gyork

I remember seeing this some time ago (though link now broken?): 

Previous commitment prevents me from joining y'all, but here's a rudimentary "chap" if you feel inclined to print. Not even close to Floating Trails quality, but the best I could do, and at least something to practice on-water nav with?

Glad to hear you were able to salvage two full days of paddling, Peter. Nice to know there's a new destination(s) in the NE direction. I seem to remember there may be a new MITA island up that way? I suspect the trip highlight might have been watching the pounding surf from the shoreline.

Similar to the stories of Valley hatch cover failures, I suspect it may be related to material sourcing/supply chain issues from year to year (this is NOT your grandmother's latex).

Hi Sue. It looks as though you've just joined hours ago. If you are a paid member, go to the NSPN's calendar, click on the event, then click Peter Brady's icon (top left) and send him a message. Let me know if you have no luck, and I will send a private message to Peter directly.

Welcome! Gary York

As the summer months are drawing to a close, this vegetarian has been eating a lot of unpalatable crow-NSPN calendar be darned!

Thanks for all the trip postings and reports!

The group site is booked until the end of the (camping) year, but other sites ?might be available. I was thinking next year and beyond, with potential to be an NSPN "annual," to possibly kick off or end our usual paddle season.

Depending on the paddling opportunities, why would this not be a great venue for an NSPN car camping destination (ala Lobster Buoy)? Cost would be ~$10/person/nite!

https://www.reserveamerica.com/explore/winter-island-park/PRCG/1061400/6010/campsite-booking?availStartDate=2023-10-27&nextAvailableDate=false&arrivalDate=2023-10-27&lengthOfStay=2

Nice to have a cozy cabin to get out of the weather, if it's up, and a great venue for numerous day-paddling options. Thanks for the report, Dan.

Spoiler alert!    When is a dog a fish (scroll down)?

We found the best landing zone to be 50 yards east of the campsite; gently sloping, above HT ledge transitions to firm gravel/mud, with further transition to slightly raised ledge, covered with rockweed, where, at low tide, boats can be  dragged over that mound, then hand carried the remaining way onto the grassy meadow above the upper ledge. Not perfect, but the best landing zone around, that avoids that slippery, black slime, often found on exposed tidal ledges (think Saddleback cabin).

Skip report; go straight to slideshow

Like a Siren’s song, drawn to the only prominent cabin in the cove, six ill-prepared “navigators“ had a deuce of a time locating the new MITA site. At fits and starts, each grassy meadow became more acceptable as we meandered westerly, and a couple hundred yards from the target cabin was the telltale worn path to bare granite. We finally accepted defeat and pulled out the GPS and coordinates, embarrassed by the gaffe. Six new and established friends set about claiming tent real estate about the beautiful grassy meadow, and surveyed the lay of the land. 

                   

A NOAA forecast of “light and variable” is always one to take full advantage of, so our destination was the Roque Island paradise, northeasterly. We set off at 8:00 and had an easy crossing to the “secret” entrance of Bunker Hole, tagging Mark Island along the way. At that point, two options were considered; two of the boys opted for exploration of Halifax/Brothers, the remaining group circumnavigating Roque, with an estimated similar beach lunch gathering time. Dana’s sharp eye spotted a raccoon on a steep seaweedy cliff face, scavenging for seafood, occasionally poking out of the rockweed curtain. At other times of the trip, we would debate whether weasel-type critters were mink (favor), sea otter, or marten. 

Upon entering the expansive, well–protected Roque harbor, we were surprised to see so few vessels anchored-a solitary sailboat, and two motor yachts. We enjoyed a fine lunch and stroll on this mile-long, fine-sand beach, a rarity this far north.

The mirror image northern beach [off limits] had similar enticing qualities, and I paddled up to an aid to navigation in the middle of Shorey Cove:

      What did I see?.  

In no hurry on this bright, sunny, calm day we meandered back to our home base for the evening routine.

