Doug

I edited the photos and put them on my other web viewer. Much more detail and contrast. Doug Go to: http://www.pixel8er.smugmug.com/gallery/70...452922520_GT2Vv

I couldn't make this paddle today but was in the area on business. The temp was a brisk 23 degrees with hardly a puff of wind. The sea was calm as can be. I managed to locate the NSPN group from 3 vantage points and proceeded to take some pictures of the crew for all to enjoy. They picked a perfect day. go to: http://pixel8er.shutterfly.com/199 Enjoy, Doug

The one plus to the Pentax is the ability, I believe to shoot repetitive automatic shots with a periodic rate you can adjust to your preference. i.e.: 5 second, 10 second intervals etc. I like that function a lot but not enough to change my choice from the Olympus which does not have this option. I simply feel the lens in a camera is the most important factor for obtaining high quality shots. I also have Nikon (my #1 favorite), Leica (#2) and Canon (#3). My Olympus is tied at 3d but is waterproof and very shockproof. These are my opinions for what it's worth. Doug

I have used the 1030SW Olympus camera for 4 months now. As far as waterproof cameras go I recommend this as your best choice for the money. I have used it in fresh and salt water environments and have intentionally allowed it to become soaked on many trips. I have paddled directly into 4 foot waves crashing into me and the camera mounted on the deck. Never a leak. Great quality optics. I have only positive feedback. Check out these 2 shots holding the camera 1 foot under water at Lake Massabesic in September. Doug

Rick, Are you the guy that built a Redfish, King? Doug

It felt great to be back on the water after landlubbing it for 3 weeks. I posted some shots at the site below. Sorry I wasn't able to capture the rougher conditions but both hands were busy. Thank's Sal for the well planned trip. Doug http://pixel8er.shutterfly.com/

I'll see you all there at 10. Doug

Due to the storm & power outage, I can't make this paddle. Sorry Doug

I'll be there as well... Doug

Hi Bill I also have the M-72. It has been submerged and still works great. I did quite a lot of research prior to making the purchase and have used it now one full season without a glitch. You won't be disappointed. The M-88 has had mixed reviews as far as reliability out of the box. Doug

RE: Karen's crushing story... Looks like the kayak was tied to the dock and a large boat decided to park in the same spot not seeing the kayak a few inches from the surface. Insurance should get you a new boat. Congratulations.

More pics.... http://pixel8er.shutterfly.com/

Count me in weather permitting... Doug

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Quite a few highlights along this paddle. As we launched into the 1/4 mile fog curtain my excitement grew as the surrounding land and seascape typically recognizable on other paddles were obscured in the grey mist that created a feeling of being incased in a snow-globe of tiny water particles. GPS is a great thing. My minds eye can still reflect the eerie images like Chauncey's Bonsai Tree Island (we named it), the Polar Bear being put away for winter, the summer homes now closed for the season and the famous culvert (with 1.5 foot clearance). Fantasy thoughts were discussed of performing a hesitated roll under it and back to vertical on the other side were quickly dismissed as our imaginations created the perilous possibilities of such an act. Portage accross the road placed our group of 3 into the secluded flood zone. No meandering creek to be found. As we head into a thicker fog bank the sound of breaking surf reminded me of scenes in the movie "Gladiator" a distant roar of an undefeated army far off yet felt yards away. Then the distant railroad pylons just sticking their heads up in formation as the slight surf swells rolled towards us through the fog. We were getting close. Our next sight were the 2 black specks of surfers growing larger as they charged from the sea and thick fog riding some of the longest swells I've seen in New England. "Don't tell anyone" (they said). I surfed some mid-sized waves, Betty holding back trying to contain her inner fears and Bill, of course went outside at the edge of our sight into the 6+ footers. I decided this was not going to be one of those times where I stowed my camera in fear of a certain capsize if not ready with a split second brace. I pointed my bow out to sea allowing 4 & 5 foot peaking waves to roll under me in perfect fashion. I grabbed the strap of my camera from my teeth and got a 20 second video of it all including Bill on a 6 foot wave surfing towards be. Trusting his skills I held my ground (or water) as he carved his 17 foot sea craft at me then skillfully carving right avoiding certain disaster to finish the last 75 yards of his ride. We met Jon in his new Cetus and "paddle/boat/blade" hat near the army of railroad soldiers on our exit from Brave Boat. Any inner fears of his solo flight were diminished instantly by his apparent skills as a boatsman as he manipulated his boat around us during our intros. By the way Bill, I had the same thoughts of heading out to the surf again with him as well. We were able to find the actual creek now and paddled our butts off at every turn against the oncoming surge of water. A few hundred yards before the culvert, the flow of tide reversed and we slipped our way through the tunnel into the arms of our line of awaiting soldier pylons on the other side. A rare day indeed. Thanks for the memories. Doug

Ed This is scheduled for Saturday Doug

Santa hat (sort of) all packed. Meet at Kittery town docks @ Frisbee's Market around 10:30AM. BIB by 10:45. High tide around 11:46 at Kittery Point. We will head up the creek to Brave Boat harbor. Does anyone know a safe window in the tide to head back down the creek should we decide not to venture out Braveboat Harbor? Seas expected to build to 4-7 feet. Would tend to think we won't venture out other than some surf play at the mouth of the harbor. Looks like 4-5 people so far. Doug

Winds 10-15 with gusts to 20mph. Seas forecasted 4-6 feet with rain for Saturday. If Saturday were the pick of weekend days, I would rather paddle from the Kittery town dock to Chauncy to Brave Boat and back but stay out of the open seas with that forecast and simply dabble in the rough stuff at the mouth of Brave Boat before heading back the way we came. Not many good bail out spots on the ocean side of Gerrish Island. Ocean conditions beyond my comfort zone. I'm not a Sea Monkey. Does anyone know if the tide works in our favor for this trip? Full moon on the 13th I believe. This is just a suggestion for a protected paddle. Don't let me sway the more adventurous among you. What cha think?

I have both "stickypod" and "chasecam" suction cup mounts. "Stickypod" mounts are quite large and overkill for my cameras. Recently purchased "chasecam" mount and use it for both my kayaking and PCA racing purposes. "Chasecam" is of finer quality and more compact. Delivery is lightening fast. https://www.chasecam.com/catelog/12/suction_mounts Send me an e-mail if you need help in any way. Doug

This was a great workshop with extremely knowledgeable instructors and of course a gracious host. I was especially impressed with Suz and Scott's preparedness when they paddle in all conditions. As Suz suggested it would be of great benefit to all if a full list of what to bring along for all types of situations could be posted. I'm sure some of you have taken much thought and effort producing a complete checklist that could be shared with all of us. As Suz opened up bag after bag of goodies she takes along I was simply blown away. Extra clothing, repair supplies, emergency gear, etc. Some things were common sense but many items I never would have thought of prior to the clinic. Please share your thoughts. This should be interesting...... Doug

Sounds like a plan is evolving here. I'm in........... I'll be the one in the Santa hat. Maybe we should all wear one. Doug

At least Werner will fix it for $160. They replaced half of one of my paddles for a discounted price last year as well. They are in my opinion great to deal with unlike Lendel, who wanted me to cover the whole cost of half a paddle whose shaft broke while bracing in surf that ended up being a sand bar.

I am interested as well.... Doug

Roger...you can send your cell phone number to Doug@NEBM.net and I'll send mine back.

Glad to have you aboard. Planned route will be from Weirs Beach to Stonedam Island through Sallys Gut to The North side of Mark Island past Mink Island across the east side of Timber Island, across the Witches around the west side of Governors Island then back to the Weirs....I estimate 11 miles.