glad

Hi Deb - I sent you an email to the address that you listed. I hope I got it right. If not mine is: drkglad at gmail dot com Thanks, Karen

Hi Deb - thank you for responding to my message. I have the S/M Is there any chance I could try on your M/L helmut? I work on the Beverly Hospital Campus next thursday Dec 14. Where on the North Shore are you located? I could not send a message to you internally. Thank, Karen

Helmut update: I received my small Sweet Strutter Helmut. Wow! Is it substantial! However, I found the sides without a hat to be pressing pretty hard on my temples. I'm not sure if i would be comfortable after even an hour of wear. You can take out some padding but then there is nothing else to take out for a hat. I suppose I could just order a medium and send one back but it might not be a good fit overall. And then I would be shipping two back. Does anyone have a medium I could try on? Or is there anywhere around here where they sell them?

I seriously considered the Idol thinking it was a very good idea with lots of possibilities. And Kokotat was kind enough to send me a new suit to try. Also Lori Allen was awesome and let me try hers on. Maybe it was my chunky thighs but I found the cut too tight in the upper thighs on both Lori's and the Kokotat provided suit. I also had trouble with the zipper even though I'm a pretty mechanical person. Folks said you get better at it but I wondered/worried that manipulating it with cold hands could be an issue. In the end, the thigh comfort made me chose a back-to-basics style with a drop seat which I am happy with. I think it's very important to try the suit on, work with it and mimic the position and motions you would typically do. I brought a pair of heavy weight and light weight polypro to my neighborhood seamstress and she put in a zipper matching the relief contour and I've been very happy with it. No discomfort in my boat either. Karen

Thanks everybody for your suggestions. Decided to go with the sweet strutter helmut. I'm right in the middle of the small size range so I think it'll be easy to fit a warm hat or neoprene hood under it. New gear! Very excited.

I am looking to buy a new helmet with a brim so I don't have to wear my hat under it. I don't think I want to full ear protection. Could folks chime in about things to be mindful of with this purchase? NRS is having a sale but should I make sure I try it on? Thanks, Karen

I'm very sorry to hear this news. Jed had a big sense of humor and was an intrepid paddler.

Thanks to everyone for your input. Scott Camlin suggested the Impex Mystic which my brother has. I thought it was a very good idea. A definite step up; 14', no day hatch but a real boat, with good primary and secondary stability, a fairly deep cockpit for those who are nervous about a spray skirt and you can roll it.

Good question. This would be for ocean kayaking. Generally, touring, flat water but he sometimes likes a little excitement of waves.

Could folks let me know what boats might be good candidates for a tall 10 year old? It would be great to have something that was easy to drain. The last boat I got for him had to be brought on shore to drain through a plug. Also, this boy is growing really fast and he is projected to be well over 6 feet at full height...but that's a few more years down the road. Thanks! Karen

Per Josko's post, when I was in the Yucatan, we would paddle, don the snorkeling gear and roll over relax breathing with the snorkel and let the show go by. It was pretty cool. Slightly limiting for the deep critters but really fun. I would like to know when the peanut bunker invasion is at Woods Hole.

I'll be leaving for Guadeloupe soon for a week. Does anybody have any experience paddling in this area? Names of outfitters? I've seen a few outfitters on the island but by the looks of it, they have the usual sit-on-tops. Am trying to decide if it makes sense to bring my paddle which will change my baggage configuration. Thanks! Karen

I'll be leaving for Guadeloupe soon for a week. Does anybody have any experience paddling in this area? Names of outfitters? I've seen a few outfitters on the island but by the looks of it, they have the usual sit-on-tops. Am trying to decide if it makes sense to bring my paddle which will change my baggage configuration. Thanks! Karen

I plan to paddle likely out of Wellfleet Harbor or Pamet Harbor this coming saturday Oct 8. Unfortunately the tide is low at midday. So a likely route would be following Great Island around Jeremy point and paddling as far north as the group would like. I was thinking about a 10-14 mile day. There is a beautiful high escarpment (where I'd like to have my ashes scattered - but not that day) near Duck Harbor where we could have a snack and use as our turn around point. Another idea would be to leave out of Pamet Harbor in Truro. We could travel north towards Truro and make the crossing to Long Point Provincetown. .SAT...S WINDS 5 TO 10 KT. SEAS 1 FOOT OR LESS. A CHANCE OF SHOWERS. I'm thinking about a late morning put in 11ish. But could be convinced earlier or later depending on people's interest. Will make some definitive plans after hearing from folks. Please let me know if you have interest. My sharktivity app shows no great whites on the Bay Side for the last month. Thanks!, Karen drkglad at gmail dot com

I plan to paddle likely out of Wellfleet Harbor or Pamet Harbor this coming saturday Oct 8. Unfortunately the tide is low at midday. So a likely route would be following Great Island around Jeremy point and paddling as far north as the group would like. I was thinking about a 10-14 mile day. There is a beautiful high escarpment (where I'd like to have my ashes scattered - but not that day) near Duck Harbor where we could have a snack and use as our turn around point. Another idea would be to leave out of Pamet Harbor in Truro. We could travel north towards Truro and make the crossing to Long Point Provincetown. .SAT...S WINDS 5 TO 10 KT. SEAS 1 FOOT OR LESS. A CHANCE OF SHOWERS. I'm thinking about a late morning put in 11ish. But could be convinced earlier or later depending on people's interest. Will make some definitive plans after hearing from folks. Please let me know if you have interest. My sharktivity app shows no great whites on the Bay Side for the last month. Thanks!, Karen drkglad at gmail dot com

I am flexible about what folks could pitch in but am thinking $34/night for one of the two bunks. Karen drkglad at gmail dot com

I rented one of the cottages (a new one, I am told) at Sagahodoc Campground and am looking for 2 women or possibly men house mates for the Rendezvous to share the cost. There are two bedrooms; one with a queen and the other with bunks. There is also a pull out couch in the living room. The cost including tax is: $136 per night. Please contact me if you would be interested in sharing the space and cost. Thanks!, Karen drkglad at gmail dot com

That is awesome, gentlemen! A huge achievement and a lot of hard work. Congratulations! Karen

Looking forward to seeing you all later. I'll be bringing something green. Karen

Liz - that is soo funny! Especially the replay. Karen

I hate when my cat does that!!! Thanks, everybody. Karen

I recently sent my 15 year old dry suit back to Kokatat for what I hoped would be some repairs to hold me until I could figure out which dry suit to buy. I was told this evening that they found (or caused?) a delamination during the leak testing. What a bonanza! I am on cloud nine. (You have to take joy wherever you can find it...) Meanwhile, I have read a few good reviews on the new two piece Idol design. I would like to try this suit on. Suz, you mentioned someone in the club had one. Could you please let me know who? I have found it pretty scary in the instance of using an actual toilet to do my business with the drop down. So I might consider the front relief zipper if I don't go with the two piece. Would folks please address some of these concerns? Your opinions, experience, jokes included are much appreciated. Karen

I just discovered a leak in my dry suit at the taping of my lower back. I'm reluctant to use aqua seal because it seems to harden when dry and I'm afraid it will chafe. Does anyone have any other suggestions? Should I just use a very light coat of it? Thanks, Karen

According to Greg Paquin - the Valley day hatch cover will work for my NDK Pilgrim.

HI Liz - I may be interested in your trip though predictions call for more wind towards the afternoon. I will PM you. Karen