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Day 194

6/17/2010

8 Comments

 
Daily stats
Start: 6:00 AM - Esopus Meadows, NY
Finish: 5:15 PM - Hudson River Island State Park, Near Colombiaville, NY
Time: 11:15
Daily dist: 31 miles
Total dist: 3600+ miles
Companions: Bill for the first three hours then solo until he caught up at camp
Weather: Windy - NW 15-20+ temps in the low 70’s mostly cloudy
Notes: Parted ways with Bill on the water so we could paddle at our own pace.
The first and brightest highlight of the day came very early on when Bill grabbed a roll of toilet paper and a short shovel then headed down the trail on a long walk. Moments later he returned with a big smile on his face with the exciting news that he’d discovered a composting toilet (complete with toilet paper and hand sanitizer).  I guess us kayak campers are easy to please
Picture
I guess we're easy to impress
While walking over to check out Bills discovery, I came upon wild black raspberries along the trail. There are few foods that say summer in the north woods more than wild raspberries picked right off the plant and I was happy to add them to my breakfast.

Picture
Nice addition to breakfast
The other highpoints of the day included more stunning scenery and, yet again, a fantastic camp spot. The great scenery is stretched out all along the Hudson River Valley. The great camp spot is on the Hudson River Islands State Park. The islands the state park encompasses are actually huge spoil islands left over from when the river was deepened to allow larger ships to travel the river. Fully grown up with large trees that provide plenty of shade yet with nicely sloped sand beaches, the camp sites are a kayak camper’s dream come true.

Picture
Bill on the water just after sunrise
Picture
Bill coming into camp at sunset.
Bill and I started the day paddling together but after the first three hours it was plain to see that our individual speeds were not running together well. So it was decided that I’d paddle ahead at my own pace and meet Bill in camp at the end of the day. Even with an hour and a few miles between us we both managed to find the concession stand at a small park in Catskill and each enjoyed a quick snack before passing by. My faster pace did bring me into camp about two and a half hours before Bill and I was sitting on a stump eating dinner as he paddled up. Still, with his dinner already taken care of, Bill set up his camp quickly and even made it to bed before me. You can tell he’s done this before.

Picture
Twilight on the river at camp
8 Comments
Aaron Stachovak
6/17/2010 01:27:30 pm

Just be happy you are not camping with your parents tonight... I am watching the radar as a bunch of strong T storms are heading towards them with the "FUN" possibility of a few twisters - yay

I am sure after a night in the soft sided camper in this storm will speed their search for a hard sided camper. :)

take care and keep truckin
stove

Reply
Yakaddict link
6/18/2010 12:03:55 am

Fresh berries off the shrub, moving water and a view like that before a restful wilderness sleep...ahhhh! I am sooooo envious of you right now as I sit here in my office waiting for 2pm...I can't wait to go OFF GRID!

Reply
Jenny
6/18/2010 03:32:22 am

Pretty pictures !
The berries remind me of Cali. when you took Lydia berry picking after you got home from work.
:)

Reply
Larry
6/18/2010 04:45:03 am

Enjoy the weather, looks to be HOT and humid during your Erie Canal leg of the trip with T Storms a real possibility.

See you on Sunday!

Reply
Tootie
6/18/2010 04:50:12 am

Jake, if it gets any better than what you have been experiencing the past couple of days, you would probably think you were dreaming. What beautiful scenery! The berries reminded me of when my brother Jack had a black raspberry patch. They were delicious. Hope the rest of your journey home will continue to be on this order. God bless, and stay safe.

Reply
Jan Kleck
6/18/2010 08:38:57 am

Have thoroughly enjoyed the Hudson River part of your trip. Beautiful pictures and even better descriptions. Continue to enjoy and paddle on! Will be eager to hear about the Erie Canal!

Reply
Portage Dug
6/18/2010 12:15:18 pm

Reply
Portage Dug
6/18/2010 12:17:54 pm

Jake,
This may be an obvious question but you are now paddling up river, on the Hudson?
Looks like a great place to be.
Paddle On!

Reply



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