Rippleffect will hold a Kayak Rendezvous in Casco Bay, tomorrow – Sept 6, 2008.
Rippleffect Kayak Rendezvous in Casco Bay
Rippleffect is a Maine community-based youth development organization specializing in adventure and wilderness experiences that build confidence and self-esteem. The Kayak Rendezvous is a fundraiser in the heart of Casco Bay to benefit Rippleffect’s youth and community programs.
Bradbury Mountain has something for everyone of all ages and is one of the most popular parks in the area. Close to Freeport, ME and less than 30 miles from Portland, it is a great way to get a good hike and still be in the thick of things. Each season offers a new and fun hike with different views of the same landmarks. They even have hawk migrations in the Summer and Fall and you can participate in the hawk count.
State Park, nominal fee to enter (I think it was $3 or $5 for everyone in the car). Open 9am-Sunset, rustic restroom, no trash (only one small can for dog waste)
This is the only State park with shared trails for hiking, biking, camping, bird watching, dogs on leash, picnic area and shelters with grills, playground (being installed), ball field, horseback riding, snowmobiling, snow shoe rental available and cross country skiing.
For more information http://bradburymountain.com/
To Get There:
Take I-295 North or South to exit 22. Follow signs to the park located at 528 Hallowell Road.
This is one of our favorite hikes. It’s close to home and we can spend as little or as much time exploring the mountain as we want. The shortest trail is the Summit Trail. It is a direct trail from the parking lot to the summit and is only .3m up the 434 foot climb. The most common trail is the Northern Loop which is a mile, or the longest is the Boundary Trail at 1.5 miles. Many of the trails intersect so you can make it an even longer hike. We have done most of the trails at one time or another on the mountain side of the road and have found new and exciting plants and small wildlife each time we have gone. Even in the Winter, this mountain is a good hike.
Notes: June of 2008 we went with family and friends and had a nice cookout after a great hike. We had kids and our dog with us. We saw a lot of other people around and we ran in to another troop of Brownies (we saw some at Mt. Ag only the week before). This troop helped to patch up the knee of one of the young girls we were hiking with and earned their first-aid badges.
Plan your trips with EveryTrail Mobile Travel Guides
Join Maine Island Trail Association at the Frontier Cafe, Cinema, and Gallery on Thursday May 8th, from 6-9pm for a series of films featuring the paddling lifestyle.
Tickets are $10, $8 for students, and $12 at the door with proceeds to benefit the Maine Island Trail Association and the Northern Forest Canoe Trail. Call the Frontier Cafe at (207) 725-5222 to purchase advance tickets or MITA at (207) 761-8225 for more information.
Frontier Cafe
14 Maine St. Mill 3 – Fort Andross
Brunswick, ME
Maine Island Trail Association
58 Fore St.
Suite 30-3
Portland, ME 04101
If you are buying a kayak for the very first time it is very exciting but there are a lot of things that you need to consider and to think about. You will need to consider what type of kayak you need for the type of activity you will be doing with it.
What types of kayaks are there?
* Hard sided or rigid kayaks
* Inflatable kayaks
* Collapsible kayaks
Hard sided kayaks are also known as rigid kayaks and they are made traditionally from wood. Wood kayaks are beautiful and can be very symbolic to those that own them or make them with their own two hands; however they do require a lot of maintenance and upkeep.
More commonly, plastic kayaks are found. Plastic kayaks are typically the least expensive of all of the rigid kayaks; however you will find that they are also the heaviest of them all. If finances are an issue then you may want to choose plastic for a first kayak, because not only are they more inexpensive but they also do not damage as easily and therefore do not require frequent repairs. However, be aware that when the plastic kayak does sustain damage, they are much more expensive to repair.
There are also kayaks that are made of fiberglass, which is another very popular choice. Fiberglass is one of the most popular materials for rigid kayaks because it is much more lightweight and it is easier to repair. However, you will pay more for a fiberglass kayak.
You can also find kayaks that are made from composites such as carbon fiber or Kevlar. These composite kayaks are more expensive, but they are much lighter and easier to maneuver.
What About Collapsible Kayaks?
Collapsible kayaks are typically more expensive than hard sided kayaks or inflatable boats because they can completely collapse. Basically they are made of a fabric that stretches over a metal or wood frame to take the shape of the kayak. They are very tough and durable and although they are typically more expensive, they also hold their resale value very well.
What About Inflatable Kayaks?
Inflatable kayaks are quite possibly the best choice for someone who has never owned a kayak before. They are very portable, and extremely lightweight. There is an inflatable kayak that is created for every type of kayaker whether you enjoy easy paddling or white water rapids. The prices of inflatable boats are generally cheaper than that of hard sided boats and they also are remarkably tough and durable as well.
What Is Better, A Hard Sided Kayak Or An Inflatable Kayak?
There are a lot of different opinions about what is better, an inflatable kayak or a more traditional hard sided boat. Both have their pros and cons.
Many people are under the impression that you cannot take an inflatable boat into white water rapids. However, that is not true; in fact there are many different inflatable boats that are created especially for the purpose of white water rapids.
If you are looking for an inflatable kayak to take into class IV rapids, an excellent brand of kayaks to look at are manufactured by Sea Eagle. Sea Eagle has been one of the world’s leading manufacturers of inflatable kayaks since 1967. Sea Eagle manufactures inflatable kayaks for one to two people; they even have boats that will seat three people. If you are planning on using your boat for overnight trips or camping you will want to choose a boat that will accommodate you, your traveling partner and all of your equipment.
The beauty of an inflatable boat is that it can hold a few hundred pounds but only weighs a few pounds itself. A two person kayak can carry not only two people, but their gear and their equipment such as paddles as well. Even though the boat carries so much, only one person is necessary to carry it to the water.
With a hard sided boat, you will not be able to find a boat large enough to carry two people, their gear and equipment that is lightweight enough for only one person to carry to the waters edge.
Another major difference between boats is the price between inflatable kayaks and hard sided kayaks. Hard sided boats are generally much more expensive and require more maintenance over the life of the boat. With an inflatable boat, you will pay less for the initial purchase of the boat, and it will not cost as much to maintain it either.
What Is The Bottom Line?
The bottom line is that when you are choosing a kayak for yourself, you need to choose a boat that will suit your needs, your lifestyle and your boating needs. Depending on if you are looking for a tough and rugged sea kayak that can withstand white water rapids, or if you are looking for a light weight boat perfect for easy paddling in a lake, there is an inflatable kayak that is right for you and your budget.
© 2005 http://www.inflatable-boats-now.com
About the Author
Kevin Brown is successful author and publisher of many informative websites including http://www.inflatable-boats-now.com. His websites offer tips and advice on a wide array of topics including inflatable kayaks, small fishing boats, boat accessories, and more.
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Kevin_Brown
