Merry Christmas and a Cleaner New Year!

The recent snow storm should not sway anyone from the facts pertaining to climate change. Carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas, has increased from approximately 280 parts per million (ppm) in our atmosphere in the late 1800's to close to 400 ppm today. Average temperature, precipitation, and sea levels have all increased. They will continue to do so. Although not everyone agrees to what magnitude humans have influenced these changes, or how bleak our future looks because of it, it does not change the fact that each decade is getting, on average, warmer.

"Hope"enhagen, as many were calling it, did not pan out as many had, well, hoped. World leaders could not find much common ground. How could they? After all, many Americans are still ignorant to the fact that climate change is occuring at all, much less that we have anything to do with it. The United States produces the second highest totals of carbon, following China (China, and its billion plus people surpassed the U.S. in carbon emissions in 2006). The U.S. must lead the way, but our politicians, elected by naysayer constituents, will likely do little to nothing.

It is the holidays so I want to leave you with some good news. New Jeresy is doing more than most states. NJ is looking to trim its global warming pollution to 1990 levels by 2020, and by 80% by 2050. Further, most Hobokenites live simply, in small apartments, and have small carbon footprints. The average house in the US is over 2500 square feet, while in 1973, it was less than 1200 square feet. I know very few people living in Hoboken heating and cooling a 2500 square foot apartment. So feel good about the way you are living - and here's to a happy, healthy, and cleaner 2010!

The above Life photograph is of the Hudson frozen over. I remember this happening in 2000. Will it happen again this year?

Ski or Stay and Shop?

That was the decision I had to make on Sunday. I wanted to head out to PA and get in my first day of skiing this season. After putting my skis in the car, warming up with a cup of java, and filling up the gas tank, I headed out of town and into... rain. So the season is starting slowly. Really slowly. This time last year, I had made 100's of runs. It makes me more thankful for my days on the slopes in New Zealand this past August. I posted a pic. above of Mount Raupehu- where I skied the sides of an active volcano. Normally I post pics on this site for my readers. That one's for me. Here's hoping I'll be strapped to my planks soon.

After doing a U-eey at the NJ turnpike tollbooths, I decided that if I can't do want I want, ski, I might as well do what I have to. It's that time of year again. Time to head to the malls, the outlets, and the grocery store. Time to spend my hard earned cash. Time to go shopping.

If I had to rank every activity of my life on a scale of one to sucks, shopping would be close to sucks. Now, before you start thinking Christmas Grinch, I have sound reason for my angst. See, I'm the guy that stands in line behind the woman that buys a four dollar item that doesn't have a bar code, the guy behind the man at the Starbucks that can't decide what kind of tea he wants, the guy behind the lady who chooses to sign up for another credit card, and the guy at the deli counter waiting for the couple buying an 1/8 of a pound of 14 different meats.

I'm sure some of my luck has something to do with my lack of natural shopping savvy, though much of it has to do with where I shop. Living across from NYC, I shop at some of the largest and most populated places. So this year, I will do my best to grow my grinchy christmas heart. This year I have decided to limit my exposure to shopping mayhem. This year I am going to exclusively shop in Hoboken. I will support my local businesses while trying to maintain that elusive holiday spirit. Walking into Hoboken's "mom and pop" shops feels so much different than Macy's. And frankly, the gifts tend to be more thoughtful. So while we wait for snow, I'd suggest you do the same. Happy holidays!

The Fisher King

I read this article in the NY Times and had to share it. This guy caught a 157 pound tuna from a modified 12 foot kayak. Again, that's 157 pounds from a 12 foot kayak. Do you think he starts his stories with "I caught a fish this big..."?

A Slow "Movember"

I feel things are slowing down lately. A few weeks ago, you could feel winter around the corner. I thought I would be on the ski slopes in no time. Now we seem to be stuck in an October fall - too warm for snow, too cold to eat outdoors.

The weather isn't the only thing that has slowed down. I walked past pier C today (see pics) and found it in the same place it was weeks ago.

