Hackensack to Oradell March 25th 2012

View Hackensack River's Edge to Oradell in a larger map


A cool, grey day.
Lots of trash in the water (e.g  2 TVs) - Spring on the move- many birds, grackles, cardinals, woodpeckers .

Boat Ramp - River's Edge 

Pelham Bay park - New Rochelle March 17th 2012

View Pelham Bay Park - New Rochelle March 17th 2012 in a larger map



With slight winds forecast, I decided to head out to Long Island Sound, putting in at Pelham Bay Park on the eastern side of the Bronx. It was a sunny day, with a  forecast temp af around 16 degrees C.  I decided all I needed was tracksuit and my hoodie. It is so  much easier and quicker paddling in warm weather; for the last three months there is the whole cold weather thing to deal with, thermals, layers, two pairs of everything plus the hand and and foot warmers. It was such a treat to be ready to go in 5 minutes for a change. 
There is an official NYCParks launch there, which made the launch very easy, despite having to maneuver around 6 kayakers who were also launching there, and taking way longer than I do. 

The launch is in an inlet, very sheltered, and it was full of rowers out training. 
 The paddle was interesting, very urban of course, all residential and upmarket housing.  The water was incredibly clear, and the coastline rocky with many islands, some of which had houses . Visibility was pretty poor though; there had been heavy fog in the morning. Looking south the Throggs Neck and Whitestone Bridges were evident. 
Wildlife wise I saw a pair of oystercatchers .

The pictures tell the rest of the story. 

House on a pontoon moored in  the bay

House in a rocky island 

The bay at New Rochelle 

House on Island - Very run down 

Pelham Bay Park 

Add caption

View Passaic Eagle Rock Rd.- Upriver March 11th 2012 in a larger map


Sunday 11th March. 2012
14 degrees C
Light wind with moderate gusts 


Mammals
One muskrat
1 domestic cat




More signs of spring.

Launch at Rte 10 

Passaic River Two Bridges- Upriver

View Passaic Great Piece Meadow Two Bridges -Upriver in a larger map

A cold day,  just below 0C, but there was bright sunshine on the Passaic today and  the first signs of spring were evident. 

Saw one mammal only ( a squirrel!)  Several small birds were active ( another year has come and I still don't know even the most common of forest birds in the US....sigh)  . There was a good flow, so the paddle upstream gave me a good workout. 
I had been on this section late last year, so I spent a lot more time paddling and a lot less time taking photos.  I didn't remember to check my gps when I turned around, so I  really don't know how far I went, but I paddled for just over 2 1/2  hours before returning. It was four hours and 15 minutes total. A good day out. 

Overpeck County Park NJ

View Overpeck Park March 3rd. 2012 in a larger map


After being away for a while, I took a short easy paddle over at Overpeck Park. I forgot my camera ..grrr. so had to be content with poor quality photos from my phone.
They are below.


The interesting thing about today's paddle was the  fact that I was able to go upstream of the park, where before I had found shallow water.  I will definitely return again on a high tide and see how far up this waterway I can get. I suppose it has a name, but I can't seem to find it. 

Another plastic head for my head collection ( Photo collection that is) 

This is one of at least four bridges cross Overpeck Golf Course 

Condo development on banks on no name river 

Water outlet