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I will not be able to attend either. Hey if anyone is out there praying for snow, please stop! Warren

It was 2010 and I signed up with Plum Island Kayak for a two hour guided paddle of the waters in the Joppa Flats section of Newburyport. Although the rental kayak I was given was OK, I noticed a wicked cool all black NDK Explorer. It happened to be owned by Rick Stoehrer who was guiding a different group. I remember thinking to myself if I really like kayaking someday I will own an Explorer. Warren

Pru, As always, another excellent trip report. It never ceases to amaze me how you sort through all the details of a multi-day event and weave them so beautifully into a report. As you can imagine, I would like to add a few thoughts for our gentle readers to consider. I would imagine after reading this report, some NSPN paddlers may feel a journey into Wilderness First Responder (WFR) training is what they seek. Keep in mind, it is a significant investment in time and effort. We found it involved 8 long days with time spent performing preparation and follow-up in an effort to maximize the learning. The investment of time and effort was greater than any other kayaking related course or program I have engaged in to-date. I thought it was an exceptional learning experience and very different from my previous three Wilderness First Aid programs. From my perspective, that is an important observation and requires an explanation. So here goes 1. For me, learning is most beneficial when I choose the activity and I am ready to embrace the knowledge. I wanted the WFR knowledge since I felt it would be useful when engaging in kayak trips in Alaska. On those trips the paddler is out for 10 plus days and more than several hours away from definitive care. You do not want to risk your health or end the trip prematurely. I found the WFR training to be far more extensive than the WFA training and just what I needed! 2. As Pru mentioned, the venue of the University of Massachusetts at Lowell was superb. Since we were nontraditional learners, we could add a unique series of experiences while also learning from the other students. I enjoyed the wide variety of buddies in our class and their many different backgrounds. I sensed we all brought unique creativity to problem solving which I had not seen to this extent. It also helped to have challenging weather conditions for all our outdoor scenarios. That added great purpose to our efforts. 3. In many ways, Wilderness First Responder training is all about planning, leadership and teamwork. While at the same time, you learn and practice a methodology for decision making which promotes a focused effort giving you confidence in your skills. You learn not only process, you also learn how to use gear and equipment is very creative ways to help your injured buddies. 4. Over the 8 days, we had many opportunities to reinforce the skills of planning, leadership and teamwork. The WFR training fits very well into my overall journey and was just the catalyst I needed to begin my next learning adventure And yes, I love the wicked cool patch and sticker as well! Warren

I use the Mack's earplugs all the time and they are terrific. Now it could be unique to me, but the plugs tend to cause ear infections so carry a small bottle of ear drying liquid called Swimmer's Ear. A few drops in the ears prior to applying the earplugs and you are good-to-go! Warren

Congratulations Bob, Andy and Rob! Well done! Warren

Kate and Josko, Excellent! I will be there. Warren

When I was training with Body Boat Blade in 2013, they had me try this technique. I sensed it was one of their "signature skills". I can see where it might be helpful when a large angry bear is after you. However, as Michael noted above, bears do swim. You just need to learn how to bop them on the head with your paddle as you make a hasty retreat. Hey, my 2015 Alaska expedition will take me into the transient killer whale playground. Perhaps I need a new skill that gets me on land in a speedy manner. I could see where that skill would be helpful when a 25 foot hungry mammal eating orca wants you as their breakfast! Oh boy, hungry killer whales and hungry bears all on the same trip! I am in heaven! (Well maybe not yet!) Warren

