What can I say, it just wasn’t my day on the Cohocton river. April 21st 2024 myself and friend Marty put in on the upper portion of the Cohocton river at Wentworth Road near Avoca, NY and paddled 8.5 miles to our takeout.
We would encounter calm water, swift water, tight turns, strainers and some blow down. There were two times where we would have to exit the river and drag our canoes through the woods and brush to get around the blow down. I got caught in some rapids and the current took the stern of my boat turning me sideways and that is all she wrote. I also had an incident with a downed tree. My Swift Dragonfly got a whole lot of new scratches on it and Marty’s Northstar Phoenix faired ok as well. At least Marty stayed in the boat…LOL..
Despite my mishaps it was a good day on the river nonetheless. I hope you enjoy the video, cheers!
It was October 2022 at Hudson Whiskey in Gardiner, NY that a seed had been planted and a few days shy of Christmas 2022 where that seed began to sprout. My son Max and I were perusing one of our local liquor stores getting ready for our annual Christmas Eve party. My attention quickly turned to the bright red wax that adorns Maker’s Mark bourbon bottles neatly lined up on the shelf as if this was some sort of tractor beam pulling me in.
Max says to me “Dad do you want a bottle?” I’ll buy you one for Christmas. My other son Michael surprised me on Christmas morning with a bottle of Evan Williams “Bottle in Bond”. Fast forward to January 2024 and my love of bourbon has only grown. I’ve been fortunate enough to purchase quite a few bottles of top notch bourbon currently on the market. I’m actually to the point now where I’m searching and hunting for out of the ordinary ones. For example back in September while camping in the Adirondack Park I was introduced to one made right here in New York State, Cooper’s Daughter Black Walnut Bourbon. This bourbon is phenomenal in my opinion (Bourbon aged in their own American white oak barrels and finished in a second barrel that was used to store black walnut syrup tapped from trees at their distillery and surrounding groves).
Another one I found this past summer while road tripping with my wife through the Great Lakes is Traverse City Whiskey “American Cherry”. I do enjoy this whiskey over ice and fondly remember sitting on my sister in laws patio on a hot summer afternoon sipping this whiskey, having great conversation and laughing, (I killed the bottle). Still I do love classics like Old Forester’s 1920 “Prohibition Style”. This bottle is easily found and reasonably priced in todays market. I find myself gravitating to this more often than not. I’m also in several Facebook bourbon groups and subscribe to a few Youtube channels where I mostly just see what others are posting about, recommending, you know finding that diamond in the rough. I believe it was on New Year’s Day 2024 where I found a diamond. I had saw someone talking about “Thirteenth Colony” distillery out of Americus, GA. I had never heard of them before but was intrigued. I had seen others raving about their “Double Oaked” bourbon and how good it is. I’m not a big fan of “Double Oaked” bourbon at all. However their “Southern Bourbon” whiskey caught my attention. Well let me say I’m glad it did because it is amazing and I should have ordered two bottles because they are currently sold out. They do not distribute in New York and I’m salivating just writing about this one but it’s only 8:10AM😂.
The list is endless and I can go on and on. Our summer 2024 road trip is taking us to Kentucky and parts of the bourbon trail. Along this journey I’ve had the opportunity to make new friends, have new adventures and just sit, relax, enjoy great conversation and try some great bourbons.
Cheers🥃…
Enjoying a pour of Hudson Whiskey’s “Short Stack” maple bourbon October 2022.
Christmas 2022: A good book and some Maker’s Mark bourbon from my son Max.
Cooper’s Daughter Black Walnut…Old Forester 1920 “Prohibition Style” and a good book…Thirteenth Colony Southern Bourbon Whiskey.
Burnt Church Distilling’s Anita’s Choice bourbon in Bluffton, SC April 2023.
A little Traverse City “American Cherry” on the rocks.
Our summer 2023 three week road trip brought us to some interesting places. My wife and I had the opportunity to see and eat at some really interesting places that we do not have here in New York State. One particular place is called “The Legs Inn” an authentic Polish food restaurant located in Cross Village, MI. at the end of historic M-119 and the (Tunnel of Trees).
Cross Village is 811 miles from our home and 695 miles if you cut through Canada. It is nestled 30 miles southwest of Mackinac City, MI on the Lake Michigan side.
I have never had Polish food before so this would be a treat. The restaurant itself is just really neat looking, a far cry from our modern world of ugly architecture. It just has character which so much of our landscape lacks these days. The grounds and gardens are just spectacular and are immaculately kept. The day of our visit the weather could not have been anymore perfect, so we chose to sit outside in the garden dining area taking in the beauty and peace along with some amazing views of Lake Michigan.
