River Clean-up Best of 2009

Other than the usual worm cartons, beer cans, soda bottles, and plastic grocery bags, here's the break down from Saranac River Clean-up 2009:

• 7 shopping carts
• 5 bicycles
• 3 tires
• 2 t-shirts
• 1 toilet

Thanks to everyone that volunteered there time!

Saranac River Clean-Up 2009

For 20 years Jim and Jennie Sauseville, through the Adirondack Paddlers Club, have been organizing volunteers to remove garbage from the Saranac River in and around the town of Saranac Lake. Some years have seen as many as thirty volunteers and some as few as five. Despite the turn out, the clean-up always happens with the support of local canoe and kayak outfitters, the Village of Saranac Lake and the River Corridor Commission.
In those twenty years many items have been pulled from the river: shopping carts, bottles, plastic bags, cell phones, tires, road cones, lawn chairs, car batteries, shoes, a wallet, a purse, dinner plates, eating utensils, clothing of all types, bicycles, worm cartons, road signs, 50 gallon drums, and hub caps; just to mention a few.
This Saturday at 1:00pm volunteers will meet at the Dorsey Street Parking lot to, once again, remove garbage from the shoreline as they make their way down river. All who are interested need only show-up with old clothes and be ready to work. Canoes to haul garbage, work gloves, garbage bags, and paddling equipment will be provided by local outfitters and Adirondack Paddlers Club.

Senior Year Project - Hudson River

On Saturday May 23, two seniors from Lake Placid High School will follow the Hudson River South from Newcomb, NY (located south of the High Peaks) to New York City by kayak. Ian McMullen and Nick Kulina have been planning this trip as a senior class project for about a year. Their goal is to promote kayaking and the importance of getting young people outside and active. Along their journey they have plans to meet with school groups, scouting groups, and youth organizations along the river from Albany to Brooklyn.
I've known Ian and Nick for 6 years. I first met them as a paddling instructor for the Lake Placid Youth Outing Club, in which they were participants. Throughout the years their love of paddling and there skills as paddlers have grown. I've seen them go from being barley able to fill the cockpit of a flat water kayak to running waterfalls on the Moose River.

Nick and Ian possibly discussing their future paddling plans in 2004.

They have received support from their school and the local paddling community, as well as equipment sponsorship from Johnson Outdoors who owns Necky Kayak, Lendal Paddles, and Extrasport. And of course their biggest sponsors are their parents, who have nurtured their love of the outdoors and encouraged them to get involved in any adventure they showed interest in.
Happy paddling Ian and Nick!

Listen to an North Country Public Radio interview with Ian and Nick by clicking here.
Stay connected for updates on Ian and Nick Journey.

Despite Saturday's wind, rain, thunder, and lightning, and Sunday's winter-like conditions, canoeist and kayakers went back into the closets to get their winter clothes out and braved the elements at Adirondack Lakes & Trails 10th Annual Canoe & Kayak Demo Days. People looking to experiencing kayaking for the first time, and others seeking an upgrade, crowded the lawn at Riverfront Park on Lake Flower in Saranac Lake hopping from boat to boat in hopes of finding the "one".
As always, I took the time to paddle some of the offerings. Some of my favorites...

Swift's Shearwater (solo canoe - 16'2") was a smooth forgiving ride that would fit right into the back country of the Saint Regis Canoe Area. Oh, and the carbon fiber lay-up would make the carries a breeze.

Jackson's Tripper 12 (12' recreational kayak) The most memorable aspect to this kayak was it's enormous cockpit. There would be no problem fitting your dog and cooler or your kid and your fishing gear in this boat, without compromising space for the paddler.

Necky Chatham 17 (17' Sea Kayak) What can I say? This boat is sweet. Its narrow hull design along with its exaggerated bow flare makes this kayak track beautifully. At the same time, its secondary stability allows it to be put on its edge for responsive turning. My favorite for two, probably 3 years running. This kayak makes me want to head for the sea.

Swift Saranac 14' (14' light touring) Like it's name suggests, this kayak is at home in the lakes and rivers of the Adirondacks. At home on large lakes and nimble enough to follow a wandering flow. If I could only have one kayak this might be the one. In Kevlar of course.

Just a few of many canoes and kayaks in stock that are looking for a home on the water. Stop by Adirondack Lakes & Trails Outfitters and schedule a boat demo. It's the best way to find the canoe that is right for you. And we'll take any chance we can to get on the water.

Paddle on!

My favorite place to paddle with kids

This Saturday's Family Day at the Wild Center in Tupper Lake brought lots of smiling faces outdoors to enjoy the sunshine and a great line-up of activities. More than 2000 people attend the event which was free and open to the public and feature Richard Louv, author of Last Child in the Woods.

So in the spirit of getting children into nature, here are some of my favorite places to paddle with my kids. Enjoy!

Follensby Clear Pond - Horseshoe Pond - Polliwog Pond Loop
A fantastic area to pond hop with your children, all the carries are short and the critters are
abundant. There are many great places to stop for lunch and a couple great swimming spots.

Stoney Creek Ponds to Axton Landing on the Raquette River
The meandering flow of Stoney Creek keeps you guessing as to what could be around the next
bend? The protected waters of Stoney Creek and the Raquette may this a great option for
a windy day.

Middle Saranac Lake Beach
If you are looking for sun and sand there is no better place than the beaches of Middle
Saranac Lake. Pack your cooler, your lawn chairs, sunscreen and your swimming suit and
make a day of it! Your kids will be happy and tired at the end of the day.

Long Pond and Long Pond Mountain
Paddling Long Pond and hiking to the top of Long Pond Mountain, I couldn't think of a
better way to spend a day with the family. And if you need a little more on water time,
make sure to explore Pink Pond.

Just a few fun spots to get you going. So now that you know, get out there and have some fun!!