Hello Paddlers, Please find attached below the second video taken during our most recent kayak camping trip to Muscongus Bay on November 14, 15 and 16, 2014. For those with inquiring minds, this time I used an extension pole to hold the camera so we could all be in each scene. Since this video utilized a voice file captured via the GoPro microphone, I did not alter the number of frames per second to give a slow motion effect as you may have noticed in the previous video. Also, I utilized Chrome as the browser to upload the compressed file to Vimeo. Clearly a better choice than Internet Explorer in this situation. My goal with this video is to show how kayak camping can be fun even in the off season. I also hope this technology will be helpful in teaching other paddlers how to enjoy kayak camping. Stay tuned for more videos in the series as presented by yours truly, The Happy Kayak Camper, Warren http://vimeo.com/113146152 Please note, the video was recorded in HD and is best viewed in the full screen mode. Also, based on the PC you are using, you may need to to allow the buffer to load to avoid a choppy effect during playback. You will see the buffer loading as indicated by the gray bar filling the playback indicator. Some PCs do not experience this effect and some smartphones are also unaffected. Don't you just love technology! Please contact me if questions arise.

Hello Paddlers, You may have noted, from Pru’s trip report above, I was practicing with my GoPro video camera during the camping trip. I purchased it three weeks ago and the video below is my first attempt at producing a GoPro video. For those with inquiring minds, I am using a GoPro Hero 4 Black mounted on the visor of my Gath helmet. The video was edited in the GoPro Studio software and exported in Vimeo format. The 167MB file was uploaded into Vimeo as my method for streaming the video to you. The scene was the waterways from Crow Island to Muscongus Harbor, Maine. It was the morning of our last day of the three day camping trip. The paddling buddies are all known to you as Cathy, Pru and Rob. Although the skies were overcast, it was truly a beautiful day and I felt great joy in a trip well done. Please look past the rough nature of my first GoPro video attempt and see the potential to share the joy we feel in the sport we love. Catch the smile on Rob’s face toward the beginning of the tape. Does that speak joy or what? Also, and most importantly, see the potential of the GoPro as a teaching tool with infinite possibilities. I hope there are other NSPN paddlers who have a greater degree of expertise than me in the use of this technology and I hope they might consider helping me advance my skills. The link below will bring you to the video which was filmed in HD. You should consider clicking on the symbol in the lower right hand corner to go to full screen. HD seems to do a fine job capturing the sunlight on the water as well as the drops of water falling off my paddle. My goal in attaching the camera to my visor was to help the viewer feel they were on the water paddling with the buddies Now, turn up your audio speakers, sit back and hopefully enjoy the video. Watch “Paddling Buddies 11162014” by Warren Parlee: http://vimeo.com/112583168 Warren

Hi Janice and Pru, I plan to bring a yummy dessert! Warren

Peter, Thank you for your kind words regarding the teaching aspect of Pru’s carefully crafted trip reports. I love how the poetic nature of her writing pulls you into the story while between the lines you gain an appreciation for the carefully crafted execution of the trip. For me, interest in winter kayak camping began three years ago during a brief conversation with Rene Braun (brambor) who had been winter camping and highlighted the importance of a campfire. Shortly after that I read an NSPN thread by Spider who spoke of the joy in “Camping Out” during the winter. Around the same time Suz taught me the need to focus on safety and set guidelines regarding temperature, wind speed and direction. Along the way in this journey, Jason was helping maximize my understanding of the Personal Messenger tool within the NSPN website. It did not take long to realize the power of the NSPN community and our website. We all know the value of shared intelligence and the importance of planning and careful execution. When the process is done well, you achieve solid group safety and the journey has the feel of incorporating fun and learning. I encourage our gentle readers to tap into the power of our NSPN community. Assemble your tribe, focus on group safety as you plan your projects and learn from your mistakes as you execute on the plan. Keep a sense of humor and teach others what you have learned. As an aside, the good work we do in our NSPN community is being noticed by paddlers in Alaska. Both our tribes see an opportunity to learn from each other. For me, that is wicked exciting! Warren

Pru, Excellent trip report and great pictures! Do we know how to have a good time or what?! Each time we venture out in the off season I wonder why more paddlers are not out on the water enjoying the paddling opportunities. As Rob reminded me, “Warren it is 22 degrees and a wind chill to boot. Most paddlers might not see the joy in these conditions.” Sure the conditions were not optimum, however we saw joy everywhere we looked. Even the lobstermen gave us big friendly waves as they motored by our campsite. I guess joy will always be in the eye of the beholder. To our gentle readers, find your joy, enjoy the moment and share your joy with others. Happy Thanksgiving! Warren

