bbjorn
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Posts posted by bbjorn
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I agree with Spider. There's something about winter paddling that is truly special. No one else around except an occasional lobsterman -- or swan. Yes, there are occasional frozen fingers but they can be thawed at the next stop with chemical hand warmers and by drinking hot soup from your thermos. Layers of fleece under the dry suit keep you toasty, probably even a tad sweaty. When you stop, you throw on your cag. There's a different look in winter. The light is slanted, colors muted, more pastel. I hope the photos convey some of that. I honestly believe that if more people gave winter paddling a try, they'd be out there with us. It's a lot like skiing. You dress appropriately for the conditions. Not too much, nor too little. You bring extra layers in case they're needed, but they rarely are. And of course you don't go solo unless it's calm and you're quite confident of your self-rescue abilities.
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Here are some photos of much of the trip, minus the bumpier sections when both hands were preoccupied, and everything after Lane's when the camera battery was dead.
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For just a few bucks more (I found it for $151 at this dealer: http://www.marine-radio-store.com/standard-hx850s-vhf-hand-held-dsc-with-gps.html) you should check out the Standard Horizon HX850S, which I bought last year and highly recommend. It has all the features you'd expect in a VHF handheld plus DSC capability and basic GPS. If you don't know about DSC, see the link below.
The HX850s is the earlier model of Standard Horizon's current model, the HX851s, which sells for a lot more. The primary difference between the two is extra GPS features on the latter which I didn't care about. The HX850s's main selling feature is the new DSC (Digital Selective Calling) technology -- a giant step forward in terms of maximizing the chances of saving your bacon in a dire emergency. Some advantages of DSC over a standard voice transmission: a pre-programmed digital mayday call will automatically send your GPS coordinates along with your boat description to the Coast Guard via channel 70, there's a significantly greater transmission range due to a network of tall USCG receiving towers recently completed along the entire US coastline, and digital transmission has a 15% greater signal strength than non-digital (voice). As soon as the digital call is received either by the Coast Guard or another boat, verbal communications will begin.
The only drawbacks to this radio that I'm aware of are that, like all floating radios, it's a bit large, and the battery life is just 8 hours, so it's not a good choice for multi-day trips. But it does fit easily into the radio pocket on my PFD.
For more info on DSC:
http://a0701408.uscgaux.info/pages/Articles/DSC-VHF.htm
Blaine
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It was warm in the mid-30's and sunny with calm seas when Spider and I launched at Tuck's, about 11:20. We followed the coast northeastward and stopped briefy at a couple beaches along the way, Singing and Magnolia Harbor. We continued for a couple hours total to a little past Hammond Castle on the S. end of Gloucester harbor and found a tiny beach to put in to, the first we'd seen in a while along that rocky stretch of coast. The wind had been picking up and the chop was building. By the time we launched for the trip back, it was very choppy on top of 2-3 ft. quartering swells. The paddle back required keeping one's focus on the water. I really wanted to snap a few pictures but thought better of it, as I had already needed a quick brace here and there.
We decided to put into Singing Beach again for a break and had to get through some small dumping surf. There were a number of strollers on the beach and as soon as I climbed out of my boat this 50ish woman charged and demanded "WHAT IS YOUR IQ?!!" I put on a stupid expression and replied "Uhhh,what's an IQ?" She said "I figured." She was completely flabbergasted and irritated at what we were doing and kept saying how nuts were were. I explained that it would be ok and promised tomorrow I'd be back where I belonged at the senior center playing bingo.
Another older guy with a big camera approached with an incredulous expression and asked a lot of questions. He finally said "very impressive!" and walked off -- a nice antidote to the IQ lady. I noticed when we launched again, she was standing a little ways away watching intently, no doubt expecting total disaster. I hope she wasn't too disappointed as we rounded the rocky point still upright and me still laughing aloud at the beach welcoming.
A great day with just enough spice with our salt. Two hours later in a long, hot shower, everything was still tilting and rocking. :>))
Blaine
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If anyone else wants to join us, feel free to meet us at Tucks.
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Directions to Tuck's Point can be found under "Events & Planning"/"Put" above. Someone left the "-ins" out.
