I've added a new category to Drupal. (Just thought I'd point that out for those of you who carefully watch this kind of thing) I'm a big fan of unsolicited product reviews. I think that when companies make something good, it should be lauded generously, and when they try to exchange crap products for money, they should be chastised publicly.

It was Memorial Day when the events on this web page occurred, and I'm just finally getting them up on the site now.

I hope nobody out there is hanging on my every word, waiting on pins and needles for me to update the site ... I'm simply not that organized, and I'm having a lot of trouble finding time and energy in my schedule to do so. Thus, the updates are sporadic, like the two today.

McConnells Mills is known for its beauty, as well as the rock climbing and kayaking that occurs there. If you're not the adrenaline type, you can still enjoy touring the old mill. Lots of history there.

I've heard a lot about the area with regard to kayaking, and finally made a trip there on August 12, 2007.

One of the things I'd heard was that there river wasn't worth running unless the water level is above 0'.

The Youghiogheny river is probably one of the most popular whitewater kayaking spots in this area.

The "middle Yough", between Confluence and Ohiopyle is mild rapids and is an excellent place for new paddlers to "cut their teeth." The "Ramcat" rapid in particular, is a popular place for beginners to practice.

A number of years ago, I ran this stretch of river in a canoe. It was a blast and I recommend the trip to almost anyone.

More information on the middle Yough.

There's no whitewater on Loyalhanna lake (since it's a lake) but it seems to be a popular place for fishing. I've seen a number of people with touring kayaks out on the lake.

Additionally, there's a little-used swimming area that I've used to learn my Eskimo rolls. In the fall, the water is a comfortable temperature, but I was out early in May and the water was mighty cold, despite the air temperature being in the seventies.

There's a little outfitter in Saltsburg, PA. It's a nice enough town, and they'll set you up with a shuttle if you want to launch from Saltsburg and paddle down to Apollo on the Kiskiminetas River.

I've yet to make this trip, but I plan on trying it out some time soon. I don't think the river will offer much above a class I, but it could be an enjoyable trip anyway. There are a number of bridges across the Kiskiminetas, so there's a chance there'll be some interesting waves to surf or something similar.

I wonder if there are people who aren't afraid?

On April 28th of this year, I met a few friends at Ohiopyle to do some whitewater kayaking. To make a long story short, I lost my nerve and spent a good bit of time on the shore trying to pull myself together. After a while I composed myself and managed to get some time on the river, even though I still wasn't quite myself.

But it got me thinking about the nature of fear and how people deal with it.

The government keeps track of this river

The above link is important because Buffalo Creek is usually not worth paddling. The rule I've heard is that if the level is below 2 feet, bring a 4-wheeler instead of a boat.

I've only run it once, when the water level was 2.15, and there were still a few sections where I struggled to grind my kayak over rocks. Overall, though at that level it was a pretty enjoyable trip.