spider

link for the SPOT version of the trip http://www.spotadventures.com/trip/view?trip_id=268872 or photos only https://picasaweb.google.com/spideryak/DowneastMaine201102?authuser=0&authkey=Gv1sRgCLWnrqfi8qbNSw&feat=directlink#slideshow/5634548487461566546 esc to exit

Rogue Islands are very beautiful...or at least we are told they are. We paddled through the heart of them to Halifax Island. The guys working the traps suggested the preferred route through the Archipelago. We figured our bearings and off we went...the fog moved in within minutes...a heavy fog it was.. the swells.. well they grew a bit big. Visibility down to a hundred yards or so, there are a few times I think we are seeing the outline of the islands only to realize it is the horizon line of an on coming swell. We keep a type of fog horn with us that you can blow into to make the sound...it looks a bit like a pipe. Making the crossing I stick the pipe in my mouth as we paddle. Looking like some version of "Popeye the Sailor Man" gone strangely astray. We see our destination a few yards before crunching into terra ferma. We are exactly on target I am pleased and give a mental thanks to some of the things learned at the John Huth seminar earlier in the season I have read that we are not welcome in the Rogue Islands.. signs every where saying No Trespassing. Though this may be true we saw no such thing...then again we saw nothing in the fog and of course the reverse was also true, we were for all purposes invisible. We made course to Halifax Island, blind in the fog. Remarkably the Island is right where it should be. It will turn out to be our favorite and by far the cleanest of all the Islands we visited. Visiting with an Irish family who made landfall for a short visit on the island. After a fair amount visiting the fellow says that he would imagine we are competent paddlers. With a chuckle I affirm that we are all competent paddlers till the day something goes wrong...he finishes the thought for me... because then all are called a "bumbling sot" when all goes wrong. Loved the way he said it. Same in any country so it would seem. Tales told twice... We are staying sometimes on MITA sites and sometimes else where. This following day we land yet need to wait for the peak of the flood tide to float the boats up a creek a bit for discretion. We pass the time telling stories to each other. neither of us remember for sure how many times we have told these same stories to each other...if at all. I wade in the creek to see if the water is deep enough for our purposes...it occurs to me at long last I am truly "Up the creek without a paddle..." The Sun burning down in all it's glory... I seek shelter in a nearby cave. I have a weakness for caves...I like them. When the tide finally starts to flood the cave I wade out. Now finally I have the answer to "what rock did you crawl out from". Why that rock over there madame..thanks for asking. Machiasport finds us making landfall as the tide is heavy against us. We land near but not exactly on the public launch. It is a good thing for shortly this unassuming spot is the hub of all activity. It is the 'general store' of information and activity. Stuck in the mud... We let the tide ebb out without us for we need to make arrangements for my wife to pick us up the following day. I had promised my wife, who is graciously going to pick us up, one days notice. Our phones are dead, friendly folks offer me the use of their cell phone. I learn it is somewhat embarrassing to forget your wife's phone number.... gentlemen I suggest you do a much finer job in this department. Clammers...a hard working bunch if ever there was. They pull up with pickup trucks pulling small trailers upon which sits a small boat. Seems in a blink of an eye they unload jump in their boat and off they go. They are chasing the low tide. The opposite of us. Ideally they want 2hrs before and after maximum ebb for their work. We watch them with interest... having approx 6 hrs till the tide brings us enough water to float our boats. Hard working folks I will say again....certainly there was a grandfather or two out there digging in the hot sun. Bent over digging by hand or hoe you can see the years of passage weigh heavily on stooped shoulders if your eyes are discerning . When they return on the flood tide with work done most notice we are still there and some ask if all is okay... anything we need ? Much to my surprise they are very surprised that we have been traveling for 5 days along the coast. It seems like a long time to those we spoke with. For reasons not clear to me I thought they would think it was a small amount of time... just a drop in the bucket so to speak,. Instead one calls to another when they find out and talk it up quite a bit. I had thought our trip quite modest...but with the enthusiasm from those we talk with our spirits are buoyed even more....yes, legends in our own minds...

