SPOT Messenger

I've been playing around with a new piece of gear lately... a SPOT Messenger. Specifically, the SPOT 2 Messenger. With all of the paddling I'll be doing in places I've never been before (and don't know what to expect) it seemed like a good idea. Heck, if it's good enough for Survivorman, it's got to be good for me, right?

Seriously, though, I do think it'll work OK for me. I always leave a basic "float plan" with my wife before I head out, and always call her right before I head out on the water. I try to call her every couple of hours after that, and defintely once I am back in my Jeep after paddling. What the SPOT does is let me send her a quick message ("I'm on the water and am OK" or "I'm out of the water and am in my Jeep") that will let her know I'm fine. We've had some close calls in the past where I had forgotten to call or had no cell service, leaving her worried and looking up the phone # of the local Coasties. My hope is that my new SPOT will prevent that.

I had read some different reviews of the original SPOT Messenger, more than a few of which were troublesome. The SPOT 2 seems to be much improved from the original, although it did have its own little problem with its batteries, warranting a recall. There have also been some reports of failed messages, difficulty with reception, etc. Although I've only used my SPOT once on the water, it performed flawlessly, under cloudy, overcast skies. I am very optimistic that it will continue to serve me well in the future. Of course, I'll report back from time to time as it gets more use. But, I do think it'll remain a valuable piece of paddling gear.

Portage to Portage Paddling Project

How amazing is this? A kayaker named Jake Stachovak is paddling from Wisconsin, down the Mississippi, around Florida, up the East Coast, through the great Lakes, and back to where he started, in Portage, Wisconsin. Here is what his blog says: "The “Portage to Portage Paddling Project” is a 5000 mile solo kayak journey around the Eastern United States. An adventure that will link the Mississippi River to the Great Lakes via the Gulf Coast, East Coast, and New York Canal Systems starting and ending in the small town of Portage Wisconsin.

Beginning in early December 2009 Aqua Adventures kayaker Jake Stachovak (Sta ho vi ack) will put in on the icy Wisconsin River in Portage WI to begin his long time dream trip. The spirit of this trip is as much about the people as it is about the miles and miles of water. The idea is to show everyone the kind of adventure they can find right in their back yard, and to share in that adventure as much as possible."

I've been reading his daily posts for some time now and find myself checking my computer many times a day with hopes that he has posted again. His story is truly amazing. And, the GREAT NEWS IS... He'll be speaking locally, on June 8th, at Suffolk Community College in Brentwood at a special meeting of the Long Island Paddlers'. I 'll definitely be there!

Shore Birds

As the weather gets warmer, and my deadline (only a scant 13 months away) slowly approaches, I've been paddling more and more. Of course, my camera comes with me on all paddles - thank goodness for digital! I always come back with dozens upon dozens of pictures, many of which are discarded. But, I've noticed that a good number of my shots are of birds - and some actually came out pretty decent. Here are some of my favorites!

A group of Oyster Catchers in Shinnecock Bay

An Osprey in Shinnecock Bay

A flying Least Tern in Shinnecock Bay

Some gulls in Port Jefferson Harbor

My latest project...

So, really good news here!!! A dream of mine for about 5 or 6 years now has been to write a sea kayaking guidebook to Long Island's waters. That dream is what led me to write "Canoeing and Kayaking New York". It's also what led me to develop a professional development course for educators that explores Long Island's rivers. And now, finally, the book will actually happen. As I type this, my book contract for "Paddling Long Island" is sitting right next to me. All I have to do is sign it, mail it back, and, well, write another book.

So, 50 of the best spots to paddle on and about Long Island, including NYC too. Any thoughts? Favorite spots you'd care to share? By all means, email me and let me know. I'd be happy to share my master list, which is currently upwards of 75 locations.