alcoons

Time to mount a compass on my Eddyline Nighthawk 16. It has a flat area designed for a compass about 4 feet from my eyes. Suggestions on the brand/model to buy?

Notes: When I was at MIKCO (with 90% of the club) this fall a group discussed compasses. Someone pointed out that some of the traditional brands have placed so many "degree markings" on their compasses that, along with waining eyesight, they have become hard to read. Another commented that his measure of value is how stable a compass is in bouncing seas.

Thanks in advance for your advice,

Al

Thanks for the health, resources, and time to paddle.

Thanks to NSPN for the support, camaraderie, and sharing.

Al

Great pictures.

What was the water temperature? Saw one person in shorts in one of the pictures?

Thanks,

Al

Thanks for all of your advice.

I am now the proud owner of a pair of NRS Hydroskin G2 pants to go along with my waterproof paddle jacket with excellent neck and sleeve closures (neoprene).

The Hydroskin pants do not have a reinforced bottom or knees. Do you wear anything over them or just go with them as is?

Thanks again,

Al

Great pictures Dan. Thanks for sharing our fun trip with everyone.

Al

>I have to agree, I used my wetsuit so rarely that I finally

>gave it away. Much prefer Hydroskin and fuzzy rubber for the

>shoulder seasons, and then drytop/suit for cold weather.

>

>kate

Kate...when you say drytop/suit what do you mean by "suit"?

Thanks,

Al

Hi.

Need general suggestions for what to consider when buying a Farmer John. NRS seems to only sell 3 mm. When I called EMS they suggested those were too thick for the flexibility need for kayaking.

What features would you considered "essential"? Zippered ankles? Pads? What features would be "nice" to have?

Thanks in advance,

Al

After a year of a paddling with the club, I want to thank all of you who have helped me figure out some of the 225 pieces of userful gear (besides a kayak) and 141 skills (besides keeping the side with the hole up) that one needs to acquire before you consider yourself a New England paddler.

Some paddlers have asked about the maps and references I use to put together SNGs. While I am sure each paddler might use difference resources, I think those new to paddling or the area might find the combination of the following to be a great way to start inexpensively (this is for the Mass seacoast):

Sea Kayaking Coastal Mass, Lisa Gollin Evans, Appalachian Mountain Club, paper back ISBN 1-878239-84-8. [42 trips with descriptions, rough but very useful overview maps, history, put-ins, etc.]

Maptech Waterproof Chartbook, Cape Cod to Cape Ann, MA, Edition 1. $50 list. [26 pages of full-color, waterproof, tear-resistant cut out maps.

I have found the WeatherUnderground marine weather and general weather pages very useful: great organization and graphics with a large amount of data.

Try

http://www.wunderground.com/MAR/AN/250.ht

for our regional marine forcast. Click on the Boston Buoy to see wondering graphs of wave heights and wind speeds for the day/week/or month.

Try

http://www.wunderground.com/MAR/AN/250.ht

for Boston Harbor.

Much prefer their pages to weather.com for most weather related information.

Al

Dan.

Glad you and Linda had a good continuation...would have rather been with you than on land.

Al

Leslie, Al, Deb, Dan, Linda, and Al put in on this beautiful, windless, flat seas day about 9:20 from Lanes Cover one and one half hours before high tide. Flew down to Annisquam Light with little effort riding the incoming tide. Deb lead us down the Annisquam River, showing us Town Landing. We continued around Pierce Island and then continued down the river 1/2 mile past the bridge.

Turned around and headed to Wingaersheek Beach for lunch. I have always wanted to go to Wingaersheek and it surpassed all expectations...what a wonderful place.

After lunch we headed down Coffins Beach knowing that half the party would have to head back to the put-in soon due to late afternoon commitments. Suddenly a large gaggle of unattached (as in on the NSPN Singles Paddle) paddlers blocked our way and disrupted our lazy paddle with lazy chit-chat.

