New Jersey Kayaking

October 6, 2024

Cleaned up Google Maps

October 6, 2024

All maps are now snapshots of one master map. You can now navigate the website by zooming, dragging, and clicking on the maps.

Then I went nuts, and added a ton of markers for things that look promising on Google Earth. Now it's a bigger mess than it ever was.

I also figured out how to draw the county borders on the maps.

The Google Maps API leaves much to be desired. In fact, the whole thing reeks of typical Google arrogance and stupidity. After messing around with it a while, finding out what doesn't work and what you can do, I eventually cobbled together a decent interface. Google needs to fire a lot of PhDs and hire some people with brains.

Uncategorized, 10/6/24

« Thanks, Gargle « » Clever Me »

First Trip

So you just impulse-bought a new kayak at Walmart. Now what?

Don't take it someplace hairy for your first trip. Pick a place that is easy - shallow enough to stand up, no tides, no wind, no waves, no motorboats, no currents, no cold. Find some nice inland lake, I have quite a few of them listed. Learn how to get in and out of the boat, how to paddle, etc. Get a feel for things before you head out into the big water.

Also, figure out how to secure the boat for transport. The pool noodles and twine that you used to take the boat home from the store on the roof of the car are not suitable for the highway. Get whatever racks and tie-downs you need and figure out how to set them up properly. I always use a minimum of two completely independent tie-downs, even for the most local of trips. On the highway, double that.

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