Phil Allen

Congrats to all. Did Lisa really beat Sid by 2 hours? ;-) Best Phil

Its surface temp, but I like this site: http://marine.rutgers.edu/cool/sat_data/?nothumbs=0&product=sst&region=capecod Best Phil

Lisa pretty much nailed it. We have the Yakima 48" crossbars on the Jetta sportwagen with the Bowdown J-cradle like things. Can easily slip another boat in between on it's side. best Phil

not so much on the iPhone, but I love iNavX on the larger screened iPad. It was ~50$ IIRC, but can download any NOAA chart and makes a good first approach to trip planning. Also, I like the launch site App available from paddling.net, and for weather Magic SeaWeed, and Accuweather's marine weather app. best Phil

See you then, traffic willing. Phil

Peter- Might be able to join you. Will confirm noonish Friday? Phil

Hi Leon- Like with all things, it depends. There's a story from CRCK about a nervous client ripping off the coaming of a boat doing their first wet exit. So a large force and a light weight boat might be a problem. As to the coaming versus deck versus waist versus pfd systems, I'd say it all comes down to how fast you can deploy and stow it. One thing if you're in open water and have to tow a tired person home a few miles, another if you have to stop a rescue from being swept out to sea in a tidal current. best Phil

everyday conditions or the "oh crap the sea is taking me to hell" conditions? ;-) If I had my druthers, I'd like the towed boat at least two waves behind me. Phil

Brenda- have you found yourself bobbing up and down in your sleep yet? That feeling is particularly addictive. There's a bunch of great books and videos out there, but the best learning comes from being out on the water with others. Lets check calendars and see when we can make that happen. best Phil

Hi Ed The quick drawl was quite nice when I had a knot connecting the line. Now with the smaller connection using the hog rings it mostly serves to minimize any sliding of the biner so the gate stays appropriately placed. It is easier to release when towing two boats as well. Best Phil

Let's see if I can do this from the cell phone

Like Jason, I like the "burrito bag" of the NW sea tech pro. I've really simplified the working end by removing the float and bungie and connecting the line to the carabiner via a quickdraw and hog rings (Thanks Rick S. for the idea) covered with tape. Many words to describe but a small, simple connection without the bulk of knots. best Phil

a bunch of folk that run slower than I do? ;-)

Clearly propaganda on the bears part. Did you see the company ID? "Btv" clearly stands for BearTV. So we won't run so fast when the bear comes for dinner? ;-)

just to keep the bearanoia going: http://sploid.gizmodo.com/incredible-video-of-a-cool-alaskan-brown-bear-chilling-1591999341

I've ordered a pair of the the 12wt.com gloves. Will report back if I like them. As suggested by Yves, they're focused on fishing hot sunny places. Of course you realize I've condemned the summer to be cool and cloudy now. best Phil

Hi Kate- Thanks. My basic problem is that I hate most gloves, even in the winter. I've used hydroskin gloves a few years ago. Just might have to go get some cloth and a glue gun to see what works. best Phil

Nice bunch of paddling to generate the problem, yes. Increasing signs of skin damage, not so nice. P

Morning all, Well it's early June and my hands already look like August. Anybody have a good recommendation for some comfortable robust kayaking gloves? I'd prefer bare hands and sunscreen, but with long days of constant immersion it just hasn't been sufficient. Thanks Phil

Beautiful report Pru. Though are you sure you were in Muscungus Bay; I saw so few lobster pots? ;-) best Phil

You should also pay attention to the currents. Vineyard sound is one of the more complicated places around for tide driven moving water. best Phil

Arm pockets for me. Can carry a quick snack, or a light weight surf hood there. I never found the chest pocket of the meridian useful in the same way. best Phil

Andy, Sounds like it's time to practice paddling a flooded cockpit with you sitting on the back deck. Good drill for when you get interrupted half way through re-entering. Walden is great for starting silly/useful skills like that. best Phil

Hi Pru- I had the meridian and upgraded to the expedition on a delimitation replacement (for a fee). IMO the hood isn't annoying and is definitely beneficial on the occasional showers kind of day. It doesn't scoop water when left loose and can be nicely stowed to a neck warmer like collar. The only issue I have with it is that the entrance is somewhat small for my overly large melon. Most won't have that problem. best Phil

In years past, some folks have had impromptu sessions in the Mystic lakes near the Tufts boat house. Not sure what the status of water quality is these days. best Phil