mhabich

Local books about the area where you'll paddle are always a good thing; AMC has a couple for around here. There are lots of books with "all you need to know about kayaking", and most of them don't explain much and show inefficient rescues. Gordon Brown's videos are remarkably good...seakayakwithgordonbrown.com for previews and to buy. They'll help you absorb the tremendous amount you can learn from the paddlers here. Brenda, you led an x-c trip to Greeley Ponds for AMC years ago...I was the only guy in the group of 12. Afterwards, you tried to teach a few of us to make tele turns on the old slope on Snow's Mountain. Thanks again for a great day.

REI Reading also has NW Sea Tec in stock. Its bag is a pouch, while the Dynamic is more of a burrito wrap with mesh. Otherwise they're quite similar.

North Water just came out with a New! Improved! model, the Dynamic Sea Tow Pro. I got one, and it seems pretty clever. Bag rolls open, easy to stuff, bungee is away from the biner so it doesn't snag. Info on North Water site and there's a YouTube video also (I can't figure out how to paste a link here). I'll have it with me if you want to check it out.

"Son, that was a joke." Foghorn Leghorn Not that there are any leghorns on Baker's...

We'll need a large group. Baker's is well defended by its inhabitants. If we're to take it we should expect some casualties.

Bob, I'll be there. Paddled out to Baker's Friday and yesterday.

Robin, Yup, that was me on that wave. I'd have sworn both ends were out of the water...and now there's proof! Thanks! I'll even get you out of the breakers before getting you back in the boat next time (now that we both know better). You got a couple of good facefuls of water, but you got back in. You're tough.

We in the Paul-Bob pod had a splendid day as well, except that we drowned both of our leaders. Bob had "forgotten" to keep his spray skirt loop on the outside and, since none of us noticed it at the beach, he was lost when he capsized shortly after the launch. Shari did a quick job of the recovery. Later in the day I was to do a paddle shaft rescue for Paul, but I didn't get there fast enough. The sight of his arms flailing, then going limp in the water, will haunt my dreams forever. Luckily, our NSPN CAM trainers are not mere mortals, and both recovered expeditiously. In fact, all of us escaped alive, wet, and grinning.

The chocolate and the trips were all imaginary. The learning and the fellowship were real. Thanks, all.

I'll be there, if I can find my ears. They must be here somewhere...

Tide Graph Earth NC Marine charts...NOAA raster charts with full GPS function Windfinder...predicts wind and wave height/period Buoy Explorer...wave height/period, water temp, air temp, wind at NOAA and other buoys Launch Sites...paddlers.net list of launch sites with map

New guy Mike here. Well, that was the most fun I've had in a while. Didn't think I could learn so much so fast. Of course, it helps to know so little to start... Thanks to everybody, and especially to Rob, Rob, and Bob for not making me remember too many names. I'll be back.