Example of the Pegtymel petroglyphs with umiaks, reindeer, canids, and human figures.
Image Credit : Institute of Archeology, Russian Academy of Sciences

Umiaks Among Rare Endangered Siberian Petroglyphs

Archaeologists have resumed an expedition to map ancient rock art along the Pegtymel River in the remote Chukotka Autonomous Okrug of Siberia, Russia. The petroglyphs are located in Western Chukotka and are the northernmost in Asia, and are the only location of rock carvings located beyond the Arctic Circle.

Besides the umiaks, the Pegtymel petroglyphs depict images of people, hunting scenes, and prey animals. Constant temperature changes is causing water to freeze and thaw in small cracks, gradually destroying the petroglyphs.

Paddling Pals

Coastal Tide Network

US Harbors, in partnership with Divirod, a data and technology company, is launching a pilot program in Penobscot Bay, Maine to test a new technology for water-level sensing. NOAA currently maintains 200 live, observational tide stations in the United States, 50 of which are in the Great Lakes.

Its tide stations are highly sophisticated, and therefore expensive to implement. NOAA's budget can't support providing stations in every location, so tide predictions for most towns are algorithmically derived (e.g., not based on actual observations). This gap in coverage makes it impossible for local communities to fully understand — and plan effectively for — changes in storm surge trends and sea-level rise.

US Harbors, a Rockland-based company, has been looking for affordable solutions to this issue. This six-month pilot program to monitor sea-level rise in Maine will include five sites in Penobscot Bay, Maine: Belfast, Camden, Rockport, Rockland, and Tenants Harbor/Saint George. During the trial each site will have access to hyper-local tide data as well as a flood alert service. The objective of the pilot is to determine solutions for long-term monitoring of sea-levels that are accessible to small municipalities. The pilot will be in effect for six months — from October through March — during which stakeholders will review and give feedback on various aspects of the technology and data service.

US Harbors and Divirod will also aggregate the tidal data across the five pilot communities to evaluate trends and will review findings with the key players in the Maine state government and NOAA. The technology and data services are being provided for free by Divirod for the duration of the pilot project. US Harbors is also planning additional pilot projects in other parts of the country to test other available tide monitoring technologies. Check it out here.

NOAA Predicts Another Active Atlantic Hurricane Season

May 20, 2021
NOAA's Climate Prediction Center is predicting another above-normal Atlantic hurricane season. Forecasters predict a 60% chance of an above-normal season, a 30% chance of a near-normal season, and a 10% chance of a below-normal season. However, experts do not anticipate the historic level of storm activity seen in 2020.

NOAA's GOES-East satellite captured this image of Hurricane Laura on August 26, 2020 as it approached the Gulf Coast. (NOAA)

For 2021, a likely range of 13 to 20 named storms (winds of 39 mph or higher), of which 6 to 10 could become hurricanes (winds of 74 mph or higher), including 3 to 5 major hurricanes (category 3, 4 or 5; with winds of 111 mph or higher) is expected. NOAA provides these ranges with a 70% confidence. The Atlantic hurricane season extends from June 1 through November 30.

"Now is the time for communities along the coastline as well as inland to get prepared for the dangers that hurricanes can bring," said Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo. "The experts at NOAA are poised to deliver life-saving early warnings and forecasts to communities, which will also help minimize the economic impacts of storms."

A summary infographic showing hurricane season probability and numbers of named storms predicted from NOAA's 2021 Atlantic Hurricane Season Outlook. (NOAA)

Last month, NOAA updated the statistics used to determine when hurricane seasons are above-, near-, or below-average relative to the latest climate record. Based on this update an average hurricane season produces 14 named storms, of which seven become hurricanes, including three major hurricanes. [Watch this video summary of the Outlook.]