Kate, You are very welcome and thank you for driving such a long distance to attend. It meant a lot to me that you were there. I agree the evening was very enjoyable as we talked about the sport we love and I believe Cathy was able to sign up a new NSPN paddler from Newbury, MA. Clearly the highlight of the evening was seeing the new kayak shop in Newbury managed by Sandy and enjoying her fine hospitality as well as receiving the free T-shirt! Wow, free T-shirts for everyone last night! Also, thank you to both Sandy and Cathy for all the delicious food you both provided! Warren

Gary, Great reference! Thank you! We know that area has no current stations, but it has two tide stations. One at Howard Point and one at Cundy Harbor. I suspect you used the data from each to arrive at your estimate of when to encounter slack. Especially if you were seeking slack before ebb. Warren

Rob, great report and yes we most definitely need to make this an annual event. Seems like each year we get a little better at this or maybe we have learned to accept our approach to camping as an evolving piece of work. Next year, during the summer months, I would very much enjoy taking a couple paddlers who are new to kayak camping on this trip as a two night, two island nomadic tribe experience. I think they would enjoy this area as much as we do. Gary, as you know, your solo trip report was the basis for my desire to explore this area several years ago. At the time I completely missed the subtlety of your plan as it applied to Gurnett Strait. I now understand how the bodies of water to the east appear to be literally pulling the water under the bridge during the ebb tide. It all makes sense now that I looked at a larger chart of those waters which included the New Meadows River to the north. I guess it took me three years to figure it out. (Well, I think I may have figured it out.) Like Rob, I would like to spend more time next year studying this area. Warren

Whereever I can find wilderness kayak camping sites and an abundance of marine mammals. So abundant, they practically jump in your boat. Ah, heaven on earth!!! Warren

Rob, I really like this discussion thread since it is helping all of us to understand the true differences between the BCU 3 and 4 Star awards. As Jason stated earlier, “There is a big difference between 3 and 4 Star awards. I sense the big difference is related to that elusive characteristic called leadership. Rob, I also sense you are working on getting a handle on that characteristic by beginning with a careful self examination. I believe you are most definitely on the right track. If my experiences obtaining the Maine Guide license are of any help, the leadership qualities seem to begin with a clear understanding of self and the skills that requires. When you perform your self inventory, skills such as a roll in rough water, use of a VHF radio, assisted rescues, towing a paddling buddy, etc. must be included and you must be painfully honest with yourself that you can nail these in a consistent manner. Seems most teams would loose confidence in their leader if these skills have not been mastered. From there we move on to the concept of team and what that truly means. See a team can have resources which a leader must understand and draw upon. Seems to me the ability to direct a team in a clear and concise manner is required for a BCU 4 Star award. That is a skill built upon a solid foundation and a methodology of awareness. The awareness of self, of the team, of the environment we work in, awareness of the process and results of our efforts to correct the problem. During the Guide prep study groups we challenged each other to burn the methodology into our brains. It was not easy and perhaps the greatest challenge for some paddlers is the realization that the problem can be solved. In other words, the confidence to tackle the situation and succeed. I will freely admit the Maine Guide examination process lacked field testing for the applicants, however, the methodology you use to solve problems seemed valid. I guess if you cannot figure out a problem in your head and speak it clearly, it would be difficult to execute the action on the water and demonstrate to an assessor your leadership qualities. Rob, like yourself I am on a journey of discovery and very much enjoy attempting to figure out this elusive characteristic we call leadership. I do know others have made the discovery and we can learn from them. I believe once we truly have all the pieces of this puzzle in place, the BCU 4 Star assessment will simply be a formality. Warren

Rob, Oh Boy! We can make you our project! You know how I like to plan and execute projects! This will be amazing. Fasten your seat belt!!!!! Warren