Then it was time for Al, Leslie, and Deb to head for the put-in. Easy paddle back. We took out and notice somehow that the rest of our group that planned to stay out for the rest of the afternoon had somehow already taken out on the other side of the harbor. Seems as if they were trying to fake us out with macho paddling plans but we caught them.

A fun, relaxing, perhaps close to perfect paddle level 1- was had by all.

Al

PS. It is important to note why my radio did not seem to be working for most of the trip. Since it is high on my the shoulder strap of my PFD, I made a point of memorizing which way the volume knob turned to increase volume. As the trip progress I turned it up every once in a while since I was not hearing any chatter. Of course, I actually was turning it down. I think I need a radio operator along with the rest of the endless gear.

The State Police said that we could park at Magazine Beach for longer than the three hour parking limit by simply telling the officer on duty when we parked. There was no officer so explanatory signs littered the dash boards. Have no idea if they were ever read.

Deb, Judy, Jamie, and Leslie and I made an on-time departure from Magazine Beach at 11:05. The air was warming up and we decided to go with light clothing. The wind was in our face but the water was so warm it was a good decision. Jamie Doucett, a new member to the club but not to paddling - including flat water racing - was on his first trip. Wish I had put more rocks in his stern compartment.... He is fast.

Pulled out on the new dock at the Barking Crab about 1 PM. The front docks are now private but the resturant's dock behind the rest is clearly marked. We did not have reservations (need at least 6 in your party) but there were plenty of seats. The group's stylish attire of dripping botties, shortie wetsuits with zippers in funny places, and paddle jackets was appropriately oggled. We realized how warm the water was as we quickly became cold in the shade of the resturant. Cowder and layers helped us get ready for sandwiches.

Left at 2 PM and headed back past Old Iron Sides for a Mystic River tour lead by Leslie. The tide helped as we kept well to the opposite shore of the LNG tanker. A State Police launch cruised by and complimented us for staying on the "right" side of the river. Another patrol boat was also on station. Imagine what the new security costs to have two boats always on patrol!

We noted the very nice put-in with concrete ramp and grassy park behind the Shraffs building. Just before the Somerville locks Jamie pointed out where he had put in for a flat water race at the soccer fields behind the Assembly Square mall. No one had any idea what that would be like at lower tide.

We felt very powerful as we locked through at Somerville. There was almost no boat traffic on the Mystic and we were proud to see our tax money at work. The new moorings after the locks are impressive. We stopped at President's Landing on the right to stretch. I asked a gentleman about to lock up the MWBC (Mystic Wellington Boat Club) at the landing if he knew of any public facilities and he was kind enough to open the club to us. The concrete ramp and park there is great and he let us know that there is free parking behind the MWBC parking lot for public boaters.

We returned down the Mystic and as we turned for the Charles River Locks a paddler in wooden kayak came out and started asking questions. I wish I could remember his name. He had just finished building the boat and was still learning how to paddle it. He had seen NSPN on the web and planned to join the club. He joined us in our paddle back to Magazine Beach here we found our cars untouched about 6 PM.

So our ratio of 6 hours of paddling to 1 hour of eating seemed way to high, but fun was had by all.

Respectfully submitted.

Wow -- what a wonderful trip. Hope you will post the details when you get a chance.

Al

Thanks Carl.

Do people feel strongly either way about shoulder straps with a neoprene skirt? The ones on my nylon skirt do not bother me.

Time to get a neoprene spray skirt. Some questions:

1. Should they be designed specifically for my boat?

2. How do you deal with variations in clothing over the seasons? For instance, some times I have a thin shirt on, or a wet suit, or a layer and a dry-suit (assuming I get a dry-suit). Plus I am always planning to lose an inch or two off my waist in the next month. Does one-size fit all?

