By Johna Till Johnson
My first solo-kayak-camping trip in the NYC area.
I’ve solo-camped (hiking) in the Catskills, solo-kayak-camped in Florida, and kayak-camped (with companions) in the NYC area and elsewhere.
But until now I’d never planned and executed a solo-kayak-camping expedition in my own backyard (so to speak).
I put into a still and misty river at Hudson just after sunrise on Friday. It was cool, calm, and quiet. The fresh scent of early morning rose from the grass and water. I was cheerful, relaxed, but a bit edgy.
I took out 100 miles later on Sunday evening in a sweltering Yonkers sunset to the earsplitting beat of Latin music and the scent of vapes and barbeque. I was stiff, chafed, and blistered… and overwhelmingly happy.
In between were accidents, surprises, detours, and serendipity.
This is the best photo of the trip. I took it right before sunrise on Esopus Island. Consider it a sneak preview of writeups to come…
Early dawn at Esopus Island
Vladimir Brezina (RIP) 
Johna Till Johnson
Wind Against Current 