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Had mine for 6 years, gently used, well-cared for, no issues. PM sent gary

Great idea, especially for those who like to include a different type of day tripping(solid ground). Great idea (first part) for newbies and veterans alike. I lay out my gear on a tarp in the garage, trying to separate the gear into loose categories of food/cooking/safety/shelter/standard paddling/misc. Some years ago a multi-day camping trip morphed into several day-trips after spending the night under a tent fly in a mosquito-infested grassy patch. I had inadvertently packed an extra sleeping bag instead of my tent!

Agree with Ed, and that is how my gear is stored at home. I like the versatility of my MSR Hubba tent; options include: -tent/no fly during bug season for clear overnite forecast OR inside a lean-to -Fly only, supported by same poles that support tent, during shoulder season (before June/Oct and later) -tent with fly during bug season (no shelter/possible rain) Poles/stakes/stoves/cookware/saw are relegated to rear hatch, by habit, away from compass, and front hatch designated for clothes and tenting paraphenalia.

Don't forget the Jewell camping trip in May May18-20

Perusing charts and gazeteers while the sap boils, this Cautious Stranger now wonders about circumnav of Arrowsic/Georgetown Islands. Plan: Launch southern Bath public access 1 hour before HT. CW northern Arrowsic along Sasanosa River and paddle the 2 gates from Hell at slack, thru Litle Sheepscot to Five Islands for a snack. To Reid State Park for lunch and stroll. Meander around southern tip, close to ebb slack, paying close attention to the wind/waves/waves and forecast, and hugging the coast. What to expect of my trip UP the Kennebec, as far as currents go? Will the big River still be emptying, and AGAINST my efforts upstream? If so, for how long? Am I better off CCWing this 23NM trip? Should I be daydreaming of a different trip while the steam rises from the pan? gary

Front or back cover to a flexible pastic, low-volume, 3-ring binder. Doubles as an emergency boat patch (untested, ?fortunately)-just cut to size.

And consider how many times/year you'll be using the gear before you pay the big bucks for the tent/tarp/pad/bivy/bag/etc that earned Backpacker magazine's "Editor's Choice Award". ?Some stores/outfitters might have equipment to rent (?EMS). Many of us gearheads have equipment to loan. Take a survey on the Jewell trip to see the varied camper's gear selections and how they arrived there.

If you have access to a sewing machine, a standard-sized zippered pillow undergarmet (the cover under the pillow "case")can be halved, and stuffed with your softest fleece clothes. Seconded, or any other "crazy-creek" knock-off. Yup, 20 + 11 oz.

Smplicity at its finest. The furnace of the cat stove is surrounded by a two-tiered assembly of bigger cat cans. Figure on 2 Tbl. of fuel per meal. My set-up: Link to how to build it: http://www.backpacking.net/makegear/falk-catstove/index.html gary

I'll call the Town of Brunswick to check on availability of multi-nite parking. Thank you Pintail. Splendid memories of an overnight sailboat anchorage, in transit to Boothbay Hahbah, 30 years ago! Entertaining a multi-day/nite excursion mid-May, pre-Jewell, though it appears September might be the better time, given the many MITA warnings of island visitation/camping before late June. gary

I wondered about that peculiarity in an area where the mean low water is about 6-10 feet. Is it caused by the peak flood or ebb, or both? Is it still active (whirlpool)?

Yes, you are right Ed and here is the info copied and pasted: There is a thorofare from the north end of Harpswell Sound through Ewin Narrows, Prince Gurnet, Long Reach, and Gurnet Strait to New Meadows River. It is occasionally used by local boats. The channel is narrow, has a depth of about 6 feet, and has many dangers; the tidal currents are strong, and the thorofare should not be used by strangers. It is sometimes marked by bush stakes. Currents The tidal current through Gurnet Strait is very strong at strength–estimated at 7 to 8 knots at times–and boats go through only at slackwater. The ebb current runs eastward. Low-water slack occurs a little before low water at Portland. At the strength of the current, there is a difference of elevation of probably 3 feet in the level of the water on either side of the bridge. The flood currents meet in the reach between Prince Gurnet and Gurnet Strait. Thanks for the suggestion to the on-line Coast Pilot. gary (timid stranger)

A circumnavigation of Sebascodegan Island is contemplated http://www.charts.noaa.gov/OnLineViewer/13290.shtml. What tidal data will help me "go with the flow" on the New Meadows River and Ewan Narrows/Long Reach? How do I use Tide Table information, and for which location? Thanks-gary

We have been launching from Cousins Island for the past few years. Stragglers may choose Falmouth Foreside (Town Landing), a less convenient launch due to remote parking, or others. Of course part-timers are welcome, and traditional. Consider departing early, rather than arriving late, as the Fri nite pot-luck smorgasboard is typically to-die (?live) for!