El Nino Southern Oscillation (ENSO) conditions are currently in the neutral phase, with the possibility of the return of La Nina later in the hurricane season. "ENSO-neutral and La Nina support the conditions associated with the ongoing high-activity era," said Matthew Rosencrans, lead seasonal hurricane forecaster at NOAA's Climate Prediction Center. "Predicted warmer-than-average sea surface temperatures in the tropical Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea, weaker tropical Atlantic trade winds, and an enhanced west African monsoon will likely be factors in this year's overall activity."Scientists at NOAA also continue to study how climate change is impacting the strength and frequency of tropical cyclones.

"Although NOAA scientists don't expect this season to be as busy as last year, it only takes one storm to devastate a community," said Ben Friedman, acting NOAA administrator. "The forecasters at the National Hurricane Center are well-prepared with significant upgrades to our computer models, emerging observation techniques, and the expertise to deliver the life-saving forecasts that we all depend on during this, and every, hurricane season."

Staff with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission use a grease marker to highlight a scar pattern on Chessie, a manatee known for his forays into the Chesapeake Bay. The agency photographs scar patterns to help track individual manatees over time and examine life history traits of the population. Credit: Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission

Tale of Survival Continues for Chesapeake's Famous Manatee

Florida wildlife officials on Feb. 5 rescued an 1,100-pound male manatee in Florida after he was spotted swimming sideways, a signal of distress. Suffering from malnutrition and severe pneumonia, he was taken to SeaWorld Orlando for rehabilitation.

A record number of manatees has perished in Florida this year. But in this case, rescuers soon realized they had just saved an icon. A decade after his last confirmed sighting anywhere, Chessie the manatee — famous for his northerly treks to the Chesapeake Bay — was still alive.


Photo: Jim Dugan

Maine Coast Geology with Dyk Eusden

Wednesday, November 17th at 7:00 pm
Join fellow Maine Island Trail Association (MITA) folks to learn from Dyk Eusden, a Bates geology professor, about the bedrock geology of the Maine coast. Get to know three unique regions and understand the phenomenon that shaped the beautiful formations we see today.

Register here.

Plants on Maine Islands Interactive Map

The Maine Natural History Observatory has spent years collecting information to create an interactive map of the plant distribution on Maine's Islands.

Check out the map so far and help contribute to its completion here.

MITA is Hiring

The Maine Island Trail Association is looking for part-time administrative help this winter. If you love MITA's mission and are open to a project-based position, check out the full position description and details on how to apply here.

Annual Gear Auction Set for Nov. 15-30

NFCT's Online Auction features outdoor gear and experiences, donated by generous partners and supporters. It includes everything from canoes to guided trips, art, magazine subscriptions, and much more.

People, companies, nonprofits and local businesses all support NFCT through the auction by either purchasing or donating an item or service so NFCT can maintain and provide access to the trail. This year, its auction features a Pal 16' Recreational Canoe, donated by Nova Craft and NFCT's longtime partners at White Rose Canoe (formerly Newbury Canoe & Kayak).

Bid at bit.ly/nfctauction2021. If you have questions or would like to donate an item, please email marthe@northernforestcanoetrail.org.

Lock Maintenance, Campsite Closures for Upper and Lower Saranac Lakes

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation has announced it will temporarily close the upper locks on the Saranac River in late spring of 2022 to complete necessary maintenance. Additionally, from May 20 to June 30, 2022, campsites 63-87 at the Saranac Lake Islands Campground will be temporarily closed, and reservations will not be available.

Seminole Canoe and Kayak Club Celebrates 100th Anniversary

October 2, 2021 — The Seminole Canoe and Kayak Club (SCKC) celebrates its 100-year anniversary. It remains one of the oldest continuously-active paddling clubs in the United States. Originally organized as the Seminole Yacht and Canoe Club for the purpose of competitive racing and recreational boating, the club now organizes opportunities for people with their own paddle crafts to paddle and socialize together. Many outings, including moonlight excursions, depart directly from the group's club house on the banks of the Ortega River. Members also enjoy exploring regional waterways, observing nature and occasionally swimming in springs.

