Celebrating the Niagara River

Today, I went to Paddles Up! It is an event that celebrates the Niagara River with a noncompetitive paddle around the southern tip of Grand Island, followed by a lunch provided by the Grand Island Historical Society. The meal was offered at a tent outside of River Lea, a nineteenth century farmhouse located near the shore of the Niagara River. Anyone interested could take a tour of River Lea.


Here are some of the images of the event:

The first event of the day was called the “poker run.” It began at 7:30 a.m. I’m not really sure what this is. It has nothing to do with playing poker. I think that it’s about going fast in the water with canoes and kayaks. On the other hand, it’s not a race. Above is a group that is determined to go fast, and they have a canoe with seven people!

Another adventurous poker run person getting directions.

After the poker race, there is plenty of time to explore and look at the variety of kayaks that were brought to Paddles Up!

The boat safety demonstration by Wekanu featured several people tipping over their kayaks and canoes. They also emphasized the benefit of wearing a life vest, another message that the organizers wanted to share.

This is a very dramatic capsizing. “Don’t try it at home!”

Holding the paddles upward and ready for a blessing by Osias Fischer of the Tuscarora Nation. Osias Fischer offers the blessing in the Tuscarora language.

This group is getting ready to place their kayaks into the water.

The canoes and kayaks begin the adventure.

Paddling down the Niagara River, off the shores of Grand Island.

After the boats leave the starting position, I leave to go to River Lea to help set up a tent. A bird has made its home on the house.

This is the original gate at River Lea. It had been sold years ago but was returned to the Grand Island Historical Society a few years ago as a donation.

I walk down the path, which was once a street where large old mansions belonging to Buffalo’s wealthy people. They used those mansions as summer homes. When the state took the land to become a park, all of the houses, except for River Lea, were torn down.

Some of the interesting wetlands in Beaver Island, along the path.

The kayaks and canoes are approaching the place where they turn, in a lagoon.

water lilies.

At the turnaround point, boaters are given encouragement and a bottle of water. Even so, there was a problem at the end of the run with one of the boaters, who stepped out of his boat and fell over. After paramedics checked him out, it was determined that he was dehydrated. He was given water and he revived immediately.

I am always looking for plants and bees!

Stopping at the turnaround place is Paul Leuchner, who was the original organizer of Paddles Up! in 2005.

The crew clears up. Everyone has turned and is heading back to their starting point.

Another view of the wetlands.

Back at River Lea, lunch, catered by Mike of the Village Inn, is ready to be served.

People enjoy eating outdoors, under the tent. A good time is had by all. Below are some of the floral arrangements brought to River Lea for the event.