bazzert

Cant really contribute to the ferry route conversation, but congrats on coastalpaddling.com. Really useful and well executed tool. Barry.

Anyone out on the islands this year, busier than usual ? I ask, because we are planning a trip early to mid sept; wil be bringing kids so less flexibility to paddle additional miles if occupied. Specifically considering the MITA islands in the vicinity of Isle of Springs, Boothbay. If anyone has a sense of how heavily used they are would appreciate the advice. Thanks, Barry.

>> Only 30 women in the whole world make it to the Games, and one of them is from Maine. Thats awesome! what is her name and how did she do ? The crossfit games are kind of clever in that that first event is always a modality they are not familiar with and its always interesting (and sometimes comical) how it challenges athletes who are otherwise at the top of their game.

Thanks for all the great advice. I ordered a thermolite liner. Looking forward to seeing how it works out. Barry.

Hi All, Camped on Squam this past weekend and my sleeping bag, while great for summer / early fall, is not up to the mid-thirties temperatures we experienced. Would love to hear about your suggestions for a cold(er) weather bag that packs down small enough for kayak camping. thanks! Barry.

Thanks Kyle / Prudence / Jeff, I reached out to Muscongus Marina and they confirmed that they charge $10 per night to park, and $5 to launch. A small price for peace of mind! I was leery of occupying space at Round Pond. There is also a public landing in Waldoboro or I have also used the parking and launch on Bradford point road in Friendship; but like Round Pond its relatively small. Barry.

Hi all, Looking for any recommendations for good launch and overnight parking (1 night) preferably on the western shore of Muscongus Bay. Paid/Commercial okay. I know there is a launch in Round Pond but dont know the overnight parking situation. thanks! Barry.

I have a reservation for this sunday and monday nights on the group site (up to 12people) on Moon Island, Squam Lake. Sadly we are not going to be able to use and I wanted to offer it to my NSPN colleagues. If interested, pm me and I can exchange the details. If you have not paddled squam lake before its an absolute treat. Easy parking, launch and great places to explore.

Fantastic trip and report! Almost felt like I was there. Barry.

Hi David, We have paddled in the area a couple of times. We launched from Brooklin (we had prior permission to park and launch from the Wooden Boat School, but you could also launch from the public launch at Naskeag point). From there it's an exposed but relatively short crossing to the vicinity of Opechee Island and then a sheltered run down to the north shore of Swan. The shoreline of swan is beautiful and interesting. In summer, a swim in the freshwater quarry is very welcome. There are a couple of MITA islands in the area; but also check the website of the Maine Coast Heritage Trust as they have a couple of stunning islands you can camp on, including Marshall and Hog (near Brooklin). PM me for gps tracks or any other questions. On the return this year we paddled directly from the northern end of Marshall to Saddleback in the Stonington archipelago; conditions were ideal for the ~ 4 mile crossing, but it is very exposed otherwise. Barry.

Painful to watch, I think we all know how difficult surf can be to deal with and he clearly does not have much (any?) experience in it. On another topic, I also find it painful to see how people can sit and video another human being struggle and not offer/provide any assistance so they can get the lulz on youtube. I've helped rec boaters launch many times, even helped push a power boat off the sand at Crowninhead Island. It's what you do! Barry.

wow! great report and pictures. Barry.

Thanks for the tip Gary, I just got my set (of course, I had to order all 3), doing a quick check it seems to include all the landings that I might have considered 'obscure'. These are a 'must have' for any Maine paddler. This year we had luck for extended parking with local land trusts and private business (Wooden Boat School). Ask nicely! As a reminder, the Mass Office of Coastal Zone Management publishes a guide to access points on the north shore. Currently out of print but you can access the online content here. Barry.

Katherine, Jason https://goo.gl/maps/GrGh1 Also on my list, the half mile crescent beach is supposed to be spectacular. I think Peter Brady and some others may have paddled it a bit back. Barry.

Ugh! Just spoke with Werner support. They received my paddle but apparently it's "too old" to repair (despite the fact that I told them it was at least 6 years old before I sent it in). They are going to send it back to me. My only thought now is to somehow fuse the two halves to make a one piece paddle, not very convenient but better than none. Good idea or not ? And if so, what's the best adhesive/technique to fusing it ? Thanks for all your help! Barry.