NYCkayaker Circumnavigation Weekend

[Erik Baard]

Ahoy, Endless Circlers!


Jerry Blackstone (no doubt busy sunning himself!) sent me on a mission to
investigate possible dates for "Circumnavigation Weekend 2008."

We'll need your feedback because part of this process is to sort through
potential scheduling conflicts. As many of you know, Jerry and Steve
Blumling are working hard to make this a wonderful tradition for harbor
paddlers.



So I spent a bit of Sunday thumbing through my Eldridge (thanks Randy!) and
astronomical charts. Here's what I found:



August 2: Nearly-new moon currents lend a nice kick. Launch 8AM from Pier 40
(or 930AM from Anable Cove).



(Small note: a pre-dawn Perseids Paddle is worth penciling on your calendars
– Tuesday, August 12. It's marvelous to see shooting stars over you on the
open expanse of water.)



August 16: The start wouldn't be too painfully early (well, just a bit…7AM
at Pier 40, 830AM from Anable Cove). It's also a perfect night for those who
enjoy night circumnavigations under a full moon.



August 30: We're back to a new moon but the launch schedule of the 16th. For
the night time contingent, this might also be a great time to witness
aquatic bioluminescence. It's also a nice distance from the Manhattan Island
Marathon Swim (July 5), so people won't feel burnt out on the experience.
But do we have the patience? : )



In short, I vote for August 30. Water temperatures will be high, paddlers
will have a summer to build to this longer trip, we'll hae plenty of time to
spread the word, and it's good to let the circ lie fallow for a couple of
months after the MIMS.



Any other ideas?



Best regards,



Erik


-- 
Erik Baard

www.licboathouse.org
www.naturecalendar.com