ChrisM

Hi Rick, I just sent you a new invoice via email. There should be a link you can click on to renew. Hopefully that works for you. If not, let me know and we'll figure out what the issue is. Chris

I'm so sorry to hear this. My condolences go out to Deb and their family.

Someone emailed me this question about kayaking from Hull to Peddocks. Since I'm not too familiar with the area, I thought I'd post the question here. Anyone have any advice? Were planning to overnight camp on Peddocks Island and kayak from Hull to Peddocks with our sea kayaks this Thursday. Were experienced but wanted to know how best to do this. Ive been told to cross ½ hour before slack tide when the current will be the least; then I was told by the EMT people thats when theyve had the most capsized kayaks in the Hull Gut. Obviously wind and tides are the most important. Winds will likely be NNE 5-10 and low tide is at 12:23pm (High tide at 6:34am). Do you have any experience with this and can proffer advice? Or can refer me to someone who does?

Sorry about that Liz. I marked you as paid. More bugs to work out with the new software...

Have fun guys! Sorry I can't make it this year. I'll be finishing installing cabinets in my kitchen this weekend. Take lots of pictures so I can live vicariously through your trip reports!

Hope to have the house renovations done (enough) to go...

Just got the go ahead from my boss. I'll send my info shortly - looking forward to it!

Let us know how it went. Was condensation an issue with the plastic bivy? I've often thought of bivying out on the ledges by the water, but then retreat to my comfy tent...

Hi Kevin, Sorry about the delay. Your stickers will be mailed shortly. I tried to email you, but it wouldn't go through. Can you email me at chris@nspn.org (then I'll just reply to that). Thanks, Chris

Just a reminder that the last day to submit your bid is tomorrow.

Thanks for the recipes! Both tasted really good at the camping workshop. You guys might just get me cooking - instead of boiling water and adding it to the freeze dried stuff while camping.

My girlfriend and I will be there.

The organizers of the upcoming Rough Water Symposium that is happening June 11-13th in RI has made available one discounted spot that we will be auctioning off to benefit MITA (Maine Island Trail Assoc.). Here's your chance to attend a great symposium at a discounted price and benefit MITA at the same time! The auction is open to NSPN paid members. Further info including auction instructions are posted in the NSPN Business Board (you need to be a paid NSPN member to see the board): http://www.nspn.org/forum/index.php?showtopic=6914

Count me in too! I've been wanting to do this trip for the last few years, but couldn't get the time off. I'll send my info along shortly.

Good news! I've heard a lot of good feedback on past workshops. This would be a good tie-in with Gary's Jewell Island trip. People interested in kayak camping could learn about kayak camping at the workshop and still have time to assemble the proper gear for the Jewell Island trip. There's plenty of island camping opportunities from Boston Harbor to Downeast Maine. Camping on the islands is ~usually~ less crowded (having an island to yourself is not uncommon) and ~usually~ cheaper. An individual membership with MITA will get you a years worth of camping on dozens of islands for less than the cost of one night at many mainland campgrounds if you take advantage of the discount offered to NSPN members.

MITA has a few more shows added to their calendar that they could use some help with: The L. L. Bean Springfest will be held in Freeport June 11, 12 and 13, 9 to 5. We need staff at the store location and also on the waterfront, i.e., 6 slots each day x 3 = 18 total. The Dolphin Marina event is 10 - 4 at Potts Harbor in Harpswell to celebrate the green designation of the renovated marina, for which we need two volunteers. On a side note: If you happen to be attending the Paddlesports show this weekend, I believe Peter B. will be manning the MITA booth, so stop by and say hi!

Pretty sure I can make it...

