Genesee Valley Chapter
Adirondack Mountain Club

Trip Leaders - Liability release forms are available here. Return the completed forms to Charlie. You can file your trip report on-line here for the Geneseean and the web. Thanks.

Return to 2008 Trip Reports and Pictures

Let's have some pictures!

November 11
Sunday

Canadice Lake - Photos by Charlie

   

With a last minute change of plans last night I decided to lead a paddle on Canadice Lake today. Due to the time I notified everyone I thought I may paddle alone...but we ended up with a total of seven paddlers! As with all the lakes....the water level was extremely low. But we had beautiful weather with a brisk southerly wind. This made our trip to the north end very pleasant but when we turned to head south we were directly into a fairly strong head wind. We worked our way to the half way point, approximately accross from the boat launch and broke for lunch. After lunch we said goodbye to a few of the paddlers who had enough of the wind while the rest of us continued to the south end. When we headed back north again we were glad the wind was now behind us.
We had a number of bird sightings.....some duck.....a hawk of some sort on the north end, plenty of seagulls and Canadian Geese and a wonderful adult mature bald eagle.
Pretty nice overall for mid-November! Thanks to all who participated.
Trip leader - Charlie Helman

October 20
Saturday

Genesee River from Charlotte - Photos by Sally

   

Today we organized a joint paddle with the waterways and younger members. I think everyone thought this was the last chance for paddling or something because we had 24 people participate. . . . what a crowd. . . . a floatilla of canoes and kayaks. The weather cooperated with us as we only had a few raindrops hear and there, although it was quite windy. The wind was blowing from the south so we had to paddle into the wind as well as the current all the way to what we call, Seth Green Island. . . . just north of the lower falls. There we took a long break for lunch before heading back to the boat launch. It took between 2.5 to 3 hours to get to the island and a little over a hour getting back.
Lots of firsts, we joined forces with Baycreek as they provided rental boats and gear to four of the younger members and congradulations to Doug & Sue on their inagural run with their new kayaks.
Overall a nice paddle . . . . huge group. . .for late October. . . . thanks all!
Trip leader - Charlie Helman

October 14
Sunday

Skaneateles Lake
We had nine people in eight boats today for my annual trek to this beautiful fingerlake. It was great to have a number of non-"regular" paddlers on todays trip. In fact out of the nine people only three are what I would consider regular participants. We headed north from the boat launch into a brisk wind that created some wave action but nothing serious. It was a short three mile paddle north where we stopped along side the town pier for our lunch break. After lunch we surfed our way south on the eastern side before making our crossing back to the boat launch.
The weather held up for us and the sun actually broke out as the afternoon progressed.
We noticed that the water which is a bluish-green is by far the clearest of all the fingerlakes. . . . it was also about four feet below the normal level.
Boy it is sure getting scary on these lakes. If we do not get the normal amount of snowfall this winter we are going to have to put! balloon tires on our kayaks
THANKS TO ALL WHO PARTICIPATED!
Trip leader - Charlie Helman

October 6
Saturday

Hemlock Lake
We had another wonderful day of paddling. The weather started out hot and about the time we broke for lunch we had a passing shower. Afterwards it was not only hot. . . . but sticky. I think the majority of us wanted to break the law and go for a swim. . .but we behaved. The paddle was quite relaxing as we had two canoes and five kayaks paddle accross and down the western side of the lake. The water level in the lake was probably the lowest any of us has ever seen. We were treated to a view of the spectacular eagles. . . . .four of them danced across the sky as we paddled along below. . . .
Trip leader - Charlie Helman

September 29

West River, Naples - Photos by Sally

   

It was time for my annual trek to the West River in Naples. . . . We were shocked to see that the water level in Canandaigua Lake was quite low. . . . .one of the lowest levels I have seen in years. we paddled up the right fork of the West River and almost made it up to the turn where West and Naples Creek intersect. . . . okay, so we had to pole our way accross the shallow channel!
We finally could go no further so we headed back towards the lake and then went up the left channel. . . . . . much better. . . . plenty of water. We meandered our way up to the last bridge and broke for lunch. After lunch I had to make a decision to return since I had promised everyone that I would keep the paddle to the three to three and a half hours that I had published the paddle for originally. . . . bummer! I wanted to keep exploring and enjoying the water. . .but it is better to return so that I have people to paddle with on other days. . . . .
We had a couple of first time paddlers for this group. . . . Great!
Trip leader - Charlie Helman

September 25

Tuesday at the Beach - Photos by Sally

   

Tuesday night at the beach. . . . six of us headed out into the lake at 6 pm and headed west. . . . when we started the water seemed calm but the closer we got to the river the tricker the water got. . . . .westerly winds added some waves although not very big.
Since the sun was expected to go down around 7:30 the paddle was short. We turned around and headed back towards the beach. The sun set quickly and nothing fancy. . . . but the moon rise and paddle back to the beach was awsome! Check out the wonderful pictures that Sally took. . . . .quite amazing again. . . . .Thanks to all.
Trip leader - Charlie Helman

September 18

Tuesday at the Beach - Photos by Sally

   

Trip leader - Mark Rakestraw.

