Summer 2011

NEWSLETTER OF PADDLERS lipaddlers.org

Cecile Bax, Mary and John Heymach, Judy Cooper, Janet Stone, Chiara Nuzzo and Janet Hann Long Island Paddlers enjoying on trip tothe Middle sun at Ground lunch on Lighthouse Bellport Beach Sept 18, 2010 1 Letter from the President By Ken Fink Summer has finally arrived and it’s our high from The Theodore Roosevelt Sanctuary and season. Our trip leaders have already run some Audubon Center will discuss birds we may see pretty nice trips on both land and water, some of around our waters, and will make available water which you can read about in this issue of the resistant field guides for a nominal fee. On newsletter. But there’s a lot more to come. August 16th, club members Peter and Kathy Particularly important are the skills days Stoehr will share their experiences of their recent scheduled for 7/16 at Stony Brook Harbor and visit to the World Heritage sites of Galapagos 8/27 at Sunken Meadow State Park. Between the Islands and Machu Picchu. And on September 27 forks of Long Island you can visit Robins Island we have a special guest, Marcus Demuth, who on July 16th, Cutchogue Harbor and Little Peconic has world class status as an expedition kayaker. Bay on 7/23, Hallock Bay to Gardiner's Bay on Marcus was the first kayaker to circumnavigate 8/20, full moon on Peconic and Flanders the Falkland Islands, a trip of over 680 miles in Bay on 8/9 and 9/11, day paddles on Flanders 22 days, (averaging almost 31 miles a day). In Bay on 7/17 and 8/7, and you can come celebrate 2007 Marcus circumnavigated Ireland as a a second annual 70th birthday bash with Jim fundraiser for the Royal National Lifeboat Dreeben by the lower Peconic River into Association. Other expeditions took him to Tierra Little Flanders Bay on 8/25. On the Great South Del Fuego (2010), Iceland (2008), the South and Bay, our annual Pizza happens on 7/28, West Coast of Australia (2007), Patagonia/Chile Birch Creek to Indian Island on 8/17, visits to the (2006), and Canada (2005). He has been written Connetquot River on 7/24, 8/14, and 8/21, and about in Outside Magazine, the Times, multiple trips to Bellport Beach on 7/31, 8/28, Sea Kayaker Magazine, & Magazine, and 9/10. For those who want to help out with Adventure Kayak Magazine, the Explorer's Club swim support there’s the Maggie Fischer Memorial Journal, Ocean Paddler Magazine (UK), Paddler Great South Cross Bay trip on 8/5 and Swim Magazine (UK), and See Kayaker Magazine Across America on 8/13. If you want to socialize (Germany). Because Marcus has just off water we have trips planned to attend the LI recently moved to Wales, where he has Philharmonic on 7/16, the on opened a B & B, he will not be in town on 8/28 and the Grucci fireworks show after the September 20th so we have moved the Long Island Ducks game on 9/10. September General Meeting to the fourth For all these trips to happen I am deeply indebted Tuesday of the month, the 27th. to this year’s trip leaders and assistants: Steven I think you will enjoy his ability to tell a great Berner, Kristin Costa, Alan Mindlin, Barbara story as he discusses some of his recent Fontana, Chiara Nuzzo, Fran Cassidy, Paul adventures. Aledort, Fred Hosage, Helen Horton, Don Gorycki, Ray Clarkson, Barry Goldblatt, Ken Doxsey, John Have a great, and safe, summer! Guiffre, Frank Durante, Liz Marcellus, Jim Dreeben, Dennis Wolf, George Bartunek, Steven Pollock, Louis A. Rivera and Mike Chachkes. Without the dedication of these fellow club members we could not have the trip diversity we are fortunate to enjoy.

Planned summer meetings have been scheduled by Steve Berner, our program coordinator, and should prove interesting. On July 19th, members

2 Lets paddle!

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Meetings Newsletter Members and nonmembers are always Long Island Paddlers Publication Dates welcome at our monthly meetings. We meet April 15 July 15 October 15 December 15 (usually) the third Tuesday of each month. For the latest updates, or for driving Deadlines for submission are one month directions, please see our website. prior to publication date. Members are encouraged to submit articles, pictures, Tentative meeting dates for the remainder of letters to the editor, newsworthy notes, 2011 are: recipes, trip reports or future trip July 19 August 16 September 27* information etc. to the editor. October 18 November 15 Editor reserves the right to editorial We meet from 7 to 9 PM at privileges. Unless otherwise stated, the views expressed are those of the authors Brightwaters Public Library and do not represent official position statements of Long Island Paddlers Club. 1 South Country Road Please submit all newsletter articles, Brightwaters, NY 11718 pictures, letters and advertising by deadline, to the editor at: [email protected] * 4th Tuesday

3 Green-wood Cemetery Tour April 16, 2011

Text and photos By Paul Caparatta This photo courtesy of Fran Cassidy ’s historic Green-wood Cemetery was the George Washington suffered a defeat at what is site of a guided tiptoe through the tombstones, now called the Battle of Long Island and which is organized by Fran Cassidy and Paul Aledort, our also the highest point in Brooklyn, offering resident social masters of the off-water. Fran and commanding views of the skyline. Paul have a flair for ferreting out overlooked gems of things to do and in this instance, they’ve No one can buy their way out of their stumbled upon buried treasure. appointment with the grim reaper. However, the rich, famous, infamous, and shameless can often Old cemeteries provide us with a rare opportunity afford to go out in style: you may be buried in to travel back in time. Thirty of us brave souls your automobile or your ashes rocketed into defied ominous, raw weather to step into the space or even loaded into shotshells and fired off time machine that is Green-wood Cemetery. in your favorite shotgun. If you had serious Steve Estroff, our guide, is an elementary school money, you could build a mausoleum large teacher with an intimate knowledge of history enough to host a banquet or pimp out your final and how the residents at Green-wood resting place with elaborate statuary, even import dovetailed into it. His enthusiasm for the subject was readily apparent despite weather typical of early March. Green-wood is a big place and we toured but a small fraction of the cemetery in the time we had available.

