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That's good info to have. I'll add it to my list of excuses. Alan

Since you stated your preferences were for paddling solo my vote would go against the aluminum tandem canoe. It can easily be paddled solo in calm conditions but I think you'll find it extremely challenging in any sort of wind. But people have done it, still do it, and will continue to do it...

I think you won't have much trouble finding a suitable boat based on your needs of paddling the lakes and rivers around Bemidji. I'd guess most paddlers in the 250 pound range get along just fine with regular solo canoes. Something in the 15' range should be fine. You'll be looking for...

Because then people would complain about not having enough room for their packs and barrels behind the seat. Alan

I know weight can be a touchy subject but if you don't mind sharing what weight range are we talking about? Plus size can mean different things to different people. Even people who wouldn't be considered plus size will still put a 300+ pound load in a canoe for a long solo trip. Alan

Once I paddled through what I can only assume was some sort of weird magnetic field. Maybe from the soviets? Maybe aliens? I don't know. All I know is that for about 30 minutes my compass said I was heading south when I knew I was actually heading north and nothing on the map made sense. Then...

Outside in the sun seems like it would be poor lighting and I'd worry about keeping a wet edge. Too many bugs out there too. Inside the shop the lighting isn't always perfect either but I find that by constantly moving my head around I can get the light to highlight all the parts of the hull...

I tend to agree with Mem that your top coat is going to have very little effect on damage resistance. I can see a stronger top coat helping with minor scuffs but I wouldn't expect it to provide much resistance to scratches or abrasion. I've used RAKA almost exclusively so I can't comment on the...

I didn't know SUP boards were allowed in Geraldton but it looks like that's what one of those paddles is for. Otherwise they look great! Alan

I don't have a problem with food like canned or bagged tuna and chicken or even bacon but on a long trip trash can get to be a big deal. With all dry ingredients trash is only empty baggies that can often be reused later On a 30 day trip all my garbage fit in a1 gallon baggy with no smell. I...

I stop and make it fresh. I like paddling long days so I almost always stop to cook lunch. It's often my favorite meal of the day.

I've never used backpacking meals and anymore the only thing I dehydrate is fruits and veggies (dump frozen veggies straight onto the tray). Everything I use is straight out of the supermarket and is chosen for quick easy cooking, easy cleanup and low bulk. Breakfast is oatmeal with raisins and...

Hi Brian! When I saw the thread title I wondered if it would be you. I can definitely relate to going all-in on a hobby and then getting out of it. I'm kind of there with canoeing for the last few years. Your Wenonah Whisper and Spirit II are still getting regular use by friends of mine...

In my defense: Al does paddle a tandem canoe from the rear seat so this cockamamie idea didn't seem too out of character. ;) Alan

Have you checked the "What are you reading?" thread? There are about 20 pages of suggestions. Alan

The pics look great but how did it feel? Alan

I'm going to be completely honest and blunt here but that's about the dumbest thing I've ever heard. :) I always carry an empty dry bag when I think I might want some ballast and it's a simple matter to fill it with water, roll the top shut, and place it where needed. Oh, I just realized what...

Fixed cars: Got tired of that. Moved to the front office and learned to write service and run the shop: Got tired of that. Bought the shop: Waiting to get tired of that. Alan

Excellent point and one that was completely missed in the original article. Kayaking is what got me into serious paddling but my dog is the reason I bought my first canoe and sold all my kayaks. My dog is also the reason I designed and built my own racing/fitness canoe. She couldn't fit in the...

I don't have time to read the article right now but while for many of us it might be paddling and being on the water I'm going to guess it applies to nearly everyone depending on what their selfish pleasures are. Alan