JanetL

I will be there with a side dish of some sort.

I’m in, conditions permitting!

I can bring one. See y’all tomorrow!

16 hours ago, Jim Snyder said:

I'm a possible. I was planning on maybe Odiorne. Would you consider changing venues to get a quorum? 

Sure that works for both of us - shall we plan on odiorne instead?

Sue H and I are hoping to paddle from Gloucester harbor on Monday (Veteran’s day). Route to be determined by conditions and interest, launching at the Greasy Pole boat launch 10am or other agreed upon time. (I could be talked into 11/11 at 11:11!)

Please post if interested as we’d like 3 minimum for cold weather.  Requires sea kayak with bulkheads, deck lines, drysuit/weather appropriate clothing. 
 

Can’t on Wednesday... any interest in Sunday or Monday this coming weekend? (It’s a holiday)

Like new snap dragon pogies. I find them claustrophobic and prefer another pair but probably you are less picky than me. Available in Woburn or hopefully on more sunny day paddles this fall / winter season. 

That's my boat and I can vouch for Jonathan doing a FANTASTIC job on her! 

Thanks for organizing Jim! Lovely paddle and cliff-jump. I want to make a return trip just for those friendly waves at the end. 

Jim, can you share how you made that lovely PDF?

I have not been there but is this the spot?

https://goo.gl/maps/c1Yc5Xpz6PUkS3187

Sure. Send me a PM to arrange 

Free 5mm booties. Men’s 9 (too big for me even with a drysuit). Good shape. Can bring to Ogunquit next weekend or midcoast rendezvous the following, or you can pickup in Woburn.

Would vote for 930

Looking forward to it! To clarify, 10am launch? (So meeting somewhat earlier?)

Hi Ken

Keep an eye out for Ogunquit 10/19. Also weather permitting I’m eyeing 11/9...

Janet

In if we do it 10/19. 10/20 probably a no go. Fingers crossed for good weather Saturday

Hi Jim! If you end up doing it Oct 19 I'd be game :) 

Hi Melissa

Still planning to be there Sat-Sun and would love to stay Saturday night. Thanks!

janet

People: Sue H, John H, Kate H, Janet L
Route: Odiorne around eastern side of New Castle, North to Seavey Island, past Badgers, then reverse back to New Castle returning on the western side back to Odiorne
Distance: (via string-on-chart estimate) 10.5 NM
Conditions: Sunny winds 5-10 W, seas 2-3 feet (prediction - much less for us) 
HT: 12:35pm

4 of us set out on this gorgeous day from Odiorne with the plan to circumnavigate New Castle Island in the counterclockwise direction, but also perhaps go around Seavey Island and to Pierces before heading back to Little Harbor. We had gentle swells and a bit of a push going north along the outside of New Castle. The bit was going around the point at Fort Constitution was interesting - the accelerating water there interacted with the frequent boat wakes for some bumpy confused water, but we got through uneventfully.

Continuing north, we decided not to stop by the three cannons and the NO TRESPASSING signs for our break (sorry, Sue!  ) and instead headed to Traip Academy boat launch on the Kittery side. Nice ramp, porta-potty, picnic tables, $5 launch fee.  Also, the absolute highlight of the paddle (and the reason I'm writing a trip report) ... the swimming ponies.

Yes, that's right... swimming ponies. A horseback riding class of small children taking their ponies swimming at the boat ramp. 1 pony was very enthusiastic and 2 were not so pleased but eventually cooperated. You could tell the ponies were not used to salt water in their mouths - lots of smacking lips and rolling eyes. Kate got a couple photos:

It really was very impressive and I think the first equine paddling encounter for all of us. 

Eventually we saddled up and headed out to finish our Seavey island circumnavigation - but turns out, this is not a thing that the Navy Police will let you do. They were polite about it though. Instead we reversed course and had an uneventful paddle back down the quiet side of New Castle.

Overall a great day - thanks to my fellow last minute planners for joining me!

Janet 

Sounds like a good day

Can I hijack your trip report?

I had the opportunity to explore Straitsmouth island recently on a paddle with my friend Hannah. You can go up to the top of the lighthouse for the views, and the keeper's house is beautifully renovated. There's a little museum space in the back with photobooks, exhibits, and info about the renovation. Definitely worth a stop if you are in the area. 

They are building an outhouse and a visitor's kiosk at the top of the ramp, but they aren't done yet.

Hi John and Joyce

Sounds good. I'll plan to be there around 9:30am.  Others welcome too of course.

That works for me! What time would be good for you?

I’ve found myself unexpectedly free this Saturday and the weather looks beautiful. Anyone else without plans / interested in a paddle?

I was planning to come, but my afternoon work schedule is unpredictable so I’m not a reliable second