Press-Republican

Local News

July 6, 2009

Kayaker sets Northern Forest Trail solo record

FORT KENT, Maine (AP) — A New Jersey man has become the fastest solo kayaker to paddle 740 miles over the Northern Forest Canoe Trail from New York to Maine.

It took Mike Stavola 32 days to complete the journey from Old Forge,N.Y., to Fort Kent, Maine. A large part of the trek passes through the North Country. Stavola passed through the Saranac Lakes chain, down the Saranac River and across Lake Champlain.

The 59-year-old real estate agent from Medford Lakes, N.J., says he took up kayaking two years ago because it was easier on his knees than hiking.

To finish the trail, Stavola says he survived 25-mile winds, walking 75 miles, and a moose who tried to crash his camp site.

Northern Forest Canoe Trail officials say there have been other solo canoeists and one solo kayaker to finish.

In June, 67-year-old Gil Whitney of Lakeville, Maine, became the first solo kayaker to finish. It took him 57 days.



ON THE NET

Northern Forest Canoe Trail

www.northernforestcanoetrail.org

Text Only | Photo Reprints
New Today
  • City fire call

    Smoke in the basement at 11 Lorraine St. in Plattsburgh likely a dryer fire.

    Updated: 2 hours
Local News

Recent Article Comments
Albany Round-up

Photo of the Day
Strange News
Videos: Editor Picks
Obama Gives Education Waivers to 10 States Giffords Aide to Run for Her Seat LA School in Sex Abuse Scandal Reopens Winter Slamming North Asia, Parts of Europe Syrian Forces Renew Bombardment of Homs States, Banks Reach Foreclosure-abuse Settlement Raw Video: Italy's Mount Etna Bursts Into Life Greeks March; Angry Despite Debt Deal Raw Video: U.S. Pullout Celebration Raw Video: Annual Empire State Building Run-Up Man Killed in Courthouse Shootout Air Force Airlines: Leaders Get Polished Service Ga Girl Fights Off Kidnapper at Walmart Nevada Highway Patrol, City Settle Beating Case Homs Bombardment Continues, Global Outcry Grows Raw Video: Dog Rescued From Icy Colo. Water Skip the Coffee Cup and Inhale Your Caffeine Fix