Kyle.Martin

MASKGI is holding its Training-Day again this year on June 10th.    With some of the best instructors in the NorthEast and centrally located in Maine’s mid-coast, the day promises to be a rewarding mix of learning and fun! From first year members to Master Maine Guides there’s a level of instruction for everyone.  A great post training BBQ will finish off our day on the water.

The cost for the entire day, including instruction and dinner, is $70 or $60 if you’re an ACA member.  This is a MASKGI member only event, but MASKGI is open to everyone and annual membership is on $30/year  You can find more info about the event and MASKGI at https://www.maskgi.org/resources/2023-training-day

2023 Maine Association of Sea Kayak Guides and Instructors (MASKGI) Pool Sessions

Awesome trip! Looks like some amazing food as well. Happy to help with the boat and glad it has found a home of appreciating owners. 

Boreal Designs Epsilon Series Epsilon. Also a Necky Looksha. Boats we will outfit beginners with when guiding. 

53 minutes ago, dsigall said:

Hi Kyle, I'm interested but would like to hear more about costs & arrangements for food. thanks! Dana

Sure thing Dana. It is rather complicated to try and explain all that within a listing on a forum. I would rather if people would like to go they can reach out to me directly, through the NSPN messaging system, and I will provide additional details. Thank you and hope to hear from you soon. 

Hey John, just sent you a DM.

Anyone wishing to confirm their spot can send me a direct message indicating their intention to do so. Thanks! 

June 11th through the 14th. 

Join us for this 4-day 3 night crusade to escape the realities of modern life. Accommodations will be centered around the rustic Maine Island Lodge located in the heart of Muscongus Bay on Gay Island and includes private and shared rooms, bathrooms with hot showers, and full kitchen amenities. Provisions will be self-provided this year with the potential for lobsters for interested parties. Itineraries from prior years have included day one: meeting at the dedicated and private put in to load boats and paddle to the lodge; days 2 and 3 typically consist of taking advantage of the diverse route selection of epic day trips; and day 4: loading and paddling back to cars. Ability expectation for this trip is level 3. Please DM me to reserve your spot or for more details. RSVP on the calendar listing once you have confirmed. 

Maine Island Lodge

Link to last years trip report

Barry, 

Best bet for Western shore of Muscongus if your looking to avoid Round Pond, is Muscongus Harbor. Midcoast Kayak runs their operation from here. It is a small fee to park. You can also contact Maine Sport Outfitters in Rockport regarding parking in their lot at the end of Bradford Point Road in Friendship. This parking area services the Maine Island Lodge property on Gay island. Hope that helps. Feel free to DM me. 

