CNY Kayakers - Syracuse New York

Reports: Cindy Phillips, and Aneta Nessel
Images: Kim Wojnowicz, Anne Schofield, and Roger Harrod

Saturday September 12th The Rift

Saturday was a perfect day for paddling and Kim W, Sue, Lynn, Rick, and Cindy met Dave L and Kim B right on time at the Wellesley Island State Park campground to set up their tents then head out. First thing noticed was how clean and clear the river water was and all the little islands so close to shore. They paddled through the well-known narrows called The Rift in shallow water to the entrance to Lake of the Isles where they turned around after viewing the lake and wishing there was lots more time to paddle

on it too. They headed back the approximate 4.5 miles to their campsites with a tolerant amount of motorboat and jet ski traffic. Also noticed were all the people on the islands and outside their houses on their docks enjoying the outdoors, very friendly and happy, even the fellows seriously concentrating on their fishing. Many various plants and birds, turtles and fish were enjoyed in their respective habitats out in the glorious sunshine. Dinner was enjoyed at Cavallario's following the magnificent sunset viewed from benches along the town dock. A campfire, courtesy of Kim B (Thank you Kim), at her campsite closed out the evening under a blanketed sky full of stars with a 360 degree view. Yes, we want to go back there to do it again.

Sunday September 13th Eel Bay

Sixteen paddlers attended the Eel Bay trip from Wellesley Park: David L. – the trip organizer, Pam, Kim, Hugh, Susan, Marilyn, Phil, Anne and Roger, Cindy and Rick, Ruth and Bill, Aneta and Robert, and Nina. Despite of early rainfall, the weather turned out nice.

When we started out the water surface was like glass. As we kayaked by several small islands, we spotted a blue heron perched comfortably on a tree branch. We all paused to admire it, but the bird was so still some people couldn't’t

see it.Hugh was just saying what a regal bird blue heron is, when the bird let out a thick two foot stream of white crap that abundantly marked the leaves and branches below. “Ah, there it is” – exclaimed Roger, who couldn't’t see it until the bird took action. Having expressed his regality in public, the blue heron indignantly flew off.

We paddled towards Canada where David ordered a group picture. It was a little tricky to take a photo of a semi-circle of kayaks, because the wind picked up and we were drifting, and so was the picture taker. Roger and Anne took turns taking the pictures so that we have everybody. As the wind picked up, so did the waves. The motorboat traffic was moderate, and we stayed huddled together as a precaution. We turned towards Canoe Point where we took out for lunch. It was a nice park with a picnic table. Nina brought a delicious berry pie, and David shared cheese and crackers and some hot guacamole. We enjoyed our snacks, interrupted only by wasps and a couple of poison ivy attacks. Bill treated his poison ivy rash on the spot with a plant whose name I unfortunately cannot remember. For that he was dubbed a witch doctor. So far we have Spiderman, Spiderwoman, Batman and Witch Doctor in the club. Any other super heroes please come forward.

We set out again into a whirlpool style chop. Kim’s boat was bouncing uncontrollably up and down like a yo-yo, and although she wasn't’t amused, it looked really funny. We all kayaked to the shelter of the bay behind a dock, but Rick had problems taking off. He overturned once and also got some prickles from nearby plants stuck to his legs, which made him less than comfortable. We finally reunited and continued paddling along the shore of Eel Bay. We were passed by a large cruise ship, but fortunately the wake never got to us, since at David’s order we were all hiding behind a big rock. The waves were still fairly large with some white caps, but we were safely tucked away by the shoreline. The sun was shining and the scenery was beautiful. Unfortunately, the trip soon came to an end. Until next time!