Deb Millar

I'm not sure where you're reading that doing a cowboy/scramble into the Quest is not possible, but, along with everyone else, I suggest you find out for yourself. Having as many self rescue techniques available to you, along with knowing how to be rescued (and rescue) someone else makes you a better and safer paddler. As for a paddle float: makes a great sit-upon when having lunch on the beach, but that's just my opinion. Deb M

I might also add that the two paddlers involved in this were very experienced paddlers and also well trained in rescue techniques, of which there are more than a few, although of an "overly technical" nature. Don't want to scare you, just want you to be safe. Deb M

So are the parking tickets posted on the non-resident cars that either didn't realize that the Resident Only Parking zone is now truly Resident only, or figured the posted signs weren't serious. Unless you are lucky enough to know someone who lives on Conomo Pt -- and the one resident known to NSPN sold his house over a year ago -- park at your own risk. Sorry, but true. Deb M

The boats you paddled sound like they'd be fun and in keeping with what you'd like to do kayaking. My motto has always been: "Different boats for different folks" and, to quote an instructor, "There's a boat out there for every butt." I can't offer you much advice beyond suggesting that you use the boats you're looking at for their purpose, which is in fairly uncomplicated water and as a stable platform for fishing. I will tell you that a PFD, no matter how well you think you can swim, is an absolute necessity when on any form of H2O. For a website that represents a bit more diversity in paddling, try www.paddling.net. Happy paddling and fishing. I admire anyone who can wrangle a big Striped Bass or a nasty-toothed Bluefish into a kayak, any kind of kayak. Deb M

Three years of Latin in high school and I don't remember a word. Why I didn't take French or German I don't know, but I figure I'd still find either language a bit more useful now, especially if I went KAYAKING in either France or Germany. (keeping it on topic, here .) Deb M.

Suz, this email has been making the rounds since winter. It's a scam and a nasty one. Deb M

All of the above are great suggestions. We use the Neutrogena Spray-on sunscreen: 15-30SPF for me (I've had a squamous cell bump removed from my face) and 50SPF for the husband, who's the second whitest white boy in Gloucester. The advantage to Neutrogena is that it dries very quickly and doesn't run. We also apply as often as needed and buy new at the start of every season. Neutrogena has a new product called "Wet Skin" which can be applied to both dry and wet skin and, according to the blurb on the back, is water, sweat and humidity resistant. I've yet to use it but I'm hoping it lives up to the hype when I do. Neutrogena is expensive although it does go on sale at both Target and CVS. Given the cost of skin cancer and the general discomfort of a sunburn, it's worth it. We also wear hats and I usually will wear a long sleeved rash guard under my semi-dry short-sleeved top at the start of the season as an extra precaution as I've had a case or two of severe, itching sunburns . If I use sun screen while still in my dry suit, I'm very careful to keep if off the gaskets as it can cause, or so I've been told, deterioration of the latex. Suz can no doubt back me up on this or give out more info. It's also a good idea to use some sort of sunblock stick on your lips and the tops of your ears. I've gotten some very uncomfortable burns there that have lasted a few days and it's not fun. Deb M

We have 4 Valley boats -- 2 Pintails, an AvocetLV and an Avocet -- and have discovered the joys of the VCP hatchcover. There is hope. I found liberally 303'ng the covers helps (something that we should have been doing at the get-go rather than waiting until the covers have dried out somewhat), but Suz's suggestion is a definite +. I found nylon scrapers at Bed, Bath and Beyond but they don't appear to be quite as narrow as what Suz linked to. However, they do work, and cost about a buck a piece. Someone also suggested that we file down the edges of these scrapers as they are fairly sharp and could cut the rim of the cover. As for the alternatives: I've heard pros and cons, the con being that the oval Sea Dog leak. VCP's, pain in the butt that they are, don't. The only thing that leaks when you use VCP covers are the naughty words coming out of your mouth as you try and pry the buggers off. BTW, the day hatch on NDK boat is a VCP cover. I never had a problem with it nor did it leak. It's the big oval and rounds on Valley boats that seem to be giving people headaches. Hope this helps. Deb

This is a great deal and a very good company to deal with. When I bought mine for the AvocetLV last year, the compasses were back ordered and they let me know that and waited to charge my credit card. As soon as the new shipment came in, the compass was in the mail. Since Bruntons/Silva etal are running $120+, this is definitely worth looking into. Deb M

It's nice to read a review for how well these hatches are working. We own a number of Valley boats, and I picked up a 1992 model year Pintail Friday that came without hatch covers. We'll definitely be ordering for the fleet -- or some of the fleet -- toot sweet. Deb M

Good question. I have the weather on now and it looks like snow flurries/showers in the afternoon. This is a "weak clipper system" which shouldn't amount to much, so I wouldn't worry too much about driving through heavy snow. Then, again, Gloucester was only supposed to get 6"- 8" on Wednesday and I shoveled 14" easily yesterday. Deb M