Just got back from paddling some of the 'down east' coastal waters. Though I haven't yet put together a more conventional report. I did want to put down so thoughts while they are still fresh in my thoughts. Steuben to Machias... five days a paddlin Perhaps you may have never heard of Steuben. I will say that the people at Mainayr Campground were exceedingly good to us. I found reference to them straight from the MITA guide book. Not only was this modest campground almost completely empty with large spacious grassy campsites, the owners were trusting and most gracious to us. Our plan was to rendezvous with my friend Philippe from Quebec and launch at high tide from directly their place. In the long run we got a little restless and launched nearby. Friendly hard working lobster men women and families. Some were the 1st to give a wave or a nod of the head, in one case a family hauling traps the two young children give huge wave of the arms in their enthusiasm to say Hi. I have often hear we are the "speed bumps" are always in the way. That might be true further south but here on this trip every wave of the hand from us was always returned, every time we stayed out of their way was appreciated an on an occassion or two that someone had to change course or slows so that their wake would not add to our 'conditions' all was done without incidence never did we hear a harsh word or feel that we were unwelcome in any way shape or form. That said we are good at staying out of the way and ourselves took care that we put our "best foot forward" also. A little good manners on our part went a long way on this journey. Jonesport: this was our breakfast stop one morning, eating breakfast beside the public launch. "Beside the launch" is the key phrase. Soon the launch was buzy with men unloading traps from their pick ups. A couple hundred traps i would say. Not only did the initiate some friendly banter, but during one of the breaks in the chores went over the charts with us and telling of local places that go see if they were us. All this without us even asking. Very nice indeed. more laater...

thanks... I changed it over to public. I realized it would always open for me so I couldn't tell if it opened for others... hope that does the trick

soon to see the sights.... Thursday finds us up early. It is not uncommon for us to travel together during the day but pitch our tents at a distance. The wind came up during the night and my tent flapped and carried on so much I finally grabbed my bivy bag and relocated at 2 am to a more protected spot. It was the first time in a long time that I've had to do that, but sometimes you just need to resolve the situation day or night. I returned to the tent, which collapsed after I had gotten out. Though I had placed rocks inside the tent I added some more on top of it just to be sure, after all most my gear and navigation charts etc. were still in the tent. On the water nice and early, we weave our way over to Isle au Haut...Thinking in terms of doing a circumnavigation of it..our thoughts are tempered when The severe thunderstorm hail warnings and generally all hell breaking loose some time in the aft or early evening predictions could not be ignored. We spent leisurely time paddling, taking some touristy pictures of the town and generally poking about. Working our way along and trying to keep things vague as to one of our "memorable sightings" we eventually... and innocently I might add... stumble upon wildlife refreshing and beautiful that I don't think either of us had seen in a while or at least since I wore a younger mans clothes...or lack thereof. A young couple seemed pleasant enough with a wave and a smile from their boat anchored in a reclusive bay. It was a few minutes before we realized that was all they were wearing...and it looked mighty fine on them. At first we thought oh we are going to ruin their good time by showing up, but fortunately they seemed happy enough to continue as though we weren't there, and were all smiles and waves when we parted. I think for my friend he has seen the much fabled American Woman au natural...yet I kid him.. I always thought it was the French that shed their clothes so readily.... ummm seems like a good ending for now. I have good luck with the link for the trip but I see it doesn't work for some.. ...no we didn't take pictures of the "frolicking couple" ...some things are memories that bring a smile, not soon forgotten.

Leaving from Old Quarry Campground up in Maine for a 2 night 3 day practice finding our way around, through the islands over to Isle au Haut and thereabouts. Here is a link (I hope) to the SPOT site where I put some photos and the route..though with no text as yet thought I would write some here. http://www.spotadventures.com/trip/view/?trip_id=258809 Pictures are from my friend Philippe from Quebec..since he was the one with the camera...I tend to get "pictured" a few times. I think by now I have him pretty convinced we all look the same in the "states". Mango suit...white beard...with memories of youth trailing along, days of dreams and remembrances not far behind. Leaving a float plan with Cap't Bill we push off in mid Wed afternoon working our way somewhat counter clockwise. Paddling south I am reminded again to believe the compass not the confusing array of islands that present their own optical illusions as to what is island and what will soon be submerged . We take a glance for Round Island...damn they most all look round to us..must need better glasses ! Our 1st night out...a beautiful small Island..now is the time for the "leave no trace", sanitation conversation. I was unsure if Philippe was getting the full gist of leaving nothing behind. Though I had alluded to it in our correspondence I felt that something "may be getting lost in the translation". I was correct. At first he thought I was fooling him..just making it all up...however once I pointed out we would be knee deep in sh#t if folks just let it be. It all made sense to him. We often see people... poop scooping.. cleaning up after their dogs. Same concept different dawgs... woof...woof. (just glad we don't greet people the same way they do) Moving on to the frolicking wildlife...

Yes indeed the gods were smiling on us , two days of excellent weather and fine company to enjoy it with. After such a soggy start to spring these,, sunny days are like a burst of spring and summer all rolled into one. The island was full of life, birds bustling about, flowers in bloom, beach pea, cow parsnip... bees a buzzing. Nice pictures Rene and nice video as well...had we known we could've perhaps tried saying intelligent things... but lost in the moment of a wonderful evening, fireside at the Chatterbox Cafe..fire out compliments of Curfew de Mer... Seals splishing and splashing in the morning light.. Very nice ! Thanks Rob for putting the "clean up" together. The clean up went well, mostly styrofoam and plastic. Nice paddling with all !!

