jdkilroy

Justine Curgenven's newest kayaking video has been released and I have to say, its a joy to watch. I found the "Bonus Disc" to be my favorite with expedition videos of two circumnavigations; Haida Gwai (the Queen Charlotte Islands) and the more recent circumnavigation of New Zealand's South Island. Some absolutely incredible footage. Disc-1 has several short segments including: Dubside in Deception pass, "sea kayaking" the Ottowa River, a fun segment on kayak fishing and more but the bunus disc is where I found the best footage by far. This would've been a great stocking stuffer but we just couldn't wait. Now I have to get back to figuring out how I can pay my bills by kayaking every day... Jon

Hi Bill, I could be mistaken but I'm not aware of any use for the term "Declination" at sea. There is Variation and Deviation. Compass Error is the sum of those two. On land, (surveyors and topo maps), Variation is substituted with the term Declination with the meaning/definition being identical. Deviation is something kayakers might have to deal with if you were to pack your boat in such a way as to have metal/electronic objects close enough to your compass to affect it. Even stainless can cause a deflection. Jon

The terms Variation and Declination seem to come into some confusion when folks go between maps (usually representing land) and charts (usually representing navigable areas of water). (In deference to John, we'll exclude celestial navigation for now) Land-based maps use the term "declination" whereas charts will use the term "variation." Both are referring to the difference between magnetic north and the geographic meridian (true north) at a given location. So you will hear land surveyors speak of declination and navigators at sea speak of variation; they are both referring to the same thing. Hope that helps. Jon

Appreciate the co-misery Ed although we did have a fun day in spite of the flat water only. Could someone please direct us to the glossary of acronyms. ie SNG? I gather from the context that it might be a gathering of us to paddle together. Jon

What a absolutely grand day to be out on the water. We headed out from Goat Isl. (between Portsmouth and Newcastle) ferrying accross the Piscatiqua at full flood around 1200 by the old prison where we found an unbelievable wild apple tree hanging over the river. http://i311.photobucket.com/albums/kk467/j...oy/PA180002.jpg Plan was to go up Chauncey Creek and exit along east side of Gerrish Isl. and head out into some perfect bump; (NE winds 10 ~ 15 kts, 3 ~ 4 ft seas) a downhill ride along the coast and then head back in. Unfortunately we did not realize that you can't actually circumnavigate Gerrish Island alone; you have to include Cutts Island as well; accessing the sea through Brave Boat Harbour. We thrashed about in the grass and reeds for too long and lost the tide. http://i311.photobucket.com/albums/kk467/j...oy/PA180005.jpg Still a great day to be out on the water. Jon

I will plan on attending and possibly my wife as well. We paddle through the winter already but it will be a great way to meet some of the NSPN folks, learn from others and paddle after. Sounds like a great day. PS: What's a "PPPO" and for that matter a "SNG?" I need a new member handbook it seems. Jon