Happy New Year

I am waiting out the last couple of hours of 2008 in my cubicle in NYC. That one thing I can be thankful for is not starting my new year jobless. Hopefully I will end 2009 with a job too.

Don't particularly want to venture out to Time Square to see what all the crazies are doing. It snow a bit today but nothing stick. But is is still cold. Weather report say it will be in the 20's tonight.

If I have any reader - or if the blog is ever open to public viewing, one of them would asked me what am I doing at my empty office 7 hours to New Year? I volunteed to marshal a race at Midnigh today - The Emerald Nut Run. The operative word here is nut. I volunteed because at the time it was the last available voluntee opportunity to get qualification for 2009 NYC Marathon. I could have change my mind after NY Road Runner extended the voluntee deadline but I thought it would be a good way to spend my New Year. Better then at home by myself. I have to get out of here and get dinner soon.

The sad part is I was running late today and did not pack the clothing that I planned for comfortable long night of standing around in the cold. Did not remember that today is Dec 31 and I will be standing outside in freezing weather for 2* hours till I get off the train this morning. I was planning on bring my skiing clothing - with face mask, polyester long john to keep warm and hot tea.

Well Happy New Year - if I don't freeze my ass off before the ball drop - my balls sure will stay nice and tight where its warm.

* Ed. update: 5 hours of standing out in 20 Degree weather.
Also the firework was spectacular.

Belate Holiday Greeting

HAPPY HOLIDAY to Everyone

Nothing like the holiday to show how social incompetence I am. I did not send out any holiday cards. There are at least ten people that I should send a cards to just to think them for their friendship and help through out the years. Even if I went about getting the cards, I would have to hunt down the addresses and the full name of people I want to send the cards to. I have to be better at this.

I did not call my landlord to wish him a happy holiday. I thought of my landlord as I was sitting here think if it is OK to call him on Christmas day to told him that I broke the kitchen faucet trying to attached the Brita filter my mom give me. I also did not say Happy Holiday to my down stair neighbor who I know for a good 4 years. I did not talk to my next door neighbor at all this week so did not have a chance to wish her a happy Holiday. These are one of the reason why I don't have close friend in the neighborhood even though I live at my apartment for 9 years.

My holiday could have been a very expensive disaster but turn out OK. My brother came by to give my a reminder why I don't like him and having to see him once a year is one time too many. But all in all it was a good family gathering.

Marathon Man

Finished my first Marathon today. Started off strong. 13 miles fly aways like a walk in the park. Started to feel the old Runner Knee symptoms on the 15 miles but it wasn't bad. Managed to pushed it up to the Bronx before there was not way I can run without causing total lost of my legs. That was about the 21 miles mark. I end up walking the 6 miles to the finish line. My legs were starting to cramp from place I don't know have muscles. My time is 4:20 minutes. 50 minutes slower then my goal time.

The slow shuffles up to from the finished line on 60's to 81st to pick up my bag was a bit frustrating but I need the time to cool down anyway. I walked from 81st to 71nd Street to catch my train home.

I did not realized how much pain I am in till I walk up from the train ride. Going down the stair to get off the station was painful. I should have arranged to have someone pick me up.

My train end up no stopping at my usual stop so I have to walk 15 blocks home.

Another Year.

Just get back from our club year end meeting.

The Kayak Committee have our meeting an hour before the general club meeting. Nothing to report from the kayak meeting. Jerry is reelected Kayak chair uncontested. The usual club politic get air out but nothing get resolve. One hour is not enough time to cover everything we have to cover but I was grateful for the short meeting.

We are scheduling another meeting to discuss what boats should be allocate to where. I am tire of this question. One member of our more advance paddlers, Elizabeth, wanted to have the better boats down at the Brooklyn clubhouse for her use instead of up at the lake. Her constance demand is stirring up petty issue of Lake vs Brooklyn clique (Culture?)which is a constant undercurrent at the club. Waldo and Holly touched on this when Elizabeth brought this issue up today. Waldo believed that our emphasis on rolling and other Greenland skill at the lake are detracting from Sebago being an "urban kayaking club". Holly position is that we are wasting too much resource both in money and human power, and pulling people away from events in Brooklyn which people who join the club is paying for. I disagree with them that have certain boats up at the lake are short changing the people who refuse to go up to the lake. We need something to draw more members to use the cabin so I don't see having these boats up at the lake for training is misusing club resources. This issue have been going back and ford for a while with Elizabeth, first with the Avocet, then with the two new boats we get this season. I really don't want to get involve but as fleet captain I will have to take a position.

Stevie and Jerry get a great deal on two great mid level to advance boats for training, and left it at the lake for training purposes. I have misgiving when intended purchase was announced but I had no idea it was going to balloon into such a major thing. I agreed with them that these boats should stay up at the lake for that purpose because I don't want them for general use from a maintenance perspective. I have enough on my hand with the Epic Explorer and there other two fiberglass boats we have at the Brooklyn clubhouse. Every time someone carelessly handle the boats my heart skip a beat.

I don't think that the club, or the Sea Kayak Committee should maintain a high end kayaks for general member use. Club members who need more advance boats should be at a place where they are committed enough to the sport to get their own boats. The only way to make this clear is to not have any high level boats around for general use. I don't want have to deal with competing demands for favorite boats if we have high skill level boats here in Brooklyn for general use. I opposed her argument that the general club member in Brooklyn deserve to use the more advance boat we get at the lake by principle. We should not have boat that encourage already committed paddles to used club resource instead of getting their own boat.

Speaking of Fleet Captain, I am a bit confused as to me duties know that I learn that the Kayak committee have it own little subcommittee to deal with the kayak fleet. First time I hear about this. I will have to speak with Jerry and John about this. I have been doing inventory, inspection of boats and equipments before the season, and spot check of boats when they go out on paddles so I have no idea what the subcommittee do. As I understand it, the duties of Fleet Captain was redefine when I take the job to mean just maintain the Sebago kayaks fleets and kayaks related equipments so I can't decide if the kayak boat repair committee that Jerry talk about is headed by me or it an entirely separate entity.

The general meeting held no surprise. The incumbents officers get elected unopposed, and we get a slate of 4 candidates for four open board positions so there is no contested election. The secretary case one vote the officers, and another for the boards slates, and we were done.

Embarrassingly I was honored as Volunteer of the Year - for last year. Much more well deserve is Stevie McAllaster honored as Volunteer of the Year for this year. A harray for Stevie - who was not at the general meeting. I could used his voice at the meeting today.

Audience Demands

One of my reader today complaining about the sparsity of my update.

Being a nice fella that I am, I feel I must oblige my readership with more update.

I have been doing a lot of kayaking this summer. Most of it is up at the lake or assisting with the club's programs.

There is only one thing that I did not yet do this summer and that is to really lead a open paddle. I did lead one paddle, but with such strong personality as assistants I did not feel like I have taken charge of the trip- because there was never a need to. I should really try to lead another trip before the end of the Public Paddle program.

