NYCkayaker Mo Fridlich's report
Lee Reiser/Leona Fontaine
lee060 at earthlink.net
Mon Aug 14 20:04:34 EDT 2006
Thank you Jerry and Steve for organizing the most successful Mahattan Circ. yet!
Great pictures, Mo, even if the light was a bit stark.
I would also like to thank you again, Mo, for being a part of the Saguenay Trip. To all those
who view Mo and Bill's pictures of the Saguenay and read Bill's journal: If any of you would like to go there,
I'd be happy to organize and lead the trip for the chance to go again.
The total cost for the campsites was about $50 each for the eight of us!
Of course you need to pay for transportation and food, but if you double up both in the car
and a 2-man tent, it's affordable.
Lee Reiser
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>Sent: Aug 14, 2006 10:11 AM
>To: nyckayaker at rockandwater.net
>Subject: NYCKayaker Digest, Vol 12, Issue 13
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>Today's Topics:
>
> 1. Manhattan Circumnavigation (Mo Fridlich)
> 2. Trip report: Manhattan Circumnavigation 8/12/06 (Jeff Hoyer)
> 3. Sunday August 20th Fun in the Ocean. (Tim Gamble)
> 4. Perseids Pleases Paddlers (CleanerHudson at aol.com)
>
>
>----------------------------------------------------------------------
>
>Message: 1
>Date: Sun, 13 Aug 2006 20:36:23 -0400
>From: Mo Fridlich <mofrid at optonline.net>
>Subject: NYCkayaker Manhattan Circumnavigation
>To: NYCKayaker <nyckayaker at rockandwater.net>, Midhudsonkayaker
> <MidHudsonKayaker at mail-list.com>
>Message-ID: <015b01c6bf39$abb90bb0$1c01a8c0 at mofrid>
>Content-Type: text/plain; charset="iso-8859-1"
>
>A rather large group of us took advantage of the ideal weather for the circumnavigation of Manhattan lead by Steve Blumling.
>Thank you Jerry Blackstone for the wonderful ground support. He was there at everyone of our stops and joined some of us for dinner.
>He is leading another group around Manhattan today and I hope his trip is as memorable as was ours.
>Though the weather was ideal for paddling, the rather harsh light was not so good for photography. Still I have posted some of my pictures from this event.
>For all of you that could not participate here is a virtual tour: http://www.mofridlich.com/gallery/album18 (easiest viewing is to select "slideshow" on upper right)
>
>I would like to take the opportunity to also mention that I was lucky to have participated in a trip to the Saguenay Fjord in Quebec Canada in mid July. There was 8 of us from the NY area that participated and it was organized by Lee Riser from the YPRC. We started by camping in Tadoussac were the Saguenay flows into the St. Lawrence. Spent a day kayaking on the St. Lawrence to watch both dolphins and a variety of whales.
>Then we set out by car to St. Rose du Nord some 85 KM up on the Saguenay. From there we kayaked from 12 to 20 KM per day to designated camp sites. To travel the distance back to Tadoussac took 5 days and 4 nights.
>Both the scenery and good company made this a remarkable experience and I have a fine collection of photos for those that might be interested. The link is at : http://www.mofridlich.com/gallery/album17
>The highlight of this trip was our encounter with a large number of white Beluga whales. The feeling of having a whale swim under your kayak is just awesome.
>Bill Menke who also participated, posted his photos at : http://www.ldeo.columbia.edu/users/menke/slides/saguenay06/saguenay6_0.html
>If you have time and are interested, you can get a detailed day to day description of his trip by clicking on the highlighted "Journal Entry" next to his first photo title.
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>Message: 2
>Date: Mon, 14 Aug 2006 00:43:09 -0400
>From: Jeff Hoyer <jkayak at sopoint.com>
>Subject: NYCkayaker Trip report: Manhattan Circumnavigation 8/12/06
>To: NYCKayaker <nyckayaker at rockandwater.net>
>Message-ID: <C105779D.2DDB%jkayak at sopoint.com>
>Content-Type: text/plain; charset="ISO-8859-1"
>
>First off: a great thanks to Jerry Blackstone for tirelessly organizing this
>weekend?s trips and to Steve Blumling for the thankless task of ?herding a
>group of cats.?
>
>The day dawned sunny and pleasant with dozens of paddlers from several
>locales assembling at the Downtown Boathouse (which isn?t really downtown
>anymore). There were sizable local contingents from The Yonkers Paddling and
>Rowing Club, the Sebago Canoe Club, visiting guests from the Chesapeake
>Paddlers Association and Fort Lauderdale?s Blazing Paddles, as well as
>several non-affiliated folks.
