EEL

Sorry its late, but this arose mostly at the Paddlesports Show at UNH today. Odiorne launch site in Portsmouth with a launch at 10AM sharp as we need to land at 2PM. Out and along the coast. Maybe to see if seals are on Seals Rock. Just trying to keep the paddle wet and the rest as dry as possible while wandering about for a little relaxed enjoyment of the nice day on the water. Launch time might change late tonight so if coming check by 8AM Sunday. Ed Lawson

Personally I have only had to think about this a very few times, but when I misjudge things badly and that wall of green starts to tower over me, I start to pray I can build enough speed and then I try to kiss the deck with the paddle in a roll set up position while everything not nailed down is washed off the deck. If the rear deck is not very low, I have heard it said having a wave bend you backwards can make for a bad day so when the water is going to be well up as it washes over the deck, minimizing its force on the torso is a good thing. Otherwise, the advice to get the paddle out there and pull the boat through works for me. Of course as a timid paddler I only do that stuff under compulsion.

>Yeah.....that's only due to your recent decision to wear >your sprayskirt in traditional Scottish style..... > Hmmmm. That puts why some prefer/need a keyhole sprayskirt in a whole different perspective doesn't it? Ed Lawson

I apologize. I am stupid. Let it die. I foolishly posted to suggest it seemed the handwriting was on the wall regarding where ACA was going with the trip leader cert. Then I stupidly stepped further into the goo by responding that it might be a resolution of the apparent TLT morass and suggestion the financial burden be eased by NSPN. I must say I could not agree more with Roger ("I find this a bit scary. I think folks who have those expectations should go take a trip with ERBA."), but that is due to my expectations. Others are entitled to theirs. Which is why the private and formal club trip dichotomy makes sense to me. Perhaps all this sound and fury is the result of NSPN wandering in the wilderness looking for its soul or at least what it is and to whom it should direct its activities. Seems the BOD has that job and there is nothing to suggest they are not at work given what they have done this year. In the meantime, lets all just go paddle. If you would like more company than close friends, post it as a private trip. Who knows, the online persona may not be the persona on the paddle. Ed Lawson

> >How would you do the "reimbursement". > Personally I would tie reimbursing the tuition costs to leading one club trip along with a promise to lead one club trip a year for some specified period upon successfully passing course. I just mentioned this as it seemed to me when ACA created this certification it was predictable that ACA affiliated clubs would be "encouraged" to have trip leaders so certified and the underwriter for ACA insurance would add their two cents on the subject to further move folks in that direction. Thus my subject line. Don't have an opinion about whether idea is a good one, but I surmise TLT is a topic fraught with "issues" and it would be an easy way out of the bramble bush so to speak. some might say cowardly way out. Ed Lawson

I will defer to others to discuss the NH "good Samarian" law and the concept that you have no duty to intercede, but if you do intercede you are then obligated at your peril to act appropriately and in accordance with any specialized training you may have received. I will also mention I watched a family launch in less obviously threatening circumstances, but same weather and equipment from Odirone while being watched by four F&G officers 10 yards away who did and said nothing. Live Free or Die is more than a motto. FWIW you took appropriate action in my opinion as I would vote for 3 even if inclined toward 4. Ed Lawson

As seen in a posting on the commercial section: "We will also be offering a new certification this year for trip leaders. This is not an instructor award. This course is for paddlers who find themselves organizing and leading trips either professionally or for club outings and would like to take advantage of the ACA insurance program. If your club is a Paddle America Club (PAC) it is recommended that trip leaders go through this training." Perhaps one approach is to reimburse club members who successful take this class/training and consider them formal trip leaders thereby dispensing with the whole issue of TLT. Just an idle thought. Ed Lawson

>The old Standard Horizon 460SX units take a battery case for >backup AA power, but when you use them, you lose the >waterproof rating. Make sure to check any unit you consider >that it remains waterproof. Just to clarify, AFAIK, all the Standard AA trays are not rated submersible. However the radio section retains its submersible rating when the AA tray is used and, as a practical matter, the tray might stay dry. Even if the tray leaks and fills with water, the radio section should not be harmed as the water will not get into it. Of course that would be scant consolation at the time. Having said that, I take all claims of being submersible with a grain or two of salt, and I know there have been some bad experiences with Standard radios among club members especially with that model. BTW, I never liked it in its ham radio version as well. Ed Lawson

