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