It is hard to believe that is is already August 12. Where have the summer went? I thought that my unemployment during the summer would give me a chance to do more adventurous paddle but that turn out not to be the case. I used kayaking as an excuse to meet people so solo paddling hold no particular attraction to me at all. I usually wait for other people to organize a trip that tag along so being unemployed during the summer did not lend itself to more paddling since everyone else have to work. I also find myself spending most day sitting in front of the computer trying writing a decent cover letter or single "thank you" note. So most of my time sitting at the computer doing nothing but unable to enjoy the sunny day because I can't go out until that cover letter is written but if only I just can figure how to string two sentences together.

Ok. Enough about why I did not do more kayaking or updating.

The big event on my calender this summer as a trip organized by Stevie and Adele up to the Thousand Island(ACA Sugar Island Camp) area on the St Lawrence River, between NYS and Canada. I have always wanted to go there but would never go up there alone. Stevie and Adele discuss the possibility of going up there as a group last summer. I get really excited about it and mark it only calender since. I was going through some uncertainty on the work front at the time so I wasn't sure if I can do it (actually there was no uncertainty that I would not be working by the time the summer of 08 roll around). But when this August finally roll around, and Stevie inform me that the trip is this week, it hit me like a ton of bricks. I did not figure out a job search strategies yet, get a good lead or figure out what I am doing when I get back. As I drove home I decided that I not ready to pack for a 10 day trips or enjoy a 10 day trips so it is best to cancel it while the carpooling is being sort out. Stevie did not make my decision to cancel my trip easy at all. He continue to send me follow up emails with all the wonderful thing to do and see till the departure date on Friday. I hope they take lot of pictures.

ACA Youth Regatta
Arrive late and unannounced at the ACA Youth Regatta on July 31st. The Youth Regatta is usually a bite disorganize at the beginning so I see no point in getting there early. It is a Thursday so I neither have to leave early before rush hours and get there at 7 AM, or late, after rush hour which will get me there by 10:30AM. Last year I arrive at 7AM and went back to bed as I wait for everyone else to get up, and when we get to the regatta area I end up waiting around in the sun as the official organize the kids for the race.

I get to the cabin at 11AM this time. A bit late. The race started at 9:30 AM. I paddled the Avecet to Sebago Beach. For some reason I did not feel comfortable in my body on the paddle out. There was a lull in the action so I did not hear much yelling as I round the last pend to the Beach. I meet Bob A. as he get back into his kayak on a small island right before the beach. We paddle along where the each of the camps participating in the Regatta are set up. I can't find ACA on the sideline as I paddle by. Did not see anyone from ACA till the second pass. ACA have about 10 people there, including parents and speculator. I don't know if we get any kids in the race.

The next race was about to start so I did not land to say hello. Bob and I paddle to the finishing area. Hang around there for a while, not much happen. Yell encouragement to the kids and Congratulations as they cross the finish line. Some time I have to tell them to paddle just a bit more to finish. There was only one capsize during the single canoeist race. The canoe was a new fiberglass race so it was a breeze to empty out and get the kid back in the canoe.

Later into the day I switch it up a bit, paddling to the starting line and paddling behind the race as the race start. There were a couple of capsizes but I did not participate in the rescue. I spend a bit of time trailing errant canoes and telling them to paddle this way or that to keep the boat from going off the course. It was tiring so I decided to land to rest as the single persons portion of the Regatta finish up. I meet Jerry, Anne and Mike B in the ACA area. I did not see any food or water so I just rest up a bit and watch the speculators. The camp next to us have a lot of campers and are full of team spirits. It can be a bit annoying at time.

I finally get back into the water when a two person canoe capsize by the finish line as they paddle back to their staging area. I end up not doing a rescue because they pull the canoe to shore and the people on shore help them empty it out. I spend the rest of the Regatta at the finish line. I assist another kayaker with a rescue of a big aluminum canoe but was unable to do it. John - Scotty's son, come out in sit on top to empty out the canoe. I watched carefully how he did it. A couple of race later the same kind of canoe capsized (same made and model from the same camp - don't know if it the same boat thought) and I managed to get it empty out by myself with only some effort.

There were a lot more capsizes at the beginning of the race then at the finish in the multiple person race so I don't have much to do except to sternly warn a couple of finishers not to jump off their canoe.

I did get in several rolls while waiting for a race to start. Did not miss any of my roll. I did not do my off side.

All in all a good day. I paddle back with Jerry and Anne at the end of the race rather then wait around for the awards. However I soon left them behind as I sprint ahead. I was feeling a bit restless.

Manhattan Circumnavigation
I did finally get one trip on my list done, a circumnavigation of Manhattan. I did that on Sunday August 3. I meet Pete P. at the Lake on Thursday after the ACA Youth Regatta (he arrived late in the afternoon due to work) and in casual conversation he mention that he is doing a circumnavigation of Manhattan with a bunch of people on Saturday at 6AM. I was surprise because I have been keeping my eye out for the Manhattan circumnavigation trip that the Yonkers Kayakers organized each year. I miss last year because I end up waiting at 5AM in Brooklyn instead of meeting in Inwood where they launch last year and was looking forward to doing it this year but hear not a hint of it. Pete told me that the paddle registration is close but he can get me in. He did not know where they are meeting for the launch in Manhattan so suggest that I call him on Friday when he have a chance to get to his email. I called Pete late on Friday evening to asked about the launch address to find out that due to uncertain weather condition on Saturday, the Circumnavigation had been reschedule to Sunday with a launch time of 7AM.

I did not have my boat with me at the lake and driving through Manhattan to Brooklyn to pick up my boat on Sunday morning and drive back to Manhattan Pier 40 for the launch at 7AM on Saturday is out of the question. Luckily for me the club have some good boats that I can use instead. I choice to use the Avocet, a nice and easy to handle boat in most sea condition with ample storage for all my equipment. I get the boat on my car and ready on Saturday before the rain started.

I left the Lake at 5:30 AM and get to Manhattan at 7:05AM. I would have gotten there earlier but due to habit I end up on the FDR instead of the West Side Highway where I should have been. End up have to drive through 23rd Street to get to the West Side. I called Pete to let him know that I was going to be a bit late just as I drive pass him, make a couple of turns to get back to Pier 40 entrance. Get the boat and all my stuffs out of my car, register and get a number, park my car in the public garage on Pier 40 and one the water in less then 30 minutes.

There were about 45 people on the trip. That is a lot of people on a trip to be keep under control. We started by heading south from Pier 40 toward a small cove before Battery Park. The wind and the waves were driving everyone south. The guides want us into the cove but there is not enough room to maneuver 45 odd boats as the wind drive us toward the wall. We have to wait for the Staten Island Ferry to leave it slip before we can paddle around the tip of Manhattan. The trip up to our first paddle break was uneventful. We paddled around the southern tip of Manhattan, then across to the Brooklyn side of the East River and then up to a small beach against a retaining wall next to Socrates Sculpture Park on Vernon Blvd in Astoria.

