Nancy Hill

Hmmm....my VW wagon has the "eyebrow" above the rear window. It never occurred to me that it wouldn't be strong enough to support the kayak, as I pushed it up along the edge of it. This is what I have been doing for about 5 years, with no damage. Perhaps it depends on the car. I use a fuzzy bathmat with rubbery side against the car.

Name some paddling locations you expect to visit in 2019 or 2020 for which you don't already own a chart: Nova Scotia If you DO own some charts, how do prefer to get them? (buy online, marine supply store, print them myself...) I have purchased some and make and print many of my own. I use Rose Point Navigation Coastal Explorer. I print them on legal size paper and have them laminated at Staples. I should look into having them printed on waterproof paper. If you were to BUY a chart, would you choose a $25 waterproof chart or an identical $10 paper chart? Waterproof. How much would you be willing to pay to BORROW a waterproof chart that you didn't have for the duration of an NSPN trip? ($0 is a valid answer) I would not borrow a chart. Which of the following do you NOT currently own? waterproof chart case, deck compass, handheld compass, marine radio, tow belt, helmet. I own all of those.

Due to the unseasonably cold weather over the coming week, rolling at Walden will have to wait until another year. I wouldn't be surprised if there is ice on the pond by Friday. So, it's hiking instead of rolling. Have a happy Thanksgiving, everyone.

It was a wonderful weekend, thoroughly enjoyed by all. Here's a link to some photos I put on F/B. https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.1980991891993925&type=1&l=45fed764b4 -Nancy

Many years ago the traditional last gathering of the season of Walden Qajaq Society at Walden Pond was the Friday after Thanksgiving. Sometimes the gate was still open and other times we had to wheel our kayaks down to the water on carts. Often it was cold, but after a few refreshing, face numbing rolls one became accustomed to the water temperature. It was a group with SOF kayaks, drysuits and tuiliqs which kept us warm. You don't need a skin-on-frame kayak to join in the fun (but bring one if you have one!), but you do need a way to keep dry and warm if you plan to roll. Please reply here if you are interested. I'll post something a week or so before Thanksgiving if there is enough interest in reviving this custom. Below is a poor quality (it was a long time ago, after-all) video from the day after Thanksgiving in 2009, when I tired the elbow roll for the first time. - Nancy Hill

No. That is not what you want. Here is what I have, although any good marine wax should be fine. http://www.meguiars.com/en/marine/products/m6332-flagship-premium-marine-wax-32oz/

Meguiar's Flagship Premium Marine Wax.

I should be able to make it by around 3:00.

Sure, Dan. I will put it in my car now, so I don't forget it.

I should be able to make it on the 23rd and expect to arrive at around 3:30 -4:00.

I sent an email to Dolphin Marina inquiring about parking cost, after being surprised last year with a higher than expected charge added to my lunch bill. I received a response from Chris, which is copied below. It appears as though the fee is somewhat negotiable. Last year, I parked for 3 nights and the initial parking charge on my lunch bill was $60. After a few of us complained, it was reduced to $30. I've never paid for day & night parking anywhere along the Maine coast. It has either been free, or a maximum of $10 per night. At some point we should get back to Chris with an estimate of number of cars and what we would be willing to pay for parking. Parking is very limited, but we would like to accommodate your group. In your email you do not specify the number of people and vehicles, do you have an idea? Depending on the number, I can try and park some of you at our lot 1 mile down the road. Our posted parking fee is $10 per day and $10 per night. What do you think works for your group? Thank you Chris

Here's my favorite: https://www.nrs.com/product/30040.02/nrs-womens-paddle-wetshoe I like the wide toe box and the lining makes it easy to put on and take off. I also like the tightness around the bottom of my leg. It does a really good job of keeping gritty sand and shells out of the boot. I haven't had any problem walking around on rocky shorelines. I bought these in a panic at KTP on the way to Maine for a 4-day kayak trip. While driving I realized I forgot my booties and had nothing for my feet. They are my fourth pair (all different) and my favorite, so far. Wayne, Doug and Joyce also have them and like them. -Nancy

I paddle with an Epic small mid wing in full carbon or my Greenland Paddle. My Greenland paddle (Gearlab shoulderless Akiak) is 220 cm and I prefer around 208 for my wing. I enjoy paddling with either, but do notice that the GP is a little kinder to my shoulders. If I pay attention to the stroke with the wing, my shoulders are spared, but I must be meticulous with the stroke. When I am not tired, and fresh at the beginning of the day, I can really fly with the wing. On a long trip, I'd probably use both, switching to the GP once in a while. I wrapped the shaft of my wing with silicone tape so I could relax my grip a little. Prior to that, I had to hold it so tight, that I got forearm strain. Rolling with the wing has been just as easy as with the GP, only I come up a lot faster! Orienting the blade so that it won't dive is not hard. Blended strokes are not as easy (compared to the GP) and bracing is different. I really appreciated the immediate power with the wing when I was breaking through some big waves while playing in a rocky spot where a capsize would have been very bad. I don't know if I would have gotten out of there quickly enough with my GP. It's funny, because I was a little hesitant to use the wing for rock-play that day, having not done it before. In that one case, I was glad to have it. If you are reading this Beth S, you know the spot! Since you are used to paddling with a GP, I think you will enjoy a wing. -Nancy

I've got a VW wagon with Thule rack. I have an arrangement that allows me to extend the bars past the feet, and have about 5" sticking out on each side. I use saddles in the middle and on each side, I slide J-style carries onto the bars. One of the J-carriers folds down to allow a short person to get the middle kayak off the roof without having to lift it over an upright J-carrier. We've carried three kayaks and three people many times.

The launch is tide-dependent. It is impossible to use at low tide, but at half tide, Liz and I had no problem. We may have been able to stretch the time a little closer to low tide, but not sure when it would have become too low. Half tide is a safe bet.

Do you mean 10/28? I ignored the post when I saw it yesterday, because of the date. 9/28, last month was a Thursday, so I am going to assume you mean this coming Saturday. I'd join you if I could, but have other plans. It is one of my favorite places to paddle and the tides are good for Saturday.

Nice trip report, Dan. Even though my sister and I had to leave early on Saturday, it was well worth the drive for a full day and one night of fun with a little bit of everything: good kayaking, fun night hike to see the moon, and fabulous food, not to mention the great company!

Yes, please, for another spot. It would be my sister, coming in my car and sharing my tent - arriving Friday 10-ish.

I will be at Walden if it doesn't close. The walk from the school (if there is not a spot by the water) would be too far for me to walk with an injured foot. I am keeping my fingers crossed for Walden. I haven't been for so long. I hope I remember how to roll!

I'll try for bib @ 12:30, too.

I'd like to give rolling at Walden another go, based on a forecast for temps in the low-mid 60s on Wednesday afternoon. I expect to be good for about 2 hours of on-the-water time and would like to be in the water by 1:00 to take advantage of the warmest part of the day. Please reply if you intend to join me. -Nancy

Wayne is coming too!

2:00. please. I may arrive earlier, but will see you at the launch at 2:00. -Nancy

I would prefer Walden on Wednesday and a foliage paddle next week (or over the weekend). The earliest I could get there would be 1:00 PM. (Sorry, Pru, I have a commitment in the morning). I'll arrive later (or stay longer) if that works better for others. -Nancy

Wayne and I will arrive at 2:00 PM.