Kevin B (RPS Coach) Posted August 1, 2006 Share Posted August 1, 2006 Apparently, a fairly spectacular meteor display will be best viewed on Sat., August 12th. I'm proposing a night paddle to some dark secluded island to view it. It would be a late paddle since the best display would occur after 11pm. It also happens to be a full moon that night which might reduce meteor visibility but will also make the paddle more enjoyable. Thinking perhaps viewing from the Gooseberries unless others have different ideas. Posting this far in advance so those who want to go can obtain any night gear they might need assuming they don't already have it. If interested, please post here. Also thinking about Essex Bay, perhaps it might be dark enough? For more info: http://stardate.org/nightsky/meteors/ *****UPDATE****: Hey folks, sorry I don't have time for the L2 on Sat and Sun, since I'm paddling during the day on Sat. and Sun. So, I was planning to launch from Conomo Point around 10pm on Sat. Even though I can't do it, it's a SNG so that doesn't mean it still can't be done. If you guys go, write a good trip report! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gillian Posted August 1, 2006 Share Posted August 1, 2006 WOW - okay that's awesome, I'm in . . . but if I fall asleep you have to tow me and someone please bring chocolate covered strawberries! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hopefloats Posted August 1, 2006 Share Posted August 1, 2006 What do you think the level of this one might be? Like the idea of seeing the meteor shower, but not sure of my ability to fight being blown around in the wind on the way to an island... Heidi Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kevin B (RPS Coach) Posted August 1, 2006 Author Share Posted August 1, 2006 Heidi, The wind will not likely be a factor given that it's late night paddle if that helps. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mariagwyn Posted August 1, 2006 Share Posted August 1, 2006 Kevin, What constitutes night gear? I am interested, but am not sure what I would need to add to my collection. Thanks, Maria Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bob budd Posted August 1, 2006 Share Posted August 1, 2006 You are trying to maintain visibility to other craft and be able to read your compass, chart, etc. Bright lights will reduce your night vision, especially if someone elses shines in your eyes. Head lamps are effective as they are directional and if all are traveling in the same direction there is little light shining in anyone's eyes. Red head lamps provide reasonable readibility of compass, chart, etc. and don't degrade night vision as much though they do reduce visibility of red details. Many people put chemical light sticks on their deck, this is reasonably inexpensive but generates trash. We (read Dee) has fashioned dim lights that can hang from your PFD that don't effect night vision but do indicate fore and aft, I forget the brand but she cut a battery operated light stick-like device into two lights. You can get deck lines with reflective tracers and Dee has also molded glow-in-the-dark beads. Any dim light or reflective surface on your boat becomes less effective over distance. Realize also that many of your bearings vanish in the dark, colour generally also is degraded or lost altogether, and you have less of an idea what's going on in the sea. Night is a more risky place to paddle but its the best way to sneak up on paddlers and perform various acts of mischief, especially if they're sleeping. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill Gwynn Posted August 1, 2006 Share Posted August 1, 2006 The Coast Guard requires you have a white light that can be turned on and used as a signaling device to other boats. Most of us use a head lamp (spelunkers light). Then I like to use the chem lights/glow sticks, one hanging from the rear toggle and one mounted on top of my helmet. Helmets are a good thing at night, if only for doing the unexpected rescue in the dark. Boats, paddles, people can move around quickly and they are tough to see. Protect your noggin. You should also have a strobe light and flares just in case. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jslivko Posted August 2, 2006 Share Posted August 2, 2006 Fantastic..count me in. Re night gear, I already have an ARC C-lite and ARC does not sell the suction cup base separately. I'm looking for creative ideas/materials to create my own or otherwise fasten it to my deck. Jackie white/white P&H Capella163 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kevin B (RPS Coach) Posted August 2, 2006 Author Share Posted August 2, 2006 >Many people put chemical light sticks on their deck, this is >reasonably inexpensive but generates trash. We (read Dee) Reusable light sticks are also available now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mariagwyn Posted August 4, 2006 Share Posted August 4, 2006 ok, so I have a headlamp. I suppose I can use my bliking red bike like for my back. Where do I get reusable glow-stickie things? Suggestions? Thanks, Maria Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gillian Posted August 4, 2006 Share Posted August 4, 2006 Hey Maria, if you see Billy's post below that's pretty much what you'll need, headlamp if you have one, glo sticks at least a couple, also if you have reflective decklines great, if not, reflective tape for boat and/or paddle, and then a c-light or another flashing strobe of some sort to be used if necessary, and then safety gear including flares . . . I like the recommendation of the helmet and Kevin and I have a couple extra we can bring along . . . Did I miss anything? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EEL Posted August 4, 2006 Share Posted August 4, 2006 > I suppose I can use my bliking >red bike like for my back. I would not use one of those. I am of the opinion that we should always keep in mind that we are not simply paddlers of little boats out and about, but are masters of a vessel and need to follow the rules and are bound by the rules the same as if we were captains of a large tanker. A flashing red light is not recognized as a proper light for a vessel which can breed confusion and trouble. I suppose when you are in a congested area filled with clueless pleasure boat operators all bets are off so jut my $.02. >Where do I get reusable >glow-stickie things? Suggestions? Look for them in the flashlight section of a Walmart type store for the battery operated ones. Ed Lawson Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bill Gwynn Posted August 4, 2006 Share Posted August 4, 2006 Flashing red bike lights would be a no-no. That may confuse the heck out of other boaters. The only requirement is the headlamp you have for signalling other boats. The glo-sticks are for seeing each other in the group without messing with your night vision. It is best to have everyone in the group setup in the same configuration. As I mentioned before, One on the stern, and one on your helmet. This way, if anyone ends up swimming, you will see their head, also, you will be able to tell bow from stern for rescues. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jslivko Posted August 11, 2006 Share Posted August 11, 2006 Kevin, Do we have meet up details for this? Jackie white/white P&H capella 163 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
David Mooradd Posted August 12, 2006 Share Posted August 12, 2006 I'd like in on this one. Any details yet; Time, launch location? David Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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