Green-wood consists of 478 park-like acres and was founded in 1838. It indeed served as a park long before Central and Prospect Parks were established. Within its borders is Battle Hill, site of a Revolutionary War battle where

Rex: One of two dogs buried with 4 their masters at Green-wood. The goddess Minerva and Lady Liberty, seemingly waving to each other.

Carrera marble and artisan/immigrants from Italy to create original works of funerary art. I think the Medici family of Florence, patrons of Michelangelo, would have been very content to rest at Green-wood. Best of all, you may view this Greek, Roman and Venetian inspired statuary without first being violated by ham-handed TSA molesters at the airport, unless you enjoy that sort of thing.

And, Green-wood Cemetery has more than its fair share of people who left their mark in history and Drummer boy: one of many Civil War era memorials whose eccentricities are plainly evident in the sublime and occasionally elaborate shrines they performing at Ford’s Theatre when Lincoln was erected to commemorate themselves. The 19th assassinated and who is said to have cradled the century nouveau-riche, not only enjoyed an dying president’s head in her lap. The infamous opulent lifestyle but also sought to remind future include Joey Gallo and Albert Anastasia, mobsters generations that they are walking past the grave dead of lead poisoning, courtesy of rival of somebody who was indeed somebody. mobsters. Consequently, Green-wood Cemetery evolved into a sort of 19th century Dune Road for the departed. One could easily imagine Green-wood’s residents in the afterlife, perhaps after a round of celestial golf, reminding each other as to who has the nicest and largest place of rest. Even in the afterlife, size apparently matters.

Some of Green-wood’s residents include Peter Cooper, Leonard Bernstein, Charles Ebbets () Dewitt Clinton, Teddy Roosevelt’s first wife and parents, and Laura Keene, the actress Our guide - Steve Estroff 5 Green-wood was the preferred final destination for most 19th century, New York notables, high society, intelligencia, tycoons, celebrities, luminaries, political hacks, power brokers and villains such as Boss Tweed, as well as miscellaneous bluebloods not included in the aforementioned categories. Many streets throughout the city are named for people whose graves may be found at Green-wood and who considered themselves 19th century aristocracy. There are also Civil War dead and about 5000 Civil War veterans interred at Green-wood. Numerous generals of that war are in residence, as well as Brooklyn’s very first Civil War casualty, a twelve-year-old drummer boy. The This tombstone has been taken over by the tree. cemetery is a must stop for Civil War buffs.

Thanks go to Fran, Paul, our guide, Steve Estroff, and Green-wood’s half million residents for yet another unique experience with an historical twist. I’m anxious to see what they dig up next.

6 Pyramid mausoleum with statuary. Hart Island Circumnavigation July 3, 2010 Text and photo’s by Tom Mulligan Throggs Neck Bridge

At 150 feet above the water for 5 minutes each waterways of New York as the sixth borough. morning and afternoon, I live vicariously. For And as wacky as that seems, I can see why. I’ve nigh on fifteen years I have been crossing bridges gotten so comfortable with my birds eye view, daily between and to get to that with a two second look at the Stepping work. And even before I developed my Stones Lighthouse, sitting between City Island with , I really have enjoyed the view and Kings Point, I can tell if it’s high or low water. from these bridges. It’s a visual bookend to my I know that doesn’t take much skill, but it makes day to take in the skyline of NYC toward the me feel . On windy days you look for west, and the expanse of to whitecaps coming off waves, see what direction the east. Sunrise and sunsets, clouds and blue water is moving, imagine what’s it like out there. sky, fog, rain, wind and snow, high and low tide, Since I began nurturing this interest in paddling, you see it all. And I keep looking, seeing what it’s become almost a daily routine to check the else is new, or unusual. I see a procession of 12 waters on the ride over, and I’m always a sucker to 15 sailboats, tilted starboard 45°, at the mercy for the view; it never gets tired. And then one of the wind, and I imagine what’s it like on board day it hit me. I’ve been looking at both City and to feel that power, that speed, and the joy of Hart Island’s every morning for years; why not being on the water. I see tugs, pulling barges, kayak over? And that thought became the and wonder what’s inside, and where it’s going. I genesis for this trip. see enormous private yacht’s, and wonder how The plan was to kayak from the base of the much to buy, or rent, and what stories they could Whitestone Bridge, paddle under the Throggs tell. I see the SUNY Maritime training cruiser is Neck Bridge, past and then follow the at its dock, and then, several days later it’s gone. shorelines of Great Neck and Kings Point, then I wonder what their classes would prepare you cross the Sound and around the eastern shore of for, and how different a life these classmates Hart Island, and begin the return trip by paddling have. It’s a whole other world, liquefied. There between City and Hart Island, with a return under is a blogger who wants the city to recognize the the Throggs Neck Bridge, and when possible,

7 across the channel and back to the put in. It Approaching the Throggs Neck I could hear the was timed to begin with a flooding tide so that I continuous flow of unseen traffic high above me, would have that assist to get over to the islands, and monitored my progress by distances toward and the distance of approximately 15 miles the outsized piers at the base of the bridge. It would mean that I could anticipate a helpful ebb was nice and all together too short to get the tide on the return portion of the trip. momentary shade and temperature drop by In researching the logistics, I found that since going underneath the bridge. On the other side, these waters are considered part of the NYC I paddled on and came close to Fort Totten. Water trail, that a kayak permit was necessary. Realistically, it is doubtful that you are going to The Fort has a rich history that dates back to the be stopped for a permit check, but I spent the Civil War and was intended to protect fifteen dollars to have lawful access of various approaches to the . From the water, kayak launch sites in the 5 boroughs. As it turns you see a granite wall, with openings for cannon, out, the launch site on the Queens side of the right at waterline. During construction artillery Whitestone Bridge is very nice. At low tide a advancements made such a wall obsolete, and small beach appears and acts to smooth the so it was never finished. After many years the transition from land to water. The drawback is US Army felt a formal base was no longer that the put in is several hundred feet from needed, and now the area has an unusual mixed parking so a kayak cart is very helpful. pedigree, including a public park with a visitor’s It was a beautiful warm day, air temps climbing center, along with training facilities for police, into the low 90’s, with a mild breeze blowing. fire, and army reserve units as well serving as a The Sound had gentle swells, big loopy home to the Bayside Historical Society. undulations that initially make you cautious until you fall into their rhythm, and then relax in the Continuing across Little Neck Bay I passed by the predictable ebb and flow. Paddling along in docks of the US Merchant Marine Academy. This these waters there was boat and Jet Ski traffic, organization is a civilian auxiliary of the US Navy mainly going towards the city, but by avoiding and can be called upon in support roles to assist the central channel, there was plenty of time to armed forces during times of war. The area had position for the wakes of larger watercraft and a definite commercial edge to it and was not an fall into a relaxing rhythm of paddling. inviting place to disembark.