3. Other suggestions for getting the right size for a given cockpit? Particular brand? Who has the best selection?

Thanks,

Al

Eddyline Nighthawk

red/white

The postponed Manchester SNG from Saturday was scheduled to launch at 9:30 AM on Sunday 8/22. Judy Whipple, Bob Clough, and I each arrived around 8:30 behind the Police Station to find an empty parking lot. The police were very friendly, encouraged us to use their "facilities", and told us that the parking lot usually does not fill up to later on Sundays -- 10 AM to 11AM.

We launched at 9:35, 1/2 hour before low tide. The ramp made launching easy, although watch out for possible slippery footing depending on what has been growing on different parts of it.

Conditions were perfect -- temperature rising towards 70 degrees...no wind, no waves. Manchester Harbor was still asleep as paddled out. We passed Ram and House Islands and headed for Bakers Island. Conditions continued to be perfect as we rounded Bakers and investigated the Gooseberries and Dry Breakers, then back west of Bakers for lunch on Misery. Elapsed time at this point was about 2 hours.

Spent some time talking to the young, friendly caretakers on Misery. He (EPA) and she (Activities Editor for the Washington Post) are from Washington, DC taking a leave from their jobs to be on Misery for the summer. The Island was busy, but we sat alone on the wonderful high point on the southeast corner of the island, eating lunch, watching all the other boats, trying to figure out our exact route around all the little islands we had passed, and enjoying the sun (watch out for poisen ivy if you walk in the woods).

After lunch the wind had picked up. We paddled out between Misery and Little Misery to growing and confused swells. We passed the eastern side of House Island on the way to explore Lobster Cove. Conditions were on the increase so we headed in between House and Ram Island. It was a good experience for those who were looking for practice in more challenging conditions and everyone handled the waves well.

We headed back to the put-in for a well deserved drink at Masconomo Park and dreams of our next trip -- Manchester, MA to Manchester, England and return (might be a two-day trip?).

Al

Thanks for your help so far.

Am I correct then in assuming you cannot park on the streets anywhere near the Police Station?

Anyone know about the commuter rail lot? Police were unclear about it -- suggested something about paying $20 because it was near the beach? The MBTA web site says there are 71 free spaces there.

Leslie Beale and I have posted a SNG for this Saturday out of Manchester. We launch at low tide. Can anyone help us with the logistics of the put-in/parking? Just called the police and they were NOT very helpful. If we want to launch at the Police Station is there parking nearby? Same question about Tucks Point? I assume Masconoma Park is NOT an option at 10 AM on a Saturday in the summer?

Thanks for your help.

Al

As many of you know, the San Juan Islands, between Seattle and Vancouver Island, are a kayaker’s paradise. My wife and I just returned from the "perfect trip" which was well deserved after a difficult vacation in March.

Travel:

While you can get to Friday Harbor on San Juan Island by taking the shuttle to and ferry from Anacortes, it is much easier to take the Victoria Clipper from downtown Seattle (7:45 AM - 11:15AM).

Lodging:

Friday Harbor is filled with B&B's and hotels. We loved the moderately priced Tucker House. The Wayfarer Inn in closer to a hostel if you want to be in town and not spend much.

Friday Harbor itself is a "good tourist town." Not ruined by too much glitz and no fast food chains. Lots of good food -- we loved the deck and food at the moderately priced Downrigger (between the Ferry Dock and the Marina).

Weather:

This area is in the rain shadow of the Olympic range and gets little or no rain during July/August. While there was bit of fog/haze that burned off very early many mornings, we had no rain, no humidity, and moderate temperatures. How do they do that?

Paddling:

There are lots of day trips available. We did a 5 night circumnavigation of Orcas Island starting and ending on San Juan Island. We went with Crystal Seas, a local and top rate company. They say they keep their group size down, especially on their longer trips. On our trip there was just one other client in addition to my wife and our guide.