Even my blog has slowed down. I have been running quite a bit lately- planning to do the Suntrust Marathon in the spring with my friend Paul. Unfortunately, there isn't as much to say about my days running as there is about my days paddling. And a camera can be difficult to carry over five miles. I hope you enjoy the photos from the waterfront. I also took a shot of the re-engineered Stevens Park soccer field. It looks like the battle of the "woodworms" has begun.

Yes, many things have slowed down this November, but if you are looking for progress, look no further than my friend Ash's mustache. You can help Ash raise both awareness and money for prostate cancer by visiting his "Movember" Page: http://us.movember.com/mospace/329908 All donations benefit both the Prostate cancer Foundation and the Lance Armstrong Foundation. Check it out!

U.S.S. New York

The U.S.S. New York sailed into New York's harbor this past week. It will be commissioned today. It is a massive ship made from the steel of the World Trade Center. Above is a picture taken as it came into harbor. Thank you to Mr. Keyes for the photo.

Change is Positive?

Change is positive. That was the saying on a friend’s shirt in college. Only an optimist could wear that shirt. It’s going to take a lot of optimism for me to see the positives in the changes that took place on election Tuesday.

I am very concerned about Chris Christie being elected governor. Frankly, he is a person that shares little ideologically with me. My optimistic friends point to the fact that our taxes could decrease - possibly, but at what costs? Just how many jobs can Chris Christie cut to offset his plans for homestead rebates and tax cuts amidst a deep recession? Isn’t New Jersey, like so many other states, already close to bankruptcy? And how will our economy effect things I care about most – open spaces, clean rivers, protecting our highlands? Further, six million New Jerseyians didn’t vote on Tuesday. This state’s apathy might be the biggest issue we face. I’ll keep thinking – change is positive.

If there was a positive on Tuesday night, it was that voters did “vote yes on one”. Ironically, many voters voted for Christie to control spending in the Garden State. So how does one explain voters also approving a measure that allows NJ to borrow 400 million dollars to protect open spaces, especially in our highlands? In the most densely populated state in the country, maybe a person’s right to clean open spaces trumps all other causes. I’ll be optimistic about this and hope the funds to protect open spaces truly protect our open spaces and do not go to places like the “parks” that have indoor ski areas built on wetlands. I’ll keep thinking – change is positive. (Above is a picture of our Meadowlands now - an area that desperately needs protection).

Also, best of luck to Hoboken’s new mayor. Dawn Zimmer, who has always had a platform of promoting parks in town, was re-elected on Tuesday. I hope she truly has the ability to stand up to developers, work with the city counsel, and fix our waterfront parks. There is much to be done. Again, I’ll keep thinking – change is positive.

Vote Yes on One

Equally important as your vote for mayor and governor in November, is ballot question #1. It asks taxpayers to borrow $400 million to fund open space initiatives. These initiatives will help protect farms, wetlands, watersheds, and our highlands. The NJ highlands are often forgotten by Trenton and those in eastern Jersey, but the Highlands are our water source - our lifeline. Suburban sprawl has reached our most needed lands and they need protecting now more than ever. So vote yes on one.

Back on Track

As a former cross country and track runner, it has been a while since I have stepped foot on a track. I have run marathons and longer distance races since graduating college, but I knew that once I stepped on a track, I wouldn't be able to match the times I ran when I was younger. I would only be disappointing that I couldn't do repeat quarters under 70 seconds or repeat sub 2:30 half miles with a smile on my face. I was right. But I no longer care. It felt great to get back on the all-weather surface and stretch my legs. Yes, it hurt. Yes, it was tiring. But for the first time in many years, I felt like a true runner again - not just the guy in the middle of the pack. While others were jogging (a term I despise - you either run or walk) around the outside lanes, I was tearing it up on the inside.

Above is the picture of the Weehawken Track. It is a great place to run - check out the view.

Hoboken from the High Line

The new High Line Park in Chelsea is beautiful - and certainly worth the trip across the Hudson. In a time when we are so use to seeing new replacing old, this park used existing architecture and reclaimed it. And as you can see, the views of our home town look great from the High Line.

Also, while I was at the park, I spotted a NOAA (National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration) ship in the Hudson. Photo below.

