Central
& Western NY Outdoors
March
2005
~~~ IN THIS ISSUE ~~~
One way to expand delicate ecosystems is to preserve them through Eco-tourism. Yunnan is home to the Yangtze River headwaters and Shangri-La.
The Nature Conservancy and others around the world are seeking to preserve this unique place through a variety of initiatives. You can help and enjoy yourself at the same time by taking part in a trip designed for discriminating travelers who are seeking to see China in a special way. As a traveler in the foot steps of Marco Polo, you can experience the lives and countryside of one of the most unique places in the world. Yunnan is home to many fragile and unique ecosystems. The recent publicity and preservation in this area highlights the need to preserve this part of the globe.
For more information visit www.packpaddleski.com under "Farther Afield Multi-Day Trips."
A lightweight backpacking tip complements of Java Joe via the FLTC email list:
Check out this web site on how to build a free 3 oz. twig stove from a coffee can:
http://www.imrisk.com/woodgas/coffeestove.htm
And the best part -- it fits snugly into a www.antigravitygear.com
3 cup non-stick aluminum pot (pot, lid, and clamp handle weigh 5.2 oz.).
Data from coffee can stove web site:
Actual weight 3.0 oz (90 g)
Total cost: Free if one drinks coffee.
Time: About 30 minutes to build.
The stove worked great on a recent backpacking trip, even after a night of heavy fog which caused the trees to drip onto the twigs making them damp. I use a tiny 1/2 x 3/4" piece of
Coghlan's wax impregnated fire starter sticks to start the twig fire. Simmering is possible after a bed of coals results, after burning a bunch of twigs -- then adding tiny twigs slowly. I only use hardwood twigs -- oak twigs are abundant where I was backpacking in Florida.
I.M. Risk (the web site article author) states that he made this stove from a coffee can, but did not give the diameter in his article. Well, it turns out that all present coffee cans are 4" diameter for the 11.5 oz. cans and 6" diameter for the 33 oz. can. Indeed after searching Publix, WalMart, and Sam's Club with a tape measure, I could find no 5" diameter tin cans for coffee, fruits, nuts, or anything. I think his can must have been an ancient one when they used to put 16 oz. of coffee in a can. However, my ever helpful wife Kathy found a 5" diameter cookie/candy canister at a Good Will store, from which I made my stove.
This stove is probably not for clean freaks, as there is some soot/creosote on the pot bottom, but none in/on the stove itself.
I do not think dimensions are critical; indeed a narrower, but taller twig stove would probably have a better draft. I have a pot that is
narrow and tall, and am anxious to make a taller twig stove from the smaller 4" diameter coffee cans that are now prevalent.
Add the AntiGravityGear 0.4 oz. alcohol stove (which, unlike most alcohol stoves, does not need a stand, and is very hot) and a little alcohol, and you are ready to cook in any kind of backpacking weather!
More Information about fire starters.
We were both turning 50 in 2004 and wanted to mark this milestone by doing something different, something adventurous, and most importantly, something that stretched us both mentally and physically.
Jeff had had some previous short experiences with Pack, Paddle and Ski, so we knew we’d be in good hands when we chose to go on their 9-day sea kayaking trip to Belize. This would be a very new experience for us, and while we had a million questions and quite a few doubts, we were mostly excited. However, when we told our friends and family that instead of having a big party or going to some luxury resort to be pampered for our 50th birthdays, we were going to a little known Central American country to sea-kayak up to 6 miles a day and camp out on uninhabited islands with a group of total strangers, their reactions took us by surprise: “Why?” “Doesn’t sound like a vacation to me!” “Don’t do it – it’s too dangerous.” “You wouldn’t catch me in Central America. Isn’t there a revolution going on?” “You’d better start watching ‘Survivor’ so you’ll know what to expect.” And some just stared at us blankly.
Meeting our fellow travelers on the first day didn’t boost our self-confidence - unlike us, they were all wizened and experienced adventurers, from the 76 year old to the 12 year old. Unlike ‘Survivor’ however, it was these people who made it easier for us, who enabled us to ultimately have a great experience. Their positive and inclusive attitudes were contagious. When we had some difficulty kayaking, Rick and the local guide helped us out without making us feel inadequate. We couldn’t imagine being marooned on a deserted island with a nicer, more capable group. After the first day of adjustment, we were able to relax and feel open to new experiences. Over the next 8 days, we learned many new things about the world around us and about ourselves. We had many experiences that definitely did stretch us and that we’ll treasure. Among these are snorkeling amidst sharks and rays with 5-foot wingspans, hiking into a pitch-black jungle cave, eating barracuda and “rat”, and kayaking in the open ocean with dolphins frolicking beside us. Even the mundane became memorable, like peeing in the ocean at night with millions of stars twinkling above and phosphorescent plankton flashing at our feet.
