PeterB

Pru, i enjoyed reading your rememberance of this weekend past. I noticed that you made no mention of biting insects., Were there none? I paddled in the midcoast Maine area on Saturday in a notoriously buggy area but didnt notice mosquitos or black flies.

For years REI had their yearly kayak demo event at Horn Pond in Woburn . I never attended, but would presume that if Horn pond worked for an event of that kind ( lots of kayaks and people in and out of the water ) it would be a good spot for rolling and rescue practice as well .

Two days in the San Juan Islands, Washington May 15, 16 I was to be attending a conference in Seattle on May 18-21, so I arranged to fly out several days early to paddle for a couple of days in the Pacific Northwest area. I set my sights on Orcas Island in the San Juan archipelago, about 3 hours northwest of Seattle by car and ferry, an area I had never paddled before. I was traveling with luggage for business, so I packed only my minimal personal paddling gear- (drysuit, water shoes, helmet, towbelt, vhf, charts, compass , and a small bag of personal effects.) For the rest, I contacted old acquaintances Shawna Franklin and Leon Somme of Body Boat Blade – two of the finest paddlers and finest people anywhere- and arranged to get outfitted at their place in Eastsound on Orcas Island. I would have liked to paddle with them for a day or two but they were occupied with preparations for a big BCU coach training event at that time. So, I would be paddling alone, and I was unfamiliar with the area. The San Juans are a maze of islands, inlets, channels, passages, all set about with tidal currents. Water temperatures are about 47 degrees F year round, and weather/winds are variable. Even the experienced paddler would be hard pressed to grasp this area’s tidal patterns only from reviewing charts and standard tide tables, so local knowledge and advanced tidal information are important bordering on indispensable.Both are in ample supply in that area, but even then , I couldn’t research every bit of coastline beforehand to select the best areas for 2 days paddling, so I hired an hour’s time with Body Boat Blade to get a better overview of the area so I could come up with a plan for two days of paddling. It was money well spent. Paddling alone and feeling creaky and rusty after a harsh icebound winter of restricted paddling activity, my agenda was to paddle conservatively, be prepared to paddle through areas of tidal currents and standing waves but not play amidst them, and generally explore and amble at a relaxed pace that would allow me to enjoy and savor the area. My first day’s plan was to explore the north side of Orcas Island , meaning, of course, Matia and Sucia Islands, which could be called Jewels in the Crown of Orcas Island: two uninhabited exotic islands (Patos is a third) a few miles offshore of the north side of Orcas, set amidst a quiltwork of reefs and tidal races. I launched from North Beach, near Eastsound, skirted Parker Reef just offshore, then headed north and east and crossed to Matia Island. I was paddling almost 3 miles across an ebb current of a couple of knots, so I had prepared tidal vectors in advance, (missing the islands would not have been a good thing; beyond them lie the main shipping channels of The Straight of Georgia and Rosario Strait) but I was surprised to find that I didn’t really need my planned ferry angle, and by checking ranges on the BC mainland behind Matia, I saw that I wasn’t being set to the south as I expected to be, which I cannot explain. I could only conclude that the complicated tidal currents in this area don’t always conform to what’s on paper ; currents diverge and then re- join, and can be altered by factors as remote as seasonal variations in rainfall, and even the outflow of the Fraser River. In any event my 3 mile crossing was easy, and arriving at Matia island I was greeted by a remote green netherworld of Douglas fir, western red cedar, and madrone trees, ferns and mosses, all forming an emerald green crown on the island’s otherworldly rock formations. The weird rock formations of Matia and Sucia (extending to Patos and then the