: I'll be flying into Tacoma, heading to Centralia to our home base, and then
: driving to Port Townsend for R2K3. My main goal while there (besides
: meeting all you wonderful people and oohing and ahhing over your gorgeous
: boats) is to paddle as many different boats as possible to help me decide
: what I want to build for myself. I can bring some gear but need to pack
: carefully. I have a two piece paddle but no way to pack or transport it.
: My Greenland paddle would be really pissed off if I left it home anyway.

: So what should I bring and what can I reasonably hope to mooch off you good
: people? My current thoughts are that I will pack a separate bag with my el
: cheapo pfd, sponge, pump, nylon sprayskirt, paddle float, footwear,
: gloves, and paddling clothes. Can someone bring an extra paddle that I can
: use for the weekend (Greenland preferred but hey, I won't be picky)?

I agree...don't bother with the sponge, pump, and paddle float there are always plenty of those around. May not need your spray skirt either as you will/could borrow sprayskirts that fit specific boats...they haven't designed the one size fits all cockpits skirt yet. As for PFD, unless you would feel more comfortable in your own, those are usually readily available also. I have a spare Lotus Lola (Adult S/M) that I will be bringing as a loaner.

: As for clothes, what do I need for paddling in the PNW? I don't own a wetsuit
: or even the next level down. All I ever use here in NC is polypropylene
: underwear covered with nylon pants and shell, although I really should get
: something warmer for immersion. (Not that I ever go in or plan to, but you
: know.) I've got an REI gift certificate burning a hole in my pocket so I
: may as well get it now if I need it for the trip. Would a layer of
: Mysterioso work both for here and R2K3? I love how that stuff feels on. If
: that's not warm enough, would Hydroskin be better? Or is that not warm
: enough for out there either and I need to go ahead and rent a wetsuit
: while there?

I have a NRS wetsuit (women's L) you can borrow if it will fit...I'll be in my drysuit. Some years wetsuit alone has been enough, and other years wetsuit with poly pro underwear has been needed. Last year we had one day of really hot temps and one cold, foggy day, and of course everything in between but regardless of the weather the water is always COLD.

: Thanks for advice. I'm getting really excited about the weekend.

I am too (hope to be paddling my silver...yeah, I'll share)! This will be our fifth rendezvous...it is one of the highlights of our year. I look forward to meeting you.

: Patsy