You might try calling MITA in Portland as several of the islands became MITA islands last year. Also, another source of info would be the Kennebunkport Conservation Trust which owns many islands. From people who have been there, I have the impression minding the tide table and looking at chart with an eye for currents is useful, but never been there. The area is covered in the Kayaking Maine Coast book by Miller as well as the MITA handbook. Ed Lawson

Thanks for the suggestions. After some experiments, it seems plain old Sharpies work quite well and as good as alternatives. Marks do not come off readily once dry unless alcohol is used. Ed Lawson

>Hunting and fishing license sales have dropped off >significantly in the past few years. Some of this is due to >general attrition in these pursuits, but increased license >fees are also to blame. I enjoy fishing for unstocked "native" brook trout in remote mountain streams, but since I could only do it a few times a year, the license fee just got too high for limited use and haven't bought one for a few years now. >While it's easy to think otherwise, I'm convinced that he >has nothing against canoeists and kayakers, he's just trying >to find the funding he needs from whatever source he can. One of the bill sponsors I talked to owned several kayaks and enjoyed the sport. They are just trying to find money the good ole NH way which is to load up fees here and there as opposed to a systemic approach. Ed Lawson

>Folks, > > Size is not an >issue, as I use a North Waters gear vest; the ability to use >alkalines is important as it is often used in non recharging >situations. It won't float and that might be a big negative for you, but the Standard 270S is a real bargain at $90 and comes with a AA battery tray as well. It is one tough radio with good audio and RX is solid. Just another option, the Icom 34 and 72 fine too. May be the Hamilton folks down the street have some experience with these radios in terms of customer satisfaction. Ed Lawson

A coupe of inches of fresh snow does not equal thermonuclear war so it was off to Portsmouth this morning. Turned out to be an utterly delightful day with fine weather, benign seas, and enjoyable companions. Six of the usual suspects including a new face launched from Pierce I. and benefiting from Gerry's local knowledge found ourselves easily meandering down the river at around 5+ Kts. With seas welcoming, we cruised out past Wood and Whaleback where seals were hauled out. After a brief snack and comfort stop on White, it was back to Jaffrey Point, then along Odiorne to dabble about rocks and ride the small swells before heading back by way of Little Harbor riding the flood back to Pierce. As pleasant as the day was on the water, the relaxing snacks and good conversation on multiple topics at Gerry's house were equally so. A good day on the water with fine companions all. Its true the water is cold so some modicum of caution wise, but a great time of year to be out on the ocean nevertheless. Ed Lawson

What is the best marker to use for jotting down notes on foredeck and laminated charts or chart cases? Something that does not rub off and waterproof, but can be removed with a simple cleaning agent such as alcohol. TIA Ed Lawson

I'm sure the delay, if it is a delay, in TLT concerns some. My disruptive suggestion to them is plan some trips and post them as private trips or join some private trips and use them as planning exercises, ask questions on the trip, observe what happens or does not happen, consider the possibilities, and think how you would handle them. Many are the ways to augment your paddling skills. Don't be passive and wait, get out and expand you experience. Doing so will only make you more able to get the most from TLT. Ed Lawson

It appears the Senate voted today to put this bill aside as inexpedient to legislate. As a practical matter it is unlikely to be brought up again, but it is possible. I would expect a different approach to arise in the next session or maybe even this session. Apparently fees for kayaks and canoes are being sought in more states that you might think this year. Thanks to all who wrote or called. Ed Lawson

> If anything changes, could you post here I will post here, but someone will be launching absent something akin to thermonuclear war. Ed Lawson