The equipment was as good as we have experienced. We preferred the Seward "South Wind" doubles to any other doubles we have paddled. Seats were the best ever and the unique peddle system for steering really kept the legs loose. They packed very easily. Top rate tents, the new Thermorest model (looks funny but packs very small and works very well), camping pillows (yes, I am getting older), and color coded and appropriately sized dry bags for everything immediately indicated that this company was thoughtful and cared.

The young guide was as good as they get. Laid back, thoughtful, knowledgeable, and one hell of a cook. For a low price trip, we ate like kings. He loved to cook and everything was cooked slowly and spiced to perfection. Each meal and dish had a special touch...fresh salmon all over the place (omelets, pasta, lunch), peppers and onions slowly simmered for the quesadillas, etc.

The route was wonderful. Due to the very significant tides and rips, route planning and launch timing was crucial. We left from just south of Friday Harbor and paddled 7 miles to a campsite at Obstruction Pass on the south side of Orcas. This elevated paddle-in/walk-in state campsite was spectacular. While busy with day-use late in the afternoon, it was very quite that night.

Day two took us east and then north to Clark Island 3 miles east of Orcas. Local knowledge was crucial here. The last 4 miles were to be with the flood. Yet, due to the numerous large and small islands and the wide Rosario straight, floods became ebbs and ebbs became floods very quickly. Going way out in the Rosario to guarantee the flood sounded sensible until you heard the stories (from multiple sources) of kayakers missing multiple islands due to long rips and very fast current. Camp on the beach side of Clark and watch snow-covered Mt. Baker change color as the sun goes down and the moon and stars appear.

Day three was wonderful. Continuing north we stopped at the Matias Island. They are just about to make the cove on the South End off limits, but we got to stop there and then walk the magical one mile trail around this island (not to be missed). You can land and camp at the state park on the north side. The campsites are wonderful, as are the woods and the cliffs, but it does not provide the view that other island sites do. We continued on to Sucia Island. This very popular destination 4 miles off the northwest end of Orcas is "U" shaped, providing a mile long protected harbor. It is littered with power and sail boats anchoring for the night. You have your choice of many different kinds of camp sites. The sites in the "base" of the "U" are closest to people, boats, water and bathrooms, but also have the great views of Baker.

Day 4: We had a layover day on Sucia. While you can easily carrying the boats across the narrow part of the island where we camped, we paddled them around on our day off. This shortens the next day by a mile or two.

Day 5: The planned 12 mile paddle to Jones Island looked like it might be very long if the 4 mile open water crossing to Point Desolation turned nasty and then forced us to paddle up stream for the rest of the day. However we left early, had light winds, and while there were a few rips, nothing major got in our way. 12 miles took just 4 hours including stops in loaded doubles. Someone was looking out of us. Camping on the northwest corner of Jones is wonderful. New views of San Juan Island and the active straights and islands above its north end were stimulating, as were the seals and porpoises.

Day 6: Our paddle ended with a two/three-hour paddle around the north end of San Juan to Roche Harbor. Roche is very touristy but taking out in a different place than putting in was fun.

Note: We brought a sun shower -- wow, what a wonderful addition for a longer trip.

- - - - - - - - -

Paddling the San Juans on your own:

While we enjoy not having to do all the planning, equipment, logistics, cooking, etc the San Juans are a great place to do an unsupported trip. Many kayakers from the local area were out camping. However, the water is cold, local knowledge about the crazy currents is important as are navigation skills if the fog does roll in (were were told it rarely does in the summer, but it can).

- - - - - - - - -

The other Orcas Island.

We took one of our remaining days to ferry over to Orcas (all inter-island ferries in the San Juans are now free) and moped (Susie's Mopeds on San Juan and Orcas Islands is great) around Orcas. Orcas is a great place with farms, small fun towns, and a spectacular state park (Moran) on the east side. In fact, it appears that many kayakers camp in Moran, enjoy the lakes, mountains (2,000+ ft Constitution), and ocean paddling. We were struck with how different Orcas seemed from the land. While paddling it was sharp cliffs down to cold, beautiful rocks with madrone and fir trees. Yet the interior roads showed little of that...it was more pastoral. In fact, if we were going on our own, we might make Orcas our headquarters.

