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Hey Pru, Rob and I are hoping you could dial up Mother Nature on the direct line you have. Based on this past weekend, we think we are on her S**t List and need you to put in a good word for us.

Cathy and Pru, with 3 and a half good camping months left in 2012, we should be able to schedule 5 or 6 more trips. Especially when we count in December. Oops........did we forget to mention how great it would be to go camping in December???

Warren

They say if a sea kayaker is very lucky they may, at least once in their lifetime, experience the transition of an ordinary trip to an extraordinary one. Those trips always create lasting memories. This past weekend I had the privilege to participate in an extraordinary trip. I will admit that Mother Nature played an important role by delivering up a small craft advisory for Casco Bay. But the weather simply played a supporting role in the process that would unfold.

Now there are already many excellent trip reports which capture the beauty of a Sebascodegan Island circumnavigation. One such report was authored by Gary York on May 29, 2012 and it served as the basis for our planning. This trip report will not attempt to duplicate the efforts of previous authors, but will instead focus on the key factors which I believe were the catalyst for the transition to extraordinary.

The plan, which began one week prior, was for Robert Folster and I to launch on Saturday, September 10 from Bethel Point Road. We would circumnavigate Sebascodegan Island in a clockwise fashion, camping overnight on a MITA island in the northeast corner, then complete the trip down the eastern side on Sunday morning with a return to the launch site around 12:00N. The weather had been nasty with a small craft advisory being issued during the week. We decided a "go, no-go" would be made on the morning of Friday, September 9. The small craft advisory was lifted and the trip was on.

On Saturday morning we arrived at the launch site around 9:30AM. Overnight the small craft advisory was reissued, so a careful beach briefing was begun. We clearly had three goals for the weekend. 1. Improve our paddling and camping skills in inclement weather. 2. Conduct our activities in a safe and responsible manner. 3. Have fun! Now during the briefing, we acknowledged the fact the neither of us had ever before paddled these waters. So we were not certain how the weather would manifest itself in the sea state. We believed we each possessed intermediate level skills but the conditions may push our skills to their limits. To adjust for this we would stop at key points along the way, make careful observation, decide on a plan forward, and then execute on the plan. Rob understood that this methodology had a flaw with only two paddlers. So he volunteered a solution, which would give me the final say when we could not agree on the best plan forward. Perhaps Rob had sensed the burden of responsibility which is felt by any trip initiator and crafted the plan accordingly.

We launch at 10:30AM and arrived at a MITA island which had some exposure to what was forecast to be 3 to 5 foot seas. We were pleasantly surprised to see 1 to 2 foot seas and winds of approximately 10 kts. However, the fog which was forecast to lift at 9:00AM was still very thick. The fog made me hesitant to advance to our next decision point at Long Point Island, but we had agreed to sit tight, eat a sandwich and make careful observations. Within 15 minutes, the fog had lifted and the course ahead looked promising. We headed off to Long Point Island to continue our observations and make a "go, no-go" decision to round Gun Point and head into Gun Point Cove. This decision would affect whether or not we initiate the circumnavigation or head back to Quahog Bay and camp in the bay. Once again we were pleasantly surprised to discover 2 foot waves and wind of 10 knots so the circumnavigation was initiated.

Now the plan to launch around 10:30AM and follow a clock wise route was crafted to take advantage of a flood tide which would begin at approximately 11:00AM as well as the south winds. As we paddled along Gun Point Cove, and into Ewin Narrows, the wind had increased to what felt like 20 kts and we were feeling the benefit of the inflowing tide. We were traveling at 5.0 to 5.8kts as recorded on my GPS. It felt like being on a log flume ride. The wind was constant and unrelenting. We looked forward to what we hoped would be some relief on the lee side of Sebascodegan. Little did we realize what Mother Nature had in store for us?

We entered Prince Gurnet and were ready to round Doughty Point when I was stopped cold. I immediately voiced "Oh s**t, do you see what I see?" The water ahead looked like a broad expanse of white water rapids. Rob suggested we stop at a small cove, climb the rocks to the top of Doughty Point and observe. By our calculations we were at max flood moving at 3 to 4 kts and an opposing wind which funneled up Long Reach pushing the water back at 20 to 25 kts. The effect was "stunning". Now Rob had recently completed specialized training with Greg Paguin on moving water, so he could see past the challenge. He observed the effect, and then crafted a plan which we discussed. Rob would lead with me on his tail, playing a "catch me if you can" game. As we left the quiet cove in a wide arc, the current grabbed hold and swung us into position. After a brief paddle through the wind wave section, we executed a sharp left turn and arrived in Long Reach. Through the sound of the wind I could hear Greg say to Rob, "could use a little improvement, but not bad."

