Recent content by Steve in Idaho

Wow! I had that experience around Bismarck SD. I'm drawing a blank on the flat top mountains, but I'm sure it'll come to me.

I'm sure of it, in my case. The Penonscot is one of my favorite royalex boats. I would probably still have one if I didn't mind lifting and carrying a 60 lb canoe. Indeed, there is one for sale near me at a very good price, and it's still tempting. Great photos!

All of that and no Idaho or Utah?

California, Oregon, Washington, Wyoming, Minnesota, and all over Idaho. I haven't been paddling as long as most of you, but I have plans to add more states and BC. Where should I stop between Idaho and BWCA this year that doesn't require a shuttle?

It does seem like this spring has been more windy than usual. I think it's because I sold the sailboat.

Funny thing.... people have been moving here from those states too (I don't know why) and bringing their nice canoe with them. But they sell them because they're either aging out or (more often, it seems) they think there's nowhere to use them here.

I was initially discouraged away from canoes after a less than impressive experience with a Coleman and box store paddles. Being introduced to better canoes was an eye opener, but better paddles really sealed the deal.

I'm going to be really interested in that!

I have the same rule on group trips of any kind. It's interesting that some individuals can't abide by it, but take offense when politics are discussed in other settings. Anyway, I consider this place a virtual group trip, and appreciate that rule.

That may be importantly significant. A whole discussion might be had about this. My observation is that the concept of finesse is foreign to a large segment of society. I wonder if these are all the same people who will never learn the single blade.

I think you may be onto something.

Rambling here... The site member activity thread brought this question to my mind again. I think about this from time to time, and sometimes I think I have an answer; but then it never seems to materialize. I have assumed that paddling with a group of mostly recreational k*y*k*rs would give...

Thanks to all the administrators and contributors from me as well. Living where I do, there is no way I would have learned what I have learned from everyone here. I consider several here to be my paddling and tripping mentors. The local field is all but empty.

If the river is mostly straight and flat and current isn't pushy, I can imagine that putting enough weight in the bow so you can stand farther aft can be helpful. That will allow you to plant the pole closer to the keel line. The trade off is a reduced ability to make quick course corrections...

I almost always keep the trim neutral, unless I'm going slower than the current. If I'm just playing, I will almost always accelerate into the eddy, for one reason - because it's fun. Well, and it's good practice for when the move is urgent. Going Slower than current, setting can be easier. But...