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| 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
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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
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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
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September 18 | Tuesday at the Beach - Photos by Sally
Trip leader - Mark Rakestraw.
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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
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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
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August 12 | Sodus Bay - Photos by Sally
Trip leader - Chuck Murzin.
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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
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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
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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
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July 31
Tuesday | Tuesday at the Beach - Photos by Sally
Trip leader - Mark
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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
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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
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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
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July 24
Tuesday | Tuesday at the Beach - Photos by Sally
Trip leaders - Mark and Luann
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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
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July 10
Tuesday | Tuesday at the Beach - Photos by Sally
Trip leaders - Charlie and Mark
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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
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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
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
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June 25
Monday | Daytrippers Irondequoit Creek to Ellison Park - Photos by Sally and 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
Trip leader - Karen and Bill Pakulski
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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
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June 11
Monday | Canadice Lake Daytrippers - Photos by Pat
Trip leader - Pat Power
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June 7
Thursday | Black Creek from Ballantyne Road at Jefferson Road - Photos by Elizabeth
Trip leader - Peg Warrick
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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
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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.
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January 2007 | On the water! - Photos by John and Steve
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