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My trip this month was my first without a hatchet or small axe. I brought a saw, which I typically take on daytrips for clearing down trees. I didn’t portage, and even if I had, there was little chance of down timber on the trails since this is a well traveled area. I missed the hatchet...

Yeah, I should have staged everything and updated my list as I change my focus to weight reduction. In the end, I didn’t attempt a portage, but there’s just so many nuts a person can eat. 98% of my tackle goes unused. From now on, a few rapalas for various depths (no topwaters for summer...

I took a long term approach to packing for my recent camping trip, adding things to packs as I thought of them weeks before leaving. Never again. Too many duplicates, excess food, tackle, personal gear. • way too many heavy granola bars • extra towel • 3 lbs of nuts PLUS trail mix • excess...

Yes, nearly ate my dog. Not sure how those extra 1s got in there. The next 3 days were calm in the morning, white caps around noon. None of the 6 days were wind free, but I did catch a couple lulls, able to fish a little. Couldn’t make the portage to another lake because there were crowds...

Boges and I just finished the windiest trip I can remember. Clear from the onset my recent injuries would affect the trip. While I was early enough to beat the crowds to my destination lake, I was spent after crossing the first lake. A prime campsite on a jetty was being vacated, so I decided...

WDNR Video about my little river. Unfortunately, it drains much farmland, the flowage lake is lined with cabins, and the river has several pipelines buried beneath its bed. Not sure how long the BG algae will affect it.

Can’t paddle the river or lake feeding it due to Cyanobacteria (blue green algae). When we first bought the property, there was a spate of leptospirosis on another nearby drainage. Killed some dogs. “Luckily,” the water is low so a river run is not possible anyway. The cause of excess...

I find it take a few days to acclimate to the pace, the quiet, to see the beauty, to forget the minutiae of civilization.

For me, it’s loons calling in the fog, or at sunset. Or utter quiet, which I never hear except while tripping. And stars, although I am rarely awake when they happen, I try to get out a couple times on every trip to stargaze in earnest. These are the motivation I need to get in the car and...

For those who’ve retired from tripping, how did you know it was as time? Was it general malaise, a new physical condition, inability or limitation? Did you get out of shape due to some period of inactivity? Or, was it just your interest waned when a paddling partner or spouse was no longer...

Mine needs no explanation.

Blemish. Should replace the boat or provide a good discount. How is a “pulled thread” not imbedded in resin?

Sounds “cool.” When and where is the winter trip? Oh, Nevermind I’ll read the thread…duh.

No, sorry. Sent both sets out some time ago.

Yeah he won’t fit between my legs. Even his sister who is 10 lbs lighter would be cramped. Maybe a chihuahua.

It’s one of those things that is needed in dire situations, like repair of gear or the canoe.

Thanks folks. The exercises are helping. I dug up my bicycle gloves and added them to my kit. I’m looking for a good hand surgeon but will only go that route if it won’t interfere with snowshoeing or padding. Does anyone feel a certain paddle blade shape is better? I looked at some...

What brand and model multi tool do you find handiest for canoe repair on a trip where weight is a big consideration? I had a leather man lightweight until it went for a swim. I replaced it with one that’s too heavy, not as useful.

How much does a proper repair kit weigh? I’m shaving the handle on my toothbrush when portaging is a factor. If I was tripping on a northern river I’d bring wire and epoxy. Everywhere else, it’s duct tape, a letherman, a 3/8” ratchet wrench. I do have a couple SS bolts and nuts in there too.

I also figure it was keyboards that did me the dirty. I do have those gloves. Never thought of using them to paddle. Since I can’t ride my bikes anymore, it can’t hurt to use them. I’ve had flare ups paddling and driving. Hands cramp and go numb. I tied my left hand on the paddle with a...