NSPN kayak girls big adventure in St. John

[Lbeale]

Three NSPN kayak girls, Karen Gladstone, Deb Dempsey and myself spent a week in St. John's at the Maho Campgrounds. From our base, we paddled for a week our very own rented plastic-tub-kayaks in and around the cays and bays of St. John. Some lessons learnt from this experience:

1. Get Karen to organize the boat rentals. She is the best person because she is great with detail and questions to ask. We brought most of our own equipment with us including paddles, VHF, chats/maps, tow belts and lines, etc. The regret for gear was the weight of our bags and not bringing our own PFDs-- a mistake on our part. Although the kayak rental company provided PFD--these were windsurfing PFDs--uncomfortable and difficult to rotate while paddling. So, imagine paddling a tub and wearing a windsurfing pfd that prevented you from rotating. I grew to love my Epic paddle because it was the only thing I had going for me for mobility.

2. Get Deb to bring the peanut butter. This girl had enough peanut butter to last us in case St. John's inhabitants had a revolt and, we could not leave the island for the next 20 years.

3. Listen to Bob Baldridge when he tells you to be careful. The Carribean waters are deceptive. Calm and crystal blue waters, easy right? I don't think so--the winds change and currents change as you paddle and there are very few if any nautical hazard markers or indicators--the waters surrounding the virgin islands as well as boat traffic means consistently monitoring what is going on around you while paddling--VHFs a must. The topographical maps from National Geographic were actually more helpful than the nautical charts. Thank you Bob, can't tell you how many times we said, "...you know, Bob was right!"

4. Currents are a big deal even though there is little or no reference to currents on nautical charts or topographical maps that describe snorkling spots -- I had a great time snorkling and paddling. However, one day, Karen, Deb and I were snorkling in Waterlemon Bay. AS Karen and I were snorkling close to each, I decided to go one way and Karen the other way. Before I knew it, I got caught in a current and was carried out--could not swim back to the beach-yelled for help--no one heard- tried to get to shore through the rocks but was getting stabbed by some rock creature--couldn't get out of the current even though I was swimming crosswise against the current--kept yelling for help--finally a man came out to save me because he could hear me and see me--happened in a matter of minutes. Waterlemon Bay is a popular snorkling spot on St. John's with many people snorkling the waters--yet, there are no warning markers or signs for strong currents--after I got on the beach and was able to catch my breath and calm down, I saw two more people swept out by current--watch out for current when snorkling and wear a whistle on your bathing suit (Karen's idea).

5. Iguanas chase you. Your paddling girl friends will tell you that Iguanas don't eat people but it is had to believe when they chase you down the beach.

6. Stay at St. John's Maho Bay Campgrounds because it is eco-tourism at its best by teaching guests the importance and merits of natural resources conservation without being preachy.

7. Chocolate melts, particularly when it is next to your palm pilot. If it ever happens to you, ask Karen how to get melted chocolate off a palm pilot.

8. This was a great trip that the three of us put together and are talking about doing this trip next year. A good time of year to get out of the winter cold, inexpensive, and an opportunity to travel with very special fellow paddlers Karen and Deb--Thanks to you both for making this trip one of my most treasured paddling experiences. Les

[ccarlson]

Kewl!! I've been to Maho several times but have only done a guided day trip in a kayak (way lame)so am now psyched to do more paddling next time around.

So, how about the rest of the details... you know, jumping off the upper deck of the Willy T, the sights at Solomon Beach, etc. :-))

See y'all on the water!

[djlewis]

So, that's what happened with Karen's search for an exotic adventure -- you rolled your own!

A hearty Mazel Tov!

--David.

[rick stoehrer]

forget the paddling details....pussers bar right in the harbor....excellent.

pussers was the rum used to make grog in the brit navy for....sheesh i dunno, a million years? think they banished the tradition in the mid 70's or so....anyway, forget mixing with water to make the grog but mixed with tropical fruit juices.....ahhhhh, bliss!

glad you guys had a good time! and remember that old island saying..."iguana, the other white meat"

[glad]

Hey Les-that was a great report. Couldn't have done it better. And you are much funnier than I could have been...except when I was licking the chocolate off of my palm pilot.

Thanks for your and Debs (Adam, I need a grammer check here) company. I really enjoyed it.

Karen

[Mysticbos]

Les

You couldn't have written a better account!!We had so many things to do that it would take eons to write up all the details and the funny episodes. It was a wonderful trip and wonderful travel/paddling partners. I would love to do this trip again next year and plan to see so many places we didn't have time to see.! Thanks again for your company. And thanks Bob for all the advice ! dont think kayaking in the Carribean is tame at all!

Deb

[bethany]

two words: take me!

lol -- sounds like great fun. welcome home!

--b