Gene Hunt

Yesterday I did put in at the PI bridge and paddled south in the marsh maybe 2 miles down and back. It was after 5:00 (high tide was 2:26 pm), so launching was straightforward on the south side of the brige, west side of river. The currents were not a problem, though I did see (and chose to avoid) the rushing water under the bridge this time. At one point upriver it seemed like the current had reversed and I was coasting seaward, which was fun. I was wary of the weather, which appeared threatening at times, so I reversed course to get back in plenty of time before dark. The tide had receded considerably from my launch point. It was still high enough to float back to the same bank, which was now considerably more exposed and mucky. One foot out and I was up to my shins! It was challenging to extricate myself and haul the boat up, including an inglorious slip and slide on my rear, but it all worked out and I thoroughly enjoyed the paddling time. (Note to self - bring some extra water to wash mud-caked legs). Thanks again for the detailed ideas and tips (and maps!) - it helps a lot. I plan to head to one of the other routes soon. Gene

David - thank you for the timely info. I was hoping to go out today, and so I shall try your second route. It'll be about mid-tide when I get there so should be fine. I'll let you know how it was. Thanks again. Gene

I work in NBPT a few days a week and would love to put in somewhere one of these late summer afternoons for a post-work solo paddle. I've read previous posts on the topic and admired the intrepid types who surf the tides or circumnavigate the island. My not-quite-yet-intermediate abilities (i.e. self-rescue ok, multiple strokes, no roll yet) will limit my adventurousness to moderate conditions away from (or only at the edge of) the open sea. The available time after work should allow a few miles (depending on currents) and a couple of hours of paddling. Any suggestions on worthwhile routes or attractions, with associated put-ins? Parker River Refuge? The harbor itself? Plum Island Point or Joppa Flats area? Thanks to all for any suggestions and tips. BTW - if anyone cares to do this with me sometime (especially if you already know the area), I'd more than welcome the company (and will buy the beer afterwards!). Let me know. Thanks, Gene CD Gulfstream - yellow on white (ready to roll - with some encouragement)

Great - thanks. I'm making plans to go (and looking forward to it!) Gene

Also need the put-in info. Will bring a sponge Tennis balls? - Gene

I would be interested in Tuesdays or Wed in Amesbury. I live in N. Andover so that location works better for me. I'd prefer Tues but Wed can also work. Is there an easy-to-find place to meet? Gene

This is the gallery I referred to: http://www.nspn.org/forum/index.php?automo...bum&album=8 - Gene

Hello All: I'm a new member and wanted to share my recent paddling experience. My brother Mark, an accomplished photographer (and camper) has asked me for years to join him on various Umbagog Lake camping trips. I was always too busy (and boatless), till this year. As some know I purchased a CD Gulfstream last fall and after several local trips I felt ready for a longer one - so I accepted his invitation this year. And I'm very glad I did! As Peter B. so eloquently described it in his report from 2006, Umbagog Lake is an undiscovered gem as far as natural beauty and wildlife are concerned. Nesting eagles, playful loons, occasional moose, elusive otters, feisty ospreys, even a mink that wandered into our camp - all are there for the viewing. Best of all, on a beautiful August weekend, we saw no more than a half dozen boats on the entire lake (as Peter points out, probably in part because the lake is so shallow). In any event, I thoroughly enjoyed 3 days at R26 (aka Tyler Point) with my brother and 2 others recently. Our put-in was a few miles from Errol NH, along the Magalloway River near the Wentworth location. It's about 4+ hours from my home in N. Andover. We had ample off-road parking and a good launch spot. Mark's canoe took the largest cargo by far (he had all the cooking gear and then some), but I was able to store what I needed for me in my Gulfstream, with some food as well. I would later find the value in dry-bagging everything (which I did not do), but that's a lesson learned. It was about an hour to R29, his favorite spot (see this excellent map for the campsites I refer to: http://www.nhparks.state.nh.us/ParksPages/...emoteMap06.pdf) Our paddle up the river took us by one eagle's nest, then at the mouth is another well-known one, atop a lone tree in a protected area (Mark says boaters do venture in to the off-limits area but we didn't see any). An eagle stood atop his perch the entire time, surveying its surroundings. We went ashore on R29 (an island) and stretched a bit. The sun was warm, light breezes and puffy clouds, the water conditions excellent. The lake streched out before us, our destination off in the distance. Could not have asked for a better day. With a laden canoe and one other slower kayak, it took us all about 90 minutes to cross the lake. I would paddle ahead strongly then slow down and stop when I saw my companions in the distance behind me. Lots of time to take in the scenery (and take some pictures). The Gulfstream is definitely built for speed, and paddling with my new Werner Camano stick felt almost effortless. I gained some confidence on this excursion that I did not have before, which served me well on the return. After our steady cross-lake paddle (only one powerboat sighted) we landed on R26, which is an elevated (+/- 20 feet) pine-topped campsite on a point of land with 2 landing spots, both rocky and narrow. Boats were pulled onto shore. We unloaded and set up camp. I was there 2 nights, the others stayed for 5. The pictures I posted will show the sunsets and beauty of the area, so I won't try to describe here. It felt like a touch of deep nature, a time to disconnect from work and civilization, and I welcomed it. It felt especially good to have gotten there under my own power - which is something I know many of you probably experience on a regular basis. We had one small day trip on the middle day, without the weight of our camping equipment or coolers. We went out at lunch around the corner into Brook Cove, on a wind-swept afternoon that churned up 2-ft swells and kept a stiff wind heading eastward. The ride into the cove was enjoyable, even effortless ("enjoy it," Mark said). The return trip was anything but (for the canoe that is). While I bobbed and slashed forward against the waves and wind, my skeg doing its job and forward progress an inevitability, my brother in his canoe was standing still, trying vainly to make headway. The distance was not great, but the effort to cross it turned out to be considerable. We got back to camp and celebrated with a blazing fire and margaritas (hey, it's Saturday night, right?) On Sunday after breakfast I was ready for my solo return, about 4 miles across lake and down river. My brother wanted to shoot some stock shots (including the one I use in my profile), so we paddled around the cove a bit, even watching an eagle high up in the pines. Then suddenly we were buzzed by one very low-flying plane, hugging the coast as it zoomed around the point. Before I could grab my camera two more flew by, and others were heard in the distance. In all, 7 planes flew by our little corner of the lake in succession, maybe on their way to a fly-in somewhere. It was more high-powered motoring than any boat traffic we had seen, and it was over in minutes and they were gone. I made my way across the lake, steady and determined. It took half the time of the outbound trip, and in no time I was ashore and unloading. I highly recommend Umbagog Lake as a destination for camping, paddling, and beautiful scenery. The NH Parks Service maintains the campsites and allows reservations: http://www.nhparks.state.nh.us/ParksPages/...UmbagogCmp.html Gene Hunt

