Day 1 to Day 108
Runyak for Liberty Day 104, September 16, 2016
Roundout Creek departure point.
It took over 600 miles driving for Swiftee and I to arrive back at Roundout Creek, Kingston, NY. I finished there October 2015. Here it is September, 2016 so it was quite the hiatus. I had open chest surgery April of 2016 to replace a aortic valve. Five months later, here I am.
Roundout Creek
Departure point
Esopus Meadows Point
It would make for a 16 mile run from Roundout Creek to the landing in Highland, NY. To break it up and give legs a rest, I decided to do a short segment from Roundout to Esopus Meadows Point. I had some hesitations when I looked at where I'd be landing. It was filled with aquatic vegetation. It looked similar to the landing on the second to last day on the Erie Canal. That day I had to exit the kayak and push Swiftee through the weeds in three feet of water. Here at Esopus I saw a thin trail through the weeds (visible in photo as a white line) so I took a chance, left the van and ran back to Roundout Creek.
During the run I passed a historical marker of an tavern while running in the village of Port Ewen.
One never thinks of New York ever having slaves, but until 1827 it was legal. When passing the above sign I saw a woman in the yard and stopped and talked to her. Her house looked nothing like a tavern so I had to ask if it was once located on the property. She assured me the house I was looking at was once called Jug Tavern and that Sojourner Truth was a slave there owned by Martinus Schryver. In 2014, Sojourner Truth was included in Smithsonian magazine's list of the "100 Most Significant Americans of All Time".
The Jug Tavern
Named for a place where people brought there jugs and had the filled
Again Swifty plows his way through aquatic weeds
It turned out to be about a 5 mile run to Swiftee, we left Roundout Creek and three miles later grounded to a halt in aquatic weeds. I battled them for a short distance and hit a watery path to where the van was parked.
The weed parted and left a path.
Landing at Esopus Meadows
The departure from Esopus Meadows. Again I had to bust through weeds to get to the open waters. The Hudson
I think the "Meadows" name refers to the aquatic vegetation for on land there was nothing that remotely looked like a meadow.
Still passing the Catskill foothills
Walkway Over the Hudson bridge in foreground, FDR Bridge is afar
It was about a ten mile paddle to where I landed, Bob Shepard Highland Park Landing, in the shadows of Walkway over the Hudson. Just as I was about to land I looked over my right shoulder and was startled. There behind me was another kayaker, "You scared the shit out out of me." I told him, still recovering from the shock. After landing he came over to offer his expertise of the area. His name was Rod. He showed me a paddlers atlas which in it he had many notes of from years of paddling the area. I consider myself old school, but I abandoned paper for Google maps and Garmin navigation years ago. Rod was 76 years old and REALLY old school. He was pointing out the best landings down river. He wasn't quite grasping runyaking, all his offerings left me running extra miles.
He was genuinely engrossed in what I was trying to accomplish and wanted to hang a while. Any other time I would have liked to spend time with a fellow kayaker but I was cold, wanted to find a place to change into dry warm clothes and go eat. When I said I had plenty to do and was hungry, he offer to meet me at Burger King a couple miles away. I let him know my plan was to go to a brewpub for dinner, and he was welcome to meet me there. He let me know he did not drink and that was a deal killer. When I travel anywhere, I'm definitely not going to eat at a fast food joint that I can eat at down the road from where I live.
I left Rod and Swiftee and went to The Gilded Otter Brewery in New Paltz, NY. I spent the night in Poughkeepsie which is across the river from where I left Swiftee.
Runyak for Liberty Day 105, September 16, 2016
When kayaking yesterday on my portside I passed the CIA, Culinary Institute of America, located in Hyde Park. After ICE, the Institute of Culinary Education in NYC, CIA is the highest rated culinary school in the USA. I learned of the Apple Pie Bakery there, and knew where my breakfast was coming from when I awoke.
It did not open until 8:30 am so I walked around the institute. It was worth the wait for the Salted Caramel Toasted Coconut donut was the best donut I'd ever eaten.
Breakfast
It is at Poughkeepsie I will begin runyaking on the eastside of the Hudson because there are more landings on that side. During my run, I crossed over Hudson, via the Mid-Hudson Bridge, also known as the FDR Bridge
.
This is Lenny
When prepping for launch on Day 105 I was approached by Lenny, "I'm not usually an inquisitive person, but seeing your sign I have to ask, you really paddled here from Michigan?" When I returned to launch hours later he began telling people I paddled from Minnesota. He had to be corrected twice.
Walkway Over the Hudson at 1.28 miles is recognized by Guinness as the Longest Footbridge in the World. It was a railroad bridge built in 1889. Closed by a fire in 1974 and re-opened as a footbridge in 2009.
