rossjb1

I'm thinking of heading up to New Hampshire tomorrow for some long boat surfing (as I don't have a short boat). Short notice but give a call if interested. 914-489-2673 The waves have been great! Ross

We are thinking about playing in the rocks and possibly doing some surfing along the beaches. There has been some great conditions for surfing, looks like seas may be diminishing by Sat. but we will probably have something to play in. Bring helmets and and dry suits as we may practice rough water rescues and tows. Meet at Kettle Cove beach parking (Ocean St. off of 127) for butts in boats @ 10:00. Ross .

Please take this as a constructive and not a negative comment. If you have a trip in mind that you have enjoyed or have an interest in doing, then why not just post it and do it as opposed to asking if someone will do it for you? I rather imagine you will find several others who will want to join. Given the S&G, CAM or however the trip protocol is described; you should not feel you need to be a "leader", an "experienced", or a card carrying BCU/ACA whatever paddler to initiate a trip. If everyone sits around waiting for someone else to post a trip or worse complains because there are no trips (as opposed to taking some affirmative steps which led to trips), then there will be precious few posted trips.

Ed Lawson

Ed, I have found it productive to put a message up looking for ideas for a trip. Sometimes its just a matter of seeing if anyone else has any ideas especially if you are not set on a particular destination. Just as long as people are communicating about ideas and then coming up with a plan thru consensus.

I think he means Jordan's, A on this map... http://tinyurl.com/4tucnu

--David.

Thanks for the tip guys. John and I will be leaving early Saturday morning. If anyone is interested my cell # is 914-489-2673.

A buddy and I are planning on heading up to Acadia on Friday 4/19 to Wednesday 4/23. We will head out Friday early evening and find some place to stay that night. We'll paddle Saturday up in Acadia and camp at one of the camp grounds Sat-Tues nights. (We may spend one day hiking as well as paddling). People are welcome to come up with us or join us there. Ross

wednesday nights starting as soon as folks wanna go and paddle...we can work on whatever you'd like - rolls, strokes, rescues, nav, gear review....what have you.

post here to let me know when folks are starting to get interested in getting back in/on the (still chilly) water.

put it on the commercial side too with the tie in to the weekend stuff but really the wednesday night stuff isn't commercial...all are welcome.

rickstoehrerathotmaildotcom

Hey Rick, Ross Bartosik here. I am ready to go anytime soon Wednesdays are good for me. How about next week. Ross

Deja Vu is what I'm thinkin as I read. Unfortunatly I can't relive the glory of last weekend. Good luck and may gently falling snow again moisten your helmeted heads.

-Scott

GALE WARNING REMAINS IN EFFECT THROUGH FRIDAY EVENING!!!

I guess that answers that. The wind is howling out there!

Good to her from you Scott. Yes it was an exceptionally good paddle last weekend, lets keep in touch about another outing. Ross

I HAVE THE DAY OFF!! I encourage any one who doesn't to call in sick (I'll write a note for you...Please excuse______ from work they had to go kayaking). Paddle rocky shoreline outside of Manchester down to Misery Island or take a left out towards Gloucester. Explore the rocky shoreline and cliffs and small islands along the way. There are a couple of spots to play around in the rocks so bring helmets. Meet at Kettle Cove beach parking (Ocean St. off of 127) for butts in boats @ 10:00. Ross (Gee, does this post sound familiar?)

I'll be putting in on the Merrimack at Amesbury put in for an early evening paddle. Probably out until the moon rises. I'm open for other suggestions.

Ross

(My favorite spot) Paddle rocky shoreline outside of Manchester down to Misery Island or take a left out towards Gloucester. There are beautiful rocky cliffs and a few small islands to explore along the way. There are a couple of spots to play around in the rocks so bring helmets. Meet at Kettle Cove beach parking (Ocean St. off of 127) for butts in boats @ 10:00. Ross

Jason, lets shoot for a 10:00 butts in boat at the Ocean St. beach.

Bob I will check the posts to see where you decide to go tomorrow. How about launching at the Rock bridge in West Newbury for a paddle down into Amesbury/Newburyport.

Ross

For anyone following this thread who was looking to go to the Graves on Saturday as originally proposed this is still on the table, conditions permitting. It would be best to post your interest so you can be informed of last minute developments.

