mhabich

On 12/16/2019 at 1:21 PM, kate said:

You can buy it used for a few bucks. I am happy to lend out my copy, too (bought used). Totally worth $39 though!

Or as an ebook for $5. What a great book. Thanks, Kate. 

I’ll see if I can find my way there. 

The nice thing about this trip is that you have options. You can launch from Riverhead and spend half an hour getting out of the harbor, or cross the street and launch from Devereux and spend half an hour getting off the beach. 

I'll miss this.  Think I'll go play in the street current Monday, and won't be worth much Tuesday (as if I ever was anyway).

This is just too tempting.  Haven't found much current this year.

Another thought about the river:  As Paul says, the NH side is rather industrial, with lots of docks and barges...in other words, places where you could get pinned.  Heads up.

Problems of the working class...

Sounds great. Weekdays would be best, as I tend to work on weekdays, and would rather go play instead. Weekends good too. 

Links to forum discussions on other methods to prepare a chart:

Using CalTopo

Using an image editor
https://www.nspn.org/forum/topic/12038-on-line-nautical-noaa-charts/

None of these methods is as easy or effective as we'd like, but your choice may depend on your previous familiarity with various types of software.  The ideal might be the custom charts prototyped by NOAA, but the results are horrendous.

Let's be sure to include lat/long, scale, and compass rose or mag variation on any charts posted.

3 hours ago, detorres said:

sounds great I just did a partial job to get a two sided 8.5 X 11 chart  of most of Casco bay for this up coming weekend. I had a hard time cropping from the NOAH PDFs to get the right size and area, so anything new is welcome....

Pablo, did you make this chart using QGIS or by other means?

40 minutes ago, gyork said:

Webmasters: Is there a way to create folders in the "Downloads" section? It would be nice to keep charts separate from other docs. I'd like to suggest "Southern", "Midcoast", or "Downeast" for simplicity, or follow the MITA guidebook index which is divided into "Southern Coast", "Casco Bay", "Western Rivers", "Muscongus Bay", "PenBay", "Deer Isle", "MDI", "Downeast", "Bold Coast", " and "Cobscook Bay."

There is a folder for charts.  Are you also asking for subfolders for region?  Should be able to do this too.

Also watch for corrosion on battery contacts.

From Essex Board of Health:

We continue to receive reports of cyanobacteria present throughout Chebacco Lake, most recently isolated to the areas of Gregory Island and Echo Cove.
The Essex Board of Health is advising swimmers, boaters, and dog owners to beware of the dangers of harmful algal blooms and to avoid contact with the water when cyanobacteria is observed.  The beach area at Centennial Grove remains closed; boating may resume, with caution to avoid areas where cyanobacteria is present.
When in doubt, stay out!  More information on harmful algal blooms may be found here: https://www.mass.gov/info-details/harmful-algae-blooms-in-freshwater-bodies

MASSACHUSETTS – ANNISQUAM RIVER – BLYNMAN CANAL – Temporary Deviation and Full Channel Closure – The Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority (MBTA) has requested a temporary deviation from the regulation governing the operation of the Gloucester MBTA Drawbridge across the Annisquam River, mile 0.7. Under this temporary deviation, the drawbridge will remain in the closed position from September 8, 2020 to September 14, 2020 to allow the operating machinery and existing counterweight to be demolished. The vertical clearance in the closed position will be 16 feet, 4 inches. Vessels capable of passing under the bridge in the closed positon will be allowed to do so. Mariners are advised to plan accordingly and to exercise caution when transiting the area. The MBTA has also requested a full channel closure, including closure for emergency vessels, from September 15 to September 17, 2020, for additional demolition work. Mariners are advised to plan accordingly. Questions may be directed to the MBTA Resident Engineer, Matt Moorehouse at 617-839-8075.
Chart 13281 LNM 35/20 (CGD1)

If you use the Thule line with a ratchet and an S-hook, throw away the S-hook and replace it with a carabiner.  The S-hook will fall out out the car's tow eye if the line loosens.

Lake is closed. No session tonight. 

12 minutes ago, Patrick Donahue said:

Ok. Thank you. Have been reviewing the radio.

If we’d gone tomorrow we might have had a chance to use it. 

Pat, 

I’m canceling. We’re down to just you and me, and I’d want to see three for tomorrow’s conditions. 

Mike

15 kt calls for three to sea, We ended up with two. Next week...

If you’re coming, please send your float plan info (phone, emergency contact, boat, car) to me by PM or email. I seem to have messed up the form...
David and Pat, you’re all set. 

This week's Wednesday Lunch Paddle is on August 26, 2020. We will meet at 9.00 am at Pavilion Beach, Gloucester (aka the Greasy Pole).

This is a crowded public area.  Wear a mask.  We also employ an online waiver to avoid passing around a physical piece of paper. You must register using the form link below to be sure that you're actually on the paddle.  You could also indicate interest below to let other folks know who's coming.

Location: Pavilion Beach in Gloucester (not Ipswich!): https://goo.gl/maps/YJyzx7w3uiZNYPdJ8

Parking: There is a small free lot on Western Ave (MA route 127) directly on the beach, but for a group of our typical size it will be necessary to drop boats at or near this lot, and then find a parking spot nearby on Western Ave. On a Wednesday morning spots should be easy to find. Beware that there are one or more spots adjacent to the little lot casually marked "Vendors only" and you will receive a hefty ticket if you park there.

Registration: To attend, please register using this form which will also add your information to the float plan:

https://forms.gle/13n5ZQigWFYjN79B7   PM or email me.  Form isn’t working.  

You must be a paid-up NSPN member to join this trip. Your signup information will only be shared with other participants.

Predictions:  WNW wind 11 to 15 kt, with gusts as high as 24 kt. Sunny. Seas around 2 ft.  Small craft advisory through 8 AM Wednesday.  We'll keep watching this and make changes as appropriate.

Gloucester Harbor tides:

Wed   05:49 AM   8.89H
Wed   11:49 AM   0.61L
Wed   6:11 PM   9.81H

When/what: We will meet at 9.00 am and launch as soon as we're ready.  We'll likely head out around Eastern Point and Dog Bar, and hug the coast heading NE.  If we go to Salt Island that's about 12 nm RT.

This trip doesn't have a specific level: we'll determine the route based on who shows up, what people want to do, and what the environment wants to do. All properly equipped members are welcome: please bring boats with rigged deck lines, bulkheads, spray skirts, and dress for immersion. If you're not sure you have a safe vessel, please get in touch with us and ask.

We encourage paddlers to make their own independent decision about their comfort level with conditions at the time of the paddle. Please PM me if you have questions or if you haven’t paddled with me before.

Hope to see you there!

Lanes Cove, Pavilion Beach Ipswich, everything in Essex...all closed.  Been to Riverhead a bunch already...

Forecast 16 kt WNW for Wednesday...would be nice to be in shadow of a big rock.

So...I'm thinking Pavilion Beach Gloucester (greasy pole) again...left toward Salt and Milk islands, since we went to Kettle last week.

Will post details soon.  In the meantime, better ideas always welcome.

Jim, when we play in the rocks, we play in the rocks. 

from Essex Board of Health:

August 21, 2020:  HAB present throughout Chebacco Lake

We have received new reports and photographic evidence of a harmful algal bloom in multiple areas of Chebacco Lake.

After consulting with our community partners in Hamilton, as well as with individuals from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health's Environmental Toxicology Program, we are advising all individuals that Chebacco Lake is not suitable for swimming, boating, or pets at this time. 

Hey, folks, let’s stop encouraging illegal parking. This is not how we treat our neighbors or make friends.