Kayaking – Page 2 – alan j quinn

May 19, 2012May 19, 2012

Paddlefest 2012

GMan and I are going to Paddlefest 2012 in Old Forge NY. Where’s that you might ask….well head west on 90 for….ever, then take a right for Utica and head up 28 for a bit. You’ll get there eventually. The drive was fairly uneventful but fun. We stopped a few times for food, gas and bio breaks….and coffee.

Rest area somewhere on 90.

We saw Amish folks hard at work ploughing a field the old fashioned way. GMan was amazed. I reminded him that they don’t have cable, phones or iPods. He seems to lose interest at that point! I bought a 6 pack of the local brew, Saranac Adirondack Larger. It’s not bad, but not that good either, but I just wanted to wet my whistle, so I guess it worked.

View from our deck.

Okay, I’m jacked. More on Paddlefest tomorrow.

May 13, 2012May 13, 2012

Kayak trip # 4

Today’s kayak trip was to a local pond called Forge Pond. It was a quick ride as its just around the corner. We put in and set out to find our neighbors who where already paddling around.

We found them and all had a great time. KGirl (neighbors daughter) did great considering this was her first time alone in a kayak.

I was pleasantly surprised that all my hard work buffing out the hull paid off. My boat seemed to cut thought the water with little or no effort on my part.

Group shot (GMcG, KGirl, CMcG and GMan)

The crew milling around

Water beads & reflections

April 21, 2012April 21, 2012

Kayak trip # 3

We got the GMans boat officially wet today in Tully Lake. He was well able to handle it and once under way it glides through the water. We had a little head wind as we headed to one of the many island for a little exploration.

GMan under way.

Forgotten shoe on Blue Berry Island.

Jump off spot.

GMan explores the island.

GMans new ride.

Alaw and Tsunami SP.

GMan and me.

GMan crouching tiger.

Subi on main street Athol.

Blogging from The Athol House of Pizza

April 15, 2012April 16, 2012

Kayak trip # 2

I was feeling yesterday’s paddle and was on the fence about doing another one today. Since J and the boys are out of town my day is wide open. On the way out house to get my am fix at Starbucks I was still undecided.

I pull out my iPhone and opened “Launch Sites”. This is a neat app I downloaded a few weeks ago that lists kayak launch site and other general information. I hit “Nearby” and got all my local sites. I decided to expand my search so I did a search in Leominster. Several more came up and Tully Lake in Royalston looked interesting. The comments were good and it was only an hour and a bit out route 2, and I could hit SB’s in Leominster on the way by.

The ride was nice. You go just beyond where route 2 goes down to one lane and get off heading north for Athol/Royalston. Not sure sure how long the ride took as I was treating it like a Sunday drive. You go through Athol which has a small town feel and continue for twenty minutes or so. The area is well sign posted and you can camp next to the lake also. The Trustees of Reservations runs the camp grounds and the hiking trail which loops the lake, all 22 miles.

The boat launch is on the right and clearly marked but I continued down the road to check it the campgrounds. As I suspected it’s not opened yet, but the lot was full of cars. I circled back and parked at the landing. Unpacked, set up and pushed off. I went west, under the bridge and into the lake.

The lake is fairly large and dotted with many islands. The water had a little chop due to the wind but the sun was shining and it felt good. I paddled around for a bit and then pulled up on one of the larger islands. The lake has a 10 hp limit on motors so it was nice and quite. A few other paddlers drifted by but overall it was very light traffic.

Me and my Alaw Bach

The Alaw

I headed back toward the car only to discover a few of the many outlets, but I was in no rush so I didn’t mind taking the long way home. Back at the car I snacked up, chatted to a few fellow paddlers and then decided to head in other direction. Again it was smooth going and the first leg is more like a river, however Long Lake is at the end.

I went to where the lake opens up and decided to turn back. All in all it’s a great place for a paddle and the islands in Tully Lake would be fun to explore. I will be back with the GMan.

Blogging from Subway in Athol MA

April 14, 2012April 16, 2012

Kayak trip # 1

Great day for a trip on river. The sun was out and winds were calm (most of the time!) I went with one of the other dads from GMans school. He’s a good sport and guide. We even spotted a bald eagle up close, very cool. We went north from 119 in Groton up to within sight of the dam. The Nashoba is a great river and such a nice resource right in area.

I’ll admit that I have not done a lot since snowboarding so I’m feeling the paddle, but it’s a good feeling.

Cheers DB….we’ll have to do it again.

April 13, 2012

First kayak trip

Tomorrow I’ll be getting the kayak wet for the first time this season. The weather should be nice and I’m only planning on getting the bottom wet! I packed the car tonight so I’ll be ready to go.