rossjb1

Heres what happened from my perspective, it was known that Gene had headed back to shore. When we arrived back at the put-in (approximately 3:30?) Tom noticed that his car was still parked next to his. From that point on we were determined to wait until his return (thanks Deb). We scanned the water while others drove up the hill for a better view but there was still no sign of him. A returning kayaker as well as a tri-yaking couple had not seen him either. We received info from Ipswich police that a kayaker was being assisted on the beach. We waited a short while longer, wrote a note with mine and Tom’s numbers on it, placed it on his car, then headed out for ice cream just outside of town. Rob and I returned to Ipswich, checked in with the police who informed us that the Kayaker being assisted was OK. Rob and I then headed back to the put in to see if we could assist Gene upon his return (helping with boat etc.). Still no sign of him. We waited but finally decided there was really nothing more we could do at that point. I returned to the police station to make sure that we were talking about the same kayaker. They referred me to the CG. I called the CG at 6:00 and got confirmation that it was indeed Gene and the he was OK. I offered my assistance to drive him and his boat back to the put-in but they informed me that his wife was picking him up. I drove into Newburyport on my way home and passed by the CG station. (I naively thought that I could “pop†in to see if he was OK, of course the place was fenced off with lots of imposing fences and no trespassing signs).

It seems that the incident could have been avoided had Gene been accompanied back to shore with at least 1-2 other people. But I do now have questions about the groups responsibility to a paddler who decides to head back or to leave the group. Perhaps this is where the person heading back as well as his/her fellow paddlers need to take responsibility. “I need to head back and would like someone to accompany†or “I will accompany you until a point when I can visually see you safely landing at the beach or put inâ€.

I would also like to point out that the CAM system needs some tweeking but to some extent it did work. We noticed a fellow paddler who stated he would be returning to shore had not returned. After that we waited and then proceeded to make every effort to find him (visually searching and calling on the radio) and then alerted authorities of the situation. We followed through until we were certain that he was safe.

I am keeping abreast of these postings so that I will know how to avoid this type of situation again either as a "trip initiator" or one who simply joins an already posted trip.

Ross

Gene, this could have happened to anyone of us at some point in our paddling careers. Its good that it is helping us to work out the kinks of the CAM system.

Thanks for the paddle today, had some good rides...forwards, backwards, sideways and upside down.

Yes Great Day Great Paddle! Everyone home safe and sound!

Ross

Ross-Meet at 11 or butts in boat @ 11?

Yes Gene meet at 11:00. I stopped writing BIB times because whenever I did it seemed I was always the last one to get there making people wait while I got my BIMB. (Butt in my boat) I don't do well with commitments. A reformed hippie I am

Ross

Yup, I'm good for wet exit, T rescue, roll, re-entry and roll, towing... and I might be able to perform a bow roll if someone needed it. I've paddled that water a number of times, once from Pavilion Beach.

See you at 11:00! ...just don't laugh at my boat. ;-)

Thanks!

Ty

Tyson, do you want to borrow a boat? I have an extra.

Ross

Ross and I just spoke on the phone, cuz all the posting was getting cumbersome.

OK, how about we launch from Pavilion Beach in Ipswich at 11:00? That will give the tide enough time to cover the flat muddy section at the bottom, then we can eddy-hop out to Crane and decide what to do from there.

Tyson, so long as you're comfortable with wet exits and T-rescues, you're welcome to come along, of course.

Gene, 1 to 2 ft surf on the sandbars would be fine with me.

Ross will re-post this trip so it's clear where and when we're going.

I reposted this trip... Pavilion Beach, Ipswich 6/13 @11:00.

Yes Tyson you are welcome to come. Thanks for checking though, see you there!

Ross

Heres what we decided... Pavilion Beach Ipswich @11:00. Level 3 Trip, maybe a little surf on the ocean side of beach some current through channel. We could do a circumnav. or meander along the beach if we get lucky and there is some surf. We'll decide as we go. See you there!

Ross

As we learned recently, the launch by Walter's (former?) house does dry up at low tide but the point is always accessible and only a short walk. That's not to say sound planning can't keep one's feet wet but that there is no crisis should something delay a return.

Conomo Point would still be OK with me, maybe a circumnav. Pavilion OK also. Maybe a nice paddle along the beach haven't been out there in a little while.

