Cath

I am enjoying "Haunted Damariscotta: Ghosts of the Twin Villages and Beyond" and "Ghosts of the Boothbay Region", both by Greg Latimer. There is some fascinating history included and some ideas for Things to look out for on your visits up this way.

SMSKN is using meetup. There is a little bit of a learning curve to it, especially if you are trying to post or revise/edit events. There are some glitches and tricks with posting events that took me some trial and error to figure out. There are also some differences with meetup depending on whether you are using a smart phone or computer. Overall the meetup site works best on the computer rather than a smart phone. I do not know if it is different on iphone, but if you are using the android phone app, the meetup site will show scheduled "upcoming" groups, but not "suggested" groups. If a member is not designated as a trip initiator or organizer, any event they post will hang out in the "suggested" category until 2 more people sign up, then it will be bumped over to "upcoming" where more people will notice it. Even when looking at the site on the computer, I think people miss the suggested events, as the focus is on "upcoming" or scheduled events. This has caused some frustration with people posting paddles that no one signs up for because the trip stayed under the suggested tab and was not noticed by other members. I believe the NSPN board could allow everyone to schedule trips to take care of this though, otherwise they need to designate specific organizers and initiators. On my phone, I can see my messages, and I can see comments on trips, but I cannot access "discussions". If I want to see that, I have to be on the computer. We (at SMSKN) are not an active discussion group anyway, but the more members rely on phones and tablets, the more limited the response to discussions may be. Currently when I view the NSPN site using the browser on my phone, I can access the message board. It seems that the ability to do that may go away if NSPN goes to meetup. I usually use the computer anyway, but it depends on what people want.

more info on the death of Doug Tompkins: http://news.nationalgeographic.com/2015/12/151213-doug-tompkins-chile-north-face-rick-ridgeway-patagonia-yvon-chouinard-death-general-carrera-lake/

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/12/09/business/douglas-tompkins-72-north-face-founder-dies-in-kayaking-accident.html

I have not tried obtaining them from this link but it should work: http://flotilla-16.division-1.org.master.com/texis/master/search/+/form/paddle_smart.html I called Kittery Trading Post this morning and they did say they have them available free at the counter in the Paddlesports Department. I have seen them at other sporting goods stores as well, so it may be worth checking around in your local area. I obtained free ones at the New England Paddlesports Show at UNH last spring - they were by the cash registers. Maybe people can pick up a few if they do go next spring and pass them along to other kayakers. I think they are usually available at Paddle Smart events as well. Just an FYI - my husband purchased some last spring at a sporting goods store, and I was surprised he was charged for them. As far as I know the Coast Guard intends for them to be available free to the public.

Wonderful trip! Great paddling, great company. Thank you so much for organizing it.

Just some info I found: http://www.dailykos.com/story/2012/06/02/1096855/-PSA-Burning-Plastic-Can-Kill-You# http://www.epa.gov/oaqps001/community/details/barrelburn_addl_info.html http://www.wecf.eu/cms/download/2004-2005/homeburning_plastics.pdf The Canadian opinion: http://www.gov.pe.ca/environment/burning-plastic http://www.saskwastereduction.ca/assets/upload/pdf/plastics-pdf/effects-of-buring-plastics.pdf The plastic washing up on the islands does seem limitless. MITA clean ups are also a good way to help the situation on at least some of the islands in Maine. I am not sure what there may be for organized clean ups in other states. A lot of kayakers try to take at least a few pieces of trash home with them to dispose of properly. On a long trip, this could be done at the last stop. Maybe the kayaking clubs could have a club challenge to take at least one piece of plastic home - big or small - each trip.

I have on old silk long sleeve top I wear a lot on the water. It is lightweight, dries quick, and offers some sun protection. Mine is pretty sheer and does not insulate much. I use it on hot days.

And another one... High_Island_case_statement_072513.pdf

This may be of interest to paddlers who enjoy Casco Bay. (hope I attached it correctly) Goslings_Fundraising2.pdf

Gary - I have launched from the George Wright launch just after high tide in Bath and had no trouble at upper hell's gate. We also had plenty of time to get out through Goose Rock after a swimming break, then ate at Five Islands and returned through Goose Rock to Robinhood. Last year I also put in at the same place at high tide in Bath, and went around Arrowsic, There were some some strong eddy lines at upper hell's gate and a short bit of current to push through, but it was not too difficult. After going down the Back River and returning by the Kennebec, we entered back into the Sasanoa to take out at George Wright. We had no trouble with that. It is a fun trip. I have been stranded all night at the airport and have nothing with me to refer to, to give any better details yet. I do love the Sasanoa, and would go down with you any time. Cath

I think that it depends on how you are carrying it on your car. My cockpit faces the sky, and I have been amazed at how much water can accumulate in a boat during a heavy rain storm. I have learned to use one if I am going a long distance or I believe it may rain. It is easy to use a strap around it and/or a carabiner to ensure it that it stays attached to the boat. It might not be necessary but it is one less thing to worry about.

