Gcosloy

This the response I've received from one of my district Senators. Hello Gene. Thanks for the email. I believe the bill is dead. We are out of session now. Scott Brown And this is the second Senator's response: Dear Gene, First, let me tell you how much my friend enjoyed speaking to you at the "dump" last week. And no, I have no interest in supporting this bill. Truly, it is sportsmen like yourself that educate me on certain issues that I have little knowledge of...thank you! Sue

In my front and rear hatch, collapsable paddle boy cart. makes it easy to transport kayak to launch from car and back. Also, I'm prepared for a long portage if I ever need to ditch. Extra clothes: hydroskin, paddle jacket. Day Hatch: sea sponsons (apologies to Brian N.)

I’m sorry but I can no longer remain silent. When another member exploits someone's vulnerabilities for the purpose of mockery and humor, they are being cruel. What Kevin does in his privacy is no ones business but his. Cross-dressing is victimless, unless it’s the cross dresser himself who opens the door to ridicule. Finally, let me say I know Kevin Beckwith, I’ve paddled with Kevin and never in my recollection was there a moment when he tried to solicit or convert anyone to his cause and predilection. Have you no shame Gillian, have you no shame?

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LOOKS LIKE NO GO FOR SUN. I'LL BE PADDLING ON THE SOUTH SHORE. HAVE FUN IN THE SURF!

I'm amazed Brian. I couldn't tell you were a newby. The photos were great, thanks for sharing. By the way, those Google Earth images are at least 5 years old. I know because I sold the van that appears in my driveway 5 years ago.

At the very high risk of beating a dead horse I'd like to mention one other factor that should be considered: NSPN as an organization does not screen applicants for membership with regard to location of residence. While most of us appreciate the many wonders of North Shore paddling, not all of us live here. S&G's may be posted frequently by members who live near the proposed put in. For them it may not be as serious a comitment to go or not; tommorrow, the ocean will still be there. When we, who may be more land locked, read of the opportunity to paddle with other folks, the proposal takes on more seriousness of purpose, if for no other reason than the comitment to a long drive there and back, frequently with the drawbacks of rush hour traffic, either coming or going. I can't number all the tempting S&G's that I needed to reject this summer because of put-ins that were too early, or too late, too far away, or simply that the time consumed in driving would trump the time alloted for paddling. I'm not complaining, nor do I want S&G's tailored to my requirements, just the consideration that when you post remember how potentially large the net you cast has become.

I paddle regularly with someone during the weekdays. He or I will usually send emails to establish launch location, time, etc. Whenever there is a question regarding commitment, since there is usually just the two of us, the telephone is used. I think the S&G protocalls should be similar to receiving a dinner invitation to someones home: RSVP is the rule and no shows without communicating ones change of plans is not really nice. On the other hand, while the invitation may be withdrawn, it needs to be for a credible, understandable reason. I don't think the S&G format should be so loose that neither the instigator nor those that RSVP feel any real commitment to show. Some of the more wonderful paddles I've been on this year were S&G's. There was a great one last month leaving Conomo Point going out to the back side tip of Cranes and wending our way back via the "Snake River". There was no way I could have found this route were it not for experienced locals like Walter and others. My point is that it would be a shame if NSPN S&G's got the reputation of becoming "You show and take your chance!"

I don't have a dog or a paddle in this fight but I do have a suggestion. When the number of interested parties that post their intention to go is greater than one, other than the instigator;those that show, assuming they number more than one, can paddle on. When it's down to just the instigator of the S&G and one other member, personal email should be used to verify who is showing before taking a long drive. When there are only two involved no matter how you slice it, it becomes personal. Last season I instigated almost the same S&G and had to bail at the end. I and the others were in constant communication via email however and no one was disappointed.

Can't join you-paddling this saturday on the Monomoys trip. However, I've always wondered about this: You plan to launch at 8:30AM which is approx. 3 hours after high tide. Annasquam will be ebbing into Ipswich Bay quite nicely. Won't the Annasquam be dumping into Gloucester harbor as well? And if so how do you plan on paddling against the current through the Canal?

> >Consider the possibility that some, if not many, here are >well aware of the bullets they dodged by dumb luck and that >"but for the grace of God go they." As a result they may >well be hesitant to pass judgement on the travails of others >and even to be somewhat defensive on their behalf. >Ed Lawson I take your point. Perhaps my own conservative attitude toward the sea has made me more willing to look askance at those who embrace more risk.

Well excuuuuuuuse me! What more do you want to me to know fact wise before I express my opinion? Here is what the Boston Globe said:The canoeists were off the eastern shore of the island, between Squantum and Long Island, at about 11:30 a.m. when wind caused several canoes to capsize, according to the Coast Guard. A safety boat, the Boston Fire Department, a BFI Waste Systems employee, and school-affiliated on-shore observers called for help on their cell phones. All the participants were wearing life jackets and were plucked from the water by the school's instructors and Boston Fire Department as a Coast Guard helicopter hovered overhead, according to school officials. Boston Fire said that one man rescued was "semi-coherent" and freezing. Poor judgement is just my opinion, others are certainly welcome to offer alternative opinions. What I find puzzling is the tendency to attempt to censor the opinions of others which may reflect badly on others. You can always ask for more facts before offereing an opinion. I think that is merely a polite ploy to pressure people to keep their negative opinions to themselves. "I wasn't born a misanthrope, I became one only after decades of observation."-anon.

