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Upper Casco Bay; 9/1 & 9/2


Roger Turgeon

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Hi Folks;

Posting my first show & go private trip. My wife and I will be camping at Winslow Park in South Freeport, ME, this weekend, and I will be kayaking from there to various spots in the northeastern quadrant of Casco Bay. Perhaps up around Lower and Upper Goose Islands, Birch, etc.; perhaps as far east as Harpswell or even Haskell and Bailey Island; perhaps south and east to Eagle, Cliff, Jewell, etc. Conditions vary a lot, so expect Level 3 to 3+ with a slim chance of encountering some L4 conditions. Expect a minimum of 12 miles of paddling each day, and probably not more than 16 or so. Probable average around 3.5 to 4 knots. Of course, if conditions get sloppy, mileage and speed would likely go down. Likely launch time 10:00 am each day (depending on tides), with return landing between 4 and 6 pm. All these details depend on who is there, what the conditions are, and what people decide to do, but I thought I'd let you know what I am hoping for.

This is a gorgeous area to paddle in. IMHO far nicer than the lower part of Casco Bay from Portland to Peak's and Jewell and Chebeague. Winslow Park is perhaps the nicest campground I've seen in my limited camping experience (much nicer than Recompense, for example). It's right on the ocean/bay, has a small swimming beach, park and playground areas, etc. It's also very reasonably priced. It's only limitation is that that portion of the bay drains to mud for about an hour or so on either side of low tide, so we have to plan launch and landing times accordingly. I haven't checked the tides there yet, but will soon. I am also looking into how many campsites are still available at Winslow for any of you who cnoose to stay overnight to paddle both days. Of course, there is also LLBean and tons of shopping and restaurants in Freeport.

Please let me know ASAP if you'd be interested, especially if you want me to reserve a campsite for you. (I believe Winslow allows 2 or possibly 3 tents on a single site, and the sites are pretty big).

Roger Turgeon

Night Heron, cedar-strip

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Hi Folks;

Posting my first show & go private trip. My wife and I will be camping at Winslow Park in South Freeport, ME, this weekend, and I will be kayaking from there to various spots in the northeastern quadrant of Casco Bay. Perhaps up around Lower and Upper Goose Islands, Birch, etc.; perhaps as far east as Harpswell or even Haskell and Bailey Island; perhaps south and east to Eagle, Cliff, Jewell, etc. Conditions vary a lot, so expect Level 3 to 3+ with a slim chance of encountering some L4 conditions. Expect a minimum of 12 miles of paddling each day, and probably not more than 16 or so. Probable average around 3.5 to 4 knots. Of course, if conditions get sloppy, mileage and speed would likely go down. Likely launch time 10:00 am each day (depending on tides), with return landing between 4 and 6 pm. All these details depend on who is there, what the conditions are, and what people decide to do, but I thought I'd let you know what I am hoping for.

This is a gorgeous area to paddle in. IMHO far nicer than the lower part of Casco Bay from Portland to Peak's and Jewell and Chebeague. Winslow Park is perhaps the nicest campground I've seen in my limited camping experience (much nicer than Recompense, for example). It's right on the ocean/bay, has a small swimming beach, park and playground areas, etc. It's also very reasonably priced. It's only limitation is that that portion of the bay drains to mud for about an hour or so on either side of low tide, so we have to plan launch and landing times accordingly. I haven't checked the tides there yet, but will soon. I am also looking into how many campsites are still available at Winslow for any of you who cnoose to stay overnight to paddle both days. Of course, there is also LLBean and tons of shopping and restaurants in Freeport.

Please let me know ASAP if you'd be interested, especially if you want me to reserve a campsite for you. (I believe Winslow allows 2 or possibly 3 tents on a single site, and the sites are pretty big).

Roger Turgeon

Night Heron, cedar-strip

Roger,

Wish we could make it! Good luck with your "first" SNG! :)

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Tides update. The morning low tides in South Freeport are at 8:30 on Sat. and 9:20 on Sunday. So a 10:00 a.m. launch on Saturday should be OK. Sunday may have to wait until 10:30 or so. Landing should be no probelm, as evening low tides aren't until 9:00 and 10:00 respectively.

Roger Tugeon

Night Heron, Cedar-strip

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Tides update. The morning low tides in South Freeport are at 8:30 on Sat. and 9:20 on Sunday. So a 10:00 a.m. launch on Saturday should be OK. Sunday may have to wait until 10:30 or so. Landing should be no probelm, as evening low tides aren't until 9:00 and 10:00 respectively.

Roger Tugeon

Night Heron, Cedar-strip

Just got back from that exact area - sadly I was without my kayak, however. Went out on a "regular" cruise boat and thought what you have described - simply marvelous place to paddle. Saw many seals and interesting birds along with countless small islands, some no larger than a few rocks. I plan to return next time with a kayak; hope to hear how your paddle went.

Have a great time.

Brian

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By the way, my schedule for the weekend is fluid, and I won't necessarily be launching from Winslow Park at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday unless I know some of you are coming. So if you plan to show and go, please let me know. Once we know for sure this is "on", the more the merrier and additional RSVPs are unnecessary, though still appreciated.

Roger Turgeon

Night Heron, cedar-strip

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