Roger Turgeon

Is there an internet link for the symposium that someone could post to this board? Depending on timing and how my work schedule shakes out in the next couple weeks, I might be interested in attending. Haven't been to MDI since last October--I'm about due. Roger Turgeon Night Heron--cedar strip

Al; I would very likely be "in" if you launch north of Boston. Getting into the city is just too much of a hassle for me to be worth it. Any other places even north of Marblehead that you typically launch from? I really don't get to paddle the north shore much, so am open to learning just about any new area. And I'd like to meet that wife you talked so much about on our last trip. Roger Turgeon Night Heron--cedar strip

I'm interested. I live in Amesbury. Haven't been in the boat in a few weeks. Roger Turgeon

I have a vacation house in Casco Bay (Orr's Island) and paddle the area all the time. I don't particularly recommend launching from any place in Portland, Falmouth, etc., this time of year, unless you really like competing with commercial shipping traffic and hundreds of private boats of all sizes and speeds. The park in South Freeport that someone mentioned--Winslow Park--is a beautiful campground, too, if you want to camp on the mainland. From the launch at Winslow, you can reach aout 1/2 of Casco Bay, with quite a few options as to where to go, what type of water to paddle in, etc. Maybe another 45 minutes up from Portland, the launch site and parking area at H2O Outfitters on Orr's Island is just about ideal. It is at the bridge between Orr's Island and Bailey Island. It is dead center of Casco Bay, allowing you to head for just about any part of the Bay and anything from protected inner bays to open ocean to surf. Jewel will definitely be crowded for overnight. Some of the islands that have been suggested, like Bangs and Little Chabeague, are privately owned. Technically, camping is not allowed unless you have the owner's permission. A little-known island suitable for leave-no-trace camping is Whaleboat Island in Middle Bay, which is just off the western shore of the major peninsula of Harpswell. It is owned by a conservation group and campers are welcome. There are two palces suitable for camping, one of which can handle maybe 6 tent sites or so. If you park and launch at Basin Point Marina in Harpswell, the campsite area of Whaleboat is about 1 1/2 to 2 miles paddling. From the H2O site, it is maybe 4 to 4 1/2 miles. From Whaleboat, you have tons of options as to where to paddle for your day trips. Enjoy. I wish I could join you. Roger Turgeon Night Heron--cedar strip