Jump to content

PeterB

Guest
  • Posts

    2,443
  • Joined

  • Last visited

Everything posted by PeterB

  1. Yes, the Cliffhouse is a big feature on a popular (over the years) paddling trip from Cape Neddick to Ogunquit and back. CliffHouse is roughly halfway to Ogunquit from the launch spot in Cape Neddick Harbor, and right beneath the Cliffhouse is a notch or mini-cove which is a great place to linger and have a play, as waves run into the cove but just dissipate and do not break at the far end where its quite deep , so its a fairly safe place to venture into, turn around and come out again. Overall, its a great day trip, with nice rocky shoreline, easy navigation (keep Maine on your left heading north, keep Maine on your right coming back ) options to stop for ice cream in Perkins Cove, and surf play at the south end of Ogunquit Beach, which is the turnaround point.
  2. Please note that the yearly tidal training class at Sullivan Falls with Nate Hanson and Pinniped Kayak is happening again this year. It was originally posted for Friday Sept 9th but changed back to Thursday Sept. 8th, and is on his schedule. This is not an NSPN trip or event, but has been scheduled by Pinniped in concert with the NSPN Downeast Retreat, which begins on Friday (with a meet & greet Thursday evening ) and some retreat attendees have often done the class on their way to Bar Harbor. So for those interested , all arrangements should be made directly with Pinniped Kayak. http://www.pinnipedkayak.com/sea-kayaking-classes-calendar/2015/9/10/tidal-currents-with-nspn-sullivan-falls-7wlhn-yj4xf-j3sjn-fb4xe
  3. This is a bump up/ update for the NSPN Downeast Retreat, now less than 2 months away. We now have 18 RSVP’s, and have started a group PM for attendees to communicate in advance of the event. 1) If you RSVP’d and plans have changed and you will not be going, please go to the calendar posting RSVP area, change your status to “ declined " If you will be going but haven’t RSVP’d on the calendar posting, please do so asap. 2) If you are going, make sure you have accommodations reserved somewhere! Bar Harbor has been getting much busier later into the season: the weekend after Labor day is no longer the off season, and accommodations have been getting busier and more expensive. 3) if you have any questions or concerns, feel free to contact me by PM (PeterB) or by email or text if you have my contact info. Cheers, Peter
  4. I agree that is a valuable addition. Regarding ferry route accuracy: on a recent paddle trip to Swans Island, we noticed during our long approach to our take out near the ferry dock that the incoming ferry ahead of us went inside rather than outside (as expected) green can 3 on its approach to the ferry dock; this was close to high tide so presumably the ferry operators may cut corners or otherwise slightly alter routes as experience and prudence dictate. This in turn suggests that here and there might be some deviation in ferry routes we see on maps and charts. Chart 1 shows the actual approach of the ferry as we witnessed it. You can see the turn inside green can 3 Chart 2 shows how this route could be shown on your charts: a wider swath ( translucent so that none of the chart is blotted out) might suggest some reasonable expected deviation in a ferry route. Chart 3 (Grand Manan Ferry route) shows how this might look in the context of a large scale chart. Your chart work is fantastic!
  5. What an excellent trip report. Captures both the paddling essence and the ... "look and feel" of of the island as I remember it. . I was there for about a week , and would add a few things : * A circumnav. should be doable, since you can really fly with the current up and down each side of the island, but it would be a long day. We did the entire east coast in one day, and the entire west side on an another day, paddling almost effortlessly at 5-6 knots for big stretches. * I was there in extremely fair and calm conditions after a big hurricane. But it wouldn't take much at all to ramp up the conditions (currents with standing waves) there. I hear that Tom Bergh did a foray there as it was being considered one of the few places in N America with conditions suitable for a BCU 5 star assessment. He reported eddies several boat lengths wide that were extremely difficult to cross and generally manage. The area of ledges and islets south of the island feature an area that says on the chart '; " very heavy on the ebb" . * Dark Harbor is truly a unique place. There were a couple of cabins with Canadian and Confederate flags flying; which tells you... something, but I'm not sure quite what. On long holiday weekends people gather there , and the police just set up roadblocks to keep everyone from leaving until the weekend is over and the alcohol wears off. That would be an interesting place to get stuck on one of those weekends.