Luckily paddling with the current and the wind to our backs had helped us conserve energy levels and we were feeling fine. Throughout the trip we found ourselves checking in with each other as to whether we were drinking water, feeling cold, in need of a break, etc. By this time we did not know what to expect as we entered Gurnet Strait. Luckily our passage was uneventful and we enjoyed a break from the wind. As we arrived at the northern tip of Bombazine Island, I could sense Mother Nature saying, "Not so fast, I have a treat for you!" We actually translated that message to "I am going to kick your butts' big time!" We began a slog of approximately one mile to get to our camp site. The wind was funneling up the New Meadows River at what seemed like 20 to 25 kts and wind gusts of 25 to 30 kts hitting us on beam. I had received training from John Carmody for paddling in strong winds which included, deploy the skeg, shift your weight in the seat, use edging, maintain a rhythmic cadence, etc. As we completed our passage I could hear John say to me, "Could have used more torso rotation in that forward stroke, but not bad."

Now I could tell you the rest of the trip was uneventful, but that would leave out the tree crashing to the ground at our camp site as we hunkered down in our tents listening to the howling wind and the torrential downpour. But I believe my examples above may have communicate my message.

This trip went from the ordinary to the extraordinary due to the complementary nature of our skills and the methodology which brought structure to our decision making. With good structured training, an honest appraisal of our skills and teamwork we saw opportunity at each point along the way. Oh, and by the way, we had two bald eagle sightings!

Warren

Pru,

Congratulation Paddling Buddy Number One! I know how much effort and time went into preparing for your award and we both know John's high standards. You have reason to be proud.

Now, with new skills and a new boat coming later this year, you are looking good girl!!

Warren

Rob,

I have participated in several NSPN day trips and I have seen examples of the concerns you raise. I do not see any easy answer to the problem. I have tried solo trips and you quickly discover that the ones we leave behind worry a great deal about our safety. So for me that is not a good option. My discovery of kayak camping seems to select a subset of the sea kayaking community that sees more risk, both on land and on the water. I have been very fortunate to paddle with individuals who value their safety and the safety of others. Clearly separating from a group can increase the risk to the group and we all understand that issue. For me, a good trip is a safe trip where we all have fun and good food. And of course, see an eagle!!

Warren

Rob,

Great thread! One statement that speaks clearly to me is the comment by Ed that it is important to try and be an "active" paddler in a group. One who is vested in the success of the team and will try their best to help analyze the risks and contribute to the decision making. Sometimes you might need to do a solo trip or try and lead a small group on your own. You quickly learn how hard it can be to lead or be an active paddler. But no one said sea kayaking would be easy.

Warren

Cathy,

I have had the privilege of receiving instruction that is based on both programs. Both program do a fine job helping educate sea kayakers. But like any athlete, the select of the coach or instructor is a key decision point. You know best what type of coach works best for you. If you are careful in selecting the person, the knowledge transfer will flow effortlessly. I complement you on understanding the value of structured learning. May you have a safe journey ahead.

Warren

Kevin,

I am glad to hear you enjoy your Explorer as well. When I am in my fully loaded Explorer heading to an island to camp it is a dream come true. Without the help of good people like Tom, I might have been forced to explore my world from the inside of a tour bus. What a horrible thought!

Living the Dream!

Warren

Kevin,

As you know, I purchased a 2011 Romany and a 2012 Explorer both from Tom and I have been very pleased with both boats as well as the purchasing process. Last year was my first year kayaking and the Romany was a perfect choice for me and continues to be a great boat as my skills have improved. This being year two in my journey, I chose to focus on kayak expeditions and now find the Explorer is perfect for those trips. I have completed six kayak camping trips this season and the Explorer has served me well. I do not believe I would have felt as confident exploring the outside of the outer islands if I were in another boat.

I might also mention that each of my boats were ordered with the 50/50 layup (full fiberglass hull with a carbon/kevlar deck, bulkheads and seat) which lightens the boat significantly while allowing me to run it up on the rocky coast of Maine without fear of hull damage.

One final comment concerns the fitting of the paddler to the cockpit performed by Tom. Tom performed a lengthy fitting process for me on each boat, which has resulted in a most enjoyable journey in both comfort and function.

Feel free to PM me if questions arise.

Warren

Gary,

There are two current prediction stations in the Jonesport area. One at each end of Moosebec Reach. The max current typically runs between 1.0 to 1.2 knots. It was just enough to give us a nice ride.

Yes, we did consider continuing around Great Wass, but we also wanted to see a MITA island in the Mud Hole Channel vacinity. It was worth the stop since the views were spectacular. We also very much enjoyed the ride thru Moosebec Reach and I for one looked forward to the return ride which did not disappoint.

There is so much to see in that area, I like that I still have more to see and will be eager to return.

Warren

Peter,

Thank you for a wonderful trip report and an amazing adventure. And thank you to Judy, Katherine, Glenn and Robert for beng a most enjoyable group. Seems to me the environment provides 30% of the fun and the paddling group provides 70%. Boy, did we have a great time with hopefully many more trips in our future.

Warren

Ed,

Oops! My mistake. The current prediction stations for the Jonesport area on this app are only the two at either end of Moosabec Reach. You are correct, the station on the west side of Steele Harbor Island is the only tide prediction station for the Jonesport area on this app. I do find the app interesting and at only $2.99 via iTunes it seems like a good deal.

