More Music From Ohio Friends...

We recently added a music player to the blog and we plan to use it....The first two artists are both Ohio natives, with Marty hailing from Cleveland and Griffin from Springfield. What makes these artists resonate are the thoughtful and meaningful lyrics and voices that exude passion. Please take a listen and buy some music to support these guys. Marty (who I hear grew up with one of the Green Kayak folks in New Richmond) just released a new country album last month "Soul of a Son of a Working Man."  Excellent..... Griffin House's song "I Remember" tells a story of young man grappling with the reality of our government and war and friends....Heard someone sing it at the Green Kayak Market and loved the song immediately.....

And So Another Year Ahead.....

And so another year passes and a new beginning is near. This past year was marked with its moments of triumph and tragedy and 2013 will be no different. We pray that the tragedy is limited and that we learn, and look forward to the triumphs. The River is full of opportunity and beauty. From the wildlife to the kayaks to the skiers/tubers shooting down the river on an early Sunday morning, there is much fun to be had by all....We hope to see you out on the Ohio River or some other river this coming year and wish you a safe and fun New Year's Eve.....

Thanks for checking in on our blog and please share with others....

Cool River Store....

We ventured away from the Ohio River today and over to the Little Miami River (still in the Ohio River Valley). We visited a store called Roads, Rivers and Trails in the Milford, Ohio area. What a great store and a great staff. We highly recommend this place. They carry kayaks, stand up boards and lots of great gear. Let's try our best to support this small, family-owned business...... Here's a link to the RRT site

http://www.roadsriversandtrails.com/

We will be heading back for some of the classes and seminars held in the store....So much to do in 2013

Let It Snow, Let It Snow, Let It Snow

What a beautiful morning along the Ohio River. The shores of Ohio and hills of Ohio and Kentucky are covered with a beautiful blanket of new snow. Nature sure can paint a beautiful canvas. We already took the dog out for a long walk in the snow down along the river and through the woods. Very fun!!


New Richmond Arch at Walnut and Front Street: View into Kentucky
 

Peaceful Snowy Morning on the River
 

 

Merry Christmas To All....

Even on this blustery day, the Ohio River is alive with wildlife, barges and so much more. We wish all our friends and family members a very Merry Christmas. This is a time to be thankful for what we have and not simply focus on what we want....

We took a long walk along the river with our dog today. The shore was littered with beautiful driftwood that has bobbed and turned in the water for who knows how long to create the sleek shapes and curves of the shoreline art.....Today was nature at its most real......Thank you God for another Christmas,  for bountiful food, healthy family/friends and wonderful fun......

Comedy On The River....INCREDIBLE FUN FOR ALL!

We sent some folks into New Richmond on the Ohio for what was billed as "Comedy On The River." If this is going to be a regular event, then folks must come....HILARIOUS. The event was held at the Green Kayak Market & Eatery and was organized by Loraine Braun, introduced as the Director of Comedy....She introduced each of the comics and, oh yes, they were funny. The comics involved, in addition to the host, Loraine, were Rob Wilfong, Kim Sherwood and Thomas Cox. They even had a young man (Sam), a high school student at nearby Anderson High School, open the show. Very cool. All of these comics are for real and we encourage you to check them out on the web and Facebook.......The laughs coming from the Green Kayak building were loud and continuous.  On a related note, this little town was really happening last night with cars lining the entire Front Street. The Front Street Cafe, the Landing and the World's Only Cardboard Boat Museum (curator Tommy Lemon) were all hosting events that clearly brought scores of people to the banks of the Ohio River.....Something "sneaky quiet" appears to be happening at New Richmond on the Ohio....

The Ohio River-- A Living Creature....

So many folks live near the Ohio River but spend little time thinking about what the River stands for. Serving as a divider of races, a highway for commerce and a source of delay as daily traffic crosses bridges, the Ohio River rises up and falls down as part of the cycle of life. While many folks "live" the river and can predict it's actions, this website provides excellent information on the river stage status and the expectations of where the river will rise within a few day period.  http://water.weather.gov/ahps2/hydrograph.php?wfo=iln&gage=ccno1

Those living in southern Ohio and Indiana, northern Kentucky and West Virginia have a front row to seat to the ever-changing river level and the changes such bring to the shoreline.....Please take notice and enjoy monitoring the river on the National Weather Service site......

