Unfulfilled Tripping Dreams?

billconner said:

Once in a lifetime opportunity to paddle in Death Valley National Park. Right now - don't wait!

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My wife and I were there maybe 10 years ago now, and we could have then, after some serious rain they'd had. We figured if we pussled the canoe off the truck that we'd get hassled for it in some way, so didn't bother. Another time in 1998 we could have done so also, but didn't have a boat with us that trip. Not really a once in a lifetime possibility, but admittedly still fairly rare.

Peregrin8or: Welcome to the forum.

I've always felt that every trip report posted helps add to our bucket lists as well as planning the logistics of the trip should anyone else decide to do it (plus they're fun to read in the winter). I hope you get a couple of those trips in and I'll look forward to the possible TR.

Nick Pending said:

My wife and I were there maybe 10 years ago now, and we could have then, after some serious rain they'd had. We figured if we pussled the canoe off the truck that we'd get hassled for it in some way, so didn't bother. Another time in 1998 we could have done so also, but didn't have a boat with us that trip. Not really a once in a lifetime possibility, but admittedly still fairly rare.

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Just read that they are speculating it will become permanent.

billconner said:

Just read that they are speculating it will become permanent.

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If so, they'll probably start limiting BYO boats (make that "prohibiting?") and allow a concessionaire to rent them for more park income. If interested, get yours in the water before they do.

I’m still recovering from back and shoulder surgery. The thing I notice is my lack of stamina compared to just a few years ago. I’m still hoping to transition back into portaging 5 or 6 times a day, but it often feels like a pipe dream. I got totally worn out and needed a nap after a 2.5 mi hike today. Don’t know how my shoulders will ever support a portage pack again. I may try a short paddle only trip to BWCA in May, see how that goes. Maybe one or two lakes in during the summer. Doc said I should be able to flip my UL canoe in mid-May. Glad there’s a few young folks here now to take up the mantle.

Black_Fly said:

Glad there’s a few young folks here now to take up the mantle.

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You could see if they're up to toting a palanquin (with you in it)! < G >

I put a small inflatable boat on the playa at Badwater in DV around 1994. I was out a mile and a half or so from the parking lot. There was no one around. It was surreal for sure. Very calm and only about 2 feet deep. I have visited Death Valley many times as in maybe 15 or so trips. Backpacking there is rewarding but it requires carrying water. I like Feb or early March. We camp in the middle of nowhere and sleep on cots with no tent and watch the stars. Visits from wild donkeys and coyotes and lots of military jets.

PaddlingPitt said:

But not this January. Canoe tripping is over for Kathleen and me. She is now 71 and I am 76. In addition to our general decline in strength and stamina

I’m wondering how other fellow paddlers have accepted or regretted the eventual end of an activity that we had pursued.

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Michael: Just found thisl thread! First of all, I've just finished reading your trip reports entitled "Winter of our Content..." and "Anderson River NWT 1999" ...simply stated, your words have touched my heart.

In the short time that I've been involved with this group, I have been inspired through your very informative, thoughtful, and passionate comments about your canoeing experiences... what they have meant to you and your wife. And, It is evident that so many people in this forum appreciate you as well, for your kindness, humanity and values/respect for nature.

Hopefully, your valuable trip reports and other comments will be read by and have a positive impact on our younger generations as well.

My thoughts on your question: My partner and I are 77 yo...we decided to step away from canoeing five years ago. Like you, John and I also discovered canoeing in our middle years, our late 30s. Prior to our rebirth as canoeists, we were enthusiastic hikers/campers, taking mostly day and single night trips. (Favourite trails include the Bruce Trail and West Coast Trail on Vancouver Island, as well as trails in Olympic NP.)

For quite a while, we regretted not fulfilling our dream of paddling Canadian wilderness rivers. However, we choose to be grateful for our many local midwestern day trips as well as those to BWCAW and Quetico, that have inspired and fed our love and respect for nature and the wilderness/north country.

Now, despite our physical limitations, as a way to embrace our love for nature and wildlife, we have gratefully returned to shorter (1-5 miles) day hiking trips with hiking poles. Finding a replacement for canoeing/tripping that you are interested or curious about and then fine tuning it to meet your needs...can be challenging but usually can be accomplished (perhaps with help from family and friends!)

Gail

ppine said:

Sometimes I couldn't believe I was getting paid, and sometimes they couldn't pay me enough."

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That describes my career as well. I was fortunate to have a series of jobs with the same corporation that provided a lot of adventure. So while there are canoe trips I haven't done but intend to, I don't feel lacking in memories or stories.

I came to canoeing late in life at about 47, and it's been mostly day trips with a few wilderness trips that have been short by this forum's standards. A series of health issues dashed my early retirement plans, but I'm still in good enough shape to do the trips I have in mind that I haven't done. Bowron Lakes and the Lower Green are top of the list. And I want to get back to BWCA. My plans are modest. I just hope I don't have any more interruptions. In the meantime, I am quite happy that I have a good variety of local day trips.

Michael: Just found thisl thread! First of all, I've just finished reading your trip reports entitled "Winter of our Content..." and "Anderson River NWT 1999" ...simply stated, your words have touched my heart.

Gail, Thanks very much for sharing your reaction to some of my writings. You make it all worthwhile.

Like you and John, Kathleen and I began as backpackers/hikers before discovering canoe. The following link to my South Nahanni River trip report begins by presenting our transition. I think you will enjoy it.


Michael

PaddlingPitt said:

Like you and John, Kathleen and I began as backpackers/hikers before discovering canoe. The following link to my South Nahanni River trip report begins by presenting our transition.

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Thanks Michael...I've had a fascination with the Nahanni since I read The Dangerous River as a teenager!

Some of the backbone members of my club are gradually easing their way out of the sport due to old age and heath/injury issues.
In 2021 I had a major medical incident that set me back. I've built myself back up quite a bit from that, but last winter I really worked hard and thought I'd hit spring running but was surprised and disappointed to find that I'd lost ground rather than gained. It would seem that, after 70, you are going downhill no matter what you do. I think I made some mistakes with my training, last winter, and am doing things a little differently this winter. Next spring will be the test. Can I, at least, maintain, if not gain?
I have new boats that I need to get some use out of and older boats that don't have enough scratches yet. I'm not done yet.

It’s all about anccepting and adapting to a new reality.

One of the all time best threads on this site.
Here's to everyone that have done some epic trips.
Keep going out there. We don't have to go as far and for as long as we did when we were younger.

Ppine...my sentiments exactly! Canoeing was one of the most important pieces of my life. When my husband and I could no longer paddle, at first we were heartbroken. But we decided to find a new way to experience nature, through day hiking, and are ready to move forward to the next crossroads.