Day three called for possible showers in the afternoon, with a possible “sod soaker“ in the middle of the night. We were happy to split up as short-destination paddlers and island hikers for a quiet day. I was eager to check out nearby Sealand, the moniker for  the community located deep in the cove easterly from camp. The topo map shows evidence of a road network, though we were flummoxed by the GPS, despite repeatedly walking back and forth over the map-designated roadway, deep into the woods. On the way back we stumbled upon such a road, mined granite to either side of a raised, overgrown path which we followed to the end, arriving at the locus of a former shoreside quarry operation. The smallish area of mining suggested that the granite harvested here was used to establish a landing zone and wharf, the latter estimated to be 20 feet tall at the then-current low tide.

We suspected a larger, inland quarry, but neither the topo map, nor our bushwhack disclosed evidence of such, save for the random, rusted inch and a half cable coursing through the woods. A nearby granite-block foundation, measuring roughly 40’ x 50’ was possibly the site of a dormitory for the granite workers?

In preparation for the forecasted heavy rain in the evening and overnight, we rigged Dana‘s new 9’ x 12’ sil–nylon tarp next to my woods campsite, in such a way to take advantage of the downsloping mossy floor, and the expected SW wind of the upcoming storm. We gathered there for dinner and convo, and the shelter performed supremely all night; everyone wants the link!

 

By morning on day four the rain and high winds had diminished to drizzle/mist and negligible breeze. Our plan was to circumnavigate Great Waas (14M), clockwise, first exploring the lighthouse on Mistake. It would be overcast and breezy in the afternoon, but no deterrent to this intrepid group. 

We launched early enough on the outgoing tide to avoid being trapped by the seaweed wall that extends out to Middle Hardwood Island, finding the last available passage, and continued along the coast, short-detouring into Hall cove, before landing on the bar between Knight and Mistake. Access to the boardwalk that leads to the lighthouse on Mistake is difficult. Never attempt to climb the steep, slippery wooden ramp to the boathouse-no reasonable place to store boats from this approach, and an accident waiting to happen. At or near HT, we’ve parked on NW end of the island in the past, and bushwhacked to a path that leads to the boathouse. Having arrived at mid tide, D, glad to be wearing his drysuit on this damp, overcaast day, waded to the small slot adjacent to the boathouse, easterly,

and negotiated his way to the top.

All but one of the others followed. The under-dressed straggler waited for the tide to drop another half inch, worried that his weeny panties would get wet. All would sample some of the offerings from the boardwalk – blueberries, raspberries, and an occasional cranberry.

We continued our clockwise circumnav, passing an inaccessible (tide) nearby MITA island, and agreed to avoid the larger swells in the deeper, outer, Mud Hole Channel, by crossing to Little Cape Point, then proceeding across Cape and Popplestone Coves, and around Little Pond and Red Heads, and Pond Pt., finally landing at a small pocket in the rockweedy shore. Lunches were enjoyed, followed by a short walk for a look-see of The Pond.

By now, the wind had picked up from the SW, and, by degrees, we slogged to the NW tip of Beals, pit-stopping at Unnamed I, then completed the last leg, under the bridge, through Pig I. Gut, and finally, capitalizing on the well-deserved wind assist, we (6 little piggies) cried “wee-wee-wee” all the way home! 

Thursday, our last full day, would be a shortish paddle, anticipating an early start for Friday’s obligations. A circumnavigation of Head Harbor Island seemed appropriate; Mother Nature accommodated, with flat seas and sunny skies. I hoped to discover the cemetery on the western tip of the island, designated on the topo map. We came close to it on Tuesday, whilst hiking, but were stymied by the obvious wetlands crossing. After landing, we scouted the area designated on the topo, aided by my GPS. Puzzled by the location, in the relative wet of the lower hill, we extended our search uphill, and, at length, came across the small square cemetery with a dozen graves, a couple hundred yards away from the designated spot my GPS was relaying to me. We found nearby cellar holes and flattened, contaminated (glass, metal parts) shell mddens, evidence of ancient and more recent civilizations.

We were soon about the rough waters of the SE island tip, some of us rather enjoying the sporty action that the swells/deep water to shallow/headlands offered

us as a playground.            