 Check out some of our earlier posts regarding the barge traffic that floats the river almost daily. Seldom are the barges idle, except in only the most severe weather conditions

Get Out And Play...Time is of the Essence

We had a few other posts planned, but in light of recent events a short stint on the soapbox seemed in order. The tragedy with the elementary school shooting only brings to the forefront for all of us to take a step back and take stock of the important things in life--family and friends. That report for work, need for a new car and other such materials items seem truly insignificant if we were to so suddenly lose our family and friends. One of our themes of this blog is "Get out and Play," and that adage seems even more appropriate right now. Go throw a football with your kids, take a family hike, go on a bike ride with friends, but just Get out and Play.  Our hearts, thoughts and prayers go out to all the folks in Conn. suffering today and to all others fighting through their own losses. We will practice what we preach and we're heading out now to hang with family......We hope you do the same.

Even More Music On The River.....

It's the weekend and time again for LIVE MUSIC on the Ohio River. We are told that the Green Kayak Market & Eatery welcomes  young, rising Nashville star, Tana Matz, back to the GK on Saturday night. In fact, we were also told that a nationwide booking agent for the college market will be attending to potentially sign her up....How cool would that be... We hope the house is full at the GK on Front Street in New Richmond on the Ohio and we will send some of our folks to check it out... Hope you make it out Saturday night too

Another Shipwreck But A Paddle Away....

The Kentucky River generally flows northwest and serves as a major tributary of the Ohio River. As with our prior post about the Lost Ghost Ship, the Kentucky River also has it's lost, abandoned historical ships worth a paddle trip to visit and photograph/video.

The BROOKLYN was built, in 1930, by Howard Shipyard, in Jeffersonville, Indiana. The ship was originally named the HELEN H.  The ship burned in 1942 and was rebuilt in 1943, and re-named COURTNEY H. The ship was later sold to the Cumberland River Sand & Gravel Company.

In 1956 Captain Charles Jones bought the ship and renamed it  EMMA No. 3. A few years later,

Point Towing Company, of Point Pleasant, West Virginia bought the ship and sold it to Captain John L. Donaldson. Captain Donaldson used the ship to move sand down the Kentucky River. He renamed the ship BROOKLYN

 

Unfortunately, the BROOKLYN was not successful in its efforts to haul sand on the Kentucky River leading Capt Donaldson to sell it in the early 1970's. Thereafter, the vessel was used as a floating restaurant, convenience store and other uses before it met an untimely demise in the late 1980's when it was lodged against the rocks during a flood.  Now the the once great 100+ft ship is nothing more than another shipwreck that can be visited as part of a short kayak cruise. Paddles up and enjoy.......Also, if anyone has any great photos or videos of the ship, we would love if you would share such here......
 

Santa Paws Christmas Parade 2012: Mostly dogs but also a goat or two!

How fun is this!! New Richmond on the Ohio held it's annual Santa Paw's Parade. The dog costumes are so cool, including the little green grinch! The renegade goat is even more fun strolling down the Front Street that parrallels the Ohio River. Check out the cool fog hanging on the river in the background.

NEXT YEAR : Remembering Our Troops at Christmas......

We received permission to post this heartfelt tribute to our troops, written and performed by Jim Comodeca. Jim tells us this song was written on Christmas eve several years ago, and played for many mothers and fathers of soldiers since that time with great acclaim. Please share this video with as many people as possible via Facebook, Blogs and other means as a tribute to every man and woman serving our Country and missing a holiday with their family. We are so incredibly thank you for all your service.

I'm Not In The Fog All Day: Am I?

So many mornings start here in the Ohio River valley with a layer of fog atop the moving waters. As the days seem to devolve into chaos and frazzled nerves, it's wonderful to start the day sitting back to enjoy the beauty of the river blanketed by a morning fog. All of us need to slow down a bit and enjoy the great outside.....Get outside and play today (and tomorrow.....)

Runnin' With Jacob the Peacock

Here is Jacob the Peacock seen strolling the streets of New Richmond on the Ohio this past weekend. This was sent to us from someone concerned about the recent controversy surrounding Jacob and the unfortunate fallout...However, as you can see, Jacob still runs about the Village welcoming the many kayakers, bikers and boaters who visit this small river town. We encourage you to stop by the town (like we did) to meet the people, visit the World's Only Cardboard Boat Museum (as they tell us), shop or dine at one of the cool little mom/pop stores like the Green Kayak Market & Eatery (we found it on Facebook at www.facebook.com/greenkayakmarket )and Front Street Cafe and more.....And, oh yes, don't forget to visit with Jacob......



