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Hi Bill. I understand the term "variation" in the nautical sense to be equivalent to "declination" in the topographic sense, this being the difference between true north and compass north. This changes ever so slightly over time, but for practical considerations can be considered a constant for a given region. The term "deviation" is the difference between a ship's north compass reading and magnetic north. Given that kayaks are unlikely to have interfering metals to cause such a deviation, declination/variation is the factor we typically correct for. There are lots of pneumonics to remember rules for correcting declination/variation -the one I use is very simple. MTEL(read "metal"): Map to Terrain, East is Least (please forgive the topographic references and substitute "chart" for "map", and "water" for "terrain"). A straight-line course plotted on a map/chart, using right or left-hand margins as indicative of true north, will need to be corrected as you follow the kayak compass. For Easterly declination/variation one would subtract (Least). Remembering the MTEL pneumonic, then MTWB (Map to Terrain, West is Best(plus/add)). Expanding further TMEB, and TMWL. This is all too complicated to grasp in one session, but can be simplified if we remember the declination in our neck of the woods/ocean is ~17W. Simper still is to draw parallel magnetic north lines on chart copies before laminating. Gary

A fun time was had by all, I believe. Thanks to Ed for posting. This was the first trip of the season for some of us. See photo album HERE Gary

>....what info is available concerning current timing, velocity, and direction.. Where does one find such info? Gary

Just daydreaming, poring over my chart, noticing how close Stonington Archipelago is to Vinalhaven (Coombs Neck to Sparrow I~4nm). Seems one could eliminate 2+ hours of driving by taking kayak-laden auto (no kayaks allowed by themselves) on the ferry out of Rockland, first night camping at MITA site, next day timed crossing to the island group, choosing base camp, and spending several days (rest of the summer?) poking about. Some things to consider: 1. Ferry sevice spokesperson told me there is a 48-hour parking limit at the State lot. How does one secure parking on Vinalhaven for an extended period? 2. Given the right conditions (<10 knots, wave ht <3ft), what is the best timing for the PenBay crossing, to and fro. My guess is 2h before high crossing easterly, and 2h before low, westerly. Gary

Not a recliner _rick, just a foldable nylon cloth chair with tubular metal legs/skeleton, the type you can buy at most any store for $6-10. Gary

Just for fun, and because many of us think about kayaking constantly, please share some of your non-basic, favorite items/ideas that you usually pack for your overnighters. Here are some of mine: COOKING-license plate for stove base/heat shield/deflector; Heavy-duty aluminum foil sheets, folded for pot lid, heat shield/deflector, food warmer; Industrial paper towels (from work) for general cooking/personal clean-up. SLEEPING/SHELTER-Pacific Outdoors inflatable (2 min) 25"x77" mattress(basic really, but new, untested gear for these old, long bones); Several 10' sections of drapery cord (>$, but lighter) for guying tent/tarp. CAMP COMFORT-(This may seem like an exaggeration, until you see what fits inside "School Bus")-lightweight tripod stool; folding, padded backrest/seat; full-size folding comfort chair (transported on back deck, covered with plastic bag). Yikes, I can't believe I just typed that; I may be paddling alone! MISC-Multiple sturdy pastic grocery store bags (some are superior to others); Plastic paint drop "cloth" for keeping firewood/gear dry. What's in/on your hatch/back deck? Gary

I would say you responded very appropriately, Cathy, and demonstrated obvious compassion to a stranger . Thanks for sharing this event, for which there is no "right" response-makes for great discussion. I'd echo David's (#18) sentiments, and would give 911 a "heads up", letting the dispatcher know this was not an emergency, but a "situation" that had some potential to turn ugly in a hurry. I think Rescue would appreciate the call, and believe they wouldn't deem the notification an annoyance. Not knowing this woman, I'd like to give her the benefit of the doubt. Her head may not be right. Gary

Thanks for going first Joe. Now when you witness one (a fellow kayaker, by necessity) suffering a hissy-fit, or in a twit, say "Don't get your skeg all bent". Gary

