Rowing Lake Ontario

Another early finish today; Al had set up camp, sent this report in, and was ready to climb into his tent, when a ranger came by and told him he wasn't allowed to spend the night in the park and had to move on. Al's argument that he had just spent 10 days rowing and camping in Canada, and was welcomed everywhere, was countered with 'We're not Canada.'  

After breaking camp, reloading everything back in the boat, and rowing a few more miles, Al was rescued by a couple vacationing from North Carolina. They admired his 'canoe', and upon learning that he needed a place to spend the night, waved him over to their dock and directed him to a good campsite. Thank you Joan and Ness!

Mexico Bay Park - Lake Ontario

37 miles

The early start-early finish looks to be the key to passing through this lake. I was in the boat at 5:10 AM, a bit creaky and groggy but determined to make some serious mileage before the midday winds arrived with their formidable waves.

Indeed, 5-10 AM was glassy … eerie, even, as fog met water met sky in a monochromatic grey to pink sheet that gave way to hot, hazy sun.

I’m not a science teacher and couldn’t play one on TV, but one could teach meteorology from a boat just by watching and experiencing the effect of solar energy on air and water. Glassy pre-dawn calm gave way to the slightest watery feathers as the sun peeked out, and feathers gave way to ruffles, then to diminutive white caps which themselves built one on top of the other. More direct rays added more wood to the fire as rollers swelled under the cresting waves … all before lunch! See, kids? Heat makes trouble!

Happily, my route today made it easy to bail out; the 30+ miles from Stony Point to Mexico Bay are sprinkled with many lovely beaches – New York State’s west coast, replete with charming bungalows … no McMansions yet in the Empire State’s Malibu!

During my 30-mile run with building cross-winds I ‘rewarded’ myself with a pull-out and a swim every 5 miles or so. Few activities motivate spirited rowing on a hot day like the prospect of a refreshing swim at a secluded beach. Just delightful … and an amenity I’ll miss when I get back to canal rowing tomorrow afternoon!

Big-water rowing commands 100% of one’s attention when the waves come up, and as I fought to stay focused and upright, I’d find myself pining for the efficient drudgery of canal rowing. Yet the hours pass quickly when you’re staying upright with adjustments to body, balance, oars, and thrust … the hours on the canal will tick by more slowly. I like chocolate … and I like vanilla, too.  

Tonight’s menu includes pouch tuna (but no mayo or bread), Chef Boyardee lasagna, Hormel chili, or, of course, the Emergency Pack Dinty Moore Beef Stew. I think I’ll keep it light with the tuna, pretend it’s sushi, and hold onto the Dinty Moore for darker days.

The blog source document - sent in a text

Peace and love  …

Camping at Mexico Beach

Al's route on Lake Ontario
Circles mark beginning and end points
Campsites are underlined
 (Al's actually a few miles beyond Mexico Point thanks to an officious park ranger.)