alcoons

Maybe this will work? Sorry. Link will not work.

Does anyone know if the status of landing on Baker's Island (particularly at the light) has changed since the Essex National Heritage Commission now has ownership of the Light Station site? The Boston Globe article below suggests nothing has changed in terms of kayakers stopping by uninvited, even at the light. (http://www.bostonglobe.com/metro/regionals/north/2014/09/06/baker-island-residents-adjust-lighthouse-off-salem-changes-hands/1z1S5iFTvCd802k7S5nmoM/story.html)

Great. I'm in.

Hi Pru. Definitely interested but need to get back for evening event in Boston. When do you expect to get back to Odiorne?

Just heard another high gust report, and hearing no other plans I am NOT paddling and heading out on my bike. Sorry. Al

Writing this at 6:20 AM Sunday: ----- Marine Weather from 3:42 AM - Not updated yet BOSTON HARBOR-342 AM EDT SUN JUL 6 2014 TODAY W WINDS 10 TO 15 KT WITH GUSTS UP TO 20 KT. WAVES 1 FOOT OR LESS. --------- So this looks marginally good. However, TV Channel 5 just a moment ago reported winds around Boston already at 16 MPH with expected guests up to 35 MPH. --------- So my conservative conclusion is that I do not expect to paddle the proposed route. I will keep checking this discussion until 8 AM. Frustrating, Al

Hi everyone. Just back from a loosing Red Sox game. Ugh. 7:30 PM Saturday Marine Forecast: SUN -- SW WINDS 10 TO 15 KT. GUSTS UP TO 25 KT IN THE AFTERNOON. WAVES 1 FOOT OR LESS. ---------------------------------------- So here is where I stand and I really wanted to paddle: 1. We cannot chance 25 kt winds, particularly from the SW which is generally in the direction we would take to return to the put-in while crossing open water for 2 miles (the channel and the trip along Deer Island. There will not be a lee shore to hide behind most likely. Who knows when or if the gusts will develop: noon, later, not at all. 2. Even if we left at 9 AM, we would have to assume a minimum of 4 hours and probably more to paddle 12 miles plus breaks. That would put us returning in the "afternoon". 3. Alternative paddles from the same put-in would have to either: Be shorter and would hardly get us into the Islands or head towards Boston but that is against the tide. Note that 9 AM is mid-tide with the water if flowing out to sea. ------ Conclusion: If nothing changes with the weather forecast and no one can provide a better logic and/or route, I think I have to suggest this paddle is beyond level 3 and should not be undertaken. I will be online at 6:30 AM and open to suggestions and hopefully a better forecast, but right now I do not expect to paddle the proposed route. Sorry, Al

Bryan and anyone one else who is considering paddling, I am going out tonight (Saturday) around 5 PM and will not be back or see email until 11 PM or midnight. I will be at the put-in tomorrow as advertised, but make sure you check here in the morning in case conditions change. Al 781-879-9377 cell (no email)

Oops: Guess I am a month behind. Meant to post this trip for tomorrow, JULY 6th not June. Updated Marine Forecast: BOSTON HARBOR-504 AM SAT JUL 5 2014 SUN: W WINDS AROUND 10 KT. WAVES 1 FOOT OR LESS.

BOSTON HARBOR MARINE FORECAST: 4:31 PM FRI JUL 4 2014 SUN SW WINDS 5 TO 10 KT. WAVES 1 FOOT OR LESS. ---------------------- Given the above Boston Harbor Marine Forecast, it appears conditions are great for a trip Sunday. Need a minimum of three paddlers. I post it now to gage interest assuming conditions remain as posted above. Date: Sunday, June 6th Time: 10 AM Sharp: Beach Briefing and Launch. Location: Harbor Islands from Winthrop/Deer Island. Parking: Note that parking can be tight but usually works out. However, this is a holiday weekend. Please plan accordingly. Put in: Last parking lot (on left) before Deer Island Wastewater Treatment Plant. See map below. Tides: High: 6:14 AM, Low: 12:23 PM, High 6:39 PM Level: 3 CAM. We all work together. Distance: 12-14, let's we shoot for 12 and see how the group feels. Possible route: Boston Light is always a fun goal, but landing, while usually permitted, can be denied due to previously scheduled large groups arriving on large boats.http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6358657 . Actually route depends on conditions and group. "Last Facilities": Very nice restroom at the Public Landing on Shirley Street, 1-2 miles before put-in.