Tentative weekend is May 18-20, 2012. Hope to see some first-timers join us! gary

Lots of install advice (if you need it) from archived discussions-type in "compass install" in search box above.

Yes, Kate, or the link refenced in the video-"marine geogarage". I didn't make it clear that the exercise is intended to reinforce skills for determining GPS waypoints while at sea/island/shore, unplugged! Always a good idea to have multiple waypoints on your chart of expected destinations, stopovers, or aids to navigation, BEFORE you start your safari. These are available from multiple web sources.

Here's a link to the grainy video exercise. Suggest clicking on button lower right "watch on youtube". Good time to whip out the charts and start planning those warmer weather adventures.

Neat stuff John-THANKS for GIVING us a peek into your laboratory. I think you've demonstrated well a form of "slow" lightning. For those lucky enough to witness the "real" deal, I'm assuming they describe an unbroken, non-expansile, linear flash, extending for several hundred feet or yards? Now what are the fastest swimmers under water? Dolphins? gary

Friends, don't get me wrong! The only time I indulge in the PB&J is on a camping trip, and despite the term "ripe" (think "messy" [in a good way says Ed], ala Amato's Italian Sandwich), I enjoy the flavor and ease of dispatch of these ready-made meals. When soloing, I think the whole food/meal thing takes a back seat to the nature gazing aspect of the trip, quite unlike the socializing of shared meals with companion(s), perhaps around a fire ring-don't you agree? Just as power boaters and larger vessels have a hard time spotting us in the water, from where I was sitting, drifting at 4k, I couldn't read the water so well through the light rapids, and was surprised buy the only boulder obstacle in that race. I was told that the water level was quite high, though still several feet below Katrina levels.

