Deb Millar

Err, I believe the Inuit name for polar bears is "bear who hunts man". Notice the enormous size of the Tundra Buggy. Notice scientists well inside said buggy. Beautiful animals, as are grizzlies. And, as I'm morbidly afraid of bears, any bears, best viewed from a distance with binoculars or a long, long camera lens. Deb M

Perhaps a viewing of "Grizzly Man" (2005), a documentary by Werner Herzog, might be worthwhile for every one. The more graphic parts have been edited by the film maker, although they're probably out there in YouTube land. Deb M

Bob has had two Panasonic TS series and really likes them, although he's had the same issues Phil has had. This last one seems to be holding up better, though. From my personal experience with Pentax, I'd stay away, although perhaps the new iterations have improved on the picture quality and the un-user friendly slot for the battery. My ideal would be the Nikon but it's pricey at $300. Deb

Not to be redundant, but there's an open slot for the Ipswich Y session on 2/16. There also might be ONE slot open on 3/2, dependent on Bob's shoulder and what his PT says. $21.00 each; again, check Doug's Master Pool Session Post for ACA details. PM me, please, if interested as our membership(s) are paid. Deb M

Because Bob C's shoulder is still wonky, there's a spot open this Sunday, February 16, at Ipswich. $21.00 buys it, payable to me. See Doug M's guidelines on Pool Sessions for the ACA criteria involved. Deb M (gaeldotcridheatcomcastdotnet) I'm tacking this onto this January post as our memberships are pending and we can't start new topics yet.

Hi Rick, Email sent. Thanks for taking our spaces. Deb

My latest use of a cover was when I was working in the backyard on my boat and wanted to keep rain and leaves out of the cockpit. Otherwise, we've used them, tethered to a deck line with a 'biner, in the past but in bad weather only. Usually we forget the covers and just dump the boat if it's filled with rain/snow/sleet etc. I haven't noticed any difference in mileage with/without covers, but to each their own. Phil makes an excellent point about putting gear in your boats while transporting them. It's not a bad idea but better to pay attention to the load weights of your racks, especially with two FG boats. Deb M

Just a bump up. Bob's shoulder is wonky, so his spot is available. Deb M

Fantastic! Deb M

Due to unforeseen circumstances, the following slots at the Haverhill Pool have opened up: 1/25: 1 slot 2/08: 2 slots 2/22: 1 slot If you'd like to have fun in the pool and want these slots, contact me through PM. The cost is $26.00 per opening, which has already been paid by us. Once we've chatted, I'll give you our address for reimbursement. It's a great pool session with fun people doing fun kayaking things. Deb M

Liz, Bob has to cancel due to a shoulder issue, so his slot is open. Let me know if this works for you. Deb M

Looks like you're on GMT, Suz. Deb M

BIG congratulations, Paula! A fantastic reward for all your hard work and, most importantly, paddling skills! Deb M & Bob C

While I'm not a big ACA fan, we rejoined this year and they send really nice, heavy duty personal ID stickers in the membership package. Deb M

Yes, please do what you can. Deb

We have a family membership which I pay when it's due. However, I'm listed as paid but my husband Bob Clarke, is not. We go through this routine every year. I'd love to see this rectified now and not happen in the future. Deb M.

I received the malware message on my iMac but not on my IPad. Confused.

It's still The Trustees of Reservations (no "the" Reservations) Here's the link:http://www.thetrustees.org/places-to-visit/northeast-ma/misery-islands.html $5.00 adults/$3.00 children, after Labor Day it's free. BTW, the admission fee supports the work of the organization, which has done much to keep open space open in MA. Deb M.

Hi Brenda, I'm pretty much in agreement with what has been posted, and it's all good advice. Some boats DO weathercock more than others, but there is absolutely NO SHAME in using a skeg; it's just one more tool in the tool box of paddling. In fact, in the years I've been paddling no certified coach, whether BCU or ACA, has ever urged anyone in any class I've taken to not use their skeg because it's "good for them" not to. Paddling is supposed to be fun and safe, and getting frustrated and being miserable because one thinks there is some shame involved in deploying the skeg, is counterproductive. There are times when the skeg jams or the cable breaks internally that will require you to use your edging skills, but, again, the skeg serves a valuable purpose. It is not "training wheels" nor should someone be made to feel they're some sort of "poor paddler" for using this valuable tool. As for skegs being "scoffed at" when they where first introduced: I'm not sure when this occurred in the history of kayaking, but we own two 1991 Pintails with ocean cockpits and both came equipped with highly functional, "modern" looking rope skews. There's been discussions about rope versus slider skegs going on for years, the theory being that the rope controlled version is easy for field repair, with advocates of both, but that's the only "issue" I'v heard of in the time I've been paddling. So follow the advice here, especially about loading your boat to maximize trim, and continue to work on your edging skills as they are so vital towards good, safe paddling. And, perhaps most importantly, at least in my POV, get that skeg fixed. Deb M.

Carl Ladd has repaired holes in both our boats and put on more than a few keel strips, one recently for my NDK/SKUK Pilgrim. I highly, highly recommend his work not only for its craftmanship but for the turn around time. Deb M.

I need to replace the deck lines and bungees on my AvocetLV but can't remember the widths necessary. I will probably order from Quality Nylon Rope (www.qualitynylonrope.com) in RI as they have a color selection and are supposed to be the best. I will also check West Marine. Thanks for the help. Deb M

Early might be best because Saturday is the Blackburn Challenge. You'll have fun watching all the racers, from regular kayaks to surf skis, to big Polynesian-style outrigger canoes heading around Halibut Point and into Gloucester Harbor. Deb

Whoops, forgot the link: http://www.wernerpaddles.com/paddles/touring/performance/

Lisa, what brand of camera are you using? The picture quality is fantastic as are the pictures. Deb

I'm with Mike on this. It looks like an old FG Camano, which was my first paddle and the one I still use for backup. The shaft on mine, bought in 2002, is blue. My husband also has a 2002 FG Camano only the blades are mango; the shaft is black. Here's a link to Werner Paddles which might be helpful. It appears they're making the Camano in carbon now (or black FG) but the blade shape for it and for other Werner paddles might give you a clue. Deb