Sept 15
Saturday

Irondequoit Creek and Bay Cleanup - Photos by Steve

   

Today we participated in the National Waterways Clean-up Day. We had 26 people participate . . . what a wonderful turnout! With the help of Baycreek Paddlesports who donated a number of canoes (6 boats!) we all set out to clean the waterways. We had two groups head up the creek towards Ellison Park and another group head out into the bay. When we returned we had accumulated over 1000 pounds of garbage! Tires . . . including a couple of truck tires, bottles, rubber rafts, jugs of motor oil, plywood, fishing lures, cans, recycle bins were all part of what we hauled back to Baycreek and their dumpster.
Thanks to Baycreek for there support and most of all . . . thanks to everyone who participated . . . this has been the most successful turnout I have had so far!
Afterwards the majority of the group headed to Charlie Ridels for lunch.
Trip leader - Charlie Helman

Sept 11
Tuesday

Tuesday at the Beach
Kowabunga! . . . . Surfs up! Tonight we had 3 to 5 foot waves on the lake coming from the northwest. Our group decided to take advantage of this rough stuff and use it as a practice night. We paddled numerous times out into the lake from the Irondequoit Bay outlet directly into the waves before turning around and surfing back to the outlet. Based upon the look on everyones face and the comments that were made afterwards we all had a blast and it was a great experience for all of us.
Trip leaders - Charlie Helman and Mark Rakestraw.

Sept 8
Saturday
8:00 AM

Erie Canal from Ayrault Road - Photos by Steve

   

Trip leader - Peg Warrick

August 30
Thursday

Black Creek
Well . . . the weather kept away most paddlers on our second vendor participation night but eight brave paddlers stuck it out. We had four ADk'rs and four people from EMS as we paddled up Black Creek. I was quite surprised that we were able to paddle as far as we did . . . two miles up the creek before returning to the boat launch. The weather turned out great . . . the clouds cleared and we had blue skies for the duration of the return trip. We planned it perfectly to arrive back at the launch . . . loaded our boats as the sun set and the bugs arrived . . .
Trip leader - Charlie Helman

August 26
Sunday

Conesus Lake paddle
We had three paddlers who were determined to have fun. First we struggled to find the boat launch since there was a detour within a couple of 100 yards of the launch site. Then the skies were overcast and the temperature was cool. . the three of us set out along the western shore of the lake. . we were able to enjoy the lake pretty much to ourselves all the way down to the south end as the powerboaters seemed to shy away from the water. Conesus Lake is unique in that there is a state park on the western shore and a state boat launch on the eastern shore both about 1/2 way down the lake. this worked out great as we were able to have planned stops at 1/4 of the lake intervals.
The weather cleared in the afternoon for our return trip and it actually got pretty warm out. . beautiful weather! The three of us kept up a pretty good pace and at the finish my new GPS recorded 18 miles at a pace of 4 MPH. A great tool the GPS. . now when someone asks me I can tell them exact mileage instead of telling them its just around the next bend!
Trip leader - Charlie Helman.

Aug 16-19
Intermediate

Sea Kayaking the St Lawrence Seaway

   

Photos by Sue Green

   

Photos by Luann Mongelli

Trip leaders - Jim Bird & Gary Dewitt

August 12

Sodus Bay - Photos by Sally

   

Trip leader - Chuck Murzin.

