Allegheny National Recreation Area - camping, kayaking, and fishing

Allegheny Reservoir at Willow Bay

On my trip to the Allegheny National Forest area in May 2012 staying at Kiasutha campground on the western shore of Kinzua Bay, a southern branch of the Allegheny Reservoir, I checked out other campgrounds along the Allegheny Reservoir.  

Willow Bay Recreation Area and campground caught my eye so I planned a trip back in July this time securing a tent site right on the water.  Willow Bay campground attendant allowed me to drive through the campground to check out the sites but since the tent sites were off the road 150-200 yards nestled in the woods right on the water it was hard to tell which were the premium sites.  

Tip #1:  Call and ask questions!  You'd also be surprised what information the campground attendants volunteer to share too!  

So I called the campground directly and was overwhelmed by the assistance of the campground attendant!  I told her I was bringing kayaks and wanted to tent camp right on the water and just wake up and paddle.  On her rounds that afternoon, she walked the tent area and wrote down the best level sites for my needs and called me back.  She even left a fishing map with my name on it at the entrance for when I would arrive 3 weeks later.  The campground map online and the website to register are not particularly helpful as it is hard to tell which sites are right on the water.  

Best sites at the Deer Grove area (tent sites) are, in order, 102, 99, 95, 93, 90, 89.  Best sites at the Hemlock Loop area (electric sites, mostly rvs) are, in order, 68, 66, 70, 64, 62.  

Campsite #95

Tip #2:  Secure your food not just in tubs and coolers but put heavy rocks on top and perhaps wrap them in tarp and put heavy rocks on top.  

We learned this after the first night of raccoons opening the clasps on our tubs and stealing our bread.  Also remember, even after a late night of heavy drinking, to take your garbage to the bear-resistant dumpsters.  Otherwise, you may wake up to not just raccoons but a black bear visiting your campsite like we had.  Yes, a black bear was hanging out with us and even sat in my Jeep Wrangler as I had the doors off and he was looking for food.  Very minor damage but I have several clues that he was there!  Bears did not show up when the place was heavily populated and I believe because there were quite a few dogs around.  Instead, these smart creatures waited for our last night to scare the crap out of me.  My friend, still thinks I saw a raccoon, but a raccoon does not 'talk' like this bear nor can a raccoon poke a hole through a nalgene water bottle or scratch a short but deep gouge in my Jeep dash.  

In addition to admiring the destructive remnants of the mammals, we also fished and caught white bass and small mouth bass.  They were not big enough to filet so we threw them back.  Also out fishing and kayaking one morning, we got caught in a thunderstorm and torrential downpours riding it out for about an hour on land hovering in the pine tree grove snacking on cheese, crackers, and canned margaritas.  After the rain lightened up, we decided to get back in the yaks and fished the small inlet catching a few small mouth bass.  

Other things to do in the area include dining at Docksiders Cafe Restaurant located at the Kinzua Wolf Run Marina off of route 59 east of Warren, PA and southwest of Bradford, PA.  Bring your dog and they will seat you outside and bring your pooch a big bowl of ice water!  Natural must see attractions include:  Rimrock Overlook, Jakes Rocks, the Kinzua Dam, and a great dog (and kid) swimming hole/boat launch/osprey nest/fishing spot off route 321 just north of route 59.  If you have more time I highly recommend going to the Kinzua Bridge State Park Sky Walk.   The Morrison Loop Trail which includes the Rimrock loop and the Morrison loop is also very beautiful traveling for miles along a small creek for the latter loop.  When I went there in May 2012 the mosquitos and black flies were horrible even with bug spray.  It was hard to fully enjoy the scenery on my 5.5+ mile trek with my boxer along the shorter Morrison loop as these bugs were so bad.  Perhaps another season I'll head back to hike the longer Rimrock loop and maybe even camp at the Morrison campground which is a hike or boat in only site.  

It is absolutely worth the 5+ hour drive for me to reach the Allegheny National Forest and recreation area.  I cannot wait to visit again.  Perhaps kayaking down the scenic Allegheny River again and camping on one of the 7 Wilderness Islands.  

Buying the Perfect Kayak

So you want to buy the perfect kayak, ey?

Just like you want the perfect relationship?

Well, it ain't gonna happen!  Unless you buy 3 or 4 boats!  I get the question occasionally from my friends and acquaintances wanting help choosing a 'perfect' kayak.  I love to talk nitty-gritty kayak talk so it is about time I shared some things on my blog.

Here is my advice.  

If you live in the Midwest, target an 11-13 foot boat

If you live on the East coast target a 14-17 foot boat

If you live in West Virginia or western NC target an 8-10 foot boat.