It was 10:00AM when we get there. A bit early for lunch but since it would probably the only stop where there are stores nearby I wandered away from the group and go on a search for food. There is nothing in the immediate area but about 5 blocks from the landing area there is a small strip mall with a White Castle. I had never had White Castle. I ordered a fish sandwich meal which include drink and fries. I was told that it would be a 1 hour stop over, by the time my food was over I only have 3o minutes to finish my meal. I ate in the restaurant and hurry back back to the rest of the group. The water is coming in but we were not ready to go yet. I spend the next hours are so sunning in the small recycle sculpture park next to our land site.

Turn out we did not get back on the water again till noon. By then my boat along with a couple of other kayaks are floating on the water, tied together by a line to a railing on top of the retaining wall. There were a bit of a scene before we get underway. One of the paddle come in a inflatable kayak. He was having problem keeping up with the rest of the group so it was suggested that since there there are support cars at this rest stop that he should cut short his trip. He refused. He hand in his number and is officially no longer part of the group but would continue on his own. There were a short argument about how unsafe that would be but since the man refused to budge they finally decided that there is nothing the they can do about it.

We head out toward Roosevelt Island and stay on the right hand channel since there are more room and less boat traffic. This meant at the north end of Roosevelt Island we have to cut across two channel to get to the Manhattan side of the Harlem River. When we get to the northern tip of Roosevelt we were supposed to wait while the trip leader asked the safety boat to check if the channels are free of on coming boat but somehow the group start crossing without any command to do so, and there is a fast ferry coming up river. I make a mad dash for the lead paddler while yelling for everyone to hurry up and cross. Fortunately everyone make it across.

At the Washington Height section of Manhattan where a very small section of water separate Manhattan from the Bronx we ran on the river construction, construction barges on both side of the narrow river. Everyone make it through without taking over too much of the boat channel. Luckily we only encounter one or two pleasure boats up this section of the river.

At one of the bridge, on the side there was fast running water under neigh overhang branch. The lead guy, Pete and I decided to went in single file. We don't have to do much paddling, just keeping the boat away from the rocky shore, the tree branches and the bridge piling on the other side. Other follow us through and some decide to go on the more roomy side of the bridge. As we come to the around the top of Manhattan we can see where the current from the Harlem River meet the Hudson. There is a bit of waves and splashing going on where the two river meet. The Hudson River is running much faster then the current we encounter on the East River and the Harlem River. We just fly down the river without much effort.

The strength of the Hudson River is illustrated when we attempt to make out last rest stop. It was a terrible place to have 45 kayakers to attempt a landing. The "beach" is no more then 70 feet wide, and it is block in the front by a fishing pier. When I find out that we were to stop there I was determine to stay out on the river rather that hazard moving against the currents, and dodging the fishing line just to land. In the time it take for me to make that determination I fly pass the landing area, and have to very hard against the current to get back to the beach area where everyone else is also trying to determine if they should land or not. Any slow down in paddle would send me a couple of hundred feet down river and I have to paddle upriver again to stay with the rest of the group as they also try to maintain the same maneuver. I decided to land after the 3 time I have to paddle back. Getting the the beach against the current was a bit of a trick seeing that there is only 10 feet of water between the rock on the left and the the pier with fishing line and crabs traps. i thought I can goes between the piling under neith the Pier then thought better of it. I paddled a bit north of the piers and then turn into the beach, paddling like crazy to prevent the current from pushing me into the Pier and the fishing line. I made it through just barely missing having my boat smash into the concrete piling of the pier.

Crude picture below.

One of the guy that come in after me almost have his leg crush on his kayak was slam into the beach from a wave as he was getting out of his kayak (which is why one should never get off a kayak on the beach side in waves). The kicker is we did not stay there more then 10 minutes. About 6 people actually land, the rest of the group struggle in the current off the side of the river. Once we get out into the river the progress back down to Pier 40 was fast. We went along one of the marina and was amaze to see who fast the river rush pass the moored boats and the mooring floats. I try to moved to the right of one mooring floats and a moored boat but find myself unable to paddle fast enough to make it across the 50 fleet distance between the left side of the boat and the right side. I end up staying one the left side till I get to water where there isn't any boat to crash into to make my way to the right.

We paddled into the Downtown Boat house after we passed the marina. I have never been to the Downtown Boathouse before I did not realize what it look like. It is a bit more modern then I picture it. There were a couple of dozen people on site on tops inside the very small confine area with several minder in sea kayaks keep an eye on thing. I did not attempt to land. I don't think anyone land beside that one couple that finish the trip there. There were at least a 2o people on like for their chance to go out so there is not much room to land. I hang out and observe the paddlers just lazily paddling in the the square box of water between two piers.



Pictures taken off DTBH Website.

I was tempted to do a roll but decided to wait till I get pack to pier 40. After a good 30 minutes we left the confine of the DTBH and one our way down river to Pier 40. The DTBH is on 56Street and Pier 40 is below 14 Street so we still have about 7 miles to go to get back to our launch site. Everyone was tire but also happy to be so close to finish.

There were other paddlers on the water when we finally get to Pier 40. The Manhattan Kayak Company which is on Pier 40 also have a paddling program. I did a couple of rolls as I wait for my turn at the dock. It was refreshing after a long paddle. The water is not as bad as I thought.

North Fork

I have lived in NYC for 28 years. I have never been to North Fork. Actually I don't think North Fork is the official name of the northern, and eastern most part of Long Island. I went out to Orient Point, Long Island.

I was happy to get a passenger to keep me company, and show me around the area. Mary stopped by at the club at the same time to pick up her boat and decided that there is no reason to drive up with another car so she asked if she can car pool with me. I was more then happy to have the company.

The 2 hours of driving pass by in no time. It was not as tiring and boring as I imagine it. We take the scenic route instead of following the direction to see a couple of nice little towns, and to stop by to see the house Mary was going to rent. It was a relaxing and entertaining way to finish off a long drive. We get to the Kampground (that is with a K) at 3PM. It is an interesting experience. I have never been in a trailer park before so it was a bit surreal - dozen of campers and RV taking on the lawn, with all the luxury of home. There are kids running everywhere.

In the back of the trailer park is a small wooded, darken area where there are like 2 dozen spot to set up tent. I reserved tent site 12 but end up being assign to 14. It turn out that they give my tent site to mary so we were also neighbor, which is convenient because she can keep most of her stuffs in my car.

My car in front of my tent, Mary is next "door."

The rest of the group - Tony and Walter have mosquito tent over their picnic table.

