ExGMan

Jeff- Man, that sounds like fun! I'm tempted to find a place to rent in Key Largo next winter, and just move down there for a month with the boat, my bicycle, and my blender (heh-heh).

It seems like ancient history now (four years ago), but I bought the Garmin BlueChart Atlantic for use on a 24-foot sailboat I owned then. My Garmin Unit was/is a GPSMap76Cs, and I think I mostly used the BlueCharts to keep track of water depths under the keel, and for sighting buoys. That said, I never fully trusted it, and always had charts in the cockpit. Once I sold the sailboat and got the Impex, I found that what I mainly use the outdated BlueCharts/Mapsource system for now is to track where I've been, and then display the results back home on the big screen...much like that screenshot from Lake Champlain. The expense for BlueChart detail seems pretty high for paddling work, in my opinion.

My belated thanks to everyone who offered some advice regarding paddling in the Florida Keys. Candidly, we had enough of Key West after 2.5 days, and moved North to Key Largo. There we took what turned out to be a great tour with Florida Bay Outfitters at 104050 Overseas Highway. We decided to go on a guided tour, as Mrs. ExGMan has spent probably a total of three hours in kayaks in her life. She was avid, and is fit, and it turned out just fine. We went on the 7.5 mile tour with Dave Williams (a New Hampshire resident in the summer) who took us through dense mangrove areas, some open water, some areas where powerboats were moving fast, across a the 1961-era Marvin D. Adams waterway, and back to the shop. For those who might go there, Florida Bay Outfitters has a wide range of boats for rent. In my case, I was a little cramped in the boat they rented me for the trip, but it was fine with predictable stability. I can't say that paddling in the area was all that interesting. For those who'd like an extended dose of the Keys, there seems to be a kayak route which starts at Key Largo, and ends 110 miles later at Key West. There are many campsites along the way it appears, and opportunities to refill supplies. Local wisdom says this is a 9-day trip. Again, thanks to all who offered advice.

Found it! Very informative. Here's the URL: http://travel.nytimes.com/2009/01/30/trave...king&st=cse

Les - Thanks for the lead. I'll look it up now. Sit-on-top or not, just being out on the water will be a good thing. I'm sure I'll find the article. JG

I am headed to Key West for a few days later in February, and wonder if there is anyone with recent experience regarding rentals in the Key West area? I'd like to spend a day on the water, just looking around, but perhaps there's not much to see. There seem to be some "eco-tours" of the area, and some boat rental places. Any advice or insight, I'd certainly appreciate. JG

I once had a very pleasant canoe camping experience on the North River in Hanover. It's a tidal river so you'd like to paddle in on the rising tide, and out on the falling tide. There are a number of campsites along the river in Hanover and perhaps other towns. I seem to recall that they required reservations but were free...at least a couple of years ago. See the North-South River Watershed Association website here: http://www.nsrwa.org/ I found the campsite information in another location, and I'll look for it and update if I find it.

Kevin - I'm still trying with Brookline. I did everything they asked, and never heard a thing, but will make another overture. John Gamel

I am handling the registration for the workshop. If you're interested in attending, please send me the following information: 1) Name, 2) Contact telephone number, 3) ACA Number, 4) Emergency contact name, and 5) Emergency contact telephone number. I'll then send two emails back to you...one which will have the entire list of potential attendees with your contact information, and a second which will transmit the informational document about the workshop activities, and PPPO information. The first email will be a link to an online spreadsheet so that you can check the information I've entered for accuracy (and change it if I've screwed up). I will not be at the workshop, but Gillian Beckwith has graciously offered to check in those who appear. I'm not aware of a maximum number for workshop, but at the moment I have twelve registrants who have supplied all the information needed. John Gamel aka ExGMan

QUOTE(Kevin B @ Oct 15 2007, 03:26 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>The NSPN Cold Water workshop is coming in November and we need someone to act as Registar. Anyone want to help out? If you have any questions about the role, please let me know. Kevin - I'll do it if you like. I need some updating on procedures (only did one registration for one event). BTW, I'm checking on the Brookline pool for sessions there. I think it's only available after 8PM most nights.

I've had a Canon S1IS with a waterproof case for three years. The Canon has a 10 to 1 optical zoom, and produced some very decent photos taken both underwater, and in some pretty harsh conditions. Inside the waterproof case, it's definitely a two-hand camera, and is large and heavy. Outside the case, it has a different character. The size and weight of the combination make it not the best for kayak use.

Another person with some real expertise and lots of custom Kokatat inventory is George Gronseth in Issaquah, WA. His URL: http://www.kayakacademy.com/

Hal - Thanks for the information. I've done pieces of this in a canoe with excitable/irascible fellow paddlers...it will be different and better by myself in a kayak. JG

Thanks Tom. I do have the Adirondacks Canoe map (which I have waterproofed). I'll look for Forked Lake. I think I've been on Follansbee Clear Pond, but will re-visit for sure. Thanks again.

Hal - Thanks. PM sent. JG