I joined a local paddling group that has a day trip planned for every Tuesday. The group is mainly retired females paddling kayaks, but there are a few men paddling as well. The past two weeks we have paddled around ponds in Madison County. The black flies and mosquitos are still problematic in the Adirondacks so the group all these early trips in the southern tier. I have been impressed with their organization and ability to schedule trips from May through October. On my 1st outing I took my Prism Solo canoe but yielded to group norms for the 2nd outing and used the 12′ kayak. I worked out entry and exit procedures but was uncomfortable in that I couldn’t move my legs. After and hour of paddling I was desperate to shift my legs.
Tag Archives: kayak
13th Lake
We spent an overnight with friends Jane and Rick at 13th Lake. Friday afternoon we messed around on the lake as Eric tried out Jane’s kayak, Kathryn tried out their Hornbeck Lost Pond canoe and Jim tried out the Seda Scout canoe. Friday evening we went through pictures and re-lived old camping stories.
On Saturday morning Jane & Rick left to stuff envelopes for the local library and we hiked Balm of Gilead Mtn near the Garnet Hill XC Ski Center in North River, NY. Balm of Gilead Mountain is a hike of less than a mile to summit at 2,145 feet. It ranks as the 581st highest mountain in New York and the 39419th highest mountain in the United States.
While the hike up was short it was humid as all get out and we sweat profusely. We were glad to reach the summit ledges and the views of Thirteenth Lake, Peaked Mtn, Bullhead Mtn, Puffer Mt, and Eleventh Mtn.
On both Friday and Saturday our ‘water time’ concluded with Eric and Jim having tube wars. Eric declared himself as ‘un-dunkable’ and Jim took up the challenge.
Great time and we hope to get a chance to canoe camp with Jane and Rick soon.