Happy Independence Day
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Kayak Fundamentals: Know Your Boat
Over the next few days I’ll Be featuring different lessons from MonkeySee’s short course on Kayaking Fundamentals. Steel Valley Outdoor’s Kayaking page is by far the most visited page on the site. There’s a lot of interest in this sport in our area, and this series makes for a good introduction to the sport.
This lesson goes over the basic terminology of the parts of your boat, so when you walk into the store or rental place, you’ll sound like you know what you’re doing. As always, this course is not meant to replace professional guidance and is meant only as an overview of the topics discussed.
To see the entire series, head on over to Steel Valley Outdoors Kayaking page
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Independence Day Events Throughout the Region
Here’s a small sampling of events this extended weekend:
Guilford Lake has a boat parade at noon on July 4th. Decorate your boat, take part and win a prize. Call 330-222-1712 for more info.
Portage Lakes State Park has a “Friendly Gathering featuring a sandcastle contest and early fireworks at dusk.
Take in the 3 Rivers Regatta in Pittsburgh and reserve a spot for a leisurely paddle by 5pm Thursday with Venture Outdoors for a snack and the best seat in Pittsburgh for the Fireworks show: Right on the water at Point State Park with their Fourth of July Paddle. . It’s a little pricy, but worth it.
Also, they are sponsoring Urban Bike Tours and a tour though the Great Allegheny Passage as part of Bike Fest. Check out Venture Outdoors for more information.
Closer to home, Lake Newport hosts a Firecracker Paddle July 5th, 10am to noon.
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Camping in Style
CBS News and Men’s Journal article profiling the latest and greatest in Camping Gear.
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Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad Trip Report
On Saturday we woke up early to try the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad.
After Several Weekends of Sick kids and Rain, We really didn’t feel like hanging around the house waiting for the weather to clear up. So On Thursday we went to the CVSR Website and ordered tickets. We wanted to see the whole route so we purchased the Scenic Explorer, starting from Rockside station at 9:00. Couple of Points:
- This was early. So early there were few people on the train. Since the cars were comfortably air-conditioned and each had their own bathroom, It was really comfortable and pleasant
- The Northside Akron Station is a lot closer and the train leaves at 10:30. However, the train did fill up quickly here and with bikers along the trail. We overheard the Conductor’s talking about the ticket agents overselling tickets for later in the day. Get there early.
- The Bikers: CVSR is running a special this year. The train will stop at any station along the trail and you and your Bike can get on for $2. We saw lots of families taking advantage of this.
Photos:
The View Out the Window:
The Cuyahoga:
The Great Heron Nests:
Bikers and Hikers on the Towpath Trail:
One of the Bike Stations waiting to load:
Boston Mills Ski Resort. They had an Arts Fest this weekend. The Bike Station is just off to the right:
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Site of the Week: Walls Are Bad
Yes, Yes they are.
So head on over to WallsAreBad.com to check out the many activities and organizations in SW Pennsylvania.
This site is a little over produced, and doesn’t have the personal touch I think I provide, but it’s what this site would be like if I could spend more than ten minutes a day on it.
In the meantime, Check out the New Steel Valley Outdoors Bookstore for all your Ohio Nature and Outdoor Guides.
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