20.35
West Haven
The last two days provided two very different trips on the waterways surrounding O'Sullivan's Island.
20.43
Backtracking to Saturday: After a new beginning (working a quick 5 hour shift at 'the job') I made it out on the river by 15.30 and decided that this trip was to be considered more of a tour as opposed to river clean-up. So, I headed down towards Two Mile Brook and was astonished to see right before my eyes a huge (confirmed) Golden Eagle. I watched it with great interest and suddenly realized that the Hero camera was still in the studio. I then made it downstream some more before placing a call to David at CT Outdoors. Heading back towards Derby, the mighty eagle swooped down low several times trying to locate a nice fish dinner - but with no luck.
What is interesting is that in the late afternoon, it is pretty common to see eagles here. This is also the same location as me and wolF were stationed at for the eagle survey (where we saw the air strike evidence) a couple of weeks back.
I could not believe the amount of trash in the river once you got near the Orange townline, and it just got worse the further south one went. The HVA folks know about this too (more about them later)...
Sundays trip (today) was more recon than anything else since I got out at about 15.00 and the weather was less than perfect. But the light rain provided a silence in the air which I have not experienced in quite some time. With no people in sight, all the river birds were out, along with the usual turkey buzzards / vultures..
This trip went up to the Derby Shelton Dam. As I drifted along by the waterfall's, I could not help but think about Mary Grant, the only other soul I know to care about the ecology the way I do. Although I have not seen her in years, I think about her all the time.
Some disturbing news: I noticed how more trees are still being cut down along the Housatonic River side of O'Sullivan's Island - where that new evil park was installed. Can't they leave just some trees alone ?? What bastards these people are - cutting down everything in site so the area can be more like Coney Island... Wait till the summer, it will be a zoo there!!
Both trips ended at around 17.15 or so - just as darkness was setting in.
Both trips also yielded some river clean-up work too...
Both trips re-inforced why I do what it is Ido for the air, trees, water, and animals...
20.57
I mentioned the HVA earlier.
Well, they are up to having one of their so called town hall meeting's and I thought it might be good to provide an enlightened point of view about how they operate 'from some one who knows'...
I did not bash them in anyway - I just described how they operate and how I felt that raising funds was their main objective. This was done on a Yahoo Group site which I am a fringe member of after reading a post regarding something the HVA folks are planning...
Glad I'm done with them - I bet they miss my $$$'s very much.
Interesting how they never gave a damn about all the work I still put in All The Way Alone...
So it will be interesting as to if I remain active with the NVOC folks after they read my post - and that's fine: if they kick me out, they kick me out - it's not like they like me or anything...
21.08
On the boat's front: Tomorrow I will be calling Sheena at AIRE to enquire about purchasing a Super Lynx which has been hanging around for some time. I am also at a crossroads regarding purchasing a tandem sea expedition kayak - still trying to decide between the Swift Double made by Paddleyak in South Africa or if I should go with the X-2 Starship Micco has for me over in West L.A. Right now - it's the X-2 that I desire. I will be contacting Micco soon to discuss purchasing arrangements. While Johan Loot's makes some fine boats in South Africa - the shipping costs make it prohibitive.
I expect to be out again next weekend, but probably only on Sunday for more river monitoring...
For the Air, Trees, Water, and Animals...
- Earth xoxo
Sunday, January 24, 2010
Saturday, January 16, 2010
Housatonic / Naugatuck River update
23.45
west haven.
man, today was one for the books!! what a wild trip this was...
I loaded up my trusty predator k-140 in anticipation of a good river tour when I soon realized that there was too much trash in the river, so this turned into a clean up trip instead...
I first headed up towards the Derby Shelton dam and noticed that the amount of ice in the river was not that bad. Actually, for the most part - there wasn't any...
Then I headed back down stream back towards O'Sullivan's Island and soon realized that this was going to be more of a river clean up event as opposed to a tour. Ok, too bad I've got the wrong boat now - but that's ok I guess...
Once I rounded O'Sullivan's Island, I could not believe how much trash I saw in the Naugatuck River. Ok, so it's been a couple of weeks but still...
00.20
I eventually started to make my way towards Two Mile Island aka Beards Point. I was told earlier that it was solid ice from the point to Sunnyside. I watched from a distance how one boater made it around the bend. But by the time I came through, the ice was starting to close in (the other boat was already back). Now, for some reason, I sensed an urgency to head back north but to my horror ans surprise - the entire river passage way was completely blocked off...
O H S H I T !
In the midst of all this maddness, I decided that nw would be a good time to take a leak, and so I did - onshore by Two Mile Brook...
I soon realized that there was no way I was getting out of this one - and elected to portage the boat - actually drag the boat across the slabs of ice while I walked along the shore balancing between the rocks and the ice.
