle. I try to be close enough to the tow to communicate with Chris and his tow but not too close that I may run across his line. I end up being further away then I should been. Elizabeth, end up all the way on the other side of us and no where close enough where I can communicate with her if I need to. We beach again on the opposite shore to catch our breath. Elizabeth told me I need to be close to Chris. I did not reply to her comment. She was not even in sigh when we crossed.
Tony towed our guest the rest of the way to the clubhouse. It was a challenging trip. I was tied but invigorated. The next day I feel better then I thought I would. I have no sore muscle or anything.
Thursday, June 01, 2006
On Water Kayake Trip Leader Workshop
Date: Saturday, 10AM to 3PM
Location: Sebago Canoe Club in Jamaica bay NYC
Condition: Slighly overcast, light wind, not wave condition.
Short summary: On land lession. Leadership qualities, and skills. Chris R. presenting material. Phil give demonstration on proper VHF procedures. On water by 11 AM. I was almost last to leave the dock due to equipment malfuntion - strayskirt used was too small for boat. Paddle to Paeragut Basin Bridge, and wait for everyone to catch up. Goes under Bridge on the right side, the make a hook around righ bank sand bar, proceed to green buoy. Chris R. fake a capside while everyone was hanging about the buoy. Susan attempt with rescue. It was a mess. Too many helpful advise. Get Chris R back in his boat, and get summary of what happen.
Chris R. In the water. Way too many people hanging around the escue. I was off to the side.
We contue on after the rescue exercise from the Green Buoy to the Red Buoy. Crossing the motor boats channel in large group is always my least favorite thing. We end up bunching up to much and cant move at all.
Location: Sebago Canoe Club in Jamaica bay NYC
Condition: Slighly overcast, light wind, not wave condition.
Short summary: On land lession. Leadership qualities, and skills. Chris R. presenting material. Phil give demonstration on proper VHF procedures. On water by 11 AM. I was almost last to leave the dock due to equipment malfuntion - strayskirt used was too small for boat. Paddle to Paeragut Basin Bridge, and wait for everyone to catch up. Goes under Bridge on the right side, the make a hook around righ bank sand bar, proceed to green buoy. Chris R. fake a capside while everyone was hanging about the buoy. Susan attempt with rescue. It was a mess. Too many helpful advise. Get Chris R back in his boat, and get summary of what happen.
Chris R. In the water. Way too many people hanging around the escue. I was off to the side.
We contue on after the rescue exercise from the Green Buoy to the Red Buoy. Crossing the motor boats channel in large group is always my least favorite thing. We end up bunching up to much and cant move at all.
Sunday, May 28, 2006
And Down the River We Went
Back Date: May 20 and 21, Sat/Sunday
Location: Hudson River. Laughoff Beacon Train stop, travel South to Bannerman Island, and back to Garrison Greek for lunch, then back to Beacon on Sat., Sunday Day on water at Sebago Lake or Hike. 5 miles. 10-15 knot head wind. 1 Feet Wave.
Last week was my first time in the water this season. The weather is in the 60's. There was a chance of thunderstorm in the evening on both days of the weekend. I left the apartment at 7AM to arrive at the Clubhouse by 7:20. There was noone at the club to help with my boat. But the roller and cradle for the kayak on my rack take a good 15 minutes, I can do it faster with more practice. Getting my 17feet kayak by myself on top of a 6 feet car roof was a challenge. I banged my boat a bit trying to manuever it into the rollers. I should have called up some of my friend at the club for help. No window was broken so all is well.
Two things worth mention about my trip up to the cabin. Run into my two favorite people at the Club, Steve and Adele. Steve hongged as they passed by me on the way the the Battery Tunnel. Othe other thing was I was not able to take the FDR Drive, don't know why but the turn off was block by the police. We drive up the Westside Highway instead. A bit show due to all the traffic lights but we get up the the GW Bridge. I take the exit for the GWB but Steve/Adele drive further up north. I beated Steve to the cabin by about 15 minutes.
I did not recognize any of the car in the parking lot. I knock on the door, there was not respond so I push the door open. Inside was two 13 years old girls, all wrapped up in blanket watching tv and having breakfast. CP is of of Pete 's children and the other girl is her best friend. But I signed in and as CP where her parent was. Only her mother is here. Her father and sister will be up later.
The rest of the gangs started to come in. In all there was 7 of us. We started off from the cabin to our laughoff site at 11AM. I get a passenger for the trip to Beacon name Beth. I didn't know Beth too well. We drive furth up river and get to the parking lot of the Beacon trainstop at 11:45. There were already other kayakers there before us from the Coldspring club and another group. Only one person from Coldspring will be going with us.
I was a bit shaky getting into my kayak, it would be the first time I have been in the kayak since last season. Almost forget that the boat do move away from the gangway when I get in. That could have been ambarrassing.
