Sea Kayak Chesapeake Bay Site Map

Site Map

Contains 373 pages. To open a page click on the underlined words.
To open or close a category, click on a blue triangle.

Sea Kayak Chesapeake Bay - A resource for individuals and groups interested in sea kayaking with a focus on the Chesapeake Bay.

01 - A Tour around the Chesapeake Bay - The Bay is often divided into three regions, the Upper Bay, from the Susquehanna River and the Flats to the Bay Bridge, the Middle Bay from the Bay Bridge to the mouth of the Potomac, and the Lower Bay, from the Potomac to the Atlantic Ocean. Each has its own unique character.

01 - Upper Chesapeake Bay - The Upper Chesapeake from the Susquehanna River and the Chesapeake and Delaware canal to the Chesapeake Bay Bridge is characterized by fresh water and high banks of long narrow rivers lined with hard wood trees. Human impacts and development around Baltimore, Baltimore Harbor, government facilities at Aberdeen Proving Ground, and rural agriculture transitioning to higher density housing along the waterfront contribute to varied and interesting area for kayak exploration.

01 - Safe Harbor Petroglyphs - On the lower Susquehanna, just below Safe Harbor Dam, the rocks whisper stories of the people of this land. Rock art of long ago generations still survives. Will it survive for the generations of the future?

02 - Havre de Grace - Gateway to the Chesapeake - Havre de Grace sits at the mouth of the Susquehanna River at the start of the Chesapeake Bay. With a long Colonial history, it played a role in both political and economic development of the United States.

03 -Tolchester Beach - With the advent of steamship routes on the Chesapeake Bay, Tolchester Beach in Kent Co., Md. became a favorite destination for Baltimoreans, 27 miles across the bay. After the 1880s, as steamship travel became more popular, improvements were made to the park, and eventually there were hotels, restaurants, and facilities for games, picnics, horse-racing, etc. An amusement park featured a merry-go-round and roller coaster, with games including a shooting range and tenpin bowling alley. Other activities were bathing and crabbing.

04 - Principio Furnace - The Principio Furnace, Maryland's first iron worksd, was established in 1719 in Cecil County and consumed 10,000 acres of woodland during its 100 years of operation.

05 - Baltimore and the Patapsco River - Baltimore sits at the head of the Patapsco River. Home of the Star Spangled Banner, the first railroad in the United States and gateway for the grain and coal from the Appalachian mountains and Ohio valleys, Baltimore has transitioned from a heavy industrial base to a balanced economy. Baltimore's past and its future can be seen from the waters of the Potapsco and its tributaries.

01 - Baltimore Firsts - Maryland Jockey Club and horse racing - Maryland has a long tradition in horse racing. Home to the first professional sports organization, the Maryland Jockey Club, it hosts the middle jewel of racing's triple crown, the Preakness.

03 - Baltimore Firsts - Balloon ascension - Although Kitty Hawk has been immortalized as the site of the first powered flight, the first manned aircraft flight in America actually happened on the outskirts of Baltimore, MD.

04 - Baltimore Firsts - Oldest surviving American Silverware maker - In 1815 Samuel Kirk started what was to become the longest lasting silversmith in America.

Baltimore Clippers - Pirates of the Chesapeake - During the War of 1812, Baltimore was referred to a "nest of pirates" by the British whose commercial shipping was repeatedly attacked by the swift and daring privateers sailing under a "Letter of Marquee" from the infant United States of America.

Fort McHenry - Fort McHenry, a star shaped fort guarding Baltimore harbor, withstood the British naval bombardment on September 13th, 1814 and inspired the poetry that became the words to our National Anthem "The Star-Spangled Banner".

06 - Chestertown - Royal Port City - Chestertown sits on the northern bank of the Chester River, a deep and well positioned port for the lucrative shipping of tobacco, slaves and grain from the surrounding productive fields. Chestertown became a center for shipping and commerce second only to Annapolis in colonial Maryland.

09 - Chesapeake Bay Bridge Walk - The Chesapeake Bay Bridge Walk crosses the 4.3 mile distance from Sandy Point between Annapolis and Baltimore to Kent Island. The double roadway elevated 5 lane highway has two spans that allow large ships to pass underneath. The bridge marks the unofficial boundary of the upper and middle Chesapeake Bay.

02 - Middle Chesapeake Bay - The Middle Chesapeake Bay, from the Bay Bridge to the mouth of the Potomac, is characterized by the mixture of fresh water from the Susquehanna and Potomac Rivers and the salt water from the Atlantic Ocean. Eastern Shore rivers are languid, tidal rivers extending far into the flat farming lands of the DelMarVa penninsula. The Western Shore has higher banks and long stretches with significant rivers.

Annapolis - Home of the State Capitol, St. John's College and the US Naval Academy, Annapolis has a long and proud maritime history. Known as "The Sailing Capital of the World", this beautiful colonial style city sits at the mouth of the Severn River on the western shore just south of the Chesapeake Bay bridge.

Brown Pelicans - The once endangered Brown Pelican is regaining its numbers. The northernmost colony of brown pelicans now calls Barren Island their new home.

Calvert Cliffs - The 100 foot white bluffs of Calvert Cliffs extend for more than 30 miles along the Chesapeake Bay. Located on the western shore just after the entrance of the Potomac River into the Chesapeake, the 15 million year old sediments in these cliffs were formed in a shallow sea. They contain fossils from over 600 species. mostly sharks

Kent Island and the Chesapeake Exploration Center - The Chesapeake Exploration Center is the gateway to Queen Anne's County, the Eastern Shore, and the Chesapeake Bay Region. The center features an interactive exhibit that explores man's close relationship with the rich natural environment of the Bay region, and considers how that relationship has shaped the area's cultural history.

03 - Lower Chesapeake Bay - The Lower Chesapeake Bay from the Potomac to Capes Charles and Henry is the final mixing area of the Chesapeake Bay estuary where the Bay finally meets the open Atlantic ocean.

Assateague Island - Assateague Island is an Atlantic barrier island off the Maryland coast just south of Ocean City. Home to herds of wild ponies most think live on its developed sister island, Chincoteague, this 27 mile long island provides diverse opportunities from crowded sun worship to lonely vistas of scrub and dunes.

Smith Island - Vanishing under the rising ocean - Smith Island is an eight by four mile island lying twelve miles off of Crisfield, Maryland. Slipping slowly and exorably under the rising waters of the Chesapeake Bay, inhabitants continue to hang on to a land and a life style that seems doomed.

Tangier Island - British base for the blockade of the Chesapeake - During the War of 1812, the British fleet developed Tangier island into a base of operations for their the new Corps of Colonial Marines composed of escaped slaves.

Virginia Barrier Islands - The Virginia Inside Passage lies behind a string of barrier islands stretching from Chincoteague Island to Cape Charles at the tip of the Delmarva penninsula.

02 - Basics - Just getting started? Here are some basics.

01 - Kayak Terminology - A guide to kayak & nautical terms. What is it and why is it important?

02 - Types of Kayaks - There are four broad categories of kayaks: General Recreation, Touring, Whitewater and Racing. What questions do you need to answer to determine which type of kayak is best for you?

03 - Kayak periodicals - Online publications for Kayakers provide another source of basic information.

04 - Kayaking organizations - Links to kayak organizations and associations that could help you get started.

05 - Where to find, buy, or rent kayaks - Here are some links to kayak stores, manufacturers, outfitters and communities.

06 - Kayak instruction and training - Where to get instruction and training about sea kayaks.

06.01 - Kayak Training Courses by ACA Certified Instructor - Kayak training is available for all skill levels in the Baltimore, Maryland area.

07 - Kayak Bibliography - Books about kayaks and kayak expeditions.

08 - Cold Shock - Cold shock is arguably the most likely killer of kayakers. It is also the least known. Even those who know a lot about hypothermia often know little about cold shock.

09 - Hypothermia - Killer Cold - An introduction to the dangers of hypothermia

10 - Other Medical Considerations - Dehydration, Sun Stroke, Heat Exhaustion, Hyponatremia, Cold Shock, Trench Foot

11 - Sharing with the big boys - General guidelines for safety around large vessels

12 - How to kayak - Making your kayak go - The forward power stroke and forward touring stroke

13 - How to kayak - Making your kayak stop - The backward power stroke is used for stopping and going backwards.

14 - How to kayak - making your kayak turn - Sweeps, rudders and draws. Strokes for turning your kayak.

15 - How to kayak - keeping your kayak from capsizing - High and Low Braces - Staying on top of your kayak.

16 - How to kayak - What to do after a capsize - wet exiting - You missed your brace. You capsized and now you are the keel instead of the mast. Now what do you do?

17 - How to kayak - getting back in your capsized kayak - Paddle float rescue and other self and assisted rescues that work

18 - How to kayak - getting in and out of your kayak - Get in and out of your kayak with grace and safety. Kayaks are tippy, especially when you are not in them. Use these techniques to enter and exit a kayak safely.

19 - Basic Equipment - Here is a list a basic coastal kayaking equipment, safety gear, signaling devices, navigation, clothing and camping gear.

20 - Paddle types shapes and sizes - Paddles - everyone likes something different and that is a good thing, otherwise we would all be trying to buy the same paddle. I use a Lightning paddle.

21 - Navigation Aids - Aids to Navigation can provide a boater with the same type of information drivers get from street signs, stop signals, road barriers, detours and traffic lights.

22 - Low-head dams: A not-so clear and present danger - Rivers can be treacherous, not only because of the tremendous power they possess, through the movement of flowing water, but because of structures they flow over, around and through.

23 - Mosquitos - They may be low on the food chain, but they are above you! Mosquitos are an unavoidable fact in the summer months. Here are some suggestions on how to do battle with the little buggers.

24 - Seasickness, Mal de Mer - If you are one of the many who are susceptible to seasickness, some preparation and knowledge might prevent a very unpleasant experience.

25 - Choosing a spray skirt - A spray skirt is important for safety and comfort when kayaking. Fit and function vary among the many types of spray skirts available.

26 - Basic Kayak Kit for every paddle - What should you carry every time you go paddling?

03 - Intermediate Topics - Of interest to those with intermediate levels of kayak skills

01 - Am I ready to go kayaking? - Here are some things to consider in deciding if you are capable of kayaking on an extended or solo trip.