Warren

Ed,

The only current prediction station for the Jonesport area on the Marine Weather Plus app in one on the western side of Steele Harbor Island. Do you know of any other tools (apps or other media) which give more info on current flow and direction for the Jonesport waters?

Warren

Dustin,

I do have the app loaded on my iPhone, but I do not use it as often as an app entitled "Marine Weather Plus by Bluefin Engineering." I like their "layer" approach and have been using it to locate current prediction stations to track current speed and direction in advance of a trip to Jonesport. I also use the weather forcast layer to compare with the marine forcast on Maine Harbors. Give it a shot and tell me what you think.

Warren

One more question: Garmin sells the Bluechart g2 on a microSD card for the US for about $160. Is that a good card to get for kayaking in our area when we get back into sea kayaking (Essex bay, Portland ME, Rye NH, Glouchester, etc)?

Lynn and Mikael,

Sorry about this long overdue response to your question.

I have a Garmin GPS, the Bluechart g2 microSD card as well as the desktop trip planning microSD card. I bought them last year and used them to suppliment my use of nautical charts. Last year I was frequently touring in new areas where I needed to be certain the island I was planning to visit was in fact the island I thought I found based on my navigation skills which were developing. The Bluechart software was perfect for achieving that goal. I can remember three occasions when the software confirmed my location. I also used the desktop planning tool with the Bluechart to locate a place and set a waypoint. I would then upload the waypoints to the Garmin. That way I avoided the possibility of an error in keying the waypoint directly into the Garmin.

I will admit I use the GPS less this year, partly because I know the areas better. My navigations skills are, of course, still developing so I always take along the Garmin. As I venture further down east, I hope to encounter fog and perhaps the Garmin will be one more tool in my tool kit.

Hope this helps,

Warren

Gary,

What a great adventure. Thank you for sharing.

I particularly liked the Endor-esque landscape photo.

I would quess you have many more trips planned before the end (Now come on does it really ever end!) of the season. Any trips planned to The Bay of Fundy??

Warren

Last week, Pru and I joined four other paddlers for a four day trip to a group of outer islands off Naskeag Point in Brooklin, Maine. The islands included Marshall, Swan and Long.

The trip took us to beautiful beaches and island communities where we discovered the most outstanding ice cream sandwich with homemade chocolate chip cookies in Frenchboro on Long Island. Definitely worth the trip!

If you have not yet explored this beautiful section of the coast of Maine, perhaps the attached photos will provide an incentive.

Warren

Last week, Dave and I set out from Dolphin Marina to explore the middle section of Casco Bay. Camped for two nights and paddled for three. The seal pups were extra curious and luckily no sharks. Since conditions were extra calm, it allowed for careful observation with the discovery of a new nesting pair of eagles.

Hopefully, others will enjoy this special section of the Maine coast and experience similar discoveries!

Warren

Heading up to Casco Bay tomorrow morning for a few days of camping. Hope to photograph the seal colonies from a safe distance. Will plan to get a few good shark photos as well!! Wish me luck!!

Warren

Before I begin, I need to state that the hanging draw has always been my weakest stroke. That being the case, I have tried many different methods. I now like the no edge approach. I find the boat tends to "skate" across the water in a manner similar to the sculling draw which I have always tried to perform with no edge.

So perhaps we now have three options to consider!

Warren

Peter,

Count me in. I am looking forward to it!

Warren

Bob,

Count me in. Looking forward to it!

Warren

Dustin,

You might want to consider camping on the MITA island described in the 2011 guide book on pages 192 and 193, it is my favorite place to camp. Be certain to visit the 2011 MITA guide book island described on page 196. Also, the non MITA island by the name of ********. You will find it on your nautical chart east of the others described above. Stonington is a wonderful area to explore and you can tuck in to the lee side of an island during windy days. Once you cross Merchant Row, you might want to consider the island described on page 186. Pru, Barry and I considered the island as a camp site last year due how close it is to IAH, but the ocean swells at the time would have made landing very difficult with our loaded boats. The MITA guide describes this as a potential problem and it is correct.

Have a great time!

Warren

Phil,

Thank you for the info on the Audubon App. I have an iPhone 4S and just loaded the app. I believe you are correct that the bird we saw in the waters around Little Whaleboat was in fact a tern. Based on the recent sightings in the Whaleboat area as displayed on the app, it was probably a Common Tern. Wow, this is great!

Someday, we should begin a new thread on our favorite iPhone apps for kayakers. Do you have others?

Warren

Peter and Kate,

Thank you for planning a great camping workshop and to all those in attendance for sharing your experiences. I had several "Aha" moments when I realized, "Oh, that is how you do it."

Peter, thank you for the awesome recipes!

Now back to planning my next great adventure.....

Warren

Pru,

As always, a wonderful report. It is so nice to be part of these adventures. I particularly liked the last two lines of the report, "Why keep driving hours and hours to get out on the water for an overnight? Because it's a sure cure for what ails you!" That clearly describes why we kayak camp so often and can not wait to begin our next adventure.

Warren