I was the first one in the water so I just paddle around as everyone else put their boat in. I lead us short down along the west bank of the Hudson River. There was not that much wave action. Nothing more then 1 feets. The were a bit of rain cloud in the sky but nothing too threatening. We raft up near where the land jarred out into the river bank (Denning Point State Park) to decide what to do next and get everyone a chance to rest. The wind was picking up a bit and change direction so that it is almost from East the West. This mean that we will have the wind mostly to our back on the way down to Bannerman Island, but in our face when I get back.
Tony, Chris and I get togethere while the rest of the group stay raft up and decided that it is better make a turn into Fishkill Greek, explore the waterfall, then come out for lunch before deciding if we want to go on th Bannerman Island.
The Fishkill rout have the advantage of reduce winds and no waves as all. Fishskill Greek lay on the west side of Denning Point State back, emptying into small bay form by the pennisula. I lead us into the bay (about 3 feets water) and under the railroad bridge (actual more like a 5 meet overpass) that lead to a small marsh and upstream. We can hear the waterfall roared when we were halfway there. I don't remember the waterfall being that strong the last time. To the side of the water fall stood a couple of buildings, probably old mills. I try to paddle up as closed to the water fall as I can but have to turn back 10 feet before the rapid. Chris and Zell (Young atletic fella - probably get his name wrong) try to go up to the rapid but have to turn back as the roaring water push them back. The rest of the group don't even try, they just come close enough to see the waterfall then turn back. I hang back to watch Chris and Zell try to fight the currents.
They turn back and catch up with me after 10 minutes. Chris was talking to Zell about edging the kayak. Zell actually try it and end up capside in 3 feet of water. Get out of his boat and stand up. By then the rest of the group was alread halfway back down stream so I asked everyone to hold up till Zell get back into his Kayak. The water was very cold due to the fact that the creek is feed by melting snow.
We left the Creek and the pay to search for a good beaching area for lunch. I end up leading us up the north shore of Denning Point to a good beach area. I would pack better lunch. As we seat for lunch we can see rain fall on the other bank of the Hudson River. No thunder. Wind was picking up and change to southernly. We decided that it is not wise to contiue south to Bannerman. Instead we went back up north to our launch site and then see if we want to continue pass that. It was a bit challenging going again the wind and I was tiring by the time we get back to Beacon. I really want to just land then but we decide to take a 15 minutes paddle pass the landing site. Nothing worth seeing. We turn back and get back to our landing site. Get the kayaks on the top of the car, and drive back to the cabin.
Peter and his oldest daughter D.P. were at the cabin. They did not get there till late in the day. We have our dinner in one of the cabin on top of the hill. It was a beautiful room, with a big fireplaces and trophies on the way, very lodgy. Conversation was ligh and interesting. I get a blinding headache so I can concentration much on the conversations but it was fun to be around people for a while.
End up sharing the club cabin with Pete and his family. My room mate end up sleeping in the forest somewhere. Which I could just as well done since both windows in my room were stuck open. It was good. It is so cold that my body head do not warm up my sleeping bag. That have never happen before. Let just say I was glad for day light just to get out of bed.
Sunday,
Get up just in time not be freeze to death. Stand around while everyone else get ready for breakfast. We drive to a dinner for breadfast. We take two cars, Pete and his family in theirs and I hitched a ride with Steve and Adele in theirs car. The car need a good bit of cleaning. I ordered my usual, Western Ormlette with Home friend and white toast. Pete and his family seat in one long table, I seat with Steve and Adele. After breakfast Steve, Adele and I stop by the grocery store to pick something up for lunch. I have a sandwich made, and get a bottle of Pepsi.
Get a bit of a stomachache when I get back to the carbin. I thinks it was from too much rich food last night. I hate using strange facility. The one at the camp ground have no privacy curtain so it was a bit uncomfortable.
Everyone was already in the water when I finally get ready. I used a club boat instead of my own because I don't want to untied my boat and get it off the car rake. We practive strokes and braces, nothing too radical. I don't want to go over. We end the day with a long paddled to the long end of the lake where Sebago Beach is to do more practice. Actually, I just watch Chris and Pete practive rolls. I still can't roll yet.
Get out of the water by 1PM. Get some lunch then pack everything for the drive back to NYC.
Location: Hudson River. Laughoff Beacon Train stop, travel South to Bannerman Island, and back to Garrison Greek for lunch, then back to Beacon on Sat., Sunday Day on water at Sebago Lake or Hike. 5 miles. 10-15 knot head wind. 1 Feet Wave.
Last week was my first time in the water this season. The weather is in the 60's. There was a chance of thunderstorm in the evening on both days of the weekend. I left the apartment at 7AM to arrive at the Clubhouse by 7:20. There was noone at the club to help with my boat. But the roller and cradle for the kayak on my rack take a good 15 minutes, I can do it faster with more practice. Getting my 17feet kayak by myself on top of a 6 feet car roof was a challenge. I banged my boat a bit trying to manuever it into the rollers. I should have called up some of my friend at the club for help. No window was broken so all is well.
