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Joe, I reduced the length of my Argonaut bulkhead by a few inches by inserting a perfectly-fitting pair of blue "kickboards" that I purchased at my local YMCA (~12x16x1.25"; $7.50 each). By encircling these floats with 3 wide, homemade rubber bands, they serve double-duty as my paddle float. Gary

Ed, I agree, and therefore am irresponsible too? I think the best way to "get one's paddle wet" is to spend more and more hours on the water, whether it be rivers, ponds, lakes or calm, protected sea. That was my approach when I started, and I joined as many SnGs and calendar trips as I could reasonably do. You're right about the "safety in numbers" concept, and most of the SnGs that I have participated in have been in benign conditions. Perhaps those who list a SnG could encourage, and welcome inquiries from, newcomers in their message. Gary

I keep a long plastic foghorn in my day hatch for such situations, but can't comment on its (in)effectiveness, not having employed it yet. Gary

Brian if I use brass bolts, do I need to expand (re-drill) existing holes in the plastic housing and thin metal plate behind it? Holes are pretty tiny. Gary

Can someone recommend the proper size drill bit for drilling pilot holes to accept the included screws of the 70-P? Thanks. Gary I found success using a standard 3/32" wood bit. Before screwing in, I placed a diminutive rubber "O" ring over the screw, such that it ended up between the ?brass plate and the fiberglass. I found 4 of the smallest-sized nylon acorn nuts in one of the "specialty" cardboard drawers at my Ace hardware store. I dabbed the receptive ends with shoo goo and hand tightened the nuts over the screw pointy ends. Gary

Hi Gillian. Just returned today from my sojourn to mid-coast Maine. I HIGHLY recommend Winslow Park (http://www.freeportmaine.com/winslow%20park/winslowpark.html), having spent the last 2 nights there. It is one of the nicest campgrounds I've been to, and only $25/nite for a shoreside (bluff) tent or camper site, $20 for "inland" spot. Showers, sandy beach, boat ramp, and dock. No honky-tonk; everyone's asleep by 10 pm. Gary

Can anyone direct me to the websites/message boards for kayaking clubs between Muscongus Bay and points south, excluding SMKN? I'm looking to hook up with day paddlers Mon and Tues.

Ed, I'm open to northern casco bay(see my revised itinerary above). E me with details of your and Gail's intentions.

Will be in ME (Moscongus Bay)for sat & sun (July 22,23) day trips Thinking of extending my stay Mon and Tues (July 24,25) there or points south if there is interest. Open to feasible float plans with fellow members. Gary

Gerry, thanks for the invite. I would normally eagerly accept the invitation, as I live near Concord, NH, but circumstances don't allow me to join you. I hope to meet you on the water soon. Gary

David, can you recommend a source to purchase Jackson's DVD/video? Gary

Aside from its utility to receive weather forecasts, would my marine radio serve as a communication device, for rescue purposes, while on inland waterways? Would some (?park rangers, ?Fish and Game) be monitoring a certain channel on a regular basis? Gary

Thanks Peter-you are so right. I remember being stranded there at an eastern site while canoe camping in the past. There is potential for some tricky wave action from any winds across a good 2+ mile fetch (winds typically NW and afternoon). I'll edit the listing. Would "Level 2-3" be appropriate(this is my first attempt at posting a private trip)? Thanks. Gary

If you can find a cheaper price online, it's likely that WM and most other retailers will match the cheaper price. Being frugal (now in vogue!), that's how I usually shop for major purchases. They will likely ask you for the other retailer's Web address, and immediately surf to verify the sale price. Gary

Hi Gillian. Thanks for your efforts updating the launch information. A popular put-in in the Portsmouth area (Rye, NH) is Seavey Creek, just before Odiorne State Park. From the North or West, head S on Rte 1 at the traffic circle. Travel 2.0 miles(you will cross Sagamore Creek), and turn left onto Elwyn Road at the traffic light. Travel 1.4 miles to Foyes Corner, and proceed straight on Rte. 1A (Pioneer Rd) for 1.1 miles to Seavey Creek. There is free, sometimes congested parking on the near side of the Creek, and the launch is muddy. A $5 parking/launch fee is charged at the lot on the far side of the Creek, but there is a gradual cement launching surface. Perhaps others could fill in directions from the South. Gary

Yes, indeed, thank you Scott, and to all the participants. A good time was had by all, I believe. Looking forward to joining you all again in the near future. Gary

Carl, I get the same response. Gary

I hope you can make it. Preference will be given to first five commitments, after which (if necessary), a wait list will be made. Gary

Jackie, the campsite is r14 in Sunday Cove. If you follow this link http://www.nhstateparks.org/ParksPages/Umb...UmbagogCmp.html you can view a PDF of the remote sites. ~5-6 miles to site from put-in (Fri AM,Androscoggin River, Errol). Saturday paddle <10 miles. Sat nite back to campsite. Sun AM paddle back to cars. For a general discription of a typical trip, google "Lake Umbagog trip reports". Trip #22 reflects a typical experience, though I suspect we will explore the quieter northern part of the lake. Gary

I've secured a beautiful island site that can accomodate 6 and welcome 5 others to join me. I am familiar with this area, and, given good weather (unlike the reported trip last year!) there are numerous kayaking and a few hiking options. Logistics including carpooling, meals, etc. to be worked out later. This advance notice to benefit those who would like to join me and plan vacation time accordingly. Being a new member, not sure how you would express interest via E reply, but that's probably not an issue with savvy members. Gary

yes, Michael, Cousins is definitely in Yarmouth, a few miles from where I grew up.