A few photos from a great weekend camping on Bowman Island in Squam Lake. Gary, thank you for organizing a terrific time! Nancy preparing to launch at Piper Cove. Liz and Beth packing their hatches in Piper Cove. The paddling team planning the Grand Tour of Squam Lake. Don't you just love Peter's hat! Liz, Shari and Sherry enjoying the morning paddle. Shari looking very happy. Peter repenting for his many sins in the front pew on Church Island. Peter is surrounded by the NSPN angels. Gary seeking divine intervention to save Peter's soul! Paddling buddies enjoying lunch in Rattlesnake Cove. Warren retreated into his tent to avoid being photographed. Nice tent, nice tarp! In the attached thumbnail, we see Beth slogging thru the mud to join the other three sloggers; Liz, Judy and Warren. What fun!

Gary and Rob, What a great trip report and excellent photos! Gary, my complements on a well executed trip plan. It is never easy and it takes time, but you did it well and the rewards are many. One of the many rewards you realized was the superb dynamics that two like-minded paddlers enjoy in sharing their experiences and ideas together. I suspect this trip will continue to create fond memories for many years to come. Well done! Warren

Kate, What I love about your trip reports is how you focus on your surroundings. Often time’s life can get hectic and we loose sight of aspects in our world that are truly amazing. Sometimes the presence of people (non-paddlers in particular) can be a distraction. They might also make it more difficult to observe wildlife in its natural habitat. Seems your trip locations provide you with a minimum of distractions which adds to your enjoyment. I might add that paddling along the coast of Maine during the months of November, December, January, February and March can create an experience that is relatively free of the normal summer distractions. Although it might not resemble Newfoundland in its grandeur, there are some very special places nearby that are perfectly wonderful when all the seasonal residents leave and the wildlife returns. Warren

Rob, For what it is worth, I started paddling with two 215cm paddles. Before long I was told to switch out to 210cm. Not knowing any better, I bought two new 210cm paddles. I continue to paddle with 210cm and seem to like the length. Would I have enjoyed the 215 cm as well, perhaps. I guess you should use whatever paddle works for you. I now have two almost new 215cm paddles in my basement collecting dust! I was also tapping the hull on the entry phase of my forward stroke. Seems I was not keeping my arms straight enough at the time. I was bending the elbows and causing the blade to move too close to the hull. I altered that approach and the tapping has disappeared. For me the tapping was not related to the paddle length. Hey Rob, I now have four 210cm paddles (two of the two piece and two of the four piece). You are welcome to borrow one of my 210cm paddles and see what you think about it. Just a thought. By the way, Mr Clean Magic Eraser works wonders of scuff marks! Warren

Kate, You mentioned seeing otters. Were they sea or river otters or both? See any Puffins or seals? By the way, one of the paddling buddies in Alaska wore the same socks and loved them. He only had one pair of paddling shoes for both water and land and it worked very well. Like yourself, he had dry happy feet. Warren

Kate, I very much enjoyed reading your trip report. There is great clarity to your decision making. I can see where that skill serves you well. I particularly enjoyed your paragraph which discussed how rolling skills should be incorporated into your safety planning. I share that perspective. Interestingly, prior to completing my Alaska trip I always read your trip reports feeling I do not completely feel and understand all the unique aspects of longer trips in remote locations. Now I understand. What struck me the most were the many similarities and differences with our journeys. Travel logistics, bear safety, bug management, water collection, tidal range concerns, camp site selection, geology, bald eagles, storm beach, dramatic landscapes, tarp, go-to knots and storm surge. I also very much enjoyed your discussion on gear. As we know, a trip is not all about gear. However, the wrong selection can be annoying at best. Of course, when your selection is spot-on you smile. I sense you experienced many smiles during your trip. Warren

Several paddling buddies are now returning from the Downeast Paddle Retreat on MDI. Thank you Peter for organizing a terrific get together. We saw good weather, great food and superb company. Attached below are just a few pictures from our paddles. Warren