Meadowlands Secaucus Paddle
by Phil Brown

June 15, 2024

We had 15 paddlers show up on a nice windy afternoon day at Laurel Hill Park in Secaucus at medium high tide. I think we only had one canoe, a tandem with Bob and Robyn. Maybe Al G had a canoe or maybe a sit on top? They did fine in the wind.

After crossing Hackensack River we continued along a channel running through heart of the grasslands of phragmites. The water seemed really clean. There are nice views of NYC from here. Going through some smaller channels after fighting some wind we ended up under the Turnpike and then next to the NJ transit line when a train came by.

After turning around on the border of the Meadowlands Environment Center and back in the channels we passed an active osprey nest. I don't think it was too happy with us being close by, flying around and then displaying his digestive techniques. Then back to main river channel and back to put-in. Took about 2 and half hours. After boats loaded we had some snacks with a view of the river. Hope to do it again!

Thanks to Dean L., Rob H, Mark W, Sum K, Monica O, Peter W, Naomi G, Bob R, Robyn L, Mike R, Jim M, Bruce D, Dennis N, Al G.

> Click here for photos and video from Monica

Phil