August 9
Thursday

Irondequoit Creek - Photos by Steve (and Don)

   

When life has been a zoo (which it has been) I like to get out on Irondequoit Creek and clear my head. So that's what Don and I did this evening. The two of us had a lovely, rainy evening paddle on the quiet (and shallow!) creek. We finally ran out of water just below the Browncroft Bridge.
Trip leader - Steve Tryon

August 6
Tuesday

Daytrippers on Hemlock Lake - Photos by Rebecca

   

The Daytrippers all met at Twin Cedars Pond at the DEC Region 8 site on Monday, August 6th, as planned. The pond was fairly full of duck weed. There were some colorful fish near shore that looked like baby rainbow trout. The interpretive center has been non-functional since losing their educational specialist.
After assessing the situation, our group decided to head down the road to Hemlock Lake. It was a cloud covered day with some moderate wind, but was a pleasure to enjoy a quick paddle on our beautiful Hemlock Lake.
The Spring would probably be the best time to go back to paddle and enjoy Twin Cedars Pond. Enjoy the rest of the summer. Watch the paddle schedule for more Daytripper events.
I head south to visit family in Lexington, Ky and Cincinnati, Ohio and then back to work - where did the summer go? Thanks to everyone who paddled with me and our group. It was one of the highlights of my summer.
Trip leader - Rebecca Ledwin

August 2
Thursday

Erie Canal from Ayrault Road to Fairport - Photos by Steve

 

We paddled a lovely stretch of the canal. It was a hot day, with temperatures in the 95F range, but quite pleasant on the water. We had six boats, seven paddlers, and one dog, who was far more interested in the sticks floating by than the ducks. We listened in on the concert in the park as we paddled past the Fairport bandstand. We topped off the evening with the obligatory ice-cream stop.
And as a reminder to all, PFDs are required to be worn and secured any time we are on the water, not just when the negligent trip leader catches up and explains the rule to the newcomer. That one was my fault, not hers.
Trip leader - Steve

July 31
Tuesday

Tuesday at the Beach - Photos by Sally

   

Trip leader - Mark

July 30
Monday

Daytrippers on West River Marsh - Photos by Rebecca and Neil

   

   

The paddle on West River Marsh on the south end of Canandaigua was serene. We had perfect weather and a great group. The Daytrippers paddled through West River Marsh to the old railroad tracks. We took a small outlet on the way back that went through a beautifully wooded, flowering area. The surrounding Bristol Hills were stunning against the lake on such a clear day. Several of us made the trip to Monica Pies, bringing back delicious chicken & berry pies. The small ice cream store near the boat launch delighted us before heading home. A truly lovely start to the week.
Trip leader - Rebecca Ledwin

July 29
Sunday

Keuka Lake West Branch - Photos by Sally

   

We started our morning off with dense fog which actually helped us as the day progressed. Since it took so long for the fog to burn off a good portion of our trip was sheltered from the heat of the sun. We had six paddlers set out from the fishing access boat launch in Branchport.
As we paddled down the western shore all I kept on hearing was how much further to the lunch spot? And my reply . . . its just around the next bend. We finally made it to the turn point and our lunch break. As we landed at the lunch break spot we all witnessed the gracefulness of Sally as she got out of her boat! Too bad she was the only one with the camera . . . it was a classic . . . After lunch we headed accross the lake and back up the other side of the Branchport fork.
I am not sure about everyone else but I had a great time( I was not sure if people had fun because there was a lot of whining going on!) . . . Tony and John were convinced that it was seven miles out and 14 miles back but the reality was about 16 miles total. Based upon our speed, the water conditions and the wind factor I think that eveyone today earned some points towards there PTFL patch.
Trip leader - Charlie Helman

July 26
Thursday

Genesee River from Charlotte - Photos by Steve

   

Well the first joint paddle with one of the local paddle shops went off beautifully tonight. Working with Braddock Bay Paddlesports we had 15 boats, three canoes and the rest kayaks. Even though the weather was starting to look threatening we ventured out from the boat launch near the fast ferry building and headed towards turning point park. . . and downtown. We had quite the range of paddlers from advanced to beginner. . . . . no first timers thank goodness. The weather cleared long enough for us to enjoy the surroundings. . . including birds and numerous boats . . . . . and the slimmed down version of the cement freighter. . . . which is now a cement barge. After a little over two hours everyone made it back in on piece and many of us headed to te ferry building for ice cream and to watch the lighting display in the sky. I believe a good time was had by all.
Trip leader - Charlie Helman

July 24
Tuesday

Tuesday at the Beach - Photos by Sally

   

Trip leaders - Mark and Luann

July 23
Monday

Daytrippers on Otter Lake - Photos by Rebecca

   

Peaceful and tranquil - these words best describe the Daytripper paddle today to Otter Lake.
It is a very pristine lake tucked away in the Skeatelles/Cayuga area. There are abundant fish in the lake. It was evident that this a favorite spot for duck hunters. We saw many camouflage huts that are used by hunters. We paddled down a small outlet as far as we could go. We saw a nest of sleeping snakes (large snakes) that I tried to capture in two of the pictures. We saw great blue heron, kingfishers, a nesting pair of birds (black and white) feeding their young, and a beaver house behind a barrage of other logs and sticks. We picnicked in a nice area amongst the wildlife. As we packed up to leave, it started to rain. A picture perfect day.
Trip leader - Rebecca Ledwin