Fort Totten at waters edge

8 Moving further along the Kings Point shoreline Hart Island is a small landmass, one mile long you pass by private homes with beautiful water and approximately ¼ mile wide. It is closed to views, and unlike some other areas of the north visitors, and uninhabited, but has a long and shore, the shorelines are literally in the backyard interesting history that notably includes being a of these homes. Needing to stretch my legs I Civil War Confederate POW camp, a reformatory hopped out of the kayak in the intertidal zone and for boys, a women’s insane asylum, a missile considered the crossing to Hart Island. This is a base during the Cold War, a drug rehabilitation narrow and busy area. Long Island Sound center in the 70’s, and presently is the largest tax narrows down to less than a mile across between funded cemetery in the world. Ever since the Hart Island and Kings Point. Any boat traveling Civil War the grounds have been used to inter the west towards the City will pass through this area, city’s indigent or unclaimed bodies. The island is and today there was a fairly steady stream of actually run by the NYC Department of NYC bound traffic. Nearby, City Island is ringed Corrections because labor is used to bury with docks and has many recreational boaters, bodies, with working prisoners bused in from who regularly take advantage of their prime Riker's Island and ferried over from City Island to location and who were also out in force. And in perform the task. Commonly known as Potters the distance I could hear the high pitched whine Field, you can find more information online by of Jet Ski’s zipping around the various bays. Googling Hart Island.

The seas were pretty calm, but, as many paddlers Heading north along the eastern shores of Hart know, it’s a bit unnerving when crossing a busy Island I passed this massive chimney with the channel and anticipating where motorized boats sign Prison on its side, testament to one of its are going to be in 10 minutes or so. Looking left former incarnations. There are a few brick and right you do your best to gauge the velocity structures visible but they are in various states of of boats that potentially can cross your route; but disrepair. Along this side of the island, there are sooner or later you say to yourself, time to no docks for landing and it is pretty much commit: LETS GO! Sprinting across, on high uninviting. Approaching the northern tip for the alert, the crossing was quick and uneventful and I turn around to the western edge of the island, arrived on the Bronx waters side still dry! On the the water became very choppy, with a few boats south and eastern edges of Hart Island the water bronco riding the chop and fishing at the same was choppy as waves from the Sound crested time. Swinging around to avoid their fishing upon shallow shorelines. Several sailboats and lines, I proceeded to the calmer waters on the motorboats had moored in the area, with people western side of the island. Here, just less than a either swimming or fishing from their boats. mile away, the heavily populated City Island lay

Eastern shore of Hart Island 9 past the southern aspect of City Island, many people were enjoying the view looking towards Long Island, and were waving and taking pictures of the kayaker in the water. I kept moving across Eastchester Bay and at this point became really concerned over Jet Ski’s. I now understand why kayakers and Jet Skiers don’t get along. The skis move very fast, and like us are low on the water, so visibility is limited for both kayaker and skier. But they buzz along, engines screaming, like deranged bumblebees, kicking up huge water plumes in unpredictable patterns. Many times over the next 45 minutes or so, I was raising the paddle in the air trying to establish my presence, but felt largely unsuccessful. The experience definitely raised my stress levels. My neck muscles got a good workout straining to see where that sound was coming from and what move I should make to neutralize the threat. But in reality there is no correct move, as skis can change course on a dime and there’s not much time to move if you remain unseen. Luckily though, there were no Hart Island chimney close calls.

No, there was one close call. And not with a Jet to the west. As desolate as Hart Island is, it’s Ski either. As I was nearing the Throggs Neck the opposite on City Island. Many docks, tons of Bridge, the tide was ebbing and the water near boats, and lots of houses dot the shoreline. the base of the bridge must have been shallow as it was roiling, like a fast stream going over I stayed close to the Hart Island side to avoid boulders. I couldn’t go around it, as it would City Island boat traffic and came to a centrally have lead me directly into the boat channel, and located dock. This is the only access point for the traffic was too busy to risk being out there boats to Hart Island. At this point I crossed for too long. But it looked deep enough to cut over to the City Island side and had to keep through, which is what I did. And as I was lining vigilant because of heavy activity. Paddling on up to make the dash under the Throggs Neck

Northeastern shore of Hart Island 10 Southwestern shore of Hart Island

Bridge, to cross the channel and go from the and one cute flower girl was disappointed when I Bronx to the Queens side, a huge 40 foot cabin had to refuse her request for a ride. cruiser came racing through, music blaring, the second deck partying with people dancing. I saw So now, during my daily bridge transit, I look out him coming, and anticipating a big wake, over the water and those feelings of being positioned the kayak at 90° to the boat. About to are stronger. I’ve dropped 150 feet pass at less than 20 feet away, he finally saw me, below from my daily perch and traveled these promptly killed the motor, and started apologizing waters. The coastlines in this area whisper their profusely for giving me a rough ride. After the history to those willing to listen. I’m trying to experiences of the Jet Skiers and the generally hear what they say. calm day on the water, I told him I was enjoying the ride, thanked him for his consideration, and There’s so many great things about kayaking, you so we both continued on our way with smiles on treat yourself to a beautiful day on the water, our faces. learn a little more about how to handle your craft, gather memories to keep you warm in the winter, Arriving back at the put in, there was a wedding and develop a greater appreciation at a visceral party that had come to water to take pictures in level for the historical beginnings of New York the late afternoon. A study in contrasts: tuxedo’s City and it’s waters. and wet water gear; for me it’s no contest, I’ll take the latter every time. I tried to wait it out, Really, what more can you ask for? staying offshore for about 30 minutes, but then decided maybe they were waiting for sunset and that was too long for me. Several of the party guests were extremely interested in the kayak,

11 Super Chunky Cookies

½ cup butter, softened 1.