Major changes in Boston Harbor Marine Forecast. I will post the Sunday Boston Harbor Trip discussed above in a new tread. BOSTON HARBOR- 431 PM EDT FRI JUL 4 2014 SMALL CRAFT ADVISORY IN EFFECT SATURDAY AFTERNOON SAT NW WINDS 10 TO 15 KT WITH GUSTS UP TO 25 KT. WAVES 2 TO 3 FT. SUN SW WINDS 5 TO 10 KT. WAVES 1 FOOT OR LESS. SUN NIGHT SW WINDS AROUND 10 KT. WAVES 1 FOOT OR LESS.

Ed, You make a great point. I think we often deal with two foot swells on some of our paddles (for example, from Gloucester to Manchester and back - usually on the way back) and don't think much of it. Of course the problem is having enough knowledge and experience to know what it will be like out there this weekend. Al PS. I don't think you hijacked this thread at all. I think you asked an important question about this proposed trip.

Marine report looked good for Sunday for Boston Harbor when I looked at it yesterday (Wednesday). However, predicted wave height has increased as of 6:30 AM today (Thursday): SAT NW WINDS AROUND 10 KT. WAVES AROUND 2 FT. A CHANCE OF SHOWERS IN THE MORNING. SUN W WINDS 5 TO 10 KT. WAVES AROUND 2 FT. Since 2 feet is the limit of level 3 Boston Harbor does not seem to be an appropriate paddle. Of course the report may change depending on the track of Arthur. Will continue to watch the forecast. Other ideas?

Early Notice - Expect to post a level 3 trip launching from Winthrop near Deer Island to the Harbor Islands for either Saturday or Sunday July 5th or 6th. Level 3. CAM. Distance 12 miles. Tides are right (low at 12:30 or 1:15 PM). Boston Light is always a fun goal, but landing, while usually permitted, can be denied due to previously scheduled large groups arriving on large boats. Day and route will be determined after the weather report stabilizes later in the week. Al Cetus Red over White/Mostly over.

Could not have been much better. Mike, Katherine, Janice, Pablo, Judy, Sheri, and Al launched from Pavilion Beach (Ipswich) at 10:15, 2 hours and 45 minutes before high tide. Following Debs great suggestions and statistics we headed more towards the end of Plum Island than the north end of Cranes due to the significant current (1.7 knots). While we had no trouble, it certainly was an effort to get over the rip line running from the middle of the Parker River to the north end of Cranes. This paddle most likely should not be attempted under similar conditions with weaker paddlers. We probably should have continued on that heading much longer. As we headed a bit more towards Cranes we were pushed back down towards the rip. We ended up fairly close to Cranes beach rather than further offshore. The current sweeping below the bluff that leads down from the Crane Estate was still very strong and we made very little headway until there was a called for stronger strokes. Everyone responded smartly and within a few minutes we were in pleasant water. We rounded the south end of Cranes Beach as predicted at noon (5 miles/1 ¾ hours). The group decided to pass by the always crowded, noisy lunch spot and pull over near the dock on Long Island after another mile. Nice choice. ERBA beached a bit later with a large group (15+?). We overheard them talk about poison ivy as they headed for a walk on the island. An earlier request for chocolate went unanswered but grapes and nuts were offered as a replacement. Note to myself: Always bring chocolate. What was I thinking? Water was still very high as we headed for Fox Creek. Pablo’s GPS made finding the entrance easy although those who have done it before would have found it without the aid. There are now wooden channel markers with appropriate red and green marking all the way up to the bridge. Don’t know if we can depend on them in the future, but they were a nice addition. The Ipswich Police were stationed in their marine patrol boat at the corner where many paddlers head towards the Crane Mansion by mistake. Great to see them watching for speeders and helping with directions. We were back at our cars at 2:20 (10.3 miles). Thanks everyone for working together and making for such a wonderful day.

