2026-10-03 Autumn Firsts, Weather and Wildwater

It is October third, that time of year when dawn’s early light first peeks into my Western Pennsylvania bedroom at seven am instead of five, and the sun is now setting over the next-door neighbor’s trees instead of straight out from my front porch. My misses turned the furnace on in the house last week to ward off the fifty-degree temperatures that have invaded the mornings. And the shyest of trees have just begun to show their vibrant red, orange, and yellow colors. Despite temperatures topping out at a mere seventy degrees instead of a oven-like ninety, opportunities remain for a few more comfortable warm weather trips on the water. Today I will spend a leisurely two hours paddling and drifting downstream on the Kiskiminetas River my usual five-mile route from Vandergrift to Hyde Park. Having done this stretch of water so many times, you would think that it would get boring, but it never does. Quite the contrary, I feel a sense of contentment knowing its every bend and rifle, and take comfort in that familiarity, allowing me to fully relax and absorb the natural world along the river. Today will be a pair of firsts for me, my initial paddle amongst the bright leaves and cooler temperatures of this year’s autumn, and also the maiden voyage of my new kayak on a wilderness river. CAMERA/VIDEO EQUIPMENT GoPro 9 and 11, GoPro Media Mod, GoPro The Remote, RAM Tough-Pole 24-inch Camera Mount, Homemade “Dog Bowl” camera mast, iPhone 16, Sony FDR-AX53 Camcorder, Pelican 1150 Camera Case, DJI Mic 2, ABFOCE 10,000mAh power bank POST-PRODUCTION Rode PodMic Samson Technologies MBA26 Microphone Boom Arm Cloud Microphones Cloudlifter Focusrite Scarlett Solo audio interface Movavi Video Suite software SAFETY Road ID emergency information bracelet Artex Personal Locator Beacon NRS Odyssey PFD Spyderco Atlantic Salt knife Fox 40 Pearl Offical 2-Chamber Pealess Whistle Sunday Afternoons Ultra-Adventure Sun Hat MDSolarSciences Mineral Moisture Defense SPF 50 Sunscreen for Body and Face Dermatone Mineral Lip Balm SPF 30 KAYAK, MISC. Hurricane Osprey 120 Aqua Bound Tetra Bent Shaft 230cm Malone Ecolight Trailer with homemade PVC pipe bunks I am also an author of a series of memoir books, available from Amazon in paperback, Kindle e-book, and some as audiobooks. These brief narratives describe events from my youth, college years, career, and current-day life in retirement ranging from flipping baseball cards, the arrival of the ice cream man on the street, observations of the natural world, and contemplating what is true and meaningful in this life. All are thoroughly enjoyable, relaxing and insightful reading. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08M8DS4QM My trips, equipment, and videos are not sponsored by any manufacturer or person, nor have I received gifts or products for review. Most of the items shown in the video are available from Amazon or directly from the manufacturer. None of the content of this video was generated, improved, or suggested by artificial intelligence. The contents of this video are the expression of the creator's thoughts, opinions, photographs, videos, and present recollections recreated from memory of experiences over time, and do not necessarily reflect those of YouTube or any other parties associated with its publication. The author and publisher make no representations or warranties about the accuracy or completeness of the information, and assume no liability for any loss or damage caused by the use of the information contained in this video. The contents of this video are for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be interpreted as professional advice. It is highly recommended that professional training be taken before and professional guides be used while pursuing any watersports or other activity portrayed in this video. The viewer should not consider this video anything other than a work of entertainment. The author and publisher are not responsible for any actions taken as a result of watching this video. Please use caution and seek professional advice before acting on any information contained in this video