kate

A few comments on Kevin's comments (not to argue with his experiences but just to add mine)...

1. More megapixels give you more latitude for cropping the image. But there's a point of diminishing returns, as trying to cram more pixels into the same size CCD doesn't necessarily buy better resolution. IMHO, 5 mpixels is plenty unless you are going to do extensive editing.

2. Shouldn't be any particular difference between land and waterproof cameras that would be attributable to their waterproofness. There are a lot more choices amongst land cameras so better quality can be had more easily.

3. I never (NEVER) rinse my water-resistant camera (it's not even called waterproof). It has been on every trip with me that I've ever taken in a boat (or out of the boat, in the water, or rolling - and sometimes accidentally dragging along in the water when I forget to tuck it into my pfd), as well as for skiing and sometimes just around town. It's doing fine.

4. Agree!

5. No comment.

6. The wrist camera is a great idea but don't expect high-quality (or even medium quality) pix from it. It's more of a fun-cam.

My personal opinion is that someone should snap up Ernie's Pentax Optio WR43. That's what I use and it is a fine little camera. I refuse to buy one that doesn't have a viewfinder so I've stayed with this model for 5 or 6 years now. Love it. You can see the quality of the photos here (particularly the ones of David and Mark):

http://www.cathyhartland.com/temp5/

The last one (kate_cohasset) was taken with a wrist cam, for comparison.

The Pentax isn't an SLR, but in good light it will take fine action shots.

Kate

What kind of boat did you use? I assume you brought your own?

Karen

Karen, I realized somewhere along the way while writing the report that I hadn't made any mention of the boat! It is a Valley Avocet RM (that is, a plastic Avocet). I think it is not an ideal boat for an expedition in a windy location, but then again it was ideal for me because it is my boat and I know it through and through! There are boats aplenty that hold more gear in the hatches, but even so, the Avocet held enough. The upswept bow catches the wind like a sail, even when fully loaded with gear (that said, it was never a problem on this trip - the wind difficulties had to do with my own lack of strength to paddle into it). I figure I couldn't have brought more than a 60 lb load. With my body weight that comes to a total load of 180 lbs. And the Avocet was still riding high in the water.

I do think that a plastic boat is a good idea for the Mingan islands. There are many shallow reefs and most of the landings are onto rough rock slabs. I left plenty of plastic behind on those rocks, dragging the boat out of the water.

So let me praise the Avocet, a nimble boat and very seaworthy. It's the first seakayak I bought, 6 years ago, and I have yet to find a kayak I like better.

Kate

Several pages added - gear reviews, and suggestions for those who are planning a trip to any of the three areas.

Kate

Care to share your list of "don't leave home without.." for these daytrips from basecamp?

Gary

Good question. I am going to be adding a few more pages to the site addressing this question, as well as giving my suggestions and tips for paddling at the three locations, and a few gear reviews - what worked well, what didn't. So check back in a week or so... but matches and water definitely top the list!

I will just note that my original trip plan had me breaking camp every night and moving to a new location. The weather changed that plan and I didn't have a set-up for day-trips except for my safety bag. So I wasn't really prepared for spending a night away from my basecamp, and if there had not been the emergency shelter building or the emergency young folks in a runabout I might have had a cold and uncomfortable night on the island. This is one of those situations where you learn from experience, thankfully an easy lesson in this case. So I'll be interested to hear what you or others come up with as a "must take" list - I can incorporate these ideas into the list I post on my site.

Also, paddle upwind going out and downwind coming home!

kate

ok, I am feeling really dumb now but I do not find a way to read the report! Somebody help me!

Where/what do I click??

maryb

go to the original post and click on the word "here". Or use this link:

http://tinyurl.com/3a83wm

kate

On Day 4, when you were semi-stranded on NW cove of Ile du Havre, did you consider waiting until nightfall to return to basecamp, when the winds might be considerably less (were they?), or did the forecast suggest the winds would continue through the night? Obviously a major decision for a solo paddler with either option containing elements of risk.

The decision was whether to camp right there (exposed to the wind) or to go around the point. Lack of information about what awaited me around the point was the deciding factor - I thought I'd be able to duck in and out of easy water and be able to get to what I imagined was the best place for me to camp. I made the best decision I could, given the info I had, but it was incomplete info.

As it turned out, the winds did continue until well after dark, but had dropped significantly by morning. This was true on day 5 as well. Now that I know this pattern as well as what happens to those southern coastlines in southwesterlies, I can make better decisions next time!

*****

And I'm so pleased that those who responded here are inspired to go there too. It is well worth the trip, and the drive itself is lovely. (Okay, a book-on-tape helped.)

Spider - Anticosti is far away! No way would I paddle to there nor attempt to circumnavigate! I'll leave that trip for you to do....

Roger - take a look at Jeff Gephart's trip report. He did the trip in a strip-built Night Heron too, if I recall correctly.

