ccarlson

Well said!

>I will bring molled cider and rum If you're short on space, cider is optional ;-)

Saving the date, sounds like fun!

Now, we need to get a more local brewpub to get with the program! http://www.beerinfo.com/index.php/pages/zbeerkayak.html

I have no experience with any but Kokatat and have been very satisfied with it. Also, with some patience and shopping, these can sometimes be had at prices comparable to the other brands. Watch closeout sites like sierratradingpost.com and outdoorplay.com as well as sale notices from local outfitters. A good used suit can also be a deal if it's in good shape. One example, I managed to hook a kokatat goretex suit with goretex booties and relief zipper, brand new, for under $500 for my GF last year. Good luck!

Those I spoke with at the symposium who stayed at Rose Eden said that they liked it.

I believe that pretty much anyone can get a one-day JP license in the state of MA and perform the ceremony. Bill Zeller in Dunbarton, NH, is a JP and has performed kayak weddings in the past. Not sure if he's around NH right now as they travel during the colder months. He used to own Country Canoeist. So, looks like you have some choices! Oh, and congrats, you guys!

If it's a Kokatat, they will install the goretex booties. If not, I don't know of any place to get the goretex. Have fun staying dry!

Could it be that, since neo booties are kind of like a wetsuit, that they are not snug enough and are therefore allowing too much of that cold water to flush through and cool those piggies a bit too much?

Nah, I just like to keep the motor just a tad above redline ;-)

Interesting but disappointed to see that it has no GPS, no digital compass, no barometer, no windspeed indicator, no heart rate monitor ;-)

Yes, of course! ;-)

> >I guess the bottom line is what would you rather pay a fee >or a tax? Neither one... were it not for the apathy so widespread in the general population, the expenditures of government would not be increasing at 3 to 5 times the inflation rate in most states. It also costs $50/hour to come save you if your >out to sea. which should be billed to the at-fault party.... that's a fee that makes sense ;-) Also, I suspect that $50 per is low depending upon what kind of resources are deployed.

Well, this is a paddling board, not a political board. But, if you must... no, it's just that people in NH have traditionally understood that less government is better government and local control is better than remote control when it comes to taxing and spending. Unfortunately, the blue disease from south of the border is eroding that solid philosophy ;-) Now, back to paddling!

I'm planning to be there.

I don't think it has made it to the bill stage yet but you can be sure it will, particularly with the new crew in Concord!

Uh, yeah, but we DO stand between MA and ME ;-)

Paul... thanks, that's a good point. As an alternative, of course, one could simply go down the river rather than out Chauncy then the risk of a returning mud walk is eliminated. Given the forecast for potentially bumpy conditions, this may be the better bet. Thanks again!

Actually, what we're thinking is to tax only the Massachusetts residents who bring their boats across the border ;-) Maybe a day-use fee or an annual pass.

Re. Portsmouth area, with an early start, going up Chauncy Creek to BBH would be possible. High tide is 0930 so being on the water by 10 would work. Then up/down the coast as desired and down to the mouth of the river for max ebb play later.

Yeah, not knowing any better, I blindly just drilled and screwed and was done with it. Of course, as a result, disaster could stike at any time... ;-)

"...smear a little epoxy glob on each screw from underneath the deck.... " Or silicone goo if you think you may want to get 'em out sometime ;-)

Well, at least he's wearing protection...

Mucho info re. this on the web... google it. Check out Amazing Pooh Powder... yeah, seriously.

Gene... the Gulfstream is a fine boat with many happy owners. I've never owned one but have demoed them and they are excellent all-around kayaks. There are also many other fine boats, some of which just might be more appropriate for you. Unfortunately, the only way to really know is to demo several boats that appeal to you for whatever reason... reputation, fit, performance, etc. to see which ones "talk" to you. Most boats of the same vintage will also be under $2K. If you have a chance, go paddling with groups and ask to try others' boats.. most paddlers are pretty accommodating. Or pool sessions. Not that buying the Gulfsteam would be a bad thing, you just may want to have a basis for comparison. Good luck!