Paddle Journal
Genesee River Saturday 8/27/05
Four of us paddled the Genesee River in
Rochester. The
day was sunny and warm, with increasing cloud coverage
later in the day, and very WINDY!
We launched around noon at the public launch next to the
"Fast Ferry," the large Rochester to Toronto high-speed
transport. We later saw the Ferry loading cars, then
leaving the dock (pretty cool).
Genesee River is big and interesting. Lots to see. We
not only saw "The Cat" ferry and paddled under the
enormous O'Rourke lift bridge, but we also saw a
paddlewheel boat in action, a big catamaran, sailboats with
colorful flags flying, various other boats, a flock of swans
on the water, and a lake freighter docked at the old docks
at Turning Point Park.
The scenery on the Genesee River became more natural
as we paddled up the river away from Lake Ontario.
Marinas and boat docks gave way to marshes alive
with waterfowl and thick with reeds. We noted the red
banks and cliffs lined with trees.
But due to buffeting 15-25 mph winds and serious chop
at times, we only progressed about 2 miles upstream
and did not paddle to the Lower Falls.
Here's an aerial photograph of the Genesee River
at the Port of Rochester, where the river meets Lake
Ontario.
Anyone else who wants to paddle here should NOTE
the launch listed at Turning Point Park
is a 0.3 mile carry down an incline to a
put-in that was deemed too muddy (ankle-deep)
by 2 local canoers. You can't drive your car to the put-in.
Also, Shumway Marina does NOT allow free launch of canoes
and kayaks, and launching anything else costs $10.
The Freemans' Take A Paddle book is incorrect.
Fortunately, local paddlers told us to launch next to the
Ferry. This launch wasn't listed in either the Quiet
Water or the Take A Paddle books.
The public launch (once we found it) was free, and
allows canoers and kayakers to launch
as long as they do not bring vehicles into the ramps.
Park off to the side on the grass, unload, and then
move your vehicle, and the attendant will look the
other way. There's also porta-potties and a picnic table
at the launch.
Other notes:
There are a few possible places to paddle in future on
the way, along the Ontario Parkway, such as Sandy Creek
and Braddock Bay.
We saw a golden eagle in the grassy median on the Ontario Parkway,
and many cobblestone houses on the way home on Rt. 104.
-- Ness
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