David M

Ouch! So, because there is no exposed drying waterline on the piling I assume the tide was flooding. One possibility - the kayak was tied to pilings bow and stern and as the tide rose and the dock likewise the strain was too much.

Just what the doctor ordered. A wonderful antidote to the doldrums of sequestering. I binge-watched the entire series in one sitting. Thanks Gary!

So, I'm not yet prepared to "play along", but this inquiring mind wants to know... "what's with the uniforms?"

It's not too late...?

I dove into this about 5 or so years ago after getting surprisingly cold on a spring trip. Some more points to reinforce the above: Understand the four key ways the body loses heat; evaporation, radiation, conduction, convection and mitigate Pay close attention to the forecast lows in spring and fall Googling winter camping can turn up some great helpful hints Tent temperature may only get 5 degrees warmer than the outside air Tent size can be a factor when considering that the colder empty space is a thief of warmer air being generated by the body Using gear, especially stuff sacks to insulate ambient space around the edges can be helpful Many bag pads now have "R" values which purportedly measure insulating factor from the ground Guard against going to bed cold; go to bed slightly warmer - consider warm drink While the body is designed to regulate against temperature, generally the temperature is lowest between 3 and 6 AM Don't hold your pee at night. It takes energy for the body to keep it warm. Consider a urination device to avoid opening the tent and the accompanying heat loss/cold intrusion. Like my American Express card I never go camping without it. Base layers including hat and socks are a must. Avoid your favorite cotton pjs and tight fitting clothes; and finally... If you've got space in the sleeping bag bring morning clothes and shoes inside. gives a somewhat more comfy morning.

Re-posting Dan's original from the General section to hopefully increase viewership. ? They've been lots of fun. See bolded section below for Sunday's details... If you need some Zoom peer-coaching feel free to reach out via Private Messaging. Original Post Please join me from the comfort of your own comfy chair or survival bunker for an hour of virtual socializing and storytelling with your fellow NSPN paddlers-in-exile. Two options to video chat this week: Tuesday, Mar 31, 5-6PM: (happy hour and socializing. for discussion: what's the best 3-mile stretch of paddling in New England?) Sunday, Apr 5, 10-11AM: (brunch-time socializing, plus tow-belt show-and-tell! we'll do some therapeutic tow-belt braiding, and share our favorite rescue stories.) For either session: At the anointed hour, click the following link to join: [removed after the event] You'll need a laptop computer, phone, or tablet with a front-facing video camera and a microphone, and you'll be prompted to run some free video conferencing software from Zoom when you join the meeting. If you haven't used Zoom or other video chat/conferencing software before, you might want to click the link below a few minutes ahead of time, to give yourself time to test your video and audio settings. For the best video quality, try to pick a spot in your house with plenty of light and make sure the brightest light is in front of you, and not behind you! (sit facing a window or lamp, with a wall with no windows behind you). For anyone using Windows 10, you can click start and type Camera to use the Camera app to preview your camera setup and appearance. These are meant to be light and airy social occasions and to offer an escape from the news cycle, politics, and negativity. If you get booted or muted, that's why. If there's something you'd like to share with or ask of the group, feel free to mention it in a reply below so people can prepare in advance, or simply bring it up in the video chat. Al is looking for people's experiences with the Cetus MV vs the Cetus. Pablo and I are curious about what people would like to see from a ready-to-print NSPN PDF map library. Edited Monday at 12:55 PM by Dan Foster

Looking forward to the Sunday brunch! The Happy Hours have hit the spot.

Bump

Thanks Dan! A wonderful diversion from all the challenging stuff going on.

Ken- I echo Mike. Important disclaimer. I am a committed P&H fan. I absolutely love my Aries (155) and my Cetus (MV). I pull out the Cetus for fitness paddles, long group day paddles without rock and/or surf temptations, or camping. I paddled the Scorpio on an extended international trip. I was pleasantly surprised, but it was no Cetus. I like Joe's analogy for the comparison. The Aries has become my go to boat 85% of the time. IMHO it shines both in the rocks and in the surf. Conversations will sometimes lend to talking about it's sluggishness for an extended paddle, but honestly it's not been an issue. If I was in your position, I might hold onto the Scorpio and strongly consider the Aries. Once the season is in full swing and trips abound, I'd be glad to hook up and give you a chance to try both boats. Cheers! David

Thanks Jim. I can hear the ice tinkling and cracking Jim. That is one determined reptile! Speaking of which, we've been in Florida since late December. They have their own brands of reptiles down here. Went for a paddle Sunday to hunt some up. Got skunked! Cheers and stay healthy! David

Love the Astral Blue. Pricey but has some unique fit features. I especially like the range of integrated side pockets and front storage. It actually has self storage for a bladder.

Hi Liz, Very interested in these.

So imagine my surprise when waking up and not quite through the first cup of coffee to be reading the latest edition of NRS's Duct Tape Diaries to see some familiar faces... Kelsey and Jonathan Oltz of NSPN and Sea Kayak New England. It's a great read with spectacular pics! https://community.nrs.com/duct-tape/2019/10/20/sea-kayaking-off-the-lighthouse-state/?trk_msg=US7GGBIQ98G4B9UVLAQUG63E64&trk_contact=A6QMP0EH5SJ7LPATTOKGMRJL3C&trk_sid=NUHR9R5VNPOC2F0R6490NG2CPG&utm_source=Listrak&utm_medium=email&utm_term=Sea+Kayaking+Off+the+Lighthouse+State&utm_campaign=riptide-nl-43&utm_content=1019-4 Congrats guys!

I'd jump at this but am on business travel. Thanks for posting!

Morning. The forecast has gotten a bit more complex where the approaching cold front drawing moisture from TS Erin has shortened what looked like a pretty clear window allowing unfettered paddling into the late afternoon. I'm still planning on making the drive and the paddle if others are in.

Weather and conditions look spectacular!

I've launched here and it's less of a challenge for sure.

I'm in. Thanks Joe!

I'm in but watching the weather.

My wife just ordered one after using an older one of mine.

Kokatat Orbit.

I'm in.

I'm definite.

What if we take the weather out of the equation and launch at 9ish?