So now, when we tell people what we did to celebrate our 50th year, despite the often odd looks we see on their faces, we feel a glow inside as warm as the sun and the sea of a tropical island. And when something confronts us that is out of our comfort zone, well, we swam among sharks, didn’t we?
Amy and Jeff Levinn
PPS Trip: Belize '04
Here's a short
video of 3 kayakers out for a quiet paddle. You won't believe this one!
Just wanted to share a comment about the iceberg picture (Feb.
2005 Newsletter). I believe this is the same picture that circulated several years ago. If so, it is a fake.
I questioned the validity of it when I first saw it a few years ago, doubting that the waters would ever be so calm in an area where iceberg would be to allow for such a defined picture.
At the Niagara Falls Regional Camera Club conference where noted outdoor photography George Lepp presented, this picture was discussed. Mr. Lepp confirmed that it was manipulated.
I enjoy your newsletter very much and thank you for providing such interesting articles and useful information.
Patricia Hopkins
_____________
Message from George Lepp's office: "We have seen this picture around for quite a few years and have always believed it to be "fake". Not to say it's unrealistic, because it's a very good depiction of what would be seen (if it could be) on the underwater portion of an ice burg. It's definitely been digitally "enhanced" to depict what is hidden below the dark sea".
Turning Point Park woods in Rochester, NY
preview more of Nigel's photographsby Nigel Kent
Winter seen from the perspective of a blooming Clivia, or Kaffir Lilyby John Jongen
Got
a picture about the outdoors you would like to share?
E-mail it to us and we'll share several with our subscribers in
an upcoming newsletter.
River
Rescue Training
What would you do if your friends' canoe capsized and they went floating in the river beyond you?
It is a good idea for all of us to have the skills to assist ourselves or the ones we care about in the unlikely event of a water landing.
On April 30th, Saturday, 9:00-4:00 PM in Letchworth State Park a River Rescue Training program will be held. This will be a day of active practice in river rescue skills.
We will cover strainers, swimming rescues, capsizes, pins and broached boats, when to walk into the river and when not to, prevention, positioning of rescue teams and more.
Learn how to rescue yourself and others. Basic moving water canoe or kayak skills are required. Contact
www.packpaddleski.com for more information.
March 3, Thursday, 7 PM, a $5 donation is appreciated.
Where to Canoe & Kayak Near Home slide show
Genesee Waterways Center
149 Elmwood Avenue, Rochester, NY 14611
Light refreshments served, call (585) 328-3960 to reserve a seat.
Rich & Sue Freeman want you to "Take a Paddle." They'll share slides taken while researching their newest guidebooks and show the most scenic, unique and just plain fun places you can flat-water paddle in a canoe or kayak.
April 26, Tuesday, 7-9 PM, $21.00
Birding for Everyone
Greece Adult Education, 1785 Latta Rd., Greece 14515
(585) 621-1000 ext. 7411
This course will have the essential information needed for birding,
including: how to attract birds, how to identify birds, nesting and habitat of birds. Plus tips on enjoying nature, butterflies, insects and photography. The instructor is Norman E. Wolfe, nature photographer and author of "Birding in Central and Western New York."
April 28, Thursday, 7-8:30 PM, $21.00
Garden-scaping for Nature
Greece Adult Education, 1785 Latta Rd., Greece 14515
(585) 621-1000 ext. 7411
Are you a gardener who would like to see an abundance of nature's
animals, or a bird-watcher, who would like to see more birds in your yard? Then this course is a must. Habitat is the biggest factor in attracting nature and birds. Learn the right way to establish or complement an existing garden that is inclusive of their needs. Understanding and knowing their requirements, plus the correct process of planting makes for a functioning garden to attract all nature's animals. At the same time you have fun creating and watching it all evolve. Believe it or not, there is a right way to do this without impacting or degrading the environment with invasive or unwanted plants. Norman E. Wolfe, author of "Birding in Central and Western New York," instructor of birding for everyone, nature photography and experienced outdoorsman will give you the "do's and don'ts" of proper landscape gardening that will work in this part of the country.
April 30, Saturday, (April 31 rain date), 9:00 - 11:00 AM, cost $25 (RIC members $20)
Nature and Photo Hike presented by Norman E. Wolf
Mendon Ponds (Devils Bathtub)
Rochester Info-Courses, 1150 University Ave, Rochester, 14607
585-256-1960 ext 201
Are you looking for a fun and learning experience with nature and
photography? Then this is the course that will put it all together. You will do this at Mendon Ponds which is one of the best areas and parks around as you hike for nature and photography.
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