Report by Ron Klieman, photos by Mo Fridlich.
Met at Foundry Cove at 10:00 to launch. I got there first and offloaded my boat. Mo got there and asked “Did you check if the launch is frozen over?” “No” says I. So we check. It was! This paddle isn’t going to happen, think both of us. We discuss alternate plans. We check the marina, it’s frozen too. We check by the gazebo, the water around it is still liquid, Hurray! We unload out gear.
Says the cop “you can’t park here” We explain were just unloading our gear & will park on the street. “You can’t launch here” she sternly replies. After 5 minutes of negotiating and convincing her we have no malevolence in our immediate plans, she, overcome by the spirit of the season and pity, relents.
Five minutes into the paddle we encounter an ice flow which seems to block our path. Again the mission is in jeopardy. The river is beautiful in a primordial sense, almost pre creation. Mo is snapping pictures. Both of us are taking it all in as a totally unique experience. We find a passage through the ice. I’m sure there are other sounds but all I am conscious of is the sound my bow breaking through the thinner ice. ( If we don’t make it back. Bury me in my yak.)
As we approach Storm King Mountain we see the Castle. Looks like it’s entirely blocked by ice from the train tunnels on. Ice breaking is beginning to be fun. Again we find a channel. We are able to get within 300 yards of Bannerman’s before having to turn back.
Passing a barge we wave to the captain, he signals back. The tide is running with us, we take the western side of the river back, it’s mostly clear of ice.
Oh No! Our put-in seems to be blocked by ice. Now what? Undeterred we ice hardened explorers search for a clear route home. Now the most difficult part of our epic journey, getting out of our boats without dumping. Success!
To celebrate our safe return we share a victory cigar and have our lunch at the gazebo looking out at the ice flows of which we were so much a part. There are plenty of gulls, shared my tuna & Tabasco sandwich with them (not with the most altruistic of motives)
I feel sorry for those who only know the river during the warmer months. There is an awesome serenity in the quiet cold of winter. For much of this paddle I completely lost my sense of self, becoming a part of something greater. To those of you who do not understand I cannot explain. To those who do I don’t have to. Its why we paddle.
I’m sure Mo will be posting pictures soon
Ron
Passing a barge we wave to the captain, he signals back. The tide is running with us, we take the western side of the river back, it’s mostly clear of ice.
Oh No! Our put-in seems to be blocked by ice. Now what? Undeterred we ice hardened explorers search for a clear route home. Now the most difficult part of our epic journey, getting out of our boats without dumping. Success!
To celebrate our safe return we share a victory cigar and have our lunch at the gazebo looking out at the ice flows of which we were so much a part. There are plenty of gulls, shared my tuna & Tabasco sandwich with them (not with the most altruistic of motives)
I’m sure Mo will be posting pictures soon
Ron
Link to Mo’s pictures: http://picasaweb.google.com/mofridlich/YearEndPaddle?authkey=Gv1sRgCO-Cuoeun8eiRg#
Ron, I do understand. Thanks so much to Mo and Ron for sharing this cold weather adventure. Yackman
Two paddler friends share a wonderful winter paddle in terrain very familiar to many of us in warmer months.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
Paddling the Beautiful Hudson in Winter:
No Place for Wimps!
Today’s Guest Bloggers are Mo Fridlich and Ron Klieman.
