Want to Learn WhiteWater Kayaking?

If you’ve ever wanted to learn white water kayaking, here’s an article you must read. We have the best -Art Miller. He’s working with the Shortsville Manchester Area Chamber of Commerce to develop the Wild Water Derby stretch of Canandaigua Outlet into a permanent whitewater facility.

Art’s company is Kayak Adventures.

Adirondack Paddlefest - May 16-18

Adirondack Paddlefest kicks off Friday, May 16 and continues through Sunday, May 18 in Old Forge.

Paddlefest features clinics, demonstrations, slide shows, lectures, live music, and food. Some of the presentations are Women’s approach to paddling, understanding boat control, the Adirondack experience, how to buy a kayak, low vs. high angle paddling, paddling the Northern Forest Canoe Trail, boat and body control, and much more.

Whether you are thinking about buying a kayak or canoe, looking for some accessories, just want to see what the latest innovations are, or check the other outdoor displays and vendors and get in the mood for the coming season, this event is for you. The largest on-water kayak and canoe expo will be held on Forge Pond in Old Forge and offers all major brands of canoes and kayaks to test paddle for a single fee all weekend. You can also get an early bird special for Friday morning and work directly with factory reps. Because of the incredible variety of models and materials, it is best to try them out by paddling. This is your opportunity to test, as well as receive expert advice. In the event of rain there will be the display and expo at the huge heated indoor arena on North Street with shuttle service to the beach. There will also be reps and displays of all kinds of paddling related accessories and equipment.

Visit web site www.adirondackpaddlefest.com for more details.

THE ADIRONDACKS, airing May 14 on PBS

Distinctive personalities will illustrate the unique seasons of the Adirondacks in the program THE ADIRONDACKS, airing Wednesday, May 14, 2008, 9:00-11:00 p.m. ET on PBS.

Pine Brook Farm - a Walk With a View

Here’s a great post about a place to walk near Lake Placid: Pine Brook Farm - a Walk With a View

Snowshoe Regulations in the High Peaks

Snowshoe regulations in the high peaks - I didn’t know such laws existed. Kevin’s violation was to “ fail to possess and use skis or snowshoes when the terrain is snow-covered with eight or more inches of snow;” with the intent of preventing post-holing on trails. Read his story here.
The High Peaks are such a heavily traveled area that regulation after regulation is necessary. It reminds me of why I avoid the High Peaks region when I’m looking for a back country experience.

Bear Population Increase = More Nuisance Bears

With the number of bears increasing, so are the problems associated with them. Click here to read the story, or more fun - to watch the video and see the slide show.

New Map of Spanish Loop Trail in Cortland County

At long last, the full-size map of the Spanish Loop Trail (SLT) system (a 5.5 mile loop) is available for online purchase at www.fingerlakestrail.org.
Parents hiking with children will especially appreciate having a copy of this map with them. Indeed, the SLT has long been promoted as being a “family-friendly” trail, with several short return loops available if children should lose their enthusiasm during the hike.
The SLT includes a stunning variety of terrain and features, including a Norway spruce forest, a tree farm, two modest waterfalls, a bivouac/picnic area, a viewpoint that overlooks Daisy Hollow, a recovering logged area, some mossy, attractive springs, and a tiny, frog-filled pond. Wildflowers are plentiful, including daffodils, polygalas, and lady slippers.
The single sheet paper map shows the various trails clearly in lare scale, including the Irvin Trail, Cristina Creek Falls Trail, Eric’s Path (connector trail), and the Tiny Pond Spur Trail. The map’s back shows a highly detailed mileage log and trail description, for which there simply is no room on the crowded back of map M19. Credit for the map’s creation should go to Joe Dabes, whose mapmaking skills are simply superb. Thanks, Joe!
Alex Gonzalez

A map and description for this trail (and 67 others) is also available in the guidebook “Take A Hike - Family Walks in New York’s Finger Lakes Region.

Mother’s Day walk at Sweedler’s Preserve - Ithaca

“At 1 p.m. on Sunday (May 10) there will be a Mother’s Day walk at the Finger Lake Land Trust’s Sweedler Preserve , south of Ithaca. The joint outing with the Finger Lakes Land Trust and Finger Lakes Native Plant Society will be a moderately strenuous hike in a forested gorge. The trail entrance is on Town Line Road before the bridge. Contact Merry Jo Bauer at 273-0268 for more information.”

That’s what it actually said in the Ithaca Journal. “Moderately strenuous” in the same sentence with “Sweedler Preserve.” I love Sweedler Preserve. It’s a gorgeous gorge peppered with waterfalls. Maybe because it’s a short walk they call it moderately strenuous. It’s steep. It’s one of the steepest segments of trail I’ve found in all the Finger Lakes Region. It will get your heart pumping. I hike a lot and I was gasping for air on the return back up from the valley. If you haven’t been there, please make a point to go. It’s really worth the trip, and who among us doens’t need some heart pounding exercise.

You’ll find a map and instructions in “200 Waterfalls in Central & Western New York - A Finders’ Guide“ and in ” Take A Hike - Family Walks in New York’s Finger Lakes Region.”

National Bike to Work Day - Friday, May 16th

New York Bicycling Coalition asks that you consider participating in National Bike to Work Day on Friday, May 16th. 40% of all travel in the U.S. are trips 2 miles are less; 90% of those are by car. What would our city streets, air pollution levels, and communities look like if more citizens chose a “green” method of alternative transportation that cuts down on traffic congestion and rising fuel costs while simultaneously providing an enjoyable way to stay healthy and active?

Landscaping Tips for Difficult Spots - May 7

May 7, 2008, 7PM, cost $12

Instructor, Terry Ettinger, of Syracuse, New York, is a leading speaker, educator and communicator in the field of environmentally sensitive lawn, landscape and garden design and management. His lawn and garden column “Let’s Get Growing” appears each week from March through November in the Eagle Group of community newspapers. Most recently, Terry has created and hosted the twice-weekly Time Warner “Garden Journeys” franchise on its Syracuse-based 24 hour news channel, News 10 Now.

In this presentation Terry will share ideas and plants for dense shade, steep slopes, wet soils, dry soils, deer-inundated neighborhoods, and spaces requiring privacy. If your situation hasn’t been described here, bring along some photos and we’ll address your needs, too!

info: www.onondagacountyparks.com/parks/beaver/
Beaver Lake Nature Center
8477 East Mud Lake Road
Baldwinsville, NY 13027
315-638-2519

(from Skaneateles Suites web site)