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Wollaston to Spectacle Island 4/13/13 10:00am Launch

Posted: Thu Apr 11, 2013 9:51 pm
by norm
Looks like it's going to be stormy all day Friday and clear up Saturday morning. I hope the weather forecast is accurate. I'm hoping by 9:00am all the rain will be over and it will clear quickly. I'd like to arrive at Wollaston Beach between 9:00-9:30am and be ready to launch at about 10:00am. We'll park near the opening in the sea wall just north of Tony's Clam Shop.

Parking spot: http://maps.google.com/maps?q=42.277009,-71.010244&ll=42.276713,-71.010059&spn=0.001224,0.001784&num=1&t=h&z=19

I plan to take it easy with a fairly long stop on Spectacle Island for lunch. I'd like to walk to the top of Spectacle and take some photos of the harbor. Maybe have lunch up top if the weather is nice or use the veranda of the visitors center if it seems chilly.

There shouldn't be much traffic in the channel yet, so I'm thinking of heading across to Thompson Island on the way back to see if we can find the entrance to a marsh area on the eastern side that they recently re-opened to tidal flow. High tide is at about 2:10pm, so it seems like a good opportunity to explore an area that may only be accessible at high tide. Bea and I explored the marsh on the other side of the island a couple years ago.

I want to take it easy paddling and only do about 9 to 11 miles at a tame pace. (Sore back from digging out broken fence posts.) It might be the first time out for a few people too.

At the bottom is a Google Earth satellite shot of the area with the proposed route shown in yellow.

Wet exit/Rescue skills are required.
I would recommend at least a 15 foot boat.
Ability to paddle 10-12 miles.
Proper clothing and gear for cold water and air temps required!
Bring a lunch and plan to spend time walking (maybe bring a change of shoes)
Bring regular gloves and a jacket to wear during lunch.

Please reply if you are planning to attend.


Proposed route:
Image

Re: Wollaston to Spectacle Island 4/13/13 10:00am Launch

Posted: Thu Apr 11, 2013 10:10 pm
by jimc
see you at 9:30 - Jim

Re: Wollaston to Spectacle Island 4/13/13 10:00am Launch

Posted: Thu Apr 11, 2013 10:21 pm
by norm
jimc wrote:see you at 9:30 - Jim

Excellent! :D

Glad you have your priorities straight - paddling over a trash run to the dump. :lol:

Re: Wollaston to Spectacle Island 4/13/13 10:00am Launch

Posted: Fri Apr 12, 2013 9:18 am
by Chip
I saw this on Twitter. Pretty cool

Re: Wollaston to Spectacle Island 4/13/13 10:00am Launch

Posted: Fri Apr 12, 2013 9:45 am
by kayakerjnj
Hi Norm,

Please count me in :D

Re: Wollaston to Spectacle Island 4/13/13 10:00am Launch

Posted: Fri Apr 12, 2013 10:05 am
by Azane
"Team Maelstrom" will participate...(or. at least half of the team) see you at put in!

Cheers, Steve

Re: Wollaston to Spectacle Island 4/13/13 10:00am Launch

Posted: Fri Apr 12, 2013 10:31 am
by Aquaholic
I'd like to join you on this one, Norm, but I'm still recovering from last Saturday's NH paddle in 35 mph winds. :roll:

Audrey

Re: Wollaston to Spectacle Island 4/13/13 10:00am Launch

Posted: Fri Apr 12, 2013 12:35 pm
by Sandy V
I'll be there.

Re: Wollaston to Spectacle Island 4/13/13 10:00am Launch

Posted: Fri Apr 12, 2013 12:47 pm
by norm
Aquaholic wrote:I'd like to join you on this one, Norm, but I'm still recovering from last Saturday's NH paddle in 35 mph winds. :roll:

Audrey

So, Audrey, does that mean you are coming or are not coming?

I've got some fence repairs you could go work on at my house if you're not coming and want a little exercise. :lol:

Norm

Re: Wollaston to Spectacle Island 4/13/13 10:00am Launch

Posted: Fri Apr 12, 2013 1:24 pm
by Aquaholic
Sheesh, first you try to get Jim to pick up your 7 bags of leaves and now you'd like me to fix your fence. :lol:

Nope, won't be joining you on the water this time, but I'll put in a good word for you with the weatherman!

Audrey

Re: Wollaston to Spectacle Island 4/13/13 10:00am Launch

Posted: Fri Apr 12, 2013 2:19 pm
by Dalerks
Wish I could join you guys but my wife is working so I am stuck with kid duty have fun on the water tomorrow

Re: Wollaston to Spectacle Island 4/13/13 10:00am Launch

Posted: Fri Apr 12, 2013 5:12 pm
by Sandy V
Sorry. Won't be able to make it after all. Hit my car on a curb, more damage then I anticipated. Don't feel safe enough driving long distances, especially with a 17 ft boat on the roof catching wind.
See you all soon though.
Sandy

Re: Wollaston to Spectacle Island 4/13/13 10:00am Launch

Posted: Sat Apr 13, 2013 8:20 am
by jimc
norm wrote:
jimc wrote:see you at 9:30 - Jim

Excellent! :D

Glad you have your priorities straight - paddling over a trash run to the dump. :lol:


I went to the dump first! See you in a bit -

Re: Wollaston to Spectacle Island 4/13/13 10:00am Launch

Posted: Sat Apr 13, 2013 8:51 am
by norm
Good news - the bathrooms at East Elm street are open.
Bad news - the sea wall is not open yet. Will have to step over boards.

Re: Wollaston to Spectacle Island 4/13/13 10:00am Launch

Posted: Sat Apr 13, 2013 4:43 pm
by kayakerjnj
Thanks guys for a great day. It started a little dark and gloomy but turned out to be a beautiful day!

Just what the doctor ordered :D

Re: Wollaston to Spectacle Island 4/13/13 10:00am Launch

Posted: Sun Apr 14, 2013 6:17 am
by Azane
Great trip! Even "discovered" the Thompson Lagoon!

Steve