Two things worth mention about my trip up to the cabin. Run into my two favorite people at the Club, Steve and Adele. Steve hongged as they passed by me on the way the the Battery Tunnel. Othe other thing was I was not able to take the FDR Drive, don't know why but the turn off was block by the police. We drive up the Westside Highway instead. A bit show due to all the traffic lights but we get up the the GW Bridge. I take the exit for the GWB but Steve/Adele drive further up north. I beated Steve to the cabin by about 15 minutes.
I did not recognize any of the car in the parking lot. I knock on the door, there was not respond so I push the door open. Inside was two 13 years old girls, all wrapped up in blanket watching tv and having breakfast. CP is of of Pete 's children and the other girl is her best friend. But I signed in and as CP where her parent was. Only her mother is here. Her father and sister will be up later.
The rest of the gangs started to come in. In all there was 7 of us. We started off from the cabin to our laughoff site at 11AM. I get a passenger for the trip to Beacon name Beth. I didn't know Beth too well. We drive furth up river and get to the parking lot of the Beacon trainstop at 11:45. There were already other kayakers there before us from the Coldspring club and another group. Only one person from Coldspring will be going with us.
I was a bit shaky getting into my kayak, it would be the first time I have been in the kayak since last season. Almost forget that the boat do move away from the gangway when I get in. That could have been ambarrassing.
I was the first one in the water so I just paddle around as everyone else put their boat in. I lead us short down along the west bank of the Hudson River. There was not that much wave action. Nothing more then 1 feets. The were a bit of rain cloud in the sky but nothing too threatening. We raft up near where the land jarred out into the river bank (Denning Point State Park) to decide what to do next and get everyone a chance to rest. The wind was picking up a bit and change direction so that it is almost from East the West. This mean that we will have the wind mostly to our back on the way down to Bannerman Island, but in our face when I get back.
Tony, Chris and I get togethere while the rest of the group stay raft up and decided that it is better make a turn into Fishkill Greek, explore the waterfall, then come out for lunch before deciding if we want to go on th Bannerman Island.
The Fishkill rout have the advantage of reduce winds and no waves as all. Fishskill Greek lay on the west side of Denning Point State back, emptying into small bay form by the pennisula. I lead us into the bay (about 3 feets water) and under the railroad bridge (actual more like a 5 meet overpass) that lead to a small marsh and upstream. We can hear the waterfall roared when we were halfway there. I don't remember the waterfall being that strong the last time. To the side of the water fall stood a couple of buildings, probably old mills. I try to paddle up as closed to the water fall as I can but have to turn back 10 feet before the rapid. Chris and Zell (Young atletic fella - probably get his name wrong) try to go up to the rapid but have to turn back as the roaring water push them back. The rest of the group don't even try, they just come close enough to see the waterfall then turn back. I hang back to watch Chris and Zell try to fight the currents.
They turn back and catch up with me after 10 minutes. Chris was talking to Zell about edging the kayak. Zell actually try it and end up capside in 3 feet of water. Get out of his boat and stand up. By then the rest of the group was alread halfway back down stream so I asked everyone to hold up till Zell get back into his Kayak. The water was very cold due to the fact that the creek is feed by melting snow.
We left the Creek and the pay to search for a good beaching area for lunch. I end up leading us up the north shore of Denning Point to a good beach area. I would pack better lunch. As we seat for lunch we can see rain fall on the other bank of the Hudson River. No thunder. Wind was picking up and change to southernly. We decided that it is not wise to contiue south to Bannerman. Instead we went back up north to our launch site and then see if we want to continue pass that. It was a bit challenging going again the wind and I was tiring by the time we get back to Beacon. I really want to just land then but we decide to take a 15 minutes paddle pass the landing site. Nothing worth seeing. We turn back and get back to our landing site. Get the kayaks on the top of the car, and drive back to the cabin.
Peter and his oldest daughter D.P. were at the cabin. They did not get there till late in the day. We have our dinner in one of the cabin on top of the hill. It was a beautiful room, with a big fireplaces and trophies on the way, very lodgy. Conversation was ligh and interesting. I get a blinding headache so I can concentration much on the conversations but it was fun to be around people for a while.
End up sharing the club cabin with Pete and his family. My room mate end up sleeping in the forest somewhere. Which I could just as well done since both windows in my room were stuck open. It was good. It is so cold that my body head do not warm up my sleeping bag. That have never happen before. Let just say I was glad for day light just to get out of bed.
Sunday,
Get up just in time not be freeze to death. Stand around while everyone else get ready for breakfast. We drive to a dinner for breadfast. We take two cars, Pete and his family in theirs and I hitched a ride with Steve and Adele in theirs car. The car need a good bit of cleaning. I ordered my usual, Western Ormlette with Home friend and white toast. Pete and his family seat in one long table, I seat with Steve and Adele. After breakfast Steve, Adele and I stop by the grocery store to pick something up for lunch. I have a sandwich made, and get a bottle of Pepsi.
Get a bit of a stomachache when I get back to the carbin. I thinks it was from too much rich food last night. I hate using strange facility. The one at the camp ground have no privacy curtain so it was a bit uncomfortable.
