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Joe and Bob: though I haven’t had a chance to join y’all for the Wed sessions, THANK YOU for offering these numerous paddling opportunities to the NSPN audience! g

Funny how people identify us through our boats, though I have heard that some people actually own more than one boat-how confusing for the audience, Prudence! I would wager that I may have the record for kayak loyalty-16 years and X nm. Not surprising, if you compare to my car of 14y, and my Susie for 43y! g

Hmmm. Wonder how Ed knows details of a trip so long ago?

Mary_________???

Identify as many as you can from this shot @ Jewell site #2, from left to right: Mary Bennet, Ed Lawson, Carl Carlson, Jerry Smith, Jason Kates

Room for a few more on this trip:

A good time was had by all at this inter-club paddle. Link to pix: https://photos.app.goo.gl/b2dYeuiTNXr2L6wHA

As a "guest", I can't send you a PM. Please text me @ sixzero3foreninesixzerozeroninetynine. gary

Skip report-go straight to slideshow: https://photos.app.goo.gl/ofmcUBSgGyyWunD29 Because I have never paddled there, I had the harebrained and overly-ambitious idea of CCWing inner Penobscot Bay. (Probably not) because of the virus, I had no takers for this trip, despite all the invites. As John aptly replied “Frankly, paddling around the edges of Penobscot Bay is not all that interesting.“ Nonetheless, I was able to convince my oldest son to join me for this sea safari that was to require multiple “ on the go“ changes to the original itinerary. Sunday, Aug 23-OH Harbor to: Monroe~1/2M; Sun Nite Monroe to Calderwood~11.4M; Mon Nite Calderwood to Ram (Castine)~14.4M; Tues Nite Ram I to Searsport Shores, via Castine~8.3M; Wed Nite Searsport Shores to Warren SP, via Belfast~13.2M; Th Nite Warren I to OH Harbor~15.5M; Fr Nite Total~62.8M Islesboro tides: Aug 23 Sun 1459H 0846L Mon 1554H 0938L Tues 1654H 1034L Wed 1759H 1137L Th 1905H 1244L Fri 0751H 1350L Freshly over our fog–shortened, last-day paddle from the Lobster Buoy weekend, we took advantage of the extra hours to scoot over to nearby Owls Head Harbor to prepare for our trip. Our first night was to be spent on southern Monroe Island, a short, 1/2M mile paddle to the beach, where we were welcomed to a supreme campsite. After setting up camp, we hiked along the very well-maintained trails to the northern tip of the island, idling for some time at the apex of a beautiful meadow, with panoramic views of Owls Head light, Penobscot Bay, and schooner Ladona. The following morning we were socked in by dense fog, and all hopes for an early morning 4.2M crossing to N. Heaven were dashed. As we lingered on the island, the fog slowly lifted, and by 11:30, sunny skies and flat seas were reason enough to make the 4.2M transit, so we did, without incident, stopping briefly at Crabtree Point for our requisite two-days-old Amato‘s sandwiches, with a glorious view southward to Vinalheaven. Another three-mile slog to North Heaven village, exploring the sleepy town, and stopping at the ferry terminal office to determine escape possibilities via ferry, should we be stranded by weather. By degrees, we made our way to Calderwood Island, another MCHT island, which would be our home for the next few days. We had originally planned to take off for Ram Island in Castine, but the forecast for afternoon thunder showers put a crimp in the plans, and we spent the glorious next day exploring as far as Butter Island and the Barred Island chain- a grand day out, returning just in time to crawl into our tents to avoid the sudden, violent thunderstorm upon us, lightning and booming thunder just off shore of our campsite. The following morning, we were up early to explore NE Vinalheaven’s Seal Bay, including MITA islands Little Hens (STILL can’t find access to the southernmost, tiny, high-sided islet) and Hay, the latter visited seven years ago with Rob. Later that same year, Prudence and I paddled under the tiny bridge connecting Calderwood neck with the main island at HT, without difficulty. Now, at mid-tide we encountered a dried–out passage, and quickly portaged the two boats through the 100-yard rocky and sucking-mud terrain to access the sparsely populated Seal Cove, with its many hindrances to navigation, accounting for it’s magical setting. We paddled through the area where the ebbing current split, the waters flowing south and north away from one another. We awoke early (4 AM) on our final day, to ensure that our passage from North Heaven to Owls Head would be uneventful, if the forecast of light winds held-and it did, capping off a spectacular trip, Father and Son, hopefully the first of many more. Reflections: – Be prepared with contingent plans. Dense fog is a major part of the weather system here at this time of year, and navigating a > 4 mile crossing in fog is not for the timid. – I would recommend any trip to the Heavens include a ferry. Kayaks by themselves are not allowed on the ferry-they must be car-topped. There is public parking in VinalHeaven, a short distance from the ferry terminal, and NorthHeaven has several spots open to the public, just left off the ferry. I would recommend contacting a local church or business for permission for parking if the latter trip is considered. Don’t forget your bike! -Of course, John is correct. Island hopping/exploring/hiking beats long, open crossing paddling any day! -Please consider a membership in the 2 organizations that make trips like this possible-Maine Coast Heritage Trust (MCHT) and Maine Island Trail Association (MITA).

