Kevin B (RPS Coach)

Dee and Deb, Thanks for the information on the cockpit size. Given that info, it might be better for the person to use a 170, but I'll encourage her to try both before she buys anything. Thanks again,

Does anyone have a plastic version of either boat that might be able to bring it to the pool session tomorrow night in Boston ? I could also pick it up if it's close by. I have a friend going tomorrow who would like to try one out. Thanks,

As an addendum to my original post, how did you prepare it for shipping? Just bubble wrap or something else as well?

Well, in the end I used Brad's idea and supplemented it with a vinegar wash that Bethany suggested. It seems fine now. Thanks for everyone's suggestions!

I might need to ship the kayak I'm selling. Has anyone ever shipped a touring kayak and if so, what was the estimated cost and which company did you use? Thanks,

John, I had to leave the seminar early yesterday but I would like to still attend on the 21st as well. Could post either your slideshow or a link to it so I can see what I missed and try to make sure I'm up to speed for the next date. Also, specifics regarding the weather journal to be kept would be helpful as well. Cheers,

I'll bring some food.

I use the above item and it seems it is now time to clean it. Unfortunately, I can't find the instructions that came with it nor can I find info on the website. For those who also use it, any idea how one can clear out the residue build-up in the clear hose?

John, It looks like you missed my reply in the last thread regarding interest. Could you add me to the list? Thanks...

>But, why paddle alone? > I'm considering a private trip, but I'm not sure if it's going to be last minute given my schedule. If I can be assured that I'll have Sat. free, I'll post a trip. Actually, to that end, does anyone have any suggested level 2/level 3 trips for that area?

I'm thinking about paddling in the Salem area on Sat. Since this will be my first time kayaking in that area and most likely alone, does anyone have any trip route suggestions that might be interesting for one not familiar with the area? Any useful information on put-ins would be gret as well. From our put-in list I came up with: Winter Island is operated by the City of Salem from May 1-Oct. 31, parking is $5.00. There are camping, restroom and shower facilities here. This is a good location if you're a solo or beginning paddler, providing shoreline viewing of Beverly and Marblehead depending on your direction. Take Route 128 to exit 25, 114 to Salem continue to intersection with 1A and turn right. Follow signs to Salem Willows and Waterfront. When 1A turns left, continue straight onto Fort Avenue. Continue to its split at Winter Island Road and turn right. Follow signs for Winter Island Park. Boat ramp is at the south end of park. Alternatively you can launch from the beach near Fort Pickering light. Is Winter Island at least accessible from Nov to April? Many thanks for any advice offered...

Sounds great. Please count me in as well.

> >You wouldn't happen to have a quick set of instructions to >go along with the pics for those don't build that many >things? > Brian, Never mind about the instructions. I didn't notice your comments under each picture until I ran the slideshow. It looks as simple as you suggest.

Brian, You wouldn't happen to have a quick set of instructions to go along with the pics for those don't build that many things? >...to accommodate your fleet, I've got pics of a simple, >inexpensive covered rack in a Webshots album at: > >http://community.webshots.com/user/brian_nystrom-reg

I'm not sure if anyone has seen this before, but a friend emailed this video link to me. There is a chance it could have been staged , but it's still entertaining for a small clip: http://www.blogtelevision.net/p/Watch-Vide..._1,2,,7931.html

Dee, I would prefer level 3 camping trips.

50+ responses on something that is rather trivial? Wow, I really think everyone should just get out and paddle more often;)

Although they are not needed at the moment, colder weather will eventually arrive. In the meantime, I need to replace a worn pair of winter weather paddling gloves, which I never really liked anyway. Does anyone have any recommendations?

I'm interested to see what other more experienced members have to say on this topic. For me personally, I would expect the boat to be much heavier to move given that it would be full of water after being righted, which may offset the perceived advantage of having access to the deck lines, etc. You should also be able to gain access to the deck lines when you tilt the boat slightly to one side to "break" the water seal in the cockpit. You don't mention having the "victim" press down on the overturned stern as you lift the bow. When I've had to do t-rescues for the type of boats you described (even boats without deck lines, just bungies...trust me, I know..), having even an inexperienced person simultaneously press down on the stern as I lift the bow seems to do the trick.

Eggs can be stored at room temperature for weeks without risk of salmonella, although of course they may go bad. To avoid the dreaded s-bacteria, simply make sure the eggs are cooked throughly and heated through to 160 degrees. Obviously Liz is correct that anything cracked should be disposed of immediately.

Regards Portsmouth, you can launch from Pierce Island and then head up to Gerrish Island.

Thanks Bob, that was a big help. I now have it located on the NOAA chart.

Patty, I'm not familiar with that area. Can you give additional specifics regarding the start and end locations?

>and other naviagational considerations like >currents and landings (Star Island as a landing >point?)> Les, I was just out there yesterday and Smuttynose (small beach at Haley Cove) is definitely a good place to land. The caretaker is quite friendly and you can follow a trail around the island that has some interesting aspects to it. I also found the hotel staff/guests to be equally accommodating when I landed on Star; however, if you want to avoid people, there is a small (stress small) beach on the southern side (to the left of the hotel) of Star that I had no trouble landing on it or leaving from it.

Out of curiousity, does anyone have a good method for quickly judging the speed of a current in knots, perhaps something similar to the Beaufort equivalents for wind? We can get a good idea of whether the current is fast or not by looking at the buoys and the moored boats, but it would be nice to be more able to pinpoint the speed if possible.