Re: [Paddlewise] Homer Alaska

    The Anchorage paper did have a picture of the couple that was not on the
web site. It showed her getting ready to paddle wearing a knit cap, a vynil
rain coat (not a paddle jacket), and heavy vynil rain pants.  "Poormans
paddling gear"
>From what I read I gather they were caretaking the lodge over the winter in
exchange for a place to stay. (not an uncommon practice up here) so I doubt
they could have afforded expensive dry suits.
    Still the tradegy was caused by lack of good judgement. They based their
decision on when to go paddling and how far to go paddling on the current
conditions and situation. When they started paddling I am sure they felt
their clothing was adequate for the temperatures and winds and that their
skills were adequate for the sea conditions. However when things changed for
the worse they were sadly unprepared.
    I am lucky I got caugh unprepared several years ago on a hiking trip in
West Virginia and survived a cold night with no survival gear. Since then I
have tended to be over prepared (if there is such a thing).

    First I tend to over dress, adding an extra layer just in case. I have
been in situation both in kayaking and dog mushing where the temps. dropped
dramatically and was not in a position to get out the gear bag and put on
more clothing. I have learned to put up with being too hot while paddling
but it beats being too cold.
    Second just like Scott I carry a bright yellow emergency bag behind my
seat. I generally contains first aid, space blanket, matches and fire
starter, heat packs, signal mirror, parachute cord , knife and a couple
power bars.
    Also I have sewn on to the back of my PFD a small survival kit (Yes I
know this is  a no no but a coast guard friend told me once he would rather
see me prepared then dead) Sewing it on to the PFD means if I flip and can't
get my emergency bag out of the boat that I will have some survival gear if
I make it to shore. This kit contains basically the same thing as my
emergency bag except in smaller quanities.
    I always carry flares and power bars in my PFD pocket and wear a teckna
knife. AND I ALWAYS WEAR MY PFD!
    In the colder months or when I know I am going out a ways and the wind
may not let me come home when I want, I carry a gear bag with extra clothes
, food and a small sleeping bag.
      I carry a VHF radio and keep it accessible.
    Even though most of my paddling is solo, my wife always know where I
plan to paddle to and what colors I am wearing.
    The boy scouts have it right "Be Prepared"

Bob
Alaska (where only the prepared survive)

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