02 - Kayak camping and expeditions - Staying out two or more days in your kayak presents a number of challenges as well as new experiences.

02.01 -Packing it in - Packing a kayak for an extended trip is an artform. Proper consideration of balance and trim can improve the performance of your kayak and your enjoyment of your trip.

02.02 -Packing it out - Take only photographs and don't even leave footprints. Being thoughful of the fragile seashore environment will keep access to these areas open for all of us.

03 - Hand Signals - Communication over distance - Communication at sea can be difficult if not impossible. Learn a set of hand signals. Make sure everyone in the group agrees on the meaning.

04 - Basic Surf Paddling Techniques - Surf poses a whole new set of problems and opportunites for the touring kayaker. Here are some tips on how to handle it.

05 - Downwind Paddling Technique - Paddling downwind can be fun. Practice and skills developed in controlled conditions can pay off in a free ride or when conditions get difficult.

06 - Long Distance Touring Stroke - Long distance kayaking like cycling, skiing, hiking and other endurance pursuits, requires conditioning, training, and above all proper paddling technique.

07 - Towing Techniques - Sooner or later either you or a companion will need to be towed. Practice these techniques and you will be ready.

08 - The Physics of Rolling - Rolling Principals - Knowing the physics can help your roll

09 - Paddling in a group - Group paddling dynamic - who me?

10 - How to use a marine VHF radio. - Most people have had little exposure to the proper use of a radio over the regulated airwaves. There is a protocol and special language for radio chatter which enhances the effectiveness of communications for all users.

Core Exercises for Kayakers - The torso and legs are the engine of the kayak. Most of the power comes from there. Here are some exercises for increasing your power and stamina. Get in shape or stay in shape with these movements.

Intermediate Training - Intermediate coastal kayakers will perfect advanced strokes and maneuvers, as an end goal, or as preparation for advanced open water skill development.

Knots - Keeping it where you want it - Knots are important anywhere there are ropes and lines. Here are some basic knots that keep things put; the clove hitch, bowlin, figure eight, fishermans, truckers and Prussic knots.

Know Chart, Compass and Things Magnetic, your GPS died don't be Pathetic - Fewer and fewer people use a compass for navigation as GPS devices have become ever more popular. Relying solely on an electronic device for your safety is a mistake. You should also know how to use a compass, understand its limitations and be prepared to navigate the old fashioned way.

Maintenance - Keeping your kayak in top condition - A yearly maintenance program will extend the life of your boat and the associated expensive equipment.

Roll - Deep Water Storm - This roll many find incredible easy to do. It looks like magic as there is very little apparently going on. But it works especially well when the waves are high and the action on the surface is hot.

Safety & Survival Items - Things to have when times get tough - Everyone who kayaks should have an set of emergency items that they have available when out for any length of time. In addition to a medical kit and a crash kit for cold water paddling, these are items that you should consider carrying.

Tides - What causes tides? Gravity and rotation of the earth, sun and moon. Learn how the complex interaction of these three bodies affect your world.

04 - Advanced Topics - Specialized topics for advanced kayakers.

Customizing the fit of your kayak - Foam pads, correctly applied to the seat and thigh braces, are essential for creating the snug, comfortable fit paddlers need.

Derek Hutchinson - Thoughts of a kayak pioneer - Derek Hutchinson is considered a father of modern kayaking. He was there at the beginning of British sea kayaking, the creation of the British Canoe Union and many techniques employed by sea kayakers of today. He talks about some of the early innovations and gives his views on the state of kayaking today.

Exposure Health Issues during expeditions - Sun burn, sun poisoning, sea ulcers and immersion injuries are effects of continued exposure to the elements. When on expeditions, these issues can cause debilitating problems that need to be addressed.

Making your own traditional Greenland style paddle - Traditional Greenland paddles can get fashioned cheaply from basic stock with a little wood working skill and a few simple tools.

Rescues & Rolling - An advanced rescues course prepares you for the worst the sea has to throw at you, whether you're out for a day trip or a week long expidition.

Sail Plans - Make your own kayak sail - From a few pieces of easily obtained materials, you can make your own very effective sail with a minimum of effort and no modification to your kayak hull.

Sea Anchor or Drogue - Make your own - Sea Anchors are used by vessels in heavy seas and strong winds to keep the bow positioned into the oncoming breaking seas. They can also be used to maintain position.

Sea Kayak Disasters - Bad things can happen when out in a kayak. Read about other's misfortunes and learn lessons to keep yourself safe.

Surf - Procedures and considerations for launching - If you are going to paddle the coast, you are going to have to deal with launching off the beach into the surf. Here are some things to consider.

Surf Techniques - Surfing can be a lot of fun. But it can also be dangerous. In any case, it is an essential skill for any touring paddler. There is no better way to build your technique for bracing, edging, boat control and rolling in real conditions.

Surfing Terminology - Surf kayaks can perform many manoevers on the face of beach surf. Touring kayaks are not well designed to perform these moves. But what the heck........

Training - BCU Week Tybee Island - Every year in late October, Sea Kayak Georgia hosts a five-day British Canoe Union (BCU) symposium at Tybee Island, Georgia. The 2006 symposium ran from Saturday, October 28 through Wednesday, November 1. It is the second one Rick attended and both have been excellent learning and teaching opportunities. It’s also a great way to stretch out the warm weather/water paddling season.

05 - Resources - Resources for weather forecasts, charts, etc.

Beaufort Wind Force Scale and Sea State - The Beaufort scale is an empirical measure for the intensity of the wind based mainly on sea-state or wave conditions.

Environmental Resources - Information on the Chesapeake Bay environment - grasses, plants, insect, fish and more.

Event Listing - Activities around the Chesapeake area.

Event Calendar - Activities around the Chesapeake area.

Gear List and Float Plan - Gear List and Float Plan (PDF)

Kayak Friendly Marinas - These marinas were used by Kayak Kevin on his 6 week tour of the Chesapeake in a sit on top.

Launch Ramps - Kayak Launch and Boat Ramp Listing with fees, facilities, season, hours, pictures, maps, directions and notes. Click on black triangles to toggle sort order. Click on blue triangles to expand or collapse categories.

Maps, Charts and Coastal Images - The NOS MapFinder service provides "one stop shopping" for images and data from a number of National Ocean Service (NOS) offices

Menu planner - Keeping the engine fueled and in good working order is critical in all outdoor expeditions. Here is the theory and a tool to calculate everthing you need to keep the fires burning.

NOAA CoastPilot Link - NOAA publication Coast Pilot® available in electronic (adobe.pdf) format.

Tides, Weather, Winds, Surf, Water, Fishing and Road Conditions - Know before you go! - Observations and predictions on weather, tides, winds, wave heights for planning a kayak trip.

Water Access - Links to the Maryland DNR water access site.

Water Trails - Water Trails information and links, Chesapeake Gateways Network, Maryland Water Trails, Pennsylvania Water Trails, Florida Water trails, maps and guides

What's New Here - Find out what's new and what has changed recently on this site.

06 - Safety - Kayaks are generally safe but present varied potential dangers. Use of the 6Ps of kayak safety - Planning, Partner, PFD, Preparation, Practice and Patience - can lessen these objective dangers.

Lightning is frightening - In the United States, an average of 73 people are killed each year by lightning. That's more than the annual number of people killed by tornadoes or hurricanes. Do you know about lightning?

Personal Flotation Devices - Whether called life jackets, life vests, life preservers, Mae Wests or Personal Floatation Devices ( PFDs), this equipment is one of the essential Ps of kayaking. PFDs provide individualized floatation assistance. The Coast Guard states 85% of all drowning deaths were preventable if the victim had worn a PFD..

Visual Distress Signals - Although not required to carry visual distress signals during the day, kayakers should carry some type of daytime distress signal

Wave Dynamics and Rogue Waves - Wind waves, or the rippling of the ocean surface by the friction and driving force of the wind, is the most ever-present oceanic feature.

Wind - Downbursts - Caused by thunder-storms, localized strong winds as high as 130 miles per hour can hit with little or no warning.

08 - Kayak Trip Reports - Reports on sea kayak trips, including descriptions, pictures and resources.

Bahamas - Exuma Islands - 2008/03/05 to 2008/03/15 - Getting ready - Kayak in clear water of incredible shades of turquoise over sugar white sand. The Exuma Islands of the Bahamas have 365 different islands - one for each day of the year. Come see the Exumas and feel alright!

Bahamas - Exuma Islands - 2008/03/06 - Norman's Pond Cay - 8 miles - Our first day on the water kayaking in the Exuma Islands, The Bahamas. We launched from Barre Terre and headed northwest over gorgeous turquoise and silver waters, seeing sharks, rays and ospreys on the way.

Bahamas - Exuma Islands - 2008/03/07 - Lignum Vitae - 6 miles - Our second day in the Exumas kayaking in the Bahamas. We snorkeled over a gorgeous small coral patch reef, saw iguanas and finished the day playing with the shore surf.

Bahamas - Exuma Islands - 2008/03/08 - Big Farmers Cay - 9 miles - Through a tropical downpour, we continued north through the Exumas Island chain to farthest camp on Big Farmer's Cay. On a long beach we spent a unsettled rainy afternoon and evening under the pine trees.

Bahamas - Exuma Islands - 2008/03/09 - Back to south to Lignum Vitae - 9 miles - After three days of paddling, it was prudent to start back. We turn south with the wind and get a new perspective on the islands we just paddled past.

Bahamas - Exuma Islands - 2008/03/10 - Norman's Pond Cay - 6 miles - Continuing south on Day 5 we return to Norman's Pond Cay to a buggy evening on the nice beach there.

Bahamas - Exuma Islands - 2008/03/11 - Brigantine Bank New Cay - Out on the Brigantine Bank, we spend time gliding over crystal clear waters, snorkeling and sitting on gorgeous beaches.

Bahamas - Exuma Islands - 2008/03/12 - Long Cay - A walk through the mangroves leads to a another great camp on a nice beach.

Bahamas - Exuma Islands - 2008/03/13 - Boysie Cay - Have we saved the very best for last? Lobster, snorkeling, blow holes and playing in the surf and surge wrap up our last full day on this trip.