R recommended a stop on Man Island, having visited earlier that week, and nobody was disappointed, as we climbed the rocky jagged mound, and lunched atop, with spectacular views. Some were eager to get back to camp to organize and pack, while others dawdled in Nature‘s splendor.

Per usual, it rained heavily overnight, and abated in the morning, just enough to allow packing of the final provisions before making our way back to Jonesport Shipyard and our cars, thankful for a glorious several days in this kayakers’ paradise.

 

Reflections:

• We have had great luck using Jonesport Shipyard in the past as a launch site. Overnight parking fees are very reasonable, and amenities of toilet and fee-showers are quite welcome after several days out. When possible (HT), plan to launch/land in the small cove near the parked cars, so as not to bugger up the working ramp.
• Though many MITA sites, including private, make no mention of LNT principles, we should all be in the habit of carrying out our own waste, as a thank you to those landowners that have graciously offered their “little bit of heaven“ to strangers.
• Although I brought a dry suit for possible rainy day(s), I was able to get by with my summer paddling outfit. Our group was equally divided between dry suit and summer attire during this second week of August. 
• The >5-hour drive for most of us was rewarded by the special features of this part of the Maine coast, especially for an extended stay.
• Consider extending your invitations to new (to you) kayakers. You won’t be surprised that you have much in common, and will likely paddle together again.
• You're apt to find this waypoint helpful: N 44°30.462', W -067°33.184'
• Feel free to contact me for information about a trip to this area. Special thanks to MITA and the generous landowner for adding this beautiful site to the Trail.

A near-capacity group of paddlers met in South Thomaston on Friday afternoon, and scurried to set up their tents, before the 2 o'clock launch time. Four brave souls opted for the usual nickel tour of ____ Island, and were pushed downwind to the nice landing beach on the northern tip, followed by a quick CCW stroll along a well-maintained visitors' path. All were quiet on the way back, facing a ~8kn headwind. Others smartly opted for a leisurely paddle along the shore. The usual, and always welcome, potluck feast and fire were enjoyed into the night.

Saturday was a primo paddling day, and five paddlers in Group A did the CCW of the Muscle Ridge archipelago, shown below. Another group of nine, Group B, headed north to Owl's Head, with return stops at Monroe ([4]hike), and Sheep beach ([5]nap, explore). Back to camp, showers, delicious leftovers, and a repeat fire and convo. Overnight rain into the morning drove most of us indirectly back home with memories of a great time with established and new friends.

Link to Claire's photo album:  https://photos.app.goo.gl/d8MNmMgg8AYCKx4t9

Great speaker, great writer, great discussion. Ty presented a zoom for NSPN not too long ago. Great chance to hear him if you missed it.  This is a free event.

239 Atlantic Avenue, N. Hampton, NH

On 7/14/2023 at 6:29 PM, Ricardo Caivano said:

 

After an hour, I could see the shape of Isle of Springs and felt comfortable to paddle on. Island to island and marker to marker, using the compass, the water movement, and keeping track of time, I made it to Hendricks’s Head Light Tower, passing only one working boat.

 

 

Aside from the fog effect, comforting to know that some things never change. Same shot on my solo through this area on a spectacular day 11 years ago!

Last call to sign up, before offering the spot to fellow SMSKN paddler.

I agree with Ed; behind your seat, and between your thighs. Keep track of how much water you actually use, Barb. For a 3-night (four full days) trip, I (Joe camel) would be fine with 8 L, figuring 2 L per day. I don't address this aspect in my second chapter, found here, a good part of it filmed in fast forward mode.

One last spot remaining!

Seems we are due a makeup for the May cancellation? Who in the audience would like to organize this trip, and accept, if needed, any of my hand-holding?

Good on you, Ricardo, to pull this off, especially with the fog challenges. Although I love paddling with my buds, some of my favorite trips have been solos. Thanks for the nice report!

On 7/3/2023 at 9:30 AM, prudenceb said:

 Be at York Harbor (Harris Island Road drop-off spot…with parking after dropoff on Lilac Lane a short distance away) at 9 AM with launch at 9:30-9:45 or so.  

