jonsprag1

Let me suggest the Stonington/Isle au Haut area. There are dozens of closly spaced islands which provide for easy pullout and resting points and unless you actually cross Merchants row(about 1 nm) you are never more than a couple of hundred (at most) yards from the nearest land. Also because of the closely spaced islands, there is usually not much fetch and relativly small waves except in really high winds. It's been described as a sea kayaker's paradise as well as the best paddling on the east coast(and certainly in New England). Two caveats---don't go on a holiday weekend as you may find space is limited---also unless you are a memeber of the Maine Island Trail Association you will be limited to camping on BPL (Bureau of Public Lands) Islands only---this would cut the number of available sites by about one third. Also parking is a problem in Stonington Village---most overnighters pay(5 dollars a night) to park at Ocean Quarry Campground---this facility actually caters to paddlers--rents boats, has a guide service, showers, and even a ocean going shuttle service to come get you in his motorboat if there is a problem. In my opinion it's well worth the money. The other choice I would recommend is camping on Moosehead Lake---if you're interested in that, send me an e-mail. Have fun.

I would be interested in exploring some of the casco bay islands on an overnight---I've only paddled a couple of times down there(I'm from the Bangor area and have done most of my paddling on Penobscot Bay and Moosehead Lake) Send me some dates you might be free to go to jonsprag1@hotmail.com---Jon

the answer is no---a roll is never bombproof---some kayakers have awfully good reliable rolls, but bombproof implies perfection--first time every time no matter what---no body has that--that's why we practice other means of self rescue in addition to the roll.

going solo for me usually means a more conservative approach to paddling, forgoing some risks due to the fact that I'm alone and, at this time of year, the fact that I'm paddling in 40 degree water. For instance, yesterday I was paddling around Sears Island in Penobscot Bay. I was alone on what is usually an easy safe paddle--no open crossings and along a coastline with mostly open gravel and sand beachs--the total length of the paddle is 5-6 nm. The winds were 10-15nm and the weather sunny. Towards the tip of the island the wind and waves picked up. I noticed large breaking swell about 100 yard off shore extending out to the middle of the bay---waves about 4-5 feet--I was headed back to the put in and this would have been a following sea. If it had been in July and if I had been with my usual paddling buddies I would have been tempted to go out and surf back to the put in. But since I was alone in April I did the prudent thing and stayed in calmer water closer to the Island. I have a good roll(but not bullet proof) and am experienced in other solo rescue techiques. I was also dressed for immersion in the water. However I also have a wife and others dependent on me for support. I elected to save playing in the high waves for a day when the water is warmer and someone is around to lend me a hand--just in case. I think maybe this is what Singh was getting at.