June 28– Tomorrow is perhaps the most significant time trial of the whole training process– start off the Cliffs early and proceed counter-clockwise past Squibnocket Point, 17+ miles east in the Atlantic, round Wasque Point at the southeast corner of Chappaquiddick, and finish at Cape Poge. The objective is to see what cruising speed is in the ocean with a light SW tailwind and following seas (if any), and see how long it actually takes to reach Cape Poge. The objective on August 9 will be to reach Cape Poge at the 9:45 AM high slack tide, so tomorrow’s outing will help pin down the actual start time below the Cliffs on Full Circle Day.
As such, the boat is ready to tackle a long-distance paddle… which primarily means carrying enough water and GatorAde. The photos show the full rig, which includes a Camelbak Cortez 100 oz. deck pack, plus a 70 oz Camelback in the rear pouch of the Mocke racing PFD– which is hard to miss! Additionally, there’s a Garmin navigational GPS mounted on the forward bulkhead, and heart rate monitor on the footstrap. The seat bucket includes padding for my lower back, and the most critical accessory of all– a Seal Line inflatable seat pad which makes all the difference as far as backside comfort goes over the long haul! In the front pocket of the PFD will be a VHF radio, power bars, glucose tablets and a small drybag for cell phone and glucose meter.
Can’t wait to get going!
