Sun, Aug 9 – Driftin’ to Rifton – a Wallkill River Paddle with Shawangunk Mtns. Views
Leader: Russ Faller
This was a joint outing with AMC.
We launched from Sojourner Truth Park in New Paltz at 10:15 AM and paddled 8.75 miles to Perrine’s Bridge, a covered bridge built in the 1800s. It was a beautiful day on the water, even though temperatures reached 91 degrees. After leaving the kayak rental area at Truth Park, we passed only 3 other paddlers. We floated with farmland on both sides, the white cliffs of the ‘Gunks in the distance and historic stone houses, most likely built before the Revolutionary War. We had this tranquil, serene river all to ourselves until we neared Rifton, where 3 children were frolicking in the water. We disembarked around 2:15 PM under the new NY Thruway bridge being built over the Wallkill. It was amazing to see the modern bridge construction right next to the historic Perrine’s Bridge from the water.  The following paddlers enjoyed this outing: Kathy H, Kristen V. (ADK) & Caroline B, Joan N, Allen R. (AMC) and the leader, Russ Faller.