bazzert

My third night paddle this year and each has had it's own character. Last night was about a stunning sunset, mirror like seas, sand bars and good company.

Some photos here.

Barry.

It looks like we have 7 definitely going so far::

Me... Doug

Bob Bud

Gene C

Sal

Les

Bob K & The other Doug

Not sure yet:

Barry

Ed & Gail

Scott K

Cathy F

Given the numbers above, we will likely split up into more than one pod.

If you wish to cancel or confirm, please let me know.

Doug

Sorry Doug,

I'm out. Next time!

Barry.

There are many kayak companies in Maine who offer guided trips. Here are just a few...

http://www.carpediemkayaking.com/tours.htm

http://www.maineislandkayak.com/trips.html

http://www.lincolncanoe.com/outdoor_center.html

http://www.h2outfitters.com/trips/campingt.../casco-bay.html

Or maybe someone in this or other kayak groups would love to go on a multi day trip.

Neil

also ...

http://www.seacliffkayakers.com/Home.html

What about another Lanes Cove gig this coming Saturday (31.VII.10)? I think full-moon was two nights ago? So we shall have plenty moonlight, plus likely phosphorescence and warm water.

Shall we pin it at 1900-1930 put-in at the cove? Show interest here, then...

Yes. I was reminded we didnt do a full paddle this month while aboard the Acela home from NYC last night and a beautiful full moon appeared above the connecticut coastline.

Barry.

Hi Doug:

I'm interested.

Barry.

Thats terrible! It's bad enough that there are so many places you cant launch officially, now we are adding places we can't launch unofficially!

I remember this type of behavior in Charlestown ... but Ipswich ???

Here's one I took from Thacher Island, we made it back to Rockport with about 10 minutes to spare.

Barry.

Don't let them grab your paddle, and if they get whacked because you are defending yourself against their "assault", so be it. If needed, whack them deliberately.

I had posted this article before, but what I was really struck by was the story of one of the commenters ...

"When on a trip out to a sandbar on a boat with friends in Mombasa, Kenya I attempted to save someone who was drowning, the man who was sailing the boat.

Approaching the sandbar he collided with it a little roughly and ended up falling overboard on the deep water side of the boat. Naturally im with a bunch of mates and we see the "captain" fall over, much laughter results until we realise he's dead quiet, not even attempting to reach for my friends hand. Much like Mario says in the post above his head was tilted right back, eyes glazed over minimal movement just spray coming from his mouth as he hyperventilated.

I looked around at everyone who had resorted to screaming at him and offering hands to him and decided I'd jump in. I'd seen it before on TV, I'd done some lifesaving training when I was in the scouts, its a doddle right?

No.

The moment I touched him he instantly tried to use my body as a platform. He kicked me in the private parts, elbowed my face, clawed/scrammed/gouged up my shoulders and face just to climb higher as I slowly sunk. He finally decided he was safe when his legs were wrapped around my arms preventing me from fighting back. Under the water with a man now sitting on my head I couldn't swim and my legs were merely slowing the inevitable, I was already too low under the surface to even get gasps of air.

It was only another friend who jumped over from a second boat having seen this unfold only been too far away to help decided rather than trying to approach the clearly distressed but no longer drowning man to instead simply deliver a swift punch to his face, swam around behind him as he fell off (his legs let me go allowing me to throw him off at that point) and dragged him the 3 ft to the sandbar.

I was within 1 mtr of solid ground and while trying to rescue someone I almost sacrificed myself instead.

If ever you jump in after someone be sure you know what the hell your doing. As for being overpowered he was a lithe kenyan fella, im a 5ft 11 rugby player sized character, in a fight I'd have said I'd have won anyday. It is surprising just how much strength and frenzied aggression adrenaline can cause and while im no fan of violence im bloody glad my mate can throw a decent punch."

Regardless of where we end up launching, thanks a lot for posting that link. I was unaware of the site, but it definitely looks handy.

Kevin

They also publish a guide to the access points on the North Shore here. If you call or email them they will send you a printed version (at least they did in the past). Very handy to have in the car.

Barry.

Thanks for the update. Sounds as if there is plenty of room for a large group of cars? The 20' refers to getting to the launch I assume?

The access is definitely public. It is known as Grays Beach Landing. Attached is a screen shot from the Mass Office of Coastal Zone Management website. During the week especially there should be plenty of public street parking nearby. Lovely area, wish I was off tomorrow!

Barry.

The Mystics Lakes dam project is complete.

Actually, Phase I construction of the secondary spillway is complete. They have paused for the summer to allow recreational access and will resume again in the fall to rehabilitate the primary spillway.

