prudenceb

Anyone who can come next Wed should do so, and perhaps we can discuss whether keeping Wed evenings will work, or whether it would make sense to switch to another day. I, for one, am flexible. (I also would be willing to help out with rolling practice/learning for anyone...) pru

I'm happy to keep posting for Wednesday nights - unless there's another night that works for you, in which case ?we could all switch? In any event, I'll plan to keep showing up, as long as others express interest, until they are kicking us out five minutes after we arrive! pru

Although for some reason the Walden sessions aren't listed as recurring events, we continue to meet on Wednesday nights, weather permitting, starting at around 5 until they kick us out. (Closing time last week was 7:30 so we were off water a little after 7.) While there were only three of us last week, we had a good time working on stuff in the warm water. Tomorrow is supposed to be a nice day, so hope that folks will join us! pru

There's a free launch area if you turn left (by the Japanese gardens - ?Asticou garden) on Rte 3 before you get into NE Harbor. Keep going on that road, and either just before, or just after, the turn into the National Park/Jordan Pond area there's a free parking lot on the left across the road from a beach from which you can launch to Baker's. At low tide, it's a bit of a walk over the beach. pru

I paddled out to Baker a couple of years ago from NE Harbor, but it was a pretty calm day. I do remember that the water between Baker and The Cranberries (I think they're the ones, don't have a chart in front of me) can be confused so watch out for that. There's a VERY cool osprey nest off of one of the Cranberries (you can find out which in a guide book) and if you return that way, it's well worth a look. pru

I'm going out with a friend who's looking at a boat to buy on Saturday, and need one day - Sunday - on land to get my life in order - so I will have to take a pass on this ladies paddle. I hope to make the next one! Have a blast and eat good ice cream! pru

Thanks, all, for your kind words. So many people at NSPN have helped move my paddling forward (and boy does it still have a long way to go!!). And a special shout out to Lorrie - who first told me about John Carmody; and Warren - who got me to go on my first 2-3* wknd with John a year ago. And to the Walden Pond skills gang, with whom it's been fun and educational to work on stuff. Lorrie, I'm going to enjoy my three little stars for now before thinking about more! pru

Ocean Paddler is gorgeous - but the font is so small I need a magnifying glass to read the articles! What's up with those Brits?? pru

CAM-able Leon, Please don't stop posting trip reports regarding potential incidents and lessons learned! Some of us relatively newer paddlers get a lot out of hearing about these things. I say this not to divert the thread from Rob's desire to keep it focused on radio usage and protocols, but I just wanted to throw this in. Pru

I have a tiderace xplore s (the low volume one). I used a greenland stick exclusively until this year. The boat rolls very easily. I will be looking to sell it in the fall when my new Cetus comes in. If you have interest in checking it out, I'd be happy to arrange with you. pru

If they had a button for bow rudders, I would have done much better. As it was, disaster! Repeatedly! pru

Foot end first, zipped. Then I don't close the dry bag until I'm ready to stuff the whole thing into the boat. As I work it into my front hatch (usually the last thing to go in up there because it's so eminently stuffable when there seems to be no room left), the air gets expelled, and I fold down the dry bag after it's all in place. pru

I may be able to join you this time - wherever... pru

Wonderful report and pictures, Peter, and as you well know, I REALLY wanted to be on this trip as well. Next year? I am very impressed that you got a photo of the legendary figure from the past standing in his impressive boat. Only a very skilled observer, paddler, and photographer could have captured such an image! pru

Wow - what a great way to spend the night! Much better than hanging with the relatives and sweating at home (my situation)! pru

I don't know about the weather, but when I joined one of the wonderful moonlight paddles last year - also on a Friday - the traffic was a true horror. It took over two hours to get to Lane's Cove from Rte 128. So if you go, allow plenty of time! (BTW, it was completely worth it - the paddle was lovely, phosphorescence dripping off of paddles etc...) pru

I guess next week it will be... Bummer indeed! pru

Looked at the local forecast and they're calling for thunderstorm at 5 pm... Hmmm. What to do? pru

Just wanted to make sure that others are planning to be at Walden tonight for the regular session - I know lots of people are on vacation or planning big trips to Jonesport etc! pru

And, Rob, you'll be so proficient at rolling that when you get toasty, you'll just roll over and up - just like Rene! So go with all neoprene! pru

Wow- very cool indeed! Does this make all of us famous?!? But I guess there might be times we wouldn't want to be captured by satellite! Pru

Congratulations are in order for two NSPN paddlers who came in first in their divisions in the Blackburn Challenge on Saturday: Matt and Lisa! Congrats! Sure was a hot day for a long paddle! pru

yes! pru

Thanks to everyone for thoughts on this - and Suz, I really like the idea of working to do an S curve to know you've mastered it. pru

And when you fall out of your boat because you don't know how to paddle it and you're being chased by a shark, you can probably swim faster without a pfd.... pru