'Nuff said...right?  Well, but not so simple as you have to figure out what type of water you are MOST likely to paddle wherever you live.  Everyone seems to say..."I want to paddle rivers and open water."  WELL what else is there left??  Oh, I guess the ocean but hey I'm in Ohio...the ocean to me is Lake Erie and I'd put my 11.5 foot Dagger Blackwater kayak up against any boat.  Ok...so my point really is, you may have to compromise on some water to maximize potential on another type of water.  But don't be discouraged...read on!

The Midwest has some amazing flat, open bodies of water to paddle that would be perfect for the larger length boats.  And the Midwest also has some fun rivers and creeks with some rapids (in the fall/spring) that would be fun with a shorter boat.  

But guess what?  You CAN paddle the rivers and creeks with a longer boat and you CAN paddle the open water with a shorter boat!  Nothing is stopping you!!  But if you primarily plan to paddle open water, why not buy the longer boat...unless funds and weight of the boat are an issue. And if you primarily plan to paddle creeks and rivers, why not buy a mid-size boat.  And forget getting anything smaller than 10 foot unless you are FOR SURE looking to paddle whitewater and even then you should take lessons!  If you live in central Ohio you are looking at going 3-5 hours away to get decent or up to pretty darn good rapids!

So bottom line is there is really no perfect boat.  You make due.  You enjoy your own boat.  You relish in the fact that you have your own boat.  You post pretty pictures of your shiny new boat (and life jacket) on Facebook for all to see!  So what if it paddles like a bath tub in open water the few times you take it out on a lake to relax or fish.  You will LOVE it on the creek and river.  So what if a longer boat seems overwhelming on a creek or river.  You'll glide along on open water and reservoirs like you own it!

...and length of boat is NOT all there is to it!  Perhaps I'll discuss that topic in my next blog.

Tips:
*Longer, touring boats 14+ ft = longer, skinnier, tippier, squeezing your hips & booty in sideways.
*Shorter, rec boats 10-13 foot = more initial stability (you are less likely to flip thus embarrassing oneself, beverage holder which is key, and a more open cockpit to stash a medium size dog or cooler or fishing pole!
*Extremely short boats <10 foot = Good luck on the rapids!!  Take lessons and wear your helmet!

~The Ohio Kayaker (seems like an oxymoron)

Top 10 camping lessons learned on my first solo camper towing:

Top 10 camping lessons learned

10.  Pay attention when the rental guy tells you that the awning is the hardest thing with the camper operations.

9.  Fill up the water tank at home even if it means carrying an extra 80 pounds.  When you’re already over the limit by 1000 pounds, what’s 80 more pounds!

8.  Bring a generator even if you don’t think you’ll need it.  Even better when a friend has one to loan you and offers it up!

7.  Hide the firewood underneath the camper even if you don’t think it will rain.  Tip: See #3.

6.  Don’t be shy…ask a camping neighbor to help you put the awning up so that it doesn’t scare you or your dog trying to do so. 

5.  Before departing, find out from Dad if you need to have the Jeep in 4-wheel drive or not.  Saves panicking as you’re half way through the trip wondering if you’re suppose to or not.

4.  Have a backup plan for important items whether it is no electric for the coffee maker, inoperable stove, inoperable water system.  Hints:  instant coffee, backpacking Jetboil stove, bring extra water to ‘flush’ the toilet.   As in #10, pay attention to the rental guy’s instructions so as not to be wishing you had done #9!

3. Don’t leave your camper windows open when leaving the site unless you know the weather report for the day.   

2.  When towing something, remember that it’s back there! 

1.  Choose a good co-pilot!  An 11-month old Boxer pup riding shotgun is pretty cute….not so helpful navigating or setting up the camper though!  

Top 10 Lessons from 1st Sprint Triathlon

In anticipation of my next Triathlon, I thought I'd share my top 10 lessons learned from my first Sprint Tri a few weeks ago.

10. The dog paddle and frog swim is acceptable and entertains the crowd
9. Swim goggles may interfere with depth perception
8. Don't line up for the swim behind those with big feet
7. Walking more than a few steps in the water is not swimming...PEOPLE!
6. Socks are not necessary on the run either....who knew!
5. A $4,000+ triathlon bike just might be a good investment
4. 2 servings of GU Chomps with caffeine at 8pm might not be a smart move
3. Brick workouts are your friend...if I had only known that in advance!
2. If you're going to train with a dog, pick a bigger dog than a Jack Russell Terrier
1. Skip the Rice Krispie treat during transition...the chewing slows ya down

Event was the Greenswell Triathlon for Hope at Alum Creek State Park.
0.25m swim - 12m bike - 2m run.

