* * * NACK Trip Album * * *

(Left) The Nissiquogue is a classic Long Island paddle. We put in near the top of the river and planned to have the tidal current help us on the way down and back. Here we see boats scattered on the grass while loading and gear inspection takes place. The steps leading down to the river can be seen in the background.

(Below-Left) Before the trip Linda and Ivan discuss trip planning with Elizabeth and Gordon.

(Below-Right) Another important part of each NACK trip is paperwork. Here Kathy and Elizabeth review the ACA Waiver and sign the register. A float plan was left with a designated "Angel".

(Left) Before each trip the leader holds a briefing to discuss the route, review safety gear that is available in the group and solicit any personal issues. Before we put-in is the time to uncover any issues or remind each other of gear we forgot. "...OK, who has sun-screen or extra water?"

(Left) The river is narrow near the put-in. Our group begins to fill the available space as everyone enters the river and begins to form up as a group.

(Below Left & Right) Elizabeth demonstrates bracing for the group as we work to get everyone on the water together and start the trip.

(Left) Going upstream from the put-in the river is narroy and meandering until we dead-end at the falls. Some of us practiced surfing in the wave pool, and rolling in the foam. Others practiced a rescue with a tow to keep out of the back-eddy. Don't try these maneuvers without training.

(Below-Left) The group on the river north of the put-in. The route 25A bridge can be seen in the background.

(Below-Right) Greg, our trusty photographer loans his camera and poses for a pic.

(Left) The river has a 7-foot tidal change, resulting in strong currents along the way. Here Debbie, Mary-Anne and Kathy can be seen with the ripples pushing them along.

(Below-Left) Later in the trip, the current slackened and the river became like glass. Here we see Linda and her Inuk in a reflective moment.

Below-Right) It is nice to have an instructor along. We can always count on Elizabeth to enhance the trip with information on water dynamics or local wildlife.

(Left) The river widens as we approach Long Island sound, broadening into an area of pools and marshes. In low-tide, this is "The Land of Mud".

(Below-Left) At the turn-around Elizabeth and Linda are seen in the afternoon sun.

(Below-Left) We saw a lot of wildlife on our trip. Here we capture a flock of cormorants roosting in a tree on the side of the river.

(Left) Greg and Mike set up a classic shot that is based on a contact tow".

(Below-Left)The way to stay proficient is to practice your moves on trips. Here Gordon practices a brace turn in his river boat.

(Below-Left) An artsy shot of a group of boats underway. Luck or good managment - only Greg knows for sure.

(Left) The group heading back up-river rounds a turn as the sun begins to set.

(Below-Left) Greg captured our route on his GPS then transferred the trace data onto a local chart. Downstream and Long Island Sound are to the north.

(Below-Left) Greg located an arial view of the Nissiquoge on the internet at about the same magnification as the chart on the left. Nice job!