Good point, Bob. I keep forgetting the finer features of our web site.
Spider -
The marine forecast is holding and has not changed. Tucks Point looks perfect for a launch. If you're still interested, here are the directions:
Take Route 128 north to exit 16 (Pine St. Manchester). Turn left onto Pine St. Continue for 1.4 miles to Rt.127. Turn right onto 127 and go .7 mi. to a left on Harbor Street. After 0.2 mile go over a little bridge across the train tracks. Take an immediate left onto Tucks Point Road and follow it to the yacht club.
Low tide is 9:50 AM, high at 4:10 PM. Would meeting around 10:30 with BIB around 11 work for you? If not, I'm flexible.
Blaine
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I just returned from my recon. The parking lot is partially plowed -- enough for about 12-15 cars -- and it's an easy walk to the launch. The "resident only" parking signs are still there, but it's hard to imagine anyone checking, or caring, this time of year. There was one car there at 3PM. I parked there in the mid to late fall with no problem.
Yes, it's off Rt. 127, between Beverly Farms and Manchester, but I'll have to think about how to describe the rest. Gotta cook dinner for my wife and son right now. Check back here after 8pm.
Blaine
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Hey Spider,
I might possibly join you. I've been thinking about a coastal excursion starting at Tucks point in Manchester by the Sea and following the coast north to Gloucester and back. Maybe 10-12 mi. or so. Conditions tomorrow are forecast to be ideal: 1-2 ft. seas, light onshore (SSW) winds, sunny skies and temps in the mid-30's -- a rare combination these days. I plan to drive over to the launch today to check accessibility. If it won't work, I'll join you. Alternatively, if you're interested in joining me, I'd enjoy the company.
Blaine
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This is a really important topic and I will definitely be there. Either day works for me.
Blaine
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In the spirit of full disclosure, I should add that size may matter here. My 5'8", 145 lbs. may give me some advantage over the 6'2, 220 lbs. ex-linebackers among us, at least in this one instance.
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I practice the cowboy in moderate conditions every chance I get. Key to success is speed getting from straddle to butt in. I've found that once you're on the boat with legs straddled wide for balance and your chest flat against the deck with both hands gripping the front of the cockpit coaming (and your paddle!), a single quick pull and drop maneuver will slide your butt forward and plop it right back into the cockpit. After that it's relatively easy. This only works if your back deck is clear -- no gear. It also helps to get most of the water out first before climbing on. The video illustrates that nicely. One trick I learned from a superb teacher, Rick Crangle: at the start hold your paddle with the blade in front of you and flat to the water with the shaft resting on your shoulder. Then as you push up on the bow, simultaneously pull down on the paddle. This helps counteract your sinking and gets the bow higher for more complete drainage. A couple quick lifts usually gets most of the water out of my (LV) boat. And by making the straddle-to-butt-in move very quick, you may actually be able to time it to occur between waves. Having a reliable cowboy gives a lot of peace of mind when paddling solo.
Blaine
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My wife and I both had a good laugh. Such a smart little cutie you have. You lucky guy!
Blaine
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For everyone to enjoy, I added this link as a reminder of why we awarded Glenn the "Hard Knocks Award"
Doug
That's gotta be some kind of record for most roll attempts by a human without a wet exit. My lungs were screaming just watching. So, Glen, you were wearing scuba gear, right?
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Bob -- please sign me up. Great idea! looking forward to it.
Blaine
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For the record... I Brad Gwynn did not install the keelstrip on Blanes boat, so the lousy finish he writes of is not mine.
Just to remove any ambiguities...
Gee, it didn't occur to me that anyone might jump to that conclusion, so I'm glad you chimed in, Brad. My keel strip was installed by a dealer in RI.
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Looking forward to this. Thanks for arranging it. I'll be there.
Blaine
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Wow, those are beauts! But didn't we have fun in those rocks!
Maybe this would be the ideal time to add a keel strip. I had mine installed where I bought my Nordkapp, and despite the lousy job they did with the finish, I'm thankful every time I scrape hard over rocks. It provides great peace of mind. You might want to talk to Brad Gwynn about this option.
