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Lbeale

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Everything posted by Lbeale

  1. Hello Everyone, Hope all is well. I have some news that has been requested to share with others: As many of you may know, Tom Bergh of Maine Island Kayak has had serious heart issues and was at Maine Med for over four weeks, including two in the ICU, this fall following three heart surgeries. He’s in rehab now, with still with a long way to go. He gets email but can’t respond easily, but loves cards, Liz says. So if you’d like to reach out to him, the best place to send them is c/o June O'Neill, 10 Clinton Rd, Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107. Liz (Johnson) is taking care of MIKCO business, including a full container of NDKs on its way over! So the shop is still operating. Tom is very widely known and has been a formative part of our community for many years. Please share this with others. There are many NSPNers (past and present) who have had the privilege of knowing Tom for years (if not decades) and he is a beacon of light over the northeast sea kayak community and beyond. Tom has been instrumental to those of us who were babes on the water trying to figure out how to paddle - when we thought sea kayaking was easy. What we did not know is that sea kayaking looked easy because instructors/paddlers like Tom made it look that way. His kindness, humor and storytelling made for an enjoyable day on the water that much more so --to watch him dance on the water in his NDK - was nothing short of inspiring and humbling. Hope you get better soon Tom -- Les NDK Pilgrim LV
  2. Thank you for offering this workshop. I have a Think Jet purchased in Spring 2021 from Wesley E. Paddled it mostly on flat water. Have an antique Epic paddle (2003) and new Braca paddle. Definitely interested in participating in this workshop . Any day/time usually works (except during rush hour) if no other conflict. Les
  3. Thank you Bob for your update on put-ins in Gloucester. I am glad to know that the City officials are trying to protect the health and well-being of their community members. I have been to the high school parking lot. There is a small parking section for people to launch their kayaks - barely two cars. The section is by the small beach on the river - not near the boat launch -- you take your boat through tall grass, bushes and over a guard rail to get to the beach to put your boat in the water -- I am sure you know where I am talking about. Other than that section - it is not clear if non-resident kayakers can park their car at the high school. I do know that the Police tow cars at the high school. If you park beside the tennis courts fence - you will get towed. The signs are small so they are easy to miss. To retrieve your car from the tow company -- you have to go to Rockport - an unpleasant and expensive way to end a day of paddling. Having that in mind, do you know if they only ticket non-residents or is their a chance you can get towed?
  4. Hello Everyone, I hope you and your family members are well and safe. I have an old black Tahe that I have been using for years rolling practice. These boats have a longs keg - longer than the British boats most of us paddle. Skeg is part way down - kinda stuck in the middle. I have been using WD40 on the lines and gingerly trying to get it to draw all the ways up. Alas, it is still stuck in the middle. I don't want to take the keg box out and repair it nor do I want to spend money to have some one repair it. The boat is too old to invest any money into it. My question: Is there a better lubricant than WD40 I can use to get the skeg wires moving? Thanks for your help in advance, Les
  5. As someone who has academic (Masters and Doctorate) and work experience in Public Health/Community Health for over 30 years -- please reconsider any group paddles for now until we learn differently from public health experts with expertise in infectious diseases. This is not the time to second guess public health experts. This is a "novel" or new virus which translates into we don't know. We don't know how the sun affects it, we don't know how long it contaminates, we don't know about direct and indirect transmission, we don't know if salt water helps or hinders the spread, we don't know if warm weather stops it , we don't know if we use toggles, etc - we just don't know. Our understanding of this virus is evolving. But we do know it can be deadly for some and others may experience "mild" symptoms which often times can be frightening, painful and isolating. I have been paddling for twenty-odd years and know that even in the best conditions of calm seas and light winds, something can happen and before you know it , close contact. Many of us are healthy and we want to jump into our boats and paddle with our pals. Some of us however live with people or have loved ones or have family members who are not so healthy. Why risk the health of others? Why risk the health of loved ones and family members? Be wise, be healthy and stay safe. Les
  6. Hey Leon, Long time no see-Christopher and I were paddling today and we were talking about you-and what a fine paddler you are as well as person. Hope to see you on the water soon. Les
  7. This is indeed sad news. Like others, Jeb helped me in so many ways with paddling - navigation, forward stroke, rolling, cold water paddling, etc. - he was the example of "pass it forward" philosophy that the club was founded on. Not to mention - the guy was straight-out funny -- and a fun paddling pal. He will be missed. les
  8. There is an alternative plan that I use when Walden closes. It is a nice pond nearby to Walden but the parking is a little tricky-if you are interested in this "plan B" message me Bill and we could always text each other when Walden closes-- les
  9. I am going to try to get to Walden today -- been chained to my desk lately -- but need to do some rolling -- hope to see you all --
  10. I am sadden to share the news that Deb Dempsey, a longtime NSPN member, died over the weekend. Those of us who paddled or spent anytime with Deb know that she was truly a kind and loving person. I am so grateful to have known her. My thoughts and prayers go out to her family and particularly Dotty, her partner and her daughter, Becca. If you want to know the arrangements, please email me lbealeatspringfieldcollegedotedu. Les
  11. I plan on being there -- does anyone know the water temp at Walden?
  12. Hello, I am trying to renew my membership. When I try to purchase a membership, I get this reply: Sorry, there is a problem. You are only allowed to purchase one of this product, and you have already done so. Not sure why this is happening. I am also posted as a guest for some reason. Thanks for your help.
  13. Don't know where to begin my comments on this video. But maybe - the best intentions can go dismally wrong - maybe we should get one of this machines for Walden practice sessions????? Just joking -- Kayak rolling machine
  14. What an most excellent opportunity that I have to miss due to work obligations. I am sure this will be a bucket list event - I hope you are including your name and Russell's as two of the best coaches in the business. les
  15. If I was Marge, I would get behind a bigger and stronger paddler and ride his/hers draft and they can help block the wind -- such a girly thing to do, I know --
  16. Lbeale