Bob I may join you on Sat. How about posting the departure time/place. Ross

Marc,

City point is a great launch. Thanks for the heads up on the parade, that could have been frustrating. If you need someone to join you on a paddle from City point please drop me an e-mail it's a great after work launch location too.

As for this weekend I would still rather head out Sunday, I am up for any place in Eastern MA that doesn't have a parade this Sunday.

Thanks -Jason

How about one of my favorite places... Manchester by the Sea/Kettle Cove or West Beach (Bob) to Misery and beyond. Good time of the year because there is no problem w/ parking. Usually better at high tide but Im not being picky. Ross

I can't do Sunday. The NOAA forecast for Saturday at 4:38PM has slightly higher winds on Sunday with precipitation on Saturday ending by noon. Of course we all know these are forecasts. I also posted the possibility of meeting people from the south at Wild Turkey but noone has responded.

Hey Bob, If you are looking to head out on Saturday we'll keep communicating and come up with a plan. I am really not set on a specific place, just want to get out of the house. Any interest in paddling the river? Where is Wild Turkey? Jason if you are willing to change to avoid the parade traffic on Sunday we can do something. (Marc thanx for the heads up) Ross

I would still like do the City point to Graves trip, but Sunday looks like the Day to do it. The WX looks better on Sunday to me.

-Jason

OK Sunday sounds good. I will still be going out on Saturday for a warm up paddle.

Suz, thanx for the heads up that is indeed very prudent advice. In mid Feb. I ventured out onto the Merrimack on a cold day with two paddling companions. The river and ice was flowing against the tide so the current was moving moderately. We didn’t have trouble making it downstream from our launch in Amesbury to the islands and marshes in Newburyport. The potential for danger became apparent as we would occasionally get stuck between ice sheets flowing down the river. We were at the mercy of the ice as our paddles became almost useless. The real difficulties arose when we headed up stream after the tide changed. We had to paddle against the tide/current and the ice flows. I paddled along the banks and basically was closed in by the ice as the flow increased in volume and speed. The lowering tide funneling the ice into a smaller section of the river. Fortunately I was close to the road so my co-paddlers were able to pick me up. (it did eventually break up). The deck and all lines of the boats were completely frozen over, nothing to grab in case of emergency. Yes one develops a healthy respect for the ice on a river after an experience such as that. A beautiful day though, exciting with numerous eagles and ospreys sightings. Ross

Keeping an eye on the weather. So whose in so far? Bob Jason Ed? If the conditions are not conducive to an open paddle in the harbor I will probably put in on the river. The ice has melted and I am interested in exploring north of Amesbury and maybe spotting/photographing some eagles. Ross

Hey Ross,

Be careful with the Merrimac in the winter. I paddled out of there solo the winter before last. Beautiful day - blue sky but really cold. Ice froze on my drysuit on the side away from the sun.

I left about high and figured on heading back later in the afternoon knowing that it would be just about max coming back. I knew that I might not be able to make it back against the current so my back up plan was to land north of the jetty and carry the boat back to the parking lot. Anyhoo... I headed back, up the mouth, paddling hard, up around the jetty and had my plan to scoot along the jetty in the eddy - tight in - no boat traffic anyway so wouldn't have been a problem. BUT to my astonishment, what was a clear channel on the paddle out was jammed with HUGE icebergs floating down at me FAST. So, the high tide dislodged the ice from the marshes and it was streaming out! Just didn't expect it. I back paddled quickly and floated out with the bergs and landed north of the jetty on the beach and carried my boat a bit further than I wanted to.

Suz

Suz, thanx for the heads up that is indeed very prudent advice. In mid Feb. I ventured out onto the Merrimack on a cold day with two paddling companions. The river and ice was flowing against the tide so the current was moving moderately. We didn’t have trouble making it downstream from our launch in Amesbury to the islands and marshes in Newburyport. The potential for danger became apparent as we would occasionally get stuck between ice sheets flowing down the river. We were at the mercy of the ice as our paddles became almost useless. The real difficulties arose when we headed up stream after the tide changed. We had to paddle against the tide/current and the ice flows. I paddled along the banks and basically was closed in by the ice as the flow increased in volume and speed. The lowering tide funneling the ice into a smaller section of the river. Fortunately I was close to the road so my co-paddlers were able to pick me up. (it did eventually break up). The deck and all lines of the boats were completely frozen over, nothing to grab in case of emergency. Yes one develops a healthy respect for the ice on a river after an experience such as that. A beautiful day though, exciting with numerous eagles and ospreys sightings. Ross

