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Flashfire has been sold

A 1995 Bell Flashfire, Black Gold layup, Weight 35lbs. Ash gunwales have been removed and refurbished in and out with oil, new Conk seat, walnut seat drops and thwarts. Oh yea, I removed the ugly proboscis of vulnerable wood from the ends of the gunwales. I assess the condition of this canoe...

OK, seeing how this group is largely from north of the border and because the Canadian dollar might have a better use in the outhouse, I will supply the answers to the dendrology quiz. #1 Black Cherry #2 Yellow Birch #3 White Pine #4 Red (soft) Maple #5 Eastern Hemlock As to the poop, it...

September 15-18, 2015 Paul Conklin (Curtis Mayfly) Should an Adirondack opportunity arise, I make sure to have a trip plan worked out and filed to memory. Therefore, when four days free of commitment and a fantastic weather forecast rolled around last week, I was ready to go. I would spend...

I study Bing carefully prior to a trip, but so far, I haven't discovered a way to print Bird's Eye images.

Seven USGS topographic maps cover the Five Ponds Wilderness. Four are the 1:24,000 scale and three are the 1:25,000 scale. I make full sized color copies (14" x 17") of the area I will be in, these are my go to maps and I would not enter the woods without one. I supplement with blown up photo...

I wouldn't know who authored the idea but foam paddle holsters have always been an option on Hemlock canoes so I'll guess that Dave may have had something to do with it. The one you see in the Mayfly is one that I made. It is over sized because its secondary function is flotation so yes it is...

Reflectix is wonderful stuff. On camping trips it insulates my coffee cup, vittles pot and backside (hammock insulation). I don't like eating out of a bag, so my cozy fits my 28oz. pot. The pot has a lid on top of which I place a small inverted plastic bowl. The whole business is further...

Burn yourself in the fire or lop off a finger with an ax and your labeled a true woodsman, but fall on a spruce stub and you'll be the butt of campfire humor throughout the ages. The stigma and embarrassment of hinder region impalement is very real and one that we trippers should have greater...

August 13-17, 2015 Paul Conklin (Curtis Mayfly) I made a looping five-day adventure into the Five Ponds Wilderness. Starting at the end of public access on the Bear Pond Road, I paddlewhacked my way through several ponds to reach the Great Opening or what some call, the Confluence. It is...

I think it was Wednesday and we heard the train go through. Are you sure, you heard a train? I'm no RR guy but the tracks I was on didn't seem to be up to a standard that would allow active use. One short section was under water, I was able to stay dry walking on the rail while lining the...

I have made another trip to the Adirondacks. The primary goal was to attend the Wooden Canoe Heritage Association's annual assembly at Paul Smith's College. The event draws the largest collection of beautiful canoes, and likewise, canoe minded folks that can be experienced on our planet, an...

There's something fishy going on here. I've had a shop for about as long as... well forever. Dad always encouraged us to have our own tools and a space to keep them. I have tried very hard, but coaxing hotties into the workshop has never worked. Even with lines like "How about coming over...

This is an Al Bratton design called the Goldeneye http://woodstrip.wcha.org/canoes.html Built by myself in 2007, it's a 15ft. symmetrical hull, 30in. wide, weight 48lbs. Stapless construction, 6oz. fiberglass, Mahogany rails (oiled), Spalted Maple decks, brass bang plate, laced cane seat...

I think Mike summed up any advantages... saving bar space and less interference with straps. A disadvantage to having them inside might the potential interference with a thwart. Mike failed to mention that I am a bit anal retentive when it comes to racking a canoe. I guess I just like the...

May 5-8, 2015 Paul Conklin (Hemlock Kestrel) I try to have at least three adventures in the Adirondacks every year, the first of the season, is by far the one I look forward to the most. It could be reasoned that a long winter makes one anxious, but for me, there is no better time to be in the...

Peregrine is sold.

This is the same rack that Glenn has already mentioned but a different mounting system has been engineered for the new truck. https://picasaweb.google.com/114267878012874538920/CapRacksForTheSierra

Hole size in nesting boxes is more about the exclusion of a larger competitor than the preferences of the target species. An entrance hole that does not exceed 1.5 inches is quite effective at blocking Sturnus vulgaris, and providing vacancy for anything smaller. 1½" is a good choice for all...

Glen, what's correct, we are a two Kestrel family, His & Hers. The Mayfly at 12.5', 23# will remain my go to bushwhacker for small water pond hopping. If I seek the luxury of additional cargo capacity or the safety of a larger hull for big water, I have the option of the Kestrel or Solo River...