alcoons

Am I somehow missing it on the calendar or is there no Solstice Paddles this year? If there are, do we have a date?

Hi Beth, David and Sherry, I am also planning to head out that way on the 17th. I did it decades ago at the first parade of sails and, more recently, joined the crazy fleet of boats following the Constitution turn around. The latter was so dangerous I would not consider being in the flotilla of following boats again. David's comments are right on. It can be much more hectic and dangerous than one would imagine with significant boat chop, traffic, and limitations. Once we get more details we could start brain storming about how to approach it. Some concerns: keeping a group together among the boat traffic. What level of skills are needed to handle the conditions and distances. Good route planning given any constraints. For example, we could not cross the channel on my first trip. We did pull up on a good island, get some elevation, and watch some of the parade from there. That was great. We also found staying away from the viewing line as long as possible as we paddled helped. In other words, move away from the main channel to get some safe distance in. So there are the normal decisions to be made with any trip plus the complications David point out. Should be a great day! Al PS. Way back then were so few kayaks that the motor boaters were worrying about us. Of course most of them were anchored on the viewing line and rocking back and forth so badly that many people were sick. They kept offering us food, drink, and help. Of course the kayaks rode right over the confused chop and we felt fine but we enjoyed the shared food and concern.

Rob, Bob, and Phil, Thanks for great meeting and careful thought about what CAM really means. Lots of good ideas, useful distinctions, and modeling CAM by having an open discussion rather than a lecture. Al

I replied with a maybe. Hope to make it. Like the new design. Makes sense. Al

Thanks Ed, I just posted on their Meetup site. Have a great Turkey Day, Al

Happy Thanksgiving to all, Has anyone been down the Nahanni River (Canada's Nortwest Territories) or do you know of anyone who has? Looks like an incredible world class area and canoe trip. Thanks, Al

Unfortunately l am out. Family commitments. Sorry and have a great time.

Pablo, I am interested. However, I think your proposed route goes through the replacement bridge site? As of last weekend, that was closed to all boating traffic. Maybe it is open now. Al

Since we are past the holiday, could someone contact me offline about Tucks Point. Thanks, Al

As mentioned in the trip description, parking is limited. In the past the spaces have turned over since runners and walkers who parked there come and go. However, this is not a trip to arrive at the last minute and assume you will get a space quickly. Note also that there are no facilities near the put-in so plan ahead. Should be a great day, Al

Got your info. Thanks so much. Al

The corrected link to the forms is: http://goo.gl/forms/Bcb0jhZCaE

Trip is now confirmed. -- Please fill in the 1 minute questionaire about contact and safety info at http://goo.gl/forms/uV3GrKvv9b assuggested by the NSPN CAM description. Please note that my cell number is in the introduction in case you need to contact me. Thanks, Al

Hi Yong, There is always room.

So glad you can make it. Saturday is a long way off, but the weather report so far looks good. Al

Boston Harbor Islands from Deer Island Date: Saturday Sept. 19 Launch: 9:30 AM, (Beach Briefing 9:15 AM). Early departure to take advantage of the tides and the limited parking. Status: Need committed paddlers to confirm. Confirmation will be posted on this thread. Route: 12-14 miles: Tour by many of the Boston Harbor Islands including Boston Light if conditions are appropriate. Note: at times kayakers are not allowed to land at the light) Put-in: Last parking lot (on left) on Tafts Avenue in Winthrop before you are stopped by the Deer Island gate (back about 1/4 mile?) http://www.gmap-pedo....com/?r=5974085 Trip Type and Tone: Level 3. CAM. All stay together. Support each other. Conservative decisions. Should be comfortable with wind and waves. Bring: Water & lunch, snacks, extra clothing, etc. Tides are very good: Low Tide: Around 9:48 AM, High Tide: Around 4 PM Al Coons Cetus Red over white, mostly over

Sounds as if you and Pablo are a perfect match. Go for it. I think I will pursue other interests. Thanks for posting and have a great time. Al

Thanks for trying to make this go. Right now it is hard to tell if there is enough people for two groups, what the distance would be, and who has the local knowledge to lead the shorter trip. Guess I was thinking more like 12 and less. Let's see what postings there are tonight.

Saturday looks much better than Sunday for weather. I am up for something shorter than 16 but post the trip you want and I will work around it. Al

I'm in. Car pool possible from Winchester.

Glad you can make it. Always great paddling with you two. Al

Trip is now confirmed. -- Please fill in the 1 minute questionaire about contact and safety info at http://goo.gl/forms/hgKWpqwvR0 as suggested by the NSPN CAM description. Please note that my cell number is in the introduction in case you need to contact me. Al

Marblehead, Bakers, Misery Date: Saturday 8/29 Launch: Riverhead, 9:45 AM (Beach Briefing 9:30 AM) to take advantage of the tides and hopefullly beat any thunderstorms. Status: Need a minimum of 1 other committed paddlers to confirm. Confirmation will be posted on this thread. Route: 12 miles: http://www.mappedome...maproute=454182 Depending on conditions, circumnavigate Bakers with stop on Misery ($5 for The Trustees unless you are a member) for lunch and walk. Misery Island is my single favorite lunch stop when kayaking in this area. Beautiful place, beautiful views, great history. Put-in: Riverhead boat ramp (on the left). This is a state access ramp so there is NO parking charge. Bathroom facilities and a busy beach across the street. Trip Type and Tone: Level 3. CAM. All stay together. Support each other. Conservative decisions. Should be comfortable with wind and waves. Bring: Water & lunch, snacks, extra clothing, etc. Tides: High Tide: Around 11:20 AM Low Tide 5:23 PM Al Coons Cetus Red over white, mostly over

Canceled due to lack of interest and most likely poor weather.

Marblehead, Bakers, Misery Date: Saturday 8/22 Launch: Riverhead, 9:30 AM (Beach Briefing 9:15 AM) to take advantage of the tides and hopefullly beat any thunderstorms. Status: Need a minimum of 2 other committed paddlers to confirm. Confirmation will be posted on this thread. Route: 12 miles: http://www.mappedometer.com/?maproute=454182 Depending on conditions, circumnavigate Bakers with stop on Misery ($5 for The Trustees unless you are a member) for lunch and walk. Misery Island is my single favorite lunch stop when kayaking in this area. Beautiful place, beautiful views, great history. Put-in: Riverhead boat ramp (on the left). This is a state access ramp so there is NO parking charge. Bathroom facilities and a busy beach across the street. Trip Type and Tone: Level 3. CAM. All stay together. Support each other. Conservative decisions. Should be comfortable with wind and waves. Bring: Water & lunch, snacks, extra clothing, etc. Tides are perfect: Low Tide: Around 11:05 PM Al Coons Cetus Red over white, mostly over