photos!
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Carolyn and I went from Odiorne to Fort Foster.The Portsmouth channel had about a 2 foot chop, and quite a breeze blowing out to sea. We had a private beach to the Portsmouth side of the public area to have lunch on. Nice sheltered spot. We then followed Chauncy Creek to circumnavigate Garrish Island.
After all, they have a kayak race around Garrish, so it must go through, right. Apparently only at very high tides! Saw the launch site along Chauncy Creek, which we will certainly plan on using in the future. We ended up paddling in the marshes until we couldn't go forward any further. And it was 1/2 an hour after high tide.
We ended up doing about a 10 minute portage. Used the kayak to bridge some tidal creeks, and then hit the beach. We then did our first surf launch. Picked the wrong distance out, and Carolyn caught a wave before her spray skirt was on all the way. Dump the water out of the boat, and try again. This time a little closer to the shore, then launch with skirts on. We then ran into another kayaker whose website follows. He is doing the Maine Island Trail, and had just started out from Kittery. 12 weeks of what I am sure will be a good time. Here his website, and his charity. We will sign up and pledge some money for National Brain Tumor Foundation.
http://mainetrek.com/blogs/sample_weblog/default.aspx
His kayak was a strip cedar kayak, and was gorgeous. According to his website it is pedal powered. He had a kayak paddle, and did not mention pedal power to us. He is up at Libby campsite in York ME tonight.
Next time we will try to get our trip out with some advance notice.
Mario