Rainy Day Politics

Most predictions for our winter forecast are cold and snowy, but who knew it would come so soon? With a high temp. of 45 degrees and more rain on the way, my outdoor plans have been replaced with Netflix and the New York Times.

In the meantime I thought I might discuss what is happening politically in our city and state. After all, there is little else that I can do that will have a bigger impact on the Hoboken Waterfront than vote.

On the state level, the question I'm asking myself is does Corzine deserve another term? After all, it wasn't Corzine alone that put us in the quagmire that is New Jersey's economy (Or was it? He did work for Goldman!) Don't get me wrong, it is not like he cut state government size or spending, but he has made some of the right moves - finally funding pensions, rethinking school payment formulas, bringing businesses to our state that otherwise would've gone to NYC (again, read: Goldman) and flexing a lot of political muscle for our mile square city (of which he is a resident- a point that should not be overlooked).

Chris Christie wants to limit the size of NJ government, but also wants to give tax rebates and cuts at a time when state governments are teetering on the bankruptcy fence. Christie's campaign promise of cutting state government staff to make up for his tax cut and rebate plan simply doesn't add up.

Chris Daggett, the independent, is the most interesting candidate. An environmentalist endorsed by the Sierra Club, Daggett will be focused on what I care about most, New Jersey's watersheds. Further, he has a plan to restructure taxes and spending to shift burdens away from property taxes. The problem- can he take on such a lofty goal as an independent? I'm not sure independents have the political clout to get things done within our two party machine.

The race for Hoboken Mayor is back. After Cammarano sold his political career for $5000 in a paper bag, we Hobokenites find ourselves in familiar territory. By now, however, we are used to being pestered by Zimmerites in green T-shirts, the endless flyers in our mailbox with Mason's mug on the front, and the big truck that drives around with the words "Elect Pupie". Frankly, the election can't come soon enough. So who to vote for? For me, I always try to elect who I think is smartest. Mason had my vote last time around (or, at least, until the run-off). I liked the way she thinks outside the box in regards to our city. This time, however, I am leaning toward Kimberly Glatt. Who better to deal with Hoboken politicians (read: crooks) than a judge.

So here it is. Hoboken Paddler's first political endorsements:
For Governor: Chris Daggett
For Hoboken Mayor: Kimberly Glatt

Best of luck to both.

Paddling off into the Sunset

The water temperature is dropping, the winds are kicking up, leaves are floating in the Hudson. I think I've paddled my last day in 2009. The truth is that I am a fairweather paddler. My wetsuit is hung in my closet and, in all likelyhood, will stay there.

I am looking forward to kayak season giving way to trail running season, and eventually, ski season. Both will give me plenty to talk about on my blog until I put-in again next spring. Thank you for following me this summer.

Pier Deterioration Continued

For those that think there will be a quick-fix option for Hoboken's collapsing piers, please examine the above picture. Microorganisms are eating away at the wooden piles and supports of our piers. And for those that think this is only a problem near Steven’s (most of the collapses have taken place there), I took the picture while paddling at low tide on the east side of the Tea Building. About six feet of concrete and newly paved walkways sit atop the wood.

Our Best Idea

Ken Burns's new documentary series "Our National Parks" is amazing! For a person who has been in every state in the continental and visited many of our national parks, it brings back incredible memories. And if you haven't visited our nations most beautiful places, each episode will take you there. Did you know that 90% of the people who visit our national parks go no farther than 100 yards away from the road? Their loss.

The above photo was taken on my road trip last year to the Tetons, Yellowstone, Devils Tower and the badlands.

Rule #7: Play!

Paddling is just one of many outdoor activities I love to do. Lately my free time has been filled away from the river, running trails. As an ex-cross country runner, when I feel autumn air, I am like Pavlov's dog- conditioned to put on running shoes. This year I took it a step further and am planning a few long distance races later this fall and next spring. For the really cold weather, I love to ski. (Get ready Mr. Hawthorne!) That said, this is my year to make the best of all of my rec. activities.