Ross

I'm up for Conomo too. I think you need 2 hours before or after low tide to have enough water to get out.

So perhaps meet at 11:00 and be out until later into the afternoon maybe off the water around 6:00 , theres lots of daylight. I would be excited about playing in surf or current if there is any.

Ross

Hey Rob,

Funny....at first glance I somehow read that as Stripper Fisherman AKA Fisherman strippers (da...na-na.... na-na... boom-boom) . A sight I would prefer not to see, so yes lets please stay off the Merrimack (is that why I've heard them referred to as "Pole Cats"?)

Yes lets do Conomo Point haven't been out there in a coons age. Whose in?

Ross

Open to suggestions.... I'm not particularly picky just want to get out. Anyone have a paddle you've been wanting to do. (Preferably local) Lets kick around some ideas.

Ross

I vote for arranging using music from Gilbert & Sullivan.

Ed Lawson

Sorry Deb, just a quick shot of absolute silliness, (once I start there’s no stopping…)

Ed. great idea! I'm thinking a finale as a West Side Story like fight. Instead of the Jets vs the Sharks it could be the Towers vs Towies or the Euros vs the Greenlanders or...

The Skegs vs The Rudders!

A choreographed fight scene with paddles used like kendo swords.

Now back to our regularly scheduled program (AKA reality)

Ross

Hey, lets do this topic as a musical at the next christmas party...each of us appearing on stage singing our post, kind of like a kayak opera. Just think of the possibilities, props and all. Cardboard kayaks and fake waves. Peter B could narrate and do sound effects! It would be a blast!

Ross

Yes, Isle of Shoals, what a great place to visit! A looong paddle against the wind both ways but well worth it!

Ross

Hey all you last minute shoppers! A change of plans, Isle of Shoals today! 11:00 put in Rye. Call to confirm 914-489-2673.

Ross

Hey folks, won't be able to make it to this paddle...enjoy!

Ross

I'll be joining ya, see you then!

Ross

Bob, are you one of those people who listen to Public Radio without pledging? Have you ever gotten a call from Ira Glass? Yes I agree with the distinguished Ern... Dude, I dare say, do fork over the dough that you have due (and were not talking about your hair). You will diminish and even delete the dissing, disrespect, dissent, dire discourse and droning debate that is developing. Don’t be dysfunctional, despondent, dramatic or dis-associative… I’m sure your not destitute, drowning or devoid of dinero. Due demonstrate distinction and dissolve your debt, do your duty and pay your damn dues, dude!

Ross

let's do bbq for dinner. see you then.

Hmm sounds good what time should we show?

Ross here. Had I posted a trip for Cape Porpoise separately it would have been in conflict with my dear old friend Kevin with whom I see far too little of these days. Kevin stated his non interest in this paddle and considering that he originated this post and that I do want the pleasure of his company, I will, of course, defer to him. No problem, end of story, thats all she wrote, alls well ends well, and everyone paddled happily thereafter. Oh and BTW I would be interested in York.

sounds like a blast!!!!

Do you guys (Kevin and Gillian) only communicate with each other on this board? Next thing you know we'll be seeing Kevin asking Gillian what she wants for dinner.

Yes, interested in getting out with you guys. I check for further posts

Ross

Ok, I got a lot of energy to burn off apparently , so anyone up for either of these trips? Paddle out of York or Kittery. Please post or email interest.

I'm game. How about Cape Porpoise (just a little further North I believe). I have been hoping to get out there all winter.

Ross

Hey Kevin yes I would be interested in heading out. Just as long long as we aren't going for a sprint around and can manage to squeak in a little playing around in the rocks here and there.

Ross

Nahant it is, MDC ramp...Say 10 AM?

SW 10-15 gusting to 20, less in the PM

Sea 2-3

Still certainly drysuitish

Anyone else?

Ross just confirm time and launch location meet your fancy. My cell phone 617 839 6291

I'll be out this evening but will check post late tonight and also in AM

OK sounds like a plan! Looking forward to getting out. I meet you at 10:00. I'll give a call tomorrow morn. to confirm. BTW where is the MDC ramp?

I'm a yes if its not too far afield. Watcha thinkin for location?

Excellent! I know that you are south so we could do something closer to your way. I was also thinking about maybe Tucks Point. Haven't check tides yet but maybe even launch from Nahant. Get out there before the summer hordes.

Just wanting to get out. Any one have any preferences?