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Yesterday, I took these photos of a pair of common mergansers perched on a log on the edge of a pond while paddling my canoe in north central Massachusetts. When I got inside their comfort zone, they jumped into the water and took flight, but only for a short distance. This fact, coupled with...

Hi Stripperguy, Sadly, canoes are not allowed on Quabbin Reservoir, which is unfortunate since it is a beautiful place.

On a recent exploration of a beaver pond in my canoe, I spotted this northern river otter spying on me from a log sticking out of a beaver lodge. It repeatedly snorted and grunted at me, broadcasting its displeasure at my intrusion into its space. These photos are no match for the outstanding...

Swift Cruiser 14.8 on my Subaru Outback Wilderness.

In my experience, in a scenario similar to what Glen described, six poles are needed to maximize the tarp's stability and water-shedding capacity when it is not possible to tie a ridge line to trees. I have the 6 ft adjustable tarp poles from REI and have had no issues setting up my tarp in a...

I am sorry to be a bit late to this thread, but I just came across it. My buddy and I did a full circumnavigation and exploration of the three lobes of the Boreas Ponds in the course of an afternoon during the third week of August last year. We parked in the Four Corners parking lot, which can...

Thank you, Aslowhand, for a fascinating, well-written, detailed trip report with so many outstanding photos. I appreciated it!

I got out for my first paddle of 2026 today on the ice-free tailwater of the Swift River below Quabbin Reservoir in Massachusetts. The bright sunshine, temperatures rising to almost 40 degrees, and calm winds made up for the miserable conditions I had when I last visited there for my last...

Thanks, Erica. I was wearing a dry suit with proper insulating layers, a wide-brimmed waterproof rain hat, and neoprene gloves & booties, so I was dry and warm. There was also no wind. I find that when I paddle in these conditions and stay dry and warm, I achieve an inner zen that often eludes...

My first canoe was a 17' Seda Wanderer, which I purchased at age 26 while in graduate school about 1980. I recently sold it to my friend's son.

My last paddle of 2025 was on December 29th on the Swift River in the tailwater below Quabbin Reservoir in Massachusetts. There was minimal ice on the river, but lots of liquid water fell from above during my 3-hour jaunt. It was glorious since I enjoy paddling in the rain when it's 37...

I gave my ACR PLB-375 (now discontinued) with an outdated battery to a friend a few years ago. He replaced the battery with one he purchased on Amazon for about $20. He said it was a simple process and that he regularly conducts self-tests to ensure it functions properly. He was convinced...

"One minute you are free, and the next you are back in the real world, with all the associated pressures and effort" .. well said Tryin'—and an enjoyable trip report. Thanks for posting it.

Such a well-written trip report, Erica. It has me hanging out at my keyboard waiting for the next installment. And, you are such an inspiration for getting out there and getting it done. Wow!

Robin, I was inspired to put Poland Pond on my bucket list after reading your trip report (https://www.canoetripping.net/threads/poland-pond-north-maine-woods.118112/#post-135525) and watching the video you made about it when you were there in 2020. It took me five years, but I got there, and...

Poland Pond and Stream in northern Maine on a recent visit in early October. Wild cranberry was abundant and perfectly ripe in the boggy edges along the route. They were a delicious treat.

I had planned to canoe the Allagash River from Churchill Dam to Allagash Village, starting on September 30th. However, with the flow at Allagash Village hovering around 300 cfs, and following input from my transporter and a bulletin I got from Maine State Parks, I switched to a lake-centered...

Perhaps this canvas cleaner from Duluth Packs would help. I have not tried it. https://www.duluthpack.com/products/duluth-pack-8oz-canvas-cleaner

That is a clever idea, Black_Fly. I think it would be a super way to carry meds and supplements on extended trips. I recently started using the Cadence pill containers available from REI. They are heavy and expensive, but they are large enough to hold several large pills, waterproof, durable...

Yes, they are both excellent and practically bombproof tents. The build quality is outstanding on both brands, and I can highly recommend them. The Rogan has withstood both heavy wind and rain without a hitch. It is fast and straightforward to pitch. When I purchased the Shakelton tent in...