PS: We are told that our new Blog friend will send us even more videos of Jacob....So watch for more visits soon!

Frisky Dolphins Enjoy the Day....So Should You

When we go on vacation, where do you think we go? If you you guessed out on the water then you would be correct. We visited Florida for part of the recent holiday and, not expectedly found time to spend on the water. Check out the frisky dolphins playing in the inland waterway.....Oh so much to do outside, so why hang in the house???

Whales Scares The **@?#* Out Of Kayakers

Does is get any better than this. While not the Ohio River, we are in awe of the experience of these kayakers. These wild animals are so majestic....Maybe one day we can experience this. We will share soon our encounters with dolphins in the inland waterways of Florida. As visitors to their environmnet, we can only stay a distance and watch in wonder....

"I Competed Against An Olympian...."

Not a river or stream, but man can this young woman hit the water with success. So cool that Olympic medalist Missy Franklin will swim with her high school team before moving on to college. Life is about relationships and despite Missy's Olympic success, people should not take away her opportunity to be part of her high school. Quite frankly, it's ashame that any decision she made results in one group of adults questioning her decision.  While Missy clearly has extreme God-given talent, one must not underestimate how hard she has worked (and continues to work) to develop that talent and she should not be deprived (or feel bad about) wanting to support her school, friends and family. We would bet that most of her teammates and opponents will think it very cool to simply be in the pool with an Olympian, let alone compete against her. Every person she swims will be telling folks forever, " I competed against an Olympian in high school"--how cool is that!!  We hope that folks let Missy be and have fun....


http://www.guardian.co.uk/sport/2012/nov/29/olympic-missy-franklin-school-swimming

Christmas Festival on the River Dec 7 & 8, 2012...

It's that time of the year. You can see the excitement in the eyes of children as the post-Thanksgiving Christmas period begins. This time brings many celebrations in the small Villages and Hamlets that line the Ohio River and other streams and waterways. From the Harbor Holiday Festival (Nov 23-Dec 2, 2012) in the Washington DC area to the A River Village Christmas Event in New Richmond, Ohio along the mighty Ohio River, this is the time of year to celebrate Christmas along the water.  There is something so magical about the flowing river or rushing ocean waves, as the holiday season progresses. These events generally feature so many "get outside and play" activities (carriage rides), music (Saturday, Live Acoustic Music 630pm at the Green Kayak Market & Eatery) and are great events for families, couples or friends looking to enjoy a day on the river.  Stop on by the New Richmond "A River Village Christmas" Event on Dec 7 and 8, the Harbor Holiday Festival and/or your local waterside event. And, yes,  please share any such festivals on this blog.

It's A Wild Animal....Isn't It???

A recent story emerged in the little Ohio River Village of New Richmond, Ohio. The story got much more play than it should have, and I guess we are perpetuating some of the hype. However, the reason we raise the issue is as a reminder that "wild animals can be wild." 

 

Roaming the Village for years has been a peacock, proudly referred to throughout the Village as Jacob. Jacob is name after the founder of the near 200 year old Village. A 22 month child somehow ended up way too close to Jacob and was scratched, requiring a visit to the hospital and a few stitches. Unfortunately, instead of simply being happy that their child was safe, the family involved the television media and threatened to sue the Village. An odd, and incredibly sad reaction, to what was certainly a scary situation.

While not placing blame on anyone, one has to wonder why a 22 month old child was permitted to be so close to a wild animal. Jacob, when left alone, has been, from all reports and experience, been a great neighbor for many years. But when harassed, knowingly or unknowingly, he (like any animal) can be dangerous. Clearly, the answer is not a lawsuit, nor is it contacting the media. The answer is that when you are out kayaking, hiking, camping or otherwise enjoying the great outdoors, please stay away from the wildlife. This seems like common sense, but it's incredible sense to some.....

 

On a related note, there are several lessons to be learned from this event. First, and most important, fortunately the young child is fine. Second, if you call the TV stations to tell your story and try to gain sympathy, the effort can backfire. The New Richmond Peacock Facebook page is proof positive. The page is rife with comments from Jacob supporters and also full of vulgar and otherwise disturbing comments from the family of the young girl. While the family has seen it fit to delete some the worst comments, such does not alleviate the fact that such were made.....What's the old quote "He who protesteth too much....."