The rest of the group arrived as we set up our tents, and have a look around. The plan was to have a short paddle in the afternoon on Friday. I was not feel up like paddling after a 3 hours drive. Mary and I drive with the rest of the group to the launch site and see them off.

The swimming beach is just over that log, and you have to pay to park. There were no one there when we were there. They have porta-potty that they let us use so it was nice of them.

The beach was very pebbly , and the water very clear.

The rest of us who are not going for the evening paddle drive to Orient Point Park to have a look around. I like the kid playground.



Mary is as usual have her binocular out and point at birds.

Metal Skeletons

June 22, 2008

Spend a great day exploring the west coast of Staten Island, and get to visit a sight I only read about. Actually I first find out about it from reading Bonnie's blog, Frogma.

The sky was overcast with prediction of rain and thunderstorm but we only encounter a drizzle. Everyone on the paddle are experience so it was a leisure paddle through industrial coast line and around and through several wrecks. The rusted metal skeletons of the old tug boats, and a couple of ferries invoke a desolate feeling to it. It not depressing exactly but it do remind one that everything do come to pass.

Where we launch.
Old Ferry:

Bonnie taking pictures from the inside of the ferry:

One of the many majestic wrecks:

May be a remain of one vessel, or maybe several.

To Do's.

I am as usual procrastinate until thing just pile up. I had been on a couple of regional trip and other Sebago event that are new for me this year.

1. Staten Island Graveyard of Ship - Organize by Bonnie.
2. Orient Point, Long Island Trip - Organize by TonyP and Walter.
3. Interest weekend at ACA lake.
4. First Wednesday paddle - which end up being just a small group paddle with just the trip leader.
5. Assist in our club first Youth program.

I will try to get all that out sometime this weekend. It is way too hot to sit here and type right now. I need to go find someplace with air conditioning.

Appended to list:
6. Assist Bonnie on her Saturday paddle.
7. "Lead" a trip around Cross Channel (15 miles in 4 hours) - end up being just with Bonnie and Severn.
8. Second Youth paddle. Used a sit on top for the first time on a long paddle.

Long Weekend at Cabin

Friday June 13

Left Brooklyn for ACA cabin at 11:30 PM on Friday. Light traffic. Get to cabin at 12:30 to find broken key inside lock on cabin door. Take 30 minutes to pry broken key out to find that lock is busted so key don’t work anymore. Scott and a couple of other guys try to get it open with no luck. Scott offered to cut a hole with chainsaw. I called Peter, catching him before he left Brooklyn clubhouse but he did not have any tool with him. Scott offer me Overlook cabin to spend the night so I did that instead of cutting the door down. Mike B. busted the lock open when he get to the clubhouse in the morning.

I went for a short paddle and did a couple of roll on Friday evening, then take a hike down a trail that I usually goes when I want to go for a 30 minutes hike. Get back before 7 PM. Don’t remember what I have for dinner…hot dogs, that what I have for dinner. 2 hot dogs boil in the stove at Overlook. Watch first 2 disks of Buffy season 2 then went to sleep at 9 PM.

Saturday, June 14
Wake up at 8 AM on Saturday, ran into Peter, Linda, and their two youngest kids as they were going to breakfast and asked me if I want to come with them. Ran backs into Overlook to get my wallet and hopped into their minivan. Went to our usual breakfast place in Tuxedo, Orange Top. I ordered my usual, Western omelets. As we were wrap breakfast, Stevie and Adele work up to our table. We hanged around to talk to Stevie and Adele while they get their breakfast. After they finished, we are drive to the local Green Market, Pete and his family in the minivan, and me with Stevie and Adele in Stevie car. I did not know that Linda and Pete were going to the Green Market also so I get a ride with Stevie. Stevie end up getting a couple bunches of radishes, garlic stems and pickle green tomatoes. Adele also gets breads. On the way back Stevie stop by the only local “super” market to get some meat (steak and sausages), water and some other necessities.

Get back to the cabin to put the food away then went with Stevie and Pete to AKT. I was happy to bum a ride from Stevie because I really hate the drive over to AKT, too many tight turns. Less then half a mile to AKT, traffic stopped. Pete and I get out and walk up around the corner to see an ambulance, and a fire truck blocking both lane. The medics were putting a motorcyclist onto the ambulance. Apparently he missed the last turn. We waited for 15 minutes for them to take the victim out. They did no take the motocycle away.

I did not get anything at AKT personally. Pete got an Oval hatch and a day hatch for the new club boats – I don’t have my club credit card so I asked him to use his. Pete gets a neoprene pad to fit out his new boat. Stevie gets a compass and a small light that fit in it. We spend some time talking with Chuck about the new BCU requirement and test. It do not look like there will be any assessments this season using the new system since none of the instruction are qualify yet to access. We drive back to the cabin at around 12:30 PM.

When we get there, we find Adele and a paddler waiting on the front porch. Find out his name is Bob. He gets a homemade strip kayak on the dock. Bob was waiting for us to come back because he wanted to paddle with us. We were still full from breakfast so we decide to have a fast paddle before a late lunch. We did some rolls while Stevie try out his new video camera. I always missed my roll when there are spectators or camera. I did a couple of roll without any problem thought. Paddle over to Scotty’s dock to play around with the English gate and did more rolling. We get back for lunch. I cooked some hot dogs I brought, and the radishes that Stevie bought in the morning. We cooked the radish with all the stems and leaves, coating it with salt and pepper with a bit of vegetable oil. I have never cook radishes before so I was surprise to find I really like it. I like the texture of the green, and the sweetness of the radish meats themselves.

After lunch I planned to relaxed to let the food settle down but when I get down to the dock I find Mike with one of his kid on the dock – he was trying to get him into the kid racing kayak, and Pete’s girl Tiff on a scoba sit on top. She asked me to go paddling with her since she is not allowed on the water without adult supervision. When I change back into my swimming trunk and get back to the dock Mike’s kid was riding on the front of Tiff S-on-T, and Beth was keeping a watch on them on her racing kayak.

The kid did not stay on the kayak long. When we get to Scotty’s dock, Mike’s kid want to dive off the back, and then Tiff wants to dive off also and climb back on. That is the beauty of sit-on-tops kids doesn’t have to be on the kayak to have fun. They get tire of that after a while and went to the dock. Beth paddle back to our dock while I keep an eye on the kids. Tiff begged me to let her jumped off the dock. I really shouldn’t let her but I could never say no to her. Of course then Mike’s kid wanted to do it too. I finally get both of them to stay on the dock. One of the ladies on the other dock near by was yelling something about my friend in the canoe.

