Cath

The New Hampshire AMC paddlers offer sea kayaking trips and some instructional trips. They do focus more on rivers but they have something for everyone. http://www.nhamcpaddlers.org/ Also, I have had very good experiences with trips led by AMC's Knubble Bay Camp Committee. They have some good weekend trips listed this summer on AMC website. Cath

My few more cents worth... I do better with a tent that is not all mesh - I tend to get cold and find a tent with more fabric to be warmer. If you tend to get cold easier a smaller tent works better too. I do pack poles, fly, and tent body separate, though I do remember paddling to an island worried about whether I had put the poles in the boat or left them in the car. Since I tend to be on the road a lot and often "live out of my car" I do better if I put all the kayaking stuff in one or two baskets in the car to keep it separate from my other car gear. (I keep a sleeping bag and other gear in my car so I can make camp while traveling, along with work clothes for two different jobs, and dog blankets, so things can get mixed up in there). One thing I hate to forget is a simple fleece ear warmer. It fits in the pocket of my life jacket, and drys easily. I use one even in summer, on rivers and ocean - the wind bothers my ears otherwise. I carry powdered gator aide type drink in my emergency pack. I sometimes drink it watered down a bit during the day if I have been sweating - helps prevent headache, for me anyway. Cath

With the different occupations and schedules that can be represented, the challenge on a group trip can be getting in sync with each other, rather than with the natural world. The success of the group trip depends on everyone adopting a similar schedule. Nature is the easy part - it is not trying to get anywhere! Of course getting to know everyone along makes it lots of fun and very worthwhile.

I have enjoyed reading all of your comments! Great topic. As far as sleep meds - Nancy was smart to caution that one should first try ambien at home if it is something you elect to use. Keep in mind that it is a sedative and a controlled substance. If an emergency arises in the middle of the night you may not be able to think quickly and rationally (i.e. you may not want to take it if you are chaperoning a boy scout trip). I once had a very long and important phone conversation with someone after they took their ambien for the evening, but before they went to bed. They did not sound drowsy or impaired but the next day they did not even remember that they had talked on the phone, let alone any of the discussion (you may not want to play truth or dare after taking ambien). Also - unless it is an absolute emergency, never take any medication for the first time while in a remote area. That sounds like common sense but sleep meds might seem pretty harmless, especially to someone desperate for sleep, and can be underestimated. some info: http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmedhealth/PMH0000928/ Benadryl is a common over the counter medication and the generic forms are effective. It can also be good to have along for allergic reactions, and it is very rare for someone to be allergic to it. With some people it causes a paradoxical reaction and makes them feel more excited. It can also cause a "benadryl hangover" - and make you feel kind of groggy and foggy the next morning, and can cause dry mouth. Melatonin is a hormone, and supplements are available inexpensively over the counter. Some people find it helpful for insomnia. Studies have shown effectiveness for jet lag. It may be worth trying. My favorite technique is Joshua Radin on the MP3 player. Electronics can have their place and have less side effects.

What about attaching a cupholder?

I may not make it on many of the club's trips but I do find the message board to be pretty entertaining.

I'd like to go too.

Sorry - our area code is 207. We only have one area code up here in Maine for the whole state so I sometimes forget that it is an essential piece of information. Also - my email is cathkimball@gmail.com - if you shoot me an email I can send you his cell number - or feel free to call. Cath

I agree. He looks pretty washed up now.

My husband and I both have Garmins (I think my husband had used different models of garmin as well) and the PN-60. I truthfully am not up to speed with the gps yet so cannot talk intelligently about its features. For me the PN-60 is preferable because it is smaller and in color so I can see it better. He uses gps all the time for work, so he is more familiar with them. He much prefers the PN-60 as well but would be better able to discuss its pros and cons. I can give you his cell number if you want to call him some evening for more details. We have the delorme map subscription as well. My cell is 712-9319 if you want me to pass along his phone number. He would not mind. I work most evenings but try to have my phone with me mid to late mornings and early afternoons. Cath Kimball

From what I remember, at the end of the ramp across from the 'Keag store you will find an long expanse of deep sticky mud at low tide. We stopped to check it out before and decided it was not a great place to launch as it is so reliant on tide. However, there are picnic tables and a port-a-potty, and the store has good sandwiches so it is a good lunch stop.

The Lobster Shack, near Two Lights, in Cape Elizabeth,ME. Very scenic, family business.

I think some of the sunburn effect is coming from the wind as well. I have best luck with sunscreen made specifically for the face. It is less oily and feels more comfortable, and doesn't seem to cause me to sweat as much. I did forget to use it several times so far this season and got burned so I am trying to use it automatically now. Lately I have been using the Neutrogena Age Shield Face Sunblock 70 spf. It does not even feel all that thick for a 70. I try to rub it in with my left hand only because I am right handed and tend to rub my eyes with my right hand (which you shouldn't do anyway but I can't break the habit). I have also learned to put in contact lenses before getting sunscreen on my fingers. You might have to look in the face cream / cosmetics section to find the less oily or oil-free sunscreen. It might look like girly stuff but get it anyway! Look for something that says it won't clog pores. It won't feel as thick and heavy and hot and won't drip off with sweat as easily. If you are good about wearing something across your forehead, like a bandana or hat, you could apply it lighter above the eyes and heavier below the eyes so you are less likely to have it drip into your eyes and sting. It is good to keep it handy and reapply it at lunch time. I am learning to keep it with the emergency type stuff because it is easier to get at it when you all of a sudden realize your face is getting too hot. Chapstick with sunscreen is good to keep handy too. After paddling use moisturizer to counteract the drying effect of the sun and wind. If you get burned at all keep up with the moisturizer. We should probably all be better about offering sunscreen to people who might have forgotten to bring it and reminding people to use it. I think sometimes people skip it in the launch site rush to get in the boats. Happy kayaking! Cath

This sounds fun - would be interested.

Planning on going!

Planning on going - (looks like I posted same response twice, sorry)