½ cup butter flavored shortening In a large mixing bowl, cream the butter, shortening and sugars until light and fluffy. 1 cup packed brown sugar Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each 3/4 cup sugar addition. Beat in vanilla. Combine the flour, baking soda and salt; gradually add to the 2 eggs creamed mixture. Stir in the remaining ingredients. 2 tablespoons vanilla extract (you can never go wrong with some more) 2.

2 1/2 cups all purpose flour Drop by tablespoonfuls 3 inches apart on ungreased baking sheets. Bake at 350° for 1 teaspoon baking soda 10 - 12 minutes until lightly browned. Cool for 2 - 3 minutes before removing to wire racks to 1/8 teaspoon salt cool completely. 1 cup miniature semisweet chocolate chips

1 cup milk chocolate chips Be forewarned, if you intend to share and bring 1 cup vanilla or white chips these on a paddling trip you must make extra as this recipe only yields 8 ½ dozen. And if Alan 4 squares (1 ounce each) bittersweet Mindlin is leading the trip you may have to triple chocolate, coarsely chopped the recipe. ¾ cup English toffee bits or almond brickle chips

½ cup chopped pecans

12 On The Connecticut River May 13-15, 2011 Text and Photos By Alan Mindlin show for a few minutes then let our stomachs be On the weekend of May 13-15th, the Long Island our guide as we headed for the Essex town park. Paddlers had their annual spring weekend trip. This time we paddled on the Ct. River. The Ct. After a nutritious lunch featuring Mary's yummy River is considered a scenic river by the U.S chocolate chip cookies we headed across the river government and the area we chose to paddle was and paddled up the Ct. River to Selden Neck very beautiful indeed. Creek. I apologized to everyone since we were paddling on flat water with the tide and wind On Friday we met in the town park of Essex CT., behind us. Selden Neck Creek is one of my and launched at the River Museum. We paddled favorite places. There are beautiful rock across the river and north to Hamburg Cove, one formations with lovely trees and plants. It is of the prettiest areas on the southern part of the Mother Nature at her best. river. Many sailboats go to Hamburg Cove to dock. With little boat traffic and a light breeze we There were many birds, including Osprey, Egrets had a fantastic day on the water. On our return and green Herons. After finishing paddling the trip we passed 6 turkey vultures sitting on a log. creek we re-crossed the river and returned to our Sorry Marge, the camera was in the bag. cars. It was a wonderful 13 mile paddle.

We had dinner at a great restaurant in Niantic, right on the water. Saturday's weather report was favorable so we returned to our rooms ready to rock and roll. Saturday we traveled north to Deep River for a return trip to Essex. Unfortunately Ed caught sick and had to leave. We paddled down from Deep River to a quaint town on the Ct River where the Essex steam train passes through. The River Museum was having a reenactment of the War of 1812 battle complete with cannon. We watched the

13 Janet Stone on the Connecticut River Connecticut River Trip (Continued)

Sunday’s forecast was for rain and tired bodies. We had breakfast at the Shack considered the best breakfast restaurant in Ct. Then we left for home and other adventures.

Many thanks to Judy Cooper, Janet Stone, Dana and Mary Johnson and Ed Goldenberg for joining Mary Johnston on the Connecticut River me on this fun weekend.

Mary Johnston on the Connecticut River

Wade Hartmann by Steve Berner

This past spring, Wade Hartmann built a kiosk for the Upper Carmans River with materials purchased by the club. This is the second kiosk Wade has constructed for the club. The other one is located at the put-in at Orient Beach State Park. For his time and energy, Wade was awarded a one year membership to the club by the Board. The kiosk in Yaphank will allow the county to post the days and hours the river is open, along with some paddling safety tips. A sign-in book will soon be added. Liz Marcellus, as a member of the Suffolk County Sportsperson's Advisory Council, has been trying to get the county to open the river to kayaking and 365 days a year. It is hoped that the sign-in book will demonstrate the need for greater access to the river by paddlers.

Wade’s kiosk at the Upper Carmans River 14 Greenwich Village Walking Tour May 21, 2011 Text and photos by Tom Mulligan

Barry Goldblatt graciously organized a field trip with murder, he fled to South Carolina but for club members to see Greenwich Village. The eventually returned to Washington to finish out tour started at Christopher Park, diagonally across his term. Charges were eventually dismissed. from the Stonewall Inn. Barry described how Perhaps this precedent is why Dick Cheney back in the sixties, gay bars were routinely raided seemingly wasn’t overly concerned when he shot by police for quality of life infractions. Two years his hunting buddy in the face. The restaurant after it opened, one particular raid exploded into was very accommodating to our group, and in a riot and is generally considered to be the event celebration of its that started the modern gay and lesbian 30th anniversary, movements. While the Stonewall closed later in handed out $30 1969, it was renovated and reopened in 2007. dollar gift cards for those willing to We visited Once if by Land, Two if by Sea, in the return to sample , at 17 Barrow Street, a restaurant the menu. Diners once voted as “The Most Romantic Restaurant in are provided with New York”. It is a unique and picturesque two a view into a story structure with the unusual pedigree of being miniature garden the former carriage house of Aaron Burr. Mr. that actually is a Burr is famously known as challenging and killing recessed entrance Alexander Hamilton to a pistol duel in New Jersey to an apartment in 1804. At the time he was the 3rd Vice building. President of the United States. While charged

