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For 3 season use I've gone away from traditional boots and wear ankle height, lightweight hiking shoes. I've never had ankle problems so the lower height isn't an issue for me. I like the lighter weight over the course of each day so that's what I now use regardless of whether I'm on a...

If you're talking specifically canoe related injuries, the only ones I've ever come across (didn't experience it myself) have to do with portaging. I was involved in college outdoor programs for many years and carrying a canoe was the biggest physical challenge many of my students encountered...

Now that I'm no longer working full time, I looked into pickleball as a possible activity to pursue. Before doing so, I read an article that said the sport was the leading activity for knee issues in older people. Having already endured numerous knee surgeries (two rebuilds and other clean...

Bob - I have a 10'x10' oilcloth from Tentsmiths as well. My kids got it for me when I started doing 18th century events. I've spent a lot of nights under it and it's protected me from numerous storms along the Great Lakes, northern woods and even the Atlantic ocean. A great piece of kit but...

@Bob B. - That would be great. Thanks a lot! Until next time...be well. snapper

@Bob B. - Where did you find the Egyptian cotton? That material is as scarce as hen's teeth! Many years ago (OK, like almost 60!) in "Boy's Life" magazine (I think) there were plans for making a one-person shelter and the material of choice was Egyptian cotton. At the time it was easily...

@Black_Fly - I have no idea how well rubbing alcohol works but finding fuel is easy enough. It's already been stated somewhere in this thread but purchase Heet in the YELLOW bottle and you'll be all set. Typically you can find it in auto stores or any place that sells something like that. I...

Robin - I don't know if she's still in business but there used to be a woman who had a website that went by the name, "Scarlet Scabbard." She sold lots of items to the 18th century living history crowd and one of the items I purchased from her was lightweight oil cloth. I picked up enough that...

I started with canoeing as a kid but morphed into an instructor for both canoes & kayaks over the years. While I still have a couple of kayaks in the barn, my choice at this point in life is my canoe. It fits all my needs (I.e. trips, fishing, taking the dog, etc.) and is easier with my aged...

@clemency - Have to agree with you. After such a wonderful part 1, the concluding episode was a real letdown. Wish they showed more of their trip and the challenges they must have faced going up the Hudson, across NYS and then on down the St. Lawrence. Hopefully there will be a full length...

Thanks for bringing this up. I just saw it a while ago but didn't have time to watch the entire video. Will make sure I get back to it. Some of the areas being paddled are essentially in my backyard. That's all for now. Take care and until next time...be well. snapper

Don't know anything about the original company, Allied Aviation Corp., but today you can find a marine grade plywood canoe kit from the folks at Chesapeake Light Craft down in Annapolis MD. They're known mostly for their kayak kits but the have sailboats, the canoe and other watercraft in what...

Years ago with the college outdoor program I worked in, I always shared tent space with my students. But, as the years went on, it seemed a safer bet to sleep by myself. Between moving into a hammock and/or sleeping under a tarp, it solved all my problems. Students seemed to like the...

I typically cook using a small alcohol stove when alone but still enjoy a small campfire during the evening hours. It's more for the relaxing feel it gives me than anything else. Typically I burn the stuff that no one else uses that proliferates around campsites. Using all that small stuff...

@CanoeDaddy - Haven't gotten to your trip report yet but after reading the comments, I wish you all the best with your cramps. I started with that issue two summers ago while on an overnight. My legs locked up and I was in incredible pain. Luckily for me, the friend I was with is an athletic...

@TimJ - After reading your height & weight, I'm pretty much in your ballpark; although I tip the scales closer to 215. For what it's worth, I was able to pick up a used Hemlock Canoe "Peregrine" and have been very happy with the purchase. I can fish out of it and it's essentially my trip boat...

I started eliminating the barbs about 5 years ago and haven't noticed any difference in the number of fish I bring to my canoe. Of course, I wasn't all that great at the sport to begin with so I'm not sure it matters. I just enjoy being out in my canoe and having the chance to fish while on a...

Thanks for a trip down memory lane. I used to do that trip every few years with my students. We'd go in mid-May and usually were able to get in and out before the flies hit. Always a great time. That's all for now. Take care and until next time...be well. snapper

I wear a PFD that I won from NRS. The model is no longer available but it's very comfortable and easy to paddle & cast while wearing it. It has a side zipper instead of one on the front of the jacket but it's not a problem. I do like the front pocket on the chest where a small box of lures or...

I remember my first time paddling in the Okefenokee NWR. We were warned not to paddle under tree limbs if we could avoid them since snakes might be sunning themselves on them. Nothing like a snake falling into your canoe to upset the day! That's all for now. Take care and until next...