Keeping Our Waters Clean
As part of the 100-year anniversary, members have a goal of paddling 100 miles and collecting 100 bags of trash from local waters in 2021. SCKC also partners with and supports organizations who keep the waterways clean, such as the St. John's Riverkeeper Organization, North Florida Land Trust, and Florida Springs Association.

For membership information, contact sckclub13@gmail.com or find more information for Seminole Canoe and Kayak Club on Meet Up. Read more about the history of the club in the September newsletter.

Sea Kayak Around Ireland

About 60-70 sea kayakers have circumnavigated 950 miles around the coast of Ireland. Who knew that journey would be so popular? We recently came across this film. Two seasoned whitewater kayakers and pals — Jon Hynes and Sean Cahill — left friends and family behind for the rigors of wind and tide to make the month-long journey in July 2015 for "the privilege to paddle around our own country," says Hynes. They passed such spots as Donegal Bay and the Cliffs of Moher. They used a four- element rule to determine daily route and distance: wind, tide, swell, and climate. No surprise, the big one, particularly that summer of 2015, was climate, and the daily challenge of trying to get into dry clothes, eat hot food to stay warm. Surprisingly, eight separate expeditions attempted the journey in 2015, including a women's duo.

The film is beautifully shot with a GoPro mounted on Hynes' kayak, a drone lent by a nephew, and iPhone photos. It won Best Sea Kayaking film in the Reel Paddling Film Festival 2017.

Kayak the Florida Keys

In these trying times, Floridians and snowbirds alike will appreciate this reminder of scenic kayak trips in the Florida Keys. Beaches, mangrove swamps, state parks, camping, snorkeling, critters, floating parties (plant your umbrella in the water), the Keys have a bit of everything including good old-fashioned tiki bars. Journalists Bob Rountree and Bonnie Gross of FloridaRambler offer a recap of their 12 favorite paddles at the state's southernmost tip.

Those interested in the tiki bars, go here .

2021-22 Paddle Florida Season

The non-profit Paddle Florida (PF) is a great resource for solo paddlers or people who appreciate some direction in multi-day camping trips on some of the best Florida waterways. We are reposting the schedule here:

Treasure Coast Paddling Adventure (NEW)
November 3-9, 2021
Come explore the Treasure Coast; named for the profusion of shipwrecks and treasure hunters who have been searching for gold, silver, and other valuable and historic bounty. The trip starts in St. Lucie County at Ft. Pierce Inlet State Park and follows a route to the north through Indian River County, finishing in Sebastian. The trip will spend two nights at state parks, two nights at Indian River County Parks and two nights at the Environmental Learning Center. This will be an excellent example of what PF tries to achieve on every trip: Place-based learning in the Great Outdoors.
Register by: October 22, 2021

Black Creek Paddling Festival
December 10-12, 2021
PF's second Black Creek Paddling Festival will take place at Camp Chowenwaw Park in Green Cove Springs. Join PF as it explores the scenic waters of Black Creek and Peter's Creek in ten- and eight-mile segments on Saturday and Sunday. One of Paddle Florida's favorite entertainers will perform a benefit concert Saturday. Proceeds will support continuing the programs at Paddle Florida. The weekend will also feature hiking through nearby trails, and an opportunity to hear from local experts dedicated to preserving North Florida's rivers, springs, and water-sheds. The price includes camping for the weekend. The Treehouse and Squirrel Run Cabins have been made available to paddlers (at their own cost) for the event.
Register by: November 26, 2021

Ten Thousand Islands Experience (NEW)
January 17-22, 2022
Southwest Florida's answer to paradise features five days of exploring the magic kingdom of the Ten Thousand Islands. Our basecamp for this experience is Collier-Seminole State Park, one of the best state parks in the region. It is within driving distance of all the paddling tours we will undertake. This is a first time event in our January time slot. We hope to make the Ten Thousand Islands Experience an annual event in this paddlers' paradise. Register by: January 3, 2022