Bahamas - Exuma Islands - 2008/03/14 - Return to Barre Terre - 1.5 miles - A slow departure signals a reluctance to leave this beautiful place. Our last day sees us back in Georgetown getting reacquainted with the comforts of civilization.

Bahamas - Exuma Islands - 2012/12/29 to 2013/01/09 - Given a long holiday break with few obligations, Peter and I pounced on the chance to travel someplace warm where we hadn't been before, to explore by kayak. We weighed several options then chose to ring in the new year of 2013 paddling around the Exuma Cays, a remote string of islands in the Bahamas.

BC - Vancouver Island - Part 1 - Anacortes, WA - Big tidal ranges, currents exceeding 10 knots, fog, big surf, sudden high winds, cold water - just the perfect place for kayaking, eh? We take two weeks introducing ourselves to the kayak mecca of British Columbia with day trips in Anacortes Washington and Ucluelet/Tofino in BC.

BC - Vancouver Island - Part 2 - Getting to Ucluelet - The Wild Pacific Rim Trail is on the western side of Vancouver Island near Ucluelet. There heavy winter surf meets the temperate rain forest. Twisted cedars, firs and hemlocks on the edge of a struggle of sea against land triumph over the harsh conditions and flourish in an impenetrable forest.

BC - Vancouver Island Part 3 - Pacific Rim National Park - Pacific Rim National Park lies along the beautiful western shore of Vancouver Island. With boardwalks through the temperate rain forest and long deserted beaches with the blue Pacific rolling in, we experienced BC at its best.

BC - Vancouver Island Part 4 - Ucluelet - Kayaking in the harbor of Ucluelet, British Columbia provides an introduction to Vancouver Island's marine ecosystem in a protected setting comfortable for the novice kayaker.

BC - Vancouver Island Part 5 - Tofino - Tofino is on the southern edge of Clayoquot Sound containing densely forested islands, valleys and inlets. It is the largest area of intact temperate rain forest left on Vancouver Island. The waters around these protected lowland coastal temperate rain forests provide many kayaking opportunities.

BC - Vancouver Island Part 6 - Zeballos, Port Alice, Port Hardy, Victoria and back to the U.S.A. - The last of our trip was a car adventure over Vancouver's secondary roads to the western fiords and up the main highway to the north end of Vancouver Island. We then returned to Victoria and caught the ferry to Washington's Olympic Peninsula.

Chile - Patagonia - Jorge Montt Glacier - 2008/01/31 to 2008/02/16 - Remote, rugged, moody and unpredictable, sea kayaking in Patagonia Chile is for kayakers with developed skills and an adventurous spirit.

Chile - Patagonia - Jorge Montt Glacier - 2008/02/03 - Starting our sea kayak trip requires a 400 km drive over the Carretera Austral from Coyhaique to Caleta Tortel. This scenic drive over two days gets us to a launch on the Rio Baker delta.

Chile - Patagonia - Jorge Montt Glacier - 2008/02/04 - 6 miles - Leaving Cochrane we continue down the Carreterre Austral to Caleta Tortel and our put in. Leaving in mid afternoon we battle a strong head wind to our first camp.

Chile - Patagonia - Jorge Montt Glacier - 2008/02/05 to 2008/02/06 - 13.4 miles - Unpredictable Chile grants us a perfect day. Paddling a lazy day of discovery we make an early Camp 2 on a beautiful beach. The next day we take a rest day.

Chile - Patagonia - Jorge Montt Glacier - 2008/02/07 - 17.6 miles - Crossing the exposed 5 kilometers to the southern shore we are in position to get to the glacier. On a day with wildly varying conditions, the first ice chunks appear. Camp 4 is on the edge of a large glacial moraine sand bar.

Chile - Patagonia - Jorge Montt Glacier - 2008/02/08 - 15.6 miles - A half day 7 mile paddle up a lush valley finds a lunch spot out of the rain on the return. Heading to our camp within sight of Jorge Montt glacier we see our first blue icebergs.

Chile - Patagonia - Jorge Montt Glacier - 2008/02/09 - 14.2 miles - Jorge Montt slides downslope to greet us as we paddle closer to the face. The immensity of this ice dwarfs us in our little kayaks.

Chile - Patagonia - Jorge Montt Glacier - 2008/02/10 to 2008/02/11 - Time to take leave of Jorge Montt glacier and start back. On a misty, rainy day we discover a beautiful cove and magical water fall.

Chile - Patagonia - Jorge Montt Glacier - 2008/02/12 - 8 Miles - High winds keep us to a late start across the open water. A beautiful rainbow awaits us along with more rain.

Chile - Patagonia - Jorge Montt Glacier - 2008/02/13 - 8 miles - A lack of local knowledge about other possible camps keeps us doing short days to known camp sites. We stop on the west end of Isla Theresa and camp in, of course, the rain

Chile - Patagonia - Jorge Montt Glacier - 2008/02/14 - 10 miles - We head back to Caleta Tortel through one last headwind. No rain for a change.

Chile - Patagonia - Jorge Montt Glacier - 2008/02/15 - 2 miles - We paddle back up the Rio Baker to a takeout and start the return trip to Coyhaique.

DE - Chesapeake & Delaware Canal - 2004/11/13 - 29.0 miles - Kayaking C& D Canal. The Chesapeake Bay and Delaware Bay are connected by a sea level canal constructed to pass shipping safely inside coastal waters. Used extensively by Liberty Ships avoiding possible dangerous submarine infested ocean waters, its present day commercial use is much reduced. Only fairly shallow draft vessels can pass through the 14 mile long canal.

DE - Dewey Beach - 2002/01/25 - Dewey Beach is a typical sea side resort community. But in the sound and canals just west of the "condo strip" are waterways and marshes that provide a great place to paddle.

DE - Three Forts - 2009/06/27 - 7.5 miles - A short paddle across the Delaware River visits three forts - Fort DuPont, Fort Delaware and Fort Mott.

FL - Alexander Springs - 2007/01/16 - 12.8 miles - Alexander Springs Florida is another of the numerous springs that have been developed as a state recreational park. The park is a place for swimmers. But downstream of the spring is a beautiful fourteen mile run of nearly untouched waterway of rushes, lilies, oaks and palms.

FL - Biscayne National Park - 2007/12/01 to 2007/12/04 - Just a few miles from the three part skyscape of Miami, the often overlooked Biscayne National Park is a wonderful destination for kayakers. With all the natural features of the Florida Keys and some history thrown in as well, a trip to Boca Chita and Elliott Key makes for a nice unhurried weekday experience.

FL - Cape Romano - 2012/02/22 to 2012/02/24 - 44 miles - Cape Romano is the first large wilderness area south of Marco Island at the top of the Ten Thousand Islands. There are a number of beaches available for camping north of the no trespasing area of Faxahatchee Wildlife Management Area.

FL - Cedar Keys - 2007/01/20 - 11.9 miles - Cedar Key National Wildlife Refuge on Florida Nature Coast is a 1929 addition to the National Wildlife Management system. With a long history of development in early Florida history, these islands are now reverting to a natural state. They make for an easy and safe place to paddle on a day trip.

FL - Econlockhatchee Water Trail - 2012/02/07 - 21.2 miles - The Econlockhatchee is a tributary of the St. Johns River south of Lake Mary. It is a blackwater river with white sand beaches, palmetto palms and a few cypress. The lower river flows through cleared land with grazing cattle.

FL - Everglades - 2001/01/15 to 2001/01/22 - Gliding over the backs of Alligators, watching dolphins herd fish, seeing sea turtles and exotic birds, sitting next to tailing tarpon are just a few of the extraordinary things about an Everglades kayak trip.

FL - Everglades - 2003/02/02 - 13 miles - Turner River is one of many rivers that transition the slow moving, shallow river of grass in the Everglades to the mangrove islands lying along the southwest coast of southern Florida Gulf of Mexico. This narrow twisting stream of clear water moves beneath the wiry entwined limbs of low overhead red mangroves forming a tunnel of green waxy leaves arching completely across the waterway. Between the intermittent tunnels, the sawgrass of the fresh water grass prairie that stretches southward from the shore of Lake Okeechobee slowly loses its battle to the salt tolerant mangroves. Myriads of large birds hunt along the shores in the tall sawgrass and fly overhead in large flocks. This river makes a wonderful day trip and an great introduction to the ecology of the Everglades itself.

FL - Everglades - 2011/02/27 to 2011/03/03 - 73 miles - A quick solo trip to the Florida Everglades includes a first time paddle through the mangrove tunnels of Hell's Bay and then a four day paddle around Cape Sable.

FL - Everglades City Ten Thousand Islands - 2003/02/03 to 2003/02/06 - 50 Miles - Florida's Ten Thousand Islands area lies southeast of Naples and northwest of the Everglades National Park. The many islands form a transition from the freshwater marsh of the "river of grass" to the open salt water of the Gulf of Mexico. Heavily commercialized and visited by novice kayakers and canoeist, this readily accessible piece of Florida is still worth seeing.

FL - Everglades Wilderness Waterway Day 1 - 2004/12/01 to 2004/12/12 - Carl Ross key on the edge of Florida Bay and the Gulf of Mexico is everyone's image of an island paradise. Sea grape trees, coconut palms and black mangrove stud this fantasy island of white sand beaches, cactus, egrets, ibis and pelicans. What's not to like? What a way to start a ten day trip along the Wilderness Waterway.

FL - Everglades Wilderness Waterway Day 2 - Carl Ross to Northwest Cape - 19.8 miles - Cape Sable in the Everglades is an amazing stretch of continuous beach. Camping is permitted anywhere along the 5 miles of gorgeous sand along the usually clear waters of the Gulf of Mexico. The fishing is good too!

FL - Everglades Wilderness Waterway Day 3 - Northwest Cape to Highland Beach - 19.8 Miles - Between Cape Sable and Highland beach is a long stretch of shallow water along a mangrove lined shore. Steady paddling puts some miles behind us and the day ends with a gorgeous sunset.

FL - Everglades Wilderness Waterway Day 4 - Highland Beach to Mormon Key - 18.8 miles - On the way to Mormon Key, we paddle through prime bone fish territory over shallow sand bars under bright tropical skies.

