What happens is this: you decide which style and size you want, and tell me. I order the kits, which come with ash frames already bent, and many yards of nylon tubular lacing. (The bindings are not included, but cost only $25 – $35 depending on the style you choose. I have the details on your options.) Then, I’ll hold classes, say three evenings for a couple of hours each evening (or whatever it takes), to help guide you through the process. (I remember lacing my first shoe took considerably longer than the second; after a while you get the hang of it. You do NOT have to be particularly handy to do this; I am living proof.) When you’re done lacing, take them home and put 3-4 coats of exterior gloss polyurethane on them, let them dry for a bit, and hit the trails! Much like carving canoe paddles, I got a real sense of satisfaction from making something that I could then actually use.

Many folks prefer a model with long “tails” which act like a rudder and help keep the shoes pointed straight. Lacking a tail, Bearpaws don’t track as well, so they may not be as good for longer hikes but would work for hanging around a campsite. I LOVE the Ojibwa style (the pointed tips make it easy to navigate through brush and undergrowth), but I have used Hurons as well and they’re fine. The Alaskan model is quite long and probably not suitable for hiking around here. Your choice.

Why traditional instead of modern shoes made of metal and plastic? I own both (and we will be selling Tubbs shoes this year, but my heart belongs to my wood shoes. First, I admit I like “old style” gear. If you’ve been in the shop you’ve seen my 1915 wood/canvas canoe (and I have another one in the barn, and two more at our cottage). I like the look and feel of natural materials. But there’s more. Wood is quiet and grippier; metal is loud and slippery. Modern shoes mostly have solid “decking” rather than lacing, so snow doesn’t have a way to fall back through. Traditional shoes have more flotation (bigger surface area) so you don’t sink down into the snow as much. However, that bigger area, combined with the long tails, can make them harder to transport if space is an issue; think airplane luggage and overhead compartments. Last but not least by any means: wood shoes just look COOL. I mean really, would you hang a pair of metal snowshoes over your fireplace?

Cost:  $150 covers the cost of the kit and bindings, plus as much class instruction and time as needed. (Varnish is NOT included; you supply and apply.) By comparison, a pair of modern shoes can run from $120 to $250+++  and you won’t get the satisfaction of having made them yourself.

When: Call 845-319-6172 or e-mail me with questions or to order a kit. Class size will be limited to ensure you get plenty of hands-on attention, and I’ll need a minimum group size of 3-4, so let me know by NOVEMBER 7^th . Once I have folks signed up we’ll settle on days/evenings that work for everyone. If a lot of folks are interested, I’ll hold another class. As a former teacher, I’m a big believer in small class size. Give it a try!

Snowshoe Rentals and Tubbs Sales This Winter

On the other hand—if you want to get out on snowshoes but don’t want to buy (or make) some, we will again be offering RENTALS. I have a variety of sizes to fit everyone from young to not so young, and they come with trekking poles if you’d like. Cost for shoes and poles is around $20 for the day. Hopefully we’ll have more snow than last winter. (I realize not everyone may agree with that sentiment!)

And—after all my talk about “traditional” vs “modern” shoes—I am pleased to say that GBO will shortly be a Tubbs Snowshoe dealer. Tubbs is arguably the leading brand of “modern” snowshoes and offers a wide range of models—more than I can carry. So, I have decided to stock a handul of models that I think will best fit the needs of the vast majority of local winter hikers. Prices will be very reasonable (starting around $120), so if you’re in the market, or if you rent a time or two and enjoy the sport, you might want to seriously consider buying a pair. Snowshoes last many, many years, and they’re a good investment in outdoor gear. I should have them (along with trekking poles and gaiters, to keep the snow out of your boots) in the store by late November, so come on by and take a look. I got my first pair of snowshoes as a Christmas present from a crazy aunt when I was in high school—and I still have them! Guess she was on to something after all. (And now I think they’d make a great present for someone you know!)

Progress Report—Appalachian Trail Boardwalk in Pawling

Man, I love this project. Fantastic progress has been made over the course of this summer/early fall on the boardwalk crossing the Swamp River wetlands near the train stop on Rt 22. It’s right before Native Landscaping on the north side of Pawling; there’s a small parking lot by the train stop. Park there, cross the tracks (carefully!) and walk maybe 100 yards to the start. If you haven’t seen it yet, or if it has been a while, do yourself a favor and go check it out; you’ll be amazed at how far the boardwalk now extends. Groups of AT volunteers from out of state, joined by several “locals”, have come to Pawling to work on this; the last group for this season just left earlier this week, though we will do a bit more work in the next month and hopefully finish it next spring. There is even a pair of benches out toward the end where you can soak up the quiet, or watch the abundant bird life. Check it out!     

Again, let me know by Sunday, November 7^th if you’re interested in the snowshoe class. Call with any questions, or better yet come by the store and see for yourself.  Thank you all for your continued support of Great Blue Outfitters!