July 10
Tuesday

Tuesday at the Beach - Photos by Sally

   

Trip leaders - Charlie and Mark

July 9
Monday

Daytrippers on Irondequoit Creek and Bay - Photos by Rebecca

   

The Daytrippers had a lovely paddle Monday, July 9th. The wind seemed strong on Irondequoit Bay when we first arrived, so we paddled into the creek. There was a family of swans. Some of the babies still had their brown feathers. Many turtles were basking in the sun.
The wind seemed to quiet down somewhat as the morning progressed. We headed out into beautiful Irondequoit Bay. It is hard to see in the pictures, but there many tree nests that are home to cormorants and great blue herons. We saw several woodland duck families. The seagulls, terns and ducks seemed at home with each other - many of them were seen together on fallen logs. As always, it was great to be out on the water.
Trip leader - Rebecca Ledwin

July 5
Thursday

Evening Paddle - Irondequoit Creek - Photos by Steve

   

The forecast said rain and thunderboomers, but the four of us paddled in the sunshine. The waterfowl were out in force and even the deer put in an appearance as we paddled the side routes and backwaters of the creek.
Trip leader - Steve Tryon

July 2
Monday

Daytripper Paddle - East Bay and Mudge Creek - Photos by Megan and Pat

   

Photos by Megan

   

Photos by Pat

A beautiful morning, says Megan.
Trip leader - Pat Power

June 28
Thursday

Erie Canal - Clover to Pittsford - Photos by Steve

   

We had five paddlers in a pair each of canoes and kayaks for a pleasant evening on the canal. The consensus was, "If you want to go fast, get a motorboat."
Trip leader - Steve Tryon

June 26
Tuesday

Tuesday at the Beach - Photos by Sally

   

Trip leader - Luann Mongelli

June 25
Monday

Daytrippers Irondequoit Creek to Ellison Park - Photos by Sally and Pat

   

Photos by Sally

   

Photos by Pat

A beautiful day to be out on the creek.
Trip leader - Pat Power

June 15-17

Presque Island, Erie, PA - Photos by Sue and Pat

   

Photos by Sue

   

Photos by Pat

Trip leader - Karen and Bill Pakulski

June 15
Friday

Canadice Lake Daytrippers - Photos by Rebeccah

   

The Daytrippers had a gorgeous paddle on Canadice Lake Friday, June 15th. We saw two great blue herons that flew off too fast to photograph as our kayaks and canoes approached near them. It is a pristine area abundant with flowers in bloom, clear water and undisturbed shorelines. There is no better way to spend a Friday afternoon than out on the water with friends on a beautiful day.
Trip leader - Rebeccah Ledwin

June 12
Tuesday

Tuesday at the Beach - Photos by Sally

   

Trip leader - Charlie Helman

June 11
Monday

Canadice Lake Daytrippers - Photos by Pat

   

Trip leader - Pat Power

June 7
Thursday

Black Creek from Ballantyne Road at Jefferson Road - Photos by Elizabeth

   

Trip leader - Peg Warrick

June 3
Sunday

Fairport Canal Days - Duck Race and Paddle
We had eight people paddle into fairport to help with the Canal days festivities. As scheduled we volunteered to assist the Birdcor organization with their fourth annual rebber duck race. we were asked to assist in guiding the ducks down the canal and then gather up the winner and the remaining ducks. As the start time approached so did mother nature. . in the form of a thunderstorm. Just after they dropped 1000 ducks into the canal the storm hit. . not only did this cause people on shore to run for cover but it also scattered the boaters in the water and the ducks. . who went in just about every direction except for the planned route. after some hectic moments we finished gathering the winners and losers and then dashed back to the boat launch. . by the time we got back there we were all severely drenched. Even though we were wet I think we all had a good time!
Trip leader - Charlie Helman

May 28
Monday

Braddock Bay
We a great group of seven paddlers who paddled out into the bay. While in the bay we surf/paddled over to Buttonwood Creek. We paddled up the creek quite a way before returning to the bay and our lunch break. Afterwards we paddled into the waves and wind before returning to Braddock Bay Paddlesports. What happened to all the Monday Daytrippers?????
Trip leader - Charlie Helman

May 26
Saturday

Seneca Lake PTFL - Photos by Bill L.

