brwells

Visited the Kokatat factory in Arcata, CA today - thanks Suzanne H for making the introductions. Fascinating tour; the factory was larger than I thought it was going to be. Watching dozens of dry suits being stitched and glued together was interesting - lots of individual pieces all hand contstructed into the final product. They do quite bit of Coast Guard and other rescue service equipment - those dry suits were incredibley tough and had loads of pockets One can dream... They demonstrated to my friend Terri and me how they test each and every dry suit; but no photos were allowed of this secret process and equipment. Don't ask. This was followed by a nice paddle in Humboldt Bay where there were seals, pelicans, dwarf deer (not in the water!), sharks (not dangerous ones, but 6' in length), and sea lions. And mud... Great day!

So stupid it has to be shared. A sad waste of, well, everything but the dog. http://tinyurl.com/36zpte3 (YouTube video)

We had a pleasant paddle with many of you wanting more. That's great; join us at the lake sessions and check the NSPN message board for trips/paddles to join. Here are a few pics from the paddle; I know some of you took more and might want to share them. http://www.flickr.com/photos/brian_wells/s...57624320995800/ Thanks to Al, Kevin, Gillian and Ross for assisting. Brian

Hi Al; Would love the help! I have been talking to several beginners that attended your workshop and then subsequently went to the pool session. So you might recognize some, and they will you. I notice others in this thread also saying they can help; we do need to determine which levels different people will be on, so if someone wants to join L2 great!

The Level 2 paddle will be like last year - but hopefully without last year's weather-provided drama! We will leave Riverhead beach soon after the other groups and then take a nice paddle around Fort Sewall and then duck into Dolliber Cove where there is a nice beach to stop, have some lunch, play in the water - maybe even some learnin' will occur (your choice!) and then paddle back. The length of the paddle is about 4 nautical miles total and is almost all in protected water. This paddle is suitable for beginners and those that just want to have a nice leisurely paddle. But that doesn't mean we don't expect everyone to wear the proper clothes and to bring the necessary gear including your PFD. We expect a larger "pod" this year - last year we had 20 going to the cove and almost 25 coming back. Therefore, we are looking for other people that would like to lend a hand in any aspect such as safety paddlers, beach briefing talkers, or any experienced paddlers that want to "pay it forward". (How about some of you newly-minted CAM Leadership grads?)

Stage 4: Sit on Top Anus Acuta.

So are you saying the Herring were colored Red?

I can bring my Explorer.

Suz, here is another farm that I live next door to. It is the Rock's Village area just up the road from the bridge over the Merrimack. http://kimballfarmcsa.homestead.com/

Guess my topic title says it all.... It is the Winter 2009 issue of their newletter. Has a nice photo too. If you aren't a member of MITA, here is some information: http://www.nspn.org/forum/index.php?showtopic=5775

QUOTE(Kevin B @ Jul 1 2009, 10:49 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>Hey All, The FRP session will be at the Salem Willows this week so we can work on strokes, rescues, etc. but also through in rocks if people want. Oh, and of course ice cream, fried bread dough and video games as well:) See you at the same time but at the Willows on Friday! Where's the best place to unload and park at the Willows? Same time - 5:30?

Nice torso twist also...

...and don't forget that there is a very Level 2 only paddle with a distance of 3-4 nm's...

We have had about 6 so far sign up for this leisurely but fun trip. Anyone else want to join us? Send me an email at brian@nspn.org for questions or to join.

Trip Initiator: Brian Wells The Level 2 trip will leave Riverhead Beach at 11:00. We will follow the west shore of Marblehead Harbor Northward around to the beach near Dolliber Cove and Brown's Island. This very protected cove will be used however the group feels: lunch on beach, play in the calm water, practice any skills, or ?? This is definitely a Level 2 paddle with a total length of 3 to 4 miles and mostly flat water. Please ask if you have any questions. We will then return the way we came to Riverhead Beach in time for the 3 PM Solstice party. If you are fairly new to paddling, new to NSPN paddling, have friends or family that want to try paddling, then RSVP me brian@nspn.org Hope to see lots of you join us for this fun paddle and party.

Yeah, I agree too. My mistake for getting excited about a place I haven't been. CP will be there for a paddle another day. Don't know if I can do the York trip - depends on the time.

QUOTE(Kevin B @ May 20 2009, 09:22 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>To be honest, not too interested in Cape Porpoise this time around. Ah, come on Kevin! You can find a rock or two to make it interesting. I haven't been to Cape Porpoise, so if there is a trip there I hope to join.

Big THANKS to Betty Ann for taking over the organizing of this day as I am out of town. It looks like a great turn-out and the new banner looks fabulous Heidi. In fact, I have never seen the pop-up I loaned you as I have not used it yet. Wish I could have been there.

Great Heidi and Ernie. We now have 5 or so; we still need a few more.

It's that time again.... For many years now, NSPN has assisted REI with their Demo Day. We provide safety paddlers, advice to those on the water, the very occasional rescue, and assistance as needed by REI. These events are always well attended - hundreds of people come out to try out all the various kayaks and a few canoes. There are often 50 or so craft in the water at a time. In exchange for our help, REI gives us space for our booth, lunch, and all the NSPN participants get a nice wicking t-shirt and discount coupons for REI. This year it will be held on April 25th in Briantree at the Sunset Lake Recreational area fro 11 to 3. If you would like to come help out, please respond to me via brian@nspn.org We need six or more volunteers for the water and if you would like to meet and talk with people in the booth, we need help there too. You don't need to be an expert paddler to help; just be confident and able to perform a simple t-rescue.

Jupiter III?

I don't know when exactly I was going to make it, but since you said it was going to be "only a few feet from the shore" I thought I would just come when I can (no, I don't mean come at 3 PM and wonder where everyone is...) Still not 100% I can make it, however. I'll know tomorrow.

OK, sounds like a good idea. I assume being a little later would not be a problem.

You will soon be a bi-coastal legend, Mary. Safe paddling!

Rick, send it again. It was not obvious that it related to the pool.