Taking Leave
Bud Glendening's fall-colored kayak was more colorful than the leaves Wednesday.
Nearly halfway through October, people who attended the Fall Foliage Kayak Float at Moraine State Park saw only a few vibrant red, vivid orange and flashy yellow leaves peeking through the mass of green, but the lack of color variety didn't spoil the fun.
“It's been the warmer weather,” said Mike Shaffer, environmental education specialist at Moraine. “Once we get some warm days and cold nights, it'll be better.”
About 15 attendees heard a half-hour presentation about leaves before paddling out on Lake Arthur. Shaffer explained leaves only show their “true” colors when the chlorophyll inside of them dies.
“Maybe next week we will see some eye-popping color,” he said.
Glendening, the man with the multicolored — red, orange and yellow — kayak, attended the event. Since he's retired, the Butler Township man kayaks four days per week from April to November, and in the winter, he travels south like the birds to continue paddling.
“It's a great upper body exercise, but better exercise for your mind,” Glendening said,
He especially enjoys the peacefulness of being out on the water, which might be his favorite part. But he also likes seeing the wildlife. His wife, an avid bird watcher, accompanies him on about half of his kayaking adventures.
“She has a life other than paddling,” Glendening joked.
Since he's such a frequent Moraine visitor, Shaffer and other staff members know him by name. He even helps them to keep track of less experienced kayakers on trips such as Wednesday's kayak float.
“He won't say that (he's an expert), but he calls himself an enthusiast,” Shaffer said.
Janice Lorenz, whose first kayaking experience was last month during Moraine's moonlit paddle, brought her husband, Hanson Kappelman, along on Wednesday. While Kappelman had some experience in canoeing, he had never been kayaking before, but quickly picked up the new skill. They traveled from Pittsburgh for the event.
During the first half of the trip, the kayakers were spread out. Some easily glided along, keeping pace with Shaffer, who led the tour. Others at the back of the group were herded forward by Kati Ediniston, an environmental interpretive technician. But on the return trip, the group formed a perfect parade, as people could now steer close to the shore successfully where they could see geese, other wildlife and the trees that Shaffer spoke about earlier in the day.
While this is the park's final kayak float for the season, Ken Roosa of Butler, who attended Wednesday, will be kayaking until the weather prevents him from doing so.“I've been trying to get in as many rides as I can,” Roosa said. “Some people have asked me, 'Do you live out here?'”The 67-year-old man, who just bought his own kayak a month ago, has always loved the outdoors. Roosa enjoys hiking, biking and swimming, but kayaking is his favorite.The park will begin holding the organized day-trips again next spring.Pre-registration is required, and typically opens two weeks before the event. Kayak gear is provided, though people can bring their own if they wish. The park office can be reached by calling 724-368-8811.
