Lbeale

Congratulations on your new member to your family. What a lucky girl to have you both as parents! Les

Went out on the 4th from Lanes to Thatchers--did some rockplay from Lanes to Thatchers, then around Thatchers--found two kayakers (Jamie K. and David M.) ready to join me in some really fun rocks--had a blast and learned from my fellow "rock stars" -- always a pleasure when doing a solo paddle to play with fellow paddlers and find new places. Was that really the poster boy for the RWS? Was that really Nigel Foster's Legend boat? Yes, it was !!! Thought I would meet up with Sir Godfrey on the way back for some more rockplay around 4--but alas, too late at the Cove -- next time. Les

Thank you for attending this paddle. To my surprise upon arrival, there was 18 of us who were ready for a day of level 2 paddling. The winds and tide were with us as we paddled towards the river for a view of Lobster Cove and lunch. We had 4 pods and Lorrie, Judy, Deb, and Karen acted as pod leaders (Did I miss anyone?). My task was to make sure all paddlers were safe and comfortable as we paddled along the coastline on a beautiful summer day. Many of the paddlers that day are new to NSPN and to all the Club has to offer. We arrived back at the put-in around 2:30. Some of the group (including myself) decided to paddle more distance; while others decided enough of paddling for one day. I hope everyone enjoyed their day, particularly those who are new to the Club. See you soon on the water. Les

Thanks Lisa--your company will be missed-- Yes, bring lunch --back at put-in will depend on the women--but thinkin' 2:30-3:00--some may want to stay out longer--some may want to return earlier-- Les

Hi Christopher, Can't make it tonite, unfortunately--out of town guest arrived today unexpectedly-- Tsk--many regrets-- Les

Here is the forecast and tide for Sunday Lane's Cove put-in: SUN...N WINDS 5 TO 10 KT...BECOMING E IN THE AFTERNOON. SEAS AROUND 2 FT. A CHANCE OF SHOWERS IN THE MORNING. Annisquam, Lobster Cove, Massachusetts 2010-06-27 06:34 EDT -0.16 feet Low Tide 2010-06-27 12:55 EDT 8.60 feet High Tide 2010-06-27 18:35 EDT 1.02 feet Low Tide BIB at 10:30. Remember, there will be a short beach briefing before we put our BIB at 10:30. Try to arrive no later than 10:00 am. Given the winds and tide as stated above, head out towards Annisquam and then have the tides bring us back to the put-in. But of course, this plan will be adjusted based on final weather reports and what the group wants to do-- Just the initiator--not the leader-- This will be a blast--so prepare to have fun-- I will continue to watch forecast through Saturday night (I will be doing the full moon paddle) and will post any changes before 8:00 am Sunday. Unless there is a major change in the weather pattern, this is my story and I am sticking to it-- Les AKA Swearing Ferret P.S. Any questions, please either post here or send me a private email.

My preference is Lane's Cove. Given the tide schedule, Ipswich will be a slog if at low tide at the end of the day, dragging boats to the cars--to be avoided at all costs. If the winds are too high, the trip is nix. Second choice, Marblehead--even though slog with the low tide--lots of protective places to paddle if winds pick up-- The men are welcome to follow -- or whatever -- Les AKA Swearing Ferret

Hey Beanboy, I also have a surfski (Mako) and been looking to practice surfing with it-- so when you decide to go surfing --want some company -- let me know-- Les

Wing paddle rolling with Jen, surfing, playing in currents and tidal race with Phil (world class kayak surfer), core paddle instruction from Cyro (thanks for the rotation tip) -- "Never enough rotation" -- and for the confidence you gave me in your "seal of approval" for my stroke- My first ever surfing into a rock channel--my swearing knew no boundaries when I found myself surfing into rocks--I actually apologized to Phil for swearing like a sailor--that's how bad it was-- Pictures -- no Memories -- yes Skills development -- most definitely Could of done a week but a weekend was good start Thanks to Peter B. for telling me what to expect-- Tom B for organizing and to all the paddlers who attended the Symposium who gave support and advice when I was on top of the water as well as below- And to my coaches- Jen, Cherri, Turner, Phil, Cyro To paddling bud Lorrie -- I need you to spot me with my wing some time soon -- at the calm waters of "Walden" To be able to play with such vigor under the guidance of world class coaches-- "opportunity," a word used to describe this symposium, is an understatement. Next year -- go -- Les AKA Swearing Ferret