>
>After a pre-trip briefing lead by Steve ?Admiral? Blumling, 34-paddlers hit
>the water (fortunately upright) and we were off. A group from Yonkers and
>Englewood that had paddled down to rendezvous with us was first to depart as
>the rest of us fiddled with our gear. Everyone else was underway in a
>curtain of spray by 8:30 am., a bit behind schedule but well within a safe
>window for the currents. Jerry Blackstone who spent days (weeks?) organizing
>this extravaganza graciously decided to postpone his own trip until the next
>day and serve as land-based support. To my knowledge, this is a first for
>Manhattan circumnavigation.
>
>Starting from midtown instead of farther downtown at the former DTBH meant
>that a longer segment of the trip had to be paddled against the current.
>However, the group logged a steady 3-4 kts. down to The Battery, so either
>the current was weak or we were all psyched. The tradeoff with this new
>starting point is that we would not have to deal with the cruise ship and
>heavy ferry traffic on the afternoon return. This is a definite plus in my
>mind.
>
>We all met up at South Cove so that we could transit The Battery and Staten
>Island Ferry terminal areas in as organized and safe a manner possible.
>Although there were Liberty Island ferries arriving and departing during our
>passage, there was never a moment of confrontation and we were quickly and
>safely into the East River.
>
>As usual the East River flood current was cooking. A decision was made early
>on to cross the river and paddle up the east side along the Brooklyn and
>Queens shores. This was a first for me.
>
>As we made our way underneath the Brooklyn Bridge the conditions became a
>little dicey and the banter ceased as the multidirectional chop had it?s way
>with us. The combination of the 10-15 Kt north wind and the north-flowing
>current of around 3-knots kicked up some whitecaps which reflected off the
>seawall and mixed with the wake waves. I thought I saw some white knuckles
>reflected in the sunlight (my own?) but everyone persevered until Poorhouse
>Flats (in between Bushwick Inlet and Newtown Creek) where we once again
>formed a tight group. After a mere 2 hours and 53 minutes we were all piled
>onto the beach at Hallet?s Cove for a visit to the Socrates Sculpture Park
>and lunch.
>
>After an hour and a half break during which we could see the roiling froth
>of Hell Gate evolve into docility, we were once again mounted for the charge
>up the Harlem River. Well actually it was more like a slog after flying up
>the East River. Fortunately it was not as hot as usual for this time of year
>and having waited for the current to change worked in our favor.
>
>We stopped once again at the Peter Sharpe Boathouse to enjoy the newly
>developed park which is beginning to take on the ambience of a Japanese
>Garden. In fact circumnavigating Manhattan is becoming downright civilized.
>Perhaps next year we could have a catering support boat serving sushi from
>the swim deck. Just a thought?
>
>After a pleasant 45 minute break we hit the river once again for the brief
>leg to the Dyckman Street Marina. Timing the entrance into the rather small
>gap between the pier and rocks at Dyckman St. can be a bit tricky. But our
>guests were more than up to the task and there was hardly a wobble before we
>landed amongst the glass shards at ?Tinkle Beach? to enjoy the hospitality
>of the marina. Thanks to the Inwood Canoe Club for inviting the group to
>their clubhouse just a short way down the river.
>
>We were off again after an hour of lounging and chatting. By this time the
>group was beginning to get a little fragmented between those who were
>content to tarry and others who were eager to get on with it. There was some
>concern that some of the paddlers might pass too close to Riverbank State
>Park but all managed to complete the trip unscathed between 6:00 and 6:30
>pm.
>
>And now for the numbers.
>
>Leg 1 DTBH-Hallets Cove: 11.165 nm., 2:53 ET, 3.88 kts. Ave. Sp.
>Leg 2 Hallets Cove-Peter Sharp: 5.8 nm., 1:39 ET, 3.5 kts. Ave. Sp.
>Leg 3: Peter Sharp-Dyckman St. 2.6 nm., 0:35 ET, 4.4 kts. Ave. Sp.
>Leg 4: Dyckman St.-DTBH, 6.6 nm., 1:22 ET, 4.8 kts. Ave. Sp.
>
>Total distance: 26.2 nm. Total paddling time: 6h29m
>
>Bear in mind that the speed of the first leg is very much skewed by the fact
>that we stopped at least three times. In fact the speed readings through the
>lower East River were as high 8.5 kts.
