gerry s

I agree Peter. Last weekend was a real test for proper apparel. I stood on the beach debating with myself whether to where a drysuit, wetsuit, or birthday suit (I was so hot standing there trying to decide) I opted for caution, donned the drysuit (aka portable, personal sauna) with minimal under layers. When I entered the water to burp the suit I quickly realized I made the right decision as the cold dry fabric pressed against my skin. I would have been under dressed if caught in an immersion situation. Moral of the story.....it's easier to cool down if needed than to warm up if under dressed.

All good advice and recommendations but I think Suz is right-on, Karen. 5-10#'s is not a lot of weight when it comes to boat handling (on land) A kayak is a big awkward thing to lift or handle on dry ground. Finding the proper technique that works for you and your physique is crucial. A friend of mind has the Hullevator but she still has a difficult time "dead lifting" the boat the 30" or so to get it off the ground and into the cradles. Then she still has a hard time unlocking the lifts because they're to low on her sedan and the leverage is all wrong. Point is that figuring out what works for you and/or asking for help might be the best solution IMO. Gerry

I've only met "B" once in my paddling years. Since his reputation preceeded him I knew immediately what to expect when he surfaced in front of my kayak on a lake session. It was my first season with NSPN and when Bob popped up in front of me I was a bit apprehensive. He sensed this immediately and ask if I was ready to "go in". I shrugged and over I went. He stayed by my side through the whole process of re-entry. I said to myself "this is my kind of teacher". Everyone has a different style of teaching and learning. I have learned most of what I know from other NSPN members both more skilled and less skilled. The less skilled because it reminds me of where I once was and have learned to empathize and "pass along" what I have learned. The point is NSPN still has great teachers. You may not know who you are but some of us are watching and learning all the time. This may be passive learning but it is learning just the same. Thank you to all the "old timers" that I have actively learned from and to those that I still learn from every time I go out.

Love the area and would love to do it but can't this weekend. Don't worry Ross......Cape P has been there for a while so we'll get there someday. G ps: It's doable at all tides but better at with more water than less.

If ten is when then I shall bend but eleven is easier if that don't displease yer

I'm up for it! Anywhere from Peirce to Porpoise Gerry

Peirce is fine with me. It's always plowed and there's plenty of parking

Hey Kevin Looks like I'll be able to join you on Sat. I'll try to check out the Odiorne put-in tomorrow to be sure it's ok.....with the ice and construction on the bridge, etc.? Gerry

Don't rule out the Cape or Martha's Vineyard. At that time of year the weather is usually great and the tourists non-existent. And you can add biking to the mix if you're so inclined. Gerry

Odiorne not Ordiorne but Pierce is Peirce Anyway, I won't be joining you tomorrow Gerry

I screwed up! Sunday is better for me

Saturday is better for me also Gerry

Since no one responded positively I guess I'll be staying home as well Gerry

Ed I'll be there! Gerry

Me thinks the timid woodland creature is losing it and need to get on the water...soooon

Hey Ed To bad you missed today on the Merrimack...hot but exhilerating with the wind and ice floes. Cape Porpoise for next weekend sounds like a plan to me. See you then...weather/conditions permitting

Cape Porpoise (Kennebunkport north) is always a nice destination?

I'm on board for the winter so let's see what develops as the time draws near. Gerry

Paddle today cuz tomorrow may never come! that's how I see it. Gerry

I'm dug out...mostly and since Peirce is in my backyard I plan to head over and decide then. Parking may be an issue if they have'nt plowed the area yet. I'll be there 9:30-45 Gerry

10 to 2 works for me given the projected temps for that day. See ya'll on Saturday Gerry

I'm there Gerry

It is confusing as to what is a Private Trip and what is a NSPN CAM. Billy provided a very clear explanation of the differences. However, I think (for whatever that's worth) that more info, whether it's private or CAM, about the actual trip would be more than helpful and, hopefully, prevent people from biting off more than they can chew and thus ending up unhappy. Deb M I think a lot of the popular paddle areas are taken for granted by the poster and the lack of info is part of the spontaneous nature of the posting. Perhaps if others are interested or curious about the trip they should simply ask by posting or contacting the poster directly? What am I missing here?!@## Gerry

Hey Doug Don't listen to the timid wood nymph who still has his feet frozen to the ground and is just starting to see daylight above the snow cover. Gary and I will be at Odiorne and will decide when we poke our heads out from the jetty if we go or mother nature tells us no. Lots of options from Odiorne. See y'all on Sunday Gerry

Peter I can't make it tomorrow...check your e-mail Gerry