Just Wondering ......

So many items are sold in "packages" or "grouping" and so many other games and events are played with a set number of "players" or "participants." One has to wonder why? And then asked is it a coincidence.......There are 24 hours in a day and a case of beer contains 24 bottles. Is this a coincidence or more....Any thoughts on other interesting mix/match on numbers???

Thanksgiving on the Water

While not all of our readers are from the US, many of them are and just enjoyed Thanksgiving. It's during this holiday that we remember and cherish our friends and family. We hope that everyone was fortunate enough to indulge in a celebratory Thanksgiving meal with roasted turkey, mashed potatoes, fresh corn, pumpkin pie and whatever "secret family recipe" graces the table. We are looking forward to a prosperous and exciting new year with many new river and other water adventures. We really hope that some of our readers begin sharing their adventures too......

Is It Really Utopia Along the Ohio River??

East of Cincinnati, Ohio, along Highway 52, is a marker for the small hamlet of "Utopia." Yes, Utopia exists on the shores of the Ohio River-- right along the highway in Clermont County, Ohio. But unlike the utopia of storybooks and song, this Utopia holds secrets and legends from the past, as well as ghosts that will haunt Utopia well into the future.

The Utopia legend dates back to the mid 1840's when an offbeat religious group founded this small, Ohio River community,built homes and a 30 room brick community-like dining/recreation center. The original religious group exited Utopia after only a few years and sold the entire community to John Wattles, an eccentric spiritualist. Against sound advice, the story goes that Wattles had the large, brick building disassembled and moved to the shore of the Ohio River. Unfortunately, within days of completion of the reconstruction in December 1847, tragedy beset the community. As the celebration of the project completion occurred in the building, a flash flood on the river tore through the walls of the structure and washed 150 (of 156) of the members out into the icy river. Only six of the spiritualistic group dodged fate that night and survived. The legend goes that the ghosts of these six survivors still haunt what's left of the small burg.

Another interesting landmark in Utopia is the remains of the underground church. That's right, a brick church some 25 feet below the surface. The story goes that Pastor Wattle had the church built deep below the ground so the congregation could better communicate with the dead.....Certainly not the utopia that we dream about!!

A Trip To the Historic Lost Ghost Ship....

There are many great adventures to experience on or near the Ohio River. One of the most exciting of those adventures is a kayak paddle to the "Lost Ghost Ship." The history of this abandoned, 186 ft iron hulk is nothing short of amazing. The ship, built in 1902 and launched as The Celt, has served so many roles throughout its long and productive life, including a tour ship on the Hudson River and serving our Country when appropriated by the government in World Wars I and II. As the vessel has been bought and sold, she has been renamed to the USS Phenakite, Sightseer, Circle Line V and the Sachem.  The legend has it that the government assigned the ship to Thomas Edison on which he performed oceanic communication experiments in the Caribbean. However, despite the illustrious past, the great ship, according to maritime experts, simply disappeared in the early 1980's, only to be "found" decades later, abandoned and partially sunken in a small tributary off of the Ohio River (just west of Cincinnati).

How the ship ended up in a small tributary (Taylor Creek) of the Ohio River in Kentucky is a story shrouded in mystery. However, what we do know is that we are organizing a trip next spring to visit and video this lost treasure.....Stayed tuned for more information and, of course, if you have already visited please share comments.

Sailing on the River....

Even as the cold frost begins to encroach on the shores of the river, time still exists to get out and play and try out some of the new toys that will be staples for the adventures of the coming year. As we look out at the river beach and amidst the sand, gravel and driftwood, sits a kayak. But this isn't your regular kayak. This craft is outfitted with a sail. How cool is that?!! The wind often whips down through the river valley providing the perfect setting for kayak sailing. Definately worth a try.

There are also so many other accessories available for kayaks, including solar-powered motors and more. http://www.solarpoweredkayak.com/

We love these newer solar engines and hope that the prices continue to fall into a reasonable range......

Thanks To All Veterans

Today is a day to step back and thank those women and men who have protected our freedom. Whatever your political persuasion, everyone should take the time to thank a veteran, attend an event or simply take pause and take count of those men and women (and their families) who have sacrificed for us. With the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday,  remember that not everyone gets to be home with family and friends watching football and enjoying a turkey feast. We will be sharing soon a Christmas song that espouses the hope that Next Year will bring our loved one's home....