Day 105's run would be a 11 miles and my legs needed a break, so I parked the van about halfway at a CVS pharmacy. It meant when I landed to end the paddle I'd need to run again. During the paddle the battery went dead on my phone. The backup external battery was dead also. I was off the grid. No camera, no phone, no GPS.
It was a rough paddle battling waves that made pace over 30 minutes an hour. My landing was up Wappingers Creek in the village of Wappingers Falls. Because of no GPS I couldn't find the creek so I stopped at a marina, walked around slips, found someone to ask. They pointed me in the right direction, saying I had to paddle beneath a railroad trestle. They said, "The tide is low enough you should be able to get underneath it." I found it, and there was plenty of clearance. It was over a mile up the creek before finding the landing.
It was a rough paddle battling waves that made pace over 30 minutes an hour. My landing was up Wappingers Creek in the village of Wappingers Falls. Because of no GPS I couldn't find the creek so I stopped at a marina, walked around slips, found someone to ask. They pointed me in the right direction, saying I had to paddle beneath a railroad trestle. They said, "The tide is low enough you should be able to get underneath it." I found it, and there was plenty of clearance. It was over a mile up the creek before finding the landing.
At the landing I saw a vehicle with a kayak on top. A lady sitting inside the vehicle asked, "How was it out there today?" I shook my head and told her it was very bad.
I next had to call Hope and let her know I was out of the water, something I always do. I then realized I had left my dead phone at the slip in the marina when asking for directions. I had to find my way back there with no GPS for directions. I was UP A CREEK in more ways than one.
I struck up a conversation with the lady in the vehicle, telling her my predicament. She offered to drive me back to the marina, which was about 2 miles away, to find my phone. After finding the dead phone she offered her phone so I could call home. I let Hope know I was out of the water. She answered the call with no caller i.d. seeing it was from New York, and knowing her husband all too well.
I now still had to run back to the van without GPS and it was getting dark. I told Hope my concern and she said to see if the lady would drive me back to my van at the CVS pharmacy. Knowing the lady had to drive past the van on her way home, I had the nerve to ask her, and she obliged.
The lady was an real life guardian angel; what were the chances of meeting such a person when I landed, just sitting there, with no one else around, when I was in dire straits. Her name is Betsy and before dropping me off at CVS we agreed to become Facebook friends.
Betsy told me that, that evening she was going to the Harvest Moon Walk on the Walkway over the Hudson, and invited me to come along. I was interested, but by the time I got back to Swiftee and prepped him it was already dark and figured I would not be able to find her. Wish I could have, I missed my second chance to walk the Walkover.
Mid-Hudson Bridge taken from Walkway Over the Hudson Bridge
photo courtesy of Betsy Dommreis
Runyak for Liberty Day 106, September 17, 2016
On the third morning of the 5-day runyaking trip, I awoke knowing my forgotten phone fiasco the day before had messed things up on today's plans. I now had to finish yesterday's running leg from the marina where Betsy drove me, back to the CVS.
Then, once at the CVS, I had to get back to Swiftee, and the van, before starting today's runyaking segment. I could use any method available getting back for the Runyak segment had already been finished. My first thought was getting an Uber ride, but found out they had no service this far from Poughkeepsie. So, I'd have to run the six miles to CVS turn around and walk or run back. On my next trip (next year) I think I will bring a bicycle, this is the second trip in a row where I had to walk miles to the van. Runyaking logistics can be complicated.
The White's Hudson River Marina is where I had left my phone yesterday. It is not listed as a landing with the Hudson River Greenway Water Trail, and why yesterday I paddled beyond it and over a mile up Wappinger Creek. I had no problems with the marina owners when landing at a slip yesterday so, I decided to go stealth, not ask for permission, since they weren't yet open. I just move Swiftee to the marina to avoid the unnecessary Creek paddle today.
When I arrived at Sheafe Road and NY Highway 9, I heard a notification ping on my cell. I stopped running because I saw it was a Facebook message from my newest friend, Betsy. She asked how my previous evening was, since she didn't see me on the Walkway the night before. I told her it was a little too late by the time I moved the kayak to the marina so decided against it.
I mentioned where I now was and she messaged, "Can I come give you a lift. Ha ha?"
I messaged back, "Are you joking? I could use a lift. Lol
She said, "Seriously, I'm a half hour away, but would be happy to come get you."
"I have $20 in my running shorts pocket. It's all yours, worth it to me." I told her. Mostly, because of the time it would save by not walking six miles.
"I'm on my way."
