Kayaking The Great Swamp |
 The Great Swamp is an ecological treasure nestled in the southern Hudson Valley less then 60 miles north of New York City. One of the largest wetlands in New York State, it covers nearly 6,000 acres. Wetlands are among the most important and most biologically productive natural ecosystems on earth, and the Great Swamp reflects this biological richness through an amazing diversity of plants, animals and natural communities. The swamp harbors at least 20 species of mammals, 36 species of amphibians, and 64 species of butterflies to name a few. A recent inventory identified 180 species of birds using the Great Swamp as a migratory flyway and 100 species that nest and breed there. It would not be unusual to see painted turtles, red wing blackbirds, red tailed hawks, woodpeckers, swallows, beavers, wood ducks, mallard or great blue heron. So if you are thinking about giving kayaking a try or already have experience, or perhaps you are a keen nature or bird lover, than this trip is for you. Before starting our trip we will go over basic safety guidelines and learn proper paddling techniques. Just like riding a bike, you will get the hang of it before you know it. We will paddle and explore the twists and turns of this ecological gem, touring an approximate 6 mile stretch of the best of what the Great Swamp has to offer. The gentle and serene waters afford great natural scenery and wildlife spotting. We will stop for our picnic lunch along the way. After a full day of exploring outside, we’ll head for home but not before making a pit stop at a local award winning brewery where you may treat yourself to their tasty selection of hand crafted microbrews. We will be using solo kayaks and a limited number of tandem kayaks – if you prefer a tandem please let us know when you register by adding it to the "add special instructions to merchant" space in your PayPal account. All trip details and final trip itinerary will be e-mailed to all registered guests the week of the trip date. |
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| Trip Date: Saturday May 29, 2010 |
| Departure: 7:15 a.m. (approximately) – 8th Avenue between W31st and W33rd streets - in front of US Post Office and across from Penn Station. |
| Return: 6:30 p.m. (approximately) |
| Trip Rating: Moderate/Intermediate – We will paddle for approximately 4-5 hours and cover approximately 6 miles in gentle flowing flatwater and backwater environments. (learn more) |
| What's Included: Trip includes all transportation costs, equipment rentals, guides, continental breakfast in route, and signature picnic lunch. |
| What to Bring: Wear clothing appropriate for getting wet, preferably quick drying fabrics. Dress appropriately for the season and in layers - this means have the ability to take tops on/off as needed to keep you comfortable. Rain jacket/pants are strongly suggested if the weather is uncertain. Wear water shoes, secure sandals, or sneakers. Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, chapstick and bug spray are recommended. If you are not sure, bring more clothing than you think you need – extra items can be left in the van or carried in your backpack/drybag. Bring a small daypack/drybag to carry your stuff – extra clothes, snacks, water, camera, our provided picnic lunch, etc. – Ideally, you should use something that is waterproof or use large zip lock bags. For the ride home, bring a small towel, change of footwear and perhaps a change of clothes for non-modest types. |
Trip Cost: All trip details and final trip itinerary will be e-mailed to all registered guests the week of the trip date. |
Kayaking The Great Swamp
Transportation Option $99.00 ($94.00 early bird)
Drive Yourself Option $79.00
Bring Your Own Boat $45.00
Coupon Discounts are applied at the shopping cart