15 Restaurant view hanging occurred, it is described as occurring in several locations of the park. Certainly the major attraction of the park is the Washington Arch. Built to celebrate the centennial of Washington’s inauguration as the first US President, it was modeled after France’s Arc de Triomphe. Located at the base of Fifth Avenue, Barry described how in the past when the avenue allowed two way traffic buses would travel through the arch and circle around to return north. Looking at the span between the arches, it’s a wonder there aren’t chunks missing One if by Land, Two if by Sea at the base. While we were there, a street musician had rolled a dolly loaded with a piano Next we went to . Barry underneath the arch and was playing for the described several interesting facts about the crowd. How do you say?..Only in New York. area. Before the park was built in the mid 1800’s it was used as a potter’s field. While some bodies have been relocated, some estimate that up to 20,000 bodies remain interred in the area. Less clear is the history surrounding a hanging tree in the park. While records indicate that at least one public

European flavor in NY

Across the street from the arch is a white brick apartment building, home to former NY Mayor (“How am I doing?”) Several times during our tour we walked past gated micro communities embedded in the city, both unique and unexpected. Just north of the arch, we walked into one gated street, a cobblestone road lined on either side by 2 to 4 story buildings. It looked like someone dropped a slice of Europe right in the middle of the city.

We continued our walk to the Asch Building, a national historic landmark, the site of the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory Fire of 1911, the

16 Washington Arch deadliest industrial disaster in New York. 146 Walking on we came to another lower Manhattan people (mostly women) lost their lives in a fire anomaly, a miniature house with an immaculately that sparked legislation to improve factory safety kept yard, an oasis of green in a field of concrete. standards and is credited with starting the Abutting the rear of the house was a tall brick International Ladies’ Garment Workers’ Union. apartment building, the owners of which could not get the house owners to sell and so built right up against their property line and then installed a wire fence overhang to protect the homeowners from potential falling debris.

Next on the tour was the Jane Hotel, 113 Jane Street, which in 1912 housed the survivors of the Titanic, and now is an unusual mix of quirky and cool. The hotel used to be a single room occupancy hotel, and still has shared bathrooms in some areas, but is slowly undergoing renovations that still retain the unusual character of the place. Stuffed animal heads are set alongside oil paintings and a decrepit disco ball hangs over an unusual lounge with mismatched oversized sofas and an Egyptian motif DJ mixing Chess anyone? station. We were able to get a few pictures We then passed by the Village Chess Shop (230 before the red coated bell hops asked us not to, Thompson Street), open 24 hours a day with and you can see for yourself the mix is eclectic patrons playing chess. Many unique chess sets and rundown and trendy all at the same time. lined the windows, and peering inside you could see matches going on, with table top timers keeping track.

After a nice and relaxing lunch at an Italian restaurant we walked past the one time home of a Pulitzer Prizing winning poet, Edna St. Vincent Millay. What was remarkable was the width of the house, which at less than 10 feet wide is the narrowest house in NYC. Perfect for a bowling alley or lap swim pool, and with the Narrowest NYC house cute address of 75 ½ Bedford Street. 17 Jane Hotel Bar Elevated train going through building At tour end we walked to the Greenway, part of the Manhattan Waterfront Greenway, which allows river access, and it was loaded with street performers, walkers, runners, and bikers; the area pulses with activity. Piers allow one to walk out over the river and there are Jane Hotel Lounge beautiful sights to see, not only of the New Jersey shoreline, but looking south to the Status of Liberty. One of the final sites we saw was a building that previously allowed elevated trains go through them. The trestles are gone now, but the building “tunnel” still remains. In fact, a few blocks north another trestle was renovated to create a unique city park, The Highline Elevated Park. Envisioned as a monument to the industrial history of the New York’s West Side, the former train track was remodeled into a walkway with plants that allows elevated views of the Hudson River and the lower West Side. Only partially opened, (section 2, opened June 8th) when complete it will be a 1.45 mile park extending from Gansevoort Street to 34th Street.

Street Performer with young onlooker

As long as people are interested, Barry plans to run this trip twice a year, in the spring and fall. If you have any interest in NY life and history, this is a tour well worth taking. 18 Highline Elevated Park viewing in Pompeii itself. Instead, you would Pompeii, the Exhibit need to visit the museums in Naples to see Pompeii’s artifacts. This may not be practical to By Paul Caparatta do if your visit to Pompeii is part of a cruise excursion. Some disasters, whether natural or man-made, strike an indelible and raw nerve in the public Full-time vulcanologists, using sophisticated psyche. Almost everybody knows the general electronics, monitor the pulse of Mt. Vesuvius, a circumstances surrounding the Titanic, the volcano that’s anything but extinct. It last erupted Lusitania, 9/11, Pearl Harbor, and of course, in 1944, adding to Italy’s misery in the midst of Pompeii. World War II. Scientists feel it is inevitable that, some day, Vesuvius will awaken, possibly On Sunday, May 22, 2011, Fran Cassidy and Paul threatening all of Naples. Aledort led a tour group to visit Pompeii, the Exhibit at Discovery, Times Square. Pompeii, and Thanks go to Fran and Paul for organizing this its neighboring town, Herculaneum, sat at the educational tour and for obtaining a group foot of Mt. Vesuvius, an active volcano in Central discount for us. The tour also serves as a Italy, south of Rome. In August of 79 AD, reminder that the kayaking season is relatively Vesuvius erupted with a vengeance, all but short and off-water adventures are an excellent erasing Pompeii from the map and killing way to socialize all year, rather than just during thousands of people. The citizens of Pompeii may the warm kayaking months. For this latter not have had automobiles, central air reason, thanks also go to Barry Goldblatt for his conditioning, Internet access, or digital fascinating tours of Greenwich Village. I would doodads but they surrounded themselves with encourage everyone to participate in off-water beautiful architecture and paintings and the trips. surviving evidence points to an advanced, civilized and pleasurable existence.