I am very interested in attending one of these sessions. Please forgive a stupid question: do we bring our own boats? I assume yes but want to make sure. Thanks, Gene CD Gulfstream -- yellow/white

All: I took the trip to southern RI today to have a look at this boat and try it out in the Bay. It's 9 years old and pretty much looked it (lots of stickers on the deck attest to having been around, and there's even a Derek Hutchinson autograph, under clear plastic but so faded it's no longer readable). Structurally and fitting-wise it's solid, tightly sealed hatches, good lines, skeg works smoothly, no cracks or imperfections. It felt great, comfortable seat, plenty of room (maybe too much - some foam padding may be in order). And thanks to several people's input as to value, I was able to get it for much less than asking price. Now - even though it's November - I hope to take it out a few times before it gets really cold. Thanks again for your helpful input this week. Gene

Thanks for the (early morning) input. More and more I hear the absolute need to paddle before buying. Obviously that makes the most sense, but when you're at the end of the season it's harder to do. Still, I buy the logic and given unlimited time would absolutely prefer to do that. I guess you could say I'm anxious to buy something and get paddling, even if it will soon be quite chilly. As I said, I'm highly motivated! I'm 6 ft, 200 lbs, size 11 foot. I was told that the two owners of the Gulfstream (current and previous) were a) shorter but 240 lbs., and same weight 6ft2 or 6ft4. So big guys. At the very least (and FWIW) I'll be able to sit in it for as long as I need to to determine the fit. I do not currently own a boat, but have tried out the CD Solstice, WS Tempest (RM), and a Capella 163. (hey - if you try out a Capella, does that mean you're a singer? :-) All seemed comfortable and good performing, easy tracking without rudder or skeg, stable enough without serious risk-taking or leans (except the Tempest, where I had multiple intentional wet exits as part of a lesson). Admittedly these experiences were on relatively calm water for the most part. The asking price is $1800, which is probably negotiable. The addition of some needed accessories is also a factor. As a comparison, I saw a 2004 model for sale a few states away for $1,950, and a NY shop has a new one for $2299. Thanks again for all your input. You seem like a nice bunch of people and I hope we meet one day soon - on or off land.

This board is always helpful (and entertaining, when advice is leavened with humor :-). I've come across a CD Gulfstream for sale, vintage 1997-98, for under $2K. It includes quite a few accessories (paddle, PFD, skirt). No chance to test paddle it before deciding - probably a risk there - but there's plenty of info about the fit and performance online (a few stories about leaky hatches too). On paper it seems like the right boat for me (a "soon-to-be-intermediate" with high motivation). Anyone have thoughts or experiences to share before I go take a look this weekend? What should I be aware of or look for? Thanks, Gene

Hi: This is my first post (though I've "lurked" for weeks :-). I've been trying to find a used FG or lighter sea kayak that fits my size (6 ft, 200#) and skill level (pre-intermediate, which is to say a beginner with ability and desire to become proficient and be challenged by a boat). Am interested in P&H (Capella series), VCP (Nordkapp, Aquanaut), CD Solstice, Boreal Ellesmere, and others. I head of someone selling a Nigel Foster Legend, but reviews suggest it may be "too much" boat for me. Can anyone offer a lead on a good used sea kayak in the Boston/North Shore area? It seems Craigs List and other boards have sparse offerings. I have cash and am ready to buy if the fit and characteristics are right. Thanks, Gene