  6. Millbridge public boat launch is close to Dyer Bay: launch there, paddle out the Narragaugus River into Narragaugus Bay and explore the wonderful islands of the area: Shipstern, Jordan's Delight, Bois Bubert, Pond islands. Paddle out on the ebb, return on the flood. Mind the tides, currents, shallows, ledges, mudflats; they're all more pronounced and more splendid and ... well, just more there : the water moves up there , and not a good place to paddle against the current or be surprised by anything.
  7. Glad you mentioned navigation challenges! At some point I realized that Squam is a deceptively challenging place to navigate: it looks simple because distances between points are not long , and consequences of errors are relatively mild, but islands and mainland blend into one another, everything looks the same: trees , rocks and water in all directions, with few discernible landmarks (lighthouses, cliffs, headlands etc) so its easy to goof if you're not on your toes. Its a great place for chart and compass work, and to have a navigation workshop within-a-workshop, as evidently you did. .
  8. Yes, I think it was recorded. A notification popped up on my screen at the beginning of the session.
  9. In the past United Divers in Somerville (Washington Street, near Union Square) did drysuit gasket repair and install work, and supplied gaskets. Not sure of their status now, but it might be worth giving them a call.
  10. I'm very surprised that the video shows only one tiedown strap around the boat. The bow and stern lines don't entirely prevent yaw while underway, which is the biggest hazard, and two straps securing the boat to the car would be much safer. Best if the forward strap is as far forward as possible.
  11. Saddleback. Not my photos, but somehow ended up in my files and they fit the bill...
  12. full moon paddle, Vinalhaven. The three little blips of light on the water are paddlers.
  13. I can now imagine an amphibious assault version of Burnham Wood coming to Dunsinane.
  14. The Bold Coast trail coast system within the Cutler Coast public land comes to mind as a potential coasteering venue. Also Cross Island nearby, which has a network of trails throughout the island, along with campsites. A Cross Island nautical circumnavigation plus land bound circumnavigation on island trails would be possible in one day, which would slake the thirst of the ambitious coasteer!
  15. until
    Eighth Annual NSPN Downeast Retreat, Bar Harbor, ME September 9-12, 2022 Initiator: Peter Brady This now-traditional 4 day event will be from Friday Sept. 9th to Monday Sept.12th , with group paddles each day on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Monday is a travel day, with options for a shorter trip winding down midday or early afternoon. Most people travel & arrive on Thursday afternoon or evening and depart on Monday afternoon. Some arrive sooner and leave later, There will likely be some options for biking the Acadia National Park carriage trails and day hikes in the area. Each day there will be organized paddles (likely two or three) around Mount Desert Island, based on weather and conditions that day. We have a menu of trips suited to this area, and experienced participants familiar with the area to lead trips . We can meet at Rose Eden every morning and around dinner time to create and confirm paddling plans for the next day. Our base of operations will be at Rose Eden Cottages Rte 3, Bar Harbor, Rose Eden is a cottage resort with some 12 cabins. We can gather there for car caravans to launch sites, and in the evening to plan next days trips. We have moved our base of operations for 2022 to Rose Eden, across the road from LLangolan Inn, to ensure reservations for more people earlier for the coming year. A number of yearly attendees will have already reserved at Rose Eden. Accommodations are on your own. Make your own arrangements (including reservations, cancellation deposits whatever) for your entire stay during this event. You are encouraged to make reservations (at Rose Eden or elsewhere) as far in advance as possible, as Bar Harbor is becoming more popular as a travel destination. Each day there will be organized paddles (likely two or three) around Mount Desert Island, based on weather and conditions that day. We have a menu of trips suited to this area, and experienced participants familiar with the area to lead trips . We can meet at Rose Eden every morning and around dinner time to create and confirm paddling plans for the next day. There is a full moon on Saturday this year, so we will try to organize a full moon paddle if weather and conditions allow. If you are interested in attending, please RSVP (" I’m going") here in the calendar posting on Sept. 9th. 2022. A Group PM with all of participants will get going in the months before the event , for information sharing, planning and communication . Some recommended lodging: Rose Eden: our vase of operations. 12 modest cabins, a gathering area in the rear , laundry facilities. Llangolan Inn & Cottages : across the street from Rose Eden; similar to Rose Eden with 8 bungalows and a few rooms in the main inn. Hadley Point Campground: this campground close by, on Hadley Point Road. With a laundry room and hot showers. Robbins Motel: not far from Llangolan on Rte 3 for those looking for the most economical no-frills lodging on the island. Eden Village: A cottage resort similar to Llangolan, a short ways away on Rte 3. Trenton (off the Island): Just across the bridge to Mount Desert Island, between Ellsworth and Bar Harbor there are cottages and motels that are probably less pricey than on Mt. Desert Island.  There are many other options for lodging in the area, including fine (but less conveniently located) campgrounds . This is a rain or shine event! This event has been a success because there is fine paddling to be had somewhere around the island in all but very harsh conditions, and if the weather is too crummy to paddle anywhere on the ocean we can paddle the inland ponds and lakes like Long Pond or Eagle Lake, or explore & hike Acadia National Park, or play tourist around Bar Harbor. People have often taken a day off from paddling to explore Mount Desert Island and there might well be an organized hike , bike safari or two mixed into the festivities. If you have any questions: contact Peter Brady (PeterB on the message board ) by PM Quote
