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Gene, Are we on for tomorrow @ 12 noon? Bob

I'm interested.

Sounds good to me. I have the summer off and looking to paddle on weekdays.

Thursday sounds good.

I'm interested. Dave, I've done this several times if the sea is calm it's an easy L2 trip.

Gee, really would like to join you but made other commitment on Wednesday, wish this was posted a couple days earlier.

Al C. and I met at Conomo Point for a mellow paddle to start off the salt water season. Luckily Al knew someone on the point that let us park in their lot as the point was posted sticker parking only and according to one of the locals that was being aggressively enforced. Set out to Crane Beach at 12:00. Seeing how calm conditions were Al suggested we head to Wingaersheek Beach then he could complete his coverage of Cape Ann. Incoming tide rippled the water across the end of Crane beach and 1 foot swells provided a gentle ride to the Annisquam River. The main beach was wallpapered with beach umbrellas but there was a quiet spot nestled between the rocks on the side, we ate lunch there. Boat traffic was very light the weather was calm mostly sunny. Encountered a couple green heads on the ramp at Conomo Point otherwise the day was bug free. Returned around 3:30 after paddling 8 miles a very relaxing warm up and a refreshing swim. Al demonstrating a graceful paddleless exit

Could do low tide launch at ramps in downtown Essex or the on on Rt1a at Parker River. I've launched a canoe from the Plum Island bridge not sure of low tide conditions there. There's also a ramp on the Ipswich River in Ipswich but there's a charge there and that doesn't resolve Fox Creek. I've launched at Conomo at fairly low tide without much problem. Your call as long as it's mellow, I haven't been on salt water this year and only a couple easy jaunts on fresh water so far.

OK I'm free Tuesday also.

Sound great I'm free Wednesday. Plum Island sound, Essex river sound appealing. Bob

OOPS

I'm interested, the kayak is already loaded, see what the morning brings.

Going to try to make it. Organize in the morning.

I'd be interested over the weekend.

I raised my kids in a canoe. Turned it around and placed them in the small space at the bow (was stern) worked well as it evened out the weight distribution and provided them the opportunity to catch or observe wildlife close up. Did a lot of gunk holeing and really enjoyed them as kids. It's not kayaking but you can start them on that when they get school age.

Great trip Doug. Photos from Lanes Cove trip. http://www.facebook.com/inbox/?ref=mb#/pho...2727&ref=mf

Interested, added motivation to get the weekend's chores done tonight.

Hi, Plan to be there with my daughter for one of the L2 trips.

Plan to be there with my daughter for one of the L2 trips.

Hi, I found that Thompsons water sealer, like for porches and decks works great. I've marked a printed page with every type marker I had then sealed it. After it dried you could soak the page and rub it no smears or any thing. Bob

When I bought my tent I found a trip to Hilton Tent City, across from North Station in Boston, very rewarding. They have two floors of tents setup. Much better than pictures. I got a Eureka tent and the scout troop I work with swears by them for durability. I cannot make an endorsement for Eurekas as Kayaking tents since I have not tried that yet. Good hunting.

I'm in. Bob

Count me in.

Count me in.

If you have an Audubon member in your group the Audubon has camping on Perkin Island on the Ipswich River. There's another place further down stream but I don't know the access details. Perkins is a mile from the nearest landing and about 3 miles from RT 97. You can put in on rt114 in middleton and get a fair day's paddle in take out in the State park on the Topsfield road shortly befor the dam at Foote Brothers. Reservations required at the Audubon Topsfield office.