Saturday, June 29, 2013

Boat Launches & Places to Kayak



I've created a map in google maps of places to kayak, and boat launches where we can put our kayaks in.  It is a public map, you can view it, and use it, here: 

Saturday, June 15, 2013

The Bike Trail is open!




Last year my favorite bike path (because it is paved, there is no traffic, and it's pretty easy to bike) was closed between Greevely Boat Launch & the entrance to the Williamsport Riverwalk.  This spring it is once again OPEN!  Woohoo!  We started at the Wal-Mart parking lot, instead of Indian Park, getting on the path right at Wendy's.  

15.6 miles in 1hr 40minutes - our first bike ride of the year.

See more of our bike trips,and favorite paths, here:
http://susquehannavalley.blogspot.com/p/our-bike-trips.html

Kayaking Tips & Resources

There are few things I enjoy more than kayaking in central Pa.  It is gorgeous here.  Kayaking is really, really easy, and a day on the water can be very relaxing.

Maps
My map on googlemaps of access points and lakes we like to use:

Pa Fish & Boat Commission Water Trails Map:

Water Level Information
I would never kayak a creek around here without knowing the water levels.  The same creek you are experiencing class 3 rapids on one week, you may be carrying your kayak over rocks for miles just a couple of weeks later.  Water levels also make a difference on the river - although not as drastic.  Expect your trips to take longer in lower water.
For all current water levels, go here:

Tips For Buying Kayaks 
http://fieldsofhether.blogspot.com/2013/04/buying-kayaks.html

See more about our trips, with times & photos, here:


Kayaking Rules - from the PA Fish & Boat Commission

The PA Fish & Boat Commission (PFBC) states the following regulations for kayaks and canoes:

Every person in a kayak or canoe must have a personal floatation device (PFD) readily accessible.
Children under 12 are required to wear their PFDs at all times.
From November 1st to April 30th, anyone in a kayak or canoe must wear a PFD.
Any kayaker or canoers on the water before dawn or after dusk are required to have a hand-held light to signal other boaters in order to avoid collisions.

All non-powered watercraft must have a whistle or other sound-producing device.
Alcohol is prohibited in all PA State Parks or on PFBC property while operating a kayak or canoe.

Any non-powered canoe or kayak on the water prior to legal dawn or after legal dusk
must have on board a hand-held white light, which is to be turned on and held overhead if
approached by another watercraft, in time to avoid a collision. (Motorized canoes must follow motorboat requirements – call the PFBC for details.) When anchored in a non-anchorage area prior to legal dawn or after legal dusk, an all-round (360°) anchor light must be displayed. (See Chapter 4 of the PA Boating Handbook)



Allenwood River Access