FL - Everglades Wilderness Waterway Day 5 - Mormon Key to Plate Creek Chickee - 17.4 miles - Leaving the coast at Mormon Key, we head into the interior of the Everglades to start following the Wilderness Waterway back toward Flamingo.

FL - Everglades Wilderness Waterway Day 6 - Plate Creek Chickee to Rodger's River Chickee - 14.7 miles - Only temporarily lost near Lostman's Bay, we paddled through a series of bays to finally locate Rodger's River Chickee. There a superb sunset and a patrolling gator were waiting for us.

FL - Everglades Wilderness Waterway Day 7 - Rodger's River Chickee to Highland Beach - 16.4 miles - The Nightmare, a narrow channel through the mangroves filled with roots and mosquitos, proves to be too tough. We bail out about half way trough and head out to Highland Beach.

FL - Everglades Wilderness Waterway Day 8 - Highland Beach to Watson River chickee - 23.2 miles - Our day paddling to Watson River chickee was plagued by low water and high winds. We battled them all to arrive tired but happy at the secluded chickee on the back side of Whitewater Bay.

FL - Everglades Wilderness Waterway Day 9 - Watson River chickee to Pearl Bay chickee - 22.3 miles - Hells Bay - it sounds bad; it looks bad. But if you pay close attention, you can navigate through this tangle of mangroves with only a map and a compass.

FL - Everglades Wilderness Waterway Last Day - Pearl Bay chickee to Flamingo - 14.8 miles - The final leg of our trip leads across Whitewater Bay and into Flamingo Canal. Our trip is over and it was all good, even when it was bad.

FL - Florida Bay and Cape Sable - 2003/02/08 to 2003/02/14 - 65.5 Miles -
Florida Bay lies between the Florida Keys to the south and east and the Everglades to the north. Many islands dot the bay but only a few allow overnight stays. Carl Ross, the most beautiful isle my kayak as ever seen, is one of those keys. Only this slice of heaven could top the magnificent beaches of Cape Sable.

FL - Florida Keys - 2004/03/03 to 2004/03/13 - Bahia Honda State Park in the lower Florida Keys is a beautiful base for kayaking the islands of the Great White Heron Wildlife Refuge. Usually sold out a year in advance, I snagged a cancelled reservation for a campsite for 10 days, loaded up the kayaks on a trailer and took off for three weeks of Florida sun. From there we took several day trips to various nearby locations.

FL - Florida Keys - 2004/03/05 - Snipe Keys - 25 miles - In the Lower Florida Keys lies the Great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge composed of many mangrove keys separated by shallow turtle grass flats. In the first day trip of a week long sea kayak vacation, we adventure out on a windy day to the Snipe Keys. On the way back we paddle through mangrove lined creeks.

FL - Florida Keys - 2004/03/06 - Crane Nature Center and Bahia Honda Key - Crane Nature Center provides a quiet rest day after a hard paddle. The rest of the day we spent enjoying Bahia Honda State Park.

FL - Florida Keys - 2004/03/07 - Content Keys - 23.0 miles - Kayaking to the Content Keys deep in the great White Heron National Wildlife Refuge on a windy day provided a 23 mile adventure into the tropical mangroves of the Florida keys flats. We saw sponges, sharks, skates and rays in the turquoise water.

FL - Florida Keys - 2004/03/08 - Looe Key - 20.5 miles - Kayak day trip to Looe Key for snorkeling. A calm day after days of windy conditions allows us to paddle 5 miles offshore to snorkel on the reef. Cloudy water conditions make for less than wonderful time on the reef, but the paddle out and back was good.

FL - Florida Keys - 2004/03/09 - Bahia Honda day trip - Heavy winds, strong currents - who needs it! Paddle sapphire waters over sparkling white sand in protected waters at Bahia Honda in the Florida Keys. Now that's paradise.

FL - Florida Keys - 2004/03/11 - Johnston Key - Johnston Keys - A windy day over the flats provides a quiet paddle in the mangroves

FL - Florida Keys - 2004/03/12 - Coupon Bight - 8 miles - The shallow waters of Coupon Bight in the Florida Keys is filled with jellyfish standing on their heads.

FL - Fort Lauderdale - Bill Keith Park to Dania Canal - 2011/02/25 - 8.0 miles - From a neighborhood pocket park I paddled up New River then over to connect with the Dania canal, returning to the park after a four hour paddle among mega yachts and a surprise encounter with a manatee.

FL - Fort Lauderdale New River - 2011/02/26 - 12 miles - Fort Lauderdale, the Venice of America, is the winter port for the uber rich and their mega yachts. One of the deepest ports on the east coast it is a major hub for cruise ships plying the Carribean. I paddled through the harbor and up New River through the heart of the city.

FL - Hillsborough River - 2003/01/25 - 19.5 Miles - Hillsborough River flows through the heart of Tampa. Outside of the city, the river runs southwest through preserved swamp area, a chain of parks and the challenge of the "Seventeen Runs".

FL - John Pennekamp State Park - 2007/12/04 to 2007/12/09 - John Pennekamp State Park is best known as a snorkeling and dive area. But with a kayak vendor and a set of marked trails plus quick access to the Florida Bay, it is a good kayaking destination as well.

FL - Juniper Springs - 2003/01/18 - 14 miles - This 7 mile upstream route in the run-off channel of an enormous spring will amaze you with its beautiful crystal clear waters twisting in and out of live oak and sable palms. At its head you will see volcanos of sand erupting from the shallow bottom and a deep pool of blue water. This magnificent trip ends with a blazing ride back to the starting point.

FL - Lake Kissimmee - 2003/01/23 - Lake Kissimmee is a name more known for development than outdoor recreation. However, it is Florida's third biggest lake a haven for serious bass fishermen. The Lake Kissimmee State Park is little known and not heavily visited.

FL - Little Manatee River Alafia River - 2003/01/26 - There are official Florida Canoe Trails on both the Alafia and Little Manatee Rivers southeast of Tampa Florida. The rivers are small and the distances short with moderate development on the banks.

FL - Loxahatchee River Jonathan Dickinson State Park - 2011/02/21 - 8.5 miles - Northwest of Jupiter Inlet, the Loxahatchee river flows past isles of expensive homes to Jonathan Dickinson State Park. The park protects the rest of the river as it meanders west through untouched cypress and scrub palm forest.

FL - Myakka River - 2003/01/29 - 9 miles - Myakka River State Park is a large and diverse natural area with brooding and dark palmetto palm swamps, pine land prairie, tree canopy walkways and bright lakes rampant with birds and alligators. Many, many alligators.

FL - Peace River - 2003/01/27 to 2003/01/28 - 65.1 miles - The Peace River flows south from east of Tampa to empty in a large bay near Port Charlotte. Between Ft. Meade and Gardner the river provides beautiful paddling through undeveloped Southern Florida with some good overnight camp spots for this two day trip.

FL - Rainbow Springs, Withlacoochee River - 2007/01/23 - 16.5 miles - Rainbow Springs has exceptionally clear water in a deep run with partially developed banks. With cypress, lilies and fish everywhere it makes an interesting day paddle.

FL - Shired Island - 2007/01/22 - 10.9 miles - Shired Island is a small county campground at the end of CR 357 right on a small beach. I launched at an even smaller bird observation platform and paddled south out of the shallow creek into an even shallower near shore coast. Stopping at a lovely beach, I feasted on oysters collected and eaten one at a time.

FL - St. Johns River - 2003/01/19 - 17 miles - The St. Johns River flows northward for over half the length of Florida, more than 200 miles, before emptying into the Atlantic Ocean at Jacksonville. Through lakes, canals, development and wild area, the St. Johns is a reflection of the conflicting demands placed upon it by the burgeoning populations around it.

FL - St. Mary's River - 2003/01/11 to 2003/01/12 - 54 miles - From out of the Southeast corner of the Okefenokee swamp, the St. Mary's River drains the clear tannin stained water to the Atlantic ocean, once coveted as a water source for long ocean voyages.

FL - Suwannee River - 2003/01/15 to 2003/01/17 - 58.2 miles - The Suwannee River originates in the heart of the Okefenokee Swamp, a shallow bowl of an ancient sea now filled with peat, cypress, tupelo and gum trees. The clean but tannin stained waters of the swamp flow southwest from the Okefenokee National Wildlife Refuge to empty into the Gulf of Mexico over two hundred miles away. Along the way it experiences Florida's largest white water, meanders along banks unchanged since the mid 1800s, receives fresh water form many springs and carves its way through limestone cliffs exposed at periods of low water.

FL - Suwannee River, Lower - 2007/01/21 - 16.0 miles - A two part paddle on the Lower Suwannee River provides a great day with wide variety: from straight river banks along a big a famous river to twisting streams on a new water trail.

FL - Tomoka River - 2003/01/21 - 22 miles - This Tomoka River trip begins in a marsh just off the intracostal waterway on the developed east coast of Florida and heads southwest into a swampy cypress area punctuated with development and houses. Sable palms, pines and marsh grass line the banks.

GA - Crooked River - 2003/01/10 - 29.7 miles - On the Georgia seacoast, just north of the Florida border, the Crooked River deserves its name. The tight loops of the river meander among the low marsh grasses emptying into the Intracoastal Waterway.

GA - Okefenokee Swamp - 2003/01/13 to 2003/01/14 - 33 Miles - From sandhill cranes stalking through grassy swamp prairies to twisting channels through cypress boles, Okefenokee swamp provides a unique and varied experience perfect for kayaks and canoes.

GA - Okefenokee Swamp - 2004/03/14 to 2004/03/15 - A second trip to this famous Okefenokee Swamp revisits some old territory and pushes into new territory. Later in the year and much warmer, there are many more alligators about. However, the winter birds have left and the spring ones have not yet arrived.

GA - Tybee Island - 2005/04/29 to 2004/04/30 - 34 Miles - Tybee Island is the home of Sea Kayak Georgia and a great place to paddle. Large tidal ranges and strong currents along the northern Georgia Coast make for some wild paddling.

GN - 2004/07/16 to 2004/07/27 - Paddling East Greenland - Ultima Thule roughly means “exploration at the outer limits” and, in terms of the place, if not the difficulty of the paddling itself, our trip met that definition. There are few people, fewer buildings, no roads. It is remote and rugged: just water, mountains and ice. As far as you can see.

