mesbennett

Pru, what a treat to find this report...I am in deep hot texas and without boat but longing to paddle so it was great fun to follow your trip..BEAUTIFUL pics wow maryb..who still sometimes lurks on the NSPN site ...a fix for a former paddler!

Yes, there comes a time when one must admit that some activities of youth are really not doable forever...For me, it is time that I admit that big water paddling is one of those actvities.Surfing and rock hopping,10 day kayaking in the bays of Maine are now too challenging. It is time to focus on less demanding physical activities and endevors. I joined NSPN in 2004 and am very grateful to all those who, over the years, have coached me, and afforded great opportunities to learn and hone skills, and to have a great time on the waters! There were some very special people involved in that process and to them I give them my thanks and very warm regards! The sad news includes the fact that I have just listed my favorite boat, Force 3, and a paddle in the classifieds. I am exceedingly grateful to the advice (from an NSPNer who knows who she is) to NOT sell my Mystic when I bought the Force 3. I will love paddling my Mystic on lakes and coves for several years to come. I wish all "Good Journeys! mb

On my way across the country, the closed cell foam which I had on the bulk head for my feet blew out! So now I am looking for a source to replace it. I am in Texas so it will have to be purchased on the net. Any suggestions as to what to look for and sources? thanks in advance maryb Mystic & Impex and Force 3

oh my gosh Rob! There we are...me behind and you leading the way!!! how VERY cool!!!! mb

Hey Gary! Dates work perfectly for me. Great to see so many responding so quickly to the post! Hoping that Gail is going to come as well Ed!!! Will be great to catch up. maryb currently in South Carolina volunteering in the Francis Marion Natl forest and paddling Cape Romain!

I note that there is a post for a post-meeting paddle on Sept 25. I do not see where the announcement of this meeting was posted...AND....I do not see the meeting on the calendar...What am I missing here?? maryb

Suz, I am at Hog Island and will be here until monday pm. If you send me more info relative to when and where you might have lost/dropped it, I could go and look. I have my Force 3 with me. mb

Great pics Gary and a great trip...MANY thanks !!!! maryb

Hi Rob! I would like to attend this on May 29 and learn more about CAM. I have not done a land based session...is that ok?? I will be looking on the net for more info about CAM and talking with folks on Jewell about the same. looking forward to the experience maryb

Hey Gary, Thanks so much for organizing this again..I have been three times, I think, and every time was great..and each was a different experience, rain or shine, windy or calm!!! This time I plan to do some birding! It will still be migrating season! Hoping that some will join me in the "meadow" ....what a pleasant environment to put up a tent! AND I understand that the toilet facilities have been upgraded...wow...almost too convenient! Looking forward to a good paddle after two summers in Alaska! maryb

Yeah Gary!! I am DEFINITELY in!!! Planning to spend this summer in NH and paddling....a lot! Two summers in AK were wonderful..but missed paddling and gardening!! I will be returning with my rv from Colorado and would also prefer the next weekend.... SOOO glad that you are organizing this again Gary!! maryb

Hi to all, Am thinking that it would be really great to paddle in Glacier Bay But am having problems finding anything but beginner/sleep on a boat kinds of trips. Anyone have any leads that I could use to gather more information...or any suggestions relative to that activity in that part of the world? Paddled the other day in a small lake and was delighted to find that my roll is still with me! Phew! Thanks in advance maryb currently outside of Denali and continuing to have a great time exploring our wonderful world!

I am now in Colorado AND on my way back to Alaska! Last year's trip was beyond belief! I never got to the Inside Passage but did get up to the Arctic Ocean! If you are interested you could go to http://adventuresofmeb.shutterfly.com and look at posts from my trip from last summer. I will keep it current this summer. I am going to post on Trips, that I am looking for folks who might want to join me in July or August for a paddle in AK out of Seward. Looking forward to having my boats back east summer of 2011! In the meantime, I will be following the message board to keep up with the goings on! maryb, Currently waiting for the snow to stop so that I can go over the Mountains without chains! maryb

Hi, Just tried to go through the renewal process..a few clicks and then was told that I had renewed....how did the $ change hands???? maryb

