Clearwater

We had a fantastic weekend camping out at the Clearwater Folk Festival (also known as Clearwater's Great Hudson River Revival).  The festival was started back in the 60s by folk legend Pete Seeger who lived on the Hudson River and wanted to raise money to clean up the then terribly polluted river.  He was successful and through his foundation raised a lot of money over the years and the river apparently, is much, much cleaner than it once was.  He also built the Clearwater Sloop, a sailing ship modeled after 18th and 19th century trading boats that takes students and others on two hour rides daily to educate them on the river and ecology and conservation.  We were able to take that sail on Sunday morning.  The festival not only brings together some great musical acts, it also serves as an educational weekend with lots of events and booths for the kids (and big kids) to learn about environmental issues.

We got to hear some legends such as The Blind Boys of Alabama, Bela Fleck, and David Crosby.  Our friends, better known as Maeve's Family, came up for the day on Saturday (which unfortunately had some rain).  The kids got to participate in lots of fun environmental activities which included petting American eels, and learned more than they ever wanted to know about the Hudson River.

Juggling lessons

Believe it or not, Ella's the oldest in this photo

Baby Quinn

Netting fish and then learning about who lives in the river

Clearwater Sloop

Being entertained by some amazing folk performers on the boat ride

Petting Hog Chokers

Holden's unimpressed by The Blind Boys of Alabama