This trip is now CLOSED.

We currently have 9 signed up for this outing, including kayakers from other paddling groups; room for more, though time is fleeting! g

Bump

Identify the shaded (shady?) characters from an October '07 kayak camping trip. Roger Turgeon and Peter Brady What type of seaweed covers much of the water? Inland type-pine needles Who's the noob with the wooden paddles stowed aft? Yours, truly? What area is depicted on the ?green chart? Squam

Gorgeous photos Nancy! Good capture of how boats and people can form a straight line. Please ID the bird with a carrot in its bill.

You have paddled much of the Maine coast, but have never ventured out to Sequin Island. On this scheduled 4-day weekend, given the information provided below, pick an appropriate day and outline your trip, with consideration of weather, tides, current, and your fellow paddlers. What potential chart features will you give careful consideration to? Prepare a detailed plan for your paddling buddies, including course (with bearings) launch times, on-island agenda, contingency plans, etc. There is no right or wrong answer, though it may be a good exercise for those who would like to do more trip planning. If you'd rather share your plan privately, send me a PM.

My attitude as a conservative paddler and timid woodland creature (Ed L) is to stay away from Fort Popham on the ebb, lest you are ending your Kennebec River paddle southward, or planning a paddle to Sequin. I've only been to this area thrice-once @ slack ebb to CW circumvav Georgetown, once @ slack ebb to CCW circumnav Georgetown/Arrowsic, and this trip.

This just in, sadly:

Pretty sure I caught a glimpse of flippers and snorkel.

After spending not a small part of the day attempting to produce an award-winning documentary of my leaking sprayskirt, I'm sad, but at the same time, relieved, to report, it's not as bad as I expected! Lights, camera, ACTION, to film all the water dripping through the porous neoprene, only to find ~1/2 cup water after 1 hour! I would gladly share the movie, but suggest you stream an archived MLB game, or watch the ice cube in your tea melt-equally as (un)exciting. With the cockpit completely dry on this warm, sunny day, I secured the sprayskirt, pinched and raised the tunnel, then splashed pails of water over the skirt, tunnel and rim recesses every 10 minutes. After this trial I ensured that water was not leaking from the cockpit floor, after adding a few gallons-no leaks seen. I can't explain why I've seen so much water in the cockpit at times. My neoprene socks are only good for a cup each. I don't think I'm alone among the upright paddlers experiencing this, but from here on out, I'll no longer pursue an answer. OTOH, I think it prudent to do a thorough exam of your skirt (dark room, bright light behind skirt) to look for tears, creases, pinholes or thinning. I've had some success in the past addressing this issue with Aquaseal, aft of the skirt tunnel. On a hot, sunny, summer day, warm your skirt and tube of goop thoroughly, then apply and spread this magic stuff thinly over areas of concern. Let dry overnight. My results shown below: Professor Nystrom might have a clue as to which solvent to use to thin Aquaseal, to apply more liberally?

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Skip report; go straight to SLIDESHOW Because I had thoroughly enjoyed my trip around the island many years ago, with all the challenges and uncertainties of a solo trip, I invited Cath and Kyle, who had never done this trip before, to join me. We would use the tides to our advantage on this clockwise circumnavigation of Sebascodegan island in Harpswell, and hope for light winds on the downriver leg. We gathered at 0845 at Bethel point, a convenient public all-tides ramp with $6/car all-day parking at the nearby boatyard. Shockingly militarized sheriff deputies arrived at the launch, looking for a fugitive? No-only enforcing local town ordinances with the newly-arrived clammers. Our start was slightly stalled by confusion of the surrounding land forms, finally resolved by the realization that we were relying on different launch locations on the chart. Later in the day, a so–called “experienced“ navigator found themselves “at sea“ for a similar reason. How can you navigate your surroundings if you don't know where you are? We worked our way southwesterly towards Gun Point, opposing the tide and light breeze, which accounted for the ~2kn speed. Once around the corner, we bee-lined to the Orrs Island bridge, averaging 3kn. Our pace increased further at the far reaches of broad Harpswell Sound. We stopped for a short break on the eastern side of Doughty Point, as recommended, without locating an established landing zone. Post-stretch, we paddled through some riffly water as we entered the midpoint of Long Reach. On to Gurnet Strait, which was pushing very lazily westward, not long before Cundy HT(1341). Unbeknownst to me, Kyle enjoys the reputation of “a man about town“; for the second day in a row he encountered an acquaintance, a family friend, at a dock beyond the bridge. I established my own connection to the stranger, both aware of a family in the Maine town where I grew up, many years ago. Thereafter, and within sight, a scrumptious lunch of you-know-what on the rocky outcroppings of Indian Point, with a delicious panoramic view of islands, coves, rivers, and bays, under blue and bright-sunny skies. Post-repast, a time of reckoning what Mother Nature had in store for us. An outgoing tide with a 10kn southerly breeze materialized, with chop, so we agreed to try to locate any lee on our southbound leg. Not so much through the inner passage of Long Island, more tolerable as we proceeded south. We short-paused at NW Sheep island shore, where an old sailboat and adjacent gangway were nestled, evidently partners in a misadventure that had occurred some time ago. We hugged the shoreline into busy Cundy Harbor, boats unloading their catch of the day, residents gutting a striper, and various repair/construction jobs along and above the shore. Once back into the River, we met the busiest chop of the day, as expected, and we slowpoked to W. Cundy Point, before our last, leisurely ride to NE Yarmouth island, where a fantastical, peaceful, cove was encountered, then back to the launch (17.5M, 8.5h). Before departing, we discussed the next day’s trip (CW Middle Bay from Dolphin Marina; did not materialize on account of an ominous forecast). Link to track HERE Reflections: This is an easy day trip with light winds and tide assist. This route could be extended, and slowed down, camping at one or more of the many MITA islands in the area. The prospect of doing multiple, back-to-back day trips is enticing, especially if staying at a conveniently–located campground (https://www.thomaspointbeach.com)

