Hudson Valley/Capital District gathering

[Glenn MacGrady]

I suppose the suitability of Grafton vs. Taghkanic for a day event could depend largely on how close the potential attendees are to each lake. Maybe some sort of preliminary roll call, or a poll thread, would be in order to get a handle on potential attendance. Taghkanic is much closer for me in northwest Connecticut, but I'm about a medium probability attendee.

As to date, I think September after Labor Day would have a much reduced population of both beach goers and campground users everywhere.

 

[billconner]

I'm following this too. May be beyond a day trip for me.

 

[Tsuga8]

Sounds like if we do Grafton or Taghkanic we'd want to go in the fall, after swimming season. I'm not married to either but these do seem like options.

Dunham Reservoir looks nice - is there ample parking and launch/lawn area for a group of us? Seems like we might be somewhere in the 5 - 15 ppl range? Also seems like it's part of Grafton Lakes SP and as such also has a day-use fee.

Patridge Run looks nice to me. Much smaller than the other options, which might be good for folks looking to try each others boats without too much wind at play, or might be bad for those looking to try each others boats in an afternoon headwind. Input welcome on the desired size factor. In terms of season, this might be better during summer to avoid swim crowds, and worse during autumn if hunting seasons have started.

 

[Curlymoe]

Dunham Res is actually outside the park gates even though it has been incorporated into the park - so no fees any time of year. There are a couple of parking/launch options and while it can get crowded during the summer it's unlikely to be a problem after Labor Day. Not the greatest lawn/ lounging areas, but there are a couple of good spots if some local folks can get up there early (I could do that). Also the bigger, sometimes windier water is Long Pond (122 acres vs Dunham 98) in the park, but there is a double secret road to get in free. Full access to the park after L day with best bathroom facilities, picnic areas is $6/vehicle weekends, free after Columbus Day.

 

[stripperguy]

Dunham Reservoir today...

Here's a link and here's a teaser pic

Dunham Reservoir Paddling and Kennyetto Creek

31 new items added to shared album

photos.app.goo.gl

 

[Curlymoe]

I was up at Long Pond yesterday and Dunham today also. Beautiful day and 10 degrees cooler than the flatlands. Counted 22 boats at one point and that was missing a few. Good pictures.

Dunham Reservoir today...

Here's a link and here's a teaser pic

Dunham Reservoir Paddling and Kennyetto Creek

31 new items added to shared album

photos.app.goo.gl

 

[stripperguy]

We saw 3 other canoes, and a plethora of kayaks and stand up paddleboards.
On the water there from 10:00 AM to 1:00PM, maybe we saw you?

 

[Curlymoe]

We saw 3 other canoes, and a plethora of kayaks and stand up paddleboards.
On the water there from 10:00 AM to 1:00PM, maybe we saw you?

I was up there noon til 2. I was in a green Rapidfire pack.

 

[coldfeet]

Restarting this idea. Maybe a mid October weekend before Taghkanic state park closes.
I am going with the AMC fall foliage ADK Oct 7-10 so I can’t make it that weekend.

 

[Tsuga8]

I'd be down for an October weekend other than Columbus Day weekend (8th - 10th) as well. Maybe we can block a weekend and narrow down to Sat vs Sun depending on weather? Should we collectively select a date and then see where the geographic mass is between Dunham, Taghkanic, and Partridge Run?

I'd start a poll for the date but seems easier to keep with this thread instead of starting new, so:
Which weekend in Oct would you prefer for a gathering? (Oct 8/9 is already out)
- Oct 1/2
- Oct 15/16
- Oct 22/23
- Oct 29/30

 

[Sliding Focus]

If a September date could be an option, the 10th/11th would work well for me.

Of the October weekends, I'd prefer the 22nd/23rd, and I definitely can't do the 15th/16th.

 

[Curlymoe]

I'd be a definite for Grafton since I'm so close, but quite possible for Taghkanic most any time.
Question about Partridge Run - I've never been there but it looks like a series of pretty tiny ponds. Am I misinterpreting the maps? Wouldn't be my choice though it might be pretty peaceful. Anybody been there?
Fees are are pretty minimal at both Grafton and Taghkanic. Grafton is $6 til Columbus Day then is free. T is free entrance after Labor Day but $10 boat fee year round - what annoying person thought that up?
Will follow this.

 

[stripperguy]

Right next to Grafton is Dunham Reservoir, no fees, less people...

 

[coldfeet]

As of now Oct 15 or 29 weekend is good for me. That reservoir is a bit to far being app 5 hours away. But I believe camping is closed after Columbus weekend at Lake T. Will follow this also.

 

[Glenn MacGrady]

From many decades of personal experience, not everyone's preferences can be accommodated and a trip may fall apart unless someone is the trip leader who makes the final decisions as to place, date and time. Not my decision, but I'd nominate Tsuga8 as trip leader since he started this thread and has been active in keeping the idea alive.

 

[Tsuga8]

Well, Glenn, I declined to rise to your bait, mostly as I was out of town and mostly offline for two weeks, and it seems no one else is seconding your nomination, so I'm off the hook! Ha!

Unfortunately it looks like we're not getting much consensus on dates anyways....

 

[Sliding Focus]

I would second Glenn's nomination of you, Tsuga8! You've put the most effort of all of us into organizing this.

If I'm reading the responses correctly, it looks like October 29th is the most popular date so far (works for you + me, and is one of coldfeet's preferences), but we haven't gotten many responses. And Lake Taghkanic seems like the most popular location (coldfeet + Glenn's favorite, and doable for at least some of the Capital Region folks who're pushing for Grafton/Dunham).

 

[Curlymoe]

I would second Glenn's nomination of you, Tsuga8! You've put the most effort of all of us into organizing this.

If I'm reading the responses correctly, it looks like October 29th is the most popular date so far (works for you + me, and is one of coldfeet's preferences), but we haven't gotten many responses. And Lake Taghkanic seems like the most popular location (coldfeet + Glenn's favorite, and doable for at least some of the Capital Region folks who're pushing for Grafton/Dunham).

Well said.

 

[TrailBlaser]

I've been to both Grafton and Lake Taghkanic. Either would be fine with me. It might be a bit further for us, but I've been thinking about paddling somewhere on the Erie Canal. I wonder if there might be a location that has paddling opportunities and camping nearby?

 

[snapper]

@TrailBlaser - Along the Erie Canal there are some locks that allow camping. Most are just a place for your tent but others include picnic tables and an outhouse/bathroom of some kind. I live about an hour south of the canal and access it at a variety of locations (i.e. Little Falls, Minden, St. Johnsville, Fort Plain to name a few) and you can find sites in these locations.

Another option for locating the campsites along the canal is to check out the bike trail information. I think more people pedal the canal then paddle it. The resources and information for the bike trail does include information on camping. You can find most of what you need on-line. There are so many resources I'd hesitate to recommend just one but I'm sure you'll be able to find what you need.

If you do come up this way, let me know. I'd love to paddle with you if you're so inclined; and I won't be upset if you'd prefer solo paddling while enjoying some peace and quiet.

That's all for now. Sorry for the derailment of the original thread, and until next time...be well.

snapper