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Thank you again to @Gamma1214 , @MichaelMerry , and @NoelCanoeDad for all the info. Re-reading everything more thoroughly, it seems that the real answer is that we'll have to wait until closer to the trip and see what the water levels are doing. I'm sure it will be a great trip regardless.

I was just going back to re-watch the videos and see what I could learn after yesterday, and re-read this. I've been conflating two variables: obviously one could add weight and maintain any angle of trim, depending on where the weight is placed. Going upstream on a section of flat but flowing...

PS: this is most certainly the case on flat water. But I assume you were talking specifically about poling upstream?

Well gents, yesterday was a real learning experience. @Sliding Focus and I got out on the local creek yesterday after work. Flows were much higher than I've ever tried to pole in, and boy howdy it's a whole different ballgame. The drop I usually struggle to get up because of low water...

I was exaggerating a little, it was more like what you describe here. But as someone prone to motion sickness, that sensation isn't conducive to sleeping. I also moved away from hammocks for other reasons, like having a place to get dressed when it's raining (this was back when I did more...

^this! I like a firm mattress so it took me a while to learn not to over inflate - partially because I'd test them on my back then sleep on my side. I have a 20yr old thermarest with self-inflating foam core, still going strong, and a newer, thicker fully inflatable (no foam core) Big Agnes...

Very interesting discussion, thanks all. Lots to think about and practice. I'm not sure I'm likely to add weight for day outings, but I hope to do some poling on my Allagash trip this year, and maybe some others. Thanks for sharing the videos, Steve - very cool to see the Coho. I wish Kaz...

Ps I did find a brochure on canoeing in the Wayne NF on this page: https://www.fs.usda.gov/r09/wayne/recreation/opportunities/water-activities

Wow wow wow! Thanks so much for all this generous info. I'll review it all a little more carefully in the next few days and will reach out individually as needed. But regardless, I really appreciate all the offered help - such great community! Thanks again, all!

Yes, I'm trimming upstream-end light when poling. On Sunday I was in the Heron (15' x 35", flat-bottomed, but with a decently sharp bow for a Royalex boat). I started between the bow seat and center yoke, but eventually turned the boat 180deg and stood between the stern seat and yoke so I...

Ok, now this is really giving me something to think about! Would you say this works better with a flat bottom, rounded, or vee hull? I was trying to lean a bit the other day, and even tried to hold still midstream with the pole and just work the bow back and forth leaning, but I don't have the...

Good to know, thanks!

The blasting across the eddyline was definitely my struggle. The harder I push, the less control I have and the more I tend to impart turn. I think I understand the needed ideas - just need to practice the doing more. Still, I definitely appreciate the advice!

Thanks so much, that's super helpful! I'll check in with my friend and may indeed reach out.

Yeah, I have two professionally made spruce poles with shoes from Maine (one cast iron shoe, one bronze). I got spare shoes of both types since it seems like makers of such useful items are increasingly endangered. I also have some homemade poles- a couple Norway spruce and what I think was...

Thanks, Penn and Michael. We're looking at Memorial Day Weekend. Any guesses as to whether the Clarion will have enough water then? Will the Allegheny be a zoo that holiday weekend?

Yes, thanks Steve and others for the good advice. I tried a new stretch of creek yesterday, spent 80 min going upstream (practicing/playing around), and 20 min coming back down. Really nice conditions with a lot of gravel bottom and often 1-3ft water depth with some good riffles and swifts...

My friend and I are trying to plan a 2 night river trip for Memorial Day weekend. He's in St Louis, me in NY, so we're looking at places halfway-ish to meet in the middle - eastern OH or western PA, or maybe northern WV. We're looking for backcountry or gravel bar style camping, and want to...

After reading the environmental section of the MDS for the 303 protectant Northstar and others recommended, I decided against such treatments on the grounds of not putting more chemicals in the wetlands I paddle. I do use a plastic scrub brush and a hose to clean any gunk off my canoes between...

Bob, what's your preferred cordage and wrapping method? Do you coat the cord wrap in anything e.g. epoxy?