hopefloats

Looks like we still need some help both on the water and in the booth... Water: Glen Betty Ann Ernie BillH Doug We could use at least three more, minimum... REI wanted 6 on the water at all times... we don't even have enough for bathroom breaks or lunch shifts... Booth: me! Aw come on... this is a fun day! ...and it usually means free stuff and coupons too! Come join us!

What terrific news, Ernie! How exciting!

Pics of previous years' demo days... http://www.nspn.org/forum/index.php?autoco...bum&album=4

I'll be there to help with the booth again! Definately a good time last year, wouldn't miss it!

Tonight! Don't miss it!!!

Oops sorry Betty! Group trip? Fun!

This Thursday Evening!!! March 26, 2009 Time: 7:00 p.m. Place: Gould Barn, Topsfield, MA Scott Cunningham from Coastal Adventures will give a slide presentation on sea kayaking opportunities in Newfoundland and Nova Scotia. Don't miss the fascinating slide show and stories told of previous journeys! If you've ever dreamed of exploring Nova Scotia and Newfoundland's islands this workshop is a must-see! http://www.nspn.org/forum/index.php?autoco...q=si&img=58

This may be deemed an uninformed or naive question, plus I know this is an isolated incident and not all situations play out this way...but in the event that the CG finds a paddler that a worried call has gone out about, find them fine, but the weather is changing, couldn't there be some freebie give-a-way tools like a signal mirror or spare flare just in case they run into trouble between the time they meet up and the time they've been asked to call to say they've made it? Maybe as a public service NSPN might donate such materials every now and then or something? Just an idea...

excellent, see you there doug!

Similarly to Cathy's post... Suwin has a paid spot at tomorrow's pool session in Haverhill at 6:00 p.m. Due to circumstances beyond her control, she will also not be able to attend and wanted me to post the same offer for her spot. Please don't reply unless you will actually be able to show up and use the spot, and don't forget the pppo afterwards! Come join us! I will coordinate this with Brian Wells the registrar in Suwin's place. Please respond here.

Another last minute free spot now available! Similarly to Cathy's post... Suwin has a paid spot at tomorrow's pool session in Haverhill at 6:00 p.m. Due to circumstances beyond her control, she will also not be able to attend and wanted me to post the same offer for her spot. Please don't reply unless you will acutally show up and use the spot. I will coordinate this with Brian Wells the registrar in Suwin's place. Please respond here.

Pretty eerie, and heart breaking. Stories like this always make me so thankful I have met a lot of kayak friends that 1) have taught me so much and... 2) that make it possible that i won't ever have to go it alone.

Very very sad. My heart goes out to the family. http://www.wmur.com/news/18814749/detail.html

Ah... but pool sessions offer a warm place to get that first wet exit out of the way early on! ...right Kevin? Pool and Lake sessions both are great places to start. We also schedule a "New-to-Seakayaking" Workshop and a follow up pool session every year that's packed with info... The workshop typically falls on a Saturday at the end of April and the pool session on a following Saturday... More news to come on that too! Welcome!

Just in case you wanted some inspiration! THE BALLAD OF CAPPY JOHN ©1991 Fred Gosbee Come all of you brave schooner boys who sail the coast of Maine Listen to my story and join in the refrain It's all about a skipper, the best we ever knew He sailed a stout 4-master with a tough and jolly crew Many a tale that I could tell you never would believe Like coming into Pemaquid on a stiff Sou'east'ly breeze To sail with him the Thread of Life took the courage of a saint For he'd take the barnacles off her hull but he never touched the paint He had one eye on the waves, the other on the weather He saw more with his swivel eye than all of us together He could find his way on a moonless night dark as dungeon cell And when the fog was thick as soup, he'd navigate by smell The tale that I will tell you of began in the usual way Going to Yarmouth town we passed the Mary L. McKay We left our cargo on the dock and then stood out for sea And we met her staggering into port like a drunkard on a spree Things was fine we was making time on a wind from the Nor'east When Cappy John says 'Gorry boys, I don't like this in the least I can tell by the sky and the look of the foam that when the sun goes down We're gonna be in for a Heluva fog or I ain't Cappy John' CHORUS We'd been with Cappy in fog before so we weren't worried none We figgered we'd make Portland by the rising of the sun So we stood our watches with hearts as light as swallows in the spring We didn't know Cappy had caught a cold and he couldn't smell a thing And Cappy he didn't let on none, why God only knows Maybe he figgered to steer by sound and wouldn't need his nose And he didn't tell us to shorten sail though we might have heard him sneeze Then we plowed right into that bank of fog like a maggot into a cheese CHORUS Then Cappy hollered 'Look sharp, boys, I fear we're close to land' But that fog it was so goldurn thick you couldn't see your hand And the ship was sailing very queer, up great rough seas and down We heard strange sounds like moaning groans of sailers who'd been drowned When the sun came up, 'twas off our stern 'stead of the larboard side Then, Mister Man, we came to know we'd been on a Heluva ride For we stood in a field five miles from shore - captain, ship and crew He lost his way 'cause he couldn't smell but he brought us in on the dew! CHORUS You can find other ideas here, too: http://castlebaycds.com/vocalmusic.html (I have no interest in promoting this unless it spurs on something fun!)

I don't play anything, but I might be interested in being a groupie! 'Love shanties... ever since my first schooner cruise out of Camden. 'bought a CD called "The Ballad of Cappy John & Other Songs of Coastal Maine" ...which helps with learning the words, but I think it sounds way better when folks are singing it a capella in person with harmony, like the crew did.

Don't miss it! Mark next wednesday on your calendar now!!!

Great time to strive for your paddling new years' resolutions as well, eh? Dust off that lonely kayak! Strengthen those core muscles! Get bolder with edging! Get that roll down! Find new ways to re-enter the yak! Do figure eight manuvers backwards!!!

Holiday photos have finally been posted to the gallery! They are low res for quick upload and viewing... Email me if there happens to be one you want emailed to you at regular res! Some are a little blurry because I was experimenting with the settings on my camera, but basically I think they do a pretty good job of showing a fun time with friends! Can't wait till next year! Enjoy! http://www.nspn.org/forum/index.php?autoco...um&album=57