Dressing in layers good lesson from Pushaw kayaking outing

There’s a saying that goes something like this: It’s hard to soar with the eagles when you hang around with a bunch of turkeys.

Here’s a twist on that old saw: Any day you can paddle on open water and see both eagles and turkeys is special.

After a winter full of anticipation, I finally got the opportunity last weekend to launch my kayak on open water. Granted there were scattered patches of ice left over from Ol’ Man Winter’s icy grip, but the Penobscot River and Birch Stream were open, as was a large portion of Pushaw Lake. Both provided great open-air classrooms for a group of aspiring Maine Guides who are taking a class from my paddling friend Karen Francoeur of Orono. I’ve been tagging along to lend a hand.

And yes, on Sunday, I saw a couple of eagles soaring over Pushaw Lake and a lone, fat turkey perched on a branch over the shore of Moose Island at Pushaw.

Birch Stream proved to be sheltered well from Saturday’s blustery winds and we used the day to review paddling strokes, go over ideas on pretrip planning, check proper equipment to have on board when guiding, and go over group management skills.

We all had a chance to share with others the clothing choice we made for the day which started out in the upper 20s. Layers were in order – anywhere from three to five, depending on the person and their comfort level. Dressing for a cool day outside that will involve both land and on-water time is difficult. Ideally, you should dress for the water temperature, using outer layers that will prevent soaking from immersion as well as from perspiration. That means breathable outer layers and wicking inner ones. A synthetic or wool- base layer next to the skin is in order, followed by a fleece layer or layers and topped by a breathable paddling shell and life jacket (personal flotation device).

A wet suit (Farmer John) is also a good inner layer. It can be topped with an insulating layer (or two) and a breathable shell layer. Many paddlers prefer a drysuit for early-season and cold-water paddling. It has neck, wrist, and ankle gaskets which keep out water in the event you capsize. A synthetic base and fleece layer (or two) are worn under it.

The tricky part is getting the right combination of layers so you’ll be protected in the event of a dunking but not overdressed and consequently prone to overheating once you get paddling. A complete change of clothes stowed in a dry bag is a must.

After paddling for a while, you may find you need to shed a layer (or add one depending on your metabolism). Raft up with your paddling partner(s) to help stabilize your boat, or get to shore where you can adjust your layers – don’t try to do it by yourself while sitting out on the water, because you’ll probably capsize (and then you’ll get to use those dry clothes you brought along!).

The fun part about heading out with a group of paddlers is seeing how people have outfitted themselves. There are those who hike or spend lots of time outdoors. They will often start out their paddling exploits using breathable shells and synthetic (or wool) layers they already have for their other pursuits (like hiking). Several in our group tried to get away with sneakers or hiking shoes, but had to rely on others to pull their boats far up on shore so they could exit or launch and keep their feet dry. (This is not a recommended procedure, by the way, if you are guiding a group of guests. They’ll expect you to be out of the boat and pulling them up on shore.)

Then there are folks who paddle more than they hike, and they have a bin full of paddling-specific gear. Like most sports, each comes with its own gear – just like Barbie does.

On Sunday our Easter gaggle met at Gould’s Landing on Pushaw Lake, readied our boats, and sat down with compass and map while Francoeur explained how to plot a course. It gave us all a chance to plan a trip, study the map, and apply classroom training to the real world. While we plotted, an eagle watched from on high and red-winged black birds chirped at us with their raspy voices.

After hitting the water we followed the course we had drawn on our maps. Some in the group were surprised to find that their eyes had deceived them. More than one person thought a small island they could see was one of the plotted points. It turned out that when they followed their compass course they wound up on a different island nearby.

Similarly when we planned our return trip after lunch, several in the class took bearings off the wrong landmarks that were a mile or so away. It proved a valuable lesson in trip planning – trust your compass and pick landmarks that are easily discernable. Distant shorelines are hard to read. In this instance we were doing position fixes and several of us wound up plotting our position several hundred yards from shore because a point of land from which we took a bearing was different from the one we thought we were using on the map. Once the mistake was realized, and the proper bearing taken, our position wound up on (or real close to) the beach on Moose Island where we stood.

Our return to mainland provided the opportunity for all of us to role-play – some of us as tourists, some of us as guides, others as a pain in the pants. It was another learning opportunity for guides-to-be to practice group management.

Afterward, a few of us, not wishing to call it a day, paddled up the lake, around Hardwood Island and back, for a chance to get a 3.5-mile cruise to begin clearing winter’s cobwebs and reharden our paddler’s thumb callus. It felt good to get back into the rhythm, but I paid for it for several days with a few sore muscles.

If you’re looking to take a first aid course or some more extensive wilderness first aid and first responder courses, here are some dates and numbers to call.

. The American Red Cross is offering first aid and CPR courses in Bangor April 24, May 3, 5, 6 and 29 for between $50 and $60. Call 941-2903 for times, specific offerings, prices, and locations.

. Wilderness First Aid courses are being offered by Jon Tierney June 19-20 in Bar Harbor ($150) and May 8-9 at Maine Sport in Rockland ($185). Call Tierney at 866-7562 for more information or to sign up.

. Wilderness First Responder training is being offered by Chewonki Foundation in Wiscasset May 26-June 3. The foundation is also offering a Registered Maine Guide Course June 4-6 and wilderness first aid June 12-13. If you need recertification for Wilderness First Responder, check with them at 882-7323 for times and charges.

If you’re in the Midcoast area Saturday, dust off your boots and head over to Bald Mountain in Camden for an Earth Day celebration hike led by Scott Dickerson of Coastal Mountains Land Trust. The hike is co-sponsored by Camden Hills Regional High School, Tanglewood, and the land trust. It begins at 10 a.m. Head out the Barnestown Road and go approximately a mile past the Camden Snow Bowl. Look for the parking area and trailhead on the right.

In Rockport the same day there’ll be a 1 p.m. hike up Beech Hill led by Bud Spalding of Coastal Mountains Land Trust. The trailhead parking lot is on Beech Hill Road, which is off Route 1. Tanglewood, CHRHS, and the land trust are co-sponsors.

Jeff Strout can be reached at 990-8202 or by e-mail at jstrout@bangordailynews.net.