Most people have probably never kayaked between Albany and Troy on the Hudson River. Yet, it’s a trip one should make, because it’s both fascinating and relaxing, as you paddle between two cities through a lush green landscape.

Not only is the Hudson River conviently located between the two cities, a short drive for residents of the Capital Drive, it demostrates the solitude one can get, and still be within a couple of miles of major former industrial cities in Upstate NY.

It shows the scale of man’s industrial works up close, as they tower far above you. Who would have ever thought the South Troy Bridge was so tall?

And while the river is much cleaner then yesteryear, you will still smell the raw sewage floating in from some storm drains.

You’ll find secret little tributatories, all but forgotten about in the era of powerboats and superhighways that once buried important little rivers and creeks, and made islands into mainland.

You will get a new impression of the river and it’s many crossings, and the noisey automobile traffic that “flies” over the river.

You’ll notice how nature’s creations tower far above our cities and urbanized areas.

And you’ll get a new look at the ordinary city, that often looked at as one passes it buy almost in an ignorant fashion.