Mac Rand
Great Blue Outfitters
3198 Route 22
Patterson, NY 12563
845-319-6172
info@greatblueoutfitters.com

Chili cooks, professionals and amateurs, are invited to enter the competition. The professional and amateur classes will be judged separately. Contest entry information is available at www.carmelrotarychili.info

For those who love to eat chili, this event will provide an affordable afternoon of chili tasting, fun, and entertainment. For the non- chili lovers, hot dogs will be served.

Enjoy an afternoon of live music provided by the Acme Acoustical Band in the relaxing setting of Camp Herrlich. Eddie Covelli, the Carmel Rotary Club’s Chili Cookoff Chairman said, “The proceeds from this event will help support the Carmel Rotary Club’s charitable giving to community organizations and projects in Putnam County.”

Tickets for the event are $8 per adult, advance purchase; $10 per adult at the door; $5 per child under age 15; and $25 for a family up to 5 people.

Advance ticket purchase information is available at www.carmelrotarychili.info or call Rose at 845-225-5114.

Event submitted by the Carmel Rotary.

In the Tour de Putnam, cyclists have the opportunity to choose a route length to suit their own riding ability. Clearly marked and color coded 15, 30, 50, 75 or 100 mile routes take riders through breathtaking Putnam County countryside whose scenic roads weave and wind and are bordered by history itself. Mountain bikers will have their own woodland loop awaiting them as well. 

The SAG supported event will open for registration at 7:30 with staggered starting times beginning at 8. Pre-registration is $25; same day registration is $30. For an on-line registration form visit: http://www.visitputnam.org/. Registration includes a t-shirt, picnic lunch and entertainment by a Dixieland band.

Ride Info:
- Full SAG support
- Clearly marked, color coded routes
- Easy to follow cue sheets
- Bike mechanics courtesy of Bikeway (845) 621-2800
- Route sweeps
- Medical support
- Complimentary massages
- Access from the Southeast Station, on Metro-North’s “Harlem Line”
call 1-800-METRO-INFO
- Free Shuttle service from the Southeast Station with (reservations only),
call 800-470-4854 or 845-225-0381

Times
Check in and same day registration 7:30 to 9:00 am.
Food and water stations are open from 8:30 – 3:00 pm

Ride Start time
- 100 miles, 8 to 9 am
- 75 miles,  8 to 9 am
- 50 miles,  8:30 to 9:30 am
- 30 miles,  8:30 to 9:30 am
- 15 miles,  9:00 to 10:00 am

- Mountain Bike loops   9:30 am

Fees
Pre-registration $25.00
Same day registration $30.00

Registration includes t-shirt, picnic lunch, and Dixieland band. No children under 12. No bike trailers or child seats.

Free shuttle service from the Southeast Metro-North Train Station will be available but entrants are reminded to make reservations for the shuttle by calling: (800) 470-4854 or (845) 225-0381.

So strap the bikes onto the car or load them onto a Metro-North train but don’t miss a fabulous ride through Putnam County – where the country begins.

Resource: Marty Collins, The Putnam County Times;  http://www.visitputnam.org/

Photo credit: Tony Mazzariello

Folks often come to us at Great Blue Outfitters and ask the question, “What kayak is right for me?” That all depends on how you’re going to use it, and may involve making some choices and, in some cases, compromises. So, before you fork over your hard earned money, really take some time to think about how you plan to use your kayak—at least for the majority of the time.

• Stability/Maneuverability: If most of your paddling will be on ponds or small lakes, a shorter, wider boat with high stability will be great. You just don’t want to be in a hurry, as this style of boat turns very easily and a lot of your energy is spent going side to side rather than straight ahead. Want to go down twisty streams (or the Great Swamp) where you want  to turn? Again, you’ll want a boat that is maneuverable that you can turn relatively easily, but perhaps something with a bit more speed for the straight parts.

On the other hand, perhaps you want something that will get you where you want to go in a hurry. In that case, the general rule of thumb is this: the longer the boat, the faster it will be. Now, it’s not quite that easy, since hull design comes into play and a longer boat also may have more “wetted surface” that will be creating friction. But in general, more length = more speed. Be forewarned: boats built for speed tend to be narrower and a little less stable. That’s one of those compromises!

• Storage: Are you just going out to play around for a little while, or will you be out for several hours (or more) and want to take along food, dry clothes, camera, binoculars, and the kitchen sink? Now storage capacity comes into play. A bulkhead (a partition between the cockpit and the storage area) will provide a dry space beneath an access hatch. Some boats don’t have this. Do you need it, or will a dry bag suffice? 
•  Comfort: Once you get settled into your kayak, you should feel good. The seat should be adjustable, with good back and thigh support, and you should adjust the foot pedals to help brace you. Some paddlers don’t like feeling too “enclosed” and prefer a more open cockpit.
• Weight and material: Don’t buy a boat and then find out later that it’s so heavy you can’t load it on your car roof! Rec kayaks can range from the upper 30’s to over 50 pounds. A lot depends on the material it’s made of, which is often polyethylene. This material is tough and durable, but a little heavy. (Compromise.)
• Cost:Good companies make good kayaks. A very basic, but very useable, kayak can be had for less than $300 if you’re just looking to play in the backyard pond. Speed, length, storage, and comfort all cost $$$ and can run the price tag to up to (or over) $1000. Don’t buy more boat than you need—but don’t forego features that you’ll end up wishing you had. Spread out over the lifetime of a boat, the extra cost will be negligible and you’ll be a happier paddler.

