bob budd

I had this discussion, well essentially the same discussion as the thread has progressed, while in Iceland. He related a story of two planets that passed each other in the cosmos. Planet Earth complained that its inhabitants were making such a mess of things, the other planet calmed Planet Earth by explaining our time would be brief. My response was that anything we can do to reduce pollution is our obligation and just because there are many sources of pollution each day we need to minimize what we produce individually. That said reducing the volume of trash is probably less important that keeping the air clean. I don't see the rationalization that the vapors would disperse and be inhaled in small amounts by who knows who (or what). Maybe it doesn't store itself inside your body like mercury but its still best not to create it in the first place.

The whales ultimately did approach the kayakers and don't behave as if they are upset but the kayakers should not have approached the whales that close. Larger groups are recommended to stop and raft in the vicinity, the latter to aid in echolocation.

We have tow rigs consisting of a rope "transom" behind the cockpit with quick release. Much easier to paddle without something tugging at your body. We've had no trouble passing the tow.

The youngster may have seen something on your boat or may have simply seen a place to haul out. They will do this and promptly crash on a boad. I had an adolescent quite interested in my radio (fish?) as he craned his neck in its direction, looked up, then craned his neck further. Eyes, face, and especially the mischief reminded me of a dog. If they come to you there's not much you can do. If the landed set start to look nervous and or a few start fussing or even heading for the water you shoud stop approaching. If one or a few get curious the body language is different and they approach rather than disappearing. The thing about disturbing them in colder weather is that they are sunning to maintain body heat and if sent into the water consume some of their stored fat such that they may run out before winter becomes spring and effectively starve to death by way of excess time in the water.

Went across a couple years back. As other have said you need to do your homework and plan the trip around the tides and currents. Aside from some quibbling about following the GPS or using more traditional means it was a pretty uneventful trip. The only thing I recall was when we did a rolling demo for the ferry and one of our midst ended up swimming. Adam Bolonsky also showed me there are several audible indicators that you can keep correctly placed to (help) avoid missing the island altogether in poor visibility.

No hoods for this guy. Interferes with hearing and sight. Even though it doesn't pour (cold) water down your neck after you roll like you hat does with a wet suit its generally a nuisance. Wear a hat, something I've had to do for the last 10+ years anyway. As for other features I generally like to keep it simple and would ask/pay/wait for a suit sans hood if I liked its other features. I don't mind latex and would always prefer it for a gasket. Since it wasn't mentioned goretex or other breathable is superior to latex for (integral) socks.

I have been paddling GP since introduced by Brian wherein my wife built one and a storm paddle to boot. I recently purchased one from Northern Lights Paddles which we found through the outfitter we are using in Iceland. This paddle breaks down so can be taken in luggage where the wooden paddle is just too long. We followed a few measurments they asked for and its amazing how similar the two paddles are. It has a relatively abrupt "shoulder" which I like, not sure if this can be altered.

You might want to consider a "hiking" visit right now. The ice caves are said to be "once in a lifetime" this winter.

Current plans are coalescing around a six day paddle around an unihabited glacier/fjord location. The outfitter has been forthcoming on questions regarding wet/dry suit suitability. They also would provide neoprene (as opposed to nylon) skirts to experienced paddlers.

Rolled a Pungo on Lake Cochituate a few years back at a party. Pretty much the same result, just enough purchase on the edges of the cockpit for the knees. Good think the bow was sealed or the boat might still be at the bottom.

Similarly Hedy Lamarr was denied most (scientific) recognition due until Blazing Saddles was released. Her invention dealt with anti-jamming techniques for torpedos.

Nyet. A couple used to live up there and maintain an NSPN membership, coming down now and then to paddle with us, I believe at least once for solstice. They were said to be great hosts and took some to "son-gwe-nay". I can't recall their name (nor the proper name of where they went). I believe Mike Crousse visited once. Maybe more will come back to me while I sleep. You might find their names in the archives, or another "old timer" might have more data in brain cells still alive. The trip was considered well worth it. Best of luck.

