Recent content by lowangle al

I'll throw this out there in case someone is looking to get started poling this year. I have two poles, one is from Don Merchant at Pole and Paddle in Hollis Maine. He has them in spruce, cypress and ash for between 100.00 to 150.00, according to his web page. The problem is it is expensive to...

As far as gear goes, the biggest improvement that I've benefited from is in communication devices. First there was the Garmin Inreach and now, satellite capable phones. I can always stay in touch, in addition to the safety aspect.

Thanks, now I know what this bug was.

I think the biggest thing that changed for me is that my kits seems much more simple now. There are a lot of details that need to be addressed for a successful and comfortable trip, and I am able to cover them with less gear. You would never know it by looking at my packed gear, because of its...

My father died when I was 20, he was only 50. It caused me to see the "big picture" of life. I came to the conclusion that there are only two things in limited supply in life. Time and money. With enough money you can most importantly buy time, and anything else, for that matter. Unfortunately I...

You're probably right Patrick. On Raquette River Outfitters web page they say it is a full day to a two day trip. It sound great for when you have little time.

Paddling season seems a long way off. I look forward to mornings like this.

It looks like you had a great time, I hope you didn't have to break trail the whole way. Did you wait for things to warm up, or is that just how the timing went? I did a ski camping trip with my wife in the Allegheny National Park back in the eighties, but don't remember any details. It's a...

I took my Grandson to the ski resort for his second time out this past week. While on the chair lift he asked what I liked more, skiing or canoeing. I forget what I answered, but after giving it some thought, this is what I came up with. I get more physical pleasure from skiing. Both the...

I can't think of any traditional gear that is obsolete, that's one of its' benefits.

I'm not familiar with those ratings, what I wear is Helle Hansen work wear. The PVC jacket and bibs are 55.00 each. Don't get anything with elastic around the cuffs, waist or wrists, they don't breathe. I only take the bibs in the shoulder season to save weight and space. In the warm months I...

Great report. Writing a report for a trip that long would be as daunting as the trip itself for me. You must have taken good notes.

It's possible that we both are right. I paddle in a lot of wind, I like a bow light trim, solo or tandem. My boats always weathervane with the bow downwind. There are no mysteries on how the wind affects my boat. That being said I have experienced this problem in the past. It hasn't happened in...

Sorry to hear this, my season is also in question. I'm waiting to get surgery scheduled to have part of my colon removed and am concerned about what else they might find. I think we should take Robins advice. My plan is to do what I can while I can. Hopefully we can still get out this season...

Whenever I encounter this I attribute the problem to what is going on below the surface of the water. I think the wind pushes the water and creates a current. I think this current wants to push your stern downwind. The force of the moving water has more effect on your hull than the force of the...