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An unexpected job loss, a full summer ahead and a sense of adventure put Rick Edwards in a kayak on the Chemung River on Sunday afternoon for the start of a nearly 500-mile paddle. The 46-year-old Elmira man left the Grove Street boat launch in Elmira on a solo trip to the Chesapeake Bay.
Edwards, who moved to Elmira last fall from Southern California, recently lost his job as a New York state beehive inspector when he developed a sudden allergy to bee stings. He moved here because he has relatives nearby.
With no job and no promise of one, Edwards decided to take advantage of the situation and go on an adventure. “I might not be able to do this again,” says Edwards. “It’s part soul-searching and part exploration.”
Edwards’ love of nature, outdoor recreation and people has him on a watery paddle down the Chemung and Susquehanna rivers to the Chesapeake Bay and Washington, D.C. He hopes to reach the nation’s capital by July 12.
You can follow Edward’s trip on the Chemung River Friends Web site at www.chemungriverfriend.org as he sends updates of his journey from his solar-powered notebook computer. He also will e-mail photographs of his trip.
“This is a great example of how easily the rivers can be used for recreation, education and simple adventure,” said Jim Pfiffer, director of the Friends of the Chemung River Watershed, a nonprofit organization helping with Edwards’ trip. “You can enjoy an easy afternoon paddle on our rivers or take a two-week journey to meet new people, view beautiful sites and learn a lot about yourself.”
Large decals that read “Chemung RiverFriends.org” decorate the bow and stern of Edwards’ kayak. “I invite the public to call me on my phone or send me e-mails,” said Edwards as he packed about five gallons of water and 10 to 15 pounds of food into two kayaks Sunday in the bright sun.
He is paddling a Wilderness Systems Pamlico kayak and towing a smaller kayak packed full of supplies. Both boats are borrowed. He plans to live mostly off the fish he catches along the way and the good will of the people he meets. He does not have a tent.
Edwards welcomes other river lovers and paddlers to join him on all or parts of the trip. You can contact Edwards during his trip at (607) 207-8674 or via e-mail at Ricardo.eduuardos@gmail.com.
