Hank:

If you don't mind talking to a novice kayaker and novice kayak builder I'd be happy to get together for a cup of coffee and a chat when you're out this way. I live in Berkeley, about an hour's drive north of San Jose.

I'm getting to the home stretch on our first boat, a CLC Chesapeake 16LT for my wife - actually we're at the point where she's going to be doing most of the work - finish sanding, painting the hull and varnishing the deck. Should be done by the time you're in California.

We're quite close to the Bay and might even be able to arrange a paddle with one of the local outfitters, time/weather permitting. So drop me an email if you're interested (just remove the NS from the email address, i.e., send to w6dei@arrl.net). Even if we can't get together I'd be happy to give you recommendations on things to do, places to eat, local kayak outfitters, etc.

Hope you enjoy the visit, Peter