Next event is the Outer Limits Triathlon. 0.5m swim - 16m bike - 3.1m run
I'm leaving the Rice Krispie treats at home!

Paddling Middle Bass Island, Lake Erie - June 2011

Paddling the Lake Erie Islands was on my Summer To-Do List.  Mission accomplished although I hope to go back and visit South Bass Island in July and paddle Kelly's Island too.

Kayaks on wheels. Loaded down with all the camping gear...and then some!

Interesting house.

The infamous Lonz Winery that is now closed due to a horrible accident involving the balcony/deck collapsing killing some people.  Iconic fixture on MBI though.

I met up with a friend from Michigan at Catawba Island (actually a peninsula) on a very windy day.  We purchased our ferry tickets and carted our kayaks full of gear onto the boat.  We caught the last ferry of the day to Middle Bass Island.  Upon arriving, we pitched our tents in the new, yet very primitive Middle Bass Island State Park campground.  Had some wine and appetizers and then headed to Walleyes bar right down the road.  Ha ha.

Primitive campsites with view of Lake Erie

Major waves on Lake Erie this day.  Not a paddling day!

The wind kept the bugs away and the crashing waves against the ragged walls of the Western side of the island keep the music blowing in from Put-in-Bay to a minimum.  The next morning brought light warm rain.  Instead of paddling we walked nearly to the Northern edge of the island (probably 2+ miles one way).  On the trek, we saved a turtle that was trying to cross the road, was snuck up upon and nearly scared to death by a beagle, and was attacked by mayflies.  Apparently these little insects were in their prime during our stay.  Lovely.  I didn't mind a few on me, but when a few dozen were attached to me and my clothing, it became a little bit annoying and disgusting at times.  Locals seemed used to this circle of life.  They hatch at the bottom of the lake, emerge from the water, and then die within 24 hours leaving their slippery little carcass scattered everywhere.  It was a sight to be seen especially at night around the lights.

Mayflies attacking me.  This is light compared to other times.

FBI Agent Wise reporting for duty.  Now that's no fishtale...or is it?

Great Blue Heron...so graceful

The afternoon was spent at Hazards for lunch.  Fun lively place with good food and great strawberry daiquiris.  That evening was again spent at Walleyes having a few beers and listening to the band Faction out of Cleveland.  After stumbling home to our tents we crashed until late the next morning.  I enjoyed some alone time on the little patch of beach in my lawn chair reading Patricia Cornwell on my Kindle.  (LOVE the Kindle especially now camping..thanks little brother).  In the afternoon, the wind had died down and the waves were manageable on the other side of the island.  Off we paddled.

Cool old beach house

Cool new condos ($279K!)

My home (yeah I wish!)

Icky

Yikes!

From sea to shining sea

I've seen some cool things paddling, but by far the coolest thing were these snakes with fish in their creepy little mouths.  I HATE snakes but after I realized the snake could not crawl onto my kayak with or without the fish hanging out of its mouth, I calmed down and took some pix.  I still find them creepy and scary, but it was interesting watching them.  We also saw a Great Blue Heron catch and eat a snake. Fine by me as one less reptile in the world.  The Bald Eagle surprised me and I fumbled to get my camera out as I was in awe of this majestic bird.  At the tip of the island there is a nature preserve and a little dock area.  We beached our boats and stretched there for a bit meeting Jeb the cutest Pug-Boxer-Jack Russell Terrier Mix.  He was adorable!  I wanted to take him home in my yak.  The owner said there was a waiting list for him.  Ha ha.  To top off our paddle, we decided to stop in at Hazards on our paddle back for another strawberry daiquiri.  Are you detecting a pattern?

Jeb (Pug-Boxer-JRT mix)

Hazards rentals

After dinner at Hazards, a quick and much needed shower in the marina after 2 days of roughing it, we caught the ferry to Put-in-Bay on South Bass Island.  I had heard stories about PIB, but had never been.  It was Pirate Festival weekend.  In addition to hundreds of pirates, thousands of mayflies, and millions of drunk kids, we did see fireworks at dark.  After wandering around a bit stepping over drunk girls flailing their bodies on the ground in what they called amusement, we relaxed at the Boathouse with wine and snacks.  Caught the 12 AM high speed ferry back to MBI.  Took like 20+ minutes to get to PIB, but only 7 minutes to get back.  Go figure.

Next morning was rise and shine by 9am to pack up and catch the 10:15 ferry.
Fun trip.  Small island but interesting experience none-the-less.

Hocking Hills Hike

Hocking Hills region is so close that a road trip this Memorial Day weekend was in order.

