Thanks! I have an EMS a stones throw away from where I live so I will have to check that out soon, maybe even tomorrow on my day off. I've actually, in my 24 years of life, never kayaked, but I would love to try it out. I have some friends who want me to go with them in the spring. As for biking, I routinely go on long trips with my camera and gear in a backpack. One of my favorite routes is the entirety of Rt 1A, taking in all of NH's 18 miles of coast and back again. I am particularly interested in the latter 3 books you mentioned, but perhaps I will fall in love with kayaking and get one of my own, another expensive hobby I am sure.

Once again, thank you all for the great suggestions! I am getting more and more excited for spring with each second knowing I have all this ahead of me.