On exhibit were tools, jewelry, pottery, statuary and housewares used in everyday life as well as many reconstructed wall frescoes that provide a rare glimpse through two thousand years of history to the culture of Pompeii. A small theatre complete with sound effects and rumbling vibrations gives some small measure of the terror faced by Pompeii’s residents. The theatre then opens to a room containing about fifteen castings of actual victims. Ash and pyroclastic flow solidified around their bodies, creating a mold-like cavity as the body decomposed. Archeologists discovered they could fill these cavities with plaster to create a casting of the person who had died there. There are over 1200 such castings in existence. They serve as a poignant and somber reminder of the 2000-year- Decorated fountain in a home in Pompeii old disaster. One can easily sense the anguish the Photo by Paul Caparatta victims must have suffered in their final moments.

I’ve been to Pompeii while touring Italy. Much of what I saw at the Exhibit is not available for

19 The 2011 Spring Picnic Text by David Shwide , Photo’s by Alan Mindlin

Another great Spring Picnic! First, a BIG thank was starting to blow. All of Fred's paddles are you to everyone for setting up this whole party - timed, so we couldn't quit after we paddled in CH especially Lou for getting all the food. because we hadn't paddled enough. So we ventured a little further out into Northport Everyone looked like they had a great time, Harbor and checked out some beaches along the whether they went on a long paddle to the west side of the harbor. After a while, we began lighthouse with Alan, the intermediate paddle encountering some small waves that soon enough into the Northport Harbor with Fred, or the got a tiny bit bigger. I felt that my trusty Pungo beginner paddle into Centerport Harbor with was not the right boat to be in with these Barry. I'm glad that I nagged my wife and conditions, so I volunteered to be the first to daughter into going. We paddled into Centerport paddle back to the Centerport Beach. Harbor. Hopefully, I can get my better half out a little bit more on future trips, especially the And that's when the next party began! Can you Assateague trip in the fall. spell T-A-I-L-G-A-T-E! Trunks were opened and snacks were spread out. Yum, yum. Stories were After the picnic, I packed up both boats and told, everyone was laughing, and Fred explained started to drive away. I looked at the other to us how he fills out his trip leader evaluation groups going back out for the afternoon paddle, forms at home for us. That's so nice of him. stopped the car, and stared out the window. My Thanks, Fred. wife saw my puppy eyes, told me to stay, and go Once again, I want to thank everyone who was out with them. Whoo hoo! I unpacked some gear, on the committee for setting up the picnic. And grabbed my trusty Pungo, and went with Fred thanks for the beautiful weather! I can't wait for back into the Centerport Harbor because the wind the next picnic!

20 Otis Pike Wilderness and Bellport Beach June 18, 2011 Text and Photos by Tom Mulligan

Cecile Bax, Lois Gibney, Chris Scalisi and Bob Sarka round John Boyle Island

With a quick crossing of the boat channel on the miles long on the south shores of Long Island, eastern edge of Bellport Bay Don Gorycki lead a the width varying from 160 to 400 meters wide, group of approximately 20 paddlers on a tour to you truly get the best of both (water) worlds; the the Otis Pike Wilderness Area on Fire Island. If south bays of Long Island on one side and the you haven’t been to Fire Island you owe it to Atlantic Ocean on the other. True to form we yourself to make the trip. A barrier island 31 witnessed some of the many moods of the ocean.

Ed and Bonnie Strachar crossing Great South Bay

Bob Sarka and Cecile Bax in Bellport Bay Bob Sarka and Cecile Bax 21 Jim GibneyJim on Gibney the north at Johnside ofBoyle John Island Boyle Island Ross Moore on the north side of John Boyle Island On the bay side the water is protected and the boardwalk protects the fragile environment and wind was light so paddling was fairly smooth. We rises up with the dunes as it approaches the cruised around John Boyle Island to check out ocean side. Sitting at the high point of the protected bird nesting areas and continued on dunes, at the terminus of the boardwalk, is a toward Bellport Beach on Fire Island. This area “grand gazebo”, positioned just before the dunes has the added benefit of a small store on the bay drop down to the sandy beach. The placement side where you can buy some treats and even get gives one commanding views of the beach, along a BBQ cheeseburger if so inclined. From there we with an excellent place to catch the sea breezes walked across the island on an elevated as you eat lunch and recharge in the shade. On boardwalk to reach the ocean side. The last years trip the Atlantic was calm, with gentle

Chris Scalisi, Mary Heymach and George Kopsias on the south shore of Fire Island 22 waves rolling into the shore, and the colors of the water were a mix of vivid bright green and dark blue. At the time several people remarked how it reminded them of the Caribbean. This year, there was no mistaking these waters for tropical bliss; multiple sets of large waves were crashing upon the shore with a vengeance. Sandy colored water churned at the beach, looking to draw the innocent out into the rough. Surfers were present and were often humbled by the liquid confusion. Amid the intimidation of potential rip tides and overpowering waves, Ross Moore collected on a bet of free ice cream if he dove in. After some relaxation we withdrew from the beach and returned to the bay. When you get trips like this the return to put in is, unfortunately, altogether too quick.

Chiara Nuzzo and Janet Hann enjoying the day

23 Full Moon and "Hello, operator 82, what’s the emergency?" Text by David Shwide, Photo’s by Christopher Neilson

For those who are very curious, just scan over to snack, night lights and we wore our wet suits the stars on the next page.... because the temps would be dropping later on. But boy did I sweat just packing up the boat. So After getting all those short notice full moon before we launched I used their shower near the paddles that I couldn't drive to, Chris and I life guard building to cool off. decide to paddle on a recent Wednesday night out of Centerport Harbor. After sitting awhile in Our plan was to paddle to Caumsett State Park, traffic we finally launched around 6:30. While I have some food, watch the sun set and the moon was loading the boat the little "no see ums" or rise. The water was almost like glass so we beach fleas, whatever they're called were getting decided to leave the skirts off and that helped really annoying, little did I know that they would keep our legs cool (hmmm, sounds a little weird). be back later on in the trip. We packed a small There were probably a dozen sailboats anchored

