norm

Thanks for the info.

Quick question - is the Corliss Landing boat ramp put-in on the Annisquam River at the end of Apple Street in Gloucester muddy at half tide and less or is it firm enough for launching a kayak without filling the boat with mud?

Thanks for the feedback. It looks like my trip to this area may be postponed to another day, but I think I may try this put-in spot eventually. Norm

Is Dead Horse Beach totally unavailable for use as a kayak launch spot in August or are there places nearby that are accetable away from the swimmers and life guards? Also, how muddy is the area at low tide? And lastly, is there likely to be a place to park with a kayak trailer attached to a truck? Thinking of launching there this Saturday, 8/10, with a launch time an hour after low tide. Thanks, Norm

Thanks for the feedback on my question. We took a look at Penzance Road at Pebble Beach but it looked rocky just offshore and we were concerned the wind forecast might put big dumping waves on the beach upon return in the afternoon. We took a ride through downtown, but the length of my truck and trailer were too long to consider trying to park on a road or use that ramp between the stores. We decided to use Granite Pier. It cost six dollars to launch and six dollars to park, so splitting it six ways for the two vehicles, it was only 4 dollars each. There is an old ramp at for hand launched boats but we couldn't use it because it was too slippery at mid-tide. We carried our boats down a gangway to a dock that is used for picking up people after the power boats have launched at the main ramp. This ticked off one local as we dominated the dock for 15 minutes or so. It was not an easy carry to get the boats down there either, but it was easier and safer than trying to use the habd-carry ramp. We had a wonderful trip out to Thachers and spent a couple hours exploring the island. There is a $5 fee to land at the island now, but it is well worth it. The staff on the island were very nice and the facilities were in great shape. We had the island to ourselves for 2 hours and had a great time.

I'm planning a trip to Rockport and Thatcher Island for this Sunday, June 9 and was wondering if Pebble Beach is a good launch spot and reasonable parking area for 2 or 3 cars with one towing a trailer? Would there still be spaces available at 9:00am or does it fill up earlier than that. With the trailer, I'd rather stay out of downtown spots. Also, looking to keep the trip under 15 miles, so Lanes Cove would make the paddle distance longer than I've promised. Thanks for any local knowledge and advice, Norm

Sorry for the late reply, but I just got the definitive ok that I do not have to work tomorrow. I will be planning to join this Level 3 trip. This is my first paddle with NSPN. I have been paddling with the Turkeys on the south shore for 3 years and have done plenty of open water trips that meet or exceed your Level 3 guidelines. I'll be car-pooling with another WTP who has been in contact with Sue about this trip. Thanks for putting on this event. Sounds like it will be fun. I look forward to venturing out North of Boston for a change. Norm

I didn't notice anyone mention the North South River Watershed Association Expo. It's the same weekend as the KTP Expo at UNH but a lot closer to Norwood if you don't want to travel that far. In past years it was titled a "Kayak Expo". This year it is moving to a larger venue and is now titled an "Outdoor Adventures Expo". It is at Marshfield High School on April 10th. Here is the URL to their web page for the show: http://www.nsrwa.org/Page.125.html The NSRWA Expo is not as large as the KTP Expo but it has more South Shore Outfitters, like Billington Sea Kayak and also has South Shore paddling clubs like Wild Turkey Paddlers and Wampanoag Paddlers.