Adirondack Watershed Alliance’s

Ice-Out Newsletter

Race Season Is Here

Ice-out in the Adirondack Mountains is here and the start of the Adirondack Watershed Alliance canoe and kayak race season is just weeks away. In the Adirondacks, we’ve enjoyed a great start to the paddling season with a two-week stretch of nearly perfect weather in late April. This has given paddlers more than ample time to visit some of their favorite paddling spots in the St. Regis Canoe Area, Saranac and Raquette Rivers to prepare for the racing season ahead. As has been the case in recent years, AWA’s first race is ‘Round the Mountain in Saranac Lake. This year it takes place on Saturday, May 17, starting at Ampersand Bay on Lower Saranac Lake. Inside this newsletter we’ve included a ‘Round the Mountain entry form. Feel free to fill it out and send it in before the race or simply bring it race day. Entry forms for most AWA events are available at our Web site: www.macscanoe.com. There is also an AWA membership form for members who want to renew. The membership year starts April 1.

This paddling season we’re putting a focus on the Sundowner Series on Upper Saranac Lake. We’ve already added two more sessions and now there’s another perk for members. Read on for more details…

Try Out A Boat At The Sundowner Series

Paddling is the best way to prepare for canoe and kayak races. Participate in the Sundowner Series and get more time “in the seat!” Held every other Tuesday from June until August, the Sundowner Series features a paddling clinic and six-mile time trial each session. The time trials are a great place to experiment with new paddling partners or boats. The time trials draw a mixed crowd of canoe racing newcomers and seasoned veterans, each working on their skills. There is often a wide range of boats represented, from solo guideboats and kayaks to tandem 4 and 8-person canoes.

This summer we are adding a new AWA member benefit at the Sundowner Series through MAC’s Canoe Livery. Paddlers will now be able to try out the canoe of their choice (subject to availability) at no cost during these sessions. Call MAC’S at 891-1176 ahead of time to find out what is available and reserve a boat. MAC’S will bring guideboats, solo, tandem, C-4 and voyageur canoes to the boat launch if people want to try them out! Keep in mind, the time trials are often a good time to experience paddling in an 8-person voyageur canoe, as seats in these boats are often not filled until minutes before the race.

The Sundowner Series is held on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month from June to August, starting June 10. Paddlers meet at the Saranac Inn state boat launch at 6 p.m. Sessions are $10 each. AWA members are free. Plan to join us after the paddling at MAC’S Canoe Livery for burgers, refreshments and lots of talk about our favorite subject.

“The Adirondacks” On Public Broadcasting Stations

The national premier of a new two-hour documentary about the history, people and issues of the Adirondack Park is scheduled for most PBS stations across the country on or around May 14. Check your local listings! The 90-Miler gets substantial coverage in the second half of the show.  Boat Number One – paddled by Grace and Amelia McDonnell, Celia Evans and Betsy McGettigan – is followed throughout the event. Many of us have cameos paddling in and out of scenes! You will get a belly laugh out of some of the commentary by paddlers, and local folks describing the event. Tom Simon and his crew at Working Dog Productions in Dobbs Ferry, New York invested a significant amount of time energy and film into making The Adirondacks. The documentary is a well done piece bringing attention to the history and critical issues in the Park. Hope you get to see it.

AWA’s Ice-Out Newsletter PO Box 66, Lake Clear NY 12945 518-891-2744

Guideboat Trophy at Adirondack Museum

While visiting the Adirondack Museum in Blue Mountain Lake, paddlers may notice a new display featuring the Adirondack Museum Cup and several Adirondack Canoe Classic memorabilia items in the Boats and Boating in the Adirondacks section. The Adirondack Museum Cup is awarded to the fastest guideboat in the Adirondack Canoe Classic. The museum offered this trophy to finishers in the 44-Mile Long Lake-Tupper Lake race between 1969 and 2001, the final year of the race. In 2007, the museum rededicated it to the first-place guideboat in the 90-miler. It was a great year to reintroduce the trophy because sixteen guideboats rowed in the 90-Miler, the most in the history of the event. In 2007, the trophy was awarded to Randy Blakeman and Brian LaFountain. 

