Kayaks, inside look at Gifford Pinchot, and boater safety
With Memorial Day weekend just around the corner, it's a good time to be thinking about getting out on the water to enjoy a boat or kayak.
While boats are relatively a one-size-fits-most type of vessel, kayaks definitely are not. Although it might be tempting to pick up one that's on sale or at a yard sale, you do need to look at them similarly to the way you shop for shoes. My main feature this week highlights what you need to know and think about before you buy a kayak.
Devin Winand of Shank's Mare explained it best with an analogy about not buying the wrong size shoes just because they are a bargain price. Having a kayak that fits your body size, as well as how you intend to use it, will make all the difference in how much you enjoy your time on a river or lake.
On the topic of boating, I spent some time with Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Waterways Conservation Officer Rachael Thurner-Diaz, who serves Adams and western York counties. She provided insights on what boaters need to be thinking about as they get their watercrafts ready for summer. Check out the story to see what you need to double check before your first voyage.
While traveling for those two features, I made a stop at Gifford Pinchot State Park in northern York County. It's a fun place to stay for those who enjoy fishing for warm-water species or going camping. Jen Green, resource ranger, spoke about the 289 camp sites that are available and the facility's expectations for the summer. It's a cool place to visit. Check out the story and video to see why it should be on your list of places to visit this summer.
The fourth story I'm sharing is from our Pocono Record newspaper that should interest everyone who enjoys spending time along the water or in the woods. Kathryne Rubright wrote about efforts to create an anti-tick vaccine that will be given to mice that are hosts to ticks. It's a good start in the fight against Lyme Disease transmission. It's interesting to read about the connections several animals have with ticks.
The weekend is approaching and I hope you have planned to spend some time on your favorite stream or woodlot. The month-long turkey hunting season is underway and hunters now have more time to be in the woods. Effective May 16, the season is open throughout the day instead of ending at noon. If you haven't connected with that long beard yet, hopefully this Saturday will be the day.
Have a great weekend, and thank you for your time.
Brian Whipkey is the outdoors columnist for USA TODAY Network sites in Pennsylvania. Contact him at bwhipkey@gannett.com or 814-444-5928 with questions and story ideas about enjoying the outdoors in Pennsylvania.
This article originally appeared on Erie Times-News: Kayaks, inside look at Gifford Pinchot, and boater safety