Certainly not, Ed, and I suspect it shall serve as my casket, once bulkheads (the front hatch has a small leak to the cockpit and is in dry dock [?wet dock], awaiting a suitable window for aquaseal repair) are removed.

Skip report, go straight to slideshow.

Doesn’t matter how many times you’ve been there before, the anticipation of paddling in the premier East Coast destination cannot be denied. M had a spur-of-the-moment week off, and Mother Nature willingly obliged to provide a decent window of a Tuesday-Friday sojourn. We could’ve chosen Naskeag over WBS, but opted for the latter, despite the additional Mile. The 4.5 hour drive up was accompanied by scattered showers, though the forecast had promised decent weather. Once on the water, we didn’t experience any precipitation the rest of our stay.

During the 5 mile paddle to basecamp, we saw threatening clouds to the south and west, but were able to "outpace" them. After setting up tents, we opted for the ~mile-and-a-half hike around the island, and were surprised, midway, that the island had experienced a slight dusting of snow that would later disappear, with temps in the high 60s.

We were intent on having a nightly fire, and the voicemail permit# I had been waiting 2 days for, had finally arrived.

M has taken her campfire cooking to a new level, and we enjoyed, over the supreme days, mushroom/onion/cheese/garlic/green bean tacos, mushroom/onion/pizza, fried egg/cheese biscuit “sandwich,” and mixed, milk/dark chocolate pancakes with homemade syrup for dessert, all whipped up in the cast-iron skillet.

We had a subdued IT for the warm, sunny days in Stonington; a “dime tour” of the archipelago was split into 2 nickels, Wednesday and Thursday, southerly and northerly, respectively, with prolonged lunchtime stops on Steve and Potato, filled with food, sketching and napping. The short, beautiful loop hike on Green was a first for me.

A highlight of our day #2 paddle was a stop at the town dock, where we greeted Maria (MITA), and, almost simultaneously, met the daughter whose father generously donated their island, our basecamp, to MCHT! The senior couple had motored into town to enjoy an ice cream cone nearby, and, of course, we followed suit.

Before we knew it, Friday was upon us, and we needed to leave our island paradise for home, retracing our initial route, happy not to encounter fog that had been forecast for that morning.

Yes, though you must have signed the NSPN waiver, and settle with the campground for any fees for launching and/or parking.

Here's a great opportunity to organize/initiate a (puplic or private) trip for p[arty of 6, 3 nites, unparalleled paddling, and only $50/person. This likely won't be available for long!

Link to more info:  https://www.mcht.org/visit-a-preserve/cabins/saddleback/

PLEASE DO NOT RSVP ON NSPN CALENDAR UNTIL YOU HAVE SENT YOUR PAYMENT. 

Come join us for this inaugural inter-club kayak camping event with NSPN and SMSKN. Home Base will be Lobster Buoy Campsites in S. Thomaston, Maine, gathered at the Group Site. Arrive Friday, leave Sunday (or stay longer if you like). Paddling options abound: NE to Owls Head, SE to Muscle Ridge, or SW to Port Clyde. These trips are not appropriate for beginners. Minimal skills to participate include wet exit, self and assisted rescue, and previous experience in ocean paddling with conditions of wind up to 15K, waves to 2 feet, and crossings up to 2.0M.  I will set a limit FOR THE GROUP SITE ONLY. Your spot will be secured when I receive payment ([$11 per person + $7 per car]/NITE) X 1.09 (tax; most will pay $39.24) via paypal (PREFERRED; gyork at tdsdotnet) or check (private message me). 

If you prefer a private site, contact campground directly (280 Waterman Beach Rd, South Thomaston, ME 04858 Phone: (207) 594-7546).

PLEASE DO NOT RSVP ON NSPN CALENDAR UNTIL YOU HAVE SENT YOUR PAYMENT. 

You will receive full refund for your trip only if you cancel before 9 PM. on August 1,  OR CHOOSE TO DONATE (ANY AMOUNT) TO ELLIE /LOBSTER BUOY CAMPSITES.