Current forecast is a go for Saturday. Jason has also discussed an innner harbour tour which would be an alternative if conditions get worse. If you want to launch from City Pt (with him) it means ~7-8 nauts round trip by my chart and dividers to Deer Island though we'd likely meet at Calf Island or Great Brewster. Otherwise its ~15 nauts from Deer Island round trip.

Yes sounds like a good plan... I'm in. I am very interested in an inner harbor tour also. We can continue to work out the details.

Well, there is the Red Hook brewery and pub in Portsmouth. A bit far from the water though.

Water? Its cold..its winter...fish are reported to...nevermind...there are pool sessions with warm water that is unsullied...you have to dress up in all kinds of stuff in winter they say, but if you are crazy and prefer not to play in a bathtub....maybe.

If Jason does not burn you out on Sat....maybe the timid NH woodland creatures would peek out from under the snow on Sunday....lets see what the forecast is on Friday. 40 or more, winds under 15Kts, seas under 4 feet along coast would make dragging boats through snow to the car worthwhile. Maybe.

Low tide around noon though.

Maine?? Maine!! The Maine kayakers I know are on a 10 day paddle in Belize for a reason. Of course if you would like to ski on Jewell....

Ed Lawson

Belize? Paleeeeease!! x-country skiing would be great except theres no snow (how could that be?!) Yes low tide @12 may present a problem So lets separate the paddlers from the dabblers and hit the water. Jason, Graves (any relation to Peter Graves?) sounds like a good plan so far... Bob if your out there, this is your chance. Yes low tide @12 may present a problem Red Hook sounds good for Sunday. Maybe if no paddle we could round folks up for some music and beer and start a tradition. How 'bout just posting trips to our local pubs. Ross

Lets get something going for this coming weekend. Im free both days. Bob, how about another shot at Graves? Anything else in the harbor? Maine? Might be nice to paddle the Merrimack w/o the boat traffic. How about something close to a brew pub for a few beers afterwards.

Mighty Casey has struck out. There are presently no confirmed participants.

Bob away for the weekend not near computer. Lets try for next weekend. Ross

Yes sorry Bob it ended being a good paddle. Well I was getting kind of depressed just seeing one response to my post so I am writing myself a letter just to see the number 2 come up. I just bought a pair of pogies and am really excited about trying them out. Yes the weather continues to look for foreboding and not for boating. But Saturday afternoon maybe? If not how about a hike anyone? (is it sacrilege to post hiking trips) think of it as kayaking on land with your feet as paddles. We could splash water on ourselves occasionally or maybe dunk our heads in an icy stream? Anyone?

Brrrrrrr!

...missed you at West Beach on Saturday...

Left at 10AM.

...Saturday...

Current forecast, most likely to change, is more unpleasant than my taste - 25-30 KT and <30 degrees.

Yes sorry Bob it ended being a good paddle. Well I was getting kind of depressed just seeing one response to my post so I am writing myself a letter just to see the number 2 come up. I just bought a pair of pogies and am really excited about trying them out. Yes the weather continues to look for foreboding and not for boating. But Saturday afternoon maybe? If not how about a hike anyone? (is it sacrilege to post hiking trips) think of it as kayaking on land with your feet as paddles. We could splash water on ourselves occasionally or maybe dunk our heads in an icy stream? Anyone?

Lets get something going for this coming Saturday 2/16. I'm up for anything, Bob I must have just missed you at West Beach on Saturday.

If you are willing to do West Beach it is closer to me. Bill's link gets you there, there is a wall with a gate at the street and a "pool house" more or less visible from the street. Otherwise I'll be turning right onto Ocean St from 127 at what Yahoo calls "Kettle Cove Village". I'll be shooting for 9:30AM arrival. I'll look for your response. Man'ana.

West Beach sounds good. I have been there before just didn't recognize the name. the wife and I were out for a late dinner so I may be arriving a little later than 9:30 so I can give myself enough time time get ready.