Kyle 

2020 Muscongus Bay Getaway photo album

     Seven hearty souls gathered together for the 3rd annual Muscongus Bay Getaway. In these strange times, it was great that this small group was able to responsibly convene and leave the real world behind for a few days. 
     Six arrived for a mid-morning put in at the usual Friendship launch. We awaited Yong’s arrival later in the day as he was having his requisite COVID test performed that morning. The initial group of Bob, Evie, Christian, Marcy, Troad and myself set out for a paddle instead of proceeding directly to the lodge, given the days Northerly wind conditions. We explored the small inlet just west of Friendship harbor and meandered around the little nubbin islands in that area. Even got a speaking-to by some local fisherman for paddling over their pogie boil- awkward! After escaping this confrontation with local pirates, we enjoyed a nice push south down to the southern end of Friendship long island. We rounded the southern end and enjoyed a pleasant lunch at the Maine Coast Heritage Trust site at the south east end of the island. After lunch we saddled up and ponied onward to the lodge via the passage between Friendship, Long, and Morse. 
     On the crossing from the north end of Morse to Gay island, we spotted Yong paddling from across the channel. He appeared to have already deposited his goods at the lodge and was headed North towards the Pleasant Point gut, the channel between the mainland and Gay Island where the lodge is. We were able to hail him on the radio and arrest his foreword progress into the depths of a solo progression around the island. He was glad to see us. Bob, Christian, Troad, and I came together for an evening circumnavigation of Gay before arriving back at the lodge for an amazing sunset, and Yong’s lettuce cups. 
     Saturday morning rewarded us with relatively calm conditions and a light Northerly wind. Since conditions in the afternoon called for a reversing wind direction from the South we decided on descending the Georges Island chain down to Burnt. Rose, the island caretaker, was excited to be joining us and we were glad to have her along. We enjoyed lunch on the massive granite slabs on the east side of Burnt. We anticipated watching the wind die and then change direction perched high above the water looking out towards Port Clyde and Marshal Point lighthouse. No such luck. The wind remained northerly but was manageable at a steady 7 knots. Because of this we had a great deal of shelter as we climbed our way back North towards Gay island. 
     Upon reaching Caldwell island, the group split with Marcie and Yong beelining back to the lodge while the rest of us paddled directly North into the Pleasant point gut to pick up a few lobsters that were awaiting us. We were successful in our lobster pickup, but unfortunately had overestimated the amount of water that would be in the Southern end of the gut. A small portage was required. 
     Sunday called for similar wind conditions and direction as the day before, so we elected to paddle the classic Northerly route through Friendship Harbor towards Bremen Long Island. We paddled from Martin’s point over to the channel between Bremen Long and Cow Islands. We enjoyed the multiple mini peninsulas and nubbin islands on the southern end of Bremen long before proceeding across the channel to our lunch spot on the mainland at Broad Cove Marina, where we took advantage of their diverse menu of seafood offerings. After lunch we rounded Bremen Long island on the Northern end and enjoyed a fast ride south with the ebbing tide and tailwind down the Flying Passage, between the mainland and Bremen Long. Upon reaching Martin’s Point, we were then convinced that the wind was chasing us, as it shifted to the Southwest. In light of this we proceeded directly across to Friendship Long island where we were able to take advantage of this change. We picked up some dollar oysters from the oyster farm just a stone’s throw from the lodge on our way home. These were savored along with excellent conversation and stargazing that night. 
     We enjoyed a leisurely morning on Monday awaiting the arrival of Rose who would ferry some of our heavier goods across the harbor for us. Many enjoyed a brief walk around the property after packing up. After Rose’s arrival and assisting her with loading the boat, we headed back to the put-in via Morse island and the channel between Friendship long and Garrison island. 
     An excellent time was had by all. We all reflected on how during our escape from the real world, there were periods where we completely forgot all about the nightmarish drama that we had left behind on the mainland. My hope is that more people can have this sort of experience in their own lives and carry it forward to their friends, families, and communities.  

Hey! Took a look at that one and thank you. Turns out they are only interested in a composite material boat. Thanks ! 

Looking for a Necky Chatham 16 for a friend. They are motivated and in central New Hampshire. Interested in roto-molded or composite. 

207-653-9388

Thanks! 

3rd annual Muscongus Bay Getaway!

This level 3 trip is for paddlers looking to further explore Muscongus bay. Paddling options include George’s Islands, across the mouth of the St. George River to Port Clyde, Monhegan in a day, and many others. The Maine Island Lodge on Gay island will be home for the long weekend. The lodge sleeps 14 with both private and shared rooms with beds. Tent platforms also available for those that would prefer a tent-site. Creature comforts include gas stove/oven/hot water heater, running water/plumbing which all have access to. Scrumptious dinners prepared by lodge keeper Rose. Your spot is secured after I receive Maine Sport Outfitters fee of $165 to secure your lodge space or tent platform. Additional $50 for a shore dinner Saturday night which includes lobster, Gay Island oysters, local clams, potatoes, corn and desert. PM for more details or Paypal/Venmo: kyle.martin.8080@gmail.com and please RSVP on calendar. 

A track of group 2's paddle on Saturday...

Kate, thank you for the trip report. Reading it I could not help but be reminded of The Count from Sesame Street. I can see him holding up the big numbers now.

1- the number of hi-fives I give you. 

The exposed crossings of Lucksee and Hussey sound with a strong southerly that day did not sound or look enjoyable on paper. Glad you enjoyed yourself. 

Thank you for your interest in the Muscongus Bay Getaway. This trip has reached its participant threshold. Please let me know if you would like to join the waitlist. My sincerest appreciation. 

Kyle 

This level 3 trip is for paddlers looking to further explore Muscongus bay. Paddling options include George’s Islands, across the mouth of the St. George River to Port Clyde, Monhegan in a day, and many others. The Gay Island Lodge will be used as a basecamp. The lodge sleeps 12 with both private and shared rooms with beds. Tent platforms also available for those that would prefer a tent-site. RSVP on calendar event after sending payment to secure your sleeping preference. Creature comforts include gas stove/oven/hot water heater, kitchen wares, running water/plumbing. Dinner this year will be prepared by lodge keeper Rose. Maine Sport Outfitters fee of $145 to secure your spot in the lodge or tent platform. Paypal: kyle.martin.8080@gmail.com or contact MSO and ask for Tim in the Outdoor Programs department. 