Everyone was already in the water when I finally get ready. I used a club boat instead of my own because I don't want to untied my boat and get it off the car rake. We practive strokes and braces, nothing too radical. I don't want to go over. We end the day with a long paddled to the long end of the lake where Sebago Beach is to do more practice. Actually, I just watch Chris and Pete practive rolls. I still can't roll yet.
Get out of the water by 1PM. Get some lunch then pack everything for the drive back to NYC.
Tuesday, March 21, 2006
Kayak Committee Meeting Summary
Get to the Club at 1:30 Pm on Sunday for the Sea Kayak Committee meeting. The meeting is schedule to start at 2:30PM. I arrived early hoping that the repair that I did on my boat on Saturday finally harden so that I can sand and do the finishing work on it. After greeting Steve, Jen, Pete and a couple of other clubmembers that were already there I finally get around to taking my boat out to be inspected. It was commented right away that the repair was done incorrectly by MB, who have very expensive fiberglass repair experiences. It was confirm that the release film should have been apply for smooth surface so that sanding would be unnecessary but it can still be fix with lot of sanding if the the repair harden. It was dry to the touch but not hard so the sanding will have to wait till the weather get better.
Meeting start promptly at about 2:45PM, which is not bad by the club standard of promptness. We have a good mix of people, filling out the whole clubroom. We start off with each person standing up and introducing ourself. I was almost the last person on the rotation. My intro was fast, just name, years with club and training. There were enough long winded intro from other members so I am sure everyone was glad for the short intro.
Classes for this season were goes over and discuss. We will having a couple on intro to kayaking classes at the clubhouse in Jamaica Bay which I would like to voluntee to teach since I do have coach 1 certification to teach intro to kayaking. I would be fun and give my practice on coaching. There will also be formal teaching of Star 1, 2 and 3 at the cabin at the lake upstate. I would like to voluntee to help out on 1,2 and take 3 over again before getting certify for 3. I will have to talk to Anne or Tom about that. Just send him an email in fact.
Next up for discussion is the biggest part of our kayaking program, the Open Paddle on Wednesday and Saturday. Hopefully we will be a bit more organize that last summer. I voluntee to assist two paddles (Jun 1o, Aug 15) and co-lead two paddles (Jul1 and Aug 5). We will also have more challenging paddle for conditional clubmember. Yahoo!!! I will look forward to that.
There rest of the discussion is standard safety stuffs that just drag on and on. I blanked out so really can't say much about the detail discussed.
Meeting breakup at 4:30 so it was relative short and informative.
See you all on the water.
Meeting start promptly at about 2:45PM, which is not bad by the club standard of promptness. We have a good mix of people, filling out the whole clubroom. We start off with each person standing up and introducing ourself. I was almost the last person on the rotation. My intro was fast, just name, years with club and training. There were enough long winded intro from other members so I am sure everyone was glad for the short intro.
Classes for this season were goes over and discuss. We will having a couple on intro to kayaking classes at the clubhouse in Jamaica Bay which I would like to voluntee to teach since I do have coach 1 certification to teach intro to kayaking. I would be fun and give my practice on coaching. There will also be formal teaching of Star 1, 2 and 3 at the cabin at the lake upstate. I would like to voluntee to help out on 1,2 and take 3 over again before getting certify for 3. I will have to talk to Anne or Tom about that. Just send him an email in fact.
Next up for discussion is the biggest part of our kayaking program, the Open Paddle on Wednesday and Saturday. Hopefully we will be a bit more organize that last summer. I voluntee to assist two paddles (Jun 1o, Aug 15) and co-lead two paddles (Jul1 and Aug 5). We will also have more challenging paddle for conditional clubmember. Yahoo!!! I will look forward to that.
There rest of the discussion is standard safety stuffs that just drag on and on. I blanked out so really can't say much about the detail discussed.
Meeting breakup at 4:30 so it was relative short and informative.
See you all on the water.
Preparing For New kayak Season
Get to the Club on Saturday to do some repair on my kayak. I had inflicted some damage to the fiberclass gelcoat last summer from all the fail attempt at Eskimo Roll. There were already people hard at work on the club ground when I get there. The usual people, the gardening commitee people digging up holes for Spring plantings, and moving dirt and rock from on place to another.
This Saturday Andy organized a gelcoat repair workshop. I was not told who else was coming so was surprise to learn that only three other people are interest in learning how to fix fiberglass boat. Tony help me carry my kayak into the clubhouse where a fire is buying in the stove for heat. I get down to sanding my two areas in need of repair.
Tony kayak already insider the club on makeshift stand. There was really no repair need on Tony's Kayak except for a stratch on the bow. In no time at all he was ready to apply the gelcoat.
Andy bought a fiberglass gelcoat repair kit with all sort of color so that we can use it on any boat that need to be repair. There was a bit of guessing and rereading of the instructions before the color and gelcoat were mix. In their enthusiasm to get the work done, Tony and Andy forget to mix in the hardener that would cure the gelcoat so the repair area have to be clean out. The question of how much hardener to add to the mix was the most difficult part of the repair. It was decided that 3 drops should be enough, given the kit requirement of 6 drop for every tablespoon of gelcoat mix. Apparantly that was not enough because the gelcoat did not harden in the 1 hour waiting time.