>
>On a personal note: this was my seventh circumnavigation (4 times with
>paddling groups and 3 time escorting the Manhattan Island Marathon Swim).
>The first time I was afraid of what might happen to me and grateful to
>finish. Now it is more routine, but never without excitement and
>uncertainty. No matter how scientifically one approaches the currents and
>timing, there are just two many variables for one to become complacent.
>
>As an added challenge, this was my first long trip in the new boat I
>recently purchased. I have forsaken my beloved Feathercraft Kahuna for a
>Valley Aquanaut RM. It?s longer, much quicker to edge and lean, but very
>solid in the water. My custom in rougher water with the Kahuna was to use
>forceful body movement and a shorter aggressive stroke to keep on course. I
>am now learning to be more delicate with body movements (after nearly
>dumping during my pre-purchase demo ride!) and have found that lengthening
>my stroke yields much more speed. I?m sure it will take more adjusting, but
>my initial impression of this boat is very favorable.
>
>On this trip the Aquanaut handled everything with ease, but the ?seat-of the
>pants? sensations were often quite different that my previous experience.
>However, after a few uncomfortable moments I realized that if I just relaxed
>in my seat, enjoyed the scenery and let the boat show me what to do,
>everything would be just fine.
>
>It was a pleasure paddling with and meeting everyone on this trip. I hope
>today?s sequel was also safe and enjoyable.
>
>
>
>
>
>------------------------------
>
>Message: 3
>Date: Mon, 14 Aug 2006 09:43:07 -0400 (EDT)
>From: "Tim Gamble" <tgamble at syllog.com>
>Subject: NYCkayaker Sunday August 20th Fun in the Ocean.
>To: nyckayaker at rockandwater.net
>Message-ID: <4874.72.229.120.232.1155562987.squirrel at www.syllog.com>
>Content-Type: text/plain;charset=iso-8859-1
>
>Dear Fellow Kayaker,
>
>After a very busy weekend on the River: 60 plus people circumnavigated, 90
>boats in the Harrison St. Regatta at the DTBH, lots of big trips for the
>commercial operators, and who knows what else I'd like to talk about NEXT
>weekend....
>
>I would like your help this Sunday August 20th to support a swim race in
>Coney Island. This race is organized by the new swim group CIBBOWS. This
>is a 5KM race. It starts at Brighton Beach, and goes to Breezy Point, then
>back.
>
>The organizers and participants in this race are a great bunch of people.
>Last month they gave us great food, goodie bags, and were very hospitable.
>All of the kayakers had a good time, both at the race, and during the
>paddling we did afterwards.
>
>If you are able to help there are two options:
>Option #1) Cartop your kayak to Brighton Beach, and hand carry it down to
>the start line. The race starts where CIBBOWS does their training swims,
>see the following on their website for directions:
>http://www.cibbows.org/directions.html
>You should park in the municipal lot at the meters. The meters are NOT
>active on Sunday so it is free. Be sure to park in a spot where there is a
>parking meter, not in a spot that requires a permit.
>
>Have your boat on the beach at the Start by 6:30, the race starts at 7:00.
>Just tell them you are a kayaker, and ask for me. You can also call me at
>anytime on my cellphone 917-721-8851.
>
>If you take this option you will need to take your boat off of the beach
>after the race. Since this is a public swimming beach you can?t
>kayak there after 10:00AM.
>
>Option #2) Meet at Plum Beach on the Belt parkway, and paddle over to
>Brighton Beach. Plumb Beach is just east of exit 9, Knapp St. on the Belt
>Parkway. It doesn't?t have an official exit number. If you are on the Belt
>parkway heading east you will see a sign that says ?Parking Area? after
>exit 9, that is what you should take. Meet at 5:00AM, be ready to launch
>by 5:30AM. We will paddle over to the start, and should arrive by 6:30
>where we can get out and have breakfast.
>
>After the race a number of us who launched at Plum Beach are going to
>paddle out to Breezy Point in the ocean. Anybody who comes along is
>welcome to join us. Last month we had a lot of fun surfing and picnicking
>out on the beach. We will have several local kayaking experts, and a at
>least two BCU coaches with us. This is a good opportunity to get some
>Ocean experience. If the surf is up we can split the group into different
>ability levels to make it safe and fun for everyone.
>
>The paddle from Plum beach to the start is less than 2 nautical miles,
>after the race you can either paddle back, or go on a longer trip out to
>Breezy Point.
>
>If you want to help, but don?t have a way to get your boat out there
>please email me. I will try and pair people up to share rides.
