PEDAL & PADDLE – Niagara Parkway and River to Niagara on the Lake – 10/13/18

With a very iffy weather forecast of 40-50 degrees, chance of water spouts and scattered rain, it seemed likely to cancel but when our fearless and optimistic trip leader proposed a modified version launching from the beach of N.O.T.L. everyone who signed up heartily agreed to come. This was a trip requiring careful planning and much time and effort selecting the appropriate gear for biking and paddling in mid-October. Richard and I packed it all, waterproof jackets, hats, insulating layers, windproof gloves, wool socks, wadding boots, wicking layers, plus a complete change of clothes in a dry bag. But there was one among us with blue jeans, and a sweat shirt (yes! Cotton! Can you believe it?!). He didn’t get wet, but I did get to test out my wonderful protective clothing just as I was getting out on the rocky shores of Lake Ontario. Luckily, my dunking was at the end of the outing and I could quickly change.

In spite of the iffy forecast, the group agreed to follow the original plan of boating from Queenston to Niagara on the Lake, and biking on the Niagara Parkway. The day turned out to be lovely, no rain but with ever-changing skies from sunny and blue to heavy clouds. We really enjoyed the shared conversations, adventure, fall leaves and a hot meal at the Epicurian Restaurant.

 

Thanks to everyone for being patient, flexible and good natured, a great time was had by all!

– Submitted by Mary Schraven