General Clinton Canoe Regatta

I had heard of the General Clinton Canoe Regatta before. I knew it involved hundreds of canoes racing 70 miles on the Susquehanna. I even knew it was held every Memorial Day weekend. What I failed to realize was that the weekend I had planned to paddle the Susquehanna was, in fact, Memorial Day weekend. This became obvious to me when I first entered the Cooperstown area and saw canoe after canoe on cars everywhere.

After asking around I learned that the actual race was on Monday (it was Saturday at this time). To be honest, I thought about entering the race, but could not figure out how to swing another day away from home while leaving my wife to tak care of our daughter, the house, and set up for the party we were throwing for Memorial Day. But, even though I could not race on the actual day, I could paddle with some of the participants as they pre-paddled some sections of the course in preparation for the actual race.

I was thoroughly impressed with every racer I met (and saw). They all had amazingly beautiful boats that seemed to exude speed and grace through every pore of their carbon-fiber skins and they all paddled with strength and determination, in seamless unison with their partners. And, they all were kind, friendly, and generous with advice and suggestions. I wish I could have stayed an extra day to see them all race. It must have been an awesome sight to see!

The Susquehanna

Although I have been enjoying the whole book writing process and have found something unique and inviting about every river I have paddled so far, a few rivers have stood out in my mind. One such river is the Susquehanna. I paddled some parts of it this past weekend and, in all honesty, I did not want my trips to end. The river was just that beautiful... just that fun... just that exciting.

I first put in at the public boat launch in the amazing little town of Cooperstown, on the shores of Otsego Lake. From there, I paddled down the Susquehanna 14 miles or so to the town of Milford. While there were tons of downed trees and strainers, sometimes leaving openings only inches wider than my boat, my whole paddle was great. The weather was gorgeous, the scenery was stunning, and the river had just enough water in it to make things interesting. Paddles like that do not happen often. Luckily for me, the next day brought more of the same thing.

On day two I re-entered the water at Milford and headed this time down to Goodyear Lake. I chose to avoid the portage around the dam there and instead headed to the southeast side of the lake where a DEC fishing access spot exists. This proved to be a great idea and helped make my whole experience on the Susquehanna most memorable.

GPS's do not float

Well, I learned a hard, expensive lesson recently. Handheld GPS's do not float. Well, ok,they do float for a second or two. More like swirl and bob, though. Nevertheless, when knocked off the deck of a kayak by a tree branch, they will soon be settling on the river bottom.

P.S. - If anyone on the Cataonk Creek happens to find a blue Extrex GPS, it is mine. Thanks.

Paddling Season

Well, it's finally paddling season again. I promised myself I would start heading out again come April 1st, rain or shine. What I didn't expect was snow. But, 6 paddles into the season and I have been snowed on twice so far. It's ok though. There is nothing quite as beautiful as kayaking through the mountains with light flakes falling down all over.

Anyway, I did a few paddles in the Central New York area around Cortland and Syracuse and loved every one of them. The best by far, though, was the Sangerfield River through the Ninemile Swamp. The swamp is an amazing place to paddle. I cannot wait to go back. My friends would love this place.

Now that Central New York is mostly done, I plan on heading up to the Adirondacks later this month. I will post more of my plans later.