KayakaQuebec - Iles de la Madeleine Magdalene Islands - 2002/06/29 to 2002/07/05 - The Magdalene Islands ( Iles de la Madeleine) are spectacular and it’s people are for the most part a joy and testament to the fortitude that is required for survival on small northern islands.

MA - Martha's Vineyard - 1998/07/08 to 1998/07/09 - Cape Cod to Martha's Vineyard and return - 19 miles

MD - Betterton to Rock Hall/Gratitude - 2003/06/08 to 2003/06/09 - 40 miles - Bald Eagles? Why go all the way to Alaska to see bald eagles? You can see dozens of these magnificent birds and an amazing collection of other wildlife on a paddle between Betterton and Rock Hall on the eastern shore of the Chesapeake Bay.

MD - Bird River - 2003/03/30 season opener - The season opener had water levels in the Gunpowder River that were at an all time low due to a new spring moon and the build up of silt from the run off from the melting record snowfalls this winter. We paddled the Bird River after grounding repeatedly in the Gunpowder.

MD - Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge - 2003/05/14 - 34.6 miles - Blackwater National Wildlife Refuge includes almost 26,000 acres, composed mainly of rich tidal marsh characterized by fluctuating water levels and varying salinity. Other habitat types include freshwater ponds, mixed evergreen and deciduous forests, and small amounts of crop land and managed impoundments that are seasonally flooded for waterfowl use.

MD - Blackwater River - 2007/05/12 to 2007/05/13 - 26.2 miles - If you go to Blackwater NWR make sure you have a good map or even better a satellite photo if you are going to venture off the marked trails. The intricate channels and shallow water provide plenty of excitement even for the skilled navigator.

MD - Bohemia River - 2009/07/11 - 12 miles - The Bohemia River is a beautiful place in the fall - quiet with a riot of colorful foliage. In mid summer it is quiet in the morning but awash in jet skis by midday. Stay in the shallow water of the little creeks north of the bridge and you will still find peace.

MD - Cedar Creek - 2008/05/30 to 2008/06/01 - 11.9 miles, 9.1 miles - Follow the twisting leads of Cedar Creek in a circuit ramble through the deep eastern shore marsh in Maryland. Another creek heads west into the marsh from Toddville - watch out for the low bridge however.

MD - Chesapeake Main Channel - 2001/11/14 to 2001/11/15 - 65.9 miles - For those who like big mileage days, a two day trip from Havre de Grace to Annapolis down the spine of the upper Chesapeake Bay is sure to please.

MD - Choptank River - 2001/06/11 - Martinak State Park to Greensboro - 19.5 miles roundtrip

MD - Choptank River - 2002/05/03 to 2002/05/04 - Choptank River (21 miles) and Tuckahoe River State Park and the upper Tuckahoe (26.3 Miles)

MD - Choptank River & Tuckahoe Creek - 2001/06/12 - 30.2 mile roundtrip - The Choptank River near Denton, MD is several hundred yards across with 50 to 100 feet of lillies lining the banks. Five miles south of Martinak State Park, the serpentine lower Tuckahoe Creek joins the Choptank.

MD - Conowingo Dam pool - 2003/06/16 - The Susquehanna River breaks through the Piedmont plateau just before Havre de Grace and the Susquehanna Flats at the head of Chesapeake Bay. This created the high banks and narrow channel for hydroelectric power plants to be built in the depression of the 1930's. Now there is a beautiful lake for kayaking along the laurel studded green wooded hills of northern Maryland and southern Pennsylvania.

MD - Conowingo Dam pool - 2006/04/30 - 25.2 miles - Another spring brings a return trip to the Conowingo Dam pool with flowering plum and dogwoods and a romp at the falls under Holtwood Dam.

MD - Crisfield to Cambridge - 2003/07/28 to 02003/08/01- 5 day tour - 130 miles - Crisfield, Tangier Island, Smith Island and the Honga River are areas of the Chesapeake Bay that still retain the flavor of old time Maryland. Here making a living from the Bay waters has not changed in the last 75 years. Under pressure from over fishing and water pollution caused by burgeoning populations in affluent communities on the Western shore, these people hang on to a way of life that is probably doomed.

MD - Dundee Creek to Pooles Island - 2005/06/05 - 18 miles - Dundee Creek is one of the prettiest creeks on the upper western shore of Chesapeake Bay. Filled with lots of submerged aquatic vegetation, its water quality is good when the rest of the bay stinks.

MD - Eastern Neck - 2006/11/26 - A Chesapeake Paddlers Association trip to Eastern Neck draws 14 paddlers on a quiet warm day in late November for a 12 mile circumnavigation of the Wildlife Management Area on the Chester River.

MD - Eastern Shore - 2002/09/17 to 2002/09/21 - A five day tour of various paddling locations on the lower Eastern Shore of Maryland. Assateague Island, Pocomoke River, Janes Island/Tangier Sound and the Choptank River

MD - Elk River - 2001/10/13 - 20.3 Miles - Elk Neck State Park is located on a high spit of land between the Northeast and Elk Rivers with a launch site on the Elk River opposite the Bohemia River. Crossing the river requires care due to the large ship traffic traversing the Chesapeake and Delaware Canal. Painted orange and red by the fall foliage, the Bohemia River shines on a bright and sunny fall day.

MD - Foundry Bay - 2009/03/29 - 8 miles - An early spring Sunday starts out with fog and dripping rain. Skies clear in the afternoon for a nice paddle back to Havre de Grace from Foundry Bay.

MD - Gratitude - 2009/06/05 - 10.8 miles - Gratitude is a quiet protected harbor filled with yachts of Pennsylvanian owners. It makes a nice quiet paddle with a little wild marsh at the end of Swan Creek for variety.

MD - Gunpowder River - 2007/01/01 - A year opening tradition starts off a new paddling season with a foggy day of calm. You don;t need a weatherman to tell which way the wind is blowing. SOmetimes it is better not to listen.

MD - Gunpowder River and Pooles Island - 2003/7/01 - 17.75 miles - Sometimes a simple day trip can be very pleasurable. An amiable group of five spend a warm summer's day paddling out the Gunpowder River and around Pooles Island. We stopped to practice a few rolls.

MD - Half Delmarva - 2004/06/16 to 2004/06/27 - 316 miles - Great Chesapeake Bay "Trail" from Havre de Grace, where the Susquehanna births the Bay, around Cape Charles, at the mouth of the Bay, and back north along the Virginia Sea Isles to Assateague Island National Seashore. For those interested in a trip with big mileage, this is it.

MD - Havre de Grace - Swan Creek - 2002/08/13 - 12.0 miles - Swan Creek provides a good destination for a pleasant day paddle along the edge of the Susquehanna Flats from Havre de Grace MD.

MD - Havre de Grace channel night paddle - 2003/07/22 - 10 miles - A moonlight paddle down the Havre de Grace channel provides for a wild return ride. Night paddling provides it own challenges.

MD - Havre de Grace overnight - 2007/04/28 - Weather stopped a more ambitious trip to Blackwater. With a full Saturday and only a Sunday morning free, we went out for an overnighter camp on a spoil island south of Havre de Grace.

MD - Havre de Grace to Joppatown - 2007/05/06 - 34.5 miles - North winds make this trip easier and exciting. From Havre de Grace out around the unapproachable shores of Aberdeen Proving Ground and then northwest up the Gunpowder to Mariner Point Park, this long Chesapeake Bay sleigh ride provides an opportunity to handle strong winds and 3 foot wind waves.

MD - Honga River - 2009/10/25 to 2009/10/26 - 42 miles - The Honga River is so sparsely developed that it is one place of the Chesapeake Bay where you can easily imagine that you are seeing the water and land as it looked when John Smith wandered up the bay. A three day trip is shortened by a rainy forecast to two long nice days with a spectacular sunset in between.

MD - Janes Island to Shelltown - 2007/09/23 - 20.1 miles - Janes Island has a number of marked water trails through the marsh near Crisfield. But there also a number of longer trips that can be made from the state park to launch areas on the Pocomoke River that are short distances from the park.

MD - Kent Island - 2002/08/19 - Lower half - 20.3 miles - From Matapeake just south of the Bay Bridge to Thompson Creek

MD - Langford Creek - 2003/07/07 - 27.2 miles - Langford Creek is lined with large remodeled farm estates on its eastern branch. Many small creeks provide a nice extended paddle in the region between Rock Hall and Chestertown in Kent county, Maryland.

MD - Mallows Bay - 2009/10/02 - 20.5 miles - Pulled up into a shallow bay off the Potomac River, an abandoned fleet of wooden World War I steamers lies rotting in the mud. With 20 tons of iron bolts above and below the water, the three hundred foot wrecks make for an interesting and very careful paddle.

MD - Mattawoman Creek - 2009/10/01 - 14.6 miles - Mattawoman Creek off the Potomac River is a seven mile long creek full of aquatic vegetation, fish, birds and few people. With much of the shoreline owned by federal military research sites and state parks, the shores are remarkably light on development.

MD - Nanjemoy Creek - 2009/08/15 0 8.0 miles - Nanjemoy Creek off the Potomac has enjoyable fresh and brackish marsh and interesting oak forested banks with a surprising lack of development this close to Washington D.C.

MD - Nanticoke River - 2010/10/07 - Just north of Vienna, MD on the Nanticoke are several small creeks and a marshy area that make a great half day paddle on my way to the Virginia Barrier Island for Columbus Day weekend.

MD - Nanticoke River - 2013/04/27 to 2013/04/28 - 32.0 miles - The Nanticoke River valley is the most undeveloped in the entire state of Maryland and boasts the largest unbroken pine forest in the state. We traverse Broadcreek and Marshyhope Creek in two day paddles.

MD - Northeast River - 2002/05/23 - 15.6 miles - The town of Northeast, MD lies at the head of the tidal portion of Northeast River. An interesting and unique community park provides access to the river. Following the long spit of high cliffs between the Northeast River and the Elk River is the kayak race course of the annual Northeast Regatta.

MD - Northeast River - 2003/09/01 - 15.0 miles - Northeast River marshes bloom with a riot of color in late August and early September. When summer's flowers are fading on land, the marsh comes alive with a dazzling display of shapes and colors.