Canadian Gulf Islands) are “unmetamorphosed conglomerates, grits , arkosic sandstones and shales.”, dating from the Triassic Age, which were in turn scoured by glaciers in the ice age, resulting in something out of HR Giger-designed fantasy movie set. One embankment on Sucia island is filled with fossils , mostly bivalves, when this area was a shallow Triassic sea. (this diorama is of a Cretaceous Sea, but you get the idea ) I then ambled easily down the north side of Matia with the last of the ebb , rounded its southeastern tip , stopped briefly in a classic Pacific NW cove : (gravel beach, with jumbled big driftwood logs )and paddled back up the south side of Matia to where I first arrived, then crossed about one mile over to Sucia Island. I had timed this crossing for slack as the area (it's called Danger Reef on the chart ) might be a bit messy for the lone paddler at other times. Sucia Island is a grander version of Matia, shaped like a lobster claw, with finger like islands and channels amidst a vast bay, and rock formations even weirder and cooler than Matia . The yellow flowers everywhere were Pacific stone crop. I stopped for lunch and a rest, then paddled up the outer (north) side of Sucia, rounded its NW corner and ambled a into a cozy bay harboring a couple of yachts, Stopping to check out the campgrounds there, I immediately thought of my friend Warren licking his chops at the prospect of camping amidst tall trees and ferns on his trip to this area last summer. I remounted, paddled out of the cove, checked out another campground on the island’s south side, and, all set up for my return to Orcas , I crossed back from Sucia to the beach where I had started. All in all it was a grand day, about 15 miles in the saddle. I was paddling a Romany Surf and I liked it very much. I never needed skeg at any time in two days and the boat gave a feel of indifference to beam currents , eddies, wind waves; , also a great keyhole cockpit; easy to get in and of. It felt a bit plodding (“hey, it’s a Romany”, said Shawna) but I timed my crossing back to Orcas ; exactly two miles in 30 minutes or a maybe minute or two more, : that’s 4 knots or close to it , so: maybe not as plodding as it felt. The next day, I drove down to the southwestern corner of Orcas, found Cormorant Cove, and set out from there to explore the Wasp Islands and Crane Passage. I paddled between Orcas and Jones island with the last of the ebb but against a head wind of close to 15 knots, so progress was somewhat arduous , until I got into the lee of the Wasp Islands. I elected to save the outer side of Jones island for my return trip, at which time I'd have benefit of the flood. I dawdled through Cranes Passage at close to slack , rounded the island and headed back out, wound my way through the Wasp Islands and stopped on Yellow island, which was definitely the highlight of my day, Yellow Island is a reserve and a haven to wildflowers, which were mostly in bloom on this fine spring day; harsh paintbrush , yellow stonecrop , yarrow, western buttercups, buttercup, cama lilies. In my wanderings around the island I happened upon the caretaker's cabin. The caretaker wasn’t there, which was too bad: I could tell from his dwelling that he would be a very… interesting person. Shawna told me he lives on the island year round and is sort of a legendary figure in these parts. I reluctantly bade adieu to this enchanted island and set off for my return trip which this time took me around the outside of Jones island, now paddling with the flood. At the south end of Jones island I set my sights on Cormorant Cove and crossed back to it, ending my most excellent adventure. The San Juans are highly recommended as a paddling destination. The islands are scenic, pastoral and would make a great spot for a paddling vacation. One could easily come up with a week's worth of paddling: day or camping trips: With Body Boat Blade as a local resource, I think a reasonably prepared and aware L3-ish paddler armed with a bit of local knowledge could find all sorts of paddles here and the more advanced paddler would be satisfied as well. I hope to return and would council others to do so!