So far I have only one offer (from Rick) and have found links to several outfitters via the "official Iceland" site http://www.visiticeland.com/ or via googling "Iceland kayaking" or something of that nature. I will try to remember to post the chosen outfitter and my impressions when we return so it will be in these hallowed pages for future reference.

Pls provide any references or recommendations regarding outfitters or trips in Iceland.

Mark, I am a winter boater preferring only the fall as a paddling season. Many winter boaters prefer drysuits or similar less expensive but dry outfits to hypothermia, not sure if you've looked into this sort of thing. You might find that you prefer a drier boat (with spray skirt) as you move on.

Next time you want to get out I'd like to try arabie frisbee from a kayak. Congrats on your nuptials, however long ago that was, as when we worked at "the crud" you two were an item. Chris Perkins helped start this club though I'm not sure he is still in the area.

I've always used Nordic Blue dry gloves. Never torn one. Your results may vary.

Consider shipping. My brother did 3 N-S hikes in the US and had provisions shipped to town POs he would hike down to. With the duration of his hike he had someone commit to ship things as time went on given that POs will discard/return after a certain amount of time. Maybe there won't be obvious places to ship to but an inn, ranger station, or similar spot along the way may agree to hold provisions for you.

The launch for the 4th is a bit up the river complete with a small parking area that was full (on the fourth) wherein we parked across the street in what may have been a Trader Joe's. I'd agree that you won't be able to get near the boats.

How a "swimmer" gets back into the boat comes down to several factors. Some won't have the lower back strength to use a heel hook. Since it came up I'd agree that the "swimmer" should not be between the boats.

The tabs can fail, especially if you get lazy with the 303. Since getting a replacement hatch cover without one I prefer to use the a tether glued to the inside of the hatch cover. I recall getting a kit or sheet, perhaps from NESC. The tether needs to be long enough so it is not in the way when the hatch is open. There are many methods to attach inside the hatch so there are no lines on the deck while paddling.

At the extreme end(s) of Singing Beach there are landable spots, though they may not be of the soft sand variety. The point is you can land there if need be. Don't approach Lynch Park at low tide, well you can't anyways, but on the north side of the land that constitutes Lynch Park there is also a landable beach. Further up the coast you can also land (and launch) from West Beach in the off season. Further down the coast there is Tuck Point (not Tuck's Pt) where you drive part way out on the beach, this put-in is great for weekdays and I've never been there on the weekend.

We have rested, etc. on the beaches at Tinker's and Children's/Cat without incident many times. There's also Brown's and Gerry islands on the east facing coast that have been welcoming. Further to the north you will also find the MIsery Islands which have welcoming landings and interesting places to walk and view the harbour.

I don't know many fresh water destinations if you that is what you are asking about. The most interesting thing I've done in fresh water locally was to start in Lake Cochituate (sp?) and follow the paths under various roads further south. The lake itself is a bit developed for my taste but there are a few interesting nooks and crannies. We did see a great blue heron and a few muskrats. As for salt water destinations there is information on this message board about put-ins. However, you should be prepared for a much different trip on the ocean. You should have charts, be aware of tides and currents, etc. which this club has taught in various ways over the years. There are also good books and organizations like CRCK that provide training on skills and perhaps trip planning. If you are one level 3 and one level 2 you might want to avoid the ocean. You need to consider that one of you could find yourself swimming and must have the means to return to your boat. You might find that one of you is somehow incapacitated and the other needs to tow them back to the put-in. These are admittedly somewhat extreme examples but all of us who've been out have been there. Just yesterday I was at Woodmans and drove by the Essex put-in, the site where I was towed back to several years ago. This is but one of many areas where tides and currents are everything, among the activities that day we found ourselves "wet portaging" (pulling a boat across insufficient water) in the downriver (Essex) bay due to a miscalculation regarding tides and route. I recall Dr. Binks being vocal in his criticism at the time.