00.30
I made it, and after a nice hot cup of coffee, I called my wolf to tell her about this latest adventure. When I say I felt like I was on some kind of expedition, I really mean it...
Yet another 45 gal liner filled with trash was accomplished today - so this year is starting off well.
I hope to be back out on the water soon, maybe next week..
For the Air, Trees, Water, and Animals,
- Earth...
west haven.
man, today was one for the books!! what a wild trip this was...
I loaded up my trusty predator k-140 in anticipation of a good river tour when I soon realized that there was too much trash in the river, so this turned into a clean up trip instead...
I first headed up towards the Derby Shelton dam and noticed that the amount of ice in the river was not that bad. Actually, for the most part - there wasn't any...
Then I headed back down stream back towards O'Sullivan's Island and soon realized that this was going to be more of a river clean up event as opposed to a tour. Ok, too bad I've got the wrong boat now - but that's ok I guess...
Once I rounded O'Sullivan's Island, I could not believe how much trash I saw in the Naugatuck River. Ok, so it's been a couple of weeks but still...
00.20
I eventually started to make my way towards Two Mile Island aka Beards Point. I was told earlier that it was solid ice from the point to Sunnyside. I watched from a distance how one boater made it around the bend. But by the time I came through, the ice was starting to close in (the other boat was already back). Now, for some reason, I sensed an urgency to head back north but to my horror ans surprise - the entire river passage way was completely blocked off...
O H S H I T !
In the midst of all this maddness, I decided that nw would be a good time to take a leak, and so I did - onshore by Two Mile Brook...
I soon realized that there was no way I was getting out of this one - and elected to portage the boat - actually drag the boat across the slabs of ice while I walked along the shore balancing between the rocks and the ice.
00.30
I made it, and after a nice hot cup of coffee, I called my wolf to tell her about this latest adventure. When I say I felt like I was on some kind of expedition, I really mean it...
Yet another 45 gal liner filled with trash was accomplished today - so this year is starting off well.
I hope to be back out on the water soon, maybe next week..
For the Air, Trees, Water, and Animals,
- Earth...
Saturday, January 9, 2010
Todays Search For Eagles -by Jeep !!
17.06
West Haven
Today me, Wolf and Eris went looking for eagles. We took Wolfs Jeep since it made most sense to do so (the 20 deg temps made going via kayak out of the question). Upon arrival at our designated location, we parked and searched. Lucky for us, the area assigned can be viewed either from the back side of the cemetary or from a kayak positioned just north of Two Mile Island on the Housatonic River.
We did not see any eagles, but did see evidence of where an air strike by an eagle took place. This was amazing. Seeing the blood, and looking at the tracks - and especially the impression of a big wing - fingers and all - Wolf was able to determine exactly how this scene took place. It's guessed that we missed it by maybe a couple of hours at best. So, we did not see any eagles but saw evidence of eagles catching prey.
I then decided that it might be good if we went over into Shelton and head down Canal Street just past the Birdie Bye Hotel and then walk along the path towards the Derby Shelton Dam, which seemed like a logical place to explore. Almost immediatly, I saw a huge black bird but with white wing tips under it's wing's - about the size of a human hand. I felt it was not vulture but could not say for sure just what we saw, so a mystery - which Googling has yet to provide an answer too.
17.30
I guess the right thing to do is start earlier. Our late start prevented us from witnessing something truly amazing but had we been there, would the kill have taken place??
Don't know. But I do know that it was worth being out in the bitter cold and 6 hours later,my thermos is still pouring coffee at a proper tempetaure.
Life Is Good !!
On the eco / kayaking front things are quiet. The Housatonic River is filling with ice, but still remains passable. However, No kayaking / river clean ups this week - it's too cold - which is fine, the down time will be put to good use.
Be Back Soon !
Earth
Air Trees Water Animals
All The Way Alone
West Haven
Today me, Wolf and Eris went looking for eagles. We took Wolfs Jeep since it made most sense to do so (the 20 deg temps made going via kayak out of the question). Upon arrival at our designated location, we parked and searched. Lucky for us, the area assigned can be viewed either from the back side of the cemetary or from a kayak positioned just north of Two Mile Island on the Housatonic River.
We did not see any eagles, but did see evidence of where an air strike by an eagle took place. This was amazing. Seeing the blood, and looking at the tracks - and especially the impression of a big wing - fingers and all - Wolf was able to determine exactly how this scene took place. It's guessed that we missed it by maybe a couple of hours at best. So, we did not see any eagles but saw evidence of eagles catching prey.
I then decided that it might be good if we went over into Shelton and head down Canal Street just past the Birdie Bye Hotel and then walk along the path towards the Derby Shelton Dam, which seemed like a logical place to explore. Almost immediatly, I saw a huge black bird but with white wing tips under it's wing's - about the size of a human hand. I felt it was not vulture but could not say for sure just what we saw, so a mystery - which Googling has yet to provide an answer too.