>
>If you have questions please email me backchannel, or call me and I will
>answer them.
>
>Thanks for you help!
>---------------
>Tim Gamble
>917-721-8851
>
>
>------------------------------
>
>Message: 4
>Date: Mon, 14 Aug 2006 10:10:51 EDT
>From: CleanerHudson at aol.com
>Subject: NYCkayaker Perseids Pleases Paddlers
>To: nyckayaker at rockandwater.net
>Cc: yprc at listserv.adelphi.edu
>Message-ID: <528.5de89ec.3211de6b at aol.com>
>Content-Type: text/plain; charset="us-ascii"
>
>
>Saturday night, August 12, 14 paddlers enjoyed a late night explosion of
>wonderful events. Paddlers came from as far away as Mahwah, NJ and Nyack to
>experience paddling under a full moon (well, it was 85% full that night...but who
>keeps track of these things....)
>
>We left Foundry Dock Park in Cold Spring about 9:30 PM and headed north. A
>few trains on both sides of the river, a couple barges way off to the west and
>one or two pleasure boats also in the shipping channel were all we saw.
>Sunset had happened an hour or so before so all was dark. The stern lights on our
>kayaks moved like wandering birthday candles on a large liquid black cake.
>The Big Dipper hung almost directly over the river.
>
>Baying at the sky began in earnest...we think one was mechanically induced
>(at least it sounded that way). Great to hear creativity at work!
>
>During last month's full moon paddle we had been surprised by the fireworks
>we saw as we paddled back to Cold Spring. Last Saturday the fireworks show
>over Peekskill wowed paddlers some more. What would happen on this outing?
>
>As we paddled leisurely towards Breakneck Mountain we got part of our
>answer. A couple of shooting stars! It seems we had stumbled into the annual
>Perseid meteor shower! Just spits of light going so fast...
>
>Then (as if that was not enough) fireworks began lighting the sky over
>Newburgh! Great bursts of color brought out more than one whoop of joy from the
>paddlers. The sounds of the exploding fireworks followed several seconds later.
>Great show...loved the finale!
>
>Pausing just south of Breakneck Mountain, three paddlers continued on to do
>a circumnavigation of Bannerman's Island while the rest of us turned back
>towards Cold Spring.
>
>The moon slowly appeared from behind the hills of the Hudson Highlands State
>Park. It appeared as slowly as we paddled. Some of us paddled backwards
>just to see it rise again! Trees at the top of the hill moved across the face of
>the moon. Spectacular!
>
>Then the event of the night happened. A bright white flash of a
>burning/melting/disintegrating meteor slashed to our south. The glow from the moon
>illuminated the tail of the meteor like a jet's contrail. What a sight!
>
>>From then on it was just another paddle under a star filled sky with new and
>old friends and a gentle breeze at our backs with warm water underneath. Oh
>no! It wasn't just another paddle....just about as much fun as we could ever
>expect...and not wanting the evening to end. About 11:30 we paddled ashore.
>Smiling with great memories of an evening filled with spectacular delights!
>
>Thanks to Jill, who brought some cheese, crackers and beverages.
>To all who came Saturday night: Together we indeed made it an evening of
>wonderful delights!
>
>Be a lunartic next month!
>
>The Harvest Moon paddle. September 9...Leaving Cold Spring at 7:30
>PM...Moonrise at 8:14 PM. If you get there late, just paddle north and look for the
>glowing stern lights. We go slowly. As always, this is not an organized event.
>You are responsible for yourself. Experienced adult paddlers only.
>
>Data follows:
>
>Saturday 9 September 2006 Eastern Daylight Time
>
>SUN
>Begin civil twilight 6:02 a.m.
>Sunrise 6:30 a.m.
>Sun transit 12:53 p.m.
>Sunset 7:15 p.m.
>End civil twilight 7:43 p.m.
>
>MOON
>Moonrise 7:49 p.m. on preceding day
>Moon transit 2:09 a.m.
>Moonset 8:42 a.m.
>Moonrise 8:14 p.m.
>Moonset 10:01 a.m. on following day
>
>Phase of the Moon on 9 September: waning gibbous with 95% of the Moon's
>visible disk illuminated.
>Full Moon on 7 September 2006 at 2:41 p.m. Eastern Daylight Time.
>Looking forward to seeing you there!
>Walt Thompson
>_CleanerHudson at aol.com_ (mailto:CleanerHudson at aol.com)
>
>
>
>
>
>
>
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