Kate

I was fortunate to be able to take a trip to the Cote-Nord in Quebec - including the Mingan islands, the Saguenay, and the Le Bergeronnes area of the St. Lawrence - and have posted the trip report here. There's a lot of detail, but it's pretty easy to just skim the pictures too. I created it in part to supply more info online about the area, as I had a hard time finding information for my trip. I'll probably be adding more to the site, some tips for paddling in these areas, some gear reviews - or maybe not.

I would just add that I think both the Saguenay and Le Bergeronnes are wonderful not only for dedicated seakayakers but also as a family trip. They are not nearly as far away as Mingan, and can be approached by people who have no desire to be skilled paddlers. Mingan is a paddler's destination and requires (in my opinion) solid skills and experience. Given that, it's an amazing place to visit.

Please read and enjoy!

Kate

David, We can see where you did the most surfing - that intense green area on the trip route where you were back-and-forth back-and-forth... and upside-down...

This was so much fun, and the conditions were optimal. Perfect place to be on a very hot and humid day! And great company.

Too bad the trip was canceled...

Kate

You say "circum(navigation)" but say "ocean side" elsewhere. The tides are not ideal for a circumnavigation of the neck. If you were to return through the marsh in the early afternoon you probably wouldn't be able to get through. A good source is tidesonline.com, there are others.

Bob, Crane's Beach is oceanside, but the opposite side of the peninsula is bayside.

You are right, there'd be no way to get through the marsh in the afternoon. Fortunately there's no need to return through the marsh - we leave from Pavilion Beach, hit the marsh at high tide, come out at Essex bay and ride the ebb tide out to the tip of Castle Neck. Coming back along Crane's to Pavilion we'll be traveling against the current but that's how it was last year too and it worked well enough.

The confusion here may be the map that Gene posted, which shows travel in the opposite direction. If we go counterclockwise, all should be well.

Kate

Al, I went on that trip last year and it was great fun looking at the sand sculptures. Count me in.

Kate

Just a note to say that I will be launching with this group but NOT doing the crossing to the Vineyard. Instead I will be poking around Bull Island, maybe the Weepeckets, Oncatena, etc. until the group returns to play the currents at Woods Hole. Anyone who prefers a more leisurely pace is welcome to join me.

Kate

I am planning to join you, although may have to leave early depending on how late it goes. See you then!

Kate

The watch belongs to a little girl who walked up from the beach and placed it there before any of us showed up (except for me, obviously). I figured it'd be there when she came back for it, never imagining it'd still be there at the end of the pig-out. I'm afraid that one's now homeless...

Kate

Not to undercut the classes offered by Turner and Cheri - Turner is a friend and has helped me with my greenland rolls - but you can come out to Walden and learn the basics and more all summer long. Wednesdays and Fridays after 4pm I'm out there with several friends, but people come and go all days of the week. If you see someone with a skinny stick, just ask to try it or ask for help with your rolls. We are all happy to help in an informal way, especially if you'll spot us on rolls too.

That said, if you can make Turner's course, definitely do it. He's a fine teacher and the rolls are fun. Then come out to Walden and practice what you've learned.

Kate

I second the Don Beale choice. He made me a very fine paddle, advised as to the dimensions that would work for me, refused payment until I was sure I was happy with it. I was very pleased to meet him last year at the PNW greenland kayaking symposium where he volunteered to teach everyone how to make a paddle.

You won't go wrong ordering from Don.

Kate

I found post-paddling food right where Walter said I would - little store in Essex with the best egg and pepper sub I've ever eaten in my entire life. Only $3.50. We don't have anything like it in Cambridge; I may have to move.

Lovely day (okay, a little windy), lovely buncha people. Many thanks!

http://www.cathyhartland.com/temp/fox%20riveras.jpg

http://www.cathyhartland.com/temp/shorestopas.jpg

http://www.cathyhartland.com/temp/shoretreeas.jpg

I've used this list many times, so let me add my thanks.

Also a note about the Wellfleet put-in. I was there this summer at Powers Landing and happened to be by my car when a town official came around ticketing cars. Seems that you cannot use that parking area during the summer season unless you are a Wellfleet resident. He kindly gave me only a verbal warning; others were not so lucky. He said, "Hey, there's a huge parking area over by the marina, why can't you just park there?" The reason is that it makes for a longer paddle and more boat traffic to get out to Great Island. But between mid-June and Sept, that is what is required.

If changes are still being made to the list of put-ins I'd suggest this info be added to the Wellfleet listing.

kate

I stayed at a B&B. It was my first time kayaking there, had no idea what I'd find, and was alone, so decided on easy lodging. Now that I've seen it, I'd love to try the island-camping. Next time I'm up there I'll be sure to contact you. We can hope for big swells! And fog! kate

http://www.cathyhartland.com/temp2/lonepineas.jpg

Last week I spent five days seakayaking off the coast of Stonington at Deer Isle. It was a solo trip so I took every piece of gear I had, including a new ICOMM vhf radio, two charts, drysuit, tuilik, and piles of fleece. I did not have a knife on my pfd, but that seemed a less egregious omission than the lack of a spare paddle. No matter, I would maintain a deathgrip on my greenland stick in the treacherous Maine waters.

