Pintail

Heidi, The Valley pre-formed foam seats are really comfy and a sinch to install. I believe Joel has them in stock at NESC. You <can> easily make your own; but this is one fast, satisfactory answer to your problem. Your backside will be about an inch off the hull. I have one in the Skerray and like it a lot. (Have been meaning to return your call -- you may call me at work now if you like: (978)282.1550) CG

Did any astute paddler have their beady eye on the weather yesterday morning? Forecast called for NNW/5-10kt; but I reckon that, by 0930, the local wind was up close to 20kt and, indeed, once I landed back at the High school I measured one gust at 18mph. Anyone?

B -- how very...tempestuous! CG

Sylvester, Paul: check the NSPN shop for the reflective stickers -- they're there! See ya, Paul. And hello, B! How are you, chief? Christopher is Pintail

I presume that Mr. Rousseau meant his knife was rusted badly when he wrote that it "was finished" (were those his words?); but Jason is perfectly correct when he writes about keeping the blade lathered in silicone grease (expensive -- vaseline is just as efficacious). What's so big a deal about <that>? It is really a simple task to keep your knife or "rescue hook" looking new, if you prefer that to (alloy) scissors.

Heidi, If Beckers is not able to do some work with you, I'd be more than glad to offer some assistance (yes, I do need the hours of coaching) You may call me on (978)239.3376, as I shall most likely not be online tomorrow. My most usual haunts are Ipswich, Essex Bay, Lanes Cove or Gloucester harbour. Essex Bay is quiet in parts, sheltered and warm of water! Christopher

John, I do, as it happens, have a waterproof map of much of the region (Adirondack): make me an offer and it could be yours -- I have never used it (bought in Saratoga a few years ago when I fancied that I'd go and explore on my days-off from racing).

The whole point of the Kokotat Tropos fabric and the RasDex is that they <breathe>, whereas Sil-nylon is totally waterproof -- ie, if you want to work up a sweat, that might be the way to do it? Alright: apologies: I see that you refer to the older model...

I cannot join PattyP today, so perhaps KenC and others might like to go and play among the rocks along Cape Ann, hoping the swells will last into tomorrow? Probably to meet at Greasy Pole (aka Pavilion Beach) or at the High School. 0800 meeting? I might even be up for a leisurely circumnavigation of the Cape, if anyone has the energy...

Now if only you had said "Sunday..." I'd have joined you, PattyP! I shall likely do roughly the same thing on Sunday -- perhaps even on northern side of the Cape; but no, on second thoughts -- the swells will be on southern side of Cape Ann. Sorry, Pat. Others, see elsewhere...

Regarding lead strapped under the legs (how on earth...?) -- does it occur that perhaps, in the event of a capsize, the ensuing gravitational pull on said sheet of lead could have potentially-disastrous results (think: a man's gonads)? Ouch! Perhaps only Derek might dream up such a scheme...

Gary, I'm totally confused: "Seven of us were paddling..."; "Four paddlers...separated into two groups of two..." and, finally, "Two of our group of six broke off..." Are you certain that everyone returned home?

...er, Shari, might you be interested in an E-ZLoad system? Side-loading rack that pulls down to waist-level for loading, then you simply push it back up...and "Bob's yer uncle", as they say. I know where there is just such a one for sale (ha ha!)

"...the Necky cheapie..."? It would have been cheaper still, had you made your own foam seat, Ernie! As for sleeping, facing your wife: what about simply changing sides of the bed -- or is that too tough a habit to kick? ;^)

Those are also the home waters of Linda Shelburn, member of this online club for many years -- Nystrom will put you in touch with her.

Glad you had such fun, Ed: after work I also took to the water and conditions were "oily" calm inside Gloucester harbour; but around Norman's Woe, things were very lively, I assure you! There was a southerly swell coming in, making for great confused water. It was quite invigorating!

Neither do I pay very much attention to the common idea that red lighting will impair night vision the least -- a white light used sparingly will do better. Cessna discarded red instrument lighting in the cockpit about forty years ago to go with white lights adjustable by rheostats!

Shaila, I second exactly what Suzanne wrote: in theory, a white light is required and that is covered by the headlamp which I would only use when another craft is nearby and needs to see (I keep out of their way -- stealth-mode for me, too!); one chemical glow-stick slung around your neck, perhaps, or a small-wattage light on the back of your PFD for recognition among your group should suffice and for map-reading -- again, exactly as Suzanne suggests. Strobe lights are absolutely wrong, unless you are in distress (and probably in the water!) and so is the over-dressing of kayaks to resemble large, powered craft (or Christmas trees!) -- it gives a wrong impression to other craft about your size/capability, etc. This is entirely as we were advised by the Coast Guard (one word, or two?) a few years ago. I hope this helps?

Fort Stage Park? That rocky beach that faces south, near the cafeteria/eating place...perhaps not in season, although I am sure I have launched there in summer in the past. Then again, what about that put-in further up the Annisquam, beyond the hospital -- Corliss Landing?

Brad, Don't be influenced by these show-off, presidential-types who feel a compulsion to brag about their fleet! It is of no consequence at all and, in fact, constitutes nothing more than salve for deep-seated insecurity! (Says Prof. Godfrey, Dept. of Psychology, University of Namaqualand) I myself drive a marvellous, big-mileage VW van (awaiting repair); also a Jeep Cherokee (primitive piece of cr*p); also a Ducati...hush, now, this begins to look like bragging, doesn't it?

First, to answer Carl: I daresay you are right, old shipmate; but I have to say that I still suspect that what is being described (a plethora of ?) may influence the choice of verb...(dubious, I know -- and, yes, I'm stretching it somewhat). No: disregard: I kow-tow to you!! (Heidi: I apologise in public and shall do penance -- maybe I'll go out paddling for you this evening) I think that plethora was a plural noun; but I gather that it is actually plethora, plethorae. It Latin; but from Greek... Secondly, hello other old shipmate (you, Paula): what (or who) the heck is BB? (King?) When I understand that, I'll give you an answer...gladly!

Quote: "There's always a plethora (sp?) of opportunities!" Heidi (we have still to meet, I believe, and Kevin/Gillian say that I'll like you -- and I'm sure they are right), Your spelling is good; but your usage is less so: I presume that you mean "there always a plethora..." since that word is a plural? ;^)

It seems to me that you have a choice of two resolutions to your (very small) problem: (i) Snapdragon make what think is the best of the after-market backbands and because it is built around a solid, nylon (?) band you will find it requires no support in the middle (Not doubting your wisdom, Scott). All you need do is bolt up the two ends after deciding on suitable positioning for your particular back! That nylon strip is already plentifully drilled. (ii) You could very easily build yourself a foam backrest to match your seat and glue it into position -- permanent solution! (Brian Nystrom has a website with photos galore of just this sort of fitting-out...)

...then I guess I'm not really a man, am I? Interesting topic arising out of the trip (well, think it's an interesting topic): when we announce "show and go" trips, we should still make a point of discussing among ourselves the weather conditions, the predictions and the tides before embarking on the water -- we all know (I trust) that show and go trips imply each paddler is responsible for him- or herself; BUT when getting together in a group where some do not know each other, then potential problems can arise. I believe it is natural enough to assume that everyone turning up for one of these trips is well-prepared and all I am saying is that we should beware of doing so (this may seem self-evident... Newer members might, then, make a point of searching this website thoroughly and making themselves familiar with the various resources regarding weather and tides (I'm not pointing any fingers)

Did you ever sell the Vela?