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bbjorn

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Posts posted by bbjorn

    L1-L2 warmup paddle on the Ipswich River

    in Past Trips

    Posted

    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

    L1-L2 warmup paddle on the Ipswich River

    in Past Trips

    Posted

    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

    L1-L2 warmup paddle on the Ipswich River

    in Past Trips

    Posted

    Hi, Blaine.

    I look forward to joining you and Lisa on Saturday, but I need directions to the launch site. I will be driving north from Medford, MA.

    Thanks.

    Ann

    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

    L1-L2 warmup paddle on the Ipswich River

    in Past Trips

    Posted

    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

    Kayak Repair Tape

    in General Message Board

    Posted

    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

    New to Sea Kayak Camping Trip to Muscongus Bay

    in Past Trips

    Posted

    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

    Casco Bay 02/01/14

    in Trip Reports

    Posted

    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

    L2+ Explore the Marblehead and Salem coast, Sun. 8/4

    in Past Trips

    Posted

    Meet at Riverhead Beach beside the causeway to Marblehead Neck by 9:30 AM. After a beach briefing it's BIB and launch at 10:00.

    We will round Marblehead tip and head for Salem via Browns Island. At Naugus Head we'll make our decision (depending on conditions and preferences of group) whether to paddle directly across the harbor to Winter Island, Salem, or continue following the Marblehead coast. If we cross to Winter I., we can put in at Salem Willows for lunch. Otherwise we'll continue down the Marblehead coast to Forest River Park for lunch. After lunch, if there's interest and time, we can paddle to Long Wharf and visit the Friendship square rigger docked there.

    Total distance will be about 7-7.5 miles. At a leisurely two knots we can expect to be paddling about 3 hours plus two hours for lunch and exploring - about 5 hours total for the trip. We should be back by around 3:00 with just enough water remaining at Riverhead (low tide is at 4:15).

    This is an L2+ trip. Everyone needs to have practiced wet exits and be comfortable doing them if the need arises.

    This is a CAM (Common Adventure Model) trip. I am an initiater/organizer but not the trip leader. We are all potential leaders and all equally responsible for each other. Paddling decisions will be made by the group as a whole. For more information about the Common Adventure Model, go to the NSPN main menu /Our History.

    Be sure to check this posting for any changes or updates. This trip is weather dependent. If strong winds and/or thunderstorms are forecast, it will be rescheduled.

    RSVP here to let me know if you're interested.

    Blaine Bjornstad

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