TOP: The kayak studs posing with their boats. That's Peter and me in the foreground unfortunately blocking them
2nd: Paddle sign
3rd: Paddlers prepping at put-in
4th: Gary in a skirt...again...we thought he was over that
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This week's adventure is the Hudson River kayak, from Albany to Manhattan in NYC. I plan to go most of the way there, stopping just after the Tappan Zee bridge due to some logistical constraints. I don't really know what to expect on this trip, as it's (a) a big trip that I didn't participate or manage the organization, and (b) it's the first > 3 day paddle I've ever done, (c) I don't know the weather patterns downstate, and (d) the Hudson is far and away the biggest river I've ever paddled.
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We got to the put-in early thursday morning, and there was some 30 odd paddlers. Not like 30 or more, but 30 really odd people :-) All types of kayaks were there...wooden, plastic, composite, kevlar, and then the real odd ones like the Hobie < http://www.hobiecat.com/kayaking/miragedrive.html> I've actually been looking into these, but hadn't seen one up close and personal. They were quite cool, and a way to get a leg workout on the water. They also take a small sail to add to the variety. I'd say the average age was about 55 or so, with the oldest being definitely in his 70's. And, way fitter and a better paddler than I am or ever will be. My ROC buddy peter is doing part of the trip with me, in his shiny new red boat.
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The trip organizer Scott was the consumate anal retentive guy...everything was planned down to the last minute, gear, food, etc. From one organizer to another, he did a really fantastic job. Our head guide was Mark, who somebody forgot to tell that the 60's were over. He had long ponytailed hair, a boat that looked like it had come from a shipwreck with duct tape and patches all over it, and cooked his own elaborate food at breaks...tofu over wheat pasta with homegrown heerbs and such. Quite the character. Connie was our token blonde, a total ditz on land, but massively qualified on the water. She actually got locked in the showers at one of the schools we showered at. I'll post the video up on UTube later...not really a blonde if you catch my drift...Guido was a big strapping young guy in a boat that weighed about a ton, Jack just sang to himself for hours on end, and Dan thought he was still a cop and kept pulling out his radar gun on the river to ticket birds.
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We also were accompanied by a great group of young adults called "building bridges building boats", who had built two big rowboats and were rowing them with us downstream back to their home in NYC. I have to say, you read about all the crap that young people do nowadays, but these kids were outstanding and a real joy to be around. Great attitudes, work ethic, and funny.
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After a few speeches by the local politicians (spitzer couldn't make it, unfortunately, much to my chagrin), we hit the water. It was a very choppy start, 1-3 foot waves and a decent headwind. If it's like this all the way, I'll be beat up pretty bad I suspect. I quickly come to the realization that unlike the local crew that I paddle with, I really suck compared to this group. They are faster, better paddlers, and way more knowledgeable. This will definitely be a learning experience for me, which is great.
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"Henry Hudson" Lumpy out
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