Beautiful magazine with even better content and worth the price of subscription. We get the "hard" not the internet copy and will renew when it comes time. Of course, this is just my opinion. Deb M

Chris Mitchell at Second Wind Sports is a Reed dealer. He can get you what you need and fast. I've used him to get Reed skirts -- which I found did not work that well on my RomanyLV, but then the XS skirt wasn't made for the boat, either -- and Chillcheater. Great guy, too; he taught me to roll on my "other side". http://www.secondwindsports.net/ Deb M

Either Snapdragon or Seals. I have a Valley (made by Seals) for my AvocetLV, which keeps me dry. Bob has a Seals Pro Shocker for his CetusLV, which he loves. Both last forever and take abuse. Snapdragon seems to multiply on its own, though, given how many of these skirts we seem to have. The sizing for both companies is true for the waist, as are the sizing guides for the cockpits on the various kayaks. Joel at New England Small Craft carries Seals in various incarnations. Deb M

I'd be interested, too, in the results. The husband has NOT been happy with the hatches on his Avocet and definitely NOT happy with the ones on his 1991 Pintail. If these work better than VCP, it'd be worth his getting new hatches so I wouldn't have to listen to the string of naughty words that accompany his putting on the covers on the otherwise beloved Pintail. Deb M

I'm so glad that I sold my ExplorerLV to you, Kate, as it's pretty clear its having more adventures than it ever had with me. Thanks for appreciating this boat for its true value and worth. As for your trip: beautiful pictures and beautifully written. Deb M

Nothing wrong with a garbage bag and bungee at all -- I always carry both in my repair kit -- but sometimes it's nice to have a specific tool for a specific job. Deb M

Hi Chuck, I ordered two for the day hatches on our boats (an AvocetLV & a CetusLV; also usable on the husband's Avocet) and the larger one for the rear hatch on the AvocetLV. Very good quality and very packable. Chris at SecondWind Sports is a delight to deal with: he knows his stock (especially Reed as he's been a distributor for a while) and he gets the product to you fast. Dale is still coaching but I don't think he's still in the kayak & kayak accessories business. Deb M

As I need bifocals, I invested in a pair of Rec Specs, the brand my opthomologist carries, years ago and have never begrudged the co$$$ (and I don't have that complicated a prescription, either). I need to be able to read a chart and I also have to wear sunglasses due to developing potential macular degeneration; having these sunglasses has proved to be the best. Mine also came with a built-in strap Deb

Great to hear that, Phil. Bob's TS-1 is holding up really well but it's good to know that Panasonic is a good company to deal with. Bob shot some rolling videos this weekend and is very pleased with the results, but then the camera performed pretty much as expected. Deb

Nah, they just don't to think about paying rent to the Land Lord.... Deb M

Samantha Ladd at Osprey Sea Kayak can help you out. Osprey's in Westport, MA where the water is 75 degrees. They have lots of boats, too. www.ospreyseakayak.com Deb M

After seeing the photos you take, Doug, I was happy to read that Panasonic was your second choice. I don't know if it has a retractable lens cover -- the camera is in Ireland with Bob right now but coming home tomorrow -- but I do know the picture quality is definitely better than my Pentax OptionW60. I know when and if my Pentax goes to the great camera store in the sky, I'll probably ask for a Panasonic. The best camera that I've found, though, is the Nikon D90. However, this one isn't allowed any where near the water although, for a few hundred dollars you can buy a waterproof housing for it... Deb M

Right on, Nancy. One of the prime reasons for not using the boat ramp, especially a few hours before low tide or just towards high tide is it's one sure way to irritate the clammers at Essex who make their livelihood off the mud. As for ERBA: it's an Essex-based operation and thus entitled to launch everything there. Out of towners launching craft can also use the ramp, but they also have to move their cars and trailers to the non-resident parking area. Just as a further warning about Conomo: If it's low tide and walking through mud isn't your idea of fun, you can always launch off the beach with the dock and sailboats, which is off the top of the hill at Conomo. Once again, launch and unload, but please park your car in the designated non-resident area. Don't even think of parking in any of the tempting spaces up there or along the road. I don't want to sound like the Essex Police Department, but one sure way of getting to know said Essex Police Department is to park illegaly and get ticketed or, worse, towed, not to mention earning bad karma with every resident in the area. And let's all hope that what's going on at Pavilion is just a hot and humid weather aberration. Deb M

Wow, Nancy, it's $20 now for a sticker to get into Crane for a resident? When I worked at Castle Hill 12 years ago I think it was $2. Exactly right about launching from Cranes or from the TTOR BoatHouse off Argilla Rd -- it's a no go, although you can Land your boat for a rest or picnic a green head killing spree on Cranes. Deb M