alcoons

Hi, Cannot find how to order NSPN gear on this site. Need a new hat ASAP. Thanks for the help, Al

Congrats on the new format and your success. Al

Hi Jason, I am going with Canyon Explorations (www.canyonexplorations.com) since they are, I believe the only company offering the hybrid approach that I mentioned before: small empty rafts, inflatable kayaks, and the option to ride if my shoulders give out. I did get a good recommendation about them from a paddler I met last fall. He had just returned from a trip with them. I am in a place with exceptionally slow internet for the next few days, so I cannot look at their web site but I remember they do allow clients to bring kayaks but I think they are only on certain trips. I am sure you know that each company has its own tone, history, style, and style of trip so take a look at them all. Of course they sell out way in advance but there is often room for single paddlers given cancellations.

Grand Canyon. Choice of 6 person unloaded raft or inflatable kayak or ride the supply raft each day. With my bad shoulder this will allow me to do as much paddling as I can handle. 65th birthday present to myself and one of those bucket list things.

Hi Pru and Ed. Would love to be with you but have my own 15 day adventure at the end of May. Hope you have the time and energy to run another trip later in the summer. If you do I hope to join you. Al Cetus Red over white, mostly over

Looks great! Thanks for posting this.

Thanks for the great posts about NOLS Alaska. Never heard of instructors cooking dinner at NOLS?? I could not message you offline. Perhaps you could answer offline so we don't clutter up this thread. Al

Just to keep my almost perfect record of dropping out of whatever I sign-up for this year, I will not be able to come after all. My wife was car pooling to Maine with friends to meet me for a Saturday evening commitment, but they just backed out. Sorry and have a great time. I hope to post or join a local trip on Sunday. Al

Count me in. Sounds great. Al

Sheri, John, Jim and I launched at 10 AM from Lane's Cove on a perfect day. Full sun, quiet seas, light wind. Jim had joined NSPN the night before and this was his first paddle with us. He brought a beautiful wooden boat that he had made without a kit. Incredible inlays and wood work, efficient design, and even a skeg. We paddle direct to the opening of Essex Bay (call this Essex Gut) and, since it was only a few hours after low tide, on to Conomo Point by the left hand marked channel. While I have spent a lot of time in Essex Bay and around Conomo, I have never gone up that side. It is very attractive at lower tide levels with interesting sand bars. Headed for the end of Cranes but the wind had picked up significantly and we were nearing max inbound flood. It made more sense in the long run (we thought) to head for the beach at the bitter end of Wingaersheek Rd that forms the east side of Essex Gut. Sheri told me the name of the beach four times, but it is now 24 hours later. Why would I remember it? The tip of Cranes was covered with boats, but surprisingly this beach had NONE. Not normal in my experience. The one family on the beach was pleasant, but told us that it had always been private but it is now posted. Since we needed lunch and the exit through Essex Gut was not looking friendly, I asked if they would mind we if had a quick lunch and depart. They were very nice. Essex Gut is often funky, but it was a bit surprising how messy the unpredicted strong the winds and max tide made it. This certainly was bigger than the 2+/3- as advertised. One of our members made a great decision to make the short walk along the beach around the funk rather than overdoing it. Another paddler went with him. Two members of the group paddled through and met them. Observation: While the conditions were funky and well within my past experience, I have only paddled on the ocean twice this year and did not have a lot of reserve due to muscle problems. After getting through, I realized I could have done two things better. First, I stayed too close to the shore most likely because there were two paddlers on the shore. The other paddler stayed further out after pushing through the worst of the mess. This was a logical and much better decision. Second, I lost focus for a few seconds a couple of times as I made it through something funky and was not as ready as I should have been for the next funk. Lessons relearned. Stay further out and keep thinking all the way through. In retrospect, we did note that the wind was increasing significantly and perhaps we should have considered going through the center of the gut, which might have been a bit less difficult. However, given one less experienced paddler, our solution might have been the best. We went direct for Lane's with a dying wind and only a bit of chop. Guess the weather gods saved the strong wind for out exit of Essex Bay. So, it was a beautiful day and a good paddle. Smart decisions were made and a new member showed us his great wooden boat and solid skills and strength. Thanks to all, Al

Never too late. See you tomorrow. Looking forward to meeting you. Al

Great Shari. So the trip is on unless something unexpected happens (aliens)? Of course, it is always good to check in the morning before you leave. Al 781-879-9377 mobile (do not have email on the phone)

Thanks Dave & Shari. Will need at least one person to commmit and then the trip is on. Al

Opps. Launch at 10 AM sharp. Beach Briefing at 9:45 AM.

L2+/3- Explore Ipswich and Essex Bay Coast & End of Crane Beach, Sun. 8/11 Date: Sunday, August 11 Level: 2+/3-, 9-11 miles leisurely, supportive paddle. Not going for distance or speed, rather enjoyment. However, appropriate for ocean kayaks with skegs or rudders, not rec boats. Put-in: Lanes Cove, hopefully right side at boat ramp beach besides seawall Route: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=6035911 perhaps with further exploration of Essex Bay. Tides: Low: 8:32 AM, High: 2:55 PM CAM: Everyone needs to have practiced wet exits and be comfortable doing them if the need arises. This is a CAM (Common Adventure Model) trip. I am an initiator/organizer but not the trip leader. We are all potential leaders and all equally responsible for each other. Paddling decisions will be made by the group as a whole. For more information about the Common Adventure Model, go to the NSPN main menu /Our History. Changes/Cancellation: Be sure to check this posting for any changes or updates. This trip is weather dependent. If strong winds and/or thunderstorms are forecast, it will be cancelled. RSVP: RSVP here to let me know if you are interested. Al Coons Cetus: red over white, mostly over

Ugh. Have to back out. Wife's car came down with terrible metal-on-metal sound (the brakes that were just fixed?) and we have to get it back on the road by tomorrow. Will be thinking of you all. Al

I'll be there. Al

We went kayak/canoe camping with another couple in the Everglades. We each had singles and they had a traditional canoe. Little wind and pretty flat water. We were worried about the same thing you were worried about but what made the difference was the loading. Since the canoe took much of the heavier gear, things were pretty equal in our group. Of course, a great deal has to do with the strength of the paddlers and size of the boats. Al

Hi Blaine, Assuming some body parts are cooperating by then, I will join you. Al Cetus red over white, mostly over

Opps. Was on vacation and lost track of the posts. Sounds like a great time. Sorry, Al

Not sure if I can paddle yet, but can you remind me about max distance and required lights? Thanks, Al

Thanks Beth. Anyone know what the list price was back then? Approx? Al

Thank Mike and Deb, Sure looks a lot like this mid-tour picture I found, but not sure: http://www.outdoorreview.com/cat/product-archives/outdoor-equipment/paddling/paddles/werner/mid-tour-paddle/prd_103521_2989crx.aspx I wrote Werner and asked if they can identify if for me. Will let you know the results. Al

Getting ready to sell this paddle from a previous life but have no idea which model Werner it is. 230 cm. Thanks for you help:

As advertised, it was mellow. David, Judy, Pablo and I were not bothered by the traffic jams delaying some participants, a couple of high speed ferries that passed within 2 miles of our group, the perfect weather, tiny waves, and the wind that helped us on our return against the imperceptible tide. No frustration on the lack of chocolate covered cherries at lunch. Who knows? Maybe 9 miles with lunch at Georges. Great discussion on retirement since I seem to be only one foolish enough to continue working. Thanks for a great paddle David, Judy, and Pablo. Al