eneumeier

You need to park on side streets. The small gravel parking area is for residents (sticker required) only. Liz

Sound like a perfect way to celebrate my 65th birthday! Liz

I have a friend in Wisconsin who hunts and fishes in the north country. Here is his advice: "Seriously…I use cigars. The smoke keeps them away from your head and face and the cigar goes well with a beer at the end of the day. When I went to the tundra of Hudson Bay where they are notorious I bought a bug shirt (https://www.bugshirt.com and used that alternatively a head net. I also soaked a neck kerchief and my fishing hat with heavy duty bug stuff designed for penetrating clothes. It probably wasn't too healthy but I wasn't carried away by bugs." I suggest all of the above. Also, I wear an oversized paddling jacket (breathable) and gortex pants. So, I only really need to protect my head and hands. I made a mosquito net that fits over my Tilley hat, long enough to go down my back and I slip my arms through. A little slit to eat through - with a velcro closing between bites. Liz

Cape Ann Campground is very near Long Wharf Town Landing – Take route 128 to Exit 13, Concord Street. At end of ramp, left on Concord for 0.8 mile. Turn right onto Atlantic Street (signed for Wingaersheek Beach) and drive 0.8 mile to the Long Wharf Town Landing on the right – free parking at the landing. If they will let you camp that early, it should work. If that does not work contact me directly via PM. You can set up your tent on my deck and haul your kayak up on my rocks - near Lanes Cove. Liz

Bubble wrap under a poncho?? "Campfire brand marshmallow that no longer exists as far as I know. They came in boxes in two layers, maybe eight firm little sugar dusted white pillows in each layer - separated by a sheet of wax paper... Yumm!" They were the best. Now that Ding Dongs and Twinkies are back, there is hope.

The critical question is this: Did you use dark chocolate and ginger graham crackers for the s'mores? Liz

campfire sock drying: place round rocks near the fire. When they get hot, carefully - without burning yourself - put a rock inside the sock. raise and lower alternated ends so that the rock, rocking back and forth, dries the sock. Repeat with the other sock. (Can be done while telling scary stories.) Liz

Mike, I still have that Squam chart. I had forgotten who made it. I used it on this year's trip. Excellent work! Liz

I am up for a fair weather paddle next weekend. No one wants to paddle out of Lanes Cove with these N winds, however! Liz

OK Gene.

Nancy - got your email. See you there. Liz

Shari and Gene, Please send me your emergency contact info. I hope you can make it. Liz

Anyone know when "club day" is?

This will be a mellow trip unless Rob is along, then all Hell may break loose so he can practice dealing with it. :-)) Launch from: Long Wharf Town Landing – Take route 128 to Exit 13, Concord Street. At end of ramp, left on Concord for 0.8 mile. Turn right onto Atlantic Street (signed for Wingaersheek Beach) and drive 0.8 mile to the Long Wharf Town Landing on the right – free parking at the landing. Level 2+ (3 if windy but it is pretty protected) Butt in boats time: 1:30 PM (Beach briefing at 1:15 PM) Off the water: no later than 6:30 PM Depending on conditions and desire of the group, we may start off heading in toward Gloucester Harbor, go past the starting line for the Blackburn Challenge, under the RR bridge, to Dun Fudgin' Landing and the Blynman Canal bridge. The current will be too strong to go into Gloucester Harbor. Or, we can start paddling against the tide toward Lobster Cove, Wingaersheek Beach, and Ipswich Bay. Bird watchers should bring binoculars. PPP-O at Lobsta Land, just off Rt. 128, Rust Island. (They will be open.) Sunset: 6:13 PM (Nautical Twilight: 7:03 PM) High tide: 3:35 PM. 9.7 ft. - Not high enough to paddle over the marshes. :-(( That will occur on Tuesday, Oct. 7 near the full moon. email me your particulars eneumeier AT earthlink you know the punctuation here NET Liz

I am going to post a Columbus Day/afternoon paddle in the Annisquam. A good setting for current problems (under the RR bridge and at Blynman canal); emergency landings in a marsh (deep water right next to marsh grass), and, depending on the ocean swell from Ipswich Bay, some surf issues. Come along and we will see what mischief can be made. Liz

I put my kayak parallel to that boat ramp to exit. I have not used that launch site in years, but it used to be possible to carry a kayak down the right side, through the weeds, and launch at all tides. Even at low tide there is a small pool next to the shore. Another all tide access point is on the other side of the Annisquam river: http://gloucesterma.com/Guides/PublicLandingBrochure.pdf The parking area can flood at HIGH hide tides so watch where you park. Liz

I will be there. Liz

Easy. If you launch at the boat ramp, next to the sea wall, the concrete ramp ends before you reach the water and it is a little bit muddy. (Note, the beach to the left of the ramp, facing the water, is private property. The owner is tolerant of people pulling their kayaks in at low tide, but stay close to the boat ramp.) If you launch at the head of the harbor at dead low you will need to cross a short, firm mud flat. Not a problem at all. This is my backyard. Let me know if you want to go out and I will join you if I can. Liz

amazing video: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/07/23/whale-lifts-kayak-video_n_5613839.html Liz

I was going to post the same trip for the following weekend, but would be glad to join your's. Liz

I will definitely be in Gloucester Harbor to watch the finish if anyone wants to join me. We can agree on a launch time. Liz

Lisa, I totally agree with you on the close turns racers make at the breakwater. We will definitely stay clear of racers. Liz

My preference would be to launch in Gloucester Harbor and paddle out around the breakwater to watch the racers head into the harbor. That would require fairly calm conditions because we would need to be VERY CLOSE to the breakwater to stay out of the way and sitting out there if it is rough would mean lots of refracting waves and chop. An alternative would be to stay inside the harbor. We could even land and climb up on the breakwater. Then, come back to the finish line for festivities and to check out all the boats. Or, paddle out of Rockport Harbor (Granite Pier) and land on Straightsmouth. Watch the racers come through the Gap Head channel. Any interest? Preference for viewing spots? The launch time would depend on where we want to watch from. Liz

It won't be the same without you. :-(

More details: The launch site is described this way under the put in section of the NSPN website: Greasy Pole – Take Route 128 N to exit 14, turn right onto Route 133 east. Drive 2.9 miles on Route 133. Turn left onto Route 127 and drive 0.4 mile to the public landing on right. Small parking lot at the landing and street parking along the beach. Following those directions you will see Gloucester Harbor at the intersection of Rt. 133 and Rt. 127. Turn left and keep the harbor on your right. Cross the draw bridge and pass the fisherman's statue (on your right). Before the road turns left, you will see the boat ramp/parking area on your right. (There is a port-a-john at this location, and a restaurant and ice cream shop across the street.) To Kettle Island is about 3.25 NM. Assuming we will wander a bit, the whole trip should be close to 8 NM. Anticipate a relaxing pace. Rock play for those interested, with helmets, if we follow the west side. (Norman's Woe may have a calpotis at this tide.) I may have some extra charts I will bring if I can find them. Weather: SAT NIGHT S WINDS 10 TO 15 KT. SEAS 2 TO 3 FT. - If the winds are strong we can paddle out the east side of the harbor and be in the lee most of the trip . I suggest bringing a paddling jacket for the stretch break and return. It will be a cool evening. NOTE ON LIGHTING: The coast guard requires that each boat carry a white light that can be shined at other vessels. Personally, I wear a headlamp on my hat but NEVER use lights when paddling at night. When is clear and the moon is full, it almost seems like I want my sunglasses on. If someone wants to use lights on the kayak, that is fine but you will need to paddle in the back so as to not give other paddlers night blindness. See you there! Liz