cathyfoley

Date: Sun, Dec 14 Launch Time: 10:00 a.m. Launch Site: Kittery Point, ME town dock (next to Captain Simeon's restaurant) Launch from Kittery Town Dock and go up Chauncey Creek to Braveboat Harbor. High tide is 11:38. If weather conditions permit, proceed for a full circumnavigation of Gerrish Island. Conditions on the coast in open ocean should be 5-10 kt winds from the south, seas 2-4. Winds are expected to pick up in the afternoon. A south wind would be in our face going down the coast. This is based on the current forecast, but conditions could improve by Sunday. It will be a group decision at Braveboat as to whether to go or turn-back. If we turn back, there are plenty of creeks to paddle in. Drysuits or 5-7mm full wetsuits are required for this paddle. (No farmer Johns) Participants should bring appropriate safety equipment (radios, tow lines, repair kit, etc), a warm beverage, snack and change of dry clothes in a drybag. If all public parking is occupied, park across the street in the field after unloading boats/gear. Please RSVP here if you're paddling this event.

Saturday, Dec. 20 Launch Time: 10:00 a.m. Return to Launch Site NLT: 2:00 p.m. Paddle from Pierce Island on outgoing tide (high is 5:11 a.m. - low tide 11:25 a.m.) out to Little Harbor Breakwater and then venture out along the coast for rock gardening. Play in the vicinity of Ordione State Park shoreline for a while and then catch the incoming tide sometime around 12:30 back to Pierce Island. Off the water sometime between 1:30 and 2:00 at the latest. participants should have a drysuit or full 5mm-7mm wetsuit. (No farmer johns) Bring appropriate safety gear, hot beverage, snack and change of dry, warm clothes. Small Craft Warnings may prevent going onto the ocean, in which case the route will change and go up Sagamore Creek. This is an all-weather paddle.

Jason: E-mailed my info

I'm interested

Can non-NSPN members attend the party?

Joe: I use a small gorilla tripod which is flexible enough to wrap around 3 deck bungees. My camera case has a small strap with I tether to a deck line. I think you could probably use the larger gorilla pod for the same use. I have never lost the camera in the surf, but have had to reach forward and re-adjust the angle of the camera after waves have knocked it out of line.

Jon: I'm sure you're going to love the Cetus. I've had mine two years and am totally satisfied. I think the modifications you made are really good. I took my seat out on day one and made a foam seat, which has worked well for me. I've had some minor cracking near just in back of the rear hatch, probably from vibration on the car and bouncing on the road. I just reinforced with some additional glass and all is fine. Have fun paddling it. Great colors.

I got mine last week and think this is her best DVD to date. The bonus disc with the expeditions are fantastic. I'm not sure which one I liked more. The Ottawa River segment was pretty wild also. I think my favorite of the short takes is the 16 yr old in Norway.....just wants to have fun....and does he have balance!

Weather is looking better every hour. By afternoon, the bulk of the rain may even be by us, although I expect we'll get some. Then again...this strom could hang around and it'll be raining cats and dogs.....in any event...we'll be paddling.

see you there

Thanks Suz....I think it looks like a good place to practice and its close to home for me.

Yes Rob: Hilton Park is right there. Great parking and easy launch....less that 300 yard paddle and you're in the strong current.

Does anyone have experience playing in the strong currents at Dover Point,NH immediately around the General Sullivan Bridge on Rte 4? The current is very fast there when the tide is at full flow or ebb. Are there any restrictions on that particular area? Any specific hazzards such as whirlpools or currents that would pull a swimmer under?

Al: I bought an entire new set for my Cetus this spring at NESC. I hated the hard "tupperware" hatches. The day hatch cracked in half on a cold paddle in February. Osprey also carries all four hatch sizes for the Cetus.

