Jim Connors, a new friend that we met through the pool sessions run by Archee of the New England Kayak Club Meetup Group, invited us to join him for a Saturday paddle in Boston Harbor. Jordan and I joined Jim for a trip out to Lovells Island from Morrisey Boulevard across from the National Grid gas tank. Archee was going to come with us too, but he lost his glasses when moving his car off the beach and had to get another pair ASAP, so he did not do the trip.
The temperature was in the high 40's or so. The sky was overcast but the sun was supposed to come out eventually (but it didn't). The water is still very cold, probably 40 degrees. The wind was just about non-existent. It was going to be a great day for flat water paddling, but not a great day for picture taking.
Looking for Archee's glasses.
Jim and Jordan with Marina Bay in the background.
We headed for the Long Island Bridge and had just enough water to get over the gravel bar that extends from Thompson Island to Squantum.
The southern end of Thompson Island.
Spectacle Island.
Passing Rainsford Island.
Nixes Mate.
Heading for Gallups, Georges Island behind Jordan.
Jim, with the North End of Lovells Island in the background.
There were some waves rolling in on the east side of Lovells as we came around the north end of the island. We had to swing out a little further to avoid the area where they were breaking.
In the shallow water off the east side of Lovells, we saw 3 or 4 seals. They were of the shy type and never got close enough to get a picture of them.
Heading into the calmer waters and looking for a spot to stop for a break.
We chose the same spot where Skip, Joe and I hiked to last year on our trip to Georges and Lovells.
Jim and Jordan standing around during our lunch break stop on Lovells.
Boston Light.
The Graves Light.
After a 45 minute break, we continued around Lovells and decided to head between Georges and Gallups.
Georges Island.
Gallups Island.
The National Grid gas tank under the Long Island Bridge.
We chose to go around Thomson Island on the way back rather than portaging over the gravel bar between Squantun and Thompson. I have never seen the channel between Thomson and Spectacle Islands so calm. We did have to wait for a commuter boat catamaran to go by, but then were able to take a diagonal course across the channel with no other traffic to speak of.
Boston coming back into view as we round the northern end of Thompson Island.
Jim took a close line to the island in the shallows amongst the rocks.
Jordan stayed a little further offshore.
Headed for the take-out.
Here is a topo map of the area with our track highlighted.
A few specs from the trip:
Launch time: 10:01am
Lunch stop: 11:44am Distance: 7 miles Break time: 45 minutes
Take-out time: 2:40pm
Total Distance Paddled: 14.8 miles
Thanks Jim for inviting us to join you on the paddle today.
Norm
Lovells Island From Gas Tank - March 17, 2012
Moderator: Chip
Lovells Island From Gas Tank - March 17, 2012
Last edited by norm on Sun Mar 18, 2012 8:20 am, edited 1 time in total.
- kayakerjnj
- Posts: 2720
- Joined: Tue Apr 18, 2006 12:12 pm
- Location: Randolph MA
Re: Lovells Island From Gas Tank - March 17, 2012
Thanks Jim & Norm!!
It was an unexpected bonus to get in such a good paddle this weekend.
Thank you March for the crazy great weather we've had!!
It was an unexpected bonus to get in such a good paddle this weekend.
Thank you March for the crazy great weather we've had!!
Paddle with a big smile, its contagious
Jordan
Jordan
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- Posts: 1338
- Joined: Wed Jun 22, 2005 12:03 pm
- Location: Marshfield, MA
Re: Lovells Island From Gas Tank - March 17, 2012
Looks like you had a great day out there. So calm and so little boat traffic. No Yahoos at this time of year I guess.
Thank you for sharing, Norm!
Thank you for sharing, Norm!
Bea
Proud foster mother of Athena (P&H Cetus LV turquoise-white)
Proud foster mother of Athena (P&H Cetus LV turquoise-white)