Central
& Western NY Outdoors
June 2005
~~~ IN THIS ISSUE ~~~
Keeping Your Electronic Boatmates Dry By Irene Bozogan
Review of the Necky Manitou By Irene Bozogan
Mud Monsters from Central America Approaching the USA!
Go on a Cobblestone Quest by Sue Freeman
Can you imagine moving slowly by wagon, over roads that are mere ruts of mud, to build a log cabin in a remote wilderness? This is precisely what the early pioneers to upstate New York did. When they arrived on their plot of land, often purchased from the Phelps & Gorham Land Tract or Holland Land Company, they had to clear the trees from the dense forest to create fields for farming.
Then they discovered the fields were full of fist-sized stones (or cobblestones), evidence that glaciers scoured this land before the forests grew. Those pesky rocks had to be moved out of the way and as they plowed, the cobbles seemed to multiply. It was hard work, but the land was productive and the pioneers were able to grow enough produce to feed their large families.
Then the Erie Canal opened in 1825, creating a way to get their produce to larger markets. The farming business flourished, enough so that they began to think about building a better home for their hardworking wives and 10+ children. Why not put those pesky cobblestones to use and build a dandy home – they were by golly, lying about free in the fields, just waiting to be gathered. And, the pioneers were not strangers to hard labor.
This is how many of the 700+ cobblestone buildings in a 65-mile radius of Rochester, New York came into
existence. They were built between 1825 and 1860, before the Civil War. Each was a work of folk art; each unique.
Today, many of the cobblestone buildings are standing and still in use, a testament to fine craftsmanship. A few of the masons who built houses in upstate New York, migrated farther west and built a spattering of cobblestone buildings in the mid-west. But, by far, the bulk that were ever built, are in upstate New York, south of Lake Ontario.
How many cobblestones does it take to build a house anyway? Cobblestone homeowner Margaret Deans actually counted. She estimates it took 14,402 cobblestones to build her circa-1862 farmhouse. Now that’s a lot of stone picking!
The cobblestone buildings are clustered in a region that begs a driving or
bicycling tour. Well, maybe not just one, but
17 different tours.
That’s why Rich & I researched and wrote Cobblestone Quest – Road Tours of New York’s Historic Buildings as
our next guidebook.
Order a pre-publication copy today and save $2. The guidebook will be shipped to you when it becomes available in early August.
Cobblestone Quest
- Road Tours of New York’s Historic Buildings
By Rich & Sue Freeman
17 self-guided car or bicycle tours for learning the history and observing the diversity of unique cobblestone buildings in Western New York State.
208 pages, 20 maps, 85 photos, indexed, paperback, 10 X 7 inches
Price: $19.95, ISBN# 1930480199
Footprint Press, Inc., www.footprintpress.com
We think of kayaking and canoeing as simple arts, requiring only a PFD (life jacket), a paddle, and a boat. If only it were still so! In this "Age of Gear" we have added many electronic devices to our pack list. Cell phones, digital cameras, MP3 players, GPS, iPods, short wave radios, and even the car key fob needs to stay dry. Since electronics and water don't mix, manufacturers have come to the rescue of these electronic "must-haves." Dry bags are great for storing clothing, food, or other items in the hatch, but they don't work well for the electronics that we keep in our cockpits. Cases designed specifically for electronics are a much better choice.
Aquapac's new waterproof cases are made of a pliable vinyl that allows you to use your device without taking it out. Pictures can be shot through a clear window. Sound from phones and radios transmits clearly. The product instruction pamphlet states: "Around 100 degrees F the plastic starts to soften. The case could leak if submerged in a very hot bath. It should be OK if floating on the surface, and you should be able to use it safely in steam rooms and Jacuzzis." Some folks have to have those tunes wherever they go!
Pelican Products has the reputation of making the "World's Toughest Watertight Equipment Cases." Photographers have long trusted Pelican cases to carry their expensive cameras and lenses. These rigid-wall cases have pressure equalization valves, neoprene o-ring seals, and stainless steel pins in hinges
and handles. They are top-shelf products with an unconditional lifetime guarantee.
If the gizmos insist on joining your paddling trip, current case technology will keep them dry and easy to use. But one day, just leave all the noise behind and listen to the quiet of nature. It's a spectacular symphony that doesn't need batteries.
Happy Paddling
www.evergreen-outfitters.com
Learn where to go paddling with Take A Paddle - Western NY Quiet Water for Canoe & Kayak and Take A Paddle - Finger Lakes, Quiet Water for Canoe & Kayak.
Review of the Necky Manitou By Irene Bozogan
I decided to try the Manitou on Brokenstraw Creek in northwest Pennsylvania. I expected this 13-foot recreational kayak to have the right mix of glide and maneuverability for a creek. It did everything I wanted and more! The Manitou has a high recreational seat back. It interfered with my traditional PFD, but I was very comfortable when I adjusted the seat back a bit. I paddled the kayak for four hours, and I never thought about my seat. That says a lot about a great seat! As a recreational kayak, the Manitou has no thigh braces. It was nice to have the loose fit for floating down the creek. However, the kayak was easy to grab with my thighs when I needed to control the boat in turns or going through small rapids. Normally paddlers do not edge recreational kayaks.
