Salt Spray & Pond Hockey

© David McLain Photography

With a steady wind blowing 15 knots out of the northwest, it didn’t take long for the salt spray to freeze on everything — The deck of the boats, paddles, zippers and exposed skin. At eight degrees we should’ve expected it. It is January in Maine, after all. That said, we knew the risks and came here to paddle and skate, in that order. Our destination has to be one of the coolest and most remote ponds on the coast of Maine.

Big Pond sits at the extreme southern edge of the Petit Manan Wildlife Refuge in Steuben. The only thing that separates it from the crashing waves of the Gulf of Maine is a 20’ high cobblestone berm that some call a “beach”. I fondly remember paddling this section of coastline on an expedition a number of years earlier, and as a summer storm was bearing down, we sought refuge and pulled out at this very spot to wait for its passage. Little did I know that years later, I would find myself returning in the middle of winter to skate on this same pond.

The plan was hatched over beers and wings. David McLain, a longtime friend and independent photographer explained to me and another friend, Scott Leighton, what he was up to for his next photo shoot — He was looking for a pond we could skate with the Atlantic Ocean as a backdrop. We’d be taking pictures for a new men’s clothing brand called QOR launching this coming Fall 2014. And I knew just the spot. The only catch? We would have to get there by sea kayak. Even better.

© David McLain Photography

You must be a skilled and confident seaman as well as an adventurous soul to kayak in the dead of winter on the coast of Maine. It’s a risk/reward thing. This time though, the purpose of paddling was to get to a remote pond that few, if any, have ever skated before. Hell, we didn’t even know if the pond was going to be too brackish to freeze. There was no way of knowing what we would actually find out there. All things considered, we were willing to take the risk and given the cold winter we were having, we felt the odds were in our favor. Sounded like an adventure worth having. Let’s do this.

Dry suit, check. Neoprene gloves, check. Extra layers, check. Shovel, check. Skates, check. Hockey stick and puck, check. Not your normal equipment list for paddling the coast of Maine but all essential for this particular excursion. We had just under three nautical miles to paddle from our launch site. Aside from the cold temps and setting sun, conditions were favorable. A slight tail wind made the paddle out chilly, but enjoyable. We were prepared. Approaching the pond we were anxious to see if we’d find ice or not. Scott was the first to exit his kayak and climb the berm to see what conditions awaited. His body language made it seem doubtful we would be skating. David and I landed and scurried up to have a look for ourselves. To my surprise and absolute amazement we were looking out over a pond the size of 4 football fields — It was mirror ice. Frozen and clean. The best ice of the year.

© David McLain Photography

I’ve spent my life accumulating experiences that have gotten me to this spot, this moment, here on this pond. I grew up playing pond hockey. I’m very comfortable on ice. Paddling came later and so did my comfort level on the water. Woven throughout these experiences is an adventurous spirit that we all posses. Like many adventures I’ve been on with David and Scott over the years, this one will be added to the quiver of experiences that I’ll be forever grateful to have opted into.



This story was originally published by Marc Bourgoin on 18 February 2014.
Marc is the owner of Lincoln Canoe & Kayak in Amesbury, MA.
paddlelincoln.com

And for a look at David's incredible work got to: davidmclain.com

Scott Leighton, David McLain, and Marc Bourgoin

Chasing Gulls

Evelia, The Gull Chaser

The look in her eye is one of determination. She is serious and focused and she believes she can do it this time. She will catch that seagull. Slowly walking through the sand, gradually gaining speed, she begins her assault. As she draws closer, she can’t help but let out a scream of excitement and… Flap-flap! Away goes her prey. Disappointed momentarily, she then spots another unsuspecting gull on the beach. The stalking begins anew with the same result — Another hurried aerial escape by the elusive bird. My daughter, Evelia, who is 21 months old, has adopted this as one of her favorite things to do at the beach and it can go on for hours. I love every minute of it. I even help her facilitate the attack sometimes — I am positive, though, that we really don't want to catch a seagull. I have tried my best to explain to her the inevitable consequences of grabbing a sea bird with our bare hands, and yet, she remains unwavering and dedicated to the cause.

I have spent the better part of my life either in the water or on it — I grew up swimming competitively which led to surf lifesaving and triathlons. I then moved on to professional guiding, specializing in sea kayaking instruction and multi-day expeditions. I now look for every opportunity to travel and explore new landscapes via the water. I love the water and in many ways it has defined my life. With that said, I haven't always been able to enjoy the beach. As my wife can attest — I get antsy, very quickly. Sitting and relaxing at the beach is not something I am very adept at. To be surrounded by so much water and not start doing something more active is a real challenge for me. But I have noticed a shift this beach season. It's a rebirth of sorts. I have started to see the beach through my youngest daughter's eyes. And it's amazing. Watching her scream and play in the surf — Chasing the retreating waves into the water and then quickly switching roles, running back to the safety of the sand away from the next round of incoming surf is fun to witness. It just makes me laugh. She is absolutely filled with life. New discoveries happen at every outing. Tide pools with starfish and scurrying crabs are always around the next rock and sea glass and shells are quick to catch her eye. And I know she loves the warm breeze blowing through her blonde hair. She loves it — It's natural and pure. New experiences blend with the familiar, shaping her into the little person she is today. And eventually into the adult she is to become. It's nice to take a step back and just watch. To try and see these familiar things — Soft sand, crashing surf, rocky cliffs and seaweed — As if it were for the first time, again. Maybe that's what we need more of in this life, right? Sometimes it takes fresh eyes, a different perspective to see things clearly. And what better way to look at things than through the eyes of a child? 

Finding new life and enjoyment in something I have always loved is a gift. I had temporarily forgotten, that's all. And I thank our newest addition, Evelia, for the reminder. Watching the wonderment of her new experiences is truly special. But watching her translate that enthusiasm as only a child can, is the real gift.

The next time you get the chance, chase after a seagull on the beach. I highly recommend it.

My Yellow Boots

Have you ever had an object or item in your life that you are deeply connected to? And with the very sight of that item you are filled with a sense of excitement? For me, it is a pair of well used, yellow rubber boots. Most would look at these boots and think nothing of them. But when I look at them I see possibility, adventure and ultimately, fun. 

You see, for the better part of the last 10 years, I have worn these boots on countless adventures, big and small. They have accompanied me to far flung destinations in multiple countries. And of course my beloved coast of Maine. I have virtually paddled the entire coast with these boots in tow. Always at the ready to keep my feet dry, out of the tidal mud and protected from abrasive rocks. I know it’s not really about the boots, but rather what I have experienced while wearing them. I find inspiration in new landscapes, and cultures. And some of the most influential moments in my life have occurred while immersed in the exploration of coastlines, foreign and familiar, surrounded by natural beauty and dear friends. One of my deepest friendships has been forged during these adventures and I am so very thankful for that. And the boots have been there for it all. I guess it comes down to memories, past and future. Moments in time that have awakened something deep inside me, things that I will never forget and will always long to experience again and again. I look at my boots and I see so much more than the heavily worn sole and faded yellow rubber. I see a history of my evolution as a person. I see growth in both knowledge and worldly experiences and most importantly I am reminded of the quality times that I have shared with quality people. Memories that are boundless and infinite.

Whenever I am sorting gear and preparing for another trip and I reach for the yellow boots, a little smile comes to my face. The potential is limitless — More fun, more adventure and more memories.

I hope everyone has a pair of "Yellow Boots" in their life.