Annsville Creek Paddle

Long time readers may have noticed that I’m an adventure-in-your-backyard kind of a guy. I wholeheartedly believe that you don’t have to travel far to find exciting, challenging or even just pleasant things to do in nature, even if you live in the big city or, like me, in the suburbs.

The downside of sticking close to home is that I find myself running out of things to write about. Earlier this summer when I paddled Rondout Creek and hiked Plattekill Mountain, I had a great day but we’ve written about these places so many times before, it didn’t make sense to do it again. I could say the same about Harriman Park and the Hudson River.

Continue reading

Oswego River Kayak from Three Rivers Point

200 years ago Three Rivers Point was one of the most happening spots in Central NY. Here the Oneida and Seneca Rivers form the Oswego river and flow north to Lake Ontario.

Three Rivers Point map

It was a prominent meeting spot for Native Americans and when the colonists arrived they made camp at the same location. An inn was soon erected and trade on the rivers expanded with salt mining operations on Cayuga and Seneca. The peak of Three Rivers Point rose and fell with the Erie Canal, and these days it’s a quaint park in the town of Clay.

The shores of Three River Point Park were lined with fisherman on a warm summer Saturday in mid-August.

Continue reading

Paddling Lake Welch in Harriman State Park

Lake Welch in Harriman State Park is a frequent paddling spot for me. There are multiple reasons for that. It is right off of exit 14 on the Palisades Parkway, making it supremely accessible. It has a dedicated parking area for paddlers behind a locked gate so even on the park’s busiest days I am almost guaranteed to be able to find a spot. It’s big enough to get a modest workout and do a little exploring so I don’t get too bored with the scenery.

Lake Welch boat launch

All the lakes in Harriman are compromised as pure nature experiences. The place is just too popular and too close to the city to find true solitude.

Continue reading