Cath

I would be interested at some point this season but likely cannot go then.

Maybe there will not be a big official one. But Jewell is always open for business, we could look at getting together for a trip there.

So happy to see you got slides posted! I didn’t get home in time to catch it. Looking forward to reviewing them.

Has anyone ever tried white vinegar?

SMSKN is offering rough water training instruction with Nate Hanson of Pinniped Kayak on July 27 from 9 AM to 4 PM. The location will be at or near Reid State Park. (Fort Popham or Five Islands are also potential locations, depending on conditions.) There is a discount provided for SMSKN members, so you if you are not already a member, you could save by joining. The cost for SMSKN members is $128.00 for the day long training. Details and directions for registering are on the SMSKN meetup site, https://www.meetup.com/southern-maine-sea-kayaking-network/events/294910556/. This is the second of the sessions offered by Nate Hanson for SMSKN, the first one quickly filled up. This is a great opportunity to learn from Nate Hanson in a mid-coast Maine location!

I’d heard about it with rice, wasn’t really thinking about pasta being an issue, but it makes sense. Great article to share, thanks.

I find that white vinegar helps with zippers. The Salt Away sounds handy to have around too!

I think it's a wonderful idea. I live pretty close to the cabin, and have been thinking about doing some camping on Beal this season. You're full of great ideas Dan! If you need more people to commit just remind everyone that you have a Dutch oven and you're not afraid to use it. I can see a Knubble Bay Cook - Off coming up.

I was a very fortunate randomly selected recipient of one of the two Online Sea Kayaking subscriptions that were generously donated by Online Sea Kayaking and NSPN last year. I have been very impressed by the amount and quality of content offered in these videos. I’ve been learning a lot, and find the smaller, finer details so helpful. I do encourage everyone to take advantage of the trial period and look over the videos, and if you find them beneficial, take advantage of the NSPN discount to subscribe. I will definitely be keeping my subscription, likely for my entire kayaking future. There are also some other perks available, including periodic live presentations through a dedicated Facebook group, and ability to send in videos for evaluation, and interaction through comments associated with the individual videos. So far I have focused mainly on the video instruction. I don’t think I will ever run out of my enthusiasm for these videos or ever be able to stop learning from them. They keep adding more too! Thank you NSPN for introducing me to this resource.

It's also listed on the MITA site and at least one Facebook site. Pretty cool. I have a few friends who have found kayaks on the MITA site.

just some info http://quoddytides.com/estimates-vary-on-great-white-shark-numbers-in-bay.html https://i95rocks.com/great-white-off-eastport/

This 5 hour course is being offered through the SMSKN meetup site. It’s $55.00 for SMSKN members and $60.00 for non-members. Please sign up if you are interested! The course is in need of more participants and should be a valuable and fun experience. It’s also in Maine in the summer! Join me at On-water medical scenarios for the everyday paddler https://meetu.ps/e/Lbwpt/mgtQn/i

Wow! You amaze me. I am looking forward to exploring and using this resource.

Lands End told me this spring that they do not allow overnight parking anymore (although I did get permission there last fall). Cribstone Bridge - I believe will charge $10 per night, talk to Alison at the Salt Cod Cafe. She is very nice. We used this in May and it worked well. It is quite busy there this time of year, so do call ahead. East End Beach - parking is on street if overnight parking Bug Light - Fee parking, reasonable, but can't remember what it is, good option Falmouth - might not get a spot in the lot so may need to use street parking Winslow Park is another option in Freeport. It was $10 per night last fall. An advantage is that you can camp there (for a fee, but reasonable) the night before. Dolphin Marina - yes, I very much also get the sense they no longer want to deal with kayakers. They are busy with bigger spenders. (Plus I think we tend to leave sand and salt water on the bathroom floors.)

I am interested in the trip. I have done it once before.

That was excellent!

That sounds great! But personally I can't hold on to a camera and paddle in challenging conditions at the same time. I totally admire those that can!

I was lucky enough to paddle out there once before and was able to spend some time on Star Island. I am very intrigued by the story of the Smuttynose murders and would like to be able to walk around that island sometime, so I am interested.

Many working class members work weekends, holidays, evenings, and/or overnights and therefore might have some days off during the week. It's nice to see some things offered on different days or at different times for those who do not have the advantage of working regular weekday daytime hours.

I saw those signs in Jeff's photo and thought that they were just for the parking spots closest to the water that did not belong to Maine Kayak. I thought that they may have been put there to distinguish the Maine Kayak spots from the Marina spots. I didn't notice any similar signs in the back area of the same lot, which also seemed to belong to the Marina. It does seem that being real clear on the cost with Muscongus Marina is a good idea. (Jeff - wasn't the parking fee a little bit funky? Per person rather than per vehicle?) It is a handy location and not as busy as Round Pond can get.

I remember thinking Monroe was nice. I have only ever picnicked there though. I vaguely remember ticks, but also believe that ticks are down a bit this year. From what I have seen so far, island camping is up this season, at least on some of the islands in Muscongus and Casco Bay. The coming of fall should bring a decline in numbers however. Also arriving as early as possible during the day and picking a weekday if you can might be beneficial.

I have had two Stohlquist. One lasted about 6 years. When I contacted Stohlquist they said it was beyond the lifespan. The second - a Stohlquist Amp - was leaking in less than a year. Even the store I purchased it from had trouble reaching Stohlquist customer service. That whole process of contacting the store and finally hearing what to do took about a month. Eventually I was instructed by Stohlquist to send it to a dive suit shop for testing. After they had it for 2 1/2 months I got in touch with Stohlquist again to find out what happened to it. They investigated and said it was tested and did not leak. It was sent back. I have worn it a few more times. It does leak. Some people have given Stohlquist good reviews. Quite a few people have had trouble with leaky suits. I think it would make a good splash suit. If you plan to be in the water practicing rescues or really want to stay dry if you have a real incident and end up in the water, I would advise staying away from Stohlquist. I now have a Kokatat. As an aside, The Kokatat does not fit me as well. Even with having the legs shortened 2 inches, I still swim in it as they will not shorten the torso. But - I am dry!

More trip photos: https://photos.app.goo.gl/AB7TH6CRGMkA4yUQ7

Sometimes you have to have faith.

So I can show you videos of my grandkids? Just kidding. I will spare you. But there is this funny one....