Shari G

Liz, my car (and kayak rack) are in the shop until after Wed. I have to back out, sadly. Another time? Shari

Liz, I'm a strong maybe for Wed. I could be in Lanesville by 4:15pm after work. I have to sort out some car issues first, then will confirm. Shari

I will be there as well. Thanks! Shari

To clarify, Bob Levine will be running and organizing the trainings. I am only helping Bob post due to some website access issues he is having. Trainings will be geared toward 4* but there is no strict agenda- everything will be tailored to participant interest. It is NOT necessary to participate in all days of training. If you can only make one day, join in for that one day!

For the second year in a row, there will be training paddles in Kennebunkport ME, launching from Goose Rocks Beach. Beach cottage is available for free overnight accommodations, however, space is limited. There will be multiple day paddles specifically geared for training exercises (similar to CAM), including navigation exercises before and after each paddle. One night paddle may be arranged. Contact Bob Levine for details/directions BY THURSDAY NIGHT 4/21 if interested. EMAIL: bob@spectral.com

We are all set with organizers for Squam. Thanks for backing me up Gary! Once the date is confirmed from the Squam Lake Association, I will post details. We are targeting 9/30- 10/2. It will be very early foliage, but beautiful temperatures!

Hello, I am hoping to pass the torch to a new organizer for this year's Squam Lake camping trip, typically held in the fall. I am happy to elaborate on such details as "where, when, and how". The camping lottery will be open until January 19th (for priority reservations) with the Squam Lake Association. Please PM me if you are willing to take charge of this wonderful annual event. I will help get you started! Thank you! Shari

Thanks for everyone's thoughts. I was hoping to target some foliage for next fall. Early October misses the mark. However, i agree we should not compete with each other. Perhaps I will shoot for Columbus Day weekend... (??).

I am looking for feedback on dates for our annual fall Squam Lake camping trip. I was considering Columbus Day weekend- Friday & Saturday night with a Sunday departure. The other possibility is the weekend after Columbus Day (also 2 nights; Friday & Saturday night with Sunday departure). Any thoughts? Thanks, I will put my camp site request in on January 1st.

Here are a few more photos sent to me...

Wow, you are one busy lady Pru!! shari

Despite rumors of questionable weather and an approaching hurricane (still safely south of us), 11 hearty souls launched from Piper Cove on Squam Lake, NH (Gary, Peter, Janice, Sherry S, Mike H, Dan F, Beth, Dave M, Yong, Liz N, and Shari G). We were met by mostly sunny skies and a NW headwind as we paddled loaded boats out to Moon Island (~2 miles). The NW wind became the steady theme for the weekend, but sunny skies prevailed. After setting up camp, we opted to paddle south around Great Island and into Dog Cove, where we explored other campsites in Heron Cove. The lake was almost completely empty of other boats. Instead we had numerous loon sightings and watched a hunting bald eagle at close range. While our Friday evening campfire got underway, our first pot-luck dinner was set up along Yong's tent platform, buffet style. I believe we surpassed the standards of the NSPN "foodies" with a variety of cheese/crackers, veggie chili, cornbread/biscuits, chocolate mocha cake, cookies, and even apple crisp a-la-mode! Nighttime dipped into the high 30's but all reported being toasty in their bags. Saturday greeted us with NW wind driven chop and white caps. We chose a lake crossing over to True Cove, where we landed and exchanged drysuits for hiking gear. From there we left an impressive pile of colorful gear behind and hiked up West Rattlesnake then over to East Rattlesnake Mountain (elev. 1200 ft). We made several stops at stunning vistas overlooking the lake and islands, returning to our boats just over 3 1/2 hours later. We then geared up and headed back to Moon, by way of Chocorua Island (aka Church Island, named after the small outdoor church used during the summer). We had following "seas" at a quartering angle which provided some challenge, especially after hours of hiking. Our tired group landed back on Moon and barely discussed that we would not be making a night paddle over to Walter's Basin. Instead, out came another evening of campfire gourmet featuring Peter's fresh Chicken Mushroom goulash, Janet's Butternut Squash Leek soup, & tomato basil salad. Dessert followed with brownies, cookies and Liz's Hot Buttered Rum concoction! Sunday morning a small pod departed for home. The remaining 7 of us paddled out to the Yard Islands; a grouping of small islands with white sandy coves, surrounded by interesting granite arrangements. We had lunch, enjoyed the view of Mount Chocorua, and soaked up the sun. We made a bee-line back to Moon Island with the wind at our backs and an almost effortless paddle. After packing up and returning to Piper Cove, we ended the weekend with dinner at Walter's Basin. Thanks to everyone for making this a great trip, despite our being about two weeks early for peak foliage (as advertised)! I will attempt to attach photos below! Clicking on thumbnails will enlarge photos.