MD - Patapsco River - 2001/10/27 - 18.0 Miles - Bear Creek is a tributary of the Patapsco River just before the serious traffic of Baltimore Harbor really starts. Across the Potapsco is Curtis Bay where the largest coast guard station on the East Coast is located. Home to the repair dry docks for the Coast Guard, enhanced security in the wake of 911 almost gets us arrested.

MD - Patapsco River - 2010/05/30 - Middle Fork - A short paddle starts on the Baltimore harbor amidst the floating garbage of a mega city but soon transitions to a surprisingly wild and life filled paddled up a pleasant river.

MD - Patapsco River - North Point to Key Bridge and Return -16.0 Miles - North Point is the location of the British troop landing during the war of 1812 for the attack on Baltimore. We launched from where the British landed and head up the Patapsco as did the British fleet. We pass the Civil War era Ft. Carroll and pass under Francis Scott Key Bridge, all in view of Ft. McHenry, site of the penning of our national anthem.

MD - Patuxent - Hallowing Point south - 2006/12/19 - 11.0 miles - After a series of extremely warm days a front brings normal winter weather. A paddle on the Patuxent and a visit to the east coast's northernmost cypress swamp fills up a day short on time and daylight.

MD - Patuxent - Jug Bay - 2006/12/17 - Off season, the park no longer charges an entrance fee. We take advantage and do a little bird watching on a short day paddle.

MD - Patuxent River - Jug Bay - 2006/06/15 - The Patuxent River is the only major river with its entire watershed within the state of Maryland. It begins west of Baltimore and flows mostly south to empty into the Chesapeake Bay just north of the Potomac. Along its length strung like pearls on a necklace are a series of state and county parks.

MD - Pocomoke River - 2001/06/13 - Shad Landing to Porter's Crossing -16.5 miles round trip

MD - Pocomoke River - 2001/06/14 - Shad Landing & Nassawango Creek - 15.4 miles round trip

MD - Pocomoke River - 2001/06/15 - Pocomoke City to Cedar Hall Wharf Road - 22.4 miles round trip

MD - Pocomoke River - 2009/05/15 to 2009/05/17 - 36 miles - Three day weekend on the Pocomoke among the pond lilies and the cypress.

MD - Rhode River - Carrs Wharf - 2006/12/23 - 9.6 miles - A Christmas Eve eve paddle in continued warm weather yields a simple afternoon paddle in a remarkably undeveloped creek in the heart of Anne Arundel County.

MD - Rock Hall to Chestertown - 2003/07/09 - 27.3 miles - Along the Chester River are large farms converted to estates sitting on relatively high banks for an Eastern shore river. The creeks along the river are long and can provide a destination paddle themselves. The broad river was once a major route for commercial traffic based in Chestertown.

MD - Sandy Point Lighthouse - 2008/08/03 - Sandy Point Lighthouse is only a kilometer off the shore of Sandy point Lighthouse. It is still used as a navigation aid although it no longer has a lighthouse keeper. Just a few miles to the north another lighthouse of similar design marks the entrance to Baltimore harbor. So from the state park it is an easy paddle to two lighthouses.

MD - Sassafras River - 2002/04/20 to 2002/04/21 - Sassafras River - 45 miles - Overnight camping

MD - Severn River - 2001/11/10 - Round Bay 17.4 miles - High banks and luxury homes line Severn River, home to those determined to keep it to themselves.

MD - Severn River - 2008/01/18 - Snow Paddle is No Paddle: Aborted solo trip, Snow Paddle in Annearundel Counry

MD - Severn River - 2008/02/24 - A solo training paddle on a cold winter day is an exercise in focus.

MD - Severn River - 2009/05/09 - 6 miles - After a week of rain, a rookie gets out on the water in Annapolis.

MD - Sinepuxent Chincoteague Bay - 2001/06/26 - Near Assateague - 25.6 Miles roundtrip

MD - Smith Island - 2009/07/31 to 2009/08/03 - 28.0 miles - Smith Island has a long and interesting history of watermen making a living from the once abundant waters of the Chesapeake Bay. We visited the newly designated water trails surrounding the town of Ewell, a hope for increased tourism.

MD - Stemmers Run - 2011/06/25 - 8.2 miles - Three miles south of the Stemmers Run boat ramp is a beautiful shallow creek full of heron, bald eagles, ducks, red wing blackbirds, tuckahoe, pickerel and American lotus.

MD - Susquehanna Flats - 2002/08/25 - Three Lighthouse Tour - 18.0 miles - Concord Lighthouse, Turkey Point Lighthouse and Fishing Battery Lighthouse can be visited in this 18 mile tour across the Susquehanna Flats.

MD - Susquehanna River- 2002/04/12 - Havre de Grace to Rock Run and return 14.0 miles - Starting from historic Havre de Grace, a city with many museums of its own, a 5.5 mile up stream paddle in the Susquehanna River beside a long abandoned barge canal will bring you to the Rock Run museum.

MD - Susquehanna River - 2001/07/22 - Between Conowingo and Holtwood dam - 21.5 miles round trip

MD - Tangier Sound - 2007/10/20 to 2007/10/22 - 44 miles - Tangier Sound is steeped in Chesapeake Bay history. Here the British set up a base for their blockade during the War of 1812. Here over 600 skipjacks crowded the waters harvesting the lucrative oyster. Now a diminishing population hangs on to a way of life that may soon disappear. Here you may see the way it used to be.

MD - Thomas Point Lighthouse - 2008/08/10 - 12.4 miles - Thomas Point lighthouse is the one remaining unique Chesapeake Bay style lighthouse actually out n the bay. The others are all at museums, so this is the last one you can actually paddle to.

MD - Transquaking River, Fishing Bay WMA - 2003/05/07 -13 miles - The Transquaking River is a winding river with marsh grass banks, pines and lots of birds. On a windy and cool late spring day, a short round trip paddle fills a day of exploration in Dorchester County.

MD - Transquaking River, Fishing Bay WMA - 2006/06/16 to 2006/06/17 -36 miles - Fishing Bay and the Transquaking River are deep in the Eastern Shore marshes of Chesapeake Bay. A two day return trip to this marvelous place provides a experience for a new paddler.

MD - Wachapreague - 2008/07/18 - With Bertha making tracks to the North Atlantic and dying swell rolling in from Bermuda, it was our chance to get some west coast surf conditions in Virginia.

MD - Wicomico River Deal island - 2004/11/12 to 2004/11/14 - When the cold comes, the bugs leave. Fall frost makes the lower Eastern Shore a great place to paddle. Two days based in Salisbury allow a half day trip down the Wicomico River and a circumnavigation of Deal Island.

MD - Wye River - 2005/10/29 - 15 miles - Wye River has a big island in the middle of it. Paddle past huge estates, the state park and flocks of Canada geese. Wave to Dick Cheney who has a house here.

MI - Lake Superior - Keweenaw Peninsula - 2005/09/01 - "The KP offers a wonderful paddling environment. Its west and north sides are exposed to the full force of Lake Superior."

MX - Espiritu Santo - 2003/04/12 - Dances with Squid - Espiritu Santo and La Partida circumnavigation in 4 days by kayak.

MX - Espiritu Santo Circumnavigation - 2007/04/07 to 2007/04/12 - Espiritu Santo, La Paz, Mexico is the main island in a group just four miles from the mainland. With many protected campsites, the beautiful island is easy to paddle around in less than a week. Cactus, fish, birds, sun, sand all await the adventurous. Just don't forget the Tequila!

MX - Loreto to La Paz - 2007/03/30 to 2007/04/05 - 110 Miles - From Loreto to La Paz, Baja's backbone lies against the deep blue water of the Sea of Cortez. A string of islands with familiar names, San Franciso, San Juan, San Jose, Santa Catalina lie a few miles off the rugged shore. In between, we paddle with the whales.

MX - San Felipe to Mulege - 2008/10/13 to 2008/11/17 - 500 miles - We were headed to a land of stark contrast – a giant crack in the crust of the world where a dynamic earth challenges our perception of an unchanging continent. On one side of a great geologic gash, high mountains and searing desert force life to scratch out a harsh, reserved existence. On the other side, deep cool seas offer a cornucopia of boisterous, abundant life. For seven hundred and fifty kilometers, we would be travelers on that knife edge between two opposing realities. We were going to paddle down the coast of Baja on the Sea of Cortez.

MX - Sea of Cortez - 2002/03/26 to 2002/04/06 - Want to swim with sea lions, listen to whales spout at midnight, explore desert environments and relax under clear blue skies on a beautiful beach lapped by calm azure seas? A kayak trip from La Paz to Loreto, Baja California Sur, Mexico, guided by Baja Expeditions is an unforgetable experience.

MX - Sea of Cortez - 2006/03/15 to 2006/03/30 - Bahia Conception to Loreto - Arrival - Baja Sea Kayak trip from Bahia Conception to Loreto and the islands around Loreto.

MX - Sea of Cortez - 2006/03/15 to 2006/03/30 - Bahia Conception to Loreto - Day 01 - 18 miles - Launching from Playa Freson, we paddle up Bahia Conception, stopping at Isla Blanca. We arrive just short of our intended destination, Punta Conception.

MX - Sea of Cortez - 2006/03/15 to 2006/03/30 - Bahia Conception to Loreto - Day 02 - Leaving the shallow waters of Bahia Conception, we round Punta Conception, paddle into the Sea of Cortez and head south along the coast .

MX - Sea of Cortez - 2006/03/15 to 2006/03/30 - Bahia Conception to Loreto - Day 03 - Fair winds provide and opportunity to try out my sail. We end the windy day high atop a sand dune.

MX - Sea of Cortez - 2006/03/15 to 2006/03/30 - Bahia Conception to Loreto - Day 04 - Our kayak trip continues from San Nicolas, past El Pulpito to the beautiful bay at San Juanico.

MX - Sea of Cortez - 2006/03/15 to 2006/03/30 - Bahia Conception to Loreto - Day 05 - Leaving San Juanico, the wind picks up to 20 to 25 knots ( Force 5) and we have a roller coaster ride down to San Bruno where problems with our chart leads to some interesting developments.

MX - Sea of Cortez - 2006/03/15 to 2006/03/30 - Bahia Conception to Loreto - Day 06 - Leaving our wind refuge at Boca San Bruno, a strong west wind keeps us tight against the shore as we paddle back to Loreto.