Below are picture of repair on my boat. My gelcoat also did not harden in the 2 hours that we waitied for it to harden. Andy speculated that the temperature was too cold for it to harden properly. I think that we did not put enough hardener in the mix and didnot cover the repair area with the release film provided by the kit. I did not agree with Andy instruction on how to goes about mixing and applying the gelcoat. I thought that the film should be apply to provided an air tight seal for the gelcoat to harden but Andy say we don't need it. I may have to take out this repair and redo it when the weather get better.
This Saturday Andy organized a gelcoat repair workshop. I was not told who else was coming so was surprise to learn that only three other people are interest in learning how to fix fiberglass boat. Tony help me carry my kayak into the clubhouse where a fire is buying in the stove for heat. I get down to sanding my two areas in need of repair.
Tony kayak already insider the club on makeshift stand. There was really no repair need on Tony's Kayak except for a stratch on the bow. In no time at all he was ready to apply the gelcoat.
Andy bought a fiberglass gelcoat repair kit with all sort of color so that we can use it on any boat that need to be repair. There was a bit of guessing and rereading of the instructions before the color and gelcoat were mix. In their enthusiasm to get the work done, Tony and Andy forget to mix in the hardener that would cure the gelcoat so the repair area have to be clean out. The question of how much hardener to add to the mix was the most difficult part of the repair. It was decided that 3 drops should be enough, given the kit requirement of 6 drop for every tablespoon of gelcoat mix. Apparantly that was not enough because the gelcoat did not harden in the 1 hour waiting time.
Below are picture of repair on my boat. My gelcoat also did not harden in the 2 hours that we waitied for it to harden. Andy speculated that the temperature was too cold for it to harden properly. I think that we did not put enough hardener in the mix and didnot cover the repair area with the release film provided by the kit. I did not agree with Andy instruction on how to goes about mixing and applying the gelcoat. I thought that the film should be apply to provided an air tight seal for the gelcoat to harden but Andy say we don't need it. I may have to take out this repair and redo it when the weather get better.
Thursday, January 05, 2006
Club Budget
Went to the Club board meeting yesterday. I arrived a bit lates because i did not get home till 6:30 and had to drive to JW's house. JW is the Commodore of the Club. I get there at about 7:45PM.
All the other members of the board were already there. I walked in righ in the middle a proposal for 500 dollars for the canoe committee. I abtained from that vote since I don't hear enough about the proposal. The rest of the meeting went smoothly. Get into long discussion about how to put out our club magazine. We have been having problem getting the magazine out on time due to turn over. I don't have an experienced at all writting or publishing so the discussion is a bit over my head.
I vote in the affirmative on most of the motion, nothing to object to. I just don't know enough about the working of the club to really have a position. Get to asked more question.
All the other members of the board were already there. I walked in righ in the middle a proposal for 500 dollars for the canoe committee. I abtained from that vote since I don't hear enough about the proposal. The rest of the meeting went smoothly. Get into long discussion about how to put out our club magazine. We have been having problem getting the magazine out on time due to turn over. I don't have an experienced at all writting or publishing so the discussion is a bit over my head.
I vote in the affirmative on most of the motion, nothing to object to. I just don't know enough about the working of the club to really have a position. Get to asked more question.
Tuesday, December 27, 2005
Update on nothing
No kayaking since that last windy day expedition. I did received a couple of calls from fanatics who want company for a couple of trips since, but I wisely remain silence to their calls. I can' get myself out of bed in these cold December morning much less go kayaking. Nothing to report here except for internal politic of a small kayaking club. I try to distance myself from the polically going on of the club but it hard when I seat on the Board of Directors. Thank God I opted only for a one year term. I won't bored you with the monthly's Board meeting, needless to say it was a waste of 4 hours and driving home late at night.
Sunday, November 13, 2005
Figh Waves and Wind
I went kayaking today. I seriously thought that there was a change I won't make it back home alive. It was wild. Winds and waves pick up as we paddle back home. I paddles with every once of my strenght but still unable to make any headway.
We launched from the clubhouse at 10AM, there were six of us, all experienced kayakers. There were Peter, Steve, Stevie, Chris, Tony, and myself. I get on a farmer John wetsuit, with cyling undershirt, and fleeces underneight a dry top. I also wear my watershoe. It was hot underneight all the clothing.
We went out to Raffle Bar, make a short landing to stretch, then decide to the north of the marsh and hook around to visit the Rockaway 9/11 Memorial. It was a bit dixy even then. We ran into weird wave and high wind as we approach the sea wall. I was so glad when we finally get there. The Memorial have brick pathway, flowers garden and several convenience stores near by. I did not brough any food with me. Big mistake. I get dry fruit and M&M from Chris. Jen and Maury stop by. They see me walk to the near by gas station garbage can. They do not know we would be there. Jen and Maury were in the area looking a a sofa. It was a big coincidences.