The Squam trip is now full. PM me if you'd like to be on the wait list. Shari

Please remember to RSVP on the calendar or via the Squam link (right column) on the main page. Thanks!

We have met our quota of 8 people. I will keep the trip open to others since the campsite holds 12!

Trip Initiators: Shari Gallant (& Gary York). Join us for peak foliage at one of Mother Natures most scenic freshwater paddling venues. Arrive in time for a 11am launch, Friday, Oct 2, at Squam Lakes Association headquarters @ Piper Cove, 534 U.S. 3, Holderness, NH. Inside the association is a small store that sells nautical charts of the area. Well make our way to Moon Island to set up tents/hammocks/tarps for 2 nites of camping. Pot luck around the campfire for those who wish to participate Fri nite, maybe Sat. too. Day trips TBD, including a potential hike up the Rattlesnake hills to the north. Consider practicing nite-nav with a Sat. night paddle over to Walters Basin for restaurant dining. This trip will happen if a minimum of eight ($25/person) and a maximum of 12 ($18/person) paddlers commit to the trip. Your commitment is a $25 paypal or check deposit to Shari Gallant via PM. If we have fewer than 8,the trip will be canceled and your deposit refunded. If we have more than 8, she will square with you the difference. COMMITMENT DEADLINE IS SEPT 1. If you end up canceling after that date, for whatever reason, consider your deposit a contribution to SLA, unless you can find a late-comer to take your spot. Fair enough? Link to 2014 Trip Report: http://www.nspn.org/...g-trip-oct-3-5/

Sid and John, Congratulations on quite a feat!!!! Shari

I am reposting on Nancy's thread, which I had missed . We were indeed fortunate to have perfect summer weather... Sunny days, cool nights, calm seas, and light breezes. Additionally, the Mosquitos were in short supply!! We launched in several pods from Friendship ME and headed over to a nearby island to set up camp. From our camp we had the whole bay to explore! Each day we broke up into two pods, which offered options based on goals and energy levels. Regardless of which route was chosen, wildlife abounded: we saw numerous gulls, bald eagles, osprey, guillemots and various diving ducks, seals.... One day our pod ventured out to Eastern Egg Rock to see the puffin colony! On the return paddle we encountered loads of seals with pups, and several harbor porpoises! Nancy had planned our paddle to coincide with the tide, which helped us out and back- a stroke of genius. The second pod made numerous circumnavigation a around the many islands within the bay. It was a fabulous trip with magnificent scenery and fun company. Thanks to Katherine for organizing!! Photos will soon be posted! Ladies, feel free to jump in with more details. Let's do it again next year!!

9 of us set out for 3 days in Muscongus Bay. We were fortunate enough to have perfect summer weather... Sunny days, cool nights, calm seas, and light breezes. Additionally, the Mosquitos were in short supply!! We launched in several pods from Friendship ME and headed over to Ames Island to set up camp. From Ames Island we had the whole bay to explore! Each day we broke up into two pods, which offered options based on goals and energy levels. Regardless of which route was chosen, wildlife abounded: we saw numerous gulls, bald eagles, osprey, guillemots and various diving ducks, seals.... One day our pod ventured out to Eastern Rock to see the puffin colony! On the return paddle we encountered loads of seals with pups, and several harbor porpoises! Nancy had planned our paddle to coincide with the tide, which helped us out and back- a stroke of genius. The second pod made numerous circumnavigation a around the many islands within the bay. It was a fabulous trip with magnificent scenery and fun company. Thanks to Katherine for organizing!! Photos will soon be posted! Ladies, feel free to jump in with more details!!

sounds terrific! I'm in as well! Shari

I'd like to put in a plug for the Chebacco Lake sessions. Rick (and various other stars of the club) offer fabulous instruction and encouragement. Additionally, you will find it impossible not to laugh out loud, after attempting to perform goofy kayak "games". The more the merrier! All skill levels are encouraged to attend!!

I can't join the ladies paddle in June, but will look forward to the camping trip!

I will bring small bamboo skewers of fresh fruit... good for appetizer or side dish. Shari