This is a NE Seacoast Paddlers event (formerly Seacoast Paddlers). Anyone from NSPN is invited to paddle with us. Weather for Saturday is possible rain and 10-15 mph winds, gusting higher at times. This event is on, rain or shine. Foliage is light due to the warm weather, but reports from the area are that things are starting to turn nicely. Dress for rain and possible immersion, bring a change of warm clothes in a dry bag and lunch. Sat. Sept 27, 11:00 a.m. No RSVP, just show up at the launch and be ready to paddle at 11:00 Drop boats at the boat ramp located at the Squam Lake Association. Pay $5 launch/parking fee. Parks cars above in large lot next to the main building. Paddle will be 8-10 miles at a very leisurely pace (about 4 hours) Squam is a large lake...so wind creates waves over the long fetch. Lots of local restaurants for after paddle dining. If you've never paddled Squam...don't miss this great foliage paddle. Squam Lake Association is located in Rte 3 in Holderness, NH. This info is also on the NSPN Calendar as this event is a bit in the future.

has anyone completed their paddle? Please post a picture of it if you can. There were some great looking paddles shaping up at the end of the day...would love to see the finished version

more photos from Bill Harter http://share.shutterfly.com/action/welcome...mp;linkid=link5

Unfortunately, due to a conflict with work, I will not make this paddle. However, it looks like 5 people from Seacoast kayakers and 3 from NSPN are going...have a great trip and sorry I can't make it.

a run by the Galleria Mall is always a must. Shoe sale!

So far, only two others have replied they are coming and they also want to go all the way into the harbor, so I imagine that if there are some that don't want to go through, the group will split at that point. The weather does look "iffy" for Saturday.

This trip was originally scheduled for Seacoast Kayakers. Any NSPN'er is welcome to join us. Launch From: Artesane Park, 1234 Soldier Field Road, Brighton, MA Date: Aug. 9th, 2008 Time: 11:00 a.m. (will not wait for stragglers) Route: Charles River downstream through the locks and into Boston Harbor Total Distance: 15 miles Launch at Artesani Park in Brighton...paddle down the Charles River to Boston Harbor, through the locks...if the group chooses to go that far. Paddle past Harvard U, Boston University, through the Esplanade ponds, past the Museum of Science, under the Zakim Bridge and into Boston Harbor and return trip. Bring some cash to stop for lunch or ice cream! This trip will definitely be more than 3 hours. Total distance (round trip is 15 miles) all flat, non-tidal water, except outside the locks. The group may choose to turn around at the Musuem of Science, in which case the trip is 11 miles.

Well said.

Friday, July 11 is the last day to sign up for this class, as Brian needs time to get the blanks ready. If you are interested in making your own greenland paddle, here is your chance to do it under expert instruction. The workshop is limited to 10 participants. Your check for $75, payable to NSPN will secure your spot. Date: Saturday, July 19 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Location: Exeter, NH (address will be provided to particpants via e-mail) Required tools: Block plane, sand paper, sanding block (there may be a few other small items, also if your have a workmate or saw horses and can bring them it would be helpful) Cost: $75.....this will include: 1. A full day of instruction and coaching by Brian Nystrom 2. A greenland paddle blank selected by Brian Nystrom to ensure it has proper grain and will be a paddle that will last. Brian will also roughly pre-shape the blank so you can complete the paddle in one day. 3. A copy of Brian Nystrom's step-by-step book on how to build a Greenland paddle. To secure your spot, e-mail me at cathyfoley@aol.com with a subject line "Greenland Paddle Workshop". Once I've confirmed and replied to your e-mail, send me a check, payable to NSPN for $75.00 to the following address: Cathy Foley 147 Court St. Exeter, NH 03833 You must pre-pay for this workshop.

Rick: I have never stopped anyone from launching. If you recall, I did try to persuade the lady not to launch that day, but I did not stop her. I did ask the group on the board a hypothetical question, giving what I thought were four choices, with choices at each end of the sprectrum. I was curious to see what others would do. However, your comment to Leon, (and others who read this) " I'd get a road id bracelet with your name/ emergency contact phone #. Won't help with any rescue but it's good for the recovery. I wear one and I won't do what you do...seems like a reasonable step" to me implies that you think Leon and others that paddle alone will end up dead. There is just no need to "beat people up" on the message board. You have lots of good to offer to the group...the comments implying people are doing stupid things just because you don't agree are not appreciated, at least by me.