"I'll be at the CVS."
I was back to Swiftee two hours sooner than I figured, thanks to Betsy. Now, not once, but twice she went out of her way to help me. Why? There are just good people in this world that do good deed for strangers without asking for anything in return. They are real life angels. She would not accept my money, or my offer to buy her lunch. We are strangers no more but friends forever.
When I launched two hours earlier than expected, I passed the train trestle over Wappinger Creek that I went under yesterday. It now was high tide and no way would I have gotten under it.
I finished paddling Day 107 before 1:00 pm so had plenty of time to check out a brewery, Two Way. I drank and talked to a local there who told me the best restaurant and tap room in Beacon, The Hop.
He steered me right, the food was amazing and the beer selection was great. By late afternoon I ventured to cross over the I-84 Hudson river bridge to a town (Newburgh) much larger than Beacon. I'd spent the night in Newburgh, and before bedding down in the van I visited the waterfront, and made it to Newburgh Brewery, just as they were closing. It was the 588th brewery I drank beer at in my life.
Near the waterfront I passed a fenced park. A gate was open so I parked and walked to it. The seven acres had a museum, monuments, and statues. The park housed Washington's Headquarters, during the final years of the Revolutionary War. Just a dozen miles down the road is West Point where Washington headquartered earlier in the war.
My Day 108 landing was off to the side of the pay parking lot of the NYC Metro-North rail station. There was only two free parking spaces for paddlers (black circle in image) The sign said four hour limit. The van was parked over six hours. So, when portaging Swiftee from the landing to the van I was half expecting a ticket, since I'd seen security patrolling earlier. In the van windows I placed Runyak for Liberty business cards. I do not know if it helped, but the windshield was ticket free. Joyfully, I packed up and went to find lunch before the 12 hour drive home.
Then, once at the CVS, I had to get back to Swiftee, and the van, before starting today's runyaking segment. I could use any method available getting back for the Runyak segment had already been finished. My first thought was getting an Uber ride, but found out they had no service this far from Poughkeepsie. So, I'd have to run the six miles to CVS turn around and walk or run back. On my next trip (next year) I think I will bring a bicycle, this is the second trip in a row where I had to walk miles to the van. Runyaking logistics can be complicated.
The White's Hudson River Marina is where I had left my phone yesterday. It is not listed as a landing with the Hudson River Greenway Water Trail, and why yesterday I paddled beyond it and over a mile up Wappinger Creek. I had no problems with the marina owners when landing at a slip yesterday so, I decided to go stealth, not ask for permission, since they weren't yet open. I just move Swiftee to the marina to avoid the unnecessary Creek paddle today.
Entrance to Vice-Prez Clinton estate
Most of the 6 mile run was on Sheafe Road to CVS. On the scenic road I passed by what was once the estate of George Clinton, 4th Vice-President under Jefferson and Madison and first governor of New York. He is a founding father that is seldom spoken about today. I know I'm quite ignorant of him, knowing more about Governor Dewitt Clinton, father of the Erie Canal.When I arrived at Sheafe Road and NY Highway 9, I heard a notification ping on my cell. I stopped running because I saw it was a Facebook message from my newest friend, Betsy. She asked how my previous evening was, since she didn't see me on the Walkway the night before. I told her it was a little too late by the time I moved the kayak to the marina so decided against it.
I mentioned where I now was and she messaged, "Can I come give you a lift. Ha ha?"
I messaged back, "Are you joking? I could use a lift. Lol
She said, "Seriously, I'm a half hour away, but would be happy to come get you."
"I have $20 in my running shorts pocket. It's all yours, worth it to me." I told her. Mostly, because of the time it would save by not walking six miles.
"I'm on my way."
"I'll be at the CVS."
I was back to Swiftee two hours sooner than I figured, thanks to Betsy. Now, not once, but twice she went out of her way to help me. Why? There are just good people in this world that do good deed for strangers without asking for anything in return. They are real life angels. She would not accept my money, or my offer to buy her lunch. We are strangers no more but friends forever.
When I launched two hours earlier than expected, I passed the train trestle over Wappinger Creek that I went under yesterday. It now was high tide and no way would I have gotten under it.
Deliberately I made the runyaking segment short today, since the two days prior I had totaled over 30 miles. Today would be 3.5 mile run and a 2.5 mile kayak the Municipal Launch of Chelsea, NY.
