cfolster

Thank you for doing this, dear; I will be there. But, I believe it's called the Easter 'Bunny' Plunge! =) Hence, the bunny ears . . .

Bob, sorry for the delayed reply. Will be happy to help as needed.

I wish I was as cold-hardy as a seal so I could roll my kayak in the freezing cold water (just making this post kayak-related). :-)

https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/651668573/rescue-me-balloon What do folks think? Obviously, the monofilament line getting tangled around you or your boat if you're still in the water could be an issue, but the general idea is interesting . . .

As a new hammock owner (yeay), I've just discovered Amsteel and am wondering why we're not using it for tow lines. It's incredibly light weight and compact for it's strength and floats. http://www.westmarine.com/buy/samson-rope--amsteel-blue-dyneema-as-78-single-braid--P014895700 What would the recommended breaking strength of a tow line be?

Please join us on Thursday January 15th as Melissa Meyer and Josko Catipovic will present their recent paddling expedition in North Labrador and Kate Hartland will present her recent solo paddling expedition in Fortune Bay, Newfoundland 6:30-9pm at Newbury Canoe and Kayak 291 High Road, Newbury, MA Refreshments at 6:30, presentations begin at 7

Yeay - finally a desert! I was getting worried! :-)

Entrée - gluten free, vegetarian lasagna.

Just an update - at the last board meeting, the Board voted to split the funds raised from the holiday party raffle among MITA, Maine Coast Heritage Trust (www.mcht.org) and Salem Sound Coastwatch (www.salemsound.org). Please join as at the party and take a chance on winning some great raffle prizes.

Hmm, I have two pairs of pogies. Guess I should dust them off and try again. I always felt restricted by them, but if im just paddling, and not messing around, I think I can work with them.Thanks!

As many of you are aware, NSPN is a club supporter of the Maine Island Trail Association (www.mita.org), a non-profit association that developed and continues to maintain a network of islands from Kittery up to the border of Canada - all available for day or overnight use. As a club supporter, we have adopted two islands in Casco Bay for beach cleaning and trail maintenance, and try to fundraise for MITA as well. Many of us have visited this jewel in our backyard numerous times for day or overnight trips. Our annual holiday party raffle is the way we raise money for MITA. Last year, we stepped it up a bit, soliciting donations from local vendors - with great success! We had dry tops, wool socks, several paddles and more! We are doing that again this year, and hope to have some great raffle prizes to offer. How Can You Help? Many club members are talented artists - whether they make their living through art or practice it as a hobby. We'd like to ask that members consider donating a small piece of their artwork to the raffle. It could be a wood carving, framed photograph, needlepoint, painting - whatever. We will provide a donation letter for tax purposes and if you have brochures or business cards, we will display them with your piece. I hope everyone will consider this opportunity to support MITA. Please contact me at cathy folster at verizon dot net or via PM if you would like to donate or have questions. Looking forward to seeing everyone at the holiday party (Dec 6th) and viewing the talent of our club as well!

Just sent my float plan info and looking forward to seeing everyone!

In in for any day/location.

I'll be there!

As I sink (ha) deeper and deeper into this awesome sport, I meet more people and learn about new places to kayak. So many more than I'll ever get to, probably, but it recently started me to thinking about what places are top on my list. The ones I MUST DO before I am unable to do so. I thought it would be a good exercise to share them with folks and have others share their buckets lists. Maybe there will be similarities and trips will form. Maybe we'll all learn a few new places we want to visit. Here's my list (yes, I know it's short - feel free to fill it up with more suggestions): 1. The Skookumchuck Narrows, near Egmont BC (can I list this one twice - it's just awesome. Look it up on YouTube) 2. The Bitches, Ramsey Sound, Wales 3. Apostle Islands, Lake Superior

There will be a gear swap/sale just before the members general meeting this Sunday at the Gould Barn in Topsfield. 9am-9:30am This is a great opportunity to find new gear or sell your gently used or new gear. Feel free to post to this thread to advertise what you'll be bringing or to post a wanted ad for a particular piece of gear. I will be there at 8:30am, so feel free to arrive early to set up your gear for sale. The general meeting starts promptly at 9:30 am.

Bump . . . looking forward to seeing lots of folks there! Remember it's a potluck. I'll have water and juices there, but bring your own if you'd like something different. Cathy

Robert and I plan to be there.

Robin, Here's a link that explains how to add pictures. . . http://www.nspn.org/forum/topic/9676-adding-pictures-to-postings/

Incredible - but hope he has a good brace!

Definitely go North! Recent article has good data on seasonal distribution: http://www.plos.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/05/pone-9-6-curtis.pdf

Lorrie, This is all thanks to you! You have a coaching style that really helped me break through the fear. You are, above all, encouraging and supportive and honest. You take the time to explain where to paddle, how to paddle, what's going to happen, what it's going to feel like and how to respond. You help people start off slowly and work up to larger conditions. You answer questions and call out instruction (not criticism) while students are paddling. All of that is critical for those of us who become paralyzed by our fears. I hope all the other coaches out there are reading this. The method of just try it and then we'll discuss, does not work for everyone. Thank you!!!!

Pru, Thank you, as always, for writing the trip report! It was a great day in this spot that has become my favorite even though it still scares me. My goal for the day once I was there was to get to the point where I wasn't screaming every time I ventured into the current, which I did! I look forward to returning and becoming bolder each time I go. Cathy

I'll be there (I've emailed Michael to let him know).