David paddling along

24 in the harbor with plenty of people on them "The Birds". It looked like a hundred of water enjoying themselves. After approximately 30-40 birds all over the shore. Too late, the light minutes we landed on a spit of land where the spooked them, "duck!" dozens came flying over birds are protected further up on the land. We us, some stayed in formation and others, like me, stretched and watched the boats take off and flew in zigzags, holy cow that was crazy. As we then, right in front of us, the harbor patrol comes got closer to Centerport Beach we heard some flying out with lights and horns blasting pulling music. A party was going on the other side and over a motor boat. Chris and I just watched for a the band was rocking. Chris and I though about few minutes while I guess paperwork was paddling up to them but we figured the wetsuits exchanged. At this time we get back in the boats we were wearing just didn't look appropriate and paddle across the harbor and hug the coast since my bottom zipper was up by my neck with while we paddle around towards Caumsett. Once my uhmmm, belly sticking out (something I'm around the corner we were able to see the sun trying to remedy this summer). Ahhh, back to setting in the West, WOW! It was beautiful, the shore, the buggies weren't so bad there and we colors were bright red and yellow, and it looked began to load up our boats around 10:30. Ok, I'm amazing when some clouds were covering part of a little late no big deal, so I'll call the wife in a the sun. Then Chris mentions to me about few minutes. turning around and WHOA! It's the Man in the Moon looking right at us just above the tree line. ***** Once we’re in cars, I start to follow Chris Sun setting to our left, full moon on the right, it up the hill to get out of the beach area and all of couldn't get any better than this. Little did I know a sudden he hits his break lights. OK, Chris likes this was a small part of the trip, we had waited to to triple check the area to see if we left anything. put our lights on the deck so we had to find a He gets out of his car and I do the same. Hmmm, spot to beach the boats. Well, there are a ton of he's not looking back at the beach, what’s in front rocks in that area but we were able to find a little that he's looking at? Oh Crap! You got to be spot to pull in. The plan was to eat a sandwich, kidding me! Was it a bird? A plane? Superman? get lights on and get back on the water. Well A streaker? Nope! It was a 30 ft long, 3 ft high, after about 5 seconds I began swatting the little white metal gate that LOCKED US IN ! Holy moly! flies out of my face, that's all it took, the word We drive back down to the beach and look for was out, BLOOD! Those little flies called in the another way out, nothing. Hmm, do we paddle to troops and we were surrounded by them! Eyes, the other side? But then we still can't get our cars ears, arms, nose: get them off of me! Forget the out. I called my wife and told her, but she food, get the lights on and get the hell out of thought it was just another excuse why I was out there! Took us about 2 min and we paddled out late; no honey, we are really locked in I tell her. I of that area. We paddled about 100 feet out, told her I'll call back with more news later. We linked boats and ate our food floating in the decided that we had no choice but to call 911. water watching the moon. Time to get back, just So Chris calls 411 using my phone and asks them wait. to connect us with the Suffolk police. Once again the water was like glass so we kept This is probably what was said: the skirts off, as we paddled back to the spit of land where we stopped before. Chris flashed his light on the water around his boat and we were surrounded by dozens of jelly fish floating around us, eek! The paddle blade seemed to be lifting them out of the water as we paddled along, yuk. Then as we hugged the shore I asked Chris to use his "Gazillion Candle Spotlight" to check out the shore to see how close we were and then we saw it. We were now in Alfred Hitchcock's movie

25 "Operator 82, what's the emergency?" Something we both didn't want to hear, since it " No emergency ma’am, our cars are locked in at was now 12:15 am and we both have to teach in Centerport Beach and we can't drive home". the morning. Now, you know that police officers "Heheheheh, ummm, ok we will dispatch a car to have not 1 key, or 2 keys, but dozens! Finally the help you, hehehehehhe, wonder why you guys sound we were waiting for: "click", yeah baby we are out this late?" we’re free, but not yet. Now, how to lift the gate "Thanks ma’am for your help". once the lock was off? Both Chris and I had "Your welcome, heheheh, stupid guys, your volunteered to help but this officer was on his gonna pay for this, heheheh". own mission, he was going to figure it out and do it on his own. As we watch he begins to lift and spin and walk towards us moving the giant railing on it's hinge across the road. "Yeah!, thanks officer", but not yet. Oh no!, here comes the ticket; "You guys...... have a good night" he tells us as he's holding the rail. We start up our cars and drive back home, whew!

Chris

During the next 30 minutes we see quite a few cars driving past us without noticing. So, silly me, why not play around with them? Every time a car comes towards us and stops at the stop sign I start jumping up and down doing jumping David jacks to get their attention. Go figure, 3 cars see me and keep on going, well thanks a lot! Finally, a lady stops after seeing me jump and asks if we need help. I tell her thanks, the police are on So, lesson learned, Centerport Harbor will lock their way, but if she could just call again to their gate at a certain time at night. Always check double check. Maybe operator 82 was someone first when driving into an area or else, be in Russia or India playing a joke on us? Maybe it prepared to hear: was Ray Clarkson? (had to throw that in) Chris "Hello, operator 82, what’s the emergency?". and I take some pics and video while we are waiting because there is no way my wife is gonna believe this. We also kill some time reading every sign and not one of them mentions that the gate will CLOSE and be LOCKED! I never even noticed the gate while driving in. Finally a car comes our way and lights are flashing, hurray, freedom! But not so fast. As the police officer approaches us, oh oh, hope we aren't getting a ticket, he informs us that he's not to sure if he has the key.

26 On The Horizon

Sandy Robson Engelandvaarder 2011

Engelavaarder is the name given to a unique group of approximately 1700 Dutch men and women, who during the Second World War escaped occupied Holland to join in the fight from the English side against the Axis powers.

The shortest route of escape was across the North Sea. Attempts to make the crossing were accomplished in a large variety of vessels. As far as is known, approximately 95 attempts were made from 40 different places of departure. 31 crossings were successful, involving 179 people.