This trip has been on my bucket-list for a long time, and I was committed to the journey, even as a solo endeavor. Time may be running out to witness the beauty of this area, as developers continue to propose a grand development for Moosehead Lake. Many in this and other sea-kayaking clubs might forget of the opportunities for exploration in some of our bigger inland seas. I would highly recommend this or similar trips to others, given the advantages of fresh-water paddling during the quiet time of late September. Special thanks to Ben Lawry (http://www.benlawry.net/www.benlawry.net/Welcome.html) for teaching me the correct mechanics of the forward stroke, Mother Nature, http://www.mothernature.org/ for the window of opportunity, Ed and Shirley Raymond/Steve and Belinda Scanlin for making the loop trek possible. Thank you Jason K., for helping this IT-challenged poster insert media files. Skip the report-go straight to slideshow: https://photos.app.goo.gl/zyUJjDfdsPjHRum97 Overview of my paddling area: Day 1: After my overnight stay at the no-frills, but highly-recommended Trebor Mansion Inn http://www.trebormansioninn.com/ in Guilford Maine, I drove the ½ hour to the put-in at Greenville public dock, launching next to the tourist steamer “Katahdin”. The day dawned foggy, as is typical for this time of year, but a forecast of sunny skies, <5kt. winds, and temps in the upper 60’s was spot-on. Only 2 boats were seen motoring from afar, and I had the glassy-smooth Lake to myself. Though Moosehead can be deep (~250’ east of Kineo), much of the waterway towards the southern end is marked by channel buoys. A friendly loon entertained me at close range, at the southern end of 4+-mile-long Sugar Island, and I soon met a canoe-couple on a day paddle from Lily Bay State Park. A heavily-used campsite on the island afforded a tranquil stop for a swim (low 60s) and a snack. Much of the shoreline is owned by the State as Public Reserved Land, and the eastern shore of the middle portion of the lake is dotted with more than 20 campsites, complete with picnic table, fire ring, and privy, all for one low price-free! The western and northern shores have fewer sites, but allow for extended tripping. The site NE of Big Dry Point was my destination for tonight, and an early landing left time for a leisure evening of reading, looning, swimming, campfire and supper. My route for day #1: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=5114445 Day 2: The sound of rain on the fly was only somewhat discouraging, as I rather enjoy paddling in the rain. The forecast called for 100% POP in the way of showers; quite a trick to stow and keep dry all the sleeping gear and tent under the small MSR Hubba fly. My route today had me splitting the Moodys (Warren-bald eagle @ 2:00; alas no pix in the downpour) on the way to sleepy Rockwood. The information center consisted of a billboard, but the kind postal worker across the street gave me the skinny on Mt. Kineo trails. By now the VHF was telling me showers were only 50/50, with only isolated events for the afternoon and beyond. I parked the bus at one of the 2 tent sites at Hardscrabble Point, what used to be a popular destination for tourists staying at the former resort hotels (5), the last, like others before, consumed by fire, in 1938. The original 1844 Mt. Kineo House boasted 220 rooms and seating for 400 diners! Several old resort buildings, private residences, and a golf course remain today. The 5-mile, up-and-back hike to the fire tower led to some nice SW views at the false summit, but only limited views at the tower. I kayaked on to Kelly’s wharf to set up camp before dark. Here, ages-old apple (delicious!) trees of a previous farmstead competed successfully with the puckerbrush. Not enough daylight left to explore the myriad trails/roads leading to Little Kineo Mtn.-?next time? I dispatched the 5 resident mossies before heading to dreamland. My route for day #2: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=5114409 Day 3: Another sunny day and flat water for a 40-degree course to the Northeast Carry, a 1.9 mi. straight route to the W Branch Penobscot, a former passage used for centuries by Native Americans. Black flies and skeeters took advantage of bare extremities as I trekked to Raymonds’ General Store http://www.sledmaine.com/accommod/raymonds/raymonds.htm a few hundred yards down the Carry. For a small fee Mr. Raymond was able to shuttle me over barely-passable terrain to the W Branch. My alternate, unpractical plan was to tote the boat and gear on a kayak dolly to the river-‘nuf said. I meandered the few miles to Lobster Trip put-in where several parties were packing up for their journeys home. Followed Lobster Stream to Lobster Lake, and made haste to Ogden point, where I settled on a beautiful sandy beach site. On my paddle around Big Island, I met a foursome canoe-motoring, who invited me to their camp site for hors d’oeuvres-of course I said yes! Turns out they live in the adjacent town where I was born and raised! They knew of my old neighborhood, and asked which house, I replied "3rd from the bottom, on the left". "Is your mother's name Barbara?" one of them asked. In the middle of Nowhere, where I expected to find Nobody, the world suddenly became very, very small! It was great to have the company, but I soon bid farewell, and finished my jaunt around Big, made supper, then hit the sack. My route for day #3: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=5114397 Day 4: I plotted a course of 326 degrees for the inconspicuous Lake inlet, on my way back to the W. Branch. I ended up dead-ending in a marshy cove, having been distracted by the garbled VHF weather transmission from Greenville. (Note to self: When encountering 2 or more proximate in/outlets, pay close attention to the direction of their in/egress. Better still, mark and label as a waypoint on your GPS.) Another glorious day on the water, passing numerous fishing parties scattered about the river at designated sites and in boats. Out-of-staters typically pay $8/head in the Penobscot Riverway, but this seemed to be the end of the season, and I encountered no toll-takers or drop boxes for the rest of my safari. Just beyond Big Island I had a little scare in the 4 knot, 1-2 rapids, after grazing a mid-stream boulder that I saw at the last second-another wrinkle for the hull. I landed at Boom House, just before Chesuncook Lake, with plans to hike the 1.3 miles to the Village. One of the 2 sites was occupied; this would be a good alternative to Gero Island, around the corner, if I got back after dark. Within 100’ of the privy, the trail was disrupted by non-harvestable trees left by the recent logging gouge/slash into