NPSheehan

I think the sleeping bag liner is the way to go and provides extra warmth for your summer or multi season bag when you need it. I'm planning to pick up this one for myself for kayak camping next week as temps are forecasted to be very warm. http://www.ems.com/product/index.jsp?productId=3662376 Neil

So the long and short of this question is use the MITA Trail Guide as a reference as this would be your best resource for planning a Maine Island day or overnight adventure. Have Fun! Neil

Hi Katherine, If it's Maine Islands you are curious about then the simple answer is go to the Maine Island Trail Web Site or if you are a member use their Trail Guide book. If not a member you can borrow a book. However you are requested to be a MITA member to use or camp on a MITA designated non public Island. The MITA Trail Guide indicates both http://guide.mita.org Hope that helps for Maine anyway.

I'm planning to attend

After soaking as Suz and others suggested if you still have problems get another person hold one blade while you hold the other. Tape the button down or have a third person hold it depressed. Thed twist the blade back and forth in minute increments till it gives a little then soak again & repeat. Once there is a little give in twisting it should pull apart. After you get it apart soak the ferule and inside the other shaft end and clean it real good. Apply 303 then wipe dry and be sure to rinse your paddle where they join after every use. I sometimes rinse mine with leftover water from my hydration pack. Salt water when it dries will leave a residue which will quickly build up and cause the paddle to get stuck. My spare paddles get special attention as they are always exposed to salt water which dries over the course of the day. Neil

I may be there too Neil

You may want to try this stuff. It's available at Home Depot and I'm sure marine stores as well http://jbweld.net/products/water.php WATERWELD will plug or seal practically anything that leaks. It will patch holes and cracks, and mend almost anything that is broken. It is excellent for rebuilding or fabricating parts, and as an all-purpose adhesive for metals, wood, fiberglass, masonry, ceramics, PVC and ABS. Permanently repair holes, gouges, cuts ... even seals rot in fiberglass and wood. Cures under water.

There are many kayak companies in Maine who offer guided trips. Here are just a few... http://www.carpediemkayaking.com/tours.htm http://www.maineislandkayak.com/trips.html http://www.lincolncanoe.com/outdoor_center.html http://www.h2outfitters.com/trips/campingt.../casco-bay.html Or maybe someone in this or other kayak groups would love to go on a multi day trip. Neil

WOW Now I'm totally confused. Best advice I've read is try different paddles. Most serious sea kayakers I've met have 205 or 210cm length paddles. The other variables are bent or straight shafts, blade sizes and shaft size. I love my Werner Cyprus Carbon 210cm straight small shaft. I'm sure others will tell you what they love about their favorite paddle as well Neil

I plan to be there too Neil

A Mapping GPS with Tracks / breadcrumb trail enabled is great for getting you back out of the marshes. I've used mine a Garmin 60CSX and new Colorado 400C a number of times for this. One time I didn't bring the GPS in the marshes and we got a little lost. The problem was the tide came in and the path through the marsh was obscured. It was hard to find the right path as the marsh was flooded and hard to tell. It appeared you could paddle through the marsh grass but it was too shallow to do so. The GPS would've put us back on track easily. Neil

Awesome shots!! Here is a link to some more... http://www.meetup.com/NESeacoastPaddlers/photos/994818/ Neil

I always keep in mind what a good kayak surfing friend told me when starting to kayak surf. MOON THE BEACH!! Keeping your BUM pointed at the beach keeps your edge towards the wave. I find it also very helpful to keep my eyes on the wave and not the beach when doing a low brace while side surfing towards shore. Once you drop your but or look towards the beach over you may go. Have Fun! Neil

I think I may have already replied on the NESP Message board on your question but for those here on NSPN my favorite VHF is the iCom M72. It's the most waterproof and has the highest power 6Wats and longest Battery Life of any of the other iCom models and for that matter probably others on the market. iCom M72 sold at West Marine Play the video from the link above for more info. Marine Electronics Review of iCom M72 Neil

Great videos although I was getting a little seasick watching the long one Neil