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Last paddle of the season ...

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I am sorry I do not have any pictures to add to this post. It has been about mid 20's (F) in the mornings and around mid to high 40's (F) in the afternoon here in Wisconsin, so my dog Jake and I decided to rack the 15 foot Chestnut Prospector one for more weekend of paddling and exploring the timber. Saturday was dead calm with the sun shining down on a glass like lake. It felt so good to feel the canoe under me responding to the paddle in that gentle "sure footed" way she always does as we watched the leaf strewn shoreline glide by. We were the only ones on the water - it was as quiet as it was beautiful. I really appreciated the day paddling as I usually do not get to canoe in Wisconsin in December.

After we explored a bit of shore line, we parked the canoe in the timber and went walking. I so love to explore the rock outcropped hills with my dog, he is so lithe the way he effortlessly jumps the rocks and downed logs. After a good walk we got back into the canoe and took our time going back to the truck, what an excellent day.

This morning, after church Jake and I again racked the canoe and headed back to the lake. It was sunny, with a slight breeze, but the temps were not rising as quickly as yesterday and it was a cool 37 when we began our day. Again, it felt so good to be back in the canoe, and like yesterday we had the entire place to ourselves. As we paddled around a bend it was evident this "shadowed side" of the lake was quiet a bit cooler - the sound of the canoe breaking the skim of ice seemed to unsettle Jake a bit. I was a bit unsettled as well wondering if the canvas might be cut from the sharp ice we were breaking up. As we paddled on, we found a nice "out of the way" piece of timber to explore. Jake loved jumping and climbing the blow downs and rock outcroppings. As we continued I noticed a lot of deer sign, heavily used trails, rubs, even some hair that was removed, full of burdocks. I may have discovered another place to spend some time with my longbow in the future.

Completing our timber romp, Jake and I headed back for the canoe. We plied the shore noticing submerged logs, old fish beds and recently placed muskrat traps. The sun was still shining, but the breeze had picked up a bit more - the temps had not. Jake was getting cold and it was time to head back home. We tied the canoe on back of the truck and were on our way. Parked in the drive way, and putting the canoe for the last time on my shoulders heading to the shed all I could think about was I can not wait for spring!

May your winter pass quickly and peacefully,

Bob.
 
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Pringles,

I was using both a Ray Kettlewell made out of cherry and an ash Northwoods paddle I finished myself. Both are magnificent paddles and have seen a lot of the back country. I mostly used the Ash beaver tail with the Northwoods handle - my favorite.

Bob.
 
Bob, I miss paddling with my dawg! My last dawg after 13 years had her back end go and had to put her down. We spent a lot of time on the rivers, camping, hiking. My new dog let's her nose get her in trouble and is scared of my boats. You are lucky to have such a good friend to take along.
 
Doug,

I am lucky to have such a good tripping partner, am truly blessed indeed. I have had dogs in the past, the end of their days still brings a lump in my throat. It is hard to explain how a dog can get so deeply into one's soul ... but they do. I am an avid solo tripper. My trips are so much more fulfilling with Jake beside me. We just get each other, and that I suppose is what feels so good about spend time with him. You are right, I really am lucky. Sorry about your old girl. Thanks for the post.

Bob.
 
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