Marblehead lobster roll run 9/2

[JRRousseau]

7 of us launched from Deveraux beach at about 9:40 and headed SW toward Swampscott / Lynn under a cloudless sky on bathtub calm waters. We explored several exposed sets of rocks and the conditions made for a gentle introduction to rock gardening for a few of us.

We paddled past some impressive homes in Swampscott and landed on King's beach in Lynn. Faithful reader, you will be comforted to know that King's beach still smells like they have been dumping bodies in the ocean. We then proceeded to wait for the lobster boats to return from Chatham before we got our rolls from the Red Rock Bistro (ok, so they weren't open when we got there).

We then mounted up and paddled up to a small beach in Swampscott and enjoyed our lunches (the lobster rolls were definitely worth the wait). Kevin gave a quick demonstration of some bow rudder techniques and we headed off again back toward Marblehead.

The winds picked up slightly from the SE and the ocean started to bump up with some small swells. Kevin peeled off and the rest of us paddled past Deveraux and around toward Marblehead harbor where we found a good amount of confused seas with ~2 ft. swells coming from several directions. Everyone in the group seemed comfortable with the conditions and we paddled around the island (what's the name?) and into Marblehead harbor. The trip ended with us threadding through a fairly active harbor with many sailboats heading out to enjoy labor day weekend.

All in all an excellent 13.8 NM paddle, on a perfect day, with a great group of people.

[chetpk]

Not often here in the east we get such a blue sky with no clouds or haze on the horizon, but we were treated royaly today with such an atmosphere to paddle under. Working closely along the rocky shore on our way down to Swampscott I would have large schools of small bait fish pass under me. I thought it would be neat to have some stripers or blues go crashing into the bait fish's parade, but didn't get to see it happen on my watch. The coastline and unique architectures never bored the eye. Looking in various headings I could consistently count 100+ sail boats doing their dance with the wind. Rounding the outer side of Tinker Island we got bumped enough to challenge without being overwhelmed.

I have now drifted south from NH for several of these show and go paddles out of this general area and found the qualities and personalities of those whom I have paddled with an equal match to the wonderful enviroment and great conditions that we all got on these various trips. As the T-shirt says, "Life is good."

Scott

[Kevin B (RPS Coach)]

Not often here in the east we get such a blue sky with no clouds or haze on the horizon, but we were treated royaly today with such an atmosphere to paddle under. Working closely along the rocky shore on our way down to Swampscott I would have large schools of small bait fish pass under me. I thought it would be neat to have some stripers or blues go crashing into the bait fish's parade, but didn't get to see it happen on my watch. The coastline and unique architectures never bored the eye. Looking in various headings I could consistently count 100+ sail boats doing their dance with the wind. Rounding the outer side of Tinker Island we got bumped enough to challenge without being overwhelmed.

I have now drifted south from NH for several of these show and go paddles out of this general area and found the qualities and personalities of those whom I have paddled with an equal match to the wonderful enviroment and great conditions that we all got on these various trips. As the T-shirt says, "Life is good."

Scott

Hey all,

Sorry didn't get a chance to stop and chat when you landed at Riverhead. I was waived off of Deveraux (assuming lifeguards since the swim buoys were out) so rather than get in an argument, I high tailed it around Marblehead Neck. Against the shore there were one foot confused seas as swells reflected off of the shore line. Didn't have time to doddle as I was late for the office. It would have been fun to play in that stuff a bit more.

[alcoons]

I was struck by the beauty and interest of the paddle from Deveraux to Swampscott. Leaving at low tide allows for interesting rockplay around and between the small islands of seaweed covered rocks which were well used as cormorant drying posts. The view of the Boston was striking: one of the best of I have seen from the water. It was nicely moderated by the small islands and the shoreline of Nahant. While the Marblehead shoreline had homes, much of it seemed more natural than in other places.

Kevin. The last time I tried to land on Deveraux when there where was much beach use, we landed outside the swimming area and walked our boats in the water towards the parking lot until we began to implact the swimming area. Then we carried our boats to the cars. The guards did not seem to mind since we were not paddling and had made the effort to stop before we bothered anyone in the water.

Thanks to everyone for such good fun and a good paddle.

Al

[Kevin B (RPS Coach)]

Kevin. The last time I tried to land on Deveraux when there where was much beach use, we landed outside the swimming area and walked our boats in the water towards the parking lot until we began to implact the swimming area. Then we carried our boats to the cars. The guards did not seem to mind since we were not paddling and had made the effort to stop before we bothered anyone in the water.

Al

Good to know for the future; however, my last two interactions with LGs have not been pleasant (although at different beaches) so I didn't want a repeat of it.