The North Shore Paddler’s Network (NSPN.org) brings together Boston-area sea kayakers for group paddling trips, skills and safety instruction, and other activities that foster community interaction and learning.  In the summer of 2009, NSPN paddlers teamed up with a Mount Desert Island guide to organize a fundraising group paddle for MITA’s benefit.

Here is an account of the memorable trip from NSPN’s Chris Mabon.

NSPN worked with Mark Schoon of Carpe Diem Kayaking Company (www.carpediemkayaking.com) to provide an overnight camping trip to a MITA island as a fundraiser to benefit MITA. Mark generously donated his time to act as a guide on the trip with one hundred percent of the proceeds being donated to MITA. I was one of the lucky ones who were able to paddle with Mark, along with Peter Brady and Judy Whipple.

Leaving Mount Desert

We left the southwestern coast of Mount Desert Island to visit some MITA islands that Mark wanted to check out on our way to the campsite. It was a bright sunny day with light wind, calm waters, and beautiful views. After paddling amongst small islands and visiting a MITA campsite on Pond Island, we made our way south of Swans Island to Big Baker, the island that we camped on. We found the campsite and set up our tents for the night, then made our way through the woods to the opposite shore of the island to have dinner while watching the sunset. We were all quite full after dinner where Mark kept us entertained with stories of his expedition to Norway. Darkness came and so did the mosquitoes, so we retired to our tents where we were serenaded by an owl perched in a tree above our heads.

We awoke to a misty morning and had breakfast on the rocks near our kayaks. The fog seemed light and we thought it would burn away—we were wrong. After breakfast, we broke camp, repacked the kayaks, and headed out into the fog. We decided to head west and circumnavigated Swans Island. The fog seemed to thicken as we paddled off, relying on our charts and compasses to find our way. The fog lifted and closed back in throughout the day. I was really impressed by Mark’s navigation skills. On each crossing we found the island we were aiming for right on. During our paddle we saw several seals and porpoises in the distance along with an eagle and other various birds. We made our last 2.5 nautical mile crossing without incident as Seal Cove slowly loomed out of the fog.

Magical Memories

Overall I believe everyone had a good time—I know I sure did! It was a wonderful way to raise money for a worthwhile organization while experiencing a beautiful area that I had never been to before. I really want to thank Mark for donating his time and showing us around this wonderful area. I also would like to thank the other participants for their good spirits and camaraderie.