As a coach and teacher it is hard not to be over-critical of other teachers but my hour plus with Bob and Karen yesterday afternoon could not have been better. Bob did not start by saying "this is the roll you will learn" but rather "let me see what you have left" (I had a white water roll in the 70's) and then "we will decide which roll seems best for you and your boat." He was patient but directive. Most importantly, he was able to describe both what to do with the body parts and why things worked.

We only spent 15 minutes left at the end to work on the forward stroke but that also was very effective and solved some problems I could feel but not diagnose on my own.

At $30 per hour per person for a two person lesson there is no better deal available.

Thanks Bob and Karen and NSPN for making them available.

Al

What follows is a personal statement, but I hope it fits the goals of others in the club.

------------

In the last 24 hours there have been two very inappropriate posting to the "Classes and Courses" threads. Each has attacked the writer of a previous posting rather than the ideas contained in their posting.

As a moderator of very large message board on a completely unrelated subject, I know how quickly this can get out of hand. On the other hand, I know if those offenders are quickly told of the standards and expectations, this usually stops quickly.

--------

On our message board, we eliminate those posting that are clearly inappropriate and send a comment similar to the one below:

This type of comment is inappropriate on any message board and particularly a club board such as ours. Much more is accomplished when we post comments about "ideas" rather than "people." There is nothing wrong with disagreement, but there is something wrong with disrespect, particularly in a club that goes out of its way to accommodate all of our individual quirks. Perhaps an apology is in order.

>Oh, dear: sadly, Dee, you do not express yourself very well

>and I do not understand your implication.

Christopher.

This type of comment is inappropriate on any message board and particularly a club board such as ours. Much more is accomplished when we post comments about "ideas" rather than "people." There is nothing wrong with disagreement, but there is something wrong with disrespect, particularly in a club that goes out of its way to accommodate all of our individual quirks. Perhaps an apology is in order.

Al

>I'm departing in mid July for a solo Ketchican to

>Haines/Skagway journey, with side trips along the way. Does

>anyone have any contacts along the route or have first hand

>info on the area. I've studied everything I can find on the

>bookshelves. You just can't beat local knowledge.

>

>Bob Burnett

Bob.

Thanks for the info on SJs.

I just returned from a Vancouver to Hubbard Glacier trip....it was a family reunion or I would have taken something smaller than a 1000 foot, 12 deck kayak. However, I did go out of Ketchikan with:

http://www.kayakketchikan.com/

They seem very knowledgable and might be a good source for local knowledge.

-----------

By the way, if you have not been up in that part of the world, don't get too down on the tourist traps at either end of your jouney. Both are examples of how to destroy a town to make a buck. Many of the towns in between are much nicer. Not sure which way you are headed when you get to Skagway, but if you are just returning by ferry, Haynes is a lot nicer place to recover.

-----------

Best of luck,

Al

Bob.

This is off topic, but do you have any knowledge of Cyrstal Seas, a guide service out of Friday Harbor in the San Juans. We are planning a trip with them at the end of July and I am still looking for references. If you have any input, you might email me at

alcoonslists @ verizon.net

Thanks in advance for any help.

Al Coons

Since I was unable to take a VHF basics course, I have been doing a lot of reading. I am left with some basic questions particular to how most NSPN paddlers use their radios.

1) If you paddling solo in NE, would NPSNers monitor Ch 9 rather than 16?

2) In general, after deciding to change channels for a private chat (so to speak), I believe 68 is one available non-commercial channels. What other channels do we typically use?

3) When paddling in a group, do those with VHF radios monitor 9 and a non-commerial channel ( I believe that can be done automatically) or does the group just monitor 9?

Thanks as always. You guys are wonderful.

Al