MITA will be at a few upcoming boat shows and is looking for volunteers to help staff their booth. If you enjoy paddling to MITA islands (and talking about it), it would be a great opportunity to share your knowledge and support this organization. The shows that they will be attending: MAINE BOATBUILDERS SHOW and MITA OPEN HOUSE Portland Yacht Services, Portland Maine March 19-21 Friday and Saturday 10-6 Sunday 10-4 Come and enjoy free coffee and sweets beginning at 9:30am in the Cornerstones building (MITA office) before (or after) you check out the 2010 Boatbuilders Show. Be sure to park in the parking lot at the corner of Hancock and Fore Street. Look for the ORANGE sign. (Parking is available as well on March 13 and 14 for the Portland Flower Show.) All the proceeds from this lot on Saturday and Sunday of both weekends will go to MITA. BANGOR PADDLESPORTS SHOW April 9 from 5-9:30pm, Bangor NEW ENGLAND PADDESPORTS SHOW University of NH - Durham, NH April 9-11 Friday 5-9pm Saturday 9-6pm Sunday 9-4pm SOUTH PORTLAND COAST GUARD KAYAKING SYMPOSIUM April 17 from 10-3pm, South Portland Coast Guard Station If you're interested in helping staff MITA's booth or have any questions, email me at chris@nspn.org.

It was a great day! The weather was warm enough so you never got cold, but cool enough that we weren't sweating in our dry suits. I got to try out my new pogies but my hands got too hot so I just wore my gloves and was comfortable the rest of the day. I would imagine that the conditions were similar to those found on the west coast (I've never been), with large, long period swell with little chop. We initially intended to play amongst the rocks, however, the swell was a little too big for our comfort. Thanks Ross for posting the trip. Pics of the day are here: http://picasaweb.google.com/cbmabon/3610Ma...feat=directlink

I'll be there.

I'm up for it!

Looks hard to roll...

You'll have to try again tomorrow if your membership ended today. If you click "My Controls" then "Join NSPN" it should give you the date that your membership expires - the option to renew will show up the day after that date. No money changed hands since you are still listed as an "Unpaid Member". Hope this helps. If you have any questions you can email me at chris at nspn dot org and we'll get it fixed.

Yes, an enjoyable day. Always nice to get back out on the water. Thanks to Scott for letting me try his pogies. It was my first time trying them out. I usually just wear gloves and pour hot water in them periodically but I forgot my thermos in my car. Thankfully, it was a mild day and my hands never really got that cold, but i was impressed at how warm the pogies were. Going to have to get myself a pair... Photos of the day here.

NSPN will continue its Club Membership with The Maine Island Trail Association (MITA) for 2010. NSPN members will enjoy the same benefits as last year. Just a review: What is the Maine Island Trail Association? The Maine Island Trail Association (MITA) is a non-profit organization that promotes access, stewardship, and responsible use of the 180+ sites that make up the Maine Island Trail. The sites along the trail are available for day use and some for overnight use (some exclusively to MITA members) and go from the Isles of Shoals in the south to Machias Bay in the east. What does this mean? Reduced MITA membership rates for NSPN “Paid Membersâ€. For 2010, the reduced rates will be: $25 for an individual membership (normally $45) $45 for a family membership (normally $65) Membership includes: 1. The Annual Guide to the Maine Island Trail - a 250-page guide to the 180+ sites on the trail, where they are located, and how to use them. The guide also provides important information on the safe and responsible use of the trail. The guide is updated for 2010 with new sites, and is an invaluable resource for kayakers exploring the Maine coast. 2. Newsletter - a content-rich semi-annual publication of stories and announcements concerning the Trail and the coast of Maine. 3. Electronic newsletter - a periodic bulletin concerning upcoming events and announcements. Please provide MITA with your email address to gain this important component of your membership! 4. Member Discounts - MITA members receive a package of discounts from local retailers and outfitters including LL Bean and Kittery Trading Post. For members making significant gear purchases, or planning a trip on the coast, the value of the starter kit can easily exceed the cost of MITA membership. 5. Programs and events - MITA holds events and sponsors outings each year and is working to develop more in the future. 6. A portion of your membership dues supports MITA’s stewardship work. 7. MITA memberships are based on the calendar year and expire on 12/31. Memberships purchased after Labor Day include the following calendar year. We will also continue stewardship of our two adopted islands in Casco Bay - Bangs and Crow Islands. We invite NSPN members to take advantage of this significant savings on MITA membership dues. For those that wish to donate a little more to MITA the option to join at the full rate (or more) is always welcome. Instructions for joining MITA through NSPN are available in the NSPN Business forum, here (only NSPN "Paid Members" will be able to view the forum).