I was out today at Great Misery and surrounds. I estimate the wind gusts were over 20 knots. Poor judgement to launch in those conditions, especially in canoes.

I also have the Super Nova and also have the Kokatat 100 full body fleece which I wear when the temp. gets colder. I've been out in 32 degree air and perfectly comfortable. However, if you intend to cold water practice roll you probably need the latex neck. I could not tolerate the latex neck and so consider the Super Nova a great compromise. Also a nice lighter suit for Spring paddling when the air maybe warm but the water still dangerously cold.

I'd be happy to join the dunkathon too.

There exists two forums for self examination with regard to ones paddling skills. One of course is the practice sessions held at Mystic or Chebbaco and the other is the informal S&G's which sometimes posits a level, like L2 or L3. Over and above this are S&G's which increasingly suggest trips looking for surf. I'd like there to be a formal or informal mechanism to provide support for competent paddlers who for whatever reason have hitherto avoided contact with white water either offshore or dumping on shore. I'd like to learn to appreciate this part of our sport but am hesitant to simply join a S&G and wind up being everyone's rescue toy that day. Any suggestions or am I being too conservative.

Passover is not until next April-so I think she's fairly safe from God's wrath.

Framingham Metrowest Y Waltham Y Both clean, large 8 lane pools easy access for boats.

Not that I wish to discourage more commerce for the Brits but I have another point of view. As a new paddler, four seasons now, and four boats later, I have some advise: Aside from the joy of paddling out on the salty sea, trying out different boats and dreaming about the perfect boat for me is the other side of this wonderful sport. Problem is, as a novice paddler without much skill, we don't have the judgment yet to recognize and appreciate one boat from the other. Or if we do, our assesment is based upon the last technique that we still can't do properly. You know-my boat doesn't track very well, just a light breeze and it weathercocks, while that new Aquanaut drives straight like a train. Spend a solid season paddling the boat you brought to the dance, focus on building and improving your skills, then try and assess other boats. For me this exercise took three seasons but I think you're a much quicker study than I. After three seasons I can finally appreciate how wonderful my first boat really was. I still have it-Lincoln Chebeauge 14.5', almost no rocker, 2 hatches, no skeg or rudder and doesn't need one. My first year paddling this boat in moderate side winds on the Sudbury river had me blown into the shore several times, unable to control the boat and swearing that it needed a skeg. The Tempest 170 for 185lb guy is not too big, that's what the 180 is for. The Tempest is a great all round boat-does everything well, but not exceptionally. I have a rule in life which I'll share with you: As a woodworker I don't own or want a tool that's better than I am. A kayak is a tool also, most are better than our skills paddling them. Focus on being the best paddler you can in your 170. When you've outgrown it-get another boat.In the meantime have fun and try anyone's boat that's willing. You can certainly try my fleet of Chathams-but keep your grubby little hands off my Chebeauge.

Few questions from one unfamiliar with S&G protocols: What is Bat? If that were synonymous with launch time, then arrival at the put in would perhaps be 1/2 hour earlier? Using Google Map I cannot find a mattress and box spring on the beach or a gate to Deer Island. If this is the best satellite picture we have no wonder we can't find Osama. Well I'll just have to trust Bob's directions. Some may have expressed reservations about the difficulty of this trip. Perhaps I can join you guys, bail at the Brewster’s (if I need to) and the others so inclined can keep me company, swearing they only did so to avoid abandoning a tired paddler. Those who know me well will soon realize I have no pride and hence cannot be challenged and no shame and therefore cannot feel remorse. If I’m feeling fit in the morning I will join this merry band.

So instead proposing going up the coast past Gerrish to see what's around. This interests me less than circling an Island. Also possible L4 and I do not qualify! Anyone in the group interested in something less ambitious-say circling some of the Islands in Portsmouth Harbor? Or is that asking for trouble on a Saturday-boat traffic and all?

I carry a small folding carbiner type knife on my pfd. Why I'm not sure, although once I had the ocassion to cut those pesky plastic thingies that attach merchandise cards to your clothing. In this case it was a new poly shirt that I decided to wear this summer outside of Lanes Cove. Not being careful, I managed to knick my finger which bled profusely. My advise is forget the knife-a first aid kit is far more useful and perhaps more necessary than the knife.

It is possible I could join you. Can someone provide directions to the put in that is if it's known.

Please pencil me in!

After most trips to the salt water I usually hose down the boat still on the car and also the car as well. The little salt water that remains in the cockpit stays there until the next outing. Is salt water bad for the seams and material inside the boat, long term? Unless I get sand into the cockpit I usually don't bother to wash it out. Anyone done this over many seasons and had problems?