Strawberry and Motor Island Day-Paddle

www.niagarafrontier.com/cataract.html

Hey folks! If you are looking for something to do and the weather cooperates, how about joining me for a paddle around Strawberry and Motor Islands located just south Grand Island in the upper Niagara River on SATURDAY, OCTOBER 30. Launch time 10:30 a.m. Neither island take very much time to circumnavigate so from there we can explore either Beaver Island State Park (from the water) on the southwest side of Grand Island or we can paddle north on the east side of Grand.

There is an interesting history surrounding these islands. The remnants of their history are barely visible today. What you will find are white herons, blue herons, night herons, mallards, terns, gulls and of course, the very invasive and destructive cormorant.

Because the water is very shallow between the islands (one could probably WALK between them if the muck does not suck you down), the area is very popular for fishermen seeking muskie, pike and bass.

Anyway, I digress. If you have not been to this area before you might want to consider it. Strawberry Island is disappearing quite quickly in spite of efforts to preserve it. In the few years I have been visiting it I have noticed SEVERE erosion. My cynical side thinks it IS the efforts to preserve it that have sped up the erosion! (YES! Carla has a cynical side!!! Who knew??? smirk!)

Fingers are crossed for good weather. We can pub it after the paddle if there is interest so don't worry about packing a lunch. Maybe just bring energy bars.

-Carla
p.s. We have access to parking and a boat ramp at the launch site.

Re: Strawberry and Motor Island Day-Paddle

Looks like fun Carla, pencil me in for now. FOr some reason I think we have something else going on that day but if we don't I'm there.
So I guess it is forbidden to enter Beaver Island State Park without permission huh? Becaue I have heard that it is really nice to explore with all the foliage removed.

American Soil

Well, Alan, there is this entity called Customs and Immigration that you have to go through if you intend to land anywhere on American soil. As it is, merely paddling the shoreline of Grand Island can see you pepper sprayed with bullets as the helicopter coast guard sweeps by close enough to tussle your hair. All in all I call it an adrenaline-packed adventure...the graphic details of which I left out in my initial tour description, my preference being to leave some mystery and drama for your own personal discovery.

Re: Strawberry and Motor Island Day-Paddle

Note to self: bring kevlar boat

Re: Strawberry and Motor Island Day-Paddle

Hey Carla, I am 90% sure I'll be there. I don't want you to be the only person in Fort Erie with all of their teeth. Where are you planning to launch from?

Launch Site

Hi Tom. Thanks for the laugh!!! Ya gotta know the folks from Fort Erie to understand the joke! One trip into their Wal-Mart and it's like stepping into the Roseanne Barr show! A different world, isn't it????

As for the launch site, there is a boat ramp/small parking lot along the river just south of Strawberry Island. I will check out my map and get back to you with more specific directions.

-Carla

Directions, such as they are...

The boat launch is just north of the international railroad bridge in Fort Erie that spans the Niagara River. If you are heading south on the Niagara Parkway, cross over Frenchman's Creek. The parking area is just past the creek. If you go under the railroad bridge you have gone too far.

Re: Strawberry and Motor Island Day-Paddle

Weather permitting, I plan to be there. any chance of an address or intersection to put into the old GPS as I am coming from "Ford" country!

Strawberry Island

Looks like I'm in for your "3 hour tour". I'm never sure what I'm getting myself into when I paddle with you but I have yet to be disappointed!

Ralph

Re: Strawberry and Motor Island Day-Paddle

Hi Carla
I was really hoping to get out and join you on Saturday, but I've come down with a monster cold. So I'm going to have to pass this time....And that's probably the end of me for the season.
Catch you later & have fun!
Dorothy

Saturday

Hey Carla, I'll be there, looking forward to it. Craig

Looks Like It's a GO

The latest weather forecast is looking very good, albeit a bit cool, so for all intents and purpose the tour is a GO!!! Yup, the "3-hour tour" is a GO!!! Boo hoo ha haaaaaaa...hands rubbing together menacingly!!!

Re: Strawberry and Motor Island Day-Paddle

55 degree water,
Swift current,
50 degree air temp,
no dry suit,
What worries me most is Carla saying
Boo hoo ha haaaaaaa...hands rubbing together menacingly!!!

I'll be there, wood floats, right ?

Ted B

too much fun

sadly I have too many chores around the farm, a direct result of all the fun I had this season Sounds like you have a really good group - enjoy.

Ted, yes wood floats, but it also burns, better frisk Carla for matches before launching.

Wish I could be there

strawberry paddlin

OK, I'm in.

Thanks for the excitement

Thanks for organizing the paddle this morning Carla. Just so that I know for next time, what is the correct course of action should your group find themselves in rough conditions on the far side of the river bank......a) keep together b) stay where you are and wait for the weather to improve or c) all head out in different directions and then desert your team and wait for the coast guard?

Re: Strawberry and Motor Island Day-Paddle

A wonderful paddle was had by all, Great company, and scenery.


Thanks Carla,