If I were going to patch it myself, though, I would stuff something solid into the compartment to provide a temporary solid backing on the inside of the holes. Maybe a wooden dowel (to extend your reach) wrapped with dense foam (to conform to the shape of the inside of the hull where the holes are)with a sheet of wax paper between the dowel/foam and the hull (to prevent the epoxy from sticking to this temporary backing). You could then wedge pieces of wood or whatever between all that and the underside of the deck to hold the dowel tightly in place. You would then have a solid surface on the inside of the holes to work against and would not need longer arms. All your work would be done on the outside, where the wear and tear happened in the first place.
Disclaimer: I have never had to patch a boat yet, so this is purely theoretical based on various epoxy repair problems I've faced with antique houses.
Good luck.
Blaine
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Never having been to Casco Bay, I need a bit more detail on the launch. Is it the bridge connecting Cousins Island to the mainland, or the bridge connecting Cousins with the little one east of it (Talbot Rd.)?
Blaine
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Count me in. The forecast looks good for Sunday in the Portland area. Any tools I should bring for the cleanup?
But one reason I switched from canoe to kayak was because (I thought) kayakers don't have to portage! What's this about a portage?! I'll stay in my boat, thank you very much.
Actually I just checked google maps and that little sandbar doesn't look all that bad, so maybe.
Blaine
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"a crossover to the men above a certain age condition" -- my arse.
The reporter failed to note that one of us (not the reporter) did very much enjoy a cold beach brewski, while the other yearned instead for warm tea.
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A couple of us paddled by the Dry Breakers today, and this time I kept a close watch out for seals. We stayed a good distance away as we paddled around the two small islands. We saw none until reaching a spot where a string of low rocks connecting the two islands came in view. We could just make out two seals lying on these rocks, heads raised, alert. We were about 150 yards away and had been paddling at right angles to them, not approaching. We stopped paddling. Regardless, they began to move and then slid into the water.
We kayakers mean them no harm, unlike some boaters who in the past precipitated passage of the MMPA. I doubt any of us NSPNers would ever intentionally harass wildlife. BUT, if seals are so skittish that they head for the water every time a kayak passes by at a good distance, then it seems there's not much to be done other than all of us steering clear of known seal habitats entirely, for example, never visiting the Dry Breakers, which are one of the most beautiful sights in the area. But a major reason many of us kayak is to observe and appreciate wildlife in their natural habitat. So, how do we resolve this dilemma?
My provisional conclusion, until something convinces me otherwise, is this:
I will continue trying always to be respectful of wildlife I encounter and never intentionally frighten them. However, I may approach slowly and non-aggressively to some reasonable distance so that I might observe and photograph. If they flee, then as always, I'll feel bad for frightening them but this will not change my behavior -- unless and until I become convinced that my actions are actually doing them real and lasting harm. At the present time, however, I'm of the opinion that my entering seal habitat, with the result that many of them leave their rocks for the water, is merely a nuisance and inconvenience for them, not a danger.
Contrary opinions??
Blaine
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Aargh...wish I had seen this earlier!
Sorry Ern. I wish I had posted with a little more notice. We had a blast.
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Bob Levine and I will be doing this trip tomorrow. This is a Show and Go. Please join us if you'd like. It should be considered solid L3 as the pace will be steady and the water cold.
Launch: 10AM from the parking lot on the north side of the causeway connecting Marblehead proper to the Neck. We'll paddle out Marblehead Harbor and hit as many of the islands as we can, stopping briefly wherever there's a decent landing. Children's, Dry Breakers, S.Gooseberry, N.Gooseberry, Pope Head, Baker's, Little Misery, Great Misery, Eagle, and if time and daylight, Marblehead Rock and Tinkers with the put-in on the opposite side of the causeway nearest our launch.
We'll have six hours until sunset. However, since it will be a bright moonlit night, we'll have the option of paddling the last stretch after dark. Estimated distance: 12-14 miles.
Blaine Bjornstad
Circumnavigation, Cape Ann
in Trip Reports
Posted
It's interesting that this chart makes the wind direction (southerly) obvious. The closer to north we traveled, the farther apart the footprints (10 min. intervals)