Recently I ran into a friend from college who shares my love for all things fun and outdoors. He looked different this year than last time I saw him. He told me that he is now in the best shape of his life. Mind you, he was a college gymnast. He explained that he started to change the way he eats and exercises. Instead of exercising like a maniac and filling himself with carbs afterward, he went "paleo". What is often referred to as the "caveman diet" he has totally shifted from a carb-heavy diet to eating only what our evolutionary ancestors ate- meats, root veggies, berries, nuts (agricultural products are limited). Before you start thinking that this is just another diet (ala atkins, south beach, etc.) understand that I was as skeptical as you are. I was a bio major in college and have been skeptical of most diets ever since. That said, my friend convinced me to try it for 3 weeks. I can tell you that after two, I am a believer. I eat more food than I did before I began the diet, am rarely, if ever, hungry, and, most importantly, I have more energy at the end of a work day to do what I enjoy- run, paddle, ski!

What I love most about going paleo is that it also shifts the way you workout. Instead of a seven mile runs at pace- it encourages shorter runs with sprints thrown in. And best of all it pushes rule number 7 - play! It encourages what most adults have forgotten- it is important to take time to play- to ski, to kayak, to have a pick-up game of whiffle ball- in place of treadmills and other boring gym workouts.

So go caveman! Play more! And if you are interested, check out www.marksdailyapple.com

Pier Review

Hoboken's piers are collapsing.

The good news (I always like to give the good news first): piers collapsing up and down our waterfront is actually a good thing- a sign that the Hudson is clean. The lack of pollution in the Hudson has created a habitat for microorganisms that are attacking the wood of our waterfront piers. These same microorganisms would not have been able to survive in the Hudson of old. Let's not forget that this is the same river that served as a sewage receptacle for New York City for hundreds of years. This is the same river that used to catch fire. This is the same river that captains of ships used to moor in to use the polluted water to strip their ships of biological debris! (Yes, really!) But today, things have changed. Oysters, fish, crabs, and even the microorganisms that sustain them, are back.

The bad news: this is creating a real problem for the piers built on older wooden structures- many of the piers in our city. Further, repair costs to the infrastructure of our piers are going to skyrocket. As far as I know, this is the third collapse near Stevens parking lot in the last few years. You can see from the picture below that wooden piles support the piers. Note: I took these pictures from the water today.

Who knew something so small can create a problem so big?

Published

Thank you to Hoboken Progress Newspaper for contacting me and publishing my "Capitalism, Conservation, and Kayaking" post as an opinion piece. When I started this blog, I simply wanted to post photos from the waterfront. I never expected Hoboken Paddler to be a blog about waterfront conservation. I am pleased that it is.

Down the River without a Paddle

Everything speeds up at the end of summer. I assume it is because we know we have less time to ourselves. If the waning daylight isn’t reminder enough, we have Labor day to tell us our days spent lying on the beach are over. It is time to get back to work. Sadly for me, this means less time in my boat.

I can’t complain, it has been an amazing summer. I’ve spent a great amount of time with friends and family and took a trip of a lifetime (though I hope it is not my last to New Zealand). I have also spent numerous days on the Hudson.

It can be difficult to get back into our autumnal routines. Paddling against the work-day current (metaphorically speaking) gets harder each year. I can see why some would just drop the paddle and see where the current takes them.

Lucky for me I believe a person did just that - and literally left their paddle for me to find! Thanks- cause I might need it. The current's gettin' rough!

Orange You Gonna Pick Me Up?

Today was a beautiful day to be on the Hudson. It was about 70 degrees, low humidity, and the water was calm.

I felt like a pirate finding treasure. I found, among the usual plastic bags and soda bottles, my fourth soccer ball of the season (which I threw back to the girls practicing on Steven’s field), and one… orange. Does anyone else see the irony of scurvy fighting fruit floating out at sea? If only pirates had been so lucky!

Capitalism, Conservationism, and Kayaking

What struck me most about channel 13's special on the Hudson River the other night was the roll the wealthy played in conserving the waterway. The likes of the Rockefellers and Harrimans were major players in buying and preserving land on the banks of the waterfront. It is an important reminder that capitalism and conservationism do not have to be mutually exclusive.

