Put in at Bear Mountain after driving around trying find the launch by  following  the worst map known to humankind (courtesy of the Bear Mountain Park Visitor's Center) . When I finally did find it, I discovered it was not a boat ramp as I had hoped, but a dock. Access was complicated by the fact that one had to drag the kayak down a fairly steep and winding path and then under a railway line before getting to the pier and dock -  all part of the fun.

The wind was calm, but forecast to rise, so I had planned to paddle around Iona Island, where the bird sanctuary is. Seeing a sign prohibiting entry to this area under the railway bridge  I did my civic duty and refrained from entering. 

I figured I would see plenty of birds by paddling around the river side of the island, which I did.

There was not much distance  to this paddle , so I turned and headed upriver under the Bear Mountain Bridge.                                                                                          Around Iona Island 

By this time the wind had picked up a little and the Hudson was becoming a little choppy.  

The Hudson chop

  I paddled under the bridge and noticed a small creek running into the river. It went under a bridge and the foliage became more dense.  Paddling on I was delighted to find a beautiful creek, enging not far along with a waterfall. The scene was idyllic; no one else around, a hot day and fresh water spilling over a substantial rock wall into a rocky pool. There was nothing for it but to stop and have lunch and a swim. It was one of those surprise finds which  make the life of a kayaker so wonderful.

Checking Googlemaps on my phone, I found  the creek was known as Popolpen Creek. Definitely worth a return trip when the weather warms up again. 

Looking back towards the Hudson from Popoplen Creek

 

Heading back to the dock I saw this huge stag head sculpture  neatly camouflaged on the bank. Another little gem!