NYCkayaker Popolopen/Peekskill Fireworks & Festival

[Lee Reiser/Leona Fontaine]

Dear Paddlers,
    Peekskill's annual festival occurs Aug. 5&6 with fireworks on Saturday, the5th
@ 9 - 9:30 PM. If you're up for it, meet us at  the  Annsville Paddlesport Ctr. @ 7 PM or launch anytime and head over to the festival. BRING NAVIGATION LIGHTS.
Low tide is2:29pm, High tide is 7:31am and 8:01pm

Maybe some of you would like to go earlier and paddle a short distance to explore Iona Island, go past Bear Mt. pier, under Bear Mt. Bridge into Popolopen Gorge. Four bridges converge there so it's great for photos. If that wasn't all there's a beautiful waterfall and natural 20’ deep pool beckoning to you at the end. Bring a hiking pole to assist the short walk over the boulders.
 
Let me know who wants to go early (say 1PM) and we'll meet up with the others coming out of Annsville Paddlesport at 7 PM.
Since this could turn into an all day event, what with travel time and all, I am launching from Annsville at 1 PM to start for Popolopen Gorge. All those who wish to see this great spot be ready to go. Or you can meet us there. Just go under the railroad bridge a short distance north of Bear Mt. Bridge. Look for a cutaway on  the under side of the bridge to facilitate passage at high tide. Paddle 1/4 mi. to end. At 5-6 PM we will reverse and go to the festival to eat drink and refresh (bring $). At 8:30 we will get back in our boats and stay by the shore then maybe drift out to a safe distance and ooh and ahh at the fireworks. From your kayak, you will witness fireworks which are shot off from a barge in front of you. The reports  reverberate off  Dunderberg Mt. and can be felt through your boat !

After the show we paddle back to Annsville.
   Remember, there are two crossings of the Hudson involved so we will cross en masse.
    Bring everything you need (lights? extra clothes? water?).
 Last year, 16 paddlers made the day trip, of which, 8 stayed for the fireworks. This will be a spectacular trip not to be missed ! 

                                                                 Regards,
                                                                Lee Reiser

                                                             (845) 352-0162
                                                          Cell (914)374-7954