Link to last years trip report

RSVP On Calendar Post

UPDATE: 2 spots in the lodge remain.

Several tent platforms also left for $35 a piece. Includes use of all facilities.  

Kyle 

Just special effects. The lodge sees a great deal of upkeep. 

Unfortunately not. I am a guide for Maine Sport and they ask that I collect the fees upfront. I have Venmo also. Please let me know your preferred means. Thank you. 

Regards,

Kyle 

1 hour ago, Julia Richmond said:

I would like to sign up for this trip. 

Do I pay you through the PayPal link you provided? I can bring food for shared dinner.

Troad

Hi there, happy to have you along. Yes, please PayPal the address listed. You are on for 1 shared dinner. Will PM soon with more details. 

Kyle 

This level 3 trip is for paddlers looking to further explore Muscongus bay. Paddling options include George’s Islands, across the mouth of the St. George River to Port Clyde, Monhegan in a day, and many others. The Gay Island Lodge will be used as a basecamp. The lodge sleeps 12 with both private and shared rooms with beds. Tent platforms also available for those that would prefer a tent-site. RSVP on calendar event after sending payment to secure your sleeping preference. Creature comforts include gas stove/oven/hot water heater, kitchen wares, running water/plumbing. Pot-luck with gratitude extended to 3 people that can contribute 3 main dinners. Maine Sport Outfitters fee of $75 to secure your spot in the lodge or tent platform. Paypal: kyle.martin.8080@gmail.com  

Saddleback 2017 trip photo album  (please feel free to add to album) 

           The third annual Saddleback weekend took place from July 14th through the 17^th. An eclectic group of NSPNers took part this year including myself traveling to the Stonington archipelago for a downeast adventure. The Maine Coast Heritage Trust cabin on Saddleback island served as the base of operations.

            Two starting points for the journey were established as Old Quarry in Stonington and the Wooden Boat school in Brooklyn. A larger number of us departed from Wooden Boat. We were to rendezvous with the remaining group at Saddleback later that evening.

            The Wooden Boat group enjoyed a pleasant launch in gentle conditions. We passed Lazygut, Eastern Mark, and Shingle islands as well as Stinson’s Neck. Greeting us at the cabin was the Old Quarry group who had just arrived. We were treated that evening to a Thai coconut curry dinner prepared by Joe.

            Saturday morning offered cloudy but calm conditions. The nickel tour of the Stonington islands was the preferred route of the day. Two groups of clockwise and counterclockwise were established.  Lunch was enjoyed on Steve’s island where the counter group was joined by the wise along with a new friend they met on the water that had launched from Old Quarry that day. The evening concluded with a very tasty dinner prepared by Shari of Tikka Masala.

            The plan for the following day was a circumnavigation of Isle Au Haut. We were greeted in the early morning by pea soup thick fog. Undeterred we set of to hop our way down the islands to the northern tip of Isle Au Haut. Hand railing our way down the East side we were welcomed by exciting conditions and unrelenting fog that only broke partially for brief periods. After reaching the southern tip and breaking for lunch on the sandbar between Western Head and Western Ear, we began the ascent up the western side. This rewarded clearing skies, flooding tide, and gentle tail wind. The largely anticipated evening meal was chili with all appropriate accouterments prepared by Jane and corn chowder prepared by Catherine.

Strava stats Isle Au Haut paddle

            Monday morning reared its head to reveal ultra thick fog again. Both groups from Old Quarry and Wooden Boat had a lazy morning of packing up and saying our goodbyes to the island and each other departing mid-morning. After several harrowing channel crossings in dense fog, the Wooden Boat group reached the finish line just in time for the fog to lift. Our group elected Young’s Lobster in Belfast for some post paddle nourishment. We were joined by Yong from the Old Quarry group who detailed their adventurous yet successful return. 

            Much thanks to Gary for reserving the cabin and all participants for this epic experience. All seemed to thoroughly enjoy their too short a stay in this stunning place. 

Jewell Photos

Hello, above please find some photos I took on the trip. I'm not the greatest kayak photographer, but its something. Left with Peter B from the East Prom Beach Friday am. Had a sweet ride over with following seas and a glassy calm return ride. Strava shots are to and fro. Please feel free to add your own photos to this album. Thanks all for a great trip.