Last Saturday, I joined
Sundance Outdoor Adventure Society for its kayaking trip that started at
Croton-on-Hudson. I counted at least 17 others who showed up at the train station, where we took a quick drive to the nearby park (
Croton Point Park) along the shores of the Hudson River. It was a great, sunny day! We were soon met by kayakers from
Hudson River Recreation, and were fitted into individual boats that would suit our individual heights.
Most of the boats were yellow in color, although I soon learned that the kayakers-guides from
Hudson River Recreation would be using red color boats.
I noted how the red and yellow colors contrasted against the water.
We're all then in the river when I thought I had to take a picture no matter what; it stressed me out to think that my camera would get wet or worst submerged in the Hudson. Earlier, I saw someone capsized while we're still very close to the shore so I was careful not to repeat such an unwanted act for myself.
I'm not sure who this person was; I just thought I'd make the shot while we were paddling our boats on our way back. We must have paddled for at least 2 hours by this time. Some of the group had to stop at the shores close to where the Croton and Hudson Rivers meet. I decided to proceed even if I was already getting tired and thirsty. I soon found out that the point where the two rivers cross each other would be so choppy such that I had to work myself out to maneuver my boat toward the Croton River direction; I was just grateful I made it with the instructions from one of our leaders. My boat's rudder wasn't working but I still managed the boat nevertheless. Things could have been worst, for all we know. Our kayaker guides also taught us some tips on what-to-do in case someone's boat capsizes that [s]he has to be helped to get into the boat safe and alive - I learned a thing or two and told myself, I hope I won't need to use the freshly learned info. When we had to go back to the area where some of our companions took their rest, I chose to keep close to the bank, which was also tricky but somehow helped me in maneuvering back to Hudson River.
We all managed to go back to the point where we all started. The river became too wavy on our way back. I was actually tired and remembered my first time to do kayaking at least 5 years ago back in the Philippines, which I remember doing for 5 hours ---that stretch actually got me so exhausted I promised myself not to do kayaking anytime soon. Yes, it helps to learn important techniques to kayak more efficiently and not be exhausted at the end.
Yes, I got so elated from joining this kayaking trip, which my good friend Jeff E mentioned to me way in the middle of the week prior to the trip. I enjoyed meeting and being with all the participants of this trip. And I agree that Croton-on-Hudson
is really a beautiful place to visit as most published materials would say.
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