Camera Down

Sorry Folks,

I realize I haven't made any new posts recently, but my camera has been down and the store that I purchased it from is taking their sweet time replacing it. It was promised back a week ago, but they are changing their original return date.

However, here is some new information about places NOT to go paddling, so don't waste a trip going to these two locations.

• Beaver Run Reservoir: (Illegal to paddle on this body of water).

• Two Lick Reservoir: (Privately owned and must be a member).

Mahoning Creek Lake: (Milton Loop Boat Launch)

Link: (July 9, 2009) Today I paddled 10.7 miles

After trying a couple of new venues in the last week I had to go back to one of my favorite places to enjoy the sights and sounds of nature. It was a beautiful day to catch some rays and take a ton of pictures. Enjoy!

Also check out the 4-sections of photos from my last trip to Mahoning Creek Lake on (June 26, 2009).

Mahoning Creek Lake: Additional Pics

Conemaugh River: (Saltsburg towards Tunnelton)

(July 7, 2009): Today I paddled 6.78 miles

The Saltsburg area is a hotbed for paddlers with such waterways as the Conemaugh River, Kiskiminetas River, and Loyalhanna Creek all in close proximity. However, I'm taking the Conemaugh River off the list as I found my afternoon on the water extremely frustrating.

Granted most people enjoy this section of water by lazily floating downstream and taking in the view, but I enjoy the paddling part of kayaking so in my attempt to go upstream I found nothing but obstacle after obstacle, mainly shallow rapids that made digging into the water impossible. After nearly breaking my paddle a number of times over a few hidden boulders I cut my trip short and most likely won't return to this section of the river.

Quemahoning Reservoir

Link: (July 5, 2009) Today I paddled 8.8 miles

There are a handful of free and very accessible places to launch a kayak besides the main launch site at Quemahoning Recreation Area, so keep that in mind if you head to Somerset County.

The water is quite calm on the reservoir and the scenery is beautiful, but unfortunately there isn't a lot of wildlife visible on the water mostly because of the influx of tourist that frequent the area during the summer months.

Even so the trip is still worth the occasional paddle as you can quickly amass 10-miles if you stick to the shoreline. If you feel a little adventurous head to the Southeast part of the reservoir and limbo underneath the Green Bridge. Even though there is only 18-20 inches of clearance it is worth the effort as this remote location has some of the best scenery.

Quemahoning Reservoir: Additional Pics

Mahoning Creek Lake: (Milton Loop Boat Launch to Dam)

Link: (June 26, 2009) Today I paddled 14.0 miles (PR)

The DO's and DO NOT's of Mahoning Creek Lake... DO NOT head left (East) out of the launch site at Milton Loop because you will encounter numerous obstacles such as rocks, hidden and exposed, that will take the enjoyment out of a phenomenal place to paddle. I did manage to travel about a 1.5 miles before my luck and ability to navigate the terrain ran out.

DO head right (West) out of the launch site because you will experience some of the best paddling in the state, which includes spectacular and diverse scenery. Luscious vegetation surrounds the area, but scattered throughout are large boulders where you can take a snack break and a handful of marsh like areas to watch the heron search for an afternoon meal.

If you decide to go all the way to the dam it is 5.5 miles away. The good news is you won't have to worry about any high-powered boats because Mahoning Creek Lake has a 10 horsepower restriction.

Mahoning Creek Lake: Additional Pics

Mahoning Creek Lake: Bird Pics

Mahoning Creek Lake: Bird Pics (2)

Keystone Lake

(June 24, 2009): Today I paddled 5.3 miles

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This is my second trip to Keystone Lake this month, so check out the photos from my June 19 trip as well. Again, I hit the water early in the morning with a thick cloud of fog still consuming much of the lake. As I paddled the shoreline I headed in the direction of the dam, which is 2.65 miles away from the main launch site near Atwood. The morning conditions were ideal as I found plenty of inspiration in my latest photos. Enjoy!

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Keystone Lake: Additional Pics