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Recent content by Newtown Mark

  1. Newtown Mark

    Opinions on a new boat - Rapidfire, Spitfire 13, Trillium

    I too like a higher seat when using a single blade. Maybe I need another boat?
  2. Newtown Mark

    Opinions on a new boat - Rapidfire, Spitfire 13, Trillium

    I've paddled a Rapid Fire since 2014 and have nothing but good things to say. Stable, fast, efficient. I've used it for short and long trips. I went with the kevlar/carbon layup for strength and durability, with only a small weight penalty versus full carbon. The boat is designed to paddle with...
  3. Newtown Mark

    Canoeing Plans for 2026?

    Temagami right after ice-out. Eye of Quebec in the fall.
  4. Newtown Mark

    Don't Get Me Wrong - I Love Winter, But...

    Just came back from a long snowshoe walk in the woods. Beautiful. But I'm ready to paddle!
  5. Newtown Mark

    How much have you paddled this year?

    I had a good season. Trained for the ADK 90, plus a one week trip to Temagami. So, figure 600 + miles.
  6. Newtown Mark

    Reservoir Manicouagan QC Aug/Sep 2025

    I've been thinking about this trip for 3 years, but good trip reports are hard to find, so this report is a great resource. Many thanks. My plan is to do it in the fall of 2026. A couple of questions: Did you need any permits? Any concerns about leaving your truck unattended for so long?
  7. Newtown Mark

    Felt safe until now

    The further I get from "civilization" the safer I feel.
  8. Newtown Mark

    Join the Foliage Day Trip: Candlewood Lake, CT, Sunday Oct. 19→CANCELED

    I'm in. Paddling solo and can transport one other boat. Meet you at the Sherman Town Park.
  9. Newtown Mark

    Eye of Quebec / Manicouagan Reservoir

    Exactly what I'm looking for. Thanks.
  10. Newtown Mark

    Eye of Quebec / Manicouagan Reservoir

    I'm trying to get some intel on the Eye of Quebec / Manicouagan Reservoir. I would like to do a spring 2026 circumnavigation of the island. Looks like about 120 miles. Local info all talks about paddling the reservoir with sea kayaks, but I would prefer using my PBW Rapid Fire. Anyone...
  11. Newtown Mark

    Lows lake Lower Dam repair project

    I was lucky enough to paddle the area the second year it was open to the public, well before it became such a zoo. Wife and I spent 5 days there and only spotted 2 other boats.
  12. Newtown Mark

    Outdoor confidence

    My most immediate issue is adjusting my plans to account for an age-related decline in ability. I know what I'm doing, I have the experience and knowledge. I'm just not as capable as I used to be. Getting old sucks.
  13. Newtown Mark

    Do you bring an ice chest or cooler?

    For short trips, I have a small round cooler that was designed to nest inside my food barrel. I pack it with frozen food and eat as things thaw. For longer trips, larger soft-sided coolers seem to work well.
  14. Newtown Mark

    "Sleigh riding" big swells in OC-6 outrigger canoes

    Looks like a blast! Thanks for posting.
  15. Newtown Mark

    RIP Dan Cooke

    I had a couple of brief conversations with Dan before ordering some of his excellent gear. He seemed like a good guy and I like to support small niche businesses. I hope someone continues CCS. And I hope Dan had a good last paddle.
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