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  1. Jmharrick

    Looking for river trips in OH/PA vicinity

    You’re likely to encounter raccoons and possums in camp in this area, but not bears.
  2. Jmharrick

    La Vérendrye: Canada’s Largest Canoe Camping Reserve

    I’m very interested in this thread, as my move next month to upstate NY brings this park much closer!
  3. Jmharrick

    What Size Spinning Rod for Paddlecraft?

    I agree. When you lose 2 inches on a fast action tip, it’s no longer a fast action, but bringing the repair kit keeps you in the game vs hauling garbage the rest of the trip.
  4. Jmharrick

    What Size Spinning Rod for Paddlecraft?

    I usually bring a 7’ medium weight fast action rod with a 2500 series reel. I use 20 pound braid, but always tie on a 10 pound fluorocarbon leader if fishing for bass or walleye. The leader serves two purposes, it’s less visible than the braid and breaks more easily if snagged. With pike I use a...
  5. Jmharrick

    New Family Canoe - Souris River Quetico 18.5

    This past Friday we found some babysitting, and my wife and I drove from Pittsburgh up to Vaughan, Ontario to meet Keith Robinson with Souris River Canoes and pick up our Quetico 18.5. Vaughan was the closet stop to us on Souris River’s spring delivery route. We ordered this canoe in the fall...
  6. Jmharrick

    2025 Western Pennsylvania Solo Canoe Rendezvous

    I have seen strip canoes there the last couple years, and they usually get a lot of attention.
  7. Jmharrick

    Personal hygiene on extended trips (The Deodorant Debate)

    I usually bring the same scent free deodorant that I use during hunting season. It’s small, light, doesn’t smell, and keeps me from stinking up my shirts. If the water isn’t frozen, I’m getting in it at the end of the day before climbing in my sleeping bag. No sense going to bed sweaty and...
  8. Jmharrick

    Best Places to Live in the US for Canoeing?

    Thanks everyone for taking the time to post to this thread. After 7 months in the new job to make sure it was a good fit, my wife and I were able to come to a decision. We will be moving to Saranac Lake, NY in June. We are currently under contract on a home. We traveled to the area a few more...
  9. Jmharrick

    Best Sleeping Pad for Side Sleepers and Comfort on the Trail?

    I use the Big Agnes Boundary Deluxe pad in the Long Wide option. I’m 6’2” and 195 lbs and it is the perfect fit. I imagine it would work for someone up to 6’6”. https://www.rei.com/product/216059/big-agnes-boundary-deluxe-insulated-sleeping-pad?redirect-pup=false This is the most comfortable...
  10. Jmharrick

    Photo of the day

    First time running rapids solo! It was an adventure. Hoping to have a trip report soon. Connoquenessing Creek, PA. 3/9/25
  11. Jmharrick

    The effect of tariffs on the paddling industry

    I would think the short term solution for the Canadian companies would be to buy/lease warehouse space in the US and stockpile as much of their product as they can before the tariff’s take effect. They could then raise prices a small amount (less than the tariff) and claim the tariff is...
  12. Jmharrick

    The new Swift Cirrus canoe

    I imagine you could find someone on this forum to fix that for you…
  13. Jmharrick

    E-ZPass transponders with cartopped canoes

    I’ve driven through EZ Pass tolls in PA and NY with fiberglass and royalex canoes without issue. That said, your account and transponder is also referenced to your license plate, which they take a picture of every time you pass the toll station. If the transponder isn’t picked up, and they...
  14. Jmharrick

    Best Places to Live in the US for Canoeing?

    @mdkelley not yet. We are taking our time and really thinking through what makes the most sense. Thanks for your input on Michigan. I’ve always heard good things but haven’t spent much time in the state. WV is definitely on our radar, I’m actually on a long weekend trip in Canaan Valley, WV...
  15. Jmharrick

    Canoe choices

    I bought a used Mad River Explorer for $400 last winter. With some elbow grease and about $100 I turned it into one of my family’s favorite canoes for the type of activities you describe. Worth looking into.
  16. Jmharrick

    New Ash Gunwales

    I remember watching Dave apply oil to his gunwales 2 years ago and he did an “eyeball” mix of watco teak regular and watco teak walnut.
  17. Jmharrick

    Solitude / Wilderness

    I’ve been reading a lot of your posts as well, and it seems like you know what answer you want and you are fishing for someone to give you that answer. I noticed you’ve brought up Quetico multiple times, but appear to not be interested in BWCA. The two parks are connected and my understanding...
  18. Jmharrick

    Larger Canoe: Tumblehome or Not

    I know a lot of outfitters sell off their fleets at the end of the season. A lot of times they perform any necessary repairs before doing so. You may even find some boats still for sale right now. Where are you located? Outfitters tend to carry the big wenonah’s and souris river queticos. They...
  19. Jmharrick

    I’d like to see your wood (gunwales that is), plus a question

    You’re likely not going to be exposed to the watco teak oil enough to worry about any side effects or toxicity issues. I would think 99% of us come into contact with unleaded gasoline on a regular basis and the MSDS sheet for it isn’t great either...
  20. Jmharrick

    I’d like to see your wood (gunwales that is), plus a question

    I have a 1986 Curtis Northstar and a 1993 Mad River Explorer. Both have original ash gunwales. The wood on the Northstar looked brand new when I got it a year and a half ago. The mad river was stored covered outside and was dirty and dry. After sanding and oil the wood on the mad river looks...
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