MPARSONS

Count me in. I'd prefer Boston Harbor because I can roll out of bed and into my kayak, but could do Rockport too.

I'd like to go if there is room for me.

I'm expecting to make it this week -- maybe even a little early -- barring any unexpected afternoon emergencies at work.

I'd be interested in joining you. I don't think I've paddled with any of you before, but since I live in South Boston, I paddle in Boston Harbor a lot. Usually I go solo after work and stay in among the closer islands, Thompson and Spectacle. I have gone as far out as Boston Light, so I'm familiar with the perils of the channel crossings. I like the idea of paddling with a group out there because having only one pair of eyes looking for the high speed ferries is stressful to say the least. I've also never been out to the Graves, so that interests me as well.

I'm planning to be there. I'm happy for every opportunity to practice my roll. As Kevin observed last week, I don't like to stay upright. Maybe I can get my girlfriend to come up to join in the grilling. I keep hoping that if she meets enough nice people paddling that she'll decide those 6 inch waves aren't too scary and will give the sport a try.

I probably won't be able to do it after all. Its probably just as well since that start time would mean an obscenely early departure from Boston for me.

I'm trying to finalize my weekend plans. Are you thinking about Saturday or Sunday for this trip?

Ouch. I hope you get well soon. Is anyone else planning to be there tonight?

Al, I grew up on Great Pond in Falmouth so I know the area well. You will have direct access to Nantucket Sound. From there it is a short jaunt over to Waquoit Bay and Washburn Island. Waquoit Bay is a very easy paddle, the only challenge would be the exposed portion of Nantucket Sound, but that would only be for about a half mile or so. Washburn is a great natural area to walk around, just be ready for a billion ticks. From Green Pond, take a left into Nantucket Sound. Take a left into the second harbor by the Menauhant Yacht Club. From there stay to your right and paddle up the Seapit River with Washburn Island on your right. Seapit opens into Waquoit Bay which is completely sheltered. From there you could poke around the inlets to the east which lead to New Seabury, you could visit the Waquoit Bay research center to the north, or you can paddle south back to Nantucket Sound. If you wanted a more exciting paddle, Woods Hole is about two miles to the west with great tidal currents, but be careful for boat traffic. From Green Pond, Martha's Vineyard is about 6 miles south west, but that is obviously a completely exposed crossing. I might be in Falmouth this weekend if you are looking for a partner. Marc

If it happens, I'll be there. (My family stuff is on Sunday this week.) Since I'll be coming up from Boston, I particularly like the noon start!

I'm planning to be there today. I have alot going on at work, so I might be late.

I would like to do it. I may have a conflict on Sunday. If it is Saturday or if I can get out of the conflict on Sunday, I'll be there.

My paddling mileage has definitely improved by having my own boat. I've been swamped at work the past few weeks, so I haven't made it to Mystic. Hopefully next Tuesday will be better.

Around 2005, I was in exactly the same boat (pun absolutely intended). To satisfy my need to paddle, I bought a folding kayak. My Folbot folds up to about the size of a large suitcase, weighs only 35 pounds, gives pretty good performance and is half the cost of a Feathercraft. Over the past year, as I began paddling more frequently, I stopped assembling and disassembling every time and began leaving it on my car roof (on a cheap foam block rack). By the time August rolled around, I realized I had my folding boat on my roof for 4 weeks straight, with no ill effects other than some UV fading. That is when I realized I could get a rigid boat and leave it on my roof all season. I bought a Nigel Foster Shadow in September, put it in my parents' garage on Thanksgiving, and reclaimed it on Easter Sunday. Its been on my roof since April and will stay there until Thanksgiving (or maybe Christmas if I get a drysuit). I have a lasso lock on it to deter any joy riding by the kids from South Boston High School (which is about 50 yards from where I live). I couldn't be happier with my choice, although I try not to think about what its doing to my mileage.

I think I can make it on Saturday. It sounds like fun.

QUOTE(Kevin B @ Jun 24 2008, 08:04 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}>For L2 paddlers, this a great way to practice rescues from both perspectives. You'll have more confidence on all your trips once you feel comfortable as a rescuer and as a "victim". The water's warm and G's laugh is infectious, so come on out this Friday! I'm planning to be there...

Is anyone going up to the Peaks Island race on Saturday? I've never done it, but I'm thinking of going this year. I was wondering if I'd see others up there. Any idea how many people usually show up for it? Also, is the best way to launch at East End Beach and paddle over to the island or is there another place to launch that is better?

I still plan to go to these on Tuesdays, but not today. My brother just offered me a ticket to the Celtics game instead.

I also wanted to participate but had a prior committment on Saturday. I'd love to do it another time.

I've been through Middle Ground many times in other boats, but never a kayak. I'm sure it would be challenging. I'll put Cuttyhunk on my calendar for July 19 or 20. This would be the longest trip I've ever done so I will need time to tune up myself. I also don't want to slow down you and whoever else joins you, so we may need to talk in more detail about expectations.

I didn't think I'd be able to make it this week, but my plans have changed. I'll be there Tuesday after all.

Of all those dates, my preference would be July 19 or 20, but I could do any of them. I'm also not sure the best tides to do MV. Since the tide would be flowing perpendicular to the course of travel I believe the weakest tides would be the best. Arriving on the slack would probably ensure fairly weak tides in both directions as long as we don't spend too much time dilly dallying before returning. Returning on the flood tide would ensure that if anything, we are pushed toward Falmouth (ie, civilization) rather than the Elizabeth Islands (ie, the wilderness).

Kevin, I just wanted to send you a message to thank you and give you kudos as a master diagnostician of problem rolls. I had been frustrated that my roll seemed to deteriorate when I got my new boat, which was supposed to be a better roller than my old boat. After your pointers on Friday, I went out on Sunday and knocked off 16 straight rolls without a miss. I don't think I had ever gotten more than two in a row before then, so all credit goes to you. Part of me didn't want to post this on the general website because I didn't want people to think I was bragging since 16 rolls is no big deal for people who aren't still learning. Still, I wanted to give you credit as an individual and also to give an example of how useful the peer instruction of NSPN can really be. Now if you could just work with me to figure out how to get a promotion at work, my life will be complete. Thanks. Marc

I've also always wanted to do the WH to MV roundtrip. Same with WH to Cuttyhunk. I'm in Falmouth most weekends, so I'd be willing to do it virtually anytime the weather and tides line up.

Too bad I missed it. Although the thunder seemed to stop early, it was still raining in Boston so I figured there was a chance the thunder would return. Unfortunately I have a conflict on Tuesday of next week, but should be OK for the following week.