I did not remember having any friends in a canoe. I did talk to two guys on a canoe when I paddled over to Scotty’s dock. I meet them at the parking lot when I went to use the restroom. They were asking if we have any boat rental. I told him know, that you have to be ACA member to use the ACA boat and that they should speak to the camp director. I was surprised when I paddled over to Scotty’s dock that they were on a canoe. It was obvious that they have no idea what they are doing. They have the heaver guy in the front, and by heavy I mean at least 300 pounds. The stern was lifting off the water. It was a capsize waiting to happen and neither have a life jacket one. I paddled over to asked them if they have ever paddle before. The guy in the back say he paddles some. I told him that is weight distribution is wrong. I left it at that because I really don’t want to be the enforcer of the camp’s rule and paddle away to keep an eye on the kids.

As I feared, they capsized and were abandoning the canoe about 500 yards from the dock. I see the fat guy swimming away from the boat with his friend not far behind him. I get out to them and told them to get back to their boat. It is impossible to empty out a doublewide canoe full of water. I try a couple of time but just do not have the weigh or leverage to turn the boat up side down and pull it up on my kayak. (Thinking back I could have asked boat “canoeists” to hang on the opposite side of my kayak to counter balance as I pull it up.) I end up trying to tow, with two big guys hanging off the back of the canoe. It was impossible. Luckily I ran into a canoe with a single person in it, and asked him to empty out the boat. He made a short job of it, emptying out the canoe, and getting one of the guys back on the boat. I give him my Greenland paddle.

I expect the fat guy to get in while we braced the canoe but he doesn’t want to get in. Instead he hanged on the side while his buddy tries to paddle the canoe with a Greenland paddle (a small piece of shaped wood). The canoe wasn’t going anywhere. By that time the canoe that did the rescue was gone so I have to decide what to do with the guy on the water. The simplest thing was to have him straddle me bow and I paddle him back to the dock. It was hard going with 300 lbs hanging on to my bow; sometime letting his legs drags on the water. I was not going to make it all the way back to the dock so I paddle to the nearest support I can find, the diving platform with rope running out from the swimming dock. I told him to his the ring to pull himself to the swimming dock. I told boat of them that I would have to report them to the camp official.

I told Pete about the incident when I get back to Sebago dock, simplest way to get the information back to Linda, his wife and Camp Assistant Director. (Linda latter told me that she confronted them at the swimming dock and they told her that they paid the camp fee to a Filipino. I am assuming that they meant me. That’s gratitude for you. I don’t believe that they actually hang around after I tell them I would file a report of the canoe incident.)

We end up having dinner at a tent platform of two of the people that we meet during the day. It was an enjoyable dinner with new friends and I don’t have to stand in front of a open smoky fire since we cooked in a gas grill. I don’t know if I should be disappointed or not. I do look forward to a open woods fire when I get up to the cabin.

Sunday June 15
Sunday is a blur. Adele sister and husband (Jay) stopped by. Stevie, Cody, Jay and I paddled all the way to Sebago Beach. Not bad for Jay first paddle. We landed new the beach, sit on a picnic table talking then head back for lunch.

We did no return to the water after lunch. Stevie and Adele went to take their “before the drive home nap”. Stevie usually drive home at 10 PM at night so he and Adele would nape a couple of hours in the evening before the trip. I wandering around, and end up hanging around the swimming area. Spend two hours trying to get my unhealthy shade of yellow body tan to match my hands and a face. Take my first swim out the to the diving platform. I need to work on my swimming. I was winded by the time I get to the platform, and only make it half way back before I have to pull my self by the swimming area line to get to the dock.

It was 4 or 5 o’clock when I get back to the cabin. Jay and his wife left while I swimming and Stevie and Adele were still napping. Stevie get up after I get back to the cabin. Stevie was waiting for Bob A to come by for a paddle. We were sitting commenting that Bob usually stop by at 3 pm when Bob worked by from the Yonker cabin direction with his paddle and other equipment. It turn out that Bob did come by at 3 PM and went out paddling while I was at the swimming dock, and Stevie napping.

Stevie went back to napping, and did not get up till 10 PM. I watched Buffy DVD and try to write the first part of the blog entry. I waved Stevie and Adele off when they drive off sometime after 10 PM.

Monday June 16, 2008
Wake up later then I wanted, 8 AM. It was clouding and threatening to rain. I have a quick breakfast of toast and coffee. I decided to devote Monday to a real hike. My plan was to go on the red trail that started near the ACA camp and follow it west till it meet up at a blue trail on top of a high scenic ridge. From there I will follow the blue trail to it meet up with the Blue Victoria trail which lead up to the next lake north of Sebago, then follow a yellow trail all the way back to ADT camp, then onto the road back to ACA camp. I estimate it would take no more then 2 hours.

I started out with my bottle of water, and a sling backpack with two trail mix bars, and my DSL camera.

When I get to the Dutch Doctor shelter, I can’t find the red trail. I have to back track and get off the mining trail to finally locate the continuation of the Red trail. (It is ironic because the last time I was on the Red trail pass this point was because I missed the turn off to the white trail and end up following the Red trail for an hour.) It take me about 45 minutes to get to where Red trail meet Blue trail.

I take a couple of picture of the surrounding hills and a big house on a hill.

I followed the blue trail east, connecting the blue dot painted on the rock over crops.

Whoever lay out this trail really like to goes from one dome to the next, with narrow path connect each. I was tire by the time I get to the 3^rd of 4^th rock dome.

Someone have way too much time here. There were two small pile of rock on top of the rock dome

By the time I get down from the last rock out crop and eat my trail mix bar I wished I had packlunch. I was rushing as much as I can because I don’t want to be catch in the rain with my expensive camera.

I am going to make this less word intensive and show some pictures I had taken along the way.

Trying to find the hidden water fall, it is somewhere inside this crap in the rock over crop.

This is the picture of the tip of Lake Skenomlo. The picture do it no justice whatsoever.

Ran into this baby deer on my final leg of the hike, on the Yellow Trail. He was not shy. He let me get real close before retreating a couple of step, turn around and stare at me. He finally take flight when I come in for a close up shoot.
Also spotted what look like a turkey. Actually I did not spotted the turkey so much as it flew right in front of me as I was walking on the trail along Sebago lake. I chased it around those rocks and bushes for a while in an effort to get a good picture. Just wasn't fast enough

Can anyone spot her/him?

Made back to the cabin by 2 PM. Have lunch and decided to pack up for the drive home.

Make up my mind to come back to NYC on Monday instead of Tuesday.

Trip Leader Workshop and Real Rescue

Sunday, June 8 2008

Sebago Canoe Club had its annual Trip Leader Workshop at our Brooklyn Clubhouse on Sunday. It also coincides with the sailors’ first sail of the season. Bonnie who is one of the more experience paddlers and trip leader is also an aspiring sailor so she went sailing instead of the workshop. We poked fun at her a bit as she prepare her sailboat while we sit around listening to pass trip experiences. I envy her. I really want to learn how to sail. Take a class but never really get into sailing. Require way too much people interaction to get a sailboat in the water.

