Tivoli Bays, in autumn light..

A beautiful sunset paddle in Tivoli Bays.

I will not ruin the mood by saying too much, but what a gift to see such a beautiful sight.

Beautiful autumn paddle..

 

Paddling across Paradox Lake in the Adirondack Mountains.

 

What a difference 150 miles can make. We entered the Adirondack Park and the leaves went from green and brown to vivid red, orange and yellow. As we traveled up the northway towards our destination the sights continued to amaze our eyes.

Once we arrived at Paradox Lake, almost 900 acres, we checked out the water and then began to set up camp.  The weather was stellar, sun, light winds and beautiful crystal clear nights. This allowed us to spot numerous falling stars on Saturday night.

On Sunday we paddled around the lake, stopping on one of the island to heat up some soup and down a sandwich. The water was cool and clear. The mountains rose up toward the sky as we paddled west from out campsite.

We sat around our campfire by night and gazed into the dancing flames and glowing coals, thinking how lucky we are to experience such wonderful days.

Eagles on the Hudson River..

Eagles feed on a fish along the Hudson River.

A picture in worth a thousand words. Enough said.

See you out on the water.

Going Country..

From New York Travel

New York Magazine recently published a piece in their Travel section on the web featuring where to stay and what to do in Rhinebeck, our sweet town in the Hudson Valley. We are happy to be recommended by the article as one of the “things to do” in the area. If you have a moment check out New York Magazine’s article.

We have had the good fortune of taking so many wonderful guests out on the water and are thankful for the recognition we have received in both this article and another done in Hudson Valley Magazine in July.

It is such a pleasure for us to share our passion of paddling and exploring the Hudson River with you.

Great tours in Tivoli Bays..

During a recent trip to Tivoli Bays guests navigate past large rocks.

One of our favorite places to take our guests is Tivoli Bays. We get to explore the winding marsh area before traveling under the railroad bridge into the Hudson River. Just before the bridge the bay opens up and gives an amazing view of the Catskill Mountains. It’s quite breathtaking.

Once out into the river we work our way around the two islands, Cruger and Magdalen. Usually we are treated to the sights of Bald Eagles, Great Blue Herons and White Egrets.

Some where along the line we find a nice place to beach our kayaks and enjoy lunch. And maybe get a swim in too.

The Catskill Mountains backdrop the bay.

After a healthy lunch we work our way along the islands and the railroad tracks back toward the marsh. Right now the Cardinal flowers are in full vivid bloom.

It you haven’t got out to enjoy the bay yet, contact us. We would be happy to share the beauty with you.

Dragonfly..

A dragonfly hangs onto the rigging of my kayak.

Sorry that it has been a while since the last post. We have been cranking this summer and I have to admit, if it is a choice between blogging or paddling, well you get the idea.

It has been a great summer, perfect weather, warm water and lots of sun.  I for one am not ready to say it is over yet. It is true that the days are indeed getting shorter, but I am holding on like the dragonfly above is holding on to my boat. We are hoping to paddle well into October, so don’t give up yet.

See you on the water!

Showers please..

The Esopus Meadows lighthouse during a light rain shower on the Hudson River.

Showers in the forecast? No worries, as long as thunderstorms are not predicted.

I have to say, there is no more peaceful paddling on the Hudson River then when it is raining. The gentle burbling of the raindrops hitting the water, cooling you off in the summer heat. It also seems to have a calming effect on the wildlife, which allows you to get a little closer for photographs.

Speaking of photos, the light during a rain gives dramatic effects to photographs. The soft light saturates colors and enhances mood. The shot above of the Esopus Meadows lighthouse is a great example of photography in the rain.

So don’t put off that paddle if there is rain predicted, enjoy it.

Dog star, Sirius?

It’s summer, some say the dog-days of summer.

We have been keeping a close eye on the weather, and with careful planning, have been getting plenty of time out on the water despite the stormy wet weather. On Wednesday we got out and played in the gentle waves produced by the out-going tide and our more friendly wind from the north.

Just after loading up the boats, around 8pm, a rain storm came through producing a beautiful rainbow off to the southeast.

Dog star, Sirius? It’s the star, brightest in the sky this time of year. It is also where the phrase dog-days of summer comes from. Check it out at EarthSky.

We are having WAY too much fun..

Kayaking the Hudson River near Kingston Point.

Ok, there is no doubt about it. Summer is here, and we are out on the water having fun! We have taken guests out all weekend, from Kingston Point, Rhinecliff and Tivoli Bays, even North Lake, we’re on the water and loving it.

Bald eagles enjoying a meal near the Rondout Creek.

We have seen bald eagles, otters, beaver, and tons of other cool things. Fish jumping, lightning bugs hatching and yes even fireworks.

So what did you do over the holiday weekend? Did you go out? Think about going out? What’s the hold up? Come out with us and enjoy the water.

Watch the fireworks from Rhinecliff..

Are you looking for a wonderful riverfront town to watch fireworks from? Well, you are in luck. There is  no better place to get a jump on the Independence Day celebration than watching the Kingston fireworks from the Rhinecliff Dock.

Once again the Rhinecliff Waterfront Committee is pleased to announce the opportunity to enjoy live music prior to the Kingston fireworks at the waterfront park on Sunday, June, 27th. The local pop band, U-Guys, will perform tunes from the 1950s, 60s, and 70s. A DJ will fill out the evening
with entertainment. Bring a lawn chair, a blanket or a boat. The event is FREE and it’s going to be a blast.