Hi Gary, I am currently in Smithers, British Columbia having spent 4 months poking in the corners of Alaska. I passed over every connected paved road in the state and LOTS of the gravel ones, including the Haul Road to Prudhoe Bay!! Done some paddling as well - Aialik Bay out of Seward which I HIGHLY recommend, Nellie Juan area out of Whitter, Shoup Bay out of Valdez which I did solo. That was a three day adventure!! Kayaking is VERY different here in AK and they do wear rubber boots (X-tra tuffs) and rain gear when they paddle! Waters generally are VERY protected! Alaska is a FABULOUS state! I hope to return next year! Gary, I am currently in a repair shop having work done on the Rialta...so I do not have my computer and thus not your personal address. when I get connected I will email you. maryb

Hey Gary! will be thinking fondly of you all on that weekend...I will be paddling out of Homer Ak, in Katchmak Bay....bcu 3* training and hoping to meet folks who paddle in Ak. Have not been in the boat since Oct and am thinking this is a good way to find out about camping with bears!!!! having a great time so far .. have been on the road for just over a month. No chance to paddle....up until Palmer,AK there lakes have been completely frozen in!!! maybe I will be back in time next year for the Jewell paddle!!! have fun! maryb

Actually I have a site on shutterfly on which I intend to post pics and comments. Would send the link to any who are interested in knowing what I am up to....may be more information than you want...but you can choose to not look!!! maryb

Hi Suz, Going in the Rialta! up through canada. Leaving on March 29. Plan to stay into the fall. Who knows, maybe I will find a cheap place to live up near Fairbanks and winter over! Would love to learn how to mush and of course I already know about snow machines! I am getting my clinical social work license in Alaska so I might even find some sort of volunteer work or maybe I could work for a musher! Would love to volunteer for the Yukon Quest or the Iditerod! wow Or maybe I will leave in the fall and come down on the ferry, paddling along the way! Then spending the Christmas holidays in Colorado with my son's family and returning east in time for the gardening/paddling season. Is it not nice to be foot loose and fancy free!!! Going to boon dock much of the time and eat peanut butter and jelly! $ will go to paddling and gas! yup! I am going to have some GREAT adventures....and I will look out for all those bears! And you know Suz, you could fly up and join me for a paddle somewhere!!! HINT< HINT a VERY EXCITED maryb

YOu have them girl!!! send me your address and I will put them in the mail! mb

Leaving for alaska in 29 days:lol: I am very excited! Have signed with Tom Pogson at Alaska Kayak School for a 3* three day traing, camping in Kachemak Bay across from Homer. Can't wait!! AND moving to a new condo SO cleaning out stuff including: Free for postage Wayne Horodowich's USK video series 1&2, and 3. anyone want them?? maryb

Before I head off to AK in April, I would like to have opportunity to refresh strokes and roll. Would whomever has influence in pool sessions in NH contact me? Please maryb mesbennett5@comcast.net just to make it easier!!!

I am leaving home today and will be paddling to Goslings on Friday parking at Lookout Pt. Will connect with Roger sometime Friday as a final update. otherwise will look for flashing paddles sat and sun Anyone can join at any time! maryb

don't know of a MITA island on Muscle Ridge...well except Nettle which only allows 4 people or Cylends which only allows 2. But that was further out than I was thinking. I have paddled Muscongus a lot so am looking for something that I have not done much. I am also thinking that some might be first time campers so closer to put in and more protected would be in order. so I am thinking New Meadows River....the Basin takes 8 and I have never been there..lots of protected water and interesting paddling...likely good fall colors especially up in the Back Cove on the east shore. There is a put in on Meadowbrook Rd where we could leave a car and/or some could put in there. But I am not sure how many cars we can leave there. And there is Cundy's Harbor. But you know this area much better than I and would have better suggestions! And there is always Little Snow. Eagle is good but not for more than two or maybe three tents and then would have to do some clearing. Owners would not mind, at least did not when I spoke with them earlier in the year. Any comments or feedback is welcome. boy I am opening myself up here!!! maryb

I am planning to camp on a MITA island somewhere ...not too far east... the first weekend in Oct. Anyone interested?? maryb

New message for Rick I am going to be at the Symposium in ME fri, sat and sun. If you know of anyone coming with whom you could connect, could you give them my booties?? thanks maryb after a great paddle today in Mussel Ridge. On to Great Wass tomorrow. Karen would have loved to join you after the symposium,but need to be home on Tuesday!!!! maryb