We spend way too much time on land discussing passed events and going over what we should do differently. I hated the legal aspect of the discussion but unfortunately we do live in a litigious society. We end up in a drawn out discussion about filing a “official” incident report vs. unofficial send the kayak chair a email of any incident worth reporting. I hate reports of any kind.

As usual I did not brought lunch so I end up getting some bread and peanut butter from John for lunch. We get on the water after lunch. It started out badly. I thought we were going to simulate an actual group paddle but the group that launched first started to wander down the channel before everyone else get on the water. So it very much a free for all as we paddle out to the bay. I gave up on any pretense of simulating an actual trip so I find the disorderliness of it very entertaining – which is for the best because what happen next throw off our entire workshop.

I was in the lead with Phil and another kayaker when I spotted a sail near buoy 13 that look weird. It was definitely no under control. I assumed that who ever it is just let go of the line so I wasn’t thinking much of it but I was watching it since it was on our course. Before I know it the sail disappear, the boat had gone over. It could be one of the sailors. But I have a sneaking suspicion whose boat it was.

Andy was setting up his sailing canoe on the dock while we were having the workshop at the Picnic area this morning. He told me that he is taking his two little kids out for a sail. The sail was definitely not a Sunfish or Laser’s so that leave us with only one possibility. Phil comment to me that if it’s one of the sailor that it no problem. I told him that it is definitely Andy’s sailing canoe. We race off toward the submerge canoe as fast as we can. I did not get all the way to the submerge canoe. Pete was calling us on the radio asking us what we were doing. I decided to let Phil and one other paddler get to Andy and see if anything need to be done while I waited for everyone else to catch up.

All told half of the group were needed to rescue Andy and his kids. Two kayakers paddled back to shore with the kids to get them out of the water and the wind. At least 4 kayakers were needed to tow the submerge canoe to shore to be dump it out. I end up with Jerry and the rest of the group. We decided to go over the rescue with the newbies while were waited. I demonstrated a couple of rescues, towing and have some volunteers be the rescuer and some being the victim. The canoe rescuers finally joined us almost 2 hours later. I do not envy them the task of towing a fully submerge canoe back at least a mile to shores. I did it once for only 200 feet and don’t want to repeat it. We did some more rescue then call it a day.

I convince Mary to give me a tow back to the bridge but I end up paddling faster then her tow so it was rather counter productive.

I talked to Andy after we get back to the club. He did not think it is too big a deal. He keep one asking me if his “simulation” was good. After he started saying that to a few people I told me to ask his children if his "simulated incident" was good or not. The whole incident could have end badly if we were not in the right place at the right time and fortunately with enough experience people to get him, his canoe and his kids back to shore. Andy, his canoe, and kids was drifting further and further into the motorboat channel and further from land when Phil and the rest of the rescuers get to him. I am very disturbed that the dangerous nature of the accident did not have a bigger impact on Andy.

First Saturday Paddle

At the clubhouse. No one has a WiFi connection I can piggy back on. No WiFi at all for that matter. Cheapo. All the guys with expensive motor boats and not WiFi. We should get a grant from the telephone company to have free WiFi.

Anyway, what am I doing at the clubhouse on a Tuesday you ask? Well there is several reasons. The main one would be because I lock my key in my kayak container again and have to stop by pick it up when John W. is here since he have the key to my container. John also asked me if I can wait for the water deliver, which should be here between 9AM and 4PM. John finally get them to narrow the time frame down to 1PM to 1:30PM. I could have drive home after picking up the key and helping John with a couple of errands but I decided since I brought everything I need why not stay and enjoy the sea breeze, and my alternate parking last till 11AM. Also it is hot as hell in my apartment. I should thing about getting my AC install.

Also, there is much less distraction here then at home to finish a couple of things; like updating all my blogs. I am still a bit out of date with the kayak blog. I am only half way through writing about my Monday Orhard Beach trip with Tony, I assisted a Saturday paddle this prevous weekend, and I have an interesting Trip Leading Workship on Sunday. I also need to work on my job search strategies. I need to get at least 4 interviews a week for the next 4 months in order to get a job, averaging the change of getting a job 1 in 40 interviews.

Saturday Paddle is at the same time as the Blessing of The Fleet. We get 11 walk-in guests before 9AM so it is going to be a busy summer. Everyone is between 25 and 30 mostly, along with several club members. Betty is probably the oldest person on the

paddle but she is a very good paddle. One of the woman was at open house, and she brought a couple of her friends. Nice looking group.

Pete P. is leading the trip so I don’t have to do much since he take charge of everything. Stevie M. is also assisting so I just stay out of the way. We get everyone ready and launch by 10:30. The weather is perfect for a beginner paddle. We have to wait a bit as a large group of motor boats set out for the blessing of the fleet. It was impressive to follow a light of 5 big boats down the channel. We have to make way for one boat that have to return to it slip due to shortage of gas. With Peter orchastrating everyone from the back we have no problem keeping clear of the boat.

I take point and lead everyone toward the bridge. We rafted up before the bridge to assess how everyone is doing. No one lagged behind or mauranding all over the place so we have good group of stronger beginners. I lead everyone under the bridge, and along Bergen Beach. I was supprised not to see any motor boats on Jamaica Bay. Apparently they all line up on the other side of Chesea Pier. I set a slow study pace so we have the group nice and thight together. We get to the Salt Marsh in no time at all, 11:10. I two Eskimo rolls while we waited for everyone to catch up and take a rest. I was not at all confortable with neither roll. One the second one I did not do a clean roll, instead I did a sculing roll up when I was not able to get up doing a C to C roll.

We did not have to be back till 12PM so it was decided after we raft up in front of the Marsh that we should go in and have a look around. High Tide have not peak yet there is still a chance that there may no be enough water for the heaver paddlers so I scouted the way head, looking for the deepest way to get into the Marchs. Water is still flowing into the Marsh so it is not quite full up yet. We have about 1 and a half feet of water to paddle in, everyone managed to get through to the Marsh. Everyone is impress as how quiet and isolated the feel of the March is compare to the noice of the highway just on the other side. We looking around for a couple of minutes, till 11:30 then decided to start heading back.

We get to the bridge right as the Sebago continuents of the Blessing of the Fleet came back. The war canoe lead the way back, and behind it is about half a dozen kayakers. They crossed under the bridge before us so they have first dip at the dock. We rafted at the cove before the marina and waited. I did a couple of roll while we were waiting. It was getting hot in the dry suit. While were were waiting the motor boats from the Blessing of the Fleet start comeing in. After the first batch of motor boats come throught we decided that it is time to proceed back to the dock. When we get to the right side coming into the inlet, and right at the first marina, there is a confusion as to what the motor boat intention were. Several of them were caming right down the channel, but one is sitting right in the middle with the bow pointed toward were we were. I thought that the boat was going to back up into a slip on the opposite marina but it turn out they want to come into the slip in which were are blocking. We were waiting for him to back up but he was waiting for us to transit so he can dock. One of the fella on the slip told us to move so we move down the channel and clear the area so the boat can dock.