MX - Sea of Cortez - 2006/03/15 to 2006/03/30 - Loreto - Day 07 - A rest day between trip legs allows a land trip to Mission San Xavier in the mountains west of Loreto.

MX - Sea of Cortez - 2006/03/15 to 2006/03/30 - Loreto - Day 08 - The Sierra Giganta of the Baja peninsula form a spectacular backdrop to the azure Sea of Cortez from Danzante Island. We continue our trip with a day paddle for Julio and Bob and the start of the second part of our Mexican adventure for Rick and Hank.

MX - Sea of Cortez - 2006/03/15 to 2006/03/30 - Loreto - Day 09 - From Isla Danzante, a short crossing brings us to Isla Carmen where we play tag with fin whales, 80 foot monsters of the Canal de Ballenas.

MX - Sea of Cortez - 2006/03/15 to 2006/03/30 - Loreto - Day 10 - Another calm day for our paddle back to Isla Danzante and then down to Candelero Chico where we spend the afternoon relaxing with snorkeling and playing in the shore rocks.

MX - Sea of Cortez - 2006/03/15 to 2006/03/30 - Loreto - Day 11 - From Candelero Chico we paddled 24 miles back to Loreto. The first half of the trip was flat calm. In the second half, a little tail wind makes the long mileage bearable.

NJ - Cape May - 2005/09/25 to 2005/09/29 - Kayak trip from Havre De Grace, Maryland to Cape May, New Jersey along the shores of the Delaware River and Delaware Bay.

NJ - Cape May to Tuckerton - 2006/07/10 to 2006/07/13 - The final leg of a multi year journey down the Susquehanna across the upper Chesapeake Bay and lower Delaware Bay to Tuckerton, N.J.

NY - Erie Canal - 2009/09/08 to 2009/09/16 - 166 miles - The Erie canal was the major transportation route from the Hudson River and New York to the Great Lakes for commerce west of the Appalachians. A week on the Erie canal in a kayak brings new perspective about the backwater that once played such an important role in the development of America.

NY - Erie Canal - 2010/09/27 to 2010/09/30 - 45 miles - Plans to paddle the second half of the Erie Canal by J1 and J2 is shortened by a fast moving hurricane remnant sweeping up the east coast.

NY - Erie Canal - 2012/08/29 to 2012/09/03 - 130 miles - The final section of the Erie canal by J1 and J2 Lake Oneida to the Hudson River.

ON - Georgian Bay - 2007/07/24 to 2007/08/03 - 164 miles - Kayaking in Georgian Bay is pleasant and easy. Good weather, low winds, no tides, no currents. Just lots and lots of pink granite rocks. In over a week I paddled from Bayfield Inlet to Killarney and back in the wake of the Voyageurs.

ON - Georgian Bay - 2007/07/27 to 2007/07/30 - Part 2 - Kayaking on Georgian Bay near Killarney, Ontario. Day 3 through Day 6.

ON - Georgian Bay - 2007/07/31 to 2007/08/03 - Part 3 - Kayaking on Georgian Bay. Days 7 through 10.

PA - Lake Aldred - 2009/04/18 - 9.8 Miles - Mid April paddle on the pool between Safe Harbor and Holtwood dams on the Susquehanna River on an overcast day.

SC - Congaree National Park - 2010/04/01 - 2010/04/03 - Congaree National Park contains the largest old growth flood plain forest on the continent. Here are the second tallest deciduous trees in the world. Sweet gum, tupelo and cypress as high as a 14 story building tower over the moist soil of the frequently inundated forest floor. Loblolly pines go even higher, reaching 165 feet.

UT - Green River - 2004/05/01 to 2004/05/06 - Ruby Ranch to Spanish Bottom - 99.9 miles - Kayaking on Green River Utah is one of the best flat water stretches in the West. From Moab, we put in at Ruby Ranch and spend 5 wonderful days paddling through high canyon walls, past the Confluence with the Colorado and take out at Spanish Bottom.

UT - Green River - 2004/05/03 to 2004/05/06 - Part 2 - Fort Bottom to Spanish Bottom - After a layover day hiking at Fort Bottom, we are back in our kayaks on the Green River, Utah. We day hike to the Maze in Canyonlands before our final takeout at Spanish Bottom and return by jet boat up the Colorado and back to Moab, Utah.

UT - Lake Powell - 2003/09/07 to 2003/10/14 - Paddling in the Desert - 28 days - 700 miles - Kayak Lake Powell, where varnished red rock, sapphire skies, emerald water, contrast and controversy meet in a great fresh water lake in the arid Utah desert. Come along on a one month journey to explore the lake and its canyons.

UT - Lake Powell - 2003/09/18 to 2003/10/23 - Week 2 - San Juan River to Good Hope Bay - Leaving the San Juan River I resume paddling the Colorado River and Lake Powell. The nature of the lake changes as open bays and big walls provide fantastic draperies on the way to Hite.

UT - Lake Powell - 2003/09/24 to 2003/09/31 - Week 3 - From Hite back to the Escalante River - Hite is the northern end of Lake Powell. From here my trip will follow the west side of Lake Powell, going into the canyons I had passed coming up the other side of the lake.

UT - Lake Powell - 2003/10/01 to 2003/10/08 - Week 4 - Escalante River to Page - From the Escalante River back through pouring rain cascading from high walls, past Navajo mountain and into Padre Bay, I finish my month log paddle on Lake Powell.

VA - Chickahominy River - 2010/11/11 to 2010/11/14 - An aborted trip to False Cape Virginia is turned into a marvelous weekend on the Chickahominy River near Jamestown, Virginia. Beautiful fall colors and stately cypress fill four days with beauty.

VA - Chincoteague - 2002/06/23 - 26.5 miles - Famous for its wild ponies, Chincoteague is a low marshy island along the Atlantic Coast. Beset by high temperatures and clouds of insects in summer, a circumnavigation of the island provides an opportunity to see the famous equine inhabitants and enjoy a challenging paddle. Tides and currents are big factors in any trip in this area.

VA - Chincoteague Sea Kayak Skills Weekend - KayakTraining.com held ACA Level 3/4 training in Chincoteague over Columbus Day weekend. Our base was a really nice 4 bedroom, 3 bath house with great views and a launch onto Little Oyster Bay about 50 yards away.

VA - Mattaponi Water Trail from Aylett - 2011/05/13 - 9 miles - A misty day in a green world, we paddled upstream from Aylett on the Mattaponi river.

VA - Nassawadox - 2007/07/19 to 2007/07/22 - Nassawadox on the Virginia Cape and just inland of the Virginia Barrier Islands is a quaint small town still retaining the look and feel of the old Eastern shore. On an unusually cool weekend in July, we get an opportunity to play in very small surf off Smith Island and paddled out to Wachapreague Inlet.

VA - Virginia Barrier Islands - 2002/10/19 to 2002/10/21 - The Virginia Barrier Islands is an interesting area. We spent three days and two nights exploring Hog Island by kayak from Oyster

VA - Wachapreague - 2007/05/25 - 37 miles - Wachapreague, VA is a small commercial waterman's town that is being transformed into a launching place for weekend beach walkers, recreational crabbers, fishermen and tourists. On the coast of the Atlantic, the Virginia barrier Islands provide an introduction to a newbie to surf and some bigger waves.

VT - Lake Champlain - 2003/08/19 Kingsland Bay to Chimney Point - 20 miles - Lake Champlain's central portion lies to the east of the beautiful Adirondack mountains. This deep, cold portion of the lake lies between high banks of well concealed cottages and mansions. I enjoyed two paddling days in the middle of a ten day tour of the Champlain Valley.

09 - Training topics for instructors - Training topics for those interested in teaching kayaking to others.

02 - Hosting Guidelines - Suggested guidlines for hosting a Kayak trip

03 - Waivers and Release examples - A template for waivers and releases for classes and tours

04 - T- Rescue - One Page highlight sheet for the T-Rescue.

05 - Paddle Float Rescue - One Page highlight sheet for 2 Paddle Float Rescue variations.

My First Kayak Trip - A story to highlight the importance of proper trip planning

10 - Miscellaneous Topics - Miscellaneous information of use or interest to kayakers

01 - Chesapeake Bay Foundation Annual Report - Yearly assessment of the state of the Chesapeake Bay - The 2008 rating is 28 out of 100

02 - Natural Communities of the Chesapeake Bay - The Chesapeake Bay contains multiple distinct natural communities. These communities are defined by the interplay of light, nutirients and the mixing of salt from the oceans and fresh water from the rivers.

04 - Aquatic Plants of the Chesapeake Bay - Common Aquatic Plants in Chesapeake Bay

05 - Algae in Chesapeake Bay - The Chesapeake Bay is subject to algae bloom from early to late summer. All are harmful to aquatic life in some manner. some have been linked to harmful effects in humans as well. Covered are four types of algae that are not known to cause disease in humans - Mahogany Tide - Brown Tide - Chattonella verruculosa - Blue-green algae

Casseopea - Upside Down Jellyfish - I ran into these little critters on a day paddle in Coupon Bight in the Florida Keys. Fascinating little creatures of widely varying shapes and colors were all over the bottom of this protected mangrove bay.

Everglades Ecosystems - The Everglades is a low, flat plain shaped by the action of water and weather.Though Everglades National Park is often characterized as a water marsh, several very distinct habitats exist within its boundaries.

Horseshoe Crab - Living Fossil - Champion Survivor - They are older than dinosaurs. They are older than bugs. They are older than land plants. They have been on this earth 200 times longer than we have. More horseshoe crabs are found on the beaches of Delaware than anywhere else in the world. Find out about our oldest neighbors.

Kelp - We don't have it here in the Chesapeake. But along the rocky shores of the oceans in cold water environments, it's everywhere. Bull kelp and giant kelp ring the surf zone from California to Alaska and from Maine to Newfoundland.

Lightning - Danger and Beauty - New maps from orbiting sensors that can detect flashes of lightning even during the daytime reveal where on Earth the powerful bolts will most likely strike.

Mangroves - the roots of the ocean - Mangroves are the rainforests by the sea. Naturally resilient, they have withstood severe storms and changing tides for many millennia, but they are now being devastated by modern encroachments, becoming one of the most threatened habitats in the world.