My husband ice fishes there and everyone else I know who heads up there goes for the fishing. You could visit us sometime and you two could talk. He could give you some information about the area. I have been thinking about doing the East Machias River trip sometime. It might take something smaller than your school bus.

I have gone a couple times now to meet SMSKN folks at Paradis Marin. I have used different routes and ferries. I can share info via email. There are little "good to know" tidbits of info. My daughter and I would like to make it an annual trip, though stuff happens and it has not been as frequent as hoped. I believe I will go up at least once this year.

Just my two cents while I am avoiding housework before heading in for the shift... It seems like a good time to be looking for a drysuit - I saw a Kokotat at the LL Bean outlet in Bangor this week (ok, I know that does not help most of you) for $359.00. It was the usual purple and yellow, men's small, brand new and not a return. It had been marked down from $899.00 to $718.00, and now everything in that section is 50% off. So keep your eyes open. You may luck out. Cath

Thanks so much to everyone who has offered insight and advice. It is incredibly helpful. I have a lot to review and think about and boats to seek out and try. Don't hesitate to continue to offer advice - I will certainly read it all. Gene - sorry to monopolize your topic so much. Thanks for the opportunity to learn so much. Katherine - I do hope to make it on a ladies paddle, though sounds like it may have to be next year. Thank you for the invitation - it certainly makes me feel like I would be welcome and I will definitely try to make one or more. I would enjoy meeting more group members. Cath

Gene - I have been watching for replies - everyone else must be having too much fun in the wind. It's gusty where I am anyway. I noticed that you have paddled both the Chatham 16 and 17. I have paddled a number of plastic Neckys, and a fiberglass Necky Tahsis. Right now I am mainly using a fiberglass Chatham 16. I love it on the bigger rivers and in the waves but it is a beast for me to handle against the wind. I am working on skeg use but people have mentioned that my bow sits out of the water and I think the issue is likely related to my weight as I am 5 ft tall and 96 pounds. I have been looking into a fiberglass Chatham 17, thinking that it might sit lower in the water for me and be faster, but it sounds like it may not be as much of an improvement as I would like. I have had people suggest the Eliza - I am not sure if it would be any better or not. The cockpit is actually a bit wider than the Chathams. I am not sure how it is for speed, or in the wind. If anyone has any experience with the Eliza please chime in. I did add a couple of gallons of water to the front of the Chatham 16 (I put one in the bulkhead and one in the cockpit) the last time I was out in wind and that seemed to help. It might not always be convenient to do that. I am not sure that I want to automatically do it. I took along the containers and filled them during a rest stop once we got into wind. Does anyone have any ideas or comments? What do other smaller people use? I have stuck to Neckys so far because they are carried by my local shop and I can get them reasonably. I do plan to eventually try out some other types as opportunity comes along. Cath

I am not an expert but my husband is a forester and used garmin for many years. However, he is now sold on Delorme, and uses it routinely. We have PN-60s. It comes with topo maps and we have a map subscription, and can get NOAA charts. The Delorme store is a great place to visit in Yarmouth, Maine. It is on Route 1, right near the Yarmouth exit off 295. I sometimes use it as a "rest stop" as it has bathroom facilities for the public and a cool store. They can answer questions for you and even have free trainings during the week from time to time - I have never made it to a training session but get emails about them.

oops, meant lobstermen. Their wives were all very sweet too.

I agree with Scott. My grandfather was a Portland fisherman and life for his family was tough. During all the years I waited tables in a South Portland coffee shop, the lobsterman were my favorite customers.

For another perspective on lobstermen, read "The Secret Life of Lobsters: How Fishermen and Scientists Are Unraveling the Mysteries of Our Favorite Crustacean" by Trevor Corson.

Sorry so late. The camera I was using was new to me and the photos are not very sharp. https://picasaweb.google.com/100621329809221892781/JewellIslandMay2012?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCLHv4aSxotyglQE&feat=directlink

Maybe lime and tequila, for gear tasting.

I have had the metal "snap button" on a paddle break, due to corrosion, just as I was ready to launch before. I now carry extra snap buttons. They come in different sizes, so you need the correct size. They are not expensive but can be hard to find. Not all paddles are fastened this way, but the less expensive ones seem to be. They can be ordered at Tom's TopKayaker and some sporting goods stores have them. http://topkayaker.net/TopKayakerShop/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=79_115 I also rinse the paddle off after I use it, especially this clip. Cath

I am still in, and looking forward it. I am planning on bringing dessert, though can be flexible with that. Last year's trip was great - I am sure this one will be just as much fun. Cath