Turned out I would have been fine with a shorty paddle jacket and sunglasses. The weather was amazing - warm, sunny, calm. Seriously though, I did dress for the cold water - the death of a kayaker at Stonington a few days earlier was a sobering reminder that things can go wrong. I was a little miffed that there was no challenge in the conditions, but Maine did offer me about a half hour of fog on the last day.

I'd have to say that if you are looking for a wonderful and leisurely place to paddle, this is it. Look no farther. Probably under more nearly normal conditions, there'd be some rough water too, farther out. There are many camping options, but if you want a little more luxury let me give a plug to the Pres du Port B&B. I found the reference to Charlotte's place in the book "Hot Showers for Kayakers and Sailors". It was a perfect base of operations for me.

One morning I passed a group of kayakers as I made my way out to Little Sheep Island. I knew I was in the vicinity of the Old Quarry Adventures route. Whoever hailed me commented on the greenland paddle. Was that Jon Sprague (I think that's his name) who posts here? If so, it was nice to almost meet you!

Mostly I had the islands all to myself. Mid-September seems to be a fine time to go there. Take a look at the trip report and see for yourself. Maybe it will convince you to go there too.

Deer Isle Trip Report

I'm still going on Wednesdays and Fridays as long as the weather is somewhat warm (50 or above). Last year my last day was in November.

That said, I will not be there next Wed or Fri (9/13 and 9/15) because I'll be paddling in Maine. But others will be there, almost certainly, esp. on Friday.

kate

Greenland paddle, eh? Good for you, Dan! I got mine from Don Beale (David gives link below) and the measurements he suggests on his website worked very well for me, except that he ended up making the paddle a little longer - about a 2" difference, to give the paddle a little more power.

Mine doesn't have a shoulder between loom and blade, and I find that I prefer this - it lets you hold where it's comfy to hold, and slide across the paddle easily to extend it. I've tried the ones with shoulders and they bother my hand after awhile, so yeah, as Ralph suggested it might be better wider if you want to include shoulders.

Then come to Walden and give it a try! Name your day!

Kate

Come back, Jason, we miss you! How's the hand-roll coming?

Kate

Wow Jed, that number 3 on the list could take a long time!

Can I take exception with number 1? No need to use a super-low-volume boat. I learned all sorts of rolls in my plastic Valley Avocet, and that is what I still paddle. It's true that a barge is going to be more mass to move than a greenland kayak, but there are gradations in the spectrum. Probably width is more important than any other single factor. Sanjay and Ralph Cohn both have done very well in glass boats. Dubside who is arguably one of the best greenland-style rollers in the country uses either a folding boat - huge on him! - or a glass boat.

Use what you've got. Kayaks are made to roll. People get so hung up in collecting the "right" equipment, as if that were the easy answer.

As for the energy used for a C-to-C vs a greenland sweep, yeah, the C-to-C in its classic form does require some snap. But a lot of people (myself included) have modified the form to include some sweep and a strong layback. Whitewater boats now are made to facilitate this layback, in recognition of the ease of rolling a boat from that position. Eric Jackson's rolling video also shows this technique. However much energy you use to roll, the truth of your technique will come out with the handroll. Energy helps a little there, but form is paramount.

See you at Walden!

Kate

Having learned a C-to-C with a Europaddle, then switched to greenland stick, then used that learning to enhance the Europaddling, I offer this perspective.

In general, use of the Greenland paddle requires development of correct body alignment and motion. It's not about the paddle - which is why handrolls work using these techniques too - it's about the body. Once you learn how to use the body to unwind, lifting the boat out of the water first and then following with the body - head last! - then the world of rolling opens up for you. This works for any kind of paddle you care to use, including Euros and norsaqs and hands, and even rocks or bricks....

The beauty of learning with a greenland paddle is that it doesn't complicate the situation with such factors as paddle angle and how to extend a paddle that isn't meant to be extended. The entire focus can be on what to do with the body. On the other hand, you can't cheat by muscling it as you can with a Euroblade. There just isn't enough paddle there (at least not with my slender chick-stick). As far as I can tell, buoyancy isn't a factor either - it isn't buoyant enough that you could pull yourself up out of the water with it. So the correct form is learned right from the start.

As always, I invite anyone to come to Walden on Wednesday or Friday evenings and I'll happily share what I know. This is not a formal class, it's just friends helping one another. If you want to try a greenland stick, there are always several around.

It's gonna be hot. The water's a perfect temp and very clean. You've been putting off learning that roll for too long now. Come on out and give it a try in a supportive atmosphere. Already got a roll? Come out and learn a new one. Got a bunch of new ones? Come help me with my wimpish storm rolls or almost-but-not-quite spine rolls.

I'll be there around 4:30.

Kate