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David MC

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Posts posted by David MC

    NSPN Casco Bay New to Kayak Camping Trip June 15-16, 2013

    in Trip Reports

    Posted

    What a fabulous weekend! At last I had the opportunity to marry two of my joys -- backpacking and kayaking. Certainly a lot easier to carry your gear in a kayak! More importantly, I learned many of the "tricks of the trade" from two people willing to take the time and effort to share their passion and "lessons learned" with others. Thank you Warren and Pru!!! You have whetted my appetite for more. All of the false starts due to weather and parking logistics may have actually been a plus for learning. Each time there was a change I would pull out the charts at home and rethink the trip, tides, forecast, crossings, etc... I couldn't have asked for a better introduction to kayak camping. Encore!

    -David

    Saturday's full-moon moonrise...

    in Trip Reports

    Posted

    Great evening! Bugs ate me up in Brace Cove, so I might think twice about that stop. But, the phosphorescence was mesmerizing. We were surmising that it might be due to all the heavy rain we'd had.

    The moon was hidden by clouds often, but it was still surprisingly bright.

    It was good to re-acquaint with some of you, as well as meet some new friends. Thanks all!

    Cheers,

    -David

    Bangs Island Cleanup June 4th

    in Past Trips

    Posted

    It's a bit of a long haul for me this early in the season, but I'd be interested in future cleanups. I think I'll opt for the CAM workshop on Sunday instead. Have fun and thanks for giving kayakers a good name by giving back!

    Compass/Chart online learning resources?

    in General Message Board

    Posted

    If you can stomach studying printed materials, Nigel Calder's HOW TO READ A NAUTICAL CHART (large-format paperback) is a good resource.

    This winter I kept a chart of an area I was staying at (and paddling) on a table and began reading/digesting this book. I went back and forth between reading, highlighting, making notes on the margins, examining the chart, and some field exercises. For example, after perusing the chapters on lights, beacons, and buoys, I looked at every such symbol shown on the chart and made myself say out loud what they meant, checking with the book's tables only if I got stuck/forgot something. I walked along the beach with compass in hand and tried to find every designated navigation-related feature shown on the chart in a given stretch.

    You get the idea. I didn't memorize the book whole but worked about a chapter at a time. In this way, I ended up reading the entire book, which at first glance had looked VERY dry and uninteresting. Correlating what was in the book with real life (both paddling and beach-walking) made it come alive. And now I have all those notes and highlights in it for when I need a refresher.

    We don't have workshops here of the kind you described, but I obtained some water-trail maps (not MITA) for an area I will be visiting again and (hopefully soon) moving to. Also got the Captain Jack's Almanac of Tides and Currents for that area, have bookmarked various webpages from NOAA for both weather and tidal info, and will order a chart or two as well. Then I'll come up with some sample day-trip routes in the area, for which an instructor has graciously offered to "check my work" when I get out there. I know at least one other "interior U.S. paddler" has done this, with good results. There is still, of course, the actual butt-in-boat-in-currents nav practice that doesn't exist here, but at least this way we can get some of the mental practice down before actually going. Also seems like a decent way to start getting to know what to expect in a particular area.

    The above methods are not online, but they have helped me learn. I totally agree with you that "the more I learn about paddling, the more I discover that I want to learn!"

    Thanks pikabike! Great book. And it was available from my local library! :-) Lots of different charts are pictured with "highlights" pointed out in captions. I'm having fun hiding the captions and examining the charts, then revealing "the answers". Cheers.

    CAM on-the-water workshop Sunday May 15th

    in Trip Reports

    Posted

    Thanks to the presenters for "passing it on". Your enthusiasm, patience, and discussion created a great learning environment. I especially enjoyed exploring the shared leadership model. I got a different sense of my team and my surroundings when I was asked to lead a short leg. Scott, Rob, Greg... kudos!

    Folks, if you've been reading about the CAMs, but have been sitting on the sidelines, I strongly encourage you to participate next time. You'll be challenged in a safe environment, meet some amazing NSPN members, and leave energized for the sport.

    A great day.

    Compass/Chart online learning resources?

    in General Message Board

    Posted

    During the FANTASTIC on-the-water CAM session yesterday, I realized I need more knowledge on using a chart and compass together. I'm much better at reading a topo map to navigate on land. But, the ocean, with infinite possibilities, is a different puzzle. I need to bone up on this stuff.

    Did any good online resources come out of the April 10 workshop? I wish I hadn't missed this. Looks great!

    http://www.nspn.org/forum/index.php?showtopic=7793&st=0&p=44453&hl=+compass%20+chart&fromsearch=1entry44453

    Any e-learning or practice websites are especially welcome.

    Thanks!

    -David

    Lanes Cove, Gloucester MA 7/31

    in Trip Reports

    Posted

    Thanks for the photos and company! Wonderful night. It was a pleasure to paddle with you all. I can't believe how many folks were setting off fireworks. And the water was so still that you could see reflections. What a great view, when that moon came up, and we were paddling right towards it. Cool group.

    The next full moon...

    in Past Trips

    Posted

    Sad to say, I'm going to have to back out. I was really looking forward to it! :-(

    My hands, especially the right hand, has been tingling since my paddle on Thursday. I've had this happen before, but it usually goes away the following day. Carpal Tunnel? I better take it easy for awhile. Have fun gang!

    -David McCaleb

    New to Sea Kayaking Pool Session

    in Trip Reports

    Posted

    Hi all. it's me, *&^$%* (David) ;-) Sorry for the late reply - I just noticed this post.

    Brian, I can't thank you enough for your excellent coaching. I think the key for me was talking through what happens at the very end of the roll and working backwards through the process. As Gillian said, everyone learns differently, but that worked for me.

    What a great group!

    Just an update, I did my first successful roll in the ocean on Sat! See you on the water.

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