We started home at about 2PM. We kayaked along the Rockaway Seawall, hiding from the wind and wave. But the way only take us so far, we proceed west, bringing us into the wind and wave. It was changing just to keep the boat pointing in the right direction. I was tire the first 30 minutes into the return journey. We managed to get to the southern side of raffle bar, we land there again to rest and take bathroom break. The tides were coming in, so our boat keep on floating away from the beach. After much discussion we decide instead of going to the far end of Canarsie Pol western tip we decide to cut to the closer eastern tip, hoping to get away from the wind and waves as we went on the lee side. It was rough trying to get to Canarsie Pol.
Tony capsided. I was near by but was unable to fight the wave and wind to get to him. Chris and Steve get him back in his boat. We did proceed to the eastern top and around. Steve was way ahead of the whole back. I was very frustrated that I am not able to close the gap between myself and the leader, Steve. Steve seem to just power on as I fight with all my strenght to control my boat.
I was very angry that Steve is setting of by himself with out consider condition of the rest of us. On the last leg to the Paeraget Bridge, I was haveing alot of difficulties seeing because the sun was setting in my face, so all I can see was the shadow of Chris and Steve pulling away then disappear while I am still in the motor boat channel. I don't know what I would have done if there was a motorboat that I have to deal with. I start to developed stomach gramp as I try all I can to fight the winds. I thought serously that I may have to beach and rest before proceed the last couple hundred of feet to the club's dock. We get back to dock by 4:30 PM.
I just soak in a hot bath to make to pain go away. Every muscle aches. It was challenging. I was not expecting it to be that hard and frankly was a bit out of shape for that kind of trip. I don't know if I would do it again, espectually in the cold water
14 miles
6 hours
15-20 winds
2-3 foot wave
We launched from the clubhouse at 10AM, there were six of us, all experienced kayakers. There were Peter, Steve, Stevie, Chris, Tony, and myself. I get on a farmer John wetsuit, with cyling undershirt, and fleeces underneight a dry top. I also wear my watershoe. It was hot underneight all the clothing.
We went out to Raffle Bar, make a short landing to stretch, then decide to the north of the marsh and hook around to visit the Rockaway 9/11 Memorial. It was a bit dixy even then. We ran into weird wave and high wind as we approach the sea wall. I was so glad when we finally get there. The Memorial have brick pathway, flowers garden and several convenience stores near by. I did not brough any food with me. Big mistake. I get dry fruit and M&M from Chris. Jen and Maury stop by. They see me walk to the near by gas station garbage can. They do not know we would be there. Jen and Maury were in the area looking a a sofa. It was a big coincidences.
We started home at about 2PM. We kayaked along the Rockaway Seawall, hiding from the wind and wave. But the way only take us so far, we proceed west, bringing us into the wind and wave. It was changing just to keep the boat pointing in the right direction. I was tire the first 30 minutes into the return journey. We managed to get to the southern side of raffle bar, we land there again to rest and take bathroom break. The tides were coming in, so our boat keep on floating away from the beach. After much discussion we decide instead of going to the far end of Canarsie Pol western tip we decide to cut to the closer eastern tip, hoping to get away from the wind and waves as we went on the lee side. It was rough trying to get to Canarsie Pol.
Tony capsided. I was near by but was unable to fight the wave and wind to get to him. Chris and Steve get him back in his boat. We did proceed to the eastern top and around. Steve was way ahead of the whole back. I was very frustrated that I am not able to close the gap between myself and the leader, Steve. Steve seem to just power on as I fight with all my strenght to control my boat.
I was very angry that Steve is setting of by himself with out consider condition of the rest of us. On the last leg to the Paeraget Bridge, I was haveing alot of difficulties seeing because the sun was setting in my face, so all I can see was the shadow of Chris and Steve pulling away then disappear while I am still in the motor boat channel. I don't know what I would have done if there was a motorboat that I have to deal with. I start to developed stomach gramp as I try all I can to fight the winds. I thought serously that I may have to beach and rest before proceed the last couple hundred of feet to the club's dock. We get back to dock by 4:30 PM.
I just soak in a hot bath to make to pain go away. Every muscle aches. It was challenging. I was not expecting it to be that hard and frankly was a bit out of shape for that kind of trip. I don't know if I would do it again, espectually in the cold water
14 miles
6 hours
15-20 winds
2-3 foot wave
Sunday, October 30, 2005
Going up the River
If last year was any indication, this will be my last kayaking trip of the season before the water get too cold. The long awaited Fall Folliage trip up the Hudson strip come at last. This year we are doing thing a bit differencely. We are not taking the trailer up so all the boat would have to be cartop. I get to the club at 8AM on the dot, meeting 4 other people there. Stevie, Tony, Michael and Tom are already there loading up the boat.
We get everything loaded up and left at 8:45AM. Tony give Michael a left up to the lauch site at Atlantic Kayak in the Peekskill, across from Bear Mountain. Tony have his own route up there that I am not familiar with so I did not follow him. Me, Pete and Stevie left a couple of minutes after Tony did. We went straight up Flatbush to Brooklyn Bridge. I never understand why Pete always insist on cutting through the local street, through all the stoplights and double parked cars when we could have just went on the highway. Needless to say we were the last to arrive, by at least 30 minutes if not more.
