vanne

Mary, I don't think I paddled with you that often, but I do remember being at Farnhams, when you were leaving for somewhere - probably after paddling at Conomo. Hope to run into you in quiet water where I spend a lot of time if I can. Anne

Thanks for the background information Deb. I don't blame people in Essex for wanting access to their beach, but I'd hope that they wouldn't begrudge us a place to park when there are lots of them available. It's good to know the risks. Anne

I parked at Clammers' beach about two weeks ago on a Friday. There were two signs indicating sticker parking only, but no signs across from the houses. I parked across from the houses and was out for a couple of hours, with no ticket. There were lots of spaces to park. I'm sure it's different on weekends.

I don't know if you have to pay to use the boat launch if you don't live in Ipswich, but it's usually very busy on weekends - not so bad during the week or after the season.

Island Road is now sticker parking only also.

I plan to be there. Anne

I'd like to attend - Thanks for arranging this

That's a great idea! How about during the Schooner Festival (Labor Day weekend). On Sunday morning, gather at Greasy Pole early enough to park. Watch the parade of boats past the boulevard, then follow them out to Dogbar and watch the race for a bit. Fiesta might be another good time, earlier in the summer, but I've done the Schooner trip a few times already and would also be happy to help out if I can. Anne red over white cd slipstream yellow over white heritage nomad

I actually thought the solstice paddle was a pretty good thing from some perspectives, as one who paddled around Plum Island Sound for years without any really sobering experiences and then I started paddling with the legendary Mr. Burnett and company. I have to say it gave me new respect and a lot more skills than I would have if left to my own modest paddling aspirations. I do think it was key that we had many calm and skillful paddlers in the group, who also worked together well, which I would imagine inspired confidence as well as bringing the capsized paddlers back to safety. I think running a second Solstice paddle later in the summer might be a great idea. Everyone would be a bit more skilled by then

Suz, Near Ipswich, there's currently Appleton Farms (Rte1A Ipswich), where you can also pick up Fresh Catch (the Fish CSA from Gloucester) and Green Meadows (Asbury St in Hamilton). I've heard that Connors (Rte 35 in Danvers). Marini's is considering it for next year - you can weigh in on their Facebook page. You may want to ask if the food is local and/or organic, because CSA's are becoming very popular. Ipswich Natural Food and the Coastal Green Grocer carry organic foods. Anne

Ross - I know some people who might be willing to workshops on natural history and/or birding, biodiversity etc. If you're interested, please email me at vanne at aol dot com. Thanks, Anne

It was not a great year for me in terms of quantity of either time on the water or distances traveled, but there were definitely some good experiences. The Solstice paddle was great both seeing for lots of new and old friends, but also for some unexpected, but well managed adventure. I also had a chance to paddle from Foote Brothers downstream from the dam in mid summer. Normally that stretch of river has very little flow in the summer. It has some interesting bridges, a small dam and an area of riffles that were fun. Definitely changed my opinion of river paddling. Finally a late summer day out of Lane's cove, up the Annisquam and across to Wingasheek on one of those lovely late summer days that you just don't want to end. Hoping next year provides more opportunities. Anne

Oh Thanks! I wondered how to do that also. Anne

Rick and Rob, Thanks for having the sessions. I wish I'd been able to make more of them, but glad I got to a few. Anne

Also - best to launch kayaks at Pavillion (Ipswich) at the boat launch end of the beach - Someone on the beach didn't like me coming back in mid-beach (even briefly, althought I had launched correctly). The parking lot is full on weekends now. Anne