Stewardship Activities on Raquette River

Brian and Grace McDonnell will be leading a clean-up trip from June 2-4 on the Raquette River between Long Lake and Axton Landing, off of Corey’s Road in Harrietstown. The AWA is responsible for helping keep this section of the Northern Forest Canoe Trail free of garbage. Campsites and river banks will be the focus of this trip. If you would be interested in volunteering your time to this project, give us a call at 518 891–2744 or email macsadk@northnet.com. Any time that you’re paddling this section of the river, you can do your part in keeping it clean by picking up trash you see.

Help Control the Spread of Invasive Species

With invasive species such as Eurasian Milfoil becoming more of a presence in the Adirondacks and throughout the Northeast, the Adirondack Watershed Alliance is encouraging paddlers to be more vigilant than ever to help prevent them from spreading. Invasive species can spread when plants and their seeds are carried by boats from watershed to watershed. Paddlers can help prevent the spread of these plants by checking their boats and gear to make sure that they are free of plants before entering a new water body. Invasive plants often disrupt the natural balance of an ecosystem by becoming the dominant plant. With no natural enemies, the plants often outcompete native species.

Brown’s Tract Boardwalk update

For those of you who participate in the Adirondack Canoe Classic, you will be ecstatic to know that the DEC has the funding, materials and plan to remove and replace the boardwalk at the Brown’s Tract Carry. Brian McDonnell recently talked with DEC Forester Rick Fenton about the project. The plan calls for the complete removal of the current structure, installation of piers and construction of a new boardwalk. The work is scheduled to begin in early July. The trail will be temporarily rerouted to follow the path the 90-Miler participants took a couple of years ago to allow for uninterrupted construction. The AWA has offered its resources to assure the job is done ahead of the 2008 Adirondack Canoe Classic. The boardwalk is a key point during the race, as paddlers use it when entering Brown’s Tract. We are committed to working with the DEC on this project in July. If your specialty is demolition we could use your assistance in early July. If you have carpentry skills – mid month construction will be moving along. Please contact the AWA office to offer either your physical or financial support to this project.

Adirondack Loon Census

AWA coordinates the Adirondack Loon Census in the St. Regis Canoe Area for the Adirondack Cooperative Loon Program. This takes place from 8 to 9 a.m. on Saturday, July 19. We put as many people on the ponds to watch for loons as we can muster. Volunteers interested in going for a paddle on a Saturday morning are welcome. There is a simple reporting form to fill out. Everyone is invited back to MAC’S Canoe Livery for coffee and a muffin after the census. For more information on the loon science work of Nina Schoch go to www.wcs.org/adirondackloons.

AWA’s Ice-Out Newsletter PO Box 66, Lake Clear NY 12945 518-891-2744

Paddler Profiles: Chas Billingsley and Diana McIsaac

Some people adapt to their surroundings, while other people put themselves in an environment that suits their needs. Canoe racers Chas Billingsley and Diana McIsaac fall into the latter category. About two years ago, the pair moved from Jericho, Vermont to Lake Clear in the Adirondacks. “A big part of moving to New York was canoe racing because we were coming over here so often for canoe races we thought it would be cheaper to live here than to pay ferry fees,” Chas said half-jokingly.

With the St. Regis Canoe Area, the three Saranac Lakes and Raquette River just minutes away, now the pair never have to go far to go paddling. In fact, Little Clear Pond, part of the traditional 7-Carries route, is only a short walk away. “We just go right out the back door to paddle,” Diana said.

Having those options available is especially important for these two. Last year, they logged more than 1,200 paddling miles each, including a memorable “90-Miler Cannonball,” in which they paddled from Old Forge to Saranac Lake in one summer day. (To read Chas and Diana’s first-person narrative about doing the “90-Miler Cannonball,” visit the AWA web pages at www.macscanoe.com.)

During the canoe and kayak racing season, Chas and Diana attend most of the events in the region. When racing solo they can be found in GRB Newman Design’s Classic XLS. When racing tandem, they often use a Wenonah Jensen 18.

Chas and Diana recently answered a few questions about canoe racing put to them by a probing AWA newsletter reporter.

Why do you enjoy canoe racing?

DIANA: I’m very competitive and have always been an outdoor person. I always used to compete in cross-country skiing races. I played any sport I could in high school.