Play Outside Like a Fluffy Dog...

It's a wonderful November day and the sun is out. We should all take advantage of a day like this to get outside and play. Whether it's hiking, kayaking, climbing or good old backyard fun, take off early to enjoy this sunny day and have fun. As see in the video, playing with your "four legged friend" is always a great option!!

More Music, More Fun...all on the water...

It's another Thursday and another "stage time" event at the Green Kayak at New Richmond on the Ohio (www.facebook.com/greenkayakmarket), as well as a lineup of entertainment at the Front Street Cafe, just a stone's throw upriver from the Green Kayak (www.frontstcafe.com).  You can also "bar hop" down river a block or so to the Landing to check out all the sites. These quaint venues offer a great selection of beer, wine and food and lots of musical talent--all with a view of the beautiful Ohio River and into the hills of Kentucky. But that's not all we know about this historic little village, New Richmond offers an exclusive canoe/kayak ramp (repurposed from a long abandoned river ferry locale), a fishing/ski boat ramp up river from the kayak ramp and the Worlds Only Cardboard Boat Museum (at least as far as they know !!!).  Check it out as featured by RoadsideAmerica http://www.roadsideamerica.com/tip/7715

Put Down Your Paddle and Find Your Poll (location)

Today is an important day and a day to be cherished. Not every country has the privilege of voting. While we have our own opinions, this post is simply to encourage everyone to get out and take advantage of this amazing voting right. Please do not waste your vote, as such truly does count....

Put down your paddle and find your Poll (location)!!!

Hurricane Sandy: Categorically Huge

While the massive storm has moved on, the carnage left is amazing. Please reach out and help as you can the folks out east that faced the true force of the storms wickedness. With reports that at least 24 US states were affected by Hurricane Sandy, we know for a fact that Ohio incurred fallout from the storm. We know folks in Cleveland still without power (1 week later) from the strong winds and rains that blasted over Lake Erie. Our beautiful Ohio River in southern Ohio also rose over 10 ft as a result of the aftermath of the storm. While the inconveniences caused by loss of power or rising waters are real, such in now way compare to the devastation encountered by our friends who faced the immediate fury of the storm on the east coast. Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

The NOAA website is a great place to monitor the ever-changing river levels http://water.weather.gov/ahps2/hydrograph.php?wfo=iln&gage=ccno1&hydro_type=0

COMMON SENSE??!!

Today is the "Use Your Common Sense Day" celebration. As admirers of the outdoors and waterways, this is a good reminder to be "safe." Life jackets, ring buoys and other safety items should be checked regularly and everyone should be reminded on when/how to use each such item. What is "commons sense" to some is "incredible sense" to others

LIVE "ACOUSTIC THURSDAY".....BE THERE!!!

JUST IN: The Green Kayak Market & Eatery, nestled on the shores of the Ohio River, is hosting live "open mic" style acoustic music on Thursday evenings until further notice. Come try out an original or play/sing an old favorite. Life can be tough at times and the escape of music at the Green Kayak at New Richmond on the Ohio is a great place to unwind. Participants play on what the Green Kayak calls its "Peacock Stage" which is in the front window. The backdrop looks across Front Street through a park and onto the Ohio River....What a great setting.....Come visit to hear some of the really great GK favorite players such as Nancy, Terry, "Bub", Brooks, Vince, Roy, Shay, Pat, Tammy, Jim and so many more....As originals are played don't be surprised to see such on our Blog or the Ohio Kayak Youtube page.

Evaluate Your Life Day: Find Your Place of Peace...

As we celebrated National Cookie month, we celebrated the chocolate chip, coconut macroon, fig newton and the classic sugar cookie. However, within National Cookie Month is a celebration of each day. October 19 is "National Evaluate Your Life" day. As we evaluate life on the river all looks good. The Ohio River has receovered nicely from the difficult days of the 1960's and 70's. The Ohio River provides us with pleasure, commerce and solace as it effortlessly flows  towards the Mississippi. When we evaluate the soaring hawks, bald eagles and the great blue herrons, we find that the river is alive with the sounds, shapes and vibrancy of life. Welcome to the play-yard.....As part of your evaluation, where is your place for peace?







Another Peaceful Sunset....