A picnic lunch at Fern Picnic area in Clear Creek Metro Park was the first stop.  We found a picnic table in the shade to get away from the 93 degree heat.  It was next to the creek and we could hear the sound of water splashing over the rocks.  We also saw a few bluebirds.  This area had about 4 picnic tables, several charcoal grills, and a clean & supplied portapot.  The drive down the side road off of route 33 is a pleasant lazy road.

 

After lunch, we headed to Old Man's Cave and Cedar Falls.  It was probably 20 degrees cooler in the caves!  Saw the cutest Jack Russell puppy on the trail.  I have more pix to add, including the JRT, but the blog won't let me add any more.  Will try again in a couple days.

Big Darby Creek - Swift Paddle

Big Darby Creek - W/SW of Columbus, Ohio (2 trips back-to-back days)

DAY 1
Put-in:  Alkire Road ODNR Canoe Access, river left
Take-out:  Osprey Lake (Darbydale near intersection Norton Rd&Rt 665), river right

Temp:  Upper 60's, partly cloudy with light rain

Flow:  1500 cfs

Depth:  5 feet

Mileage:  6 miles 

Date:  Saturday, 05/07/11
Time:  14:25 - 15:40 (1 hour 15 minutes)
Boat:  Dagger Approach 9

Put-in (river left)

Take-out (river right)

Putting in at Alkire road access is where I most often put in.  Not only is this a beautiful section with few houses along the banks, it's great because I can shuttle myself (with a little effort).  I drop off my kayak at the put-in (locking it up) and then drive down to the take-out to park my vehicle.  Then I walk/jog back up to the put-in.  It's only about a 3.5-4 mile "hike" back up to the put-in mainly on a very quiet and peaceful back country road cutting through the Battelle Darby Metro park the last mile or so.  Or if you prefer to bike, it's about a 9 mile bike ride back as you can't cut through the Metro park on your bike (even with a mountain bike...no bikes allowed on this trail). 

On this trip I saw a muskrat swimming near the shore diving down in the water when I approached.  I also saw several Wood Ducks, which I had not seen previously on this section of the Big Darby.  And the best was about a dozen large turtles, dropping off a ledge into the water like synchronized "divers" 3 at a time.  The river was so peaceful and it was still beautiful even when it started to sprinkle.  I donned my paddling jacket and kept going.  The rapids we're pretty tame at this level (Class 1-2), but still fun. I have the Seals Extreme Tour sprayskirt.  It works great keeping the water out of the cockpit as this boat takes quite a bit of water over the hull in the rapids.  The long rapids at the end of the 6 mile paddle are always the best.  At the take out, near Trapper John's Canoe Livery, I saw 2 fisherman.  Otherwise, the river was all to myself. 

***********************************************************************************

DAY 2

Put-in:  Osprey Lake (Town of Darbydale near intersection Norton Rd&Rt 665), river right

Take-out:  Trapper Johns take out (Town of Harrisburg near Rt 762 & Darby Creek Rd), river right

Temp:  75, sunny

Flow:  1850 cfs
Depth:  5.5 feet
Mileage:  6 miles 
Date: Sunday, 05/08/11
Time:  15:25 - 16:25 (1 hour)
Boat:  Dagger Approach 9

House I want!  It is right on the river as you can see.
I love the barn style and red!  I talked to the owner one day as I paddled by.

The next day I headed out again but did the next 6 mile section.  My boat was still loaded from the day before, but I threw the bike on too to help me shuttle myself back along Darby Creek Rd and Harrisburg-Georgesville Rd to Osprey Lake where I locked my kayak up.  The river was a tad swifter from the day before and a little more fun.  The rapids seemed to be a little more exciting.  I don't paddle this section as often so perhaps the relative unfamiliarity made it more exciting.  The Great Blue Heron kept me company.  Oh and I was serinaded when I first put in the water.  A guy sitting on his porch with his guitar asked me if I wanted him to sing me a song.  I said sure.  So he sang some song that I'm sure was from before my time.  It was a sunny day, but with the river up, no one was out except for the guitar man. 

Take Out:  Intersection of Darby Creek Rd and Rt 762
Travel down Rt 762 and roadside parking is on the left.
Actual take out is just past this intersection on Darby Creek Rd.

Plenty of parking on Rt. 762 roadside pull-off

Take-out (river right)

I've paddled this section but probably not since 2009.  I was surprised that this take out is apprently "owned" or now "owned" by Trapper John's Canoe Livery.  There is a gate across the drive-way now and a sign indicating basically that private paddlers can get a pass (for $ I'm assuming) from Trapper John's.  I'll have to call Jason of Trapper John's and see what the new deal is.  I also need to scope out another take-out but as far as I know there is not another take out point until Circleville (25+miles away!).  Great trip with lots of sunshine!