Rob Hazard

Good report, Roger! I'd bet that was a Basking Shark, a surface filter feeder, rather than a Dogfish, which is typically a bottom dweller. An exciting encounter, anyway! Wish I'd been there! Cheers, Rob

Good idea, Al. Thanks Rob Explorer - whitish

Well, Walter wrote to say he'll try to make it. No promise, of course. Myself, I find the reputation of Greenheads to be exaggerated. Mostly good for keeping tourists away. Wear long sleeves and a floppy hat and you'll do fine. Iberian Persons-of-Conflict, on the other hand, THAT's serious! Rob NDK Explorer - "quill" ;^)

What's all this about group HUGS? What do we look like, WHITE WATER RAFTERS?

Further change of plans: CANCEL! That line of thunderstorms coming up from New York looks serious! No need to be heroic, eh? Rob Explorer - still white...well, quill...

"Portuguese Man-of-War" indeed! Tsk, tsk, tsk! Kevin, we're surprised at you! Shouldn't it be "Iberian Person-of-Issues"? Rob

I have launched there frequently in the past. At low tide there is still a very shallow channel that sweeps out to the south from the ramp toward the main channel. It is too shallow to paddle, but if you get out and walk, you can avoid having to carry your boat too far. The bottom is mostly sand. Have fun! Rob

Hope you're practicing HARD this weekend...there'll be a quiz on Thursday! ;^) Don't forget to bring a noseclip or facemask, it really helps! Welcome to the club! Rob

Yes, indeed! Great day! A little surfing, a little rock garden, and I even got to work on my Ben Lawry imitation catching up to you all! Thanks for waiting up! Now that I know the way there, I can show up on time next time!

I'll be there. And I'll see if I can convince my co-workers to join us. Rob NDK Explorer - white (OK, Quill!) ;^)

Peter, I think we're going to shoot for Conomo. 5PM. Sure you can't make it? If not, then see you at Chebacco Thursday?

I'm hoping to come along, too.

On one of my PFDs I stitched on a Benchmade Rescue Hook, on the theory that the only thing I'd want to cut is some type of cordage. So far (knock on fiberglass) I haven't needed it. It does seem to rust in saltwater, though they also make a more pricey version for yachty people that claims to be more rust-free. We're talking $20 to 40. I'll try the Vaseline idea.

I'd love to get out. I suggest either Conomo Point or Jones River in Gloucester, launch about 5pm. Tide will be incoming until about 8:30. Anyone else?

Hi Kevin! I've been out of touch and off the water this spring, due partly to having had carpal tunnel surgery in February. My hand has finally healed enough to contemplate some flat water excursions. I plan to be at Chebacco Lake this Thursday evening. See you there? Cheers, Rob

I'm hoping to go, too. But I'll let the decision wait until I see the list of courses offered. Rob

Mary, You probably heard that from me up at MIKCO the other weekend. I can't speak for anyone else, of course, but I plan to keep showing up until the middle of October. I have to miss this coming Thursday, 9/22, but the next 3 Thursdays after that I should be there. Cheers, Rob Hazard

I'm up for going! Rob Hazard Explorer, white

Dee, I would have signed up for the Karen Knight/Bob Foote class, but I'll be away next weekend. I'd be up for taking a class in any one of the topics you listed, except the really basic beginner stuff. Rob

So...where was evvabuddy? Kevin and I were the only NSPN'ers there! Tom went as a guide on a paddling excursion along the eastern coast of South Georgia, the island where Shackleton landed after his ill-fated trip to Antarctica. He gave a low-key, but fascinating,talk accompanied with some very dramatic slides and a short video. South Georgia looks like what you'd get if you dropped a section of the Himalayas into the South Atlantic, then added seals and penguins. Stunning scenery, but I'm content to have Tom go there and bring back the pictures! ;^D Rob

I can't quote you the actual water temp at Chebacco, but it felt warm enough that I may switch to my wetsuit this Thursday, with a paddling jacket on top. Gonna join us? Rob NDK Explorer - white

If you're coming from Newburyport or points North: Take Rt 133 East out of Ipswich, At the Candlewood Golf Course, turn Right onto Candlewood Rd, Go 2.5 miles, At the T intersection, turn Left onto Bridge St. At the fork in the road, bear Right. At the next T, by the Junction ice cream stand (good ice cream!), turn Right onto Essex St, After 1.1 mi., turn Left onto Chebacco Rd. Go 1.2 mi. and the launch will be on your Left.

Great! I was wondering when the Thursday sessions would be starting up. I'll be there! Rob NDK Explorer - white

I just tried to check in on Maine Island Kayak's website, but it seems to have "expired". Anyone know what happened? Are they still with us? Thanks, Rob

Hi, Walter, I'll come along. See you in the morning! Rob NDK Explorer - white