No credit to the trip planner/organizer??

Was wondering this very same thing 2 days ago, Christopher, whilst sponging out my cockpit at every stop. Not paddling in the rough stuff, yet I assumed any water must have been leaching through the skirt whenever it gathered in a low spot, typically towards the rear. Before I try Scotchguard or the like, I'll attach sprayskirt over empty, dry cockpit, puddle some water on top, wait a few hours, and check to see how much water is getting through. g

Skip report; go straight to slideshow Not known as a popular paddling route, at least to me, the coastline from Head beach, Phippsburg to Fort Popham looked quite appealing, as shown by the satellite images of Cape Small, with at least seven visible large and small sandy beaches.Word on the street was that Barry was vacationing nearby, and was game for a day trip. As a Massachusetts resident, I fretted that he would be “carded“ at the campground entrance gate, likely without evidence of a previous negative COVID test, and might be fined. Turns out he was only a few miles away, seaside, and would just paddle to meet us in the morning. Cath, Kyle, and I gathered at the beach at 0845, And Barry arrived at 0920.I had kept an eye on the weather forecast, and decided this would be a fine day (light wind, favorable tides, and sunny skies).We paddled leisurely around the Cape, confirming the exquisite large, small, and tiny, pocket beaches along the shore. At length, we straight-lined to tiny Heron island, where Cath, with local knowledge, indicated we could find a beautiful, narrow slot to paddle through. Sure enough, on a second look, a tiny gap opened between the cliffy walls to reveal a slot through to the other side, which we enjoyed immensely, so much so that we would repeat the passage on the way back home. The paddle up to the Fort was non-eventful, if not a little choppy, especially over the sand-bar sections, though nothing more than ?Level 2 abilities. We paddled up to the Fort, hoping to land on the southerly beach, but near-high tide (1257) made that impossible, so we backtracked a few hundred yards and found a spot that was unoccupied by beachgoers; there were not a few on this fine day. As we were enjoying our fine standard repast of Italian sandwiches, Kyle chatted up a Portland friend walking by. Post-lunch, Barry was excused from the group, as he was charged with entertaining/feeding his in-laws, a duty that we all know cannot be buggered with. His wife would drive the <10 minutes to the Fort, where he would be picked up and driven home. Most everyone is familiar with the mighty torrent of the Kennebec, especially on the ebb. Some may find of interest that the timing when the river “turns“ (slack) is far off from posted high (~2h) and low (2h 25m) tides on this particular day. Given that the Kennebec would still be flooding at nearly 2kn at our high-tide departure, we launched, hoping to find a bit of possible eddy current away from the river current upstream. Neither eddy or opposing current did we find, and we meandered back the same route, finding a little more chop with the opposing outgoing tide and mild sea breeze. Once we turned the corner up the New Meadows, conditions quieted down, and we lazily paddled by scattered beachcombers, paddleboarders, and waders, landing on peaceful Head Beach. Wildlife for the day included herons, gulls, terns, grays, bait fish schools, and jumping sturgeon (Kennebec mouth). Link to track HERE Reflections: Pick a day with light winds from the marine point forecast, and launch from either Head Beach ($10/car) or Fort Popham (arrive early, for non-fee parking), depending on tidal flow. Most of us had not paddled this section before, but ALL remarked this had been a grand day out. Pay close attention to the tide and current stations before your trip; this area is notorious for kicking up some challenging waves. COVID is making its own waves, judging by the crowd size at Popham (?reduced), and Head (very sparse) Beaches. The beautiful, but otherwise eerie, Thomas Point Campground that I was staying at had a paucity of camping parties, 15/>100. My, and I use the pronoun accurately, western half of the campground was empty the second night, one other camper night #1.

Bump. Marine forecasting for boaters, tonite @ 7pm.