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Gee, I had no idea the generational /technological divide had gotten so wide. My son just now showed me how to get coordinates in Google Maps. Hadn't stopped to consider that not everyone has a glove compartment full of dog-eared maps to get them where they're going. So I'm glad you called, Ann, and helped bridge the gulf! Blaine

Hi Julie Yes, that's the church. It's the only one for miles around so figured it'd be hard to miss. I'm strictly a map and compass guy so it didn't even occur to me that the address might be helpful for you GPS types! Thanks for the info! Blaine

Forecast is improving -- looks like we may be getting some sun and warming temps by the time we launch, around 10: http://www.weather.com/weather/hourbyhour/graph/USMA0423?pagenum=2&nextbeginIndex=6

Not a problem, Rob. Sorry you can't make it but we have a good group.

We now have five of us signed up for tomorrow: Ann, Julie, Lai Yee, Dave, and myself. The forecast for tomorrow is for showers in the mid-50's, but don't let that discourage you. Paddling is a WET sport! We just have to dress appropriately with layers of NON-COTTON clothing that can be pared down if we get too warm (bring a plastic bag to store them in). I'll try to bring some extra layers to lend out if anyone needs more. In my experience, rainy days are often the most beautiful. Plus, we'll have more of the river to ourselves. Be sure to bring a raincoat or poncho as well as a hat to help keep your head warm. I recommend everyone also bring a thermos of hot soup, cocoa, or tea in addition to lunch. Let's meet at 9AM in downtown Topsfield, on Route 97, in front of the large white church facing the town green. We can then caravan to the put-in after we decide what amount of paddling everyone will be comfortable with. If you need to contact me in the morning you can reach me at 978-887-5218 until about 8:30. After that, call my cell phone, 617-921-6629. Until then, please post here if you have any questions. Looking forward to meeting you all tomorrow! Blaine

Hi Ann So far it's just you, David Carroll, Rob Folster, and me. I was late posting this trip and am still hoping we can get a couple more to join us. I'll post directions to the launch site by Friday once we know who's on board and how far everyone is comfortable paddling. There are several put-in/ take-out options with different distances. Ideally, I'd like us to paddle one-way, downstream with the current (just under 1 knot), then do a 15-min. shuttle to retrieve cars. That way we'd see a lot more of the sanctuary for the same amount of effort. The alternative is to start at the lower end, paddle upstream a distance, then turn around and paddle back with the current. I'd be ok with either. Please tell me about your paddling experience to help me decide what length of trip will be appropriate so you're neither bored nor exhausted. Shooting for something in between. Blaine

Thanks Lisa for noticing the omission! Note the time of the original post -- way past my bedtime!

Join me on Saturday, May 31st, for a paddle through the Ipswich River Wildlife Sanctuary in my hometown, Topsfield Mass. This is an unspoiled and beautiful stretch of the river just a few miles before it meets the Atlantic, full of many bird species including blue heron, egrets, and red-winged blackbirds. This is the perfect time of year for this trip with the recent hatchlings starting to follow mom and dad around. Today I stopped paddling at one point to allow a family of Canada geese to swim past, Dad in front followed by seven identical tan fur balls and Mom bringing up the rear and keeping everyone in a tight formation. The river meanders through twists and turns and oxbows to give you lots of practice in boat handling, edging and turning in a serene setting with relatively warm water. The perfect opportunity for you and your boat to get well acquainted before heading into a more challenging environment offshore. We will plan to meet at the launch at 9AM because of limited parking that can fill up early this time of year. You should expect to get wet. A wetsuit is recommended although not a necessity. Layers of polypropylene, fleece, and other synthetic fabrics will suffice. Do NOT wear any cotton clothing as it will make you cold when it's wet. You should also have a warm fleece top and a windbreaker. A spray skirt is optional but recommended as it will help keep your legs dry and warm. A PFD is a requirement and must be worn. Bring a lunch and water. You may also want sunblock, repellent, hat and sunglasses. PLEASE RSVP here or on the Calendar if interested. I'm still debating where we will meet and launch, so check back here for further details and directions. Blaine

I'm happy to see on my calendar that it's blank for those dates. So sign me up please! Really looking forward to paddling and camping with you guys. Blaine

I bought some Fiberfix ($8) at my local hardware store to test whether it can be relied on for an emergency boat patch. The instructions say to immerse the tape in WARM (68-77 degree) water for 10 - 12 seconds to activate it before applying. The question is whether it will work well, or even at all, after immersion in much colder water. I plan to give that a test. Another potential problem is that the repair examples all show it being WRAPPED around something, like a shovel handle, and back over itself multiple times. It's unclear whether it will work just as a single layer patch, for example, over a hole or split in a boat. Blaine

Pru and Ed, I'd like to join you for one or more of your camping trips. Never been to Muscongus but I keep hearing good things about the area. I have more than a half century of camping experience but just two nights of kayak camping. I need to get a lot more efficient at it, perhaps with some tips from you pros. Please put me on your list of candidates and keep me in the loop on your camping plans. Thanks! Blaine

Jonathon, Thanks for sharing your adventure. It was fun reading and has motivated me to do that same trip someday soon. Keep up the good paddling, and the entertaining trip reporting! Blaine

I love my 2mm Glacier gloves. They really are reasonably dry and quite warm. I just ordered a 2nd pair. Blaine

Rob, a really entertaining and enjoyable trip report. And Cathy, your photos are gorgeous and imaginative. I was considering joining you but then got "invited" by my wife to go antiquing instead. It looks like you three had a perfect day. Thanks for taking time to share it with those of us stuck on land. Blaine

Many thanks for the heads up Les. I would've missed it. Gonna try to grab an old climbing buddy and dial back the clock a few decades while we reminisce about adventures of old. Blaine

I also have a set of the above items I will bring for folks to use. Blaine

Any of those dates for me.

Me too!!

Incredibly beautiful. I've always been a sky watcher and lover of unusual formations but have never seen one to compare to these. I'll keep looking though. Blaine

Homemade chicken chili, with cornbread. I'll turn down the usual heat a notch or two. Blaine

It's looking like a great day tomorrow. Temps in the low 70's, light winds from the SW, sunny in the morning with some chance of light rain later in the day. Here's the NOAA graphical marine forecast. Use the red > to scroll to the Sunday forecast, then use the mouse to see the different features. http://graphical.weather.gov/sectors/massachusettsMarineDay.php#tabs

Great, David! Looking forward to paddling with you again.

Great Al. It will be good to see you. Blaine