Float Plan: A couple of members have forwarded their float plan information to me. I am not sure whether NSPN CAMS now require this to be done (I cannot find the CAM description here online?), but it certainly cannot hurt. So, if you want to forward info electronically, send the following to me. If not and we feel we should do this, it can be done before launch by hand: Name: Your Phone Number: Your boat and color: Emergency contact name and number: Thanks, Al

Wow. Trip is obviously on. See you all at the put-in. Excited to paddle with old and new friends. Al

Hi Judy, Hard to tell, but I would guess between 2 and 3:30. Hope you can join us. Miss you Al

Katherine cannot launch before 10 AM. The rest of should be ready to launch at 9:45 so we really can leave at 10.Deb wrote: "Max Flood (1.7K): 11 AM for the entrance to Plum Island Sound and includes the flow into the Parker and Ipswich Rivers. The current can be pushy but if you launch at 10 and aim away from the north end of Cranes and into deeper water you should be more than okay." So we will be dealing with significant current right after launch.Please confirm that you will attend since we should have at least 3 paddlers for this trip to go:Level: 3- Launch: 10 Sharp Route: Route 1: 10.3 miles. See http://www.gmap-pedo....com/?r=6351123 . Type: CAM - we all work together Contact: My cell: 781-879-9377 (does not have email)

Sorry, running out the door and not reading carefully. Route 1 is perfect leaving at 10 AM? or should we leave earlier? Al

Thanks Deb. It is very special. A little of everything. Can you give us any more insight to the timing? Reaction to my previous comments on Route 1 and/or 2? Al

Sorry about the confusion I caused. Let's CAM the decision. 1. Pavillion Beach is in Ipswich. Conomo Point is in Essex. Believe it or not, I have free parking for one car there (a friend). 2. High Tide is at 1 PM. 3. Route 1: 10.3 miles. See http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6351123 . Starting at Pavillion Beach, at 10 AM going clockwise. If we covered 9 miles in 3 hours including lunch that would put us right in the middle of Fox creek at slack high tide. That seems ambitious but we would have the incoming tide in Essex Bay. We could be later than 1 PM without problems since it is around slack tide. Would be better to launch at 9 or 9:30 AM but that eliminates Katherine perhaps. 4. Route 2: 10.8 miles. http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6351138 Starting at Clammers' Beach on Conomo Pt at 10 AM going counter-clockwise Parking really is a problem at times. We fight the incoming tide across Essex Bay and through the exit to Ipswich Bay which can be significant at times. 7 miles to the middle of Fox Creek. Could eat lunch near the six mile mark on the old PT Boat Harbor site. Again, would an earlier launch be better? Seems like Route 1 makes more sense to me assuming we get the timing right. What is wrong with what I wrote above? Suggestions? I have done this route a couple of times, but I am sure someone has it perfectly figured out? Deb? Dave? All comments welcome. Al

Yes. Looks like a 10 AM launch at Pavillion Beach in Essex. Clockwise. Along Cranes Beach (ocean) first. Stop at inner end of Cranes for lunch. Through Essex Bay and Fox Creek. Will formally post confirmation and information later this afternoon after USA beats (ties) Germany. Al

Hi Shari. Great. Let's see what other interest we get. Al

Level 3- Looking for interest in a mellow, friendly, 10-12 mile paddle on Saturday. CAM. Paddle together. Moderate pace. High tide is around 1 PM so launches would probably be 9:30 or 10 AM? Al Al Coons Cetus Red/White