Resurgin' Sturgeon? - Dinosaur-era fish seen again in the Chesapeake? A 170 pound female sturgeon captured in the Chesapeake bolsters hope for this endangered fish.

Sea Nettles and Jellyfish - Globular creatures appear each summer, driving everyone from the waters of the Chesapeake Bay. These pulsing gelatinous disks trail long stringers that are used to capture and immobilize its prey. But the stingers that deliver lethal injections to small prey also cause mild to severe skin irritation to those bold or foolish enough to enter the water when these strange creatures bloom.

11 - Equipment of Interest - Down to earth information on various kayaking equipment as used by avid kayakers on a regular basis.

Bilge Pump - Rule 12 VDC Switch controlled pumps - If you are going to make your own electric bilge pump, here is the starting point.

Compass Options - I can't see most kayak compass cards. They are too small. Here is some of the bigger ones meant for mounting on small boats and some hand held bearing compasses.

Desalinators - Making fresh water from salt water.

Emergency Kayak Repair Materials - One day, if you venture far enough, you will need to do a repair during an expedition. It would be wise to have repair materials with you.

Helmets - Gath - Brain Buckets with Style - Most sea kayaking does not call for a helmet. It just isn’t that likely that your head will fetch up on something hard. But if you are paddling about in the surge around the rocks, or riding a big wave into the beach, you might appreciate a little protection if things go badly.

Interesting products - Here are miscellaneous products that kayakers might find interesting and useful.

Kayak - Nigel Dennis Kayaks - Explorer - Matt keeps finding things to love about his Nigel Denis Kayaks Explorer kayak.

Lighting and Visibility for kayaks at night - Kayaks are required to have emergency lights and lights for operation at night. Being visible is a good thing. Here are some options.

Personal Flotation Device X-Tract-D Rescue Type - Stohlquist makes good PFDs - personal flotation devices. So I was looking forward to reviewing what should be their top of the line PFD - a rescue vest. I was disappointed.

Personal Locator Beacon for 406 MGz Satellite Personal EPIRB - When they aren't looking for you this will bring them. This expensive piece of equipment might be justified on a very remote expedition in dangerous waters.

Personal Locator Beacon for Search and Rescue Operations. - DISCONTINUED::::121.5 and 243 MHz EPIRBS If they are out looking for you this will help. It transmits on the Search and Rescue Frequency to help locate misplaced travelers.

Personal Messenger SPOT - For casual use, and SPOTty emergency use, this piece of relatively inexpensive technology deserves consideration for those who need to check in on a long trip where other communication is unavailable.

Roof Rack - Malone Sea Wings - With a low profile, low drag, sturdy construction, this rack is a great choice if the shape of your kayak is amenable to the rather flat shape of these unusual car top racks. They look good too!

Shoes - Mion - Current and Flood Tide - Mion is a new manufacturer of active and technical footwear. Their two new models, the Current and the Flood Tide, are water shoes with attractive features. Find out how we rate them.

Shoes - Teva Gamma water shoe - This is the worst shoe I have ever had the misfortune of putting on my feet. In less than 30 minutes and one mile of walking in these shoes and I had a quarter sized bloody blister on both heels. Run don't walk away from these shoes.

Solar Recharger - Brunton Solarport 4.4 - Long trips far from stores can require many batteries. Here are some renewable options. None are fully waterprrof.

Spray Skirts - Sea Kayak spray skirts should keep water out of your boat while allowing you to make all the movements required to paddle and right a kayak in comfort and style. We review three categories of spray skirt from the top three manufacturers.

Tarp - CGear Sand Free Multimat - Sometimes you see a piece of equipment used in another context and think, "That would work well for kayaking." Sometimes it works out brilliantly. Sometimes its a disaster. Sometimes the result is mixed as it was in this case.

Toilet - Commercial Portable - Portable Toilet small enough for Kayak.

Toilet - Portable - Homemade - Build your own kayak portable toilet.

12 - History of the Chesapeake Bay - The Chesapeake Bay was an important region in the European settlement of North America and the early development of the United States of America

Annapolis Tea Party - The burning of the Peggy Stewart and the ruin of Anthony Stewart - Tensions caused by English demands for taxes through the Stamp Act flared into outright mob violence when the brigantine Peggy Stewart brought a cargo of boycotted tea into Annapolis.

Attack on St. Michaels - During the second British raid in the Chesapeake in 1813, St. Michaels was attacked by the HMS Conflict and successfully defended by local militia and a clever ruse.

Attack on Washington - As part of the War on the Chesapeake during the "Second War for Independence", the British sought to draw away the American attack on it's Canadian colony with a blockade of the Chesapeake and raids on major towns and cities. Realizing the poor preparation and weak defense of the nation's capital, the British attacked and burned many of the public buildings of the infant capital.

Battle of Baltimore, Battle of North Point and the Battle of Fort McHenry - During the War of 1812, Baltimore was attacked by land and sea by British forces fresh from victory in Washington, D.C. The successful defense of Baltimore in essence ended America's second war of independence from Great Britain.

Captain John Smith - Captain John Smith whose adventurous life garnered him an important, if controversial place in the history of Maryland, created a map of the Chesapeake Bay that was used for well over 250 years.

Captain John Smith - Voyage of Discovery on the Chesapeake - 1608/2007 - Four Hundred Year Project - A 400 year re-enactment of John's Smiths voyage of discovery on the Chesapeake will begin May 12, 2007. Retracing the route of Smith's voyages, the authentic shallop, a small shallow draft vessel, will visit many sites as it is rowed and sailed the 222 mile length of the Bay.

Cockburn's Terror - British fleet attacks Upper Chesapeake Bay - In the spring of 1813, Admiral Cockburn commanding the British fleet in the Chesapeake Bay, led a series of raids to the Upper Chesapeake Bay.

Maryland and the Calvert family Lords Baltimore - Maryland was a uniquely chartered proprietarty colony established in 1634 and ruled by the Calvert family until the Maryland Revolution of 1689 overthrew them and Maryland became a royal colony.

Rebellion in Maryland - The Story of William Claiborne - William Claiborne fought to protect his interests on Kent Island in the heart of the new maryland grant to Catholic Lord Baltimore. When appeals to the English authorities failed, he invaded Maryland and took over the colony for a period of years.

The Chesapeake Affair of 1807 - In 1807 the British ship HMS Leopard demanded to board the U.S. frigate Chesapeake and muster her crew to search for deserters. Refusing this affront to American independence and the rights of its citizen, the Chesapeake was attacked. The British removed four sailors, three of whom were American citizens.

Unique Craft of the Chesapeake - Many Maryland residents made their living from the bountiful waters of the Chesapeake Bay. Many different types of work boats harvested of the oysters, clams and crabs of its waters. Still others brought that catch to market and return to the rural water communities with manufactured goods from the city.

Voyage of the Ark and The Dove - Narrative of a Voyage to Maryland, 1633-34 by Father Andrew White, S.J. who came with the Ark and the Dove

13 - Media - Movies, picture themes, etc.

Kayaker Eye Candy - Ocean Paddler Magazine - I may not know how to define class, but I know it when I see it. This is the finest kayak magazine in the world. It's art. The drool you will get looking at this magazine is worth the steep price.

Link to us - Graphics and HTML code for linking to us from your site.

Movies and picture themes - Movies made from kayak trip photos and slide shows set to music.

Publications - Key West Citizen - This article in the Key West Citizen about the Everglades used some of my pictures and some of Julio's. He got all the credit however.

Surfing Pictures - Here are some of my favorite pictures from around the web for kayaks and surf.

Wallpapers - Free images for use as desktop wallpaper.

14 - Land adventures - Even gonzo kayakers get out and stretch their legs now and then. This section contains some of our land based adventures.

AT - GAME 99 - Appalachian trail thru hike Georgia to Maine 2166 miles in 18 weeks.

Australia - 2005/02/07 to 2005/04/01 - Sydney - Southeast Australia - Seven weeks touring by rental van in the National Parks of Oz and a hike on the Overland Trail across a portion of Tasmania.

Australia - 2005/02/10 to 2005/02/11 - Manley and Bondi - Sydney provides a number of nearby attractions that are easily reached by foot, train or ferry. I spent a couple of days visiting Manley and Bondi before striking out to the parks of New South Wales.

Australia - 2005/02/12 to 2005/02/14 - Blue Mountains to Jervis Bay - The Blue Mountains are preserved in a large park west of Sydney. Filled with water falls plunging into the Grose Valley over escarpments of red layers of rock, this provincial park provides a wide range of forest environments. In total contrast, Jervis Bay is a tropical looking setting of blue water and white sand.

Australia - 2005/02/15 to 2005/02/17 - Jervis Bay to Murramarang National Park, Mimosa Rocks National Park - Parrotts everywhere, rain, fog and car troubles make this section of the trip a mixed experience.

AZ -Grand Canyon Escalante Route - 2003/10/01 - 5 days - The perfect backpack trip starts with fear over dire warnings from the National Park Service. Rugged and remote - Definitely. Hard - you bet. Dangerous - not if you pay attention.

MD - Assateague - 2003/10/31 to 2003/11/02 - Without a kayak on Assateague National Seashore - are you crazy? This time it's a photo safari.

NM - 2003/10/01 to 2003/10/04 - Canyon de Chelly, El Morro and Chaco Canyon - El Morro, Chaco Canyon and Canyon de Chelly provide insight into the lives of the native peoples of the Southwest Desert. Spending some time at each gives one an appreciation of the difficulty and beauty of life in the desert.

WY - 2005/08/16 to 2005/08/25 - Backpacking in Yellowstone National Park Thorofare - Want to escape the crowds? Go to Yellowstone National Park, the most heavily visited park in the United States. A few miles from your car and you will be all alone.

EVEN THE BEST BOATERS CAN FIND THEMSELVES IN SERIOUS TROUBLE ON THE MILDEST OF DAYS IN THE OCEAN. PLEASE BE AWARE THAT EACH BOATER TAKES FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR HIS OR HER OWN SAFETY, AND IS TOTALLY RESPONSIBLE FOR ASSESSING THE DANGER LEVEL AND ACCEPTING THE CONSEQUENCES OF PARTICIPATING IN THIS SPORT .