Search results

Nevertheless, I would much rather have been reclining against a log, eating gorp on a sun-filled gravel bar, rather than sitting in a sunless, smoke-filled bar. And that's the simple, honest truth. Michael, you have a way with words. I was almost teary eyed reading that last diary entry. That...

Yup! And their end of year sale of rental canoes and showroom samples is a very dangerous proposition... Cheers! Bruce

Excellent write up! I'm glad I asked for it. AO has been my go to for at least the last 30 years- great people, lots of knowledge about current status of the Park. Even when we don't rent anything from them I just love browsing through the Oxtongue Store. And invariably we end up spending...

OK Dagger. You can't just leave it like that.:eek: Shall I assume you rented from AO? Where did you go? Access? Lakes? Portages? Agreed that Algonquin is a gem- though it can be VERY busy in peak summer months. The Park varies quite a bit West to East side and North to South. Glad you had...

Well out here in Northern Alberta we've had frost for at least the last 3 weeks. A couple of snowfalls too but it hasn't stayed on the ground. Farmers still trying to get the crops in after a dismal wet summer. Until the water gets really hard, we like to paddle whatever open water there is-...

Thanks for your persistence Michael. Looking forward to another extended trip report ...with Pictures! Bruce

Thanks Boreal! Made a quick trip back to Southern Ontario to combine a surprise 60th Birthday party with Thanksgiving and winterizing my folks place. Did manage to get a couple of paddles in too before putting the Ontario canoes away...including up the Coldwater River to Georgian Bat and back...

"Can get a Greyhound bus and ride" Not in Western Canada anymore... Had a smile reading your note Recped. My father in law died in 2003. His ashes sat in a box on his old desk until last summer when the family finally spread them to the winds at the cottage on Georgian Bay. 1978? you got us...

In 1974 I inherited a 17' square stern fibreglass beast from Canadian Tire that previous inhabitants of our "new " home on the Ottawa River had left. Also left a pair of 6 foot long maple paddles... Terrible canoe that wallowed like a whale and resisted any and all steering inputs I made. It...

Agree with Cano on this one. The smaller chunks are more manageable for me - and i like the daily doses (last weekend with the site issues and no PaddlingPitt was not good...) Really appreciate your honest assessment of Canadian Tire,too. Seems their level of service is "consistent"...

Gumpus, I thought that speed was the reason Bill Mason always paddled red canoes but turns out according to his daughter Becky it was because red canoes looked good on film! And I'd be happy to lend her to ya for a day! Bruce

"Ok...do canoe colors “mean” something?" Of course they do- Red Canoes are fastest! :cool: Bruce

I'll add my praise- great looking boat, Doug ! 16 foot Prospector and only 63 lbs? My 16 foot Chestnut Prospector weighs in at 85 lbs dry... And yes Prospectors can be a handful to paddle solo empty and in the wind. But load em down and they are a different beast- as long as you don't have many...

Another great read Michael! Thanks again. Your note about your German friend concerns me: there are numerous paddling opportunities in Edmonton, year round. There are at least 4 canoe/kayak clubs with recreational canoeing rental right in the city. Lots of opportunity to practice or get...

I always have a Clif Bar in my PFD pocket while paddling for a regular snack. I find them much easier to grab than a handful of gorp on the go. Home made gorp is my go to while portaging or when i can take an extended break. Mixed nuts, raisins, coconut and M&M's from the Bulk Barn- good to go...

Another chapter is an excellent way to start the morning! Thank You. Next time you drive through Edmonton, let me know in advance. I'll show you where the gas stations are and maybe treat you to a lunch that is not Tim Hortons!:p In return for the delight you've brought with your trip reports...

I tend to write these notes as short stories, as reminders for ourselves of what we experienced. It might be too long for this site, but I thought I would post to get a reaction. This summary includes a lot on the background for the trip. The worries about the trip. And the travelling up and...

Gators in NJ? Yikes! ( Yes i did note you said not aa footage from Pine Barrens...:rolleyes:) Bruce

Water, coffee, hot chocolate, wine, scotch. In that order as per Mem. Platypus make wonderful plastic collapsible vacuum flasks, one that take a whole bottle of wine. And a smaller one for half a bottle of scotch ( for the wife). As much as i'd like to take beer- I'm not carrying any more...

Great looking boats, Jamie. I've done the same canvas repair on my Bobs and Langford to try to stretch another couple of years out of the original canvas. Much as I'd like to add to my fleet of Chestnuts, it isn't going to happen right now. Unless I find a Chum at a good price... (This is my...