It seems very stark.

True, but I like that there is now an access path to the lower lake which would open up the opportunity for a trip from the lower lake to Boston harbor (anyone interested?). Also the fish ladder is pretty awesome!

Interesting presentation on the project here.

Barry.

We have 9 total in 4 groups; kids varying in age from 5 to 12 years old. Let me know if you would like to join us. Hopefully will be as good a weather weekend as this one!

Barry.

b u m p ! COMING UP SOON

sorry, didn't mean to start a trend.

i hope you still had a quorum, t'is a shame to miss a full moon.

it certainly looked inviting from here in nevada....

For those of you who couldnt make it you missed another really nice night paddle. If you've never paddled at night I'd highly recommend it. The transition from evening to night is sublime. We had very flat seas, warm waters and virtually no wind. Although cloudy initially it cleared enough later for the full moon to make an appearance. The phosphorescence was particularly active. We were treated on the return trip to no less than 3 fireworks displays at various points on the north shore. Christopher has promised a full trip report so I wont steal his thunder!

Barry.

Yes, certain paddlers (Deb!) are really anxious to have this pinned down, aren't they? Well, Phil is correct in that Saturday pm is looking uncertain, according to NOAA...SHALL we make this trip for Friday instead? Opinions, please.

Friday works for me!

Barry.

We have six so far for this trip and I have reserved 3 camp sites. They have more so let us know if you would like to come along on this trip. Depending on the makeup we may have two launches one from Lanes cove (7 miles each way) and one from Rockport (3.5 miles).

Barry.

We'd be interested in a kids/teen paddling trip. Neither of us are available on July 11, but maybe another trip...

Gay

Hi Gay,

The dates are not set in stone so if for example the following weekend worked better and you were committed to going we could look at changing.

Alternatively it would be great to hear your ideas and possible other dates. I'd love to do a couple of trips this season.

cheers,

Barry.

Hi Christopher,

I plan on being there.

Barry.

Rene (Brambor) and I have been discussing kayak camping trips we could do with our kids. We decided to plan on a first trip to Thacher Island which is just off of Rockport. The plan would be to launch either from Rockport ( a ~3 mile paddle) or Lanes Cove ( ~7 mile paddle). If there were people launching from both location we could rendezvous in Rockport. There are rentals available from North Shore Kayak in Rockport if you need a tandem. This should be an easy paddle and hopefully a fun introduction to kayak camping. Of course those paddling without children are also welcome!

Let me know if you are interested in joining. We can work out the logistics and there is a huge wealth of knowledge on this forum for advice on gear etc.

cheers,

Barry.

Another nice night paddle initiated by Christopher. Thanks to everyone for the great company. Track below, just shy of 9 miles total.

Barry

Thanks Gary for "initiating" and to Rene & Deegan for the opportunity to join the group on saturday morning. If you were going to paddle Casco Bay solo the conditions on saturday were near perfect; but in general I avoid solo trips. It was a great experience and I learned a lot; particularly about the right type of gear suitable for kayak camping. Jewell is a great destination; we scouted the many beautiful camping spots.

Below is the track which includes the outbound trip from Falmouth, the saturday evening paddle around "Junk of Pork" and the return trip for a total of about 24nm.

Barry.

concur, concur. night paddles are generally taken at easier levels of effort, and are often pure magic. a very good place to have a relaxing evening and try something different.

I usually bring a handful of those 4th-of-july-glow-in-dark-necklaces, which are about all you need to mark your boat for other paddlers without blinding them. the headlamps usually stay off unless we are landing or looking for rocks. I also have a fairly bright waterproof glow lamp on a 18" pedestal that mounts on my back deck -- which also usually means that I bring up the rear....it marks the pod for overtaking boats.

If some non-safety-minded person brings frozen margaritas to share, they usually add somewhat to the safety by at least bringing glow-in-dark-margarita-glasses to quaff them from. It is a good thing that none of us would actually bring alcohol to a paddling venture, though......

Hi Chris:

I'm in.

Barry.

Christopher,

I'm interested; especially as we are not going the whole way around this time!

Barry.

LANES COVE Saturday 5/1 at 11AM

The goal is a leisurely paddle along the rocky edges and coves to Rockport and the Islands. We can decide as a group where to stop for lunch. Seas and winds a bit calm but this should be a perfect day to take in an early season paddle for some. No speed records or marathon distances. Probably 10-12 miles total. Post interest or just show up.

Sea ya there.

Doug

Sounds good Doug. I am a strong "maybe". Will confirm tonight.

Barry.

And another ... (with a happier ending)