In late August 2011, Alec Greenwell, Ed Cooper Ms. Robson has started to retrace the voyage of and Harry Franks, will kayak the same route Oskar Speck, who in 1932 began a seven year taken by the Engelandvaarders 70 years earlier. paddle, and traveled from the Danube River in The route they will be following is that of a pair of Germany until he reached Australian waters in brothers, Henri and William Peteri, who departed 1939. By the time that Mr. Speck arrived in from Katwijk, several miles north of The Hague, Aussie territory, he was jailed as an enemy and landed on the beach at Sizewell in Suffolk, foreigner and remained a prisoner until the end of England 56 hours later. WWII. Upon release, he made Australia his new The route as the crow flies is approximately 118 home until his passing in 1995. miles across open water. With the natural current Ms. Robson’s plan is to take the journey over 5 and prevailing winds against the direction of years, working portions in stages, and is currently travel, this makes for a very physically demanding in stage I where she left Germany in May and journey. hopes to end the stage in by October. It is estimated that the crossing will take She will then head back to her job, work to re- approximately 30-35 hours. Most notably, the establish her funding, and return to Cyprus next paddling will need to be constant for the whole of year to continue on. the crossing, so as to not drift backwards against To follow along, and to read about Oskar Speck’s the current. To learn more please read further original trip, please visit the sandy-robson.com from the website northsea.moonfruit.com website.

27 On The Horizon

UPDATES

Irish Circumnavigation

The previous record for circumnavigating the Emerald Isle was 33 days, established in 1990. Aided by decent weather this team set a new record of 25 days. There is a developing consensus that if the weather is optimal the trip could be done in 20 days. We’ll just have to wait and see.... A DVD is in the works. For trip details, blogs, and equipment reviews see roundireland2011.blogspot.com.

Canoe across America Paddle to the Ocean

Darrin and his dog Mike are in a canoe and In May, Zac Crouse left from Beachburg, Ontario paddling cross country since April, raising and will end his journey at Halifax, Nova Scotia awareness about obesity. They started in the by the end of July. With various paddlers he will state of Washington and currently are paddling negotiate class IV white-water on the Ottawa & through Montana and on the way to North St Lawrence Rivers, then using a bicycle & a Dakota. Updates are infrequent. You can catch modified trailer he will the to up at canoeacrossamerica.com. the headwaters of the St John River. At the bot- tom of the St John River; Zac will navigate the London 2 London Via the World whirlpools & hydraulics of Reversing Falls, before Sarah Outen is pedaling/paddling/rowing around crossing the Bay of Fundy & riding the Shubie the world. She quickly kayaked across the tidal bore & paddling up-river to Halifax. English Channel and then jumped on a bike to Zac is doing this memory of his friend, Corey continue her odyssey. She has completed her Morris who died while kayaking on a creek in bike trip across Europe and is currently pedaling Nova Scotia in 2009. He also hopes to inspire in China. Canadians to lead active, healthy & sustainable Recently she was joined by a Chinese student lives that do not involve car-based transportation. who was so taken by her trip he bought a bike There will be a documentary film about the trip and decided to bike with her to Beijing. It will be with donations and proceeds being split between interesting to see what happens next. Follow two organizations. One program encourages par- along at sarahouten.com which combines text ents and children to walk and bike to school and with short video updates. throughout their communities, and the second beneficiary will be a heart and stroke program to ’s South America promote cardiovascular health by encouraging Circumnavigation more walking in daily activities. Planned to begin in September 2011, the travel The web site is zaccrouse.com; updates are plan has been revised from a start in Chile, limited. traveling counterclockwise, to now starting in Buenos Aires, Argentina traveling clockwise. Information will be made available at her website: freyahoffmeister.com

28 Heat related illness

Some days, spending too much time outside paddling without taking proper precautions could lead to elevated body temperatures. On the low end of these temperature increases you can quickly avoid further problems by taking rests, hydrating, reducing activity, and seeking shade. But if allowed to escalate, rising body temperatures have the potential to become serious and even deadly if you remain unaware of the risk. So the issue becomes one of problem management. How do you recognize what may be problem, what to do if you do have a problem, and what steps can you take to minimize or avoid problems.

Recognizing the signs of elevated body temperature

The earliest symptoms are usually nonspecific and have been referred to “heat exhaustion” or as “summer flu”. These include headache, fatigue, dizziness, nausea and, as it progresses, vomiting. Different people will react differently and so try to keep your attention on identifying multiple symptoms. Sometimes the symptoms may include thirst, profuse sweating, chills, muscle cramps, or a loss of skin color. As conditions deteriorate further the person enters into heat stroke, where the person no longer sweats, the skin becomes hot, red and dry, levels of consciousness change, pulse becomes rapid and weak and breathing becomes shallow. These are signs of a medical emergency that requires immediate attention.

What to do Have the person rest. Look to get out of the sun, Try to fan the person to increase air circulation so to facilitate cooling. Wet the skin with cool water, have the person drink fluids, and if you have the feeling that more help is needed and you cannot get immediate medical care, look to add some salt and sugar to water. (The proportion is ¼ teaspoon salt and 6 teaspoons sugar to 1 liter of water. Add this to your first aid kit.) For the most effective cooling apply cool and wet cloths around the body, wrists and ankles, armpits, head, neck and groin to cool large blood vessels. It’s important to monitor breathing to ensure identification of respiratory changes.

How best to avoid

Dress lightly, and avoid dark colors, which will have a tendency to absorb radiation. Hats may seem counterintuitive, but actually are helpful in reducing radiation load. They can also be dipped in water and applied to the head directly for rapid cooling. Proper hydration is critical, you need to replace fluids lost through evaporation, and sweating. You may have to train yourself to drink even when thirst is not evident. Avoid alcohol and caffeine as they will dehydrate you. Choose to eat small meals and eat more often. Less energy will be used for digestion, and energy stores are more readily available. Pace yourself by slowing down in hot or humid weather, and take regular breaks.

29 P.O. BOX 115 West Sayville, NY 11796

DISCLAIMER

The views expressed in this newsletter are strictly those of their respective authors. Information offered on any topic should not be assumed to be authoritative or complete. On all paddling issues it’s important to base one’s practices on multiple sources of information.

30 Only in New York