We wrapped up the paddle by noon. Everyone was very helpful with the washing of the boats and equipments and putting everything way. I enjoyed the open paddle. Great chance to meet new people.

Orchard Beach

Somehow or other the subject of paddling on Monday come up during our sunday paddle. I learned that Tony, JohnW and Walter is planning a Monday paddle up at Orchard Beach. Since I don't have anything better to do on Monday I asked them if I can tag alone. The only problem I see is getting my dry suit dry over night.

I arrived at the club at 7:30AM. I was hoping that John come early also so we can start out early for Tony house where we are meeting Tony and Walter. The plan was to meet up at Tony's at 9AM so John and I plan to be at the club at 8:30 to pick up our boats. Probably cut the timing a bit tight. I get there early just in case John come early and we can start heading out before 8:30. John come at 8AM and we get everything ready by 8:30. The drive up to Tony did take longer due to traffic on the Van Wyck. It turned out Walter was late getting to Tony also so we did not feel bad about being late. We get there at about 9:15AM. Spend a couple of minutes talking to Walter, planning our trip up to Orchard Beach. Walter forget to closed the back gate of his SUV as we drove away. He did not goes far thought before he stopped and get out to close it. Close call, cooler with the wind was right on the edge of the back of the trunk.

Get up to Ochard Beach without any delay. There wasn't many car on the parking lot, so parked as close to the boat ramp as we can. We still have to carry our kayak a good distance to the ramp. We get on the water at 11AM. Just about were I thought we would . The day was perfect for a relaxing paddle. We launch at a good time, right at high tide. We paddled out out into Long Island Sound and head North East toward some group of Islands.


Kayaks at the boat ramp.



John and Walter getting ready to Launch.


These two mating horseshoe craps was right on the side of the launch ramp. They come to that position when we arrived, and 20 minutes later when we get ready to launch they were still there. They finally find more quiet place to do they thing.


Walter and John as we start our paddle.


Get a very good view of the Brog Neck Bridge on our way into the Long Island Sound. We head away from the bridge and toward a couple of island to the east of City Island.




I believed this is at 1PM so this is after lunch .

Sunday Surprise

Get an email from Tony on Saturday evening about a short relaxing paddle he want to do on Sunday. Tony is a fun guy and paddle with him are always pleasant, even if unpredictable. We usually did not have a set plan when we set out as to where we are going. I was planning to go out on a paddle on Sunday morning anyway so I jump on the opportunity to paddle. I would never have actually get up at 7AM to go paddling by myself. I did not know how many other people respond to Tony Email so I don't know who is coming or their skills level. Tony did not specify how long the trip is going to be so I did not pack any lunch - I should have know better from previous paddle with Tony.

I get there just as Tony pull up to the clubhouse gate. There were already several car there. I was not expecting so many cars at the club on a Sunday. Turn out a group of Boy Scout camp out on the club's ground and are preparing to go out canoing to practive for an upcoming trip.

We launch at 9AM after the Boy Scouts launched, and went head short east toward Mill Basin. We did not decide at that moment where were were going yet. It was decided as we went down the shore that we should paddle to Floyd Bennett Field. It take must just under one hour to get there. There wasn't much wind so there wasn't any big wave coming off the sea wall. As we were approaching the the seaplane ramp, we saw another paddling in the opposition direction. Tony asked if anyone have a Sebago booklet. I told him mine are all in my car, and paddle pass the newcomer. I pretend I did not see him. Tony, being a more social fella paddle up to the newcomer and introduce himself. I don't know what transpired but the newcomer decided to have a paddle with us.

After resting for a couple of minutes while the group talk with the newcomer - I did not remember his name, Tony told me to lead everyone to a beach before Gil Hodges Bridge. The new guy is a fast paddler so he was in front with me most of the trip. The Washing Machine was off today. We have very good current going out and the wind was light so there is not much wave action. Instead of landing at the beach we decided to continue under the bridge since it was only 11:30 something when we get there. I was feeling good so did not mind just going a bit further. We still do not have a definite turn around destination at this point. Just see how far we can go till we have to get back. At Dead Horse Bay we have a mini conference as to where were want to go. The choices were Gerrison Beach or Sheepshead Bay. I think Sheepshead Bay would be too far. I was not expecting a four hours trip. I suggested Gerrison Bay for lunch since there is good beach there. Lunch - I meant rest because I did not expect us to come back after lunch time I did not bring anything to eat.

There is a lot of boat traffic on Rockaway Inlet when we get there, and most of them boats were running at full speed into Gerrison Beach. We managed to get under the bridge just as a big motor come through. We did not goes far into the Inlet, just at the mouth there were a good beach, and away from the ATV ridding family on the other side. While everyone landed, I stay out and do a couple of rolls. The water was still cold not I need the cool down after 3 hours of paddling in my dry suit.

I joined the rest of the group after my cool down roll. They were seating aways from the boat, on the other side of the sand dune that formed the beach where we can't see out boats which is something I usually want to avoid. Not at all happy with the prospect of coming back and find our boats floating away. Tony offered me some dry fruits so I have a couple of dry banana for lunch.

We make our way back at at 1nish something. The wind was starting to pick up, and the current was still coming out so the paddle back was bit shower. The waves are more interesting at the Washing Machine our morning trip through it. We are get around Floyd Bennett Field without any problem. We landed at the second Seaplane ramps to say good by to our guest. I wandered off to find the facility. It was all the way across from the old air field - now parking lot. It is a open pit design so it was not something I would have normally use, but since I walk a good 10 minutes to find it I might as well use it. I held me breath as long as I can.

I came back just in time to say good bye our new friend.

We get a bit of wind and wave by the time we get back to the club. Everyone was asking if we see the Boy Scout canoeists on the way back. I looked out for the canoes that went out in the morning before us, I assumed that they came back when I did not see on our way back. I did not know how long their trip was plan for but I did no expect anything longer then our trip. It was 2:45 when we get back so it had been 7 hours since they left the dock. That is a very long canoe trip. Everyone was worry if the kids can handle the canoe in the strengthening wind. Jim and Andy tried a couple of time to raise them on the marine radio but not luck (we learned later that they take a club radio - which did not work).

Holly come back in the Sunfish to tell us that she talk the Boy Scouts group and tell us where they are. It was suggested that someone paddle out and escorted them into the inlet. My boat and equipments was already washed so I wasn't thinking of going out again but after thinking it over I decided to goes out to see where they are. I wasn't going to be able to drive home anyway till they come back so I might as well be doing something.