I will help - doesn't matter to me what level-- Les

I am in-- Les

Gene, All I can tell you is that its more to do with your stroke than the paddle. If you have an efficient forward stroke the wing paddle will help you-- if you have a not so efficient stroke --the wing paddle will make little or no difference. It takes awhile to get the "hang" of it--but I only paddle with the wing these days -- Les AKA Swearing Ferret

Thanks for the company and the paddle--Thank you Sir Christopher for posting this trip--just the beginning I am sure of trips this summer-- The animal howling at the full moon -- the best ever -- listening to grown men howling at the moon -- what more could a girl ask for? Les aka Swearing Ferret

That was me, Christopher with the Impex Force 3 and all red drysuit. It was a beautiful day --paddled out to the Salvages, down to Rockport Harbor then back to put-in--if I knew it was you--would have invited you along or at least practiced my roll with the wing--next time-- Les

So let's do the 27th of June - Sunday. If we have paddlers traveling from the South Shore--we can do Marblehead. If it is a rockin' day we can do Pavillion Beach - Ipswich put-in. Calm day--Lane's Cove. 10:30 launch at any of the above locations. Les

Hi Lorrie, Yup--those dates should work for me--thanks, Lorrie--Is there anyone else who would be willing to help us take a group of women out? Level two? This weekend would be a nice intro for summer paddling for women looking to find others to paddle with--The event will be a leisurely "stroll" paddle-- Les

Would like to work with other women in the club to sponsor a women's paddle some saturday in June. Who is up to helping me do this? The more the merry for this trip --level 2--out of Lane's Cove? Les AKA Swearing Ferret?

Me, too !!! Les

I am a strong maybe--is the 11 bib or arrive 11? Les

This trip was such a blast last year--good food, good friends (new and old) and the glorious paddle back to the cars--fond memories for a cold winter's night-- Les aka Swearing Ferret

Living Adventures Outfitters from Wisconsin offer seven day trips out of south of Tulum, Mexico. Nice boats (NDKs and Impex boats) make this outfitter unique. Eco tourism lodgings with emphasis on Mayan culture, bird watching, ocean paddling and surfing, paddling in lagoons and snorkeling--means this Outfitter highly recommended for those who want to paddle in the Caribbean's warm blue water--with composite boats. Hard to find an outfitter in these parts who offers boats beyond the basic bathtub plastic float. In addition to these highlights costs include personal instruction from a NOLS guide with 30 years experience. Finally learned how to locate the North Star at night and getting my stern rudder out faster when surfing--held the paddle in too long-- For those of you who do not know Living Adventures--they won best outfitters award for the Midwest from Sea Kayakers Magazine (last year?)--no small feat in this competitive market-- It was tough paddling warm blue waters, watching tropical birds fly overhead or nest as the sun set, swimming with tropical fish and laying in a hammock after paddling all day - but someone had to do it -- The only sad observation was the plastic that was a virus on the beaches. Given the currents, the plastic that is dumped in the Caribbean by the Islands, us, cruise ships, and peoples of Mexico--the Yucatan coastline is littered with plastic beyond my imagination -- sad to see plastic everywhere on the beaches--more plastic objects than shells--alas, the Mexican government has no infrastructure to recycle plastic-- Les

Karen G and I are headin' down for some paddlin' the Sian Ka'an Reserve, south of Tulum, Mexico-- a place where the "sky is born" -- a million acre UNESCO wildlife reserve--will try to post this adventure as the days progress--but if you don't hear from us again, let it be known that we decided to pack it in and continue searching for the Lost City of Z. May the force be with us, Les aka swearing ferret

FYI--A sailing friend is taking this course on-line and found it most useful: http://www.srh.noaa.gov/jetstream/