Wild, Wonderful Withlacoochee
February 15-20, 2022
Beginning at Lake Panasoffkee, paddlers will thread their way through hardwood swamps and tannic streams on a 60-mile journey to the Gulf of Mexico. the adventure includes a side trip to the colorful Rainbow River and its world class first magnitude spring.
Register by: February 1, 2022

Springtime on the Chipola
March 18-24, 2022
This will be PF's fourth different trip in Florida's panhandle, joining the Ochlockonee, the Choctawhatchee, and the Perdido. Given the right conditions, this river will be suitable for all paddlers and paddlecraft. Florida Caverns State Park is the starting point for staging this event next March, when spring will be blooming in the panhandle. This is going to be a great experience!
Register by: March 4, 2022

Suwannee River Paddling Festival
April 1-3, 2022
With camping atop the bluff overlooking two beautiful rivers, PF's season-capping festival takes place at Suwannee River State Park near Live Oak. the weekend will offer supported eight- to 12-mile paddling options on both the Suwannee and Withlacoochee Rivers, a concert featuring Paddle Florida's favorite musicians, and educational presentations from regional waterway experts.
Register by: March 18, 2022

North Shore Paddling Network Offers Wilderness First Aid

NSPN is offering a Wilderness First Aid class taught by Todd Johnstone-Wright, expert kayaker, BCU/ACA coach/instructor, and EMT.
The class will be held at the Gould Barn in Topsfield, Mass., Dec. 11-12 from 8am-5pm.
You MUST be a member to register for the course. If not a member, you can join here.
All participants are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Masks will be worn in all patient-care scenarios and indoor activities.
NOTE: As of press time, registration is full. Members can sign up for the wait list here.

NSPN Members-only Cold Water Workshop Nov 20th

Along with colder weather comes colder water, which presents serious dangers requiring thoughtful mitigation and management. In this workshop, NSPN will have both interactive discussion and active immersion opportunities to experience what works for cold water management, and maybe identify any areas of improvement.

Even if you don't consider yourself a "winter paddler," this workshop is just as useful to prepare for the start of next season when spring temperatures begin to welcome you back outside while the water can still be deadly cold. This workshop will be a perfect opportunity to figure out how you might need to be better prepared and give you the time over the winter to get ready.

The discussions will cover topics such as:
- Clothing (layering and protection).
- Accessories (hats, gloves, etc).
- Prevention (ways to avoid you or someone else getting cold).
- Mitigation (how to manage when someone does get cold).

The immersion portion(s) of the workshop will entail simply walking into the water to test gear and kit, as well as getting into boats and figuring out how to incorporate it all together. Wet exits, rolling, and re-entries (self and assisted) will be welcomed exercises, but not requirements.

Details: Who - any current NSPN member can attend this workshop (email membership@nspn.org for any help updating membership).
When - Nov 20th (rain date of 21st). Start time has not been established yet, so stay tuned, but probably mid- to late morning.
Where - Location to be determined, but typically somewhere along the north shore.
How - To register, please go to the calendar posting and click the Going button.

What to bring? Bring what you have, and let us know if you would like to borrow something. Here is a partial list to get you inspired:
- Hot beverage.
- Hot food (like soup in a thermos).
- Snacks (for energy).
- Warm layers (base layer against skin and/or mid layer for added insulation):
       - Avoid any cotton, including socks and underwear, as it tends to hold moisture.
       - Wool performs well as an insulator, even when damp, and tends to dry better than cotton.
       - Synthetics perform very well, even when damp, and tend to dry fastest.
- Drysuit (if you have one). If you want to experiment with a wet suit, feel free, but generally they are uncomfortable in the boat.
- Paddling shoes or neoprene booties (crocks and such don't provide any warmth).
- Paddling gear and equipment (boat, paddle, PFD, spray skirt, helmet, tow belt, chart case, radio, etc) whatever you typically use.
- Warm land gear (jacket, hat, gloves, blanket, etc).
- Shelter to hold warmth or escape wind (tarp, tent fly, etc) - sheet plastic is not recommended due to lack of breathability.
- Ground padding / insulation.