NYC Bronx River Halloween paddle 2015!

[coldfeet]

Well living in an urban area has its advantages and disadvantages. I finally got to paddle the Bronx River. It is app 23 miles long but the stretch we paddled is app 7 miles long. We pass through the Botinal Gardens, Bronx Zoo, neighborhoods and then into commercial areas. The foliage was popping! We did see fish swimming, it's tidal in the southern section. Just amazing that we are in the NYC area. The Bronx River Alliance has been working to keep the waterways clean. It was clean until we paddled into the commercial area. There are a few dams along the way. One could be very dangerous if you aren't paying attention. NYC charges a $15 launch permit good for app 6 months, each boat must have a permit. Great time, I was with some very experienced paddles getting tips from them. Be well.


https://picasaweb.google.com/109787809032966769551/BronxRiverHalloweenPaddle2015

 

[yellowcanoe]

Very very cool.. When I lived in Bronxville and Scarsdale, the river wasn't that pretty back in the fifties and sixties. Those bridges bring back memories. I kept thinking there were dead people in the rooms with bars under the bridges.

 

[BWCA66]

Great pics, thanks for sharing. Urban paddling often gets overlooked.

 

[Qayaq]

Wow! Imagine that! Great infrastructure to encourage paddling. Thanks for sharing that.

 

[Robin]

I enjoyed that, nice trip. I know this sign at 50-60 mph in bumper to bumper traffic with 40,000 lbs of IV solution in my trailer...sweaty palms for sure...the good old days!
Thanks for sharing, Very interesting and glad some folks aren't giving up on the river.

 

[memaquay]

Totally awesome! Epic!

 

[coldfeet]

Can't wait to try it again. Robin, did you notice that cool looking blue boat I was using? Worked perfectly, especially lowering it down and back up the rock embankment. I asked a few well know NY/NJ AMC paddle members to go with me so that I can work on my trip leadership skills. I need a few more trips to set up and help with in order for me to help out others. I'm happy to be able to give back. Nrxt spring/summer I need to flip the canoe over and learn about reentry. I actually already practiced that with Ray on Robin's trip last year. Hey Robin, wonder if you could give me a score on that one! I'm thinking Ray got an 8 and my backwards floating probably lost a few points. Best to all.

 

[Murat V]

Very cool urban paddle. Never would've thought you could canoe in NYC.

We've got a similar river here in Toronto called the Don. Every year in the spring they let out water from a reservoir so the upper section is floatable by canoe. Kind of neat to paddle through old industrial lands and under subway bridges while traffic sits on the adjacent expressway. Unfortunately now it's more of a corporate team event charging $100 per boat.

 

[snapper]

I remember that area from my youth when no one would have ever thought about paddling it. I'm so glad to see your trip. It should give every urban dweller hope that their river will be clean enough in the future to paddle once again.

That's all for now. Take care and until next time...be well.

snapper