We unload and change at AKT. Atlantic is tour and kayaking training outfit that we have extend and good relationship with. We were in the water by 11:30. I was a bit uncertain when I side down the lauch slot at the dock. I have not be in my kayak for almost a month.
Contrary to weather report there was not gale force wind. It is too bad that the false report lead to so may cancelation. Tony, who organized the trip expected at least 20 people to come but all toget only 7 people actually show up. Beside the 5 of us that come up from Sebago, there is Josh - a new member I have not meet till today, and Hally(don't know if that her actual name)-nice lady. We paddled down river along the cost till the red buoy, cross that and went along the coast to the foot of Bear Mountain Bridge. On the other side is a railroad bridge. We went under it and come across to a quiet brook. We paddled up the brook, under a suspended foot bridge and further upriver under another highway bridge till we get to a loud, raging rapid. Further up pass that rapid is the water fall that we come all the way down the rive to see. It was an impressive site but we can't get close enough to see it. The running water and no landing site force us to go back down river to find landable site for lunch. We Come back to the footbridge anchorage to find a place to beach. The only place was not ideal but just barely doable. I cringe when I though of the dange that the rocks could do to my delicated boat(problem with have a pretty fiberglass boat).
We landed, and sit down for lunch next to the bridge ramp when Tony come up and make us repack our lunch. We were made to walk up a steep hill bath(with water running down on part of it) to a hold fort, Frt Mongomery and Frt Clinton. There was not much of a fort. We walk up to the present day wooden platform with on big cannon and two smaller cannon. It do not do the site justice. From the randering, the fort was much more impressive then the historic recontraction show. We have lunch there, most of the crop sitting on the rock next the the platform. I used the platform itself as my table, take off my water boots and drain out the water. I am glad that I brough hot tea. It was cold after the heat of paddle wear off.
After lunch we paddle back, retracing our routes. I did lead us into a couple of turn off just to see where it would goes. Nothing interesting. We get back to AKT by 3:30PM. We change and load up our boats. Tony make reservation for dinner at a local dinner at 5:45PM so we have time to waste. AKT also run a store so we were were 7 adults in a candy store. I manage to just get two essential items, a paddled keeper and a sponge - $40.05. The dinner was just around the traffic circle. I get there without and mishap - I hate traffic circle.
We get everything loaded up and left at 8:45AM. Tony give Michael a left up to the lauch site at Atlantic Kayak in the Peekskill, across from Bear Mountain. Tony have his own route up there that I am not familiar with so I did not follow him. Me, Pete and Stevie left a couple of minutes after Tony did. We went straight up Flatbush to Brooklyn Bridge. I never understand why Pete always insist on cutting through the local street, through all the stoplights and double parked cars when we could have just went on the highway. Needless to say we were the last to arrive, by at least 30 minutes if not more.
We unload and change at AKT. Atlantic is tour and kayaking training outfit that we have extend and good relationship with. We were in the water by 11:30. I was a bit uncertain when I side down the lauch slot at the dock. I have not be in my kayak for almost a month.
Contrary to weather report there was not gale force wind. It is too bad that the false report lead to so may cancelation. Tony, who organized the trip expected at least 20 people to come but all toget only 7 people actually show up. Beside the 5 of us that come up from Sebago, there is Josh - a new member I have not meet till today, and Hally(don't know if that her actual name)-nice lady. We paddled down river along the cost till the red buoy, cross that and went along the coast to the foot of Bear Mountain Bridge. On the other side is a railroad bridge. We went under it and come across to a quiet brook. We paddled up the brook, under a suspended foot bridge and further upriver under another highway bridge till we get to a loud, raging rapid. Further up pass that rapid is the water fall that we come all the way down the rive to see. It was an impressive site but we can't get close enough to see it. The running water and no landing site force us to go back down river to find landable site for lunch. We Come back to the footbridge anchorage to find a place to beach. The only place was not ideal but just barely doable. I cringe when I though of the dange that the rocks could do to my delicated boat(problem with have a pretty fiberglass boat).
We landed, and sit down for lunch next to the bridge ramp when Tony come up and make us repack our lunch. We were made to walk up a steep hill bath(with water running down on part of it) to a hold fort, Frt Mongomery and Frt Clinton. There was not much of a fort. We walk up to the present day wooden platform with on big cannon and two smaller cannon. It do not do the site justice. From the randering, the fort was much more impressive then the historic recontraction show. We have lunch there, most of the crop sitting on the rock next the the platform. I used the platform itself as my table, take off my water boots and drain out the water. I am glad that I brough hot tea. It was cold after the heat of paddle wear off.
After lunch we paddle back, retracing our routes. I did lead us into a couple of turn off just to see where it would goes. Nothing interesting. We get back to AKT by 3:30PM. We change and load up our boats. Tony make reservation for dinner at a local dinner at 5:45PM so we have time to waste. AKT also run a store so we were were 7 adults in a candy store. I manage to just get two essential items, a paddled keeper and a sponge - $40.05. The dinner was just around the traffic circle. I get there without and mishap - I hate traffic circle.