17.30
I guess the right thing to do is start earlier. Our late start prevented us from witnessing something truly amazing but had we been there, would the kill have taken place??
Don't know. But I do know that it was worth being out in the bitter cold and 6 hours later,my thermos is still pouring coffee at a proper tempetaure.
Life Is Good !!
On the eco / kayaking front things are quiet. The Housatonic River is filling with ice, but still remains passable. However, No kayaking / river clean ups this week - it's too cold - which is fine, the down time will be put to good use.
Be Back Soon !
Earth
Air Trees Water Animals
All The Way Alone
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Housatonic / Naugatuck River update
22.30
West Haven
Unexpectedly, I got out for about 2 hours with 'the dancing ferret' on New Years Day. This kayak (Walden Sport Tandem set up solo) serves me well, and I am grateful that John Lee sold it to me a while back. It's purpose is to be my winter 'beater boat' meaning it goes with me everywhere (just like my Ocean Kayak sidekick does in the summer) on top of my old jeep.
The trip was pretty much more of a re-con trip - just checking thing's out - and seeing what work lies ahead. Surprisingly the litter situation was not too bad. I covered the area from the Derby Shelton dam on the Housatonic River down to O'Sullivan's Island and back up the Naugy towards Rt 34.
While paddling past the RR trestle going to Shelton, I saw a small group of kids walking the tracks. They were on me - and the splash of the object sent my way only confirmed this. Great, it's a new year and I'm getting hassled already. Later on, a small group along the Greenway on the Naugatuck River started calling out towards me.
I simply ignored them.
Fuck Kids.
Someday they will need me - and I'll remember what they have done to me.
22.45
I sometimes wonder why I even bother any more - caring...
The only reward I get is knowing that I am making a huge difference in the ecology.
This keeps me going, but there will come a time when I am broken in spirit, mind, and body and won't be able to continue my work.
I came close to posting on the NVOC group site today, but decided not to. I am not welcomed there, so I will sit on the sidelines and observe...
Speaking of groups, my friend Sunshine Sparrow has kicked me out of the ATWA Defenders group on myspace. Funny thing, being that I was the only one who ever contributed anything worthwhile to that group...
It is best that I work alone. While I am a believer in the ATWA (Air Trees Water Animals) movement, I am acting on my own accord and free will...
I have no contact with anybody of the 'connected' folks, and this is good.
22.51
With the first part of three regarding the 100 days of brutal cold weather behind me, and the days getting longer - my winter missions shall continue. But just how much remains to be seen - these next 60 days or so can be very brutal, although we do catch a couple of breaks in-between...
I shall continue posting here as need be regardless.
I will never be silenced because Silence = Death.
Give-Love-Each-Day,
Earth... xoxo
West Haven
Unexpectedly, I got out for about 2 hours with 'the dancing ferret' on New Years Day. This kayak (Walden Sport Tandem set up solo) serves me well, and I am grateful that John Lee sold it to me a while back. It's purpose is to be my winter 'beater boat' meaning it goes with me everywhere (just like my Ocean Kayak sidekick does in the summer) on top of my old jeep.
The trip was pretty much more of a re-con trip - just checking thing's out - and seeing what work lies ahead. Surprisingly the litter situation was not too bad. I covered the area from the Derby Shelton dam on the Housatonic River down to O'Sullivan's Island and back up the Naugy towards Rt 34.
While paddling past the RR trestle going to Shelton, I saw a small group of kids walking the tracks. They were on me - and the splash of the object sent my way only confirmed this. Great, it's a new year and I'm getting hassled already. Later on, a small group along the Greenway on the Naugatuck River started calling out towards me.
I simply ignored them.
Fuck Kids.
Someday they will need me - and I'll remember what they have done to me.
22.45
I sometimes wonder why I even bother any more - caring...
The only reward I get is knowing that I am making a huge difference in the ecology.
This keeps me going, but there will come a time when I am broken in spirit, mind, and body and won't be able to continue my work.
I came close to posting on the NVOC group site today, but decided not to. I am not welcomed there, so I will sit on the sidelines and observe...
Speaking of groups, my friend Sunshine Sparrow has kicked me out of the ATWA Defenders group on myspace. Funny thing, being that I was the only one who ever contributed anything worthwhile to that group...
It is best that I work alone. While I am a believer in the ATWA (Air Trees Water Animals) movement, I am acting on my own accord and free will...
I have no contact with anybody of the 'connected' folks, and this is good.
22.51
With the first part of three regarding the 100 days of brutal cold weather behind me, and the days getting longer - my winter missions shall continue. But just how much remains to be seen - these next 60 days or so can be very brutal, although we do catch a couple of breaks in-between...
I shall continue posting here as need be regardless.
I will never be silenced because Silence = Death.
Give-Love-Each-Day,
Earth... xoxo
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