Not knowing much about polish food I struggled to order wondering if I would like it. After careful thought and changing my mind frequently I decided to keep it simple ordering thee “Old World Sampler”. As the Knight in Indiana Jones said “You Chose Wisely”. TheOld World Sampler” is a popular combination of Pierogi (Polish-style dumplings), Kabanosy (Polish Sausage) and our Bigos (Hunter’s Stew). It was absolutely delicious as I found myself hooked on the Hunter’s Stew. Oh heck I loved it all!
Not wanting to leave and eyeing dessert my wife’s sister Chris and husband recommended we share the “Old Fashioned Polish Berry Szarlotka” Old World Polish crumble cake baked with a blend of fresh apples, raspberries, strawberries, blackberries and blueberries. Even more delicious A ‘La Mode. Holy cow was this good, probably one of the best desserts I’ve ever had while out to eat.
So if you ever find yourself traveling through northern Michigan I would highly recommend you taking the time to stop at the Legs Inn. The food and atmosphere are just amazing and you find yourself at peace sitting under a lush canopy in a truly beautiful place. Note: Legs Inn is only open Spring-Fall.
Cheers!
Waiting for the Legs Inn to open on July 13th 2023 Cross Village, MI.Waiting to be seated at the Legs Inn Cross Village, MI July 13th 2023.Looking over the menu in our little slice of heaven in the lush gardens of the Legs Inn Cross Village, MI July 13th 2023.My wife Julie taking in the spectacular view of Lake Michigan from the gardens of the Legs Inn Cross Village, MI July 13th 2023.Old World Sampler at the Legs Inn Cross Village, MI July 13th 2023.Old Fashioned Polish Berry Szarlotka and Łomża (woom-zhah) blend of the local Polish beer and natural honey from apiaries located near Łomża, a city in north-eastern Poland at the Legs Inn Cross Village, MI July 13th 2023.
Story by Dave Curtis original owner of Curtis Canoe & current owner of Hemlock Canoe:
The Dragonfly was originally a Curtis Canoe model designed by Harold Deal. After the closing of Curtis Canoe by then owner John Renner the mold was passed on to Paul Mayer at Colden Canoe and then ultimately on to Bill Swift at Swift Canoe & Kayak in Canada. The design has been mistakenly listed as a David Yost design, that is incorrect. The discussion for that design was started by Harold on a trip to BWCA (Boundary Waters Canoe Area in Minnesota) back in 1983 with David Yost & myself. It was the main topic of discussion all the way out and back. Several innovative features were discussed including the side shoulder. Upon return I asked Harold to send me a complete list of the features he wanted in this canoe and I forwarded them to David Yost and commissioned the building of the plug. The wood strip plug was then paddled extensively by Harold and some changes were made before building the mold. This design was originated by Harold to compete in the ACA (American Canoe Association) White Water Solo Combined Class (same equipment paddled in downriver as well as the slalom event). The first 2 Dragonflies were delivered to Harold at the 1984 White Water Nationals at Nantahala in North Carolina where Harold would dominate that class for at least a decade.
Harold’s original concept was a flat water design capable of whitewater. On a trip to everglades in the early 1990’s he suggested he wanted to do another similar design but rather a whitewater design capable of flat water. He said he wanted to flip-flop his idea. The result was the SRT (Solo River Tripper), which he designed and built the wood strip plug for, he & I then built that mold together. The SRT is currently available thru Hemlock Canoe Works.
By: Joe Geronimo:
Currently Swift Canoe & Kayak has the original Dragonfly mold and will only be producing 15 of these canoes unless they decide to invest in creating a new mold. Back in late May 2023 I was in contact with Bill Swift of Swift Canoe & Kayak in Gravenhurst Ontario Canada. Bill had a brand new Dragonfly for a customer in Pennsylvania outside of Pittsburgh. On the first weekend of June I was heading to the Western Pennsylvania Solo Canoe Rendezvous in Slippery Rock, PA just north of Pittsburgh. Bill and I came up with a plan to meet in Buffalo, NY where I would take possession of the Dragonfly and transport it to its owner at the event.
I personally have not ever paddled a Dragonfly and over the course of the weekend I spent sometime in the boat and fell in love with it. I loved it’s depth for my big feet (Size 13) as they easily slide under the seat for when I’m kneeling. It’s initial stability is really twitchy but the secondary stability is rock solid and I just love the narrowness of the boat. On the long drive home I had time to think and decided I wanted a Dragonfly. A few days later I contacted Bill and I ordered my Dragonfly. Instead of shipping it I will be heading up to Ontario in the beginning of September to pick it up and spend some time in Algonquin Park. Cannot wait for this adventure, cheers!