  16. Eighth Annual NSPN Downeast Retreat, Bar Harbor, ME September 9-12, 2022 Initiator: Peter Brady This now-traditional 4 day event will be from Friday Sept. 9th to Monday Sept.12th , with group paddles each day on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Monday is a travel day, with options for a shorter trip winding down midday or early afternoon. Since this retreat has been a success for seven years years running it will be run on a roughly similar schedule as in past years. Most people travel & arrive on Thursday afternoon or evening and depart on Monday afternoon. Some arrive sooner and leave later, There will likely be some options for biking the Acadia National Park carriage trails and day hikes in the area. Each day there will be organized paddles (likely two or three) around Mount Desert Island, based on weather and conditions that day. We have a menu of trips suited to this area, and experienced participants familiar with the area to lead trips . We can meet at Rose Eden every morning and around dinner time to create and confirm paddling plans for the next day. Some favorite destinations are: the Porcupine Islands off of Bar Harbor in Frenchmans Bay, the Cranberry Islands on the south side of MDI, Bartlett Island and Sound, and Blue Hill Bay on the West Side, and the dramatic eastern shore of the island between Bar Harbor and Seal Harbor. In the last couple of years our variety of trips expanded further into the Gott Islands and Somes Sound, and new trip ideas are always welcome. There is a full moon on Saturday this year, so we will try to organize a full moon paddle if weather and conditions allow. Our base of operations will be at Rose Eden Cottages Rte 3, Bar Harbor, Rose Eden is a cottage resort with some 12 cabins. We can gather there for car caravans to launch sites, and in the evening to plan next days trips. We have moved our base of operations for 2022 to Rose Eden, across the road from LLangolan Inn, to ensure reservations for more people earlier for the coming year. A number of yearly attendees will have already reserved at Rose Eden. Accommodations are on your own. Make your own arrangements (including reservations, cancellation deposits whatever) for your entire stay during this event. You are encouraged to make reservations (at Rose Eden or elsewhere) as far in advance as possible, as Bar Harbor is becoming more popular as a travel destination. If you are interested in attending, please RSVP (" I’m going") in the calendar posting on Sept. 9th. 2022. A Group PM with all of participants will get going in the months before the event , for information sharing, planning and communication . Some recommended lodging: Rose Eden: our vase of operations. 12 modest cabins, a gathering area in the rear , laundry facilities. Llangolan Inn & Cottages : across the street from Rose Eden; similar to Rose Eden with 8 bungalows and a few rooms in the main inn Hadley Point Campground: this campground close by, on Hadley Point Road. With a laundry room and hot showers. Robbins Motel: not far from Llangolan on Rte 3 for those looking for the most economical no-frills lodging on the island. Eden Village: A cottage resort similar to Llangolan, a short ways away on Rte 3. Trenton (off the Island): Just across the bridge to Mount Desert Island, between Ellsworth and Bar Harbor there are cottages and motels that are probably less pricey than on Mt. Desert Island.  There are many other options for lodging in the area, including fine (but less conveniently located) campgrounds . This is a rain or shine event! This event has been a success because there is fine paddling to be had somewhere around the island in all but very harsh conditions, and if the weather is too crummy to paddle anywhere on the ocean we can paddle the inland ponds and lakes like Long Pond or Eagle Lake, or explore & hike Acadia National Park, or play tourist around Bar Harbor. People have often taken a day off from paddling to explore Mount Desert Island and there might well be an organized hike , bike safari or two mixed into the festivities. If you have any questions: contact Peter Brady (PeterB on the message board ) by PM
  17. This is an awesome thread! I've got a variety of ill- performing zippers, ( the bane of my existence : sleeping bags, gadget bags, rain parkas, zip- up beverage storage bags etc.) so I will be trying any and all of the zipper remedies mentioned here on my various poor performing zippers ! All I have to add is: I've aways used a disc of bees wax (Amesbury Industrial supply @ $2,00 : outstanding !) to maintain theperformance my Kokatat drysuit zippers , with good results. I also rub my hiking boot shoestrings with the same bees wax, as one of my major pet peeves is how hiking shoe laces tend to be round, and can easily loosen and untie, at the most maddenly inopportune moments....
