Lbeale

These tickets sell out early --so if you want to go, now is probably a good time to order your ticket on-line http://www.somervilletheatreonline.com/somerville-theatre/ Les BANFF MOUNTAIN FILM FESTIVAL TUE-THU 2/18/14 - 2/20/14 - Somerville Theatre

I am interested in purchasing a hammock for camping -- Looking at the Hennessy scout hammock for 100 buckaroos Does anyone know about camping hammocks and could make a recommendation? Not interested in winter use. Les PS- Thanks in advance for suggestions or recommendations.

I have -- about 10 years ago so things may or may have not changed. I am assuming that you want to paddle around the Sagany, but maybe not. If not, disregard what I write. I can't help you with any other location on the St. Lawrence-- At one point while paddling up the Sagany I had three adolescent beluga whales surround my kayak and start to play around me. Scary but captivating. I was told by locals that if it happens to you -- the lore is it does not happen often but if it does -- they whales bring luck -- who knows-- Anyways, here's some tips for paddling around the Sagany area: 1. It is a LONG ride to the area around the Sagany-- around 13 hours. So you may want to break up the trip going to and coming back--with camping along the way. 2. There are two ways you can go -- both are about the same amount of time -- one is up through Vermont to Canada -- the other way is through Maine and you take a ferry across to Canada. 3. You want to make sure you get the tide and winds right before you go up the Sagany -- otherwise, it puts a new meaning to slog--you need to be aware of both winds and tides because the winds kick up and the current is strong -- its difficult to be against one never mind both. Also, stay out of the channel -- lots of boat traffic and the tourist boats will run you over. 4. At the mouth of the Sagany it can be tricky -- it kicks up with boat traffic and weather -- so pick a day that the weather is in your favor. Also, launch as early as possible, winds pick up in the afternoon-- 5. Once in the Sagany there are not many places to take out for a break -- so pace yourself -- a good trip plan is to paddle as far as the outfitter's shop on the Sagany-- have lunch and see where you are and how you feel. If you are looking for an outfitter, I would go with them. 6. The St. Lawrence is mighty wide with lots of marine life -- stay close to the shore when paddling as much as possible -- the big guy whales come right to the surface with little warning -- happened to me a couple of times and I had no problem --but still-- 7. Whales smell so that is a clue where they are. Also look to the horizon and you can see them spouting in the distance. 8. The porpoise will surround your boat and travel with you. 9. You can camp at the national park in the area but good spots are taken quickly -- and there is no certainty you can launch from your site. 10. You can rent a condo from the First Nation (Canadian term for Native Americans). There is a condo association owned and operated by the First Nation. 11. The condos are very nice, clean, inexpensive and with some of the condos you can launch from your door. They are in a town that begins with a "T"- a long name. We went with these instead of camping for a couple of reasons. First, it supports the First Nation directly, the ease of launching and the campground's good sites were booked. 12. Go in August -- the winds tend to die down and weather may be better. 13. There is a restaurant near the condos that serves a good pie. Hope this is helpful-- Les

Hey Leon, Thanks so much for the laugh. The funniest part was the mystery of why people would kidnap ferrets in the first place. There isn't a ferret black market because they so easily reproduce - kinda like rabbits. Let the ferret mystery reign. Les

It is impressive how he was calm enough to figure out how his boots could act like a pfd. Something to be said for letting go of what you think you know (rubber boots sink you) and just going with your gut. Les

My apology to Wayne-meant to write Wayne but wrote Warren instead-duh-- Les

Nancy H and her husband Warren were in Iceland last summer and I am pretty sure they did some kayaking. She is a NSPN member and part of Walden Pond Scum. She might be able to help you. Les

PPO are fun -- those who are new to NSPN please join us for a meet and greet -- those of us who are more crusty and salty -- hang out with us for a late Saturday afternoon get together -- it's always enjoyable to talk about kayaking with like-minded folks and start planning trips for the new year --new members or those who want to join NSPN can network, get paddling information and hang-out in a relaxed and supportive atmosphere - So don't be shy or lazy -- take the leap and join us for a beer or glass of wine !!!! If you make a last minute decision to join and can't post on this message board -- just come anyways Les

Thanks to the Board for all your hard work in making this a most excellent "festivies-for-the-rest-of-us" occassion. Les

What a loss. I remember taking a Nigel Foster surf lesson with Dave and Deb. It was one of those Autumn days that was cold and rainy with dumping surf off Nahant. Dave was fearless no matter how many times and how hard he was dumped. Got right back into that kayak and was game for some more rough and tumble rides. On top of that, he and Deb were always a pleasure to know and to paddle with -- Sad news for me -- Lles

I am on the fence for this trip given how cold it will be-- If I decide to go, will be there on time- Do not wait for me otherwise Les

Hey Pete, Tucks for me -- Les

Thanks Rick for an informative account of hypothermia. I had hypothermia once while kayak camping and your description of the symptoms sound mighty familiar. It is interesting how judgement goes out the window. I made the mistake of thinking I could handle it myself -- did not need help -- and was stubborn about it --even while I was shaking uncontrollably. Hypothermia can happen to anyone -- regardless of size and gender - and not just weak-knee women like myself. Before reading your account, I would of guessed that someone like you getting hypothermic were slim to none -- I guessed wrong. Someone who supposedly knows told me that once hypothermic you increase the risk of getting it again in less daunting conditions. Do you know if that is true? Also, pair of fleece one-sie drawers - how can I get me some of those? Les

Thanks for the camping tips -- those Ikea bags are the best for camping -- cheap and they do last for some time. My primo advice is when your campsite is all set and you are going out for a paddle make sure your tent is fully zipped. Even if the weather is unseasonably warm, even if it is a glorious day, even if the weather forecast calls for clear skies and there is not a cloud in sight-- zip that sucker up. Otherwise, you just might have the misfortune of encountering a downpour that was not forecast. You then arrive back at your campsite with a soggy wet mess of tent floor, clothes, sleeping bag, and anything else that can and will get wet. This I know.