Yes, 11:30 sounds good to us ..we hope to be on the early side. We also got a fire permit # See you then.

My wife Marilyn will also be joining so we will be taking the tandem for it's 1st camping of the season. Looking forward to it !

I'm good to go. I have some extra hand tools (this time in better working order) I see Sat low tide at 7:30 am...I don't mind if we launch before noon but noon is ok with me also. The tide will be somewhat against us but not to bad. (My numbers for tidal current differ from yours so I'll double check them) Sunday low tide about 8:20 am, So plenty of water for the afternoon with high tide maxing out around 2:30. Haven't checked the projected weather yet, but I am hoping for sunny skies, no bugs... angels singing....

I thought this link showed a great way to set up tarp I often wonder if I'm getting my best use when setting up a tarp. For me it was something I hadn't thought of. I am lucky I can set t things up here ,a big believer in practicing stuff at home if given half a chance. I'll be trying his method, cept his doesn't address netting. I notice he mentions a name brand, I'm not familar with the name of it , so...It's the set up I like, I'm not recommending their company or anything like that.

I use a bivy bag quite a bit now for a number of years. What I like about them is they are a four season shelter that you can use in any configuration... literally sitting up if need be. I do think my wife would prefer me not always referring to it as my Body Bag. When sleeping in the rain it is an odd sensation feeling the rain drops pelting you but staying dry. I have used it plenty when a thunder storm or heavy rain comes up and you want an instant shelter to jump into. I have used it as emergency shelter on wet sand but I"ll say it's one of the least desirable of conditions that I have encountered so far. Mine is also a Gortex type made by Climb High. I think the inside of most any bivy will get wet when getting in or out of them. Wheter it is a top loader or one with a side zip. That is when they are the most vulnerable to the elements, muddy shoes, wet clothing etc. Snow is not so bad because it sweeps out pretty easily when in the winter or caught in an early snowstorm. When I increased my kayak camping I also upgraded our sleeping bags to "waterproof" versions. That has worked out nicely. Sometimes making camp I might set up the tent and make camp one place but actually use the bag to sleep elsewhere nearby. Though I always preferred a liquid gas stove...these days I find myself using the Jet Boil stove. I like having a quick stove capability. There are times that even a quick cup of hot water willl do wonders to warm you up on a raw day. Nice to have a bivy with a fine mesh , but the mesh does make you plenty warm, a bit much on a muggy night.

I would tend to agree with Peter B...there are times you just shouldn't go out. this should link to a story many are familiar with http://www.canada.com/theprovince/news/story.html?id=53c43634-7166-42a1-b4aa-cdf5948c4fcd&k=92397 There is a much speculated theory that the greater ones ability the more they are going to "push the envelope" Resulting with the same end result, in these cases unfortunately tragic results. In a somewhat related study, which I saw referenced in a hiking forum...the "Fear" gene. It was along the lines of... as a species why are some of us timid and why some of us are fearless to the point of death? Somewhat thought provoking but probably to much of a drift to get into now. Either way it always saddens to read of people drowning doing a sport we love so much. ...i didn't know how to link to the story without all the peripheral stuff...

Though I didn't quite join you folks for the Jewell trip it was nice to meet folks at the Cousins Island launch site. Thought I might give a bit of an account of how things were up a few miles from your destination. Only able to do one overnight Fri the 13th, I needed to practice my navigation in an area that was new to me and a bit of a shake down overnight camping routine. I remember at least one person was hoping to see some migratory species, this is what I mostly "stumbled" across..... One of the biggest surprises to me was seeing wild turkeys strutting their stuff out on Moshier Island (my 1st point of reference. Somehow I just never thought of them flying across the seas to various islands. I don't know why but I got a kick out of it. There was a scattering of Eider ducks through out the trip, but they were the most vocal I had ever heard them... full of conversation amongst themselves. Past French Island heading over by Lower Goose I heard a familiar sound though it took a minute or so realize... it was a raft of about 20-25 Loons. Guess they haven't quite dispersed for the fresh water season yet and later saw one still in winter plumage. Friday was a beautiful day. I shared my camping Island with a pair of Osprey, they at one end myself at the other as designated. Perhaps they had not read the guide book because they would come to the north end and hunt in their hovering way. Though I didn't see them make a catch I did watch as one carried something to it's hidden nest. Something long trailing from it's foot, perhaps some branch greenery for this years nest. Paddling near what I think is called Irony island I heard some noise to my right and realized there were seals hauled out on the rocks and making their way to the water with a splash. Knowing it was because of me I promptly moved out of the area. Though it was an accidental meeting I have heard various theories why they are shy of us or our boats. Taking a quick look they seemed to be big guys so I speculated they might have been grey seals...the Loup de Marin...if I was up north. I was fading fast by early afternoon (page 37 in this years MITA guidebook would give simplified idea as to why). Still thinking I would be participating at the Marblehead training, I thought I would try out my loaner dry suit I waded into the water for a quick half dunk. I get wet almost instantly...it is not the suit...sure enough I left the zip open about a quarter inch...foolish guy. I spend the rest of the day drying the suit and napping on the shore.... I would set my alarm to wake up every so often to pull the boat to higher ground. Friday was a most beautiful day with a beautiful sunset on a charming island. I can hardly imagine what this same location might be like in a few weeks....I love the "off" season! think I'll write a little about sat morning a bit later...curious how you all made out.