the forest. Soon after picking up the trail, it morphed into a drainage sluice at the side of the Paper Co’s. super highway. Despite its dreadful presence, I marvel at the engineering of these routes, considering the amount of material (where does it come from?) and elaborate drainage systems. Attempts at picking up the trail across the way were futile, so I followed the road until it branched to the Village Road, an extra mile detour. A grassy cemetery reflected the long-term habitation of this unplugged community. Amazing that this person was born just over a year after our Constitution was signed! I was hoping for a warm meal at the Lake House (http://www.chesuncooklakehouse.com/) but was told by David, the owner, they would be closed until the sledding season, when they would be fully booked. [He apologized for the late-night excited voices from the night before (I could hear them across the smooth lake, 1 mile away). Apparently I had missed the spectacular northern lights display, not visible from my facing-the-wrong-direction shelter in the trees.] Back to Boom House, finding the campers having returned, enjoying their last of eleven days in paradise. Off to Gero, with the setting sun, to find a recently-constructed lean-to recommended by Dave of Lobster Lake. My route for day #4: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=5114382 Day 5: [still puzzled how these waterways were originally tagged. Because Chesuncook is so big, did its southern bays deserved to be called lakes (Caribou and Ripogenus)? Whattup with the 10-mile water course consisting of Black Pond, Caucomgomoc Stream, and Brandy Pond? What of a 3+ mile-long body of water termed Pine Stream FLOWAGE?] Shoved off @ 8 for a paddle N to Black Pond. Uneventful, uninhabited, uninhibited flat-water paddling bliss, save for a float plane waving with a dipped wing. As forecast by the Boom House campers, I found my Bullwinkle on the second day of the season, just N of Little Scott Deadwater. Efforts to sneak up on him for a close-up were thwarted, despite being downwind (I know what you’re thinking-this is Day #5), and deliberate. How do you sneak up on ANYTHING in a bright orange-yellow school bus? He posed long enough for a long range profile before ambling to the mixed forest. I paddled on to “The Horse Race”, the small stream release from Caucomgomoc Lake, and paddled upstream. The 4.5-knot current and 4 inches of water hastened my retreat after a few hundred yards, and I was unable to locate the portage depicted on the NFCT map. I paddled back to the camp site near Mr. Moose, for a ripe PB&J, then to Gero by 4pm, for a bath, campfire, warm meal, and incomplete VHF news of winds tomorrow 5-10 from the S. My route for day #5: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=5114373 Day 6: The sound of waves lapping the shore stressed me to fully-awake mode at 3am. I had planned to be on the water by 6am ahead of the wind, but the best laid plans….. I quickly pulled out the chart and did some plotting and GPS waypoint calculations for different routes. By daybreak, I was worried about my planned 1.6 mi crossing in the building, white-capped waves, so I opted for a 5-mile detour, a CW trip around the lee of Gero, and a 0.5 mi. crossing to test the chop. The boat seemed to like the 10-knot headwind and 1-2-foot, short-period waves, so I paddled and paddled close to shore for 7 hours, to my pre-arranged take-out, stopping at interval protected points for a leg stretch and hydration (cuppa Lake). Steve and Belinda at Allagash Gateway Campground (http://www.allagashgatewaycamps.com/home) have recently taken ownership of this campground, and have big plans for offering a wilderness-like experience to visitors-please support them if you get a chance. They had previously agreed to transport me, my boat, and gear back to Greenville. Though I was a day early they graciously decided to drive me back that afternoon. I was back to my car by 5:30, and quickly called home, after being out of contact for 4 days. My route for day #6: http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=5114355 Things I wish I had brought: rental SPOT system, man-girdle that cyclists wear (saddle sores), snow peak 28oz solo cooker (just purchased (on sale, of course)-perfect size for the cat stove). Things I didn’t need: so much extra clothing, water filter, tripod stool (donated to neighbors on Lobster Lake). Itemized food: breakfast-homemade oatmeal; lunch-PB&J X4, homemade zesty lemon granola squares; supper-Lipton/Knorr sides plus; snacks 8 oz.dry-roasted almonds, Lindt creamy milk chocolate bars (2), Haagen Dazs milk chocolate/almond ice cream bar at Raymonds’ Store (of all places! I can’t get this favorite at any stores near home!). Gadgets: ICOM M88 VHF, Garmin entry-level GPS, VADO HD video, Pentax OptioW10 waterproof camera, cell phone. Stove: JFalk’s cat stove (thanks Kate!): http://www.backpacking.net/makegear/falk-catstove/index.html Camping: MSR Hubba (solo) tent, footprint, Thermarest inflatable (by you), LLBean 40-degree climashield long, OES 10X12 sil-nylon tarp: http://www.outdoorequipmentsupplier.com/ Maps: Delorme-Moosehead Lake; Northern Forest Canoe Trail #11; photocopied/laminated gazetteer map of Moosehead (Delorme). LINKS TO ADDITIONAL VIDEO FOOTAGE: Using my Cat Stove: Part 1: Part 2: What’s in/on your pfd? http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=91uGIvnbNvk '> My first-aid kit: My repair kit: My day kit: Packing my kayak for camping (poor audio): Random paddling footage from the trip (1st attempt at video-rather sketchy):

If I initiate/organize a trip, I try to remember to ask participants to prepare as such. Certainly requires preparation for individuals that can benefit the group during the trip. As paddlers arrive, we can sort out communal items that are redundant, before we get fully packed.

http://ocsdata.ncd.noaa.gov/BookletChart/AtlanticCoastBookletCharts.htm or http://marine.geogarage.com/ Draw in parallel magnetic N lines, GPS waypoints, and scale before laminating 8.5 X 11($2 @ Kinkos/staples); 2 maps (front and back)/sheet. Your copy of the MITA handbook indicates which islands are PRIVATE-shhhhhhh!

Yesterday in the heavy chop, I noticed a lot of water in the cockpit during my rest stops after every hour or so, probably 2 qts. No obvious defects in the neoprene portion. I suspect that water is sieving through the top nylon fabric. Any advice as to how to seal the nylon portion of the skirt? I'm thinking something like seam-sealer for a tent or tarp. Thanks-gary

Turns out the NE carry road has been washed out due to Ms. Irene, changing my plans from portage to shuttle with Mr. Raymond, from his store/house to Lobster Trip put-in.