The best way to see the Boston Fireworks is by kayak on the Charles River. we can get right up to the edge of the boaters perimeter for unquestionably the best seat in the house. Meet and Launch from Magazine Beach in Cambridge, ( time TBD) paddle down the Charles to the Esplanade,watch the fireworks and paddle back when fireworks are over. Boat traffic is no big worry: the event is well policed and boater conduct enforced: Parking and unloading boats will need to be planned well in advance. setails TBD Please RSVP in the calendar posting Peter

Brenda, if not in a drysuit: my basic summer/warm weather paddling getup: Surfskin pants or shorts (its like neoprene with fleecy inner lining, acts like a wetsuit but comfortable) Merino wool pullover underlayer ( next to skin: layers if needed: layering hardly ever needed in summer) Kokatat Knappster short sleeved semi -drytop NRS watershoes PFD spray skirt hand- held compass towbelt usually a helmet, or some sort of hat

Downeast Paddle Retreat; Mount Desert Island September 5-8. Rob Hazard, Ed Lawson and I are planning an NSPN kayak gathering in Mount Desert island on the weekend after Labor Day, the days of Sept. 5-8. Mount Desert Island in early/mid September is a splendid kayaking & vacation spot ,with great paddling opportunities. For several years there was a Downeast Symposium on that weekend that we all attended . We had an idea of a kayak retreat with something of the mood of this event; not a professionial training event but rather a gathering of paddlers in a great location at the best time of year Ed , Rob , Barb , and I have all paddled in the area and are knowledgeable about it, and we are prepared for a paddling schedule of two trips a day, based on group size , skill level and interest. The most popular venues include the Porcupines, (a chain of Islands right off of Bar Harbor with all sorts of paddling options, from rocks and ledges to just scenic touring), the Cranberry Islands on the south end of the island, and Bartlett Island and Sound on west side of the island. L2 , or crummy day options include Long Lake, Eagle Lake, Long Pond and Pretty Marsh Sound If skill level and interest allows, a more adventurous trip out to Egg Rock and Ironbound Island iis possible. paddling schedule will be developed based on the group , but could look something like this: Friday Sept. 5 L3: Cranberry Islands L3-4: Porcupine islands L2 : Long Pond, Echo or Eagle Lake, Pretty Marsh area near Bartlett Sound Saturday Sept. 6 L3-4 Porcupine Islands L3 Seal Cove and Bartlett Island L2 : Long Pond, Echo or Eagle Lake, Pretty Marsh area Sunday Sept. 7 L3 Porcupine Islands L4 Ironbound Island and Egg Rock L2 : Long Pond, Echo or Eagle Lake, Pretty Marsh area Monday Sept. 8th L4 Sullivan Falls,(group permitting) an awesome inland tidal area on the Sullivan River about 40 minutes north of Bar Harbor , a great spot for practice in eddies, currents and standing waves, If group management and skill level permits, options for a safe and fun session here are possible. Options for accommodations range from cottages near Hadley Point, the Hadley Point campground or other campgrounds and accomodations around the island. It's also a full moon, so a night paddle through the Porcupines is inevitable! This event is posted in the calendar. Please RSVP in the calendar posting or send a PM PeterB with questions, interest. We'll develop an information sheet with details on the event and the area, to share with RSVPs as plans develop .

I have the Meridian and am very happy with it. If I win at the Goretex warranty delamination game again I'll just get another Meridian , not upgrade to the Expedition . I think the Meridian is essentially the Expedition minus a few belles and whistles like extra pockets and the hood. I feel I already have adequate headware and don' t feel the need for a hood, but could see how it and the pockets could be handy.

That was an awesome video, Robin! I'm very happy to have seen it.; thanks for posting!

Solstice Paddle Level 2 Saturday, June 21st This is one of the three traditional trips that are part of the NSPN Solstice Paddle on June 21st in Marblehead The 
L2 Solstice Paddle is for people who are would like to paddle in the protected areas around Marblehead Harbor. Te L2+ paddle ventures a bit further, past Marblehead Harbor and across to the Salem Willows and back. 
Meet at Riverhead Beach in Marblehead, 10:00 for beach briefing, and a 10:30 launch: we will initially meet together with the L2+ group , and probably launch together. Rob Hazard, Blaine Bjornstat , Leslie Beale and Peter Brady, Sal Puglisi and Dee Crowley will be assisting the L2 and L2+paddles. We'll determine where we are needed at the beach briefing. 
Beach Briefing 10:00 ( boats and gear at the beach and ready to paddle at 10:00) and 
launch at 10:30. 

We will proceed to the mouth of Marblehead Harbor where we will part ways with the L2+ group and , explore the area around Dolliber cove and the outer reaches of Marblehead Harbor. Depending on conditions and group preference. The total mileage will be less than 7 Naut. miles. 
 Depending on group size, we have a number of options: if group size is small we can combine with the L2+ paddle, if group size is large we will stick to the L2 float plan. 
We'll return to Devereaux Beach by @ 2:30 to 3PM , to get our boats squared away and get changed for the grand potluck under the pavilion at Devereaux Beach. just across the road from Riverhead Beach. 

 Please RSVP (I'm attending') in the calendar posting for the "Solstice paddle L2 trip" you can PM either Peter Brady or Rob Hazard if you have questions about the trip. 
Looking forward to seeing you! . Like This

Yes, special thanks to Scott Camlin: in the preceding weeks there was interesting communication between New Zealand, the Pacific Northwest, and Massachusetts, culminating in a roster and float plan with RSVPs matched exactly with the actual participants who showed up for the workshop. And special thanks to Phil , Lorrie and Bob Levine, I'm confident that the groups valued their efforts as much as I did. The weather, conditions , location and, most importantly, the participants were perfectly suited for this workshop. I second what Pru said; " We communicated well, stayed together as a group, made safe crossings and had a blast all day!"

