Paddle Journal

July 18 to 24, 2001

This was our first sea kayaking adventure, so John and I decided to get lessons before we headed out into the briny blue ocean. We contacted a renowned outfitter in Camden. We decided to take their 3 day fast track program and "rough it out" in their island retreat. The details for this wonderful trip follow.

We flew into Portland Me and in a couple of hours we were at the outfitter's store. The staff, especially Sally, was extremely helpful. After checking out the details of our route, we picked up items that we needed, like dry bags. We didn't realize that we were paddling to the island. Our Samsonite luggage was not exactly seaworthy or compact enough to fit into the hatch of a Looksha IV sea kayak.

All three days of our paddling adventure were glorious. The warm sun was very welcomed as we practiced our wet and assisted exits.

Our instructors were Burke, Maria and Todd. Burke was a former Navy Seal and you knew that the moment that you saw him. He was very professional and competent. Maria loved the water and had also been a SCUBA instructor in Belize. She preferred to be "on" rather than "in" the cold waters of Maine. Todd was a school teacher who had chosen the Maine lifestyle. Kayak instruction was his after school activity. All three of these instructors created a very comfortable atmosphere of competence and camaraderie.

There were 10 participants in our group. They ranged in age from the late 20's to late 50's and it was almost an equal male/female split. Teamwork and interaction were fostered and conversations flowed easily.

The accommodations were great. The chalet was nestled in a cove on Gay Island. A generator provided the electricity and water was conserved. Our hostess fed us well. She worked on a lobster boat and she served us the most delicious lobster that I had EVER tasted.

For three days we were either in kayaks or talking about them. Basic and advanced paddling techniques, safety and navigation were covered. We paddled near Friendship Long Island, Morse, Cranberry, Otter and Gay Islands. We left as more competent paddlers with a greater respect for the sea, the weather and the fragile marine islands.

This and other trips may be booked through Evergreen Outfitters.