Colden Dragonfly, Swift Dragonfly and the original Curtis DragonflySwift DragonflyPaddling my new Swift Dragonfly in Canada
It was back in 2016 while my wife and I were visiting the “Windy City” we discovered that “Kayaking Chicago” tour company offered a historic architectural kayak tour of Chicago. Sadly we were on our last day in the city. Excited to eventually return we quickly added this to our bucket list of things to do. Fast forward to our July 2023 summer road trip where we would find ourselves tucked into kayaks paddling the Chicago river under the watchful eye of towering skyscrapers learning about Chicago’s architecture and history. Check another bucket list item off our ever growing list.
I have to say this was a fun and informative adventure and a total departure than we are use to. I personally loved all the hustle & bustle, sights and sounds of the “Big City” as we paddled under the numerous bridges that carry people and commerce through this maze of concrete and glass like the intricate highway in our bodies that keep us alive.
Hope you’ll find the time to paddle along with us on this 6 mile journey, cheers!
Ever since meeting my wife back in 1994 and spending time with her family out in Ohio and Michigan I have been intrigued by the Great Lakes, in particular Lake Superior. Over the course of time I have salivated over Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore through pictures and have been wanting to get out there. As a matter of fact I had wanted to kayak Pictured Rocks two years ago for my 50th birthday. However things didn’t work out and we did not make it out there.
On July 15th 2023 my wife and I checked an item off our bucket list. While we were on our 3 week road trip through the Great Lakes area we spent several days in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula near Marquette. I personally fell in love with the area! Our bucket list item was to kayak Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore on Lake Superior. At home we mostly paddle flat water lakes and ponds here in New York and the Adirondack Park. Lake Superior is an entirely different animal!
We had decided to book a tour with “Pictured Rocks Kayaking” out of Munising, MI. Pictured Rocks Kayaking takes you about 40 minutes out on Lake Superior via their custom boat where they launch you from. We were broken into groups of twelve and each group had a guide, there were 4 groups this day. We would paddle Pictured Rocks through and past Painted Coves, Caves of all Colors, Lover’s Leap, Rainbow Cave, Battleship Rocks and finished 5 miles later at Chapel Rock where we would paddle back onto our boat for the return trip to Munising.
Our Tour was the “Ultimate Kayak Tour” what an amazing experience! Everyone except the guides used Necky Looksha 17′ tandem kayaks which were surprisingly comfortable I must admit. I’m no fan of a tandem kayak by any means. I personally would recommend “Pictured Rocks Kayaking”. The staff, crew & guides were amazing. This is a professional operation.
Story by Dave Curtis original owner of Curtis Canoe & current owner of Hemlock Canoe:
The Dragonfly was originally a Curtis Canoe model designed by Harold Deal. After the closing of Curtis Canoe by then owner John Renner the mold was passed on to Paul Mayer at Colden Canoe and then ultimately on to Bill Swift at Swift Canoe & Kayak in Canada. The design has been mistakenly listed as a David Yost design, that is incorrect. The discussion for that design was started by Harold on a trip to BWCA (Boundary Waters Canoe Area in Minnesota) back in 1983 with David Yost & myself. It was the main topic of discussion all the way out and back. Several innovative features were discussed including the side shoulder. Upon return I asked Harold to send me a complete list of the features he wanted in this canoe and I forwarded them to David Yost and commissioned the building of the plug. The wood strip plug was then paddled extensively by Harold and some changes were made before building the mold. This design was originated by Harold to compete in the ACA (American Canoe Association) White Water Solo Combined Class (same equipment paddled in downriver as well as the slalom event). The first 2 Dragonflies were delivered to Harold at the 1984 White Water Nationals at Nantahala in North Carolina where Harold would dominate that class for at least a decade.
Harold’s original concept was a flat water design capable of whitewater. On a trip to everglades in the early 1990’s he suggested he wanted to do another similar design but rather a whitewater design capable of flat water. He said he wanted to flip-flop his idea. The result was the SRT (Solo River Tripper), which he designed and built the wood strip plug for, he & I then built that mold together. The SRT is currently available thru Hemlock Canoe Works.
By: Joe Geronimo:
Currently Swift Canoe & Kayak has the original Dragonfly mold and will only be producing 15 of these canoes unless they decide to invest in creating a new mold. Back in late May 2023 I was in contact with Bill Swift of Swift Canoe & Kayak in Gravenhurst Ontario Canada. Bill had a brand new Dragonfly for a customer in Pennsylvania outside of Pittsburgh. On the first weekend of June I was heading to the Western Pennsylvania Solo Canoe Rendezvous in Slippery Rock, PA just north of Pittsburgh. Bill and I came up with a plan to meet in Buffalo, NY where I would take possession of the Dragonfly and transport it to its owner at the event.
