Go with the flow of the tide for fine paddling

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Last Sunday evening’s steady winds put the binders on a paddle to look at phosphorescence in Castine Harbor that I had planned with friends. We decided to wait for a calmer evening to venture out.

I figured the wind and waves would have made paddling in the dark too much of a challenge for a relaxing cruise, and besides, the dinoflagellates would be all tuckered out having been bounced around all day. Their lanterns would be burned out.

Earlier in the day I ventured across the riled-up bay to Smith’s Cove and paddled the western shore in the lee of the afternoon’s gusty winds. The tide was coming and I managed to sneak across the bar between White’s Head and Hospital Island. Actually, I dragged bottom in one place, refusing to get out of the kayak or to wait another five minutes for another inch of water.

It wasn’t that I was in a rush, far from it. I was enjoying the scenery. A great blue heron, surprised by my sudden appearance, took off ahead of me, and kingfishers darted here and there above of me as I progressed up the shore.

Close to shore the paddling was superb. There was just enough breeze to keep the mosquitoes at bay, yet not enough to make paddling a pain. I meandered over seaweed-covered ledges while keeping an eye out for shorebirds. The kingfishers stayed one step ahead. At Indian Bar beach I put ashore and walked across the bar to the Holbrook Island side. Westerly winds had that side of the bay frothy, and I was happy I’d decided on the Smith Cove route.

After the brief visit to the bar, I hopped back in my kayak and resumed skirting the shoreline. Gulls and pipers and more kingfishers kept me company, and an osprey gave me a high-pitched greeting (warning?) as I neared the back of Smith Cove. A couple reading books on their dock looked up long enough to say “hi” as I passed. Near the southern end of the cove, I veered out into the wind, turned downwind, and let the boat go with the flow. By then the tide was just past high and it was a straight shot back to the town dock. The harbor was still riled but not as much as it had been earlier with the rush of the incoming tide.

It had been a pleasant five-mile-plus paddle. With the exception of the rough harbor, the rest had been on relatively flat water.

It helps to know the area where you plan to paddle, and knowing the weather forecast, the wind speed, and direction and tidal flow will allow you to get in water time even on blustery days. If the winds are out of the west, for example, seek out a north-south area with a landmass on the western side and paddle near it. Plan your trip to take advantage of the tidal currents – go with the flow. Remember if you find yourself headed “upstream,” that currents are usually more benign close to shore. If the seas are running high, plan your trip to keep you inside the outer islands. Most important, however, is that you dress properly for the water temperature and don’t exceed your capabilities. If you’re not comfortable, it’s a good bet you shouldn’t go out.

Borestone Mountain Hikeathon

Looking for a great hike and a chance to help Maine Audubon at the same time? Mark your calendar for Oct. 8 and be at Borestone Mountain in Elliotsville for the fourth annual Borestone Mountain Hikeathon. Participants will be eligible to receive free passes for unlimited hiking next season.

According to an e-mail I received the other day, the Hikeathon raises funds to help Maine Audubon conserve 1,639-acre Borestone Mountain Audubon Sanctuary, located 10 miles northeast of Monson. Hikers will need to solicit pledges in advance and then choose from two round-trip hikes, five miles or 2.5 miles.

“We picked this time of year for the Hikeathon because the view of autumn colors from Borestone’s peak should be spectacular,” said Borestone manager Don Annis of Monson.

Hikers turning in $25 or more in pledges will receive a 2006 pass that entitles the hiker and immediate family members to use Borestone sanctuary trails next season without paying trail-maintenance fees. Fees are normally $4 for adults and $2 for students and those 60 or older. Access to the sanctuary is free for Audubon members and children under 6.

The hike starts at 9 a.m. from Borestone’s main gate on Bodfish Road. Pledges can be turned in at the nearby sugar house. The usual gate fee will be waived for those participating in the event.

The round trip to Borestone’s summit is approximately five miles over a well-maintained trail and takes three to four hours depending on pace.

Apples and drinking water will be provided to all hikers, who are invited after the hike to relax and enjoy refreshments at the historic Adirondack-style lodges on Sunset Pond. These are not normally open to the public. Audubon naturalists will be on hand to answer questions about the sanctuary and its wildlife.

For more information visit http://www.maineaudubon.org or www.maineaudubon.org or contact Stacie Haines at (207) 781-2332, ext. 234.

Dip for Katrina victims

Looking for an excuse to get out the bathing suit one more time? The Passamaquoddy Tribe at Pleasant Point will host an “End of Summer Bikini Penguin Dip” to raise funds for the victims of Hurricane Katrina at 10:30 a.m. on Sept. 30 at the Split Rock Pier at Pleasant Point Reservation.

Dippers will get pledge sheets to raise funds that will be sent to the American Red Cross.

“This is a natural and greatly needed response to help our fellow Americans during this horrific period in their lives,” said Pleasant Point Passamaquoddy Gov. Melvin Francis in a press release. “The Passamaquoddy Tribe will do all it can to give a hand up to our neighbors on the Gulf Coast.”

“As soon as the word got out that we were planning this event, people started calling to say that they wanted to help,” said organizer John D. Surles Jr. of Eastport. “Calais Regional Hospital joined our team almost immediately and La Sardina Loca Restaurant in Eastport stepped up to offer a benefit dance the evening of the 30th to contribute to the effort. The people in this area have shown their altruistic spirit, love and generosity over and over again … and I am sure we will have a great turnout so that we can make a significant contribution to helping rebuild the lives of the victims of Hurricane Katrina.”

WQDY/WCLZ Radio President Bill McVicar has stepped up as a major sponsor of the event. “We are ready and willing to do anything and everything we can do to help,” stated McVicar. “What happened to our neighbors in the Gulf States could happen to any and all of us at any time.”

People in the Calais area can stop by the WQDY/WCLZ studio on Main Street in Calais to pick up pledge sheets. Pledge sheets can also be picked up at the Pleasant Point Tribal Office, La Sardina Loca and Captain’s Cargo in Eastport, or call 853-2662 to have one mailed to you. Those not able to dip can make donations made out to The American Red Cross and drop checks off at any of these locations.

Organizers hope to raise a minimum of $20,000 for the American Red Cross Relief Efforts.

For more information, contact John Miller at 207-853-2662 or e-mail him at fiji1@verizon.net

Fat Tire Frolic

The Bicycle Coalition of Maine’s fourth annual Fall Foliage Fat Tire Frolic will be held at Carrabassett Valley on Oct. 9. There will be a guided 20-mile loop ride declared to be “arguably the most scenic, enjoyable ride in the state” for mountain bikers. Or, families can ride together for the 15-mile Easy Rider along a hybrid-friendly multi-use path.

BCM will provide high-energy snacks at the rest stops. For the longer ride, pack a lunch to enjoy with your new friends along the way.

The action starts at 10 a.m. at the Anti-Gravity Center in Carrabassett Valley. The donation for BCM members is $20 and $25 for nonmembers. For more information and to register, visit www.BikeMaine.org or call 207-623-4511 or contact Pete Phair, 207-623-4511 or e-mail him at Pete@BikeMaine.org

Jeff Strout’s column on outdoor recreation is published each Saturday. He can be reached at 990-8202 or by e-mail at jstrout@bangordailynews.net.