>I think Gail had better get those cool cloths for your >fevered brow prepared pronto... Unfortnately I have been informed that she has sole authority to sign me out, and she is threatening to withhold consent unless she goes too. I protested, but am ignored. They assume its just a manifestation of my illness. There is no small amount of planning and navigation stuff one can do on this. For starters think about tides and currents for timing when to round headlands, crossing bays to avoid commercial traffic...who want to see the Cat bearing down on you, bailout points, alternate routes to deal with delays caused by bad stuff. So to use all that navigation training, check out tides for mid-late August to early Sept and think how it all might play out with the route below. I haven't a clue. I figure its imperative I delegate stuff to folks who know what they are doing or we will all be in big trouble. I think Rick has the right idea about duration and 4 days makes sense. with luck maybe we could have contingency plans and go when the weather is settled as opposed to going and dealing with what happens on a fixed date. As to route, I don't know, but put this out for consideration based on John's suggestion which seems fine to me. Start at the tip of MDI at Seal Harbor, over and round Schoodic Point or start in Schoodic area, camp at Dry Island, then round Petit Manan and camp at Stevens, then if weather good go down island chain, round Great Wass, then over to Mistake Light area, wander in Cow Yard, then maybe up to camp in Jonesport for some resupply and sit down eating or over to Halifax, and final day to Machias Bay or maybe Rougue Bluff park. I think Great Wass area is just too nice not to spend time wandering about a bit and Halifax is a must stop and soak up the views island. At some places you need to spend time just soaking them up as opposed to paddling past them. So check the books and let me know what you think. I guess this could become an educational thread on trip planning if you all keep at it. Sorry for length as I had to write everything I could think of since I may lose my computer privileges soon. Ed Lawson

>Anyone interested in paddling in Portsmouth Sunday? A few of the usual Portsmouth suspects had agreed to paddle Sunday. Launch from Pierce at 11:30 AM and follow tide down the river and then likely down coast toward Rye. Going north is an option. Personally I'm looking to add some base miles and do a little very timid work staying close to shore, reading breaks/water, and generally enjoying the day without mileage goal or any other goal for that matter. Not sure if that is consistent with what you had in mind, but people can pursue their different dreams and still be in same general group I would think. Ed Lawson

>I'd be interested, if you haven't swamped your quota. > A good weatherman is always welcome. >(assuming you catch the tides) Just one of the details that needs to be worked out. Of course I typically spin away on these crazy ideas in the winter and then spend in the summer my big adventure is trying to find my way around Gerrish. Ed Lawson

Saw this presentation last night at KTP and believe any kayaker would find it great just for the pictures. If you go and don't have the urge to paddle in N.S. or Newfoundland after the presentation, something wrong. He is nice, helpful, informative, and eager to help folks put together private trips. He is not just selling his guided events. Highly recommend it. Ed Lawson

Gail has checked me in for rehab as obviously the meds are no longer working. I will try to pick this up upon my release. I think around 4 to 5 days max. There is lots to do between now and then between planning and learning to keep my head in a gaseous as opposed to a liquid environment. Ed Lawson

Ok, this is insane, but you might as well put those stars to use. Are any planning on doing the Jewell trip also interested in a trip later in the year that would start at say Rockland and end up in Machias? Or perhaps Bar Harbor to Machias? I figure would need to average around 20 mile days and take the outside MITA route with the crossings that involves given time available. Maybe late August or early Sept. Just think, you might end up being able to casually say things like "You know I didn't find Petit Manan Point all that big a deal." or "The steaks at Tall Barneys are really good." or " I wondered how we would find the island in the fog/night, let alone land in the swell." or "Surfing the six footers all the way across to Schoodic Point was a blast." Then again you might get diagnosed with PTSD. Either way, you will get in some paddling. Ed Lawson

> >You really think so? Seems to me that they are now a >full-blown retail business in pretty much the same space as >EMS and others -- and they cater to all kinds of sports >besides climbing. In fact, I bet climbing is now a small >fraction of their business. > Oh I agree. Its just that is how it all started in 1938 when some folks started a co-op to provide decent climbing stuff and I think they try to make it seem its still a co-op. Its still a great place to go for lots of little hard core stuff, but the mass merchandise stuff is mainly it nowdays. Ed Lawson

> >Now if REI would only give the patronage rebate at the cash >register, they would blow away all the other stores even >more. It might be crass business reasons, but it might be due to the fact REI remains, I think, what it started as which was a C0-OP for climbers. When I was a climber many years ago nobody talked about REI, it was just the "CO-OP". So like all co-ops they distribute profits to the members every year. Ed Lawson