I might try for the Sat/Sun sessions-looks like a good program. Gary

Do you think its application will make "SCHOOL BUS" appear smaller? Gary

http://www.autothing.com/Products/Decals/P...y%20stripes.htm Is this the tape you're looking for Peter? What's special about the Prostripe brand (vs. 3M, others)? Where are you applying it on your kayak? Gary

After reading the various responses to the subject of logo change, perhaps WebAdmin would be willing to make an effort to quell the perceived discontent. Along the protocol of my recently-attended NH Town Meeting, I would respectfully make a motion that the Article be reconsidered (even though the polls have closed). My $0.02: 1. Offer 3 choices of logo as suggested; (new) triangle, (new)circle, or no change. 2. Set a deadline of April 1, to allow participation of members who may visit this site infrequently. Gary

Adam, please remind the audience the proper protocol for making a "securite" call on channel 16. Thanks-Gary

I'd like to suggest that Board Members incorporate Ed's excellent discussion (post #15) into the "trips/skills" section of NSPN's website. The discussion and related threads of "level" and "ability" comes up year after year, elongating with time. I think Ed has captured the essence of this topic as no one has before, and it should serve as a future reference. Gary

>would I be able to handle it? Heidi, this is a question that can only be answered by yourself, and one can never really be sure how to transition from Level 2 to Level 3 except by taking the plunge (poor choice of words!). I do see a good deal of trip interest from other members so far, though the phrase "safety in numbers" must be tempered by conditions, for which no one has control over. Perhaps you could tentatively plan to join us, but reserve final decision to weather forecast the day of/before departure. If the weather cooperates this will be a fun trip, and a great intro to kayak camping. I HOPE OTHERS OFFER THEIR $0.02 HERE. >How far would you guess it is? A bit less than 6nm from launch to island (see chart http://www.boatmaine.us/casco-chart.aspx) For a general description of Jewell go to http://www.boatmaine.us/jewell-island.aspx Gary

>Thought is to go straight across to Jewell through Chandler Cove? >Maybe a couple of hours to get there? Yes to both questions Ed, depending on conditions (~6nm). We might send out a welcoming/?search party to meet you at Little Chebeague if you'd be a little late (sunset~8pm, I think). Gary

Save the dates (or not); early post for planning days off from work, if needed. Tentative plan is to launch from Falmouth Town Landing 10am Friday, overnighting Fri and Sat on Jewell, assorted or unified day tripping on Sat, return to launch site Sunday afternoon. More details to follow. Gary

Assuming this poll should be limited to NSPNers RESIDING in MA? Gary

I think the site I referenced is tucked into your address, Gene, under "Nautical Charts and Related Publications", sub-link "On-line Chart Viewer". This last link has been suspended for whatever reason, and I don't know where to surf to dream about future trips. Gary

Anybody know if this site http://www.nauticalcharts.gov/ is expecting to go live again, if ever? Gary Update: This sight now enabled for daydreaming. Gary

Ditto, sort of (48)! Gary

Jon, although I'm a native Mainer, I've never ventured to the Moosehead region, but would love such an adventure. It's all about the cordination of the necessary days off from whatever jobs keep us off the water! Gary

Ed, even though I'm not paddling in the colder weather, kayaking is always on my brain. I've got a Jewell Ialnd multi-day camping trip in my head for early May that will include your suggestions 1 and 6. I'm always open to this type of option (ovenight, camping), rather than day trips, because of the amount of driving this involves getting to the put-ins. Having said that, I'm happy to do back-to-back day trips in separate locations along coastal ME, if I can arrange car-camping on the mainland, between destinations. After reading again Kate's travelogue from her Stonington adventure, that's another destination I'd like to explore in the off-season, perhaps September, to include island camping. I'm looking forward to your private trip postings for '07. Gary

I've had my Casio triple sensor for about 10 years. Thermometer, barometer/altimeter, and compass still very accurate. Way too many bells and whistles for me, but still works like a charm. Gary

Ditto to Karen, save for 3" webbing, suspended from rafters. Gary