Phil Allen

Hi Jason, I dont have a specific model to recommend, but I have some thoughts from many years of camping and backpacking in most of the seasons. A) free standing tent is the way to go, but having as many optional staked down/tie-down points as possible is good. I've had nights in light weight backpacking tents were the winds basically collapsed the tent down over my face with every good gust. Being able to anchor the tarp and or poles half way up helps alot in storms. B ) within practical limits, bigger is better. It's one thing to find a tent big enough to sleep in; it's another if you might have to spend most of a day or two hanging out waiting for the weather to improve. So my normal tent is a 3 person light weight mountaineering tent. Very roomy for two, works for 3 and your not locked into coffin position if you have to hang out. C) find a tent with a big vestibule. Being able to leave the wet shoes/gear outside or at the extreme cook just outside the door (not recommended) really increase comfort. D) though not critical, two doors rather than one can significantly improve your interactions with your tent mate over a trip. So that said, something like this tent would fit the bill. Have fun shopping. Phil

but if he turns out to be incorrect, where will you paddle? Phil

Tom- This was last sunday (Sept 7) Phil

Sorry, ~5pm and still at work. Get wet for me. Phil

Should be able to get there around 5pm traffic and work willing. Just me today. Phil

I use one of the NRS PFD add-on's. Has a small pocket and extra straps to use without a PFD, but I can't speak to how well they work. It works well and it's always on me. Phil

Hi Gene- Lorrie and I were thinking of hitting the pond tomorrow late afternoon, but alot depends on work. Will update you if/when we can firm up plans. Phil

pm sent.

So when do the local northshore surfing beaches lose their lifeguards and summer crowds? With the approaching storms I'm looking forward to doing some surfing Phil

Marc- I'm definitely interested in practice like this, but the forecast for sunday is a tad bit extreme. From the NWS on Wed at 10am: SAT E WINDS 5 TO 10 KT...INCREASING TO 10 TO 15 KT IN THE AFTERNOON. WIND WAVES 4 TO 5 FT. A CHANCE OF SHOWERS EARLY IN THE MORNING...THEN SHOWERS AND TSTMS LIKELY IN THE LATE MORNING AND AFTERNOON. VSBY 1 TO 3 NM EARLY IN THE AFTERNOON. SAT NIGHT E WINDS 30 TO 35 KT...BECOMING SW AFTER MIDNIGHT. SEAS 8 TO 9 FT. SHOWERS AND TSTMS LIKELY EARLY IN THE EVENING... THEN SHOWERS LIKELY IN THE LATE EVENING AND OVERNIGHT. VSBY 1 TO 3 NM EARLY IN THE EVENING. SUN W WINDS 30 TO 35 KT...DIMINISHING TO 10 TO 15 KT IN THE AFTERNOON. SEAS AROUND 8 FT...SUBSIDING TO 6 FT IN THE AFTERNOON. A CHANCE OF SHOWERS UNTIL LATE AFTERNOON. My understanding is that the remains of Hannah will be passing nearby. Phil

Nice pics Larry. I'd say everyone had a good day. And it was only 1 wave hitting from 3 directions around the same time. Phil

Hi Al, Lorrie and I hope to join you. Phil

Are you talking Thursday? It's possible I can join you. Keep me in the loop (I'll be paddling Wed.) Phil

Les- I plan on coming. Phil

Nevermind, Kevin said it before me. Phil

Kevin, Glad you had a great trip. Gotta love those 15+ headwinds. Phil

Good trip! Sorry to run out at the end but I had to get the car back for my wife. Maybe a circumnav next time? Phil

They're heavier than they look (6lb each)! And yeah, digging up and then picking up the bricks, putting them in the hopper, dragging it to the pile and stacking it up did have a lot of rotation involved. Good workout! P

Weather looks great but I dont have 20 miles in me after tearing up around 1000 lbs of brick walkway today. Gotta keep busy on the off-days . Enjoy! Phil

Al, Since I don't have the 6:30am out the door start time in me for the Plum Island circumnav, I plan on joining you. May paddle for an hour or so before the group goes out the gate at 11:15 (depending on traffic, etc). Phil

Sorry folks, looks like I'm not going to make it. Enjoy! Phil

I'm interested. Phil

Great pics folks. Sorry I couldn't join you. It looks like a great day. Phil

I can do Wed and current forecast is for 10-15 NW switching to 5-10 SW late morning. What's the best route with the ~2pm high tide. I'd prefer not to fight the current both ways. Phil

I'm interested. Phil