Runyak for Liberty Day 107, September 18, 2016
Municipal Landing of Chelsea, NY
When I prepped Swiftee on the fourth day before running, at the landing at Chelsea, nearby I observed a child of about ten, his father, and grandfather. They were placing chicken necks to nylon strings, the nylon strings with necks were spaced about ten feet apart on a rope that looked to be at least a hundred foot long. Of course I had to ask. "I'm from Michigan and I've never seen this sort of fishing before. What are you aiming to catch?" The father explained they were chicken necking for crabs. I could have asked more about the technique but my curiosity was satisfied and I drove away to position the van at my next port, Beacon, NY, five miles downriver.
Crabbers
When kayaking some time later I passed the chicken-neckers and asked had they caught any. They said they got some big ones, but not many. The grandfather thought the full moon last night was had something do do with inactive crabs.
Chelsea Yacht Club, not a classy as one might imagine.
Dock at Beacon City Launch
Where I finished Day 107
Beacon Farmers Mkt in background
I finished paddling Day 107 before 1:00 pm so had plenty of time to check out a brewery, Two Way. I drank and talked to a local there who told me the best restaurant and tap room in Beacon, The Hop.
He steered me right, the food was amazing and the beer selection was great. By late afternoon I ventured to cross over the I-84 Hudson river bridge to a town (Newburgh) much larger than Beacon. I'd spent the night in Newburgh, and before bedding down in the van I visited the waterfront, and made it to Newburgh Brewery, just as they were closing. It was the 588th brewery I drank beer at in my life.
Near the waterfront I passed a fenced park. A gate was open so I parked and walked to it. The seven acres had a museum, monuments, and statues. The park housed Washington's Headquarters, during the final years of the Revolutionary War. Just a dozen miles down the road is West Point where Washington headquartered earlier in the war.
Runyak for Liberty Day 108, September 19, 2016
During the night I woke more than once in the van from hearing rain. I feared what the day would bring for rain was forecasted for much of the day. Still dark out and awake, I said to myself, might as well get started, sooner I get done, the sooner I can head for home. I drove over the I-83 bridge to Beacon and prepped Swiftee while under an umbrella.
Dawn broke when I arrived at Foundry Dock Park in Cold Springs, NY where I'd end my trip.
Dawn broke when I arrived at Foundry Dock Park in Cold Springs, NY where I'd end my trip.
Photo: Daniel Case, English language Wikipedia
Cold Springs is on the National Register of Historic Places because of the West Point Foundry that operated there from 1817 to 1911 producing artillery used in the Civil War. The village had very quaint look to it with 19th century buildings covered with ivy.
Every since crossing the Hudson and runyaking on the east side of the river, to get to all landings, I've had to maneuver over the rail system of Amtrak and NYC Metro-North. The railroad runs along side the river all the way to NYC. Since Poughkeepsie, while paddling, fifteen minutes does not pass that I don't hear a train heading north or south.
While running back to Beacon I had to run through the tunnel at Breakneck Point, parallel to the tracks, the train had a separate tunnel not seen here but in the satellite image below.
Next to the launch in Beacon
Pete and Toshi Seeger Riverfront Park
The 7 mile paddle had some very interesting geography. I had to pass through a narrowing of the river from nearly 1.50 mile wide to 0.50 mile wide. In the narrows were peaks of the Hudson Highlands. It almost looked like a mountain gap was formed by the river. Near the narrows entrance was an an island with a isolated castle.
Bannerman Castle and the island, Pollepel, has quite a bit of history. The castle was built by David Bannerman a munitions dealer for storage and residence in 1901.
My Day 108 landing was off to the side of the pay parking lot of the NYC Metro-North rail station. There was only two free parking spaces for paddlers (black circle in image) The sign said four hour limit. The van was parked over six hours. So, when portaging Swiftee from the landing to the van I was half expecting a ticket, since I'd seen security patrolling earlier. In the van windows I placed Runyak for Liberty business cards. I do not know if it helped, but the windshield was ticket free. Joyfully, I packed up and went to find lunch before the 12 hour drive home.
Those who have followed me over the years know I have done fundraisers for cancer research (V Foundation for Cancer Institute, American Cancer Society, Dana Farber Cancer Institute, American Cancer Institute.) When I began my runyaking to Niagara Falls and now Statue of Liberty it never crossed my mind to do another. Yet, along my route, people have stopped me and asked if there was a cause for which I was raising money. So, I decided to go looking for a good cancer research institute so when asked I can say "YES." In my search, the Cancer Research Institute, was always one of the highest rated and why I chose to go with them. My friend Corky Meinecke, who died of cancer in 1997 is still the spirit that drives me. If you are following my progress as I Runyak for Liberty and feel you'd like to make a special pledge to someone who has fought cancer, please do. You will be in my thoughts as I runyak to the Statue of Liberty. You can donate at: Riley's CRI page
