prudenceb

The First Annual Easter plunge definitely whetted my appetite for the Second. I'll be there! pru

I like the Panasonic, but managed to kill my first one when I actually believed that it was waterproof and had it underwater for a week in the Virgin Islands. It died shortly after we returned home. Got some really nice turtle, pictures, though, which almost made it worthwhile. I've had the second one for two years with no problems, but keep it mostly above water. pru

Sorry for misposting about the number of stars. When you're looking up at all these fabulous paddlers from my lowly view, it all looks pretty sparkly to me! To clarify: Ginni is a 5* sea leader, as opposed to coach according to web site... pru

Also, Ginni Callahan, another BCU 5*, runs www.seakayakbajamexico.com. She and Jen are both terrific coaches and people. Ginnie has a center down there, with very good equipment (NDk boats, Werner and Greenland paddles etc) and trips tailored to different skill levels. I've wanted to do Baja...maybe next winter...and would be completely satisfied with either Jen or Ginni. Pru

Boy, you guys really squeaked in what sounds like a wonderful paddle between small craft advisories the night before and gale/ blizzard warnings for right after. I'm glad you kept it to less than 20 beers! Pru

I'd be interested, and actually,know a very nice paddler for whom these are home waters. For further info, PM me or email directly. pru

Cathy, Thank you for taking us along on your snow-free snow paddle! Once again, I can only say I wish I had been out there with you, but try to reassure myself that my day WILL be coming... Easter plunge, anyone! pru

The polar bear boat really wished she had been out there in her element among the ice floes. Failing that, I was thrilled to read the trip report and see the pix. Thanks! pru ps Cathy, did your pink wool hat get wet when you did your rescue? If not, why not?

I was distressed to get this month's issue to find that it is the last; apparently the magazine has gone under due to a combination of the inexorable march of the internet, the downturn in the economy, and the growth of recreational, as opposed to touring, kayaking. I'll miss the boat reviews and trip reports, but especially the articles that became Deep Trouble - cautionary tales with lots of take home messages. Life in general clearly goes on, but it is sad to see such a good magazine bite the dust. pru

Pls make sure to take nice pix and put em in a trip report for us landlubbers yearning to be out on the water... pru

Thanks to John and all attendees for making this is a really fun, informative afternoon. Part refresher course, part new. Looking forward to Part II! pru

Way to go, Joyce! pru

With John Huth's navigation workshop upcoming, people might be interested in watching a film of a re-creation of Ernest Shackleton's amazing 800 mile small boat crossing from Elephant Island, where his ship's crew had been stranded after The Endurance was blocked in and eventually crushed by ice, to South Georgia Island. This journey, across the southern ocean was a miracle of navigation and, yes, endurance. This film on PBS was was made by a group that made an exact replica of the small boat, dressed in clothing identical to what the five men on the boat wore, ate what they ate, and then made the crossing. The first episode is available online, the next episode is next Wednesday. Amazing footage of BIG seas and cold sailors! http://www.pbs.org/program/chasing-shackleton/ Enjoy! pru

Yes, informative evening and good to see everyone! pru

I may try to join you at mandarin as well... pru

What grand goals you all have! I have one goal: to be able to get into my boat at the start of a paddle, and out of it at the end. Anything/everything else will flow from there: improving formal paddling skills (which I rather neglected last year because I was just having so much fun being out on the water), getting to more skills sessions at Walden, getting Lorrie to make me love standing waves as much as Cathy apparently now does, and going on lots and lots of trips (day, overnight, wknd, multiday up and down the coast of Maine,with new friends - some of whom I haven't even met yet - as well as the usual crowd of paddling buddies). Plus, I'd really like to stay right side up if we're able to get back to Cobscook this year! Plus, be a teabag for Rob's successful 4* assessment! pru

Oh man, these pictures really drive home how much it stinks to be land-locked these days! pru

Me too. pru

Love all the silly faces you caught, Doug. For those of us who wish we could be upside in the water with you all but can't, photos are great! pru

I did TWO knees, Gene! Keep up that PT...and you'll be back in your boat, as I hope to be, too! pru

A really excellent party, and kudos for all the work put in by the Party Tzarinas, Katherine, Cathy and Janice. For those of you who didn't make it, you missed a terrific time. Congratulations to Cathy for her two totally deserved awards. Bill, I wish I were a good enough paddler to watch you in the conditions that won you the Hard Knocks! And thanks for all the kind words about my award. It was most excellent to be on my feet again, and seeing everyone Saturday provided inspiration (as if I needed any!) to keep up with PT so as to be ready for the spring paddling season! pru

Some kind of dessert. pru

Would love to join you but alas will able to be there in spirit only. But hope for a nice trip report and photos! pru

Congrats , Paula, and I hope there will be NSPN women following in your footsteps In the not too distant future! (Not me!) pru