  18. Helmets are a personal thing since head shapes vary so much. ; you need to try on before you buy. This is not an item to be bought online, at least not without a good return policy .You might discover that a helmet feels uncomfortable after wearing for a full day or longer as ill- fitting ares or pressure points become apparent. Popular high quality (more pricey) brands are Gath and Sweet Protection. Newbury Kayak and Canoe has Gath, and Zoar Outdoor (western Mass. ) has Sweet Protection, at least the last I checked. . Otherwise, NRS and Pro Tec Helmets are popular and a bit less pricey . I found the Sweet Protection helmets very comfortable, with a very good but simple padded interior, fewer straps, bands etc to create pressure points.
  19. I believe it was in the channel that runs around the southern perimeter near Two Penny Loaf of Wingaersheek. Are there any current tables for that area? Karen, The only nearby current station I could find is near Annisquam light, way too far away to be useful in this discussion. There might not be a current station at the Essex Bay entry for the reason Joe pointed out : the area is perhaps too much " subject to continual changes" (shifting sands etc) to provide consistent & reliable data. Otherwise one might expect a current station there (like for Plum Island Sound and mouth of the Merrimack, though those two move a whole lot more water & would feature more significant currents than Essex Bay) as it is an area of commercial navigation interest, with lots of boats entering and leaving Essex Bay. If the " huge rip" area you mean is indeed the channel on the inside of Twopenny Loaf (around its southern perimeter) : it would be surprising to see a " huge ebb" there , through some standing wave action would not be impossible. As a general guideline for that little channel area, I would just avoid it on the ebb as it's diminishing in volume and becoming mostly mudflats (why paddle there?) anyway. But not sure if you actually mean this area. It would help if the area in question were more precisely pinpointed as the description (e.g. Wingaersheek is nowhere nearby, I suspect you mean Coffins) is confusing.
  20. what Brian Nystrom said: it's stupid and sensationalistic to create headlines about kayakers being "almost swallowed " by whales. It is plausible that a kayaker (or some other large object or animal) could end up inside the mouth of a whale in the course of its feeding, which involves taking in large amounts of water into the mouth . It is not plausable (and journalistically irresponsible) to state or imply that a kayaker could be in any danger of being swallowed (i.e ingested) by a whale.
  21. Beth and others, Sorry for late reply. Yes: this is a Pinniped Kayak class, not an NSPN event, so all sign-ups, payments etc. are with Pinniped.
  22. Sullivan Falls Tidal Currents workshop Sept 9th is on the Pinniped calendar. http://www.pinnipedkayak.com/sea-kayaking-classes-calendar/2015/9/10/tidal-currents-with-nspn-sullivan-falls-7wlhn-yj4xf-j3sjn
  23. These oceanic crossings mystify me; I read an account of a Gulf of Mexico kayak crossing from the tip of the Yucatan to Louisiana. It sounded arduous, dangerous, not especially educational or informative, and not a lot of fun. Seems like the kayak is essentially a craft designed for coastal travel, hunting , and exploration and not designed for multi- day crossings out on the ocean, so using a kayak in that capacity becomes an exercise in ego and extremism.
  24. There has traditionally been a Sullivan Falls workshop run by Nate Hanson & Pinniped Kayak on the Thursday before the Friday-Monday NSPN Bar Harbor retreat : this year that would be Thursday Sept. 9th. This has worked out really well as participants can finish off the tidal falls event in mid afternoon and end up in Bar Harbor that evening primed for the NSPN event starting the next day. It's not on Pinniped's calendar yet : I have reached out to Nate Hanson notifying him of interest in having this event as in past years. Unless he's busy with other things at that time (dont see anything on his calendar) I would expect him to post a workshop there on Sept 9th soon. So, keep Sept. 9th in mind if you are interested in a Sullivan Falls session. Peter
×
×
  • Create New...