Recent content by jdeerfoot

Never took classes but used NOC to paddle the river for a day with my daughter and her boyfriend in the late 1990’s. I remember eating at their restaurant and learning they were in a dry county. With us being from Wisconsin and in need of a few beers, we had to travel to a neighboring county to...

Welcome to the site. You will find much knowledge and many knowledgeable people here. I am somewhat familiar with the VA tidewater area due to my time there in the navy in the 1960’s. Nice area with mild winters, especially when compared to Wisconsin, but really hot and humid summers.

Maybe contact Frost River for their recommendation.

When it comes portaging I always remember what Harry Roberts (I think it was him) used to say. Something like, portages are great for screening out the riffraff.

I think we talked about this topic in the past. My conditioning routine is pretty simple - I do volunteer work at the local nature center year round which is like farm work - clearing cutting brush, chainsaw work with making firewood. The firewood work involves a lot of lifting. Starting in...

And don’t forget floss can be used in sewing repairs.

When this thread started I figured I would get a few recommendations on what to try to liven up my morning coffee. Now there are so many recommendations that I guess I’ll just stick to what I have long been doing. It may be dull but it’s easy and quick.

I have been there several times in October (and sometimes late October) and it surprised me how many people show up, especially on the weekends. I value solitude so I don’t go to the BW much anymore. My last trip was in October 2018. I have a few spots in northern Wisconsin and the UP that I...

I am with you - I am really trying to stop buying those semi-useful things that catch my eye. In fact, now I am trying to sell off or donate things I bought and rarely or never used. I am especially proud of myself for having attended the last few Canoecopia events and having bought nothing...

I know we’re talking about racks, but Erica’s observation on Canadians and their car topping got me thinking about how they carry their canoes. I have seen more pool noodles, pipe insulation and old horse collar-type life jackets used as portage pads in Canada than in the states. I use pipe...

I have been a member of this board for just the past 5 years but I don’t remember any vetting questions. But then I don’t necessarily remember what I did last week. So thanks to the mods for all their work and diligence in moderating this site. Interesting topic, please keep us updated.

I make sport of killing invaders - however, you need to accept bug stains on the walls of tent interior. I also second the use of mosquito coils. On one trip we had to camp on the portage trail. Under the tarp on a softly raining night we played cards and the burning coil drove off the...

I guess it was that $70-80 grand truck that determined our price as opposed to your price/truck.

I live about 60 miles north of Chicago and when we go through it (The Loop which is downtown Chicago) on I94 we try to get through by 4-5 am to avoid the bumper-to-bumper crawl on the expressway. But at least now there are no longer snipers occasionally shooting at cars from the former high rise...

I am glad Canoecopia will continue since that is where my paddling group gathers each March for a reunion. We are fortunate that one of our members has a large house near Madison which can accommodate the group. We also use the gathering to setup our trips for the coming season. The store...