   

Congratulations to Karen and Bill Pakulski for completing the PTFL. Karen and Bill are number three and four who have circumnavigated all eleven Finger Lakes, a total of almost 400 miles.
Trip leader - Karen Pakulski

May 22
Tuesday

Canandaigua Lake - Kershaw Park - Photos by Karen

   

The second evening paddle on Canandaigua Lake was perfect weather. 75 degrees and sunshine greeted ten kayakers. It was a lovely evening to be on the cold water for a couple of hours. A few paddlers just had to paddle through the fountain at the North End. It was too early for the life guards to be on duty -- so have some fun and get a little wet!
The surprise of the evening was Tony's wonderful wife waiting with brownies for the paddlers. The brownies were great!
Trip leader - Karen Pakulski

May 19
Saturday

Howland Island - Photos by Sally and John

   

Trip leader - Gary Dewitt

May 18
Friday

Daytrippers on Honeoye Inlet - Photos by Rebecca

   

The Daytrippers enjoyed a beautiful paddle on Honeoye Inlet Friday, May 18th. We had 9 paddlers. The Inlet was clear as glass, calm and weed free. We saw several great Blue Herons, geese, ducks, and many other birds. The relaxing atmosphere was changed slightly when we got to the aerobic part of the paddle as we battled wind and waves on Honeoye Lake upon the return. Thanks to all who helped everyone make it back to shore safely.
It was alot of fun!
Trip leader - Rebecca Ledwin

May 12
Saturday

Genesee River: Fillmore to Portageville - Photos by Don

   

Another great day for paddling, and another great group to share it with! 14 ADK'ers, including a good crew from the Buffalo/Niagara Frontier area, met for breakfast in Fillmore Saturday morning. Only a few of us got lost (the Rivers Edge diner has yet to publish its GPS coordinates!), but all made it the put-in, fed & ready.
The water level was low for early May, but turned out to be plenty – we only met a few rocks, and never had to get out to ford a shallow spot. The current was surprisingly strong & we made good time. No casualties this year though. Good thing – there was a cool head wind. The Genesee was its usual lovely self, weaving back and forth across the valley among the sand banks & cobble beaches.
We saw a few pairs of Canada geese & mergansers, and one large hawk – perhaps an osprey, with lunch dangling from its talons. It flew ahead to a snag in the middle of the river, so we raised him twice. Sure wish we'd had a birder along. The bank swallows were having a field day. A few trillium were were in bloom on some of the wooded banks.
Our lunch was enjoyed on a tree trunk washed up by the spring flood, on one of the many cobble beaches. After weaving through the sand bluffs among the driftwood wreckage thrown up on the banks, we pulled through the headwinds to the Portageville bridge & take-out. Everyone left safe & happy, in time to find some flowers for Mothers Day.
Don Welch
Trip leader - Don

May 8
Tuesday

Canandaigua Lake - Kershaw Park
An 85 degree day, beautiful sunset, a light breeze, and cold water, makes 8 kayakers very happy to be paddling on Canandaigua Lake. Participants came from Nunda, Dundee, Canandaigua, and Rochester. We had about two hours of paddling and a stop for ice cream before driving home.
Trip leader - Karen Pakulski

May 5
Saturday

Black Creek: Churchville to Black Creek Park - Photos by Don

   

What a great paddle! Sunny day & warm for early May. Plenty of water in the creek, but no flood. We had 20 ADKers show up to enjoy a lovely afternoon of paddling: a good assortment of new members, returnees, and experienced "senior" paddlers; both kayaks and canoes. Only a couple of willows across the creek to make things interesting, but skirting around them was easy - the water wasn't cold. I saw one big hawk, ducks & geese, a heron and kingfishers. I only took a few pictures (none of the dog!), but it will be remembered as a good trip. Thanks to all who helped, and all who came & enjoyed the trip.
Don Welch
Trip leader - Don

April 21

Black Creek to Bergen Swamp - Photos by Sally

   

Trip leader - Luann

April 7

Trip Leaders' Workshop - Photos by Jacqui

   

We trained 16 new trip leaders for the Chapter and had a great time engaging in various activities. We hope that some of them will add new flair to the schedule.

January 2007

On the water! - Photos by John and Steve

   

Come on out. The water's fine.

The Adirondack Mountain Club (ADK) is dedicated to the protection and responsible recreational use of the New York State Forest Preserve, and other parks, wild lands, and waters vital to our members and chapters. The Club, founded in 1922, is a member-directed organization committed to public service and stewardship. ADK employs a balanced approach to outdoor recreation, advocacy, environmental education, and natural resource conservation.

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