Due to the rain -- this trip is cancelled --

Bill, How could I deny you your beauty sleep -- I know how important that is to you -- and just for you, 11:00 is fine with me -- Sid, I snagged me a prototype NDK Pilgrim expedition LV 50/50 lay up with custom bulkheads from Tom up there in Peaks - mighty fine-- white over white with black -- the special touch is the NDK dragon symbol on the deck -- mighty, mighty, fine, indeed --Tom foams the boat to your specs as well as the seat height as part of the purchase price -- so the boat fits real nice -- Les

Anyone interested in doing some paddlin' on Sunday outa Lanes Cove? BIBs around 10:30? Level 3 - 4 trip, I guess Helmets for rock hoppers, tow belts -- etc -- you know the drill - not the leader -- just trying to make this trip happen -- whatever-- Just got meself a new boat so I am itchin' to playin' rather than straight paddling and mileage - but those of you who want to do less play and more paddlin' we can work with that -- We can decide the destination at launch based on the which way the winds are blowin'- those of you who have paddled with me before know I hate sloggin' Post your interest here so I can have some idea of head count. Les Swearin' Ferret

Thank you all for your most helpful replies -- the sealant was pealing away and was letting in sand grit -- so I think I need to repair that regardless if it is the cause of the leak -- but I do hear what you all are saying -- I need to find the source of the leak first -- Probably not going to get to that before I leave on Thursday, alas -- so it will just have to wait until I get back. Whatever is causing the leak is not bad -- I just noticed that my cockpit is wetter after a trip than usual -- it is not the sprayskirt so it has to be something else -- Your informative and timely responses demonstrate to me the merits of this message board - over the years, I have come to appreciate what a treasure of a resource it really is -- Thanks again for your kindness and consideration, Les

Thanks Phil and Leong, Attached are the photos -- Leong can I use the sealant on the underside of the cockpit coaming?

I am doing some repairs on my boat in preparation of a kayak camping trip this week to Mt. Desert. I think I have a leak in my cockpit somewhere in the bulkhead at the back of my seat. I need to dry this area out first before I start with the fiberglass repair. However, I noticed that there is a clear tape (about 1 inch width) that outlines the edge of the circumference of the bulkhead and attaches to the boat (deck, hull and sides). I can't remember ever seeing or using this tape in doing repairs or building my wooden kayak. I removed the loose ends of it and got rid of the sand that got stuck underneath the adhesive, but I am not sure what to do next. Does anyone know what this tape is and its purpose? Should I replace the tape (if I can determine what it is) instead of doing the fiberglass repair? Should I make sure that the tape is completely removed before I do the fiberglass repair or can I leave some on and just fiberglass over it ? Any suggestion is greatly appreciated - I am leaving on Thursday so I don't have much time -- I can send a photo if you are not sure what I am referring to -- Les

Will be doing a leisurely paddle out of Lanes tomorrow, Saturday 8/3 -- BIB 10:30 -- CAM rules apply -- I am not the leader -- Level 2+ - 3 Destination:TBD by the group -- if we decide to go to Thatcher -- bring money to land -- I think its 5 bucks -- If you want to do some rock play -- bring helmets Off the water around 3:00 pm -- If interested -- post here -- Les

Mary, I also have fond memories of you doing the current dance at Woods Hole, Bailey Island trips, leadership training, Jewel Island camping, just to name a few. Last year on Jewel we talked about our mutual love of the Impex Force 3 - one of the first performance boats made for us wee people. I remember during that festive occasion, I told you that I liked a piece of paddling equipment that you had on your pfd and you immediately offered to give it to me. I was taken aback by your kindness and generosity, but not necessarily surprised having come to know you as a gracious, kind and gentle but strong woman. I don't know if you are aware but you were sorely missed by many of us when you took off in your RV to the wilds of Alaska some years ago. A toast to the many happy memories of paddling a "Force" - Les

Looks like a fine day to be on the water. Although the forecast does call for Tstorms later this afternoon - the possibility is 30% --so unless that % changes dramatically, I will be at Walden around 4:30 -- Les

A beautiful night to be on the water. We had some successful rollers and almost-there-rollers. Still working on that reverse forward sweep roll - it is so humbling to keep blowing a roll but maybe I will master it at the Hudson River Greenland Paddlers Festival this weekend. What is different this year than last year is the timing of the "off the water" call. In the past, the warden gave boaters 15 minutes or so to leave the parking lot. This year, it is literally 5 minutes to load your boat, get your gear and drive out of the parking lot. If you watched us leave last night, we did a good imitation of the keystone cops. I am not sure what the warden does if you do not leave at the desginated time but I do fear that they lock the entry gate and then you can't drive out. If you plan to paddle Walden in the early evening - it is wise to be off the water closer to 7:15, the latest. When Bill asked the warden why we did not have more warning, he just chuckled. Les

Hi David, People start to arrive anytime between 5:00 - 5:30. Don't know the water temp but I have recently been going to Walden to practice rolling a couple of times a week. I wear a wetsuit, a long sleeve top along with my tuliq and I am toasty. I am mostly upside down in my boat so I may need the extra warmth more than others. For those who do not plan on getting wet and want to limit practice to forward stroke technique then lighter clothing is probably just fine. I will bring some extra clothing for the smaller paddler just in case. Les