CHAS: I like the competition, but more than that I like that I’ve made so many friends. There’s a great group of people that come out to the races. I have many of what I hope will be lifelong friends that I’ve made through canoe racing. It’s less important to me to win races, than just to be there and be a part of them. The one thing about canoe racing here is that it’s pretty inclusive. You show up and there’ll be a class for you in just about every race that is out there. Everybody that comes has a good time.

What was your first canoe race?

DIANA: My first one was novice race about three years ago that was part of the Saranac Flatwater Challenge weekend races. The race went two miles and started at the Pine Street Bridge. I was hooked after that. My first “real race” was the Tupper Lake 9-Miler. Before the race started, I held on to the tree branch because I was afraid I might pass the start line before the start signal went off. I’ve been racing ever since.

CHAS: My first race was the 90-Miler. I had been doing a lot of paddling and canoe camping for a number of years. Then my buddy and I were here for a canoe camping trip and we heard about it and said, “That sounds like fun.” That was seven or eight years ago. We did the open touring class. We had no idea what we were doing. We had maps. We said, ‘What if we get lost?’ The first year took 18.5 hours, almost 19 hours. But that was it. We were hooked. The next year we did the Ice Breaker in Saranac Lake. We had such a good time at the 90-Miler, that as soon as the schedule came out for the next year, we started planning all the races we were going to do

If you were to recommend a race to beginners what would it be?

DIANA: The Tupper Lake 9-Miler. It’s all downriver. There’s no carries. No tricky turns and its short, just the right length for a beginner.

CHAS: The 9-Miler is a good race for kayakers and canoers. We have friends who are not accomplished paddlers that had a good time at that last year. People could also come to the Sundowner time trials on Upper Saranac Lake to get their feet wet.

AWA’s Ice-Out Newsletter PO Box 66, Lake Clear NY 12945 518-891-2744

What are your favorite types of races?

DIANA: The best races are the technical races, where you have to do a lot of turning around corners. The river races are a lot of fun. I like going down Stony Creek to the Raquette River. It’s not like just going straight across the lake. Lakes can be challenging.

Do you have any anecdotes that exemplify the spirit of canoe racing?

DIANA: During a race last year, there was this guy next to me who taught me how to wake ride in a race, which is kind of neat because I didn’t know how to wake ride. He was an older paddler. I’d pass him, and then he’d pass me. Our pace was the same. We just started talking and he said, “Let’s just wake ride since there’s nobody in front of us.

A similar situation occurred during the 90-Miler. There were four of us, and we stuck together as a team. We rode each others stern and side wakes. We did some wake riding and it made a big difference. It made the day go by faster. We kind of helped each other out because we were pretty much going at the same pace. It takes a team when you’re out there during the 90-miler. It’s more fun when you’re with a group of people than when you’re by yourself the whole time.

90-Miler Entry Forms

Entry Forms for the Adirondack Canoe Classic are mailed out via U.S. mail in mid June. Recent participants of the event should automatically receive one unless you have a change of address. The 90-Miler is limited to 250 boats; entry deadline is July 25, 2008. Call or write AWA to be added to the list.

90-Miler Cannonball Stories Requested

In recent years, through paddling the 90-mile Adirondack Canoe Route from Old Forge to Saranac Lake in one day has gained in popularity. The activity has been promoted as a personal challenge. Paddlers organize their own group, shuttle and support, “or pit crew.” Watch the weather and get out the maps to navigate along the route. So far we know of at least 30 people who have attempted the route at least once. It’s been completed in a guideboat, a solo canoe, and tandem canoes by both male and mixed teams, and C-4 with all male teams and an all female team. Just for fun… we’d like to maintain a list of all of the folks who have completed the challenge. We would also enjoy hearing of your stories from the “90-Miler Cannonball.” When you have completed the Adirondack Cannonball, please send your name, the names of the other people who went with you, the boats you used, and your total elapsed time, along with anecdotes or a narrative of your journey to macadk@northnet.org. With your permission, stories will be posted on the AWA Web site.

St. Joe’s Will Prepare Dinner

Those of you planning ahead for the Adirondack Canoe Classic will be happy to know that we have secured the services of the kitchen staff at Saint Joseph’s Rehabilitation Center in Saranac Lake to cater a delicious pork loin dinner at the Fish Creek Campground on Saturday night during the 90-Miler. Reservations can be made on the 90-miler entry form that is mailed out in mid June. The staff is also exploring entering a Voyageur canoe team in some of the upcoming AWA events. St. Joseph’s staff provides cutting edge holistic health services for those suffering from the disease of addiction. We welcome there interest and involvement in the Adirondack paddle sport scene.