I personally have not ever paddled a Dragonfly and over the course of the weekend I spent sometime in the boat and fell in love with it. I loved it’s depth for my big feet (Size 13) as they easily slide under the seat for when I’m kneeling. It’s initial stability is really twitchy but the secondary stability is rock solid and I just love the narrowness of the boat. On the long drive home I had time to think and decided I wanted a Dragonfly. A few days later I contacted Bill and I ordered my Dragonfly. Instead of shipping it I will be heading up to Ontario in the beginning of September to pick it up and spend some time in Algonquin Park. Cannot wait for this adventure, cheers!
September in the Adirondacks is just spectacular. Hardly any bugs plus night time temperatures are extremely comfortable for sleeping. Back in September 2022 myself and friend Gary spent several days camping at the Rollins Pond campground in New York’s Adirondack Park. We had amazing weather while there and on this particular day we found ourselves pond hopping from our campsite on Rollins Pond to Floodwood Pond, Middle Pond, Follensby Clear Pond, Fish Creek, Whey Pond, Rollins Pond and back to our campsite.
This was a long day but a fun day, hope you’ll join us!
The past two years have not been kind to me in regards to running, and it is my own damn fault! I brushed off solid advice from friends, fellow runners and even my wife. When I began my running journey in 2012 I bit hard like a pit bull, I was obsessed and ran constantly. I ran 2 and 3 times a day on average of 13-15 miles daily, the weight was melting off. In 2013 I had my first injury (Torn hip flexor) and I ran a half marathon with it to a point I was in tears crossing the finish line the pain was excruciating.
I had other injuries along the way that sidelined me periodically but it was Christmas morning 2018 that began my downward spiral. On that early morning run (5 miles) with my friend Ken we were finishing up and had went our separate ways to head to our homes. In that last mile or so I was feeling some discomfort in my right knee but didn’t think too much of it. Just about home I couldn’t run as the discomfort turned to pain, I could barely walk also. As I limped towards the house I managed to grab my phone that I had tucked into our mailbox as I left and called my wife to come down and get me. She was not pleased I woke her!
Once in the house I couldn’t climb our stairs until several hours later once some of the pain subsided. I would see a doctor a few days later and they ordered an MRI. I learned I tore my meniscus and needed surgery in early 2019. While the doctors were in there they discovered some arthritis and did their best to scrap it out but could not get it all.
After several months of recovery I started running again slowly (Yeah right🤣🤣). But that didn’t last as I quickly ramped up my running and mileage once again. You’d think I would have learned! Since then I’ve had on and off setbacks and ran my final race on July 4th 2021, a local 4 mile race right here close to home. Not long after that race I started to have some pain in my left knee so I stopped running completely. Back to the doctors for another MRI only to discover my left meniscus had a slight tear. The doctors told me STOP running! But did I listen?
In November 2021 I started feeling pain in my left heel but figured it was just plantar fasciitis, however I was wrong. In February 2022 I finally went to the foot doctor and they X-rayed my foot to find I have a heel spur which is into my achilles tendon. The surgery would consist of removing my achilles in order to remove the spur and reattaching the achilles. This would have me down for months!
Between Thanksgiving and Christmas 2022 we tried a procedure to possibly ward off surgery. I spent two weeks out of work and in a boot, so far that procedure it seems to be working, fingers crossed. However I have not been running for almost a year now. I’m not going to lie I do really miss it and crave to run again! I’ve tried cycling, don’t love it. Too many people on their phones while driving. I’ve tried spin classes, they are ok. Then recently I discovered swimming, and with swimming nothing hurts (Yay). Currently I swim 30 minutes, 3 mornings a week and so far I feel good. I will admit it is hard to get up especially this time of year with the cold mornings and head for the pool. And I find it even harder for me not to push to do more. I’m trying to work on the mentality that less is more. An inner struggle for most of my life!
And lastly I’m so tempted to run my favorite race come this March, the Parade Day Mile. 🤣😂
October is one of my favorite months to paddle especially here in New York. Recently myself and friend Marty set off on an afternoon adventure to paddle the Sangerfield River (Nine Mile Swamp) in Hubbardsville, NY. I’ve been wanting to do this now for a few years but always forget it is there. If you’ve followed my posts or just know me you’d see that I’m pretty obsessed with the Adirondacks.
This 7 mile round trip adventure has some neat landscapes. As the river twisted and turned slowly making our way to a point where it would narrow so much that we had to stop and back out as we weren’t able to turn our boats around.
Joe Geronimo 