Long Island Put-In Map

I've been working on a Google Map that shows all of the local put-ins featured in my book, Paddling Long Island and NYC.  It is by no means done, but it does show many spots across the island.  Just click on the picture of the map on the right side of the screen and it'll take you there.  I hope it proves useful!

City of Water Day

Free on July 14th?  Check out the "City of Water Day" sponsored by the Metropolitan Waterfront Alliance.  Boat tours, exhibitors, workshops, music, food, and fun stuff for kids!!!  It looks to be a great day!

Birds of Port Jefferson

Went out for a short paddle after a full day of yard work, and thankfully brought my camera along.  Here are a few shots I took of two of Port Jefferson's common birds... a Black-Crowned Night Heron and a Snowy Egret.

Pulling Invasives out of the Peconic River

Interested in paddling the Peconic River and helping pull the invasive plant, Ludwigia, out of its waters?  If so, check out this flyer for more info on how you can do it! 

The Peconic Estuary Program is organizing this pull, to be held on July 12th.  I took part in last years pull and thoroughly enjoyed it, as did the 16 students I coaxed into joining me.  It really is quite fun, and beneficial for the Peconic as well!

Backband Repair

So, I went out for a paddle the other day and was bummed to find out part of one ratchet on my backband had broken off.  As a result, the band would not stay where I wanted it to, obviously leading to a somewhat uncomfortable trip.

Broken Ratchet

 Thankfully the Immersion Research website had new backbands for sale, as well as replacement parts for original ones.  So, I took a chance, figuring I could fix it myself, and ordered two new ratchets (plus a t-shirt of course).  That was on a Friday.  Amazingly, the new parts were at my doorstep the very next Monday!

With the new ratchets in hand, the next step was to peel the neoprene cover back enough so that I could drill out the rivets holding the old ratchets in place. 

After drilling out the rivet

 Then, I used a stainless bolt, putting it through the hole in the ratchet, small washer, nylon strap, large washer, and backband, and threaded a stainless nut on the end.  Because some of the foam had been compressed by the nut, I cut some small pieces from old foam I had laying around and filled in the depression, covering it with a tiny bit of good 'ol duct tape.

Nut and bolt, as seen from the front

Foam patch and duct tape cover

All that was left was to pull the neoprene cover back over the band and put it back in my boat.  

 

My foam patch might be a bit too thick, but I was expecting it to compress a bit with use.  If it doesn't, I can always remove a bit of it and make it flush with the original foam.  Quite a nice fix if I do say so myself!

WABC Interview

Here's a link to the interview I did with Lauren Glassberg for WABC News.  I think it came out pretty well!

TV Interview

Tune in to WABC News tonight at 5 pm to watch an interview I did with Lauren Glassberg, their "Lifestyles" reporter, about kayaking on Long Island and my new book.  I took her paddling in Cold Spring Harbor last weekend and had a blast doing the interview!  Check it out tonight on Channel 7 (in the Long Island/NYC area).

Constitution Marsh Paddle Challenge, June 2nd

I recently received an email from this event's organizers asking if I'd be willing to spread word of it.  It does sound very interesting and so, here is info. about it.  Not sure if I can attend but I'd sure love to!

On June 2, 2012, twenty lucky challengers will have an exclusive opportunity to conquer a 19 mile paddle through the Marsh and on the historic Hudson River. Kayakers of all levels are welcome to join us at this high-end event. Paddle alongside expert Audubon Naturalist and REI instructors (Recreation Equipment Inc.). All gear, equipment, breakfast, snacks and lunch will be provided.

The paddle begins at 6am at the Marsh, continues into the Hudson to Little Stony Point, Newburgh, Moodna Creek, Storm King Mountain and ending back at Constitution Marsh Audubon Center. Space is limited to 20 paddlers. Cost of the event is $250 Registration Gift and a minimum fundraising goal of $500. there will be great incentives and gifts for the highest fundraisers! Funds raised are tax deductible and will benefit the Constitution Marsh Audubon Center and Sanctuary. To register or for more information please contact Ashia Sheikh at asheikh@audubon.org or call 212-979-3034. Also those unable to participate can still donate, and all donations over $150 will be invited to a Post Paddle Wine Reception and a walk to the Marsh boardwalk on June 2, 2010.

The overall purpose of the event is to raise money for the continued conservation and stewardship of Constitution Marsh. We would greatly appreciate your help in promoting this event to your followers through your New York Outdoors Blog. If you have any questions please feel free to contact me. Also here are some links to the Audubon Center & Sanctuary website, the event webpage, and donation webpage.
http://www.constitutionmarsh.org/index.html
http://constitutionmarshaudubon.blogspot.com/
http://www.crowdrise.com/CMPaddleChallenge/fundraiser/nationalaudubonsocie1

Paddling Long Island

Just got a peek at the new book's cover!  Pretty awesome!  Just have to finish the last round of edits and it should go to the printer this week, hopefully hitting the stores in a couple of weeks.  After 2 years of work, this is the really exciting part!

Paddling Shinnecock Bay

With Sunday's strong west wind, I chose to head out to Shinnecock Bay and paddle in the lee of the Hampton Bays shoreline.  There is a great little put-in at the eastern end of Shinnecock Road that I used, putting me on the water just north of the Coast Guard Station by the Ponquogue Bridge.  I haven't been there in a long time, but was quickly reminded why I love Shinnecock Bay so much.  Here are a few pictures of the short, but awesome paddle from that day. 

Wood Burning Camp Stove/Generator

Here's a link to the GearJunkie website for a review of what looks like an amazing new product for those of us that love camping.  It's a small camp stove that burns wood, but also uses the heat generated to charge electronic devices like cell phones and iPods.  Amazing!!!  (if it works)

A cold, winter paddle

Nothing like breaking through the early morning ice to get your boat back to the beach!