Approx. 10 NM round-trip to Bakers Island from Magnolia Beach, Gloucester.
Paddle to Bakers Island with the intention of spending an hour or more there after landing. Appox.1.5 hrs each way over mostly open water including crossing the often busy Salem Sound Channel entrance (aka Stinkpot Alley) just off Bakers.
The island is worth more than a cursory lunch stop. There's ten acres to explore and Adirondack chairs on the east bluff.
Parking at Magnolia Beach is Gloucester residents-only but after offloading at the asphalt ramp there's plenty of parking a five-minute walk at the fire station or the variety store.
We'll pass Kettle Island and will likely see local kids jumping off the railings at Magnolia Pier. Kettle is home to hundreds of snowy egrets who fly to the inland marshes to feed and its stony beach is littered with well-worn beachglass.
Keep in mind there are no bailouts coming or going to Bakers other than the Misery Islands off Manchester or the handful of Manchester beaches, both private and public, west of Coolidge Point.
The cobble landing at Bakers is a little steep. If there's surge or waves we'll need to use the pitcher-catcher system to get everyone to land: strongest paddler (catcher) lands first to assist those who need help landing. Upon departing, second-strongest paddler (catcher) launches first to assist paddlers the strongest paddler (pitcher) helps launch from Bakers before finally launching on his or her own. With teamwork we can get this done.
I'd post the Manchester put-in to reduce distances but the Manchester put-in can result in a parking ticket.
