And a Happy New Year as well. New to this forum, I am not a novice concerning canoe/camping. My experiences date back to the mid 1960's and include many trips to the BWCA and an expedition to the Arctic Circle Alaska last summer. My water craft include a Winona Adirondack and a 1972 Old Town Trapper I restored three years ago. Currently I am building my first cedar strip canoe, a Merlin. I am looking forward to listening and occasionally participating upon your board. Mac