Thursday, October 27, 2005
Thursday, July 14, 2005
Saturday Trip
Last Saturday July 9, 2005.
Place: Jaimaca Bay (Gateway National Park and Recreation Center)
Launch at Clubhouse dock.
Group consist of mostly semi experience paddler. Three minors on trips, Pete's son and daughter and Betty's kid.
Highlight:
Wind pick up a bit, and the wave is starting to form. We goes east along the coast, pass Canarsie Pier, and to a small inlet. A couple of people stay back at the beach before the inlet while the rest went in. It was uneventful.
I am bore and need a challenge, new sceneries and all that. We be in Connecticut on Saturday. Should be a nice paddle.
Need to work on the format of these log.
Tuesday, July 05, 2005
Summary
July 4 -2005 Went for paddle at 10:30AM. Was to meet up with Steve, Adele and other to practice basis skill. Arrive let and group already left. Make out on my own. Attempt to contact group on radio without success. Proceed along northern shore, heading west to Floyd Bennitt Field. Crossing Mill Basin Motor Boat Channel was hair-rising due to increase boat traffic in preparation for Independent Day and high wind and wave. Return to Club house by 1PM. Steve, Adele, Joy and Ally were already back. They kayaked out to where I thought they would go. Steve turn off his radio so he did not hear my radio call.
PM. Return to club house at 7PM for Kayak out to see firework. Joy and Adele decided not to go out. Only Steve and I will to out. Left dock at 8:30, and paddle across channel. Ride a couple of large wake from motorboat. Stop off on western point of Canarsie Pol to watch sunset and firework. Left Canarsie Pol to proceed back to club at 9PM. Raft up on norther side of boat channel to watch firework. Wind came down by 9:30.
July 3- 2005 Special sunday paddle. Start at 1:30PM. Member of Coldspring Kayak Club come down for paddle. Wind and wave conditions forced change in plan. Instead of cutting across motorboat channel to Canarsie Pol andRuffle Bar, we hug along coast, and proceed to Mill Basin. Paddle get rough at time, with wave up to 2 feets, and against wind. Paddle lead with Yvonne, due to the fact that she do not have VHF radio. Keeping a large group together in rough weather can be a challenge. Get back at 5PM.
July 2-2005 Assistant leader for Saturday Open Paddle. 5 Sebago members and 14 walkin. One capside. Rescue by George Sulliven - group leader. Uneventful otherwise.
Jun 28-2005 Take First Aid and CPR at North America Red Cross in Manhatten. Passed.
Jun 24-25-26
Take Star 2 as refresher.
Take Star 3 workshop - No accessment.
Take Canoe Safety - Pass
June 22
First night paddle. Was supposed to be group paddle moonlight paddle. Group paddle cancel due to uncertain weather. Weather turn out ok. Proceed out solo. Uneventful. No moon due to cloud.
Jun 11-Jun 12
Take Coach I at Atlantic Kayak Tours in the Catskill. Certified with requirement that certificate for Star 2 be send to AKT in 30 days, and need to take and pass First Aid/CPR and Canoe Safety.
PM. Return to club house at 7PM for Kayak out to see firework. Joy and Adele decided not to go out. Only Steve and I will to out. Left dock at 8:30, and paddle across channel. Ride a couple of large wake from motorboat. Stop off on western point of Canarsie Pol to watch sunset and firework. Left Canarsie Pol to proceed back to club at 9PM. Raft up on norther side of boat channel to watch firework. Wind came down by 9:30.
July 3- 2005 Special sunday paddle. Start at 1:30PM. Member of Coldspring Kayak Club come down for paddle. Wind and wave conditions forced change in plan. Instead of cutting across motorboat channel to Canarsie Pol andRuffle Bar, we hug along coast, and proceed to Mill Basin. Paddle get rough at time, with wave up to 2 feets, and against wind. Paddle lead with Yvonne, due to the fact that she do not have VHF radio. Keeping a large group together in rough weather can be a challenge. Get back at 5PM.
July 2-2005 Assistant leader for Saturday Open Paddle. 5 Sebago members and 14 walkin. One capside. Rescue by George Sulliven - group leader. Uneventful otherwise.
Jun 28-2005 Take First Aid and CPR at North America Red Cross in Manhatten. Passed.
Jun 24-25-26
Take Star 2 as refresher.
Take Star 3 workshop - No accessment.
Take Canoe Safety - Pass
June 22
First night paddle. Was supposed to be group paddle moonlight paddle. Group paddle cancel due to uncertain weather. Weather turn out ok. Proceed out solo. Uneventful. No moon due to cloud.
Jun 11-Jun 12
Take Coach I at Atlantic Kayak Tours in the Catskill. Certified with requirement that certificate for Star 2 be send to AKT in 30 days, and need to take and pass First Aid/CPR and Canoe Safety.
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