Harriman, in particular, shared the belief of many people today, that the Hudson should be able to be enjoyed by everyone. Unfortunately, boating in the Hudson is still a privilege of the rich. It doesn't have to be that way. Kayaking in the Hudson can be a relatively inexpensive way to access the river.

Out on the river, I have met many New Yorkers who buy expensive kayaks, spend hundreds yearly on storage, pay to belong to a club, and spend enormous sums to take group trips to places like sushi restaurants. But kayaking doesn't have to be expensive or elitist. In fact, I have spent exactly zero dollars this year paddling my boat. And my boat cost little more than a new bicycle three years ago.

Kayaking has changed the way I feel about the river. I used to be one of those people who believed the Hudson was too polluted and too busy to be enjoyed - it was something that should only be driven across or tunneled under. Today I feel differently. I can't help but think that if more people kayaked, preserving our great river would be easier. I wonder, if Harriman were alive today, would he build public boathouses?

Our River

It is the 400th anniversary of Henry Hudson's voyage. I encourage all of you to watch channel 13 tonight at 9pm as Bill Moyers documents the history and importance of the Hudson River. It amazes me that 400 years ago, Henry Hudson found a bay full of whales and dolphins, and just two days ago I was asked by a passer-by, while putting my boat in the river, if it was safe. I hope that person watches tonight as well.

Home Sweet Hoboken

We returned from winter in New Zealand to weather that is anything but summer-like. Fortunately, the days of rain gave us plenty of time to sleep off our jet-lag.

I cannot say enough about how wonderful our New Zealand trip was so I will let the pictures speak for themselves. I do want to thank our incredible hosts, Mr. and Mrs. Penney, for an amazing time and a trip we will never forget. We hope to do it again soon!

Today was a perfect day on the Hoboken Waterfront. There were people flying kites from Maxwell Place, the skatepark was packed with bikers and boarders, and the clubs playing soccer at the waterfront field even got me in on the action. I retrieved my third soccer ball from the Hudson this summer. It was a beautiful day in Hoboken

Tongoriro National Park, Lake Taupo, Rotorua

Auckland, Northland, and the Bay of Islands

Around the World In Eighty Hours!

Ok- so it wasn't quite 80 hours, but it was long. After over 20 hours of travel, Mrs. Paddler and I arrived in Auckland, New Zealand. It is great here- more on Auckland in later posts. It is still amazing to me that we were in New York less than a day ago. An Airbus 230 sure can make the world feel small. We were greeted by the Penney's at the airport- and it is so good to see them again. We went back to their place, only blocks from the Auckland waterfront. After, we went for a long walk and stopped for coffee to stay awake. It is our goal to stay up today as long as possible to get ourselves on kiwi time. So far so good. It feels great to be in New Zealand.

On a side note, yesterday, just before we were leaving, we saw on the news that a commuter plane and tourist helicopter collided and fell into Hoboken's waterfront. Tragically, nine people died. Debris fell along Frank Sinatra Drive. On most Saturdays I would have been paddling where the aircrafts crashed. Even more strange, the news of the accident arrived in NZ before we did, the pilot of the helicopter was a Kiwi. Small world indeed.

Off to New Zealand!

Mrs. Paddler and I leave this week for New Zealand! We can't wait! I am greatly looking forward to skiing and my wife, a knitter, will be in the land of sheep and wool. We are also hoping to get in a day of paddling in the northland area. Our nights will be filled visiting our Kiwi friends and drinking New Zealand wines and beer. I am also looking forward to seeing the stars of the southern hemisphere for the first time. The pic below is the grand chateau. We've booked three nights there. Awesome!

Camera Trouble

This is what it looks like when you drop a digital camera in the Hudson. When I began this blog I used an old digital camera. It worked great until I forgot it was around my wrist and tried paddling. I am now in the market for a new waterproof digital. If my reader(s) have any suggestions I would greatly appreciate them.

A Ticket for Tickets

$1000 for drinking in public. $35 for an expired meter. $150 for a boot and $65 for the ticket. Hoboken will write a ticket for anything! They write so many tickets that I found a flurry of them floating in our great river. What a mess. I picked up what I could. My only question: what's the fine for littering?