Brian, I would second those opinions about making a Greenland paddle, and Brian Nystrom's 's book.The idea of making a Greenland paddle can appear to be intimidating, and such an elegant and precise paddling tool has a natural mystique about it: it must have been made by someone as sophisticated or manually adept as the paddle design is ingenious. But using Brian's book, and with a few affordable tools, you can make a paddle more easily than you would have imagined, for way less money than a purchased one. So that's an option if you like that approach and if you are mindful of your dollars, or both.

Gary, here are the 2014 current tables for Upper Hell Gate and and Lower Hell Gate Upper Hell Gate , Sasanoa River http://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/get_predc.shtml?year=2014&stn=5595+Portsmouth%20Harbor%20Entrance&secstn=Lower+Hell+Gate,+Knubble+Bay&sbfh=%2D0&sbfm=13&fldh=%2B0&fldm=46&sbeh=%2D0&sbem=54&ebbh=%2B0&ebbm=04&fldr=2.6&ebbr=2.3&fldavgd=290&ebbavgd=155&footnote=ac2 Lower Hell Gate http://tidesandcurrents.noaa.gov/get_predc.shtml?year=2014&stn=5595+Portsmouth%20Harbor%20Entrance&secstn=Lower+Hell+Gate,+Knubble+Bay&sbfh=%2D0&sbfm=13&fldh=%2B0&fldm=46&sbeh=%2D0&sbem=54&ebbh=%2B0&ebbm=04&fldr=2.6&ebbr=2.3&fldavgd=290&ebbavgd=155&footnote=ac2

Interesting. I would think that if you practice your rolls with goggled eyes following the blade, you would be building that muscle memory that would then come into play in all your rolls, blind or not. Much of rolling is about muscle memory. Evidently, removing your eyes from the equation breaks some link in your body mechanics, suggesting our eyes are linked to, or integral to, your muscle memory "system" : something that an expert on motor skills (and rolling) could comment on with more lucidity than I can .

Kayak camping workshop tonight at REI!!! (shameless thread hijack and event promotion )

Here's a bird's eye view of our trip.

here's the area and the bit of water- Isle au Haut Thorofare- in question

Welcome Dave, We are looking forward to meeting you, especially since you immediately used the words "community", "learning", "useful info", which we would like to think that we are all about. I'm sure you'll find much that will benefit you from this group, same as this group will benefit from you. I'd suggest that in the coming two months you pay special attention to the after- work weekday skills sessions that will be sprouting up on the Trips and Events forum on the message board, and on the calendar. These are a great venues through which you can meet people, share information, paddle, and break into club paddling activities..

Leon , you " quickly sat there motionless"? Christopher may have something to say about this: as an oxymoron this ranks up there with some of my favorites , like " silence crashed through the valley" and " out of vengeance, woman comes to the defense of Scottish town"

NSPN members, please come to the NSPN kayak camping workshop, which will be held on ThursdayApril 24th, 6:30-9:00 PM at REI in Reading This year's workshop will feature Kate Hartland and Suz Hutchinson, who between them have many years of kayak camping experience, and who also journey by kayak differently. So the workshop will offer two unique and valuable perspectives: how they plan, how they pack, how and where they travel , how they cook and eat, and how they pack out what they bring. Kate will provide a unique exposition which combines her kayak camping experiences and methods with photographs (which are well known and loved by all of us in NSPN) . Suz will focus on camp cooking, kitchen and recipes: she has planned and prepared food for groups as small as one and as large as 10 and over. We will also have a boat loaded for camping and, as always, discuss gear! Kayak camping workshop attendees invariably come away with some new idea on some bit of gear to use while camping, or some new way of doing things. One of the features this workshop is for people to share their own perspectives : in fact this workshop is likely to have attendees who have camped more than the presenters this year (!) so the theme will be as much sharing of information as receiving a presentation. So, if you have a favorite and unique bit of kayak camping gear (that you can fit in a tote bag or something like it) , youre welcome to bring it for show and tell. This workshop will be suitable for paddlers with no experience hoping to get an introduction to kayak camping, and also for experienced kayak campers looking for new or different perspectives on kayak camping Please RSVP by going to the the calendar posting on the message board . Looking forward to seeing you on the 24th!