gyork

Off-the-shelf automotive windshield-yellow squeeze bottle (last time I checked)

Jason, I'm still enamored with my Pentax Optio W10. Don't know what the latest iteration is, but it has been rock solid for the past 5 years. On a lanyard, it tucks neatly into my PFD for quick access. A little rain-x on the lens avoids the water spots Doug mentions. I'll send you a link to several of my kayaking photo albums if you like.

This yet-explored section of the Maine coast beckoned to me, and I just needed to pick the right day that would favor the tidal flow. I picked the wrong day but had a glorious paddle nonetheless. I needed a full day to circumnav Sebascodegan, and wanted to end up in Quahog Bay for the over-nite camp. Launched NW of Cundy’s Harbor on a HT, parking the car at Terry’s house (MITA; $6/nite). Worked my way between the 2 Yarmouths in the fog and sporadic drizzle and checked out a small MITA I. around the corner. Headed SW to Gun Point, then a straight shot to the bridge connecting ORR’s, a short burst to overcome the 2-3 knot ebbing current under the bridge. Off to another private MITA island for a look-see and geocache (found it!), before heading up Ewin Narrows to Long Reach, which was still draining towards Harpswell Sound. Timed the crossing under Gurnet Strait for the near-slack, easterly-flowing (path of least resistance?) Ebb, and enjoyed a late lunch at Indian Point, barely avoiding the emerging mud flats, Canadian geese enjoying the shallow feeding ground. One more MITA (ideal spot for 1st nite of a 2-day circumnav) island visit before the long slog down the New Meadows River, fog and darkening skies adding to the resistant peak flood. Counted off Long and Dingley Islands to starboard, C3 to port, and rounded Cundy Point before stopping @ 8pm for a re-supply of water at the car. A little daylight left allowed a landing at my camp in Quahog Bay. Clear skies filled the next morning as I lolled about reading/relaxing/talking with the resident geese and osprey. One more geocache nabbed before a leisurely paddle back to the put-in. My route: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=5475929 Link to pix of the trip HERE gary

Please PM me or gyorkatcrhcdotorg

More of the almost-same HERE

Last call!

Not me Spider, but... http://www.lakechamplaincommittee.org/explore/lake-champlain-paddlers-trail/guidebook/

Just got the nod from MITA for a Bangs clean-up on this trip, participants willing, Fri or Sun. gary

Given the surprising, but welcome level of interest in this trip, here is the outline: Level 3 trip that especially welcomes new kayak campers, and a reunion for those of us who don't see each other often enough. Here's a great opportunity for you paddlers who would like to try kayak-camping without the pesky bugs (beware of ticks!). This will be the 6th annual trip to Jewell, which has 2 large side-by-side campsites and a latrine. We typically have 10 or so paddlers, but an upper limit has not been established. The Common Adventure Model (CAM) will be adopted http://www.nspn.org/...rticipation.htm The SUGGESTED itinerary is as follows: FRIDAY: Arrive at Sandy Point Beach at Cousins Island (Yarmouth) on Friday, May 18, in plenty of time for a 10:30am launch (HT-1031). If you are new to kayak camping, you may need extra time packing your boat, so plan on arriving no later than 0930. CW Cousins I. to Crow and/or Bangs for lunch and potential MITA/NSPN stewardship, then to Jewell campsite(s). Total Nautical Miles ~8 SATURDAY: Agenda TBD-bring your ideas for a day paddle or island activities (HT-1113). Prior trips have included Whaleboat/Little Whaleboat, Potts Harbor, Greens, Eagle, Great Diamond geocaching, Jewell's WW1 and WW2 military installations, and general camaraderie/gourmet foods around the camp fire. SUNDAY: Back to cars via ???? (HT-1152) If you would like to join this group of friendly paddlers, or have any questions about this trip or camping in general, post on this board or Private Message (PM) me. When you can commit, please PM the following information: -Auto color, make, model, and tag# for registering with Yarmouth PD. -Contact info, including cell, Es, H,W phone, emergency contact and permission to share with participants. gary Please prepare as if you are soloing. Redundant gear can be sifted out at launch or before. Link to nautical charts: http://ocsdata.ncd.noaa.gov/BookletChart/13290_BookletChart_HomeEd.pdf http://www.charts.noaa.gov/OnLineViewer/13290.shtml Link to tidal chart (Portland): http://maineboats.usharbors.com/monthly-tides/Maine-Southern%20Coast/Falmouth%20Foreside Link general weather forecast: http://www.wunderground.com/cgi-bin/findweather/hdfForecast?query=portland+maine Links to marine forecast: http://www.wunderground.com/MAR/AN/150.html

Sounds like you had a mishap Katherine? Care to share?

Or jump right in and do it backwards?-http://www.nspn.org/forum/index.php?showtopic=8432

Great thread for an important (validated by Leon's timely input) piece of gear, that the "school bus" is lacking. Before I assemble my own version, incorporating Peter's simplicity/size and (soon-to-be [rumor]) Jason's adjustability, I still have some questions: -Peter/others: How do you take up slack, if needed, in your single-line rigs? -In the photo of the adjustable rig, is the outside-to-outside perimeter line attachment the recommended configuration for the tow? -If not, could I consider permanently fixing my kayak's contact to only one of my perimeter deck lines, adding a side-release buckle between contacts? As for the daisy-chained (preferably) tow belt, I like to wear it routinely. I've hastened a small, stalled, sailboat from the lee of an island to a windier passage. gary

Peter, where do I find 'biners like those pictured?

I missed the bird "tweet" that it was cool to wear people-hats!

Had the same thought myself, but I'll wait for your taste test before pursuing it further :-)

How to enter without being a Facebooker?

Rick, I think that sums it up very nicely. Rather than recruit/encourage "L2" paddlers for the trip, I'll assume paddlers will, as Ed mentions "self select".

No financial interest here but I would be willing to check out this tent here in town and deliver on the Jewell trip. Note: NOT free-standing, but is MSR, a very reputable tent company (due in part, to its purchase of Walrus). http://nh.craigslist.org/spo/2874166279.html\ gary

I suspect that we've had no beginners or L2 paddlers in past years. Anybody want to chime in?

Is it possible to combine these 2 concepts into a single trip? Given the title of this thread, I'd like opinions from others re: advisability of including/inviting "L2" paddlers for the Jewell camping weekend May 18, given a decent forecast. Historically, 3 of the previous 5 trips have been rather benign, the exceptions being (as I recall) 10-15 kt headwind around Chebeague one trip, and perilous thunderstorms one Fri am launch, another year. A Sat day paddle has not been very strenuous, typically, and some years we've taken Sat as a rest and/or explore island day. As a greenhorn years ago, I would have jumped at this invite. Certainly there are always a good number of paddlers with "experience" present, with many opportunities for teachin/mentoring less-experienced paddlers. On the other hand, things can get dicey in a hurry. What say y'all? Can of worms?

Not even close!

No such animal. No official tally yet as the trip description has not been posted-I better get on it!