Wow. It was ten years ago last month since Willis left us. That fateful day is seared into my memory. He and I were planning a trip together but it never got beyond the idea stage. I am going to try to plan some time next year to do it.
The big idea is a loop from Inlet (on the Oswegatchie) to...
Only electronic device I cannot go without is a headlamp. Although in summer, during the full moon the headlamp is almost never used.
The only other electronic device I have with me is my phone (in airplane mode) as it is my camera. Don't need it, but w/o it I won't have any pictures.
The lake will not be crowded, but the parking area will be more than maxed out. The upper works trailhead is a major access point for hikers. Expect to find difficulty in parking and add extra distance to your portage.
I grew up canoeing with too much gear. I hated backpacking b/c of the pack weight.
After college I started backpacking b/c I didn't have a canoe. I became very weight concious and my backpacking gear list shows it.
After getting back into canoeing, my gear list only added the paddling gear...
Most recently the one item which has caused interference for me is an aging, and not in good health mother. I needed to cancel a trip this summer to help with her care. The emotional toll of dealing with her health and missing the trip is greater than the sum of the parts. Fortunately she is...
I also use the slip knot but when I pass my line through it, I do not do the "pinch thing" to hold it as I do the half hitch, I bring he line back around and through again. The extra bites a little and thus no pinch is necessary. Kinda hard to describe. I have never had an issue with the slip...
I came across a banged up Sportspal canoe hidden in the brush near a secluded Adirondack Lake a few years ago. I took it out for a spin, I would have to say that was the worst. The foam "seats" which were stowed into the bow&stern had bungee cords apparently used to keep them in place as you sat...