Sun, Jun 7 – Paddle Lower Wappinger Creek
Leader: Jeanette TB
It was a lovely day for a paddle! Seven ADK members launched into the creek just before low tide, so we had no issues paddling under the bridges near the Market Street Industrial Park. Jonathan gave a brief history of the creek, with info about the Dutchess Bleachery and the hydroelectric plant. We caught a glimpse of the massive penstock that was built to control the water flow. Then we paddled downstream and were disappointed to find that the heron nests were no longer in the big white tree, but we did see a pair of herons fly overhead. When we reached the river, we paddled under the railroad bridge and around Rabbit Island. This is a small, 1/2 acre island with a private steel footbridge across the water. It contains a beautiful custom home that was built in the 1950’s. When we returned to the launch, several paddlers decided that it was such a beautiful day that we couldn’t get out of the water! So we leisurely paddled upstream again. Total mileage for those who stayed in the water was almost 6 miles. Paddlers included ADK members Pete C, Marie C, Cindy T, Eric L, Dave W, Jonathan B and the leader, Jeanette TB.