Write-up: Mary Pat Connors
Leader: Mary Pat Connors
Co-Leader: Lu Blanchard

The Susquehanna River is a great destination for a kayak in the spring. The water level is on the higher side, and there are few of those pesky black flies.

When my co-leader and I checked the route out, it was a gorgeous spring day, just perfect for our first paddle of the season. The birds were in full chorus. We spotted many sandpiper-type birds along the shore along with a pair of common mergansers. There were many ferns with fiddleheads, a spring delicacy just out of reach.

It also was a reminder for us to bring sunscreen, as we both got good sunburns.

Of course, when it came time for the actual paddle, it was cool, overcast and drizzly. Seven of us braved the weather, but by the time we started paddling it became clear. We even had some sun peek through the clouds later in the day. We put in at Crumhorn Landing and did an up and back north to the bridge. We had a fairly easy paddle even against the current.

We saw a few other paddlers really moving fast, possibly practicing for the General Clinton Regatta the following weekend. This is a 70-mile endurance race on the Susquehanna from Cooperstown to Bainbridge. Our very own Roger Felske designed the logo for this race when he was young and lived in Bainbridge.

Our group ended the day at Redneck BBQ in Cooperstown. I don’t think any of us sampled the barbecue but the beer was cold and tasty.