Well that's quite a list indeed ! There is enough there to keep a person busy for many a year. Several I'm sure to read ...the one that has caught my attention first is "Roughing It" by Mark Twain. ...certainly I could use a few smiles... surely he's just the fellow to bring them !

I should be looking good for June 4th, esp for an overnight, but flexible as a day trip also.

With a GPS I always mark where I launch from. Stated diffidently...where I parked. Usually I make a waypoint at any locations where I stop, for later viewing or just in case I need the reference point for a journey. I'll enter all the legal camping that will be located on the route. Also mark where the fresh water can be found. For paddling it's all compass bearings you've figured out ahead of time with the charts or on the fly. Once arriving close to your projected camping area you can take the GPS and see if there are several choices nearby that you entered previously , if so then you can fine tune which camp makes the most sense for the day, considering current conditions, fatigue etc, etc... ....as others have said great way to get an idea of your rate of speed. GPS is just another language and the more languages you know the better...I think yoda said that...

Google results Death by GPS 110,000,000 results... Saved by GPS 28,500,000 results... Surely there is a mathematician somewhere who can work out the ratio of the evils over the benefits of GPS, but is there actually anyone who can read all the results to double check ?? Personal favorite ...."Pecked to Death by Ducks" by Tim Cahill (I think) now there's a fellow who knows danger when he sees it :-)

Sounds like a plenty wild place. I'm curious about the tandem, rudder etc. Wondering rudder up or down? (I think I asked much about skegs a year or so ago) Reason I'm asking this time is that there have been times when the force of the water on one of our boats (the tandem) has been stronger or almost stronger than my legs. That boat in particular has the largest rudder of any boat I've padded. Occasionally I think of reducing the size of it but really don't know if that would just be a lesson in futility. (Pretty sure it's safe to ask a rudder tandem question without people jumping in saying real paddlers don't use rudders, etc. etc or at least I hope so.)

Oh I don't know, but I use mine on each and every paddle. For me it is better than death by angry wife who hasn't heard from husband.....

I plan on attending the one on the 15th. I'm wondering if the one on the 29th is the same as the 15th only at a different location ? Are there 2 events so people have a better chance of attending one or are there other differences? I'm a wondering kind of person I guess...

That's also where we got our Boreal Design and all so a Greenland paddle . Pretty sure they give lessons as well. We were quite pleased with them. Friendly and nice.

My friend will be visiting from Quebec for a couple of days practice for an upcoming trip. My question is mostly about "boils" (ewww not the skin kind) and touring kayaks. I occasionally have to deal with them. (though nothing that big or huge as yet) I am wondering what is the primary consideration when paddling them. Eddy lines, I know you can trip over, is it much the same with boils? I know your paddle has a different bite when passing through them. Is it safe to assume that they are also physically higher than the surrounding water and can trip you in much the same way ? thanks

Though I seldom paddle Portsmouth area. I seem to remember that both Piscatiqua and Merrimack Rivers were on a list of the 10 strongest current rivers in the country..but I often wonder how true that is. I avoid all the bridges from route 4 on down. I do however paddle from Adams Point and ride the tides into Great Bay or Exeter...We met the Exeter Harbor Master the other day..I didn't even know we had one there. Thought I would mention that along with the various terminology for the currents and what not. There is at times an audible sound as one current slices over the top of a deeper current. I have only heard it on a few occasions but I bet those that know the water better could explain it better than I can...but it is kind of cool when you hear it.

I am also planing on attending. I understand it starts at 10 and goes all day so am I thinking till 5pm ? I missed the pre planning workshop...which was not part of the CAM series, so I'm kinda wondering how this one is different. Is there a rough outline of how the day will shape up that I can refer to ? thanks