Jim was getting the safety boat prep but was not sure about launching because there was much gas in the tank. When I get to the bridge two canoes were coming in so I radioed back to Jimmy that the canoeists arrived at the inlet so he don't have to risk taking the safety canoe out. Jim wanted to launch any just in case it was need. I paddle out to the bay and see the four remaining canoes and a kayaker spread out a bit but doing fine. I radioed in. I meet up with the kayaker and we paddle back to the bridge. The Boy Scouts paddling the last canoe was having problem keeping it going straight so the going was slow. Jim come out with the safety boat as we get the buoy before the bridge. He was having problem keeping the motor running. He have to start it several time and go very slowly to be able to make it back to the dock. I was paddling faster then him as I follow him just in case I have to tow him home. I would not enjoy that. Fortunately he make it back with just the fume in the engine.

All the canoeist went through the motor boat channel under the bridge. I was not able to get them to go to the side. Oop. I did keep a watchful eye out for boat as they went under the bridge so there weren't any real danger. I radioed a general warning just in case. Everyone get home ok so all is well that end well.

Memorial Weekend.

Memorial weekend was a blast. Spend lot of time on the water, I get a bit of sun poisoning to prove it.

Let start with Sebago Open House on Saturday. I get there at 8:45AM, and before I know it it was 6PM in the evening. I help with the first two morning paddles. We get a good big group of people waiting to paddle by 10:30. I wasn't expecting to get out till at least 11AM, but the weather was good, and apparently most people decide to stay in the city for the weekend to save on gas money. I end up taking the lead on the first paddle. I don't mind leading the trip, except for the talking part of it. I hate public speaking ( I hate talking to stranger period so one or 10 really don't matter.) I try to hand it off to Steve, but he kicked it back to me. I managed not to mess the orientation too bad. The wind was blowing at about 10 to 15 mph with some strong gust. We only have one guest cutting the trip short. The rest of the group went half a mile up against the wind toward the head of the bay, then back down to the end of the marina and back again to the dock without any mishap.

Laurie already have a large group of new guests line up for the second paddle. I take 15 minutes or so to get something to drink, and just wander around getting used to the huge number of people hanging around. I think this may be our most successful open house that I can remember.

The second paddle I take point. I try to keep a slow study speed. We did not goes more then pass the dock on our way back. Phil wanted us back because there is another large group waiting to go out. I was fine with that I need to get back and eat something anyway, it was 12:30PM. Another group of trip leaders take out the next two groups of guests.

I don't do much mingling. Just eat my hot dogs and try to keep out of the way. I talk to some member that I haven't seen for a while. Embarrassingly I don't remember any of their name. I get to get better to retaining name.

I was railroad into a war canoe ride as I was waiting on the dock. The canoe is perfect for small children, because it take about 8 people to paddle it, and it is relative stable. The canoe ride itself was ok except for the one kid that keep yelling that he want to get off, that his sister is getting him wet. Definitely one kid I would not want on the car ride on a long trip. I was so glad when we finally get back to the dock.

I help with one other trip out before having enough. After the last trip goes out, the rest of us on land get the unused boats wash and put away. It was 4:30 when the last paddle come back.

I don't know what I did but I did not leave till almost 7PM.

Monday I help with Phil first Jamaica Bay trip. I get there early, 10AM but not earlier then Phil who is already in his paddling cloth when I pulled in. It don't take long till everyone else show up. We launch a bit after 11AM. At the first stop before the bridge I decided to see if I can turn my long, 17 feet boat 360 degree with just two stroke. I was leaning way back to do a reverse sweep stroke when my right knee come loose from the knee brace. I wasn't able to return the boat to an up right position but I was not fully capsize either. I have my back arched and extended when I lost control of the boat, the boat stay on it side but I can't get the leverage to get the boat back up. Since I am in a sculling position I decide to get up with a sculling roll. I manage to get up enough to get some air but no luck getting back up. After trying a couple of time to scull back up with one leg inside the boat and the other almost outside the boat, I wisd up and decided to fully capsize the boat and set up properly. I get my head completely under water and re-seat myself. I was definitely tire and running out of air by that time. Seating upside down, under water, I decided that the group need a demonstration on wet exit and t rescue so I slide back out, and come up beside my boat. Elizabeth was there, I up right my boat, she pulled it up and empty the boat, and I am in my boat in less then 2 minutes. A very efficient rescue.

I manage to stay up right the rest of the trip. The wind was stronger then we expected but there was no problem getting to Mill Basin. We stop many time to let everyone catch up and rest. We explored the right inlet with all the expensive house. I was more interest in the Coast Guard cutter on dry dock. It was a beautiful piece of machinery.

We were supposed to explore the left inlet on the way back but it was decide by the majority of the group to start heading back since it was already 1PM, and exploring the left inlet will mean getting back to the clubhouse at 4PM at the earliest. Phil asked my to take point since I had a radio ( a very staticky one at that.) I take a slow pace and keep everyone very much together till pass Mill Basin Bridge. At the Mill Basin Channel, and the turn north east there is a sand bars that cause all kind of weird waves, normally I would preferred to go as far out as I can pass this send bar and the weird waves as possible but there was a boat full of fishermen pulling out so I decide to the shore side of the boat, which is a bit close to the sand bar but not onto it. I was cautions the people to my side to keep away from the sand bar, and staying head of the couple of faster paddles and rolling with with the waves that collide at the sand bar when the guy next to me, named Joe, capside. I yelled capsize right away and asked Severn to do the rescue because I don't want to lose control of the lead group. But in the confusion Severn did not hear me so I end up taking hold of Joe's boat.

Joe was standing in waist deep water so there is no danger of him floating away. He insisted on waking his boat 50 feet onto the beach, which I thought will take too much time but I decide not fight it. I let him dragged his boat onto shore, and see two other boat, headding right onto the sand bar. They end up end up beach and have to drag their boats where they can launch without being push against the shore. At this point there were a lot of yelling and confusion. I end up trying to round up the lead group before they get to far. I managed to catch up with the lead group and get everyone raft up so we can wait for the people that beached, and the group that went further out to get way for the crazy waves.

I had the group wait for 5 minutes before the wind blow us toward shore. It was decided that we should continue to our bridge rather then wait their for the rest of the group to sort themselve out. I don't know how that was decide because that wasn't my idea. I would preferred to maintain that position till I get everyone together but the group was nervous about getting blow to shore and fighting the wind and current which were getting worst. The group very much break up by itself and started paddle to Paerdegat Bridge. I wasn't able to catch up with the lead group of paddle so I told everyone to paddle to the last green nun before the bridge and wait. Of course everyone was eager to get under the bridge and into the protection of the inlet so I end up telling Elizabeth to make sure everyone wait on the other side of the bridge. We stayed there till Phil bring up the rest of the group. We did a head count and miraculously we have the same number of the paddlers as when we left the dock.

It was an interesting paddle, and a learning experience. I keep on re-running the trip over in my mind and trying to see if I should have done anything differently. I felt I lost control of the group after the capsize. I should have been more assertive in keeping the group together. It is not just in this paddle thought. In every group paddle I have been in, the paddle back always became a free for all.