Recreational boats are usually beamy with high sides. I was amazed at the edging ability and stability of the Manitou! When I put the Manitou on edge, she carved a nice confident turn. This is a beginner's kayak, but one that a paddler will not quickly outgrow as skills develop. It can definitely become part of our collection of
kayaks for flatwater daytrips.
Kayak and Canoe Demo Day
Come to Lakeside Park in Mayville Saturday, June 11, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to
learn, experiment, and drool over some of the best kayaks available!
Happy Paddling,
Irene, Evergreen Outfitters
www.evergreen-outfitters.com
Learn where to go paddling with Take A Paddle - Western NY Quiet Water for Canoe & Kayak and Take A Paddle - Finger Lakes, Quiet Water for Canoe & Kayak.
The Niagara Gorge Discovery Center (716) 278-1070 is a park facility that relates the natural and local history of the gorge and falls through informational and interactive displays. Nearby is the Trailhead Building and access to Niagara Gorge trails. Take in spectacular views of the river and gorge from the scenic overlooks on site and along the trail system.
Programs and hikes are provided by state park naturalists from the Niagara Region Interpretive Programs Office.
The fee for these public programs is $1.00 per person, ages 6 and up unless otherwise noted. These prescheduled programs are intended for individuals and families. Groups cannot be accommodated on these programs as space is limited. For information on GROUP programs in Niagara County call (716) 745-7848 and for programs in Erie County call (716) 826-889.
Summer hikes will also be held daily in July and August 2005 from the Trailhead Building. Join us on guided Adventure Hikes in the Niagara Gorge! Explore our many trails; learn the history, enjoy the view….it’s simply “Gorgeous!!”
June 4, Saturday
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
National Trails Day
Annual Length of the Gorge Hike
Niagara Falls State Park
Hike gorge and rim trails from Artpark to the Niagara Gorge Discovery Center. Join us on this spectacular scenic adventure. Pack food and drink for this long, challenging hike. Co-sponsored by New York Power Authority, Seaway Trails Inc., and New York State Parks. For information and registration call (716) 745-7848.
June 11, Saturday
1:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m.
70th Anniversary of the Great Gorge Route
Niagara Falls State Park
This year will mark the 70th anniversary since the Great Gorge Route ran in the Niagara Gorge. Come join us for a special day at the Niagara Gorge Discovery Center which will include a display, slide presentation and hikes into the gorge on the Great Gorge Railway Trail. Hikes will run hourly from 2:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. Gorge candle lantern hike 8:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. For information and to register for the candle lantern hike call (716) 745-7848.
June 18, Saturday
10:00 a.m. - 2:30 p.m.
Old Growth Tree Exploration
DeVeaux Woods State Park and Four Mile Creek State Campground
Tour amazing old growth trees at two Niagara Region State Parks. Learn to measure the diameter and estimate the height of these giants over 150 years old. Hike a loop trail to explore for old growth trees and visit various park habitats. For information and registration call (716) 745-7848.
June 25, Saturday
7:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m.
Canoe Adventure
Buckhorn Island State Park Sanctuary
The sun sets over the Niagara River while birds return to the marsh as we explore the hidden backwaters of Buckhorn Island by canoe! Learn the history of Burnt Ship Creek, the Buckhorn Hotel, and the prohibition smugglers who hid in this area. Bring your kayak or canoe to see the largest wildlife preserve and marsh remaining on the Niagara River. All participants must wear United States Coast Guard approved life vests. For ages 8 and up. For information and registration call (716) 826-8895.
(Note - a map for this route is available in "Take a Paddle - Western New York Quiet Water for Canoes & Kayaks".)
Warning!
The FBI has posted an all alert warning on 5/12/05 that the mud monsters from Central America are expanding their range.
Seemingly innocent people are overtaken with an alien spore that is drifting northward at a rate of 215
km / year according to NASA spokesperson Hardly Knowsitall. The spores are said to drift on the wind for a period of 35.43 days before being sucked into the nasal passage of the unaware hosts. After an incubation period of 5 hours the hosts develop an overwhelming need to cover their bodies in mud. In Central America, causalities have been kept at a minimum because of the frequency of hot springs, which provide a much needed and curative relief. President Bush has created a commission to study the feasibility of a hot spring within a
5-mile radius of each citizen in the USA before the next election.
For ongoing satellite updates and to schedule your curative time in a hot spring, contact
www.packpaddleski.com. Find your hot spring connection on our next Costa Rica trip, coming up this December!
Upcoming opportunities at Pack, Paddle, Ski
Mobster EcoChallenge 6/11/05
Sea Kayak the 30,000 Islands 7/4/05-7/8/05
Youth & Adult Learn to Row 7/6, 7/8, 7/11, 7/13…
The Highlands of Scotland 7/8/05-7/17/05
Tom Sawyer Family Canoe Adventure 7/22/05-7/24/05
A Foot in Ireland 7/29/05-8/7/05
Summer Kilimanjaro II 7/30/05-8/12/05
Woman’s Water Weekend Get Away 8/5/05-8/7/05
For more information on these and other exciting trips visit www.packpaddleski.com or email us at info@packpaddleski.com
