jdeforest

Your correct on the SA and ORM, it's kept me safe so far in my current job and as for when I was in the military, I was a C student. In 2005 I became a disabled veteran, but I had a lot to think about my actions and action of others in the hospital. I mapped out my possible sleeping and landing spots in 10NM increments along the coast. I used overlays of state parks, WMA, camping areas, national parks, wildlife refuge, etc. The State of Florida just created a paddling trail around Florida, so half of my work was stolen from them. With all that, I have about 80% "allowed sleeping spots", the other 20% is exploration and a little luck.

By no means am I trying to solislit money on this forum or advertise my cause. I asked the question because I can count the number of times on both hands that I have paddled with others. I kayak mostly solo because I love the feeling of being one with the water or it could be that I can't get my wife to go when it is snowing out. The NPO is a small but extremely important organization, Wildland Firefighter Foundation (www.wffoundation.org). The foundation helps wildland firefighters and their families in times of need. For example, this weekend there is a fundraiser to help ten wildland firefighters whose homes where destroyed in the Southern California wildfires last week. Before that it was to help the family of Forest Service employee Tom Marovich who died while rappeling from a helicopter on a fire in Northern California. The list goes on and will continue long after my paddle. I been extremely lucky in life and I have the best job in the world that sends me to places that people only see as screen savers or postcards (even though there on fire). I work full time for the National Park Service and supervise a module that travels the country, sleeps in the woods, eat MRE's, dig fireline with shovels and work long hours only to do it again the next day. By having people donate a penny a mile, I like to think of it as a payment on the insurance policy for every wildland firefighter. Thanks "Scamlin" that list is outstanding. Better than I could ever come up with. Justin www.ice2009.com

So I am a long time lurker on this board and have only posted a hand full of times, but now I was hoping to pick the brains of the community. In about 3 weeks I am doing a fundraiser for a non profit organization. The fundraiser is a solo paddle from Chesapeake Bay to Key West utilizing the Intracoastal and Atlantic Ocean. I think I have everything but, everyday I come up with the what if questions. I am lucky enough to have my one of my cousins input (he went from California to Hawaii in a off the shelf kayak in the 1980's) and his tips were go light and don't take many rest days. I am pretty sure I have the big ticket items (Kayak, paddle and compass), but I'm looking for the little over looked items that can make a paddle easier ( a clue, a motor, a friend towing you), It never hurts to have others insight, especially from this forum. P.S.- This board is one of the best around. Justin www.ice2009.com

I have been using the SPOT tracker for the past 6 months and have found it to be useful. People need to keep in mind it's not a GIS tool or a EPIRB, it's tracking device. I attach it on the back of my Ronin and forget about it. It has a clear view sky and for the most part uploads every time. I have the tracking option so that wife can see where I am since I paddle solo long distances in all types of weather. The SPOT does have the ability to "Call" Search and Rescue assets, but shouldn't replace a EPIRB, but if you don't have an EPIRB the SPOT is better than nothing. Since it does have a emergency option people should attach it your body because in bad weather you have a good chance of become separated from your boat if your not tethered to it. I plan on using the SPOT on my next trip in a couple of weeks (1500 miles solo paddle), so I'll write in about my experiences it good or bad. My two cents

I am new to the board ( I read it everyday but don't post much) and paddle in the waters around the Cape. You can launch from Herring Cove Beach parking lot or by the Old Harbor Life Saving Building/beach. The whales were close, but I have have not seen them kayak close to the beach in the past days (I am lucky enough to work at the Seashore). If you are looking to paddle in the local area, give me a email. I planning to paddle around the Cod in mid-May and as of now, it's solo. I normally paddle solo, but I partners are welcomed. Here is my website for www.ice2009.com.

I use and have had great success with Powerfilm (www.powerfilmsolar.com) flexible waterproof solar panel. I use it to charge my IPOD, cell and AA's. Justin www.ice2009.com

Not to butt in, but has anyone that's paddling a "Truck Bed" liner keel strip seen a drop in speed due to drag? I have gone back and forth on the idea. I've read a couple of articles on the rubber strip, all positive. Justin D

I know I am a new member to this board and know one has paddled with we, but I had a quick question for the forum. This fall I'm planning a solo paddle from the Virginia to Key West, half in Intracoastal and half in the ocean. Has anyone done it ? Can anyone put me in contact with someone who has, I had a few questions ? I thought paddling this would be a great way to see if I can spend day after day in a kayak before I set my sights slightly higher and even more importantly I want to see an area from the waterline most people take for granted. I am thinking a week journey is a lot different then 60 days in a row (I know it's different).