Adirondack Watershed Alliance

The Adirondack Watershed Alliance is a paddling club based in Lake Clear that promotes and organizes paddlesport activities. We offer clinics and trips, encourage cooperation between all recreational users, coordinate stewardship activities, provide outdoor employment and organize the Adirondack Canoe and Kayak race series.

AWA’s Ice-Out Newsletter PO Box 66, Lake Clear NY 12945 518-891-2744

2008 AWA Canoe and Kayak Race Series

‘Round the Mountain Canoe and Kayak Races

Saturday, May 17 at 11 a.m.

Saranac Lake, 10.5 Miles

This flatwater race starts at Ampersand Bay Resort on Lower Saranac Lake. Paddlers go southwest to Bluff Island, where they turn south into the Saranac River. Competitors then follow the river to the Lower Locks, where there is short carry to Oseetah Lake. Paddlers then cross the lake to the islands in the northwest. The course ends on Lake Flower in Village of Saranac Lake. Paddlers are encouraged to bring their own shuttle from the start to finish. The race ends just minutes away from the start by car. Entry fee is $20 per paddler.

Tupper Lake 9-Miler

Saturday, June 14 at 10 a.m.

Tupper Lake, 9 miles

This is a great solo, family and novice event. It starts at the Route 30 fishing access site,” The Crusher.” Paddlers follow the Raquette River to Simond Pond, where the finish line is at the Tupper Lake Rod & Gun Club. This race will again be held in conjunction with the No Octane Regatta held on Little Wolf Pond in Tupper Lake. Entry fee is $20 per paddler.

AWA Marathon to Tupper Lake

Sunday, August 10 at 9 a.m.

Tupper Lake, 30 miles

This 30-mile flatwater race starts at the Saranac Inn on Upper Saranac Lake, and then goes south the length of the lake to Indian Carry (1 mile) to Stony Creek Ponds. Paddlers make their way down the twisty Stony Creek and turn right onto Raquette River. The river leads to Simond Pond, where the race ends at the Tupper Lake Rod & Gun Club. Entry fee is $30 per paddler.

Adirondack Canoe Classic

Friday through Sunday, September 5-7

Old Forge, Long Lake, Saranac Lake, 90 miles

This three-day, 90-mile flatwater race, follows the original highways of the Adirondacks from Old Forge to Saranac Lake. The course offers a mix of lake and river flatwater paddling with several carries. Participants receive a T-shirt, mileage pins, awards, camping, snacks, boat shuttles and a post race meal. Entry forms for this race go out via U.S. Mail in June. The 90 - Miler is limited to 250 boats. Entry deadline is July 25. Entry fee is $125 per paddler.

Long Lake Long Boat Regatta

Saturday, September 27 at 10 a.m.

Long Lake, 20-miles, 10 miles

This race features the North American War Canoe Championships, a 20-mile race on Long Lake. Other events include a 20 - Mile C-4 marathon, and 10- mile canoe, kayak, and guideboat races for youth and adults. All races begin and end at the beach across from the Adirondack Hotel. Entry fee is $25 per paddler.

Adirondack Watershed Alliance

PO Box 66, Lake Clear, NY 12945

518-891-2744

JOIN NOW TO SUPPORT PADDLING IN THE ADIRONDACKS

Membership Application

THE ADIRONDACK WATERSHED ALLIANCE

The AWA was formed to assure the continued promotion and organization of paddlesport activities, develop a stewardship network to enhance recreational opportunities, and provide outdoor employment. We coordinate the Adirondack Canoe and Kayak Race Series, offer clinics and trips, and encourage cooperation between all recreational users of the waterways of the Adirondack Forest Preserve.

Feel free to recommend an event, activity or project you would be interested in. Clean water – it flows from here!

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Annual membership is $25. Membership year starts April 1. Make checks payable to: AWA, and mail to: PO Box 66 Lake Clear, NY 12945

Donations for projects, sponsorship and events graciously accepted. Call Brian for details.