If possible, “test paddle” a kayak before making the leap. Compare a few models you’re considering and see which one feels the best. At Great Blue we have ‘demo” models of the boats we sell so you can really get a feel. Is it quick enough? Can you make it turn? Do you have enough room?

Come join us, and the LocalPutnam Staff for the FULL MOON PADDLE, June 23rd at 7:30pm and see for yourself how much fun you can have kayaking.  [CLICK HERE] for more information and to reserve your spot today.

Bottom line: do you feel safe, secure, and confident?

If the answer to the last question is “No”, then don’t buy it; if you’re scared of the boat, it will sit in your garage. If you buy the right first boat you’ll be out on the water a LOT. You may even find that you “out grow” your first kayak as you gain experience and confidence and expand your paddling horizons.  Don’t worry; there will always be a kayak suitable for your next step. Have fun out there, and drop by Great Blue Outfitters if we can help get you out on the water!

Mac Rand
Great Blue Outfitters
3198 Route 22, Patterson, NY 12563
Telephone: 845-319-6172
Fax: 845-319-6173

e-mail: info@greatblueoutfitters.com

Now you have another great reason to drive up (or down) Route 22 to the Patterson Flea Market where you will find quality merchandise at very reasonable prices. Food and beverage are available for purchase. Parking and entry to the flea market is always free. Mr. Cassone will be signing his CD’s, which are sold at the market for only $15. Check out his video below and join the Route 22 fun squad.  (Rain Date:  Sunday, June 6th)

The Patterson Flea Market is open from 8am to 4pm, weather permitting.

The Patterson Flea market is open 8am to 4pm, weather permitting.  Located on Route 22 in Patterson, about 1/2 mile North of the Route 22 and Route 311 interection shoppers of all ages will be delighted by the selection of merchandise.  I’ve personally shopped at the flea market and can honestly say that I was pleasantly surprised at the quality and array of products.   I found a beautiful piece of Shirley Temple memorabilia that I can’t wait to give to my mom for Mother’s day.  So, if you are looking for some good bargins, or a unique and special item for someone you love, stop at the Patterson Flea Market.

The Flea Market is a “weather permitting” event and table space is available.   Attention Homeowners, instead of having a tag sale in your front yard, bring your unwanted items to the Patterson Flea Market – more crowds mean more chances of selling your items and making some money.  You can rent a space for just one one week. Call (845) 265-4414 for more info.

Michael Ciaiola Conservation Area

Putnam County’s largest Conservation Area with over 800 acres, and leashed dogs are welcome. There are miles of hiking trails, one for every level of fitness.  One of the most popular spots is the Great Gorge Waterfall, which is stunning.  Bring a lunch and enjoy a picnic on one of the many flat boulders overlooking the falls.  Remember to take your garbage with you.  Please clean up after yourself.  Be careful….the rocks can be slippery with moisture and moss.

You can reach the Waterfall by following the Red/White (easy) trail or the Red (slightly harder and more elevated) trail.  It should take you about 15 minutes from the South Parking lot.  The Blue/White trail, which is near the Waterfall is the next level up from the Red Trail.  All the trails are clearly marked.

Location & Parking:

Lower parking lot off Haviland Hollow Road (Patterson, NY)

Upper parking lot off Stagecoach Road (Patterson, NY)

Park Hours:

Dawn to Dusk everyday

Park Office: 

Putnam County Park Office at 845-225-3650

Directions:

Take Route 22 North toward Patterson. Pass the intersection Route 164 (blinking yellow light).

At next traffic light take a right onto Haviland Hollow Road (you will pass Texas Taco and Putnam Diner on your right).  Go about 2.5 miles.

The entrance to the parking lot is on the left side. If you go over the small bridge you have gone too far – turn around.  The entrance will now be on your right.

Conservation Area Rules:

• Respect nature and others.
• Dogs permitted as long as they are under your control at all times (leashed).
• Please clean up after your dog and dispose of all trash in the appropriate waste containers,
• All regulations have to be followed when fishing and hunting.
• Trapping is prohibited on all County Conservation areas.
• No littering!
• Horseback riding is permitted on trails only.
• Mountain-biking is permitted on trails only, with the exception of the blue trail.
• Please do not leave valuables unattended in your vehicle.
• If the log book is available please sign in and out.

Various hunting seasons in New York State run from September through March & May 1st to May 31st.  For your safety during Hunting seasons, visitors on these lands should wear orange. Hunters Wear Orange – So Should You

 Most importantly…. Have a great time!