bob budd

As regards down or synthetic fill bags consider that in cold(er) weather you get condensation in the tent which can dampen/wet your bag. Mr. Crouse has camped in the snow so there must be a solution. This also notes that whatever tent you have make sure it has adequate insulation. We have a tent that is multi-season, i.e. it allows you to cover some of the vent, etc. to reduce air flow in cold(er) weather. Make sure you have a vestibule or similar feature where you can keep things like muddy boots outside the tent.

I can't recommend a(nother) compass but suggest you consider whether the placement of whatever compass you end up with suits your eyesight, especially as you age. Its pretty simple to install a compass on the deck where there is no accomodation for same. There used to be get-togethers in the club for this sort of thing, usually in the winter. You might find an idea at Brian's site on how to do this sort of thing if you want mount a different compass or the same compass closer to/further from the cockpit.

Cool article in Globe mag about underwater photography and photographer, including unwise outer wear in our waters at Thanksgiving. Hope you weren't following a string of photo flashes.

You can get chahts printed on tyvek that you can fold and place under lines on the deck. Joel used to sell these, not sure where to get them now. Some do the same with clear covers and paper chahts at the risk of poorer visibility, light reflections, etc.

I swim a mile twice a week, around forty minutes, at the Danvers Y. The inexpensive suits ($10-$20) I buy last several years, usually I replace them when they are torn and not when they "wear out". Public pools use alot less chlorine than they used to, partly because of the potential detrimental effects of inhaling the gases to lifeguards and children (both of whom spend extended time in/around the pool). I've worn first layers for a bit of warmth at pool sessions and rinsed them afterwards with no obvious reduction in their useful life (still have two I bought years ago). I've never worn any sort of wet/dry suit in a pool, never thought it necessary, I guess if you want to get the same fit? Your mileage may vary.

Wow, this thread again. And at Xmas to boot. The "parlour trick" viewpoint has traditionally been limited to crotchety old men and those who haven't used it yet so I'm going to assume the detractors are the latter. I have used this at least once to get out of one of those places between the rocks where the alternative would have meant a much more involved maneuver of swimming the boat, a formal rescuse, etc. You know you might be able to roll up but you also might drag your face a rock while trying to do so as the waves come in. Aside from its actual use, it is also a way to build some confidence and sense of balance on top of the boat. As for sliding into a small cockpit, I have seen Mr. Crangle do this by scullling while straddling his boat.

Flat seams or turn your garments inside out, a trick Liz uses.

Exterior layering while paddling such as a paddling jacket may be useful.

Your PFD will increase your insulation and block alot of the wicking of your suit. Putting your body in the cockpit further blocks wicking and can also add warmth. The point is that getting out of the boat and/or taking off your PFD can chill you. Something to wear for extended breaks may be in order.

Just worked here. Headline "Lego man to stay in police custody in Florida" in Dayton DAily News. It came from the AP wire, should be around.

Dry suit with booties is probably better for feet warmth as gaskets can effect circulation, also no insulation at the gasket. This is my only problem with the hands, i.e the liners must be pulled back so they don't end up under the gasket. Otherwise Nordic blues and synthetic liners (others use wool) have been flawless. Keep a couple weights of liners, the second ones can be used later in the day as your hands can/will sweat inside.

Corliss Landing is the closest approach to Goose Cove. Haven't been in years but when we did go there the locals had no patience or welcome for boaters.

Opposite foot without a doubt. For one thing you have a better opportunity to engage you abs, which is where the power really is. You might be able to think of it from the point of view of a lever arm, where the opposite side is a bit further away. Whatever works.

http://www.paddling.net/Reviews/showReviews.html?prod=361

Sounds like the best offer you've gotten (in this thread).

My rule is never to ride behind someone who is talking on the cell phone and especially those with head down texting. I would wonder what percentage of accidents are caused by loose kayaks as opposed to bad driving.

Pavilion Beach launch for a Cranes Neck circumnavigation is not a long day. The tides need to be managed for two things, passing through Fox Creek and trying to arrive/launch away from low tide. I don't know where you are going for a plate of clams. In season they will want you to stay away from the swim area and there are likely to be a few (or more) boats. Also, the mouth of the Essex can kick up as can the sand bars off of the beach. As always you should check and respect the weather.

If there's enough interest for Weds PM all it takes is showing up at Lane's Cove. The skies are forecast to be clear, temps in the 50s, water was quite swimmable a couple weeks ago off of Straitsmouth. Is there any interest?

The closest thing might be Thacher Island. I have no idea what might happen if you parked at Lane's Cove but others have done Thacher and could suggest put-ins for overnight parking.

...to a Nahant parking lot (several years ago), had Ice&Water shield applied on-site (thanks again Wilbur), and was surfed for the day. When we got home we cut out the damaged area, went on to cut out the flawed layup P&H had slopped on, and repaired her. Then life happened, years passed, until Monday.

Still in need of a buffing the Orion was launched from Pebble Beach by Adam while Dee piloted the Easky and I the Force 4. Mild dumping waves were not much of a challenge and we were soon enroute to Straitsmouth Island. The day was still overcast and had visibility beyond Milk but the fog was not to burn off until early afternoon. We passed by the tall lights on Thacher and the stubby one on Straitsmouth prior to landing for lunch.

While on land we meandered back to the light and climbed to the top past the large battery bank. Not the same view as from Thacher but still worth the short climb. As is custom a swimming expedition was also undertaken. As luck would have it a small flock of kayakers from Rockport happened to approach whilst one of our number was without his wetsuit. This was potentially the most eventful point of the day, yet was mostly ignored by the enemy kayakers. Still a wonderful day to be out after so much time away for the Orion and I.

I haven't seen anyone mention that there is ice cream across the street from the greasy pole put-in. Also street vendours during the peak season. Of course that's why the parking is such a hassle.

Dee has a lightweight screen tent that she has used for extended trips that takes up very little space. With the tarp over it you can avoid the rain and still get wonderful air and moonlight. She has worked out a system using minimal poles, i.e. paddles and the like, so its overall footprint is very small. As for the stove, upon a suggestion from Mr. Casey I have found that you can go without stove and fuel issues for several days with dried stuff, cheese, and the like further reducing your pack volume and weight.

The best I can do is someone (who at least used to live) in Beverly, Joan Kelleher.

A coherent and cooperative rescuee can put pressure on the stern of their boat to assist you in bringing it up on your deck. I'd echo a concern about the SOF frame supporting the weight of a large boat but have no issues with its buoyancy.

I'll leave the advice to the pedants and experts but keep in mind that you can deploy the bow rudder in close quarters where you might not want, or be able, to deploy a sweep stroke. I also find a sharper turn can be achieved (with the bow rudder).

I've never gotten an adult response to a comment in insufficient preparation and/or dress for kayaking. That doesn't make it wrong or a bad idea. The thing is the water in this area is never "that warm".

I would go to Brian's page on kayak repair. Since you repairing from the inside you don't need to do quite such a clean job, in fact, a rough surface might provide better purchase for those heels. I can't quote you the materials list but I imagine he'd be happy to provide you with one.

P.S. - Next time you paddle leave the stilettos in the car and use water shoes.