bazzert

A nice day out on casco bay. Thanks to Rob for setting it up and to the great company (Florrie, Peter, Doug, Bob, Glen & Frenchie). It was a classic Maine day; what started out as merely overcast became socked in fog by the time we hit Crows. After some vigorous trail clearing we headed over to Bangs. Visibility was about 50 feet, but the chart and compass based navigation performed by the masters was impressive. I always thought it was a joke that the lobstermen referred to us kayakers as speed bumps but as a lobster boat loomed out of the fog we heard over vhf "ay-uh... you have about 6 speed bumps crossing your way". On Bangs we were supposed to dismantle a stone wall that was built by a visitor; but the workmanship was so impressive we couldnt bring ourselves to do it. Instead we took goofy pictures and MITA will have to recruit some locals to do their dirty work. Speaking of which, there was impressively little trash on either island. Despite being in a mostly enclosed bay the islands are really pristine. After lunch we headed south around Hope island, by which time the fog had burned off and the sun came out. We crossed to Great Cheabeague and portaged accross the bar rather than paddle around Little Cheabeague, before the crossing back to Cousins and the put in. 15.5 statute miles, ~75% @ 4+MPH.

Hi David, If you look further north on the zoomed image (you'll need to close the "You are here" dialog) to Nauset beach you can see the breach that formed; apparently at the same time the land bridge formed at Monomoy. Barry.

All I can say is that I hope the loved ones of the poor unfortunate person who lost his life this morning never stumble on this thread. Barry.

MITA day trip - Casco Bay - July 18

Hi Chris: The google maps satellite imagery claims to be "2009". What is interesting is the imagery is different at different levels of zoom eg... Nauset Beach Before the breach After the breach Barry

Hi Shauna, Thanks for highlighting this. There are a couple of us who live near the river and lakes who would be interested in collaborating on this effort. In my immediate neighborhood (near the lower lake) people became so irritated with the antics of the jetskiers (noise, wake, beer bottles) that they had the streets nearest to the access posted as resident only this summer. This of course also impacts those who just wanted to walk the shoreline, fish etc. Barry

I thought Rob summarized it pretty well here ...

Hi Rob, I plan to be there. I'll let you know if for any reason I cant make it. Are there any parking issues for Cousins Island ? Looking forward to it. Barry.

Hi Irina: Two books you might find helpful include - Sea Kayaking Coastal Mass - Adventure Kayaing Cape Cod For camping, if you can get a reservation, Washburn Island is supposed to be beautiful. Barry.

At least it confirms that submerging in water does not extinguish them. They would have been good candidates for the darwin award.

Ha! I meant Brian! So the perimeter of the tapered area should be slightly larger than the larger quarter sized cloth patch ? And finally (probably a dumb question) can I apply both layers on the outside at the same time ? or do I have to wait for the first to cure ? thanks for the help, Barry.

Thanks Jon, That's what I will do. A double layer of duct tape got me out to the salvages and back on monday night! Barry.

I put a small hole in my boat last weekend; it does go through the fiberglass and leaks water into the cockpit. I got some advice on fiberglass repair and checked out David Nystroms site. I think I could manage the repair. However before I get started I thought I would ask for further advice. The hole is very small; below a certain size is there a better way to do a repair like this ? (someone suggested just sealing it with 5200, but I want to do the right thing). thanks in advance, Barry.

If you can launch from the schrafts building in Charlestown (see other post) it would make it a 6 or 7 mile paddle around the inner harbor.

They are not exactly as fenceable as a portable gps. I can picture the thief trying to get through the door of a local pawn shop with 18 feet of fiberglass

Fulfilling the "mission" is a 12 mile paddle; which is a decent day out by any measure. Anything else would be icing on the cake. I'd happily scale back the trip distance and pace if it meant bringing on newer members and getting rolling tips from Tyson Below is a track for the "mission" and shows the other islands mentioned (Goslings, Whaleboat, Cliff and Eagle). Barry.

It was definitely marginal and useful lesson! I'll take you up on your offer of a more challenging environment next time. Barry.

I couldnt resist Jeff's offer of an after work paddle monday night. It was proof that you can still get a decent paddle in after work during the week and especially because the forecast for the rest of the week is not great. Dee, Dana, Jeff and I left Lanes cove under clear skies, light winds and bright sunshine. We headed north, rounded Halibut point for the 3 mile crossing to the salvages. We arrived out there about 6:30 which was our turn around time to be back by sunset (8:24). The paddle back with the sun setting lower in the sky illuminating the coast in that finest of Cape Ann light was sublime. We arrived at Lanes just after 8. Probably because I had earlier made a crack about the "old guard" Jeff had been haranguing me to try a reenter and paddle float roll self rescue; I finally succumbed and performed a "marginal" (Jeff's words) reenter which highlighted some deficiencies in my equipment and practice. Definitely something I will be practicing at the next skills session. Total distance was 11 miles. Thanks everyone for a great trip. Barry.

We'll listen out for you. Also sent you my cell by pm. Barry.