gerry s

I plan to be there. This is a great trip whether especially if it's your first time kayak camping. Also good as a gear shake down for the summer season. Gerry

Got it on my calendar! The following weekend is better for me as well if you should decide to accommodate Leslie.

I hope to be there as well since a skin boat has been on my radar as my next boat project. Gerry

I'll be there!

If a sticky bottom becomes an issue try painting the foam with "dip it". That liquid plastic stuff for tool handles ( at Depot etc, I think). Comes in colors and really looks slick on a foam seat.

I agree with Jeff Casey. This is deja vu all over again. As an "old fart" (but not charter member) of NSPN I am very grateful for all I learned from other members (pass it forward). My second year of paddling, with very limited skills, on an NSPN trip was an education in "what I know now I wish I'd known then" but I probably would not have gone out with them had I known. There was a casual but thorough beach briefing mostly to get everyone focused on the route, expectations, and proper equipment. The was no discussion about level 123 etc. I felt welcomed and accepted as part of the group. On the last mile of our trip the conditions deteriorated and as a newbie I had not checked the weather or sea state. I take responsibility for myself and didn't expect "to be taken care of" but certainly felt comfort in the fact that there were more experienced paddlers with me. The head winds kicked up to probably 20-25 but for me seemed like a 100 mph with the rain horizontal and hurting if you looked up and what seemed like 3-5 wind chop. I paddled in survival mode for that mile but will never forget the encouraging words from fellow paddlers as we slowly made headway back to our put-in. My point is that back then there didn't appear to be much emphasis on paddling level, liability, experience, etc. but just on paddling and having fun and meeting people. This is the "feeling" now exhibited with the Meet-Up Group and with SMSKN but not so much with NSPN. With both groups there are all level of paddlers on all trips. I am forever grateful for the training and experience I gained through NSPN. I think NSPN does a superb job of offering workshops, promoting safe paddling, skills sessions, etc. Perhaps this is also it nemesis or apparent high level experience perception. Maybe change is not needed. There are many clubs and Meet-Up type groups that offer paddling opportunities for all levels. Perhaps the training, workshops, skill sessions, etc that NSPN offers are what the club is all about. Nothing wrong with that. Life's to short.....let's just paddle!

I'm there fer sher! Wouldn't miss it.

I'm with you. I was born left handed but growing up in a right handed world I learned (or adapted to ) doing things and using tools that just felt comfortable to me. I don't think righties have the same experience. Hence I'm told that I bat right, golf left, throw left , write left or right, roll mostly on my right, play tennis left (but much stronger backhand), think with the right hemi, ....you get the picture. My wife, the psychotherapist, says this explains a lot..what ever that means? Is that a left or right handed compliment.....or is it an insult?

When's the open house party?

Graham Great to hear you're finally moving...and that you're still around. Haven't heard from y'all this year. I see someone has a great looking new studio down by the water...or is that a boat shed? Gerry

If you heard my singing you'd all want to try a roll and not bother to come back up. Much quieter on the other side.

Hey Ed I'll be there and may have another with me. Thanks for putting this together. See you Sat.

Hey Ed I could be up for something on the 8th and/or 9th Gerry

Jason I just realized I have a conflict that weekend and won't be able to go after all. Sorry! Gerry

Jason My error on not reading the title. Yes..I'm in if I'm not to late. Gerry

Unfortunate choice of words by the friend. "They were foolish, naive kayakers" would have been more appropriate. They lacked the experience and skill to know what to do when one goes for a swim but doesn't know how to swim!@#$ An experienced kayaker paddles with the knowledge that someday he/she will be swimming and has the skill to do something about it. Just my 2 cents.

What Day?

Jason Maybe I'm missing something here (which my wife would say is normal) but when is this scheduled. I'm very interested and would like sign up. Gerry

Hey Rob How about a brief summary of this trip. I haven't followed the thread but scanning it is confusing and I might be able to join y'all but I have some time constraints. Love paddling this area and those that haven't won't regret it. Also the brief (non)work stop at the MITA Islands is well worth the trip. Gerry

Jeff A group of us have been camping at Warren on the 4 of July weekend for a few years in a row. It's actually a nice time to be there. Not a lot of people and the fireworks are just across the channel from Islesboro. Anyway, we usually ferry the cars across to Islesboro (free street parking along the road) and then cross the 1/4 mile to Warren from there. Since the conditions will be unknown 3-5 days after camping we find it a safer option to paddle to Islesboro rather than the open crossing to Lincolnville Beach. Provisions can be found on Islesboro since it is a large and populated island but it is best to stock up on the main land. There is a fried food / ice cream shack at the ferry terminal but a car (or bike) would be needed to find other provisions. Nearest ice is on the way to the airport so you need transportation for that. Alcohol on Warrens is prohibited but leave no trace and use discretion and you won't have a problem. Plus the water is just the right temp for chilling a good brew or white wine. Try to work with the tides cuz its a rocky, slippery slog to get the boats ashore at Warrens; not impossible just easier at higher tides. Good Luck

Hi Graham Bumma about the seals. FWIW I've had my drysuit about 7 years and used nothing but 303 on the seals. Granted, I did rinse the suit almost every time it saw salt water and 303'd the seals afterwards. I'm probably tempting fate if I don't change them this off-season but they still appear to be in good shape. So maybe 303 is the ticket, or I've been very lucky, or the latex gods are just shining on me. Good luck with the repair. Gerry

I'm in! See ya'll in the am

Much better post Kevin. Very succinct and no room for blah,blah,blah. Will try to join you but I can't commit until tomorrow. Gerry

See ya there Gerry