Pier C Revisited

I ventured back to pier C and took the photo above. You can see how much work is being done. The wood features look great. It is scheduled to open in Spetember, hopefully while the weather is still pleasant.

Rain Delay

Storms and rain have kept my sea legs planted firmly on land both yesterday and today. Fortunately it has also given me sufficient time to plan my big excursion. Mrs. Paddler and myself take a big trip each summer and this one is no exception. This year, we are traveling further than we ever have- to the other side of the world. We are going to New Zealand. August will be New Zealand's winter, but no worries- Hoboken Paddler is also Hoboken skier! I look forward to bringing my reader(s) pics and stories from the land of the long white cloud. We will be visiting our Kiwi friend Anna and her british husband Rob in their hometown of Aukland for the first of hopefully many trips.

If, like me, you are also stuck inside due to rain, feel free to peruse my links. I especially like the blogs written by my friends. Luke Sidewalker's quest to find millions the hard way might also bring you the financial insights you've been looking for. And, if you are male, in a relationship, or both, the newly created NagsforNorway is required reading. Both blogs are written in the vicinity of the mile square city. Enjoy.

From the Inside Looking Out

How quickly perspectives change. Yesterday I was on a ferry looking at kayakers, today I'll be a kayaker looking out for ferries.

Yesterday I took the ferry from 14th street to Wall Street to see friends who recently transplanted from Jersey to the financial district. My wife and I had a beautiful 30 minute trip traveling around southern Manhattan on a perfect evening. On the trip, we saw a group of kayakers crossing the Hudson. It is great seeing fellow boaters taking advantage of our underused waterfront.

Peter Cammarano has learned a thing or two about perspective changes as well. Just a few days ago, he was Hoboken's new young mayor. This morning, I walked past a hundred or so protesters in front of his Bloomfield Street home carrying signs demanding his resignation. Although I personally think these protests should be taking place at city hall, I cannot blame the citizens of our city for being angry and disappointed. For the record, he has stated he will not step down as mayor. How can he? He would be walking away from a six figure income- which will help pay much needed lawyer fees- and benefits for himself, his wife, and young daughter. What a mess.

I am waiting for the tides to shift before I head out again. I would suggest our mayor do the same.

Ho-broken

Today's weather forecast called for storms. Unable to paddle, I turned on the TV to some disheartening news.

It was only days ago I congratulated my new mayor, our city's youngest, on this site. And although it usually takes years before Hoboken mayors are caught for corruption, it took Peter Cammarano less than two months. Sadly, our mayor has been charged with taking bribes from a government witness posing as a real estate developer. Pathetic.

Hopefully, tomorrow's weather, and our next mayor, will be brighter.

One Reason I Kayak

There are numerous reasons I come home from work and take to the water. One of them is the peace and quiet that the river offers. As I type this now, I can hear through my home's open windows horns honking, sirens, and people talking loudly on their cell phones. On the river, you can't hear any of it. Nothing. The only sounds you hear are the wind, the water, an occasional bird, and... unfortunately, jet skis.

A Bigger Boat

Whenever I think a 15 foot kayak is large, I am continuously reminded by freighters and cruise ships just how small I am. Above is a picture of a cruise ship making its way out of New York harbor.

Hoboken is the Birthplace of Baseball

Although this fact is often disputed, it doesn't stop me from telling non-Hobokenite friends and relatives that Hoboken IS the birthplace of baseball. And it isn't stopping Hoboken councilwoman Beth Mason from trying to bring baseball back to the mile square city. Recently, she hired architects to re-imagine the northwest corner of Hoboken and envisioned, among other things, a minor league baseball field and greater park space (the above picture is what it currently looks like). Although I am not sure if all of her plans seem realistic in the current economy, I applaud her thinking outside the box. Or in this case, thinking outside the boxes that make up blocks and blocks of square condos to the south of this site.

While I am on the issue of local politics, I want to wish Peter Cammarano, Hoboken's youngest mayor in history, and Dawn Zimmer, our new Council President, all the best. I hope they all can put politics aside and do what is best for our waterfront and the residents of our great town.