Recent content by tketcham

The 1986 Curtis Northstar I have is the Kevlar layup with gel coat, weighs about 55 lbs. Specs are... 16' length; 35" max width, 32" gunnel, 31.5" @ 4" waterline; 21" bow, 14" mid, 21" stern; 2" symmetrical rocker. Curtis catalog can be found here...

Look like solid bindings and I like the way they attach to the webbing. I'd be concerned about the spikes rubbing into the webbing if the spacing isn't ideal for certain snowshoes.

That was an impressive drop with a loaded tandem, especially seeing in the other photos what was beside you and below you.

Howe style leather bindings work well except for the wear on the strap that holds the binding onto the snowshoe webbing. I'd also swap out the instep strap with a cam- or friction-lock type strap. The kind used on backpacks and tie-ins. I only found them for sale on Amazon or Etsy, though. I...

No need to apologize. I have plenty of canoes to keep me busy and having a Magic has been wishful thinking more than anything. Good deals on great canoes are an attractive nuisance nowadays.

I was just about to ask if it was still available. 😄

Cats in canoes...

No nukes. But maybe...

And as a canoeist, I think your article makes the case very well, Marc, and my comments were pedantic in that regard.

Gore-tex and it's variants aren't as dependable as a good neoprene fisherman's jacket/pants but it does work well for cold weather use when a downpour is unlikely. In cool, wet weather it can be OK as a wind shell but needs an insulating layer like wool. I've begun wearing NRS Hydroskin under...

Marc makes a good case, especially if you're a canoeist. :) I agree on the overall benefits of open canoes and single-blade paddles, that's why I still use both exclusively. And there are important advantages in using closed cockpit kayaks, decked canoes, and big seagoing canoes (or as Glenn...

https://www.wcax.com/2026/02/03/stuck-skaters-rescued-lake-champlain/

Woodchucks are fairly tasty because they eat what cows and rabbits eat, but I'd try eating nutria. Probably similar to muskrat, which is OK if cooked well. That makes sense.

Yup, that's why I like a longer, narrow snowshoe for deep snow bushwacking. They allow a more natural stride than wider shoes but still provide decent flotation. I had a pair of Alaskan Trappers (56"x10") that I enjoyed so when it was time to replace them I went with MSR's Lightning Ascent...

Great to see you got a chance to get out on the shoes and take advantage of the storm! And breaking trail is the way to go, that's what snowshoeing is all about. Perfect cold weather activity. I love snowshoeing, ever since I was a kid. My grandpa used to salvage snowshoes from the trash pile...