    Full Moon!

    I will be paddling out of Lanes Cove tomorrow (Sunday) to do some practice drills -- could make it later in the day if people are going to do a moonlight paddle in the area -- Les
  17. Thanks everyone for your helpful replies. First line of defense -- olive oil, move legs until loose -- then wipe clean -- works wonders -- Les
  18. The supporting legs on my 10 years + MSR stove are stiff to move. I would like to lubricate the leg joints but am reluctant to use any lubricate so close to the stove's body. Does anyone have suggestions on how to make the stove's legs less stiff? Les
  19. Hi Brian, Thanks for 'sessing this out -- need 3 round hatch covers for my NDK Pilgrim so interested in group buy --I remember that I ordered hatch covers for my Impex Force 3 from a supplier in NH -- dog something was the name of the company -- good deal and the hatch covers float --lasted a long time -- PS - Say "hi" to Linda for me --miss seeing her on the water -- Les
  20. Lbeale

    Walden today

    I will be going to Walden today for the skills session--hope others can join me-- Les
  21. Thanks so much for your info Jeff, Ed, and Gary - I appreciate your insight -- if you don't mind my asking additional questions. The trip plan is geared towards an island to island as opposed to a direct crossing. There will be five of us on this trip: 4 cars that need to be parked overnight for three nights. Lincolnville looked good because the crossing is not that long (3+miles, more or less) to Islesboro. In case of bad weather, there is always the ferry. From Islesboro, paddle to Duck Harbor then down to Vinal Haven. Another bonus is that Lincolnville is less driving time than Castine or Little Deer Isle (other possible put-ins). The high tide the first day is around 11:30 (more or less) at Vinal Haven. 1. Jeff: Do you know if there is a place to launch at the ferry terminal? 2. Ed: What do you think about launching lower than Castine -- say around Little Deer Isle -- have you done it? 3. Ed and Gary: Is there a cut at Ames Cove/Duck Harbor to get to the other side or do you ave to paddle to Pendleton Pt? 4. Is there a place to launch and overnight parking on Cape Rosier, Brooksville? 5. Gary: the ferry at Rockland to Vinal Haven is an option --plus it gives us more time to explore the islands around Vinal Haven and beyond-- can you just take kayaks and not cars? Les
  22. I am planning on doing some kayak camping around the Vinal Haven area the first weekend in August. Has anyone launched from Lincolnville and what can you tell me about the parking situation? You can pm me if you feel this information is too delicate for public posting -- or just post in this forum -- Any information would be appreciated -- Les
  23. Hi Leon, Thank you for posting this notice. I had the pleasure of paddling with Joe and Oscar many moons ago. Oscar was offering a forward strokes class for Charles River and there was only about 3-5 students. I was the only one who was not a beginner. Joe and Oscar were so funny, telling jokes back and forth that it was difficult to paddle because I was laughing so hard. One joke Joe told me, " What's the Brooklyn alphabet?" The answer can not be printed here but it is funny enough that I still laugh. Plus, that man could write a story about kayaking like none other. What a loss. Didn't he and Oscar paddle a tandem surf ski at the last Blackburn? Or was that the year before? Les
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