I got serious about paddling around the age of 30 after learning as a kid. It was easy to dream up the next trip and look at the want ads for the next canoe to add to the collection. We did lots of 4-7 day trips for years. Living in Nevada we usually had to travel for good overnight paddling. We made it to a lot of destinations on the life list like the BWCA, the Grand Canyon, winter trips, and a lot of trips in other western states.
A really big trip to Bowron Lakes or the Barren Lands never happened. It was always too far and took too much time. Ini my 60s there were still lots of possibilities and some memorable trips to places like Oregon and northern California. . Then heart trouble made remote trips seem out of reach. My balance is not so good. My friends are old and don't want to go any more. My canoes are all sold, although I still have a drift boat.
The point is that you need to seriously consider that next big trip. If you are on the fence, I encourage you to just do it. One of these days it will be too late.
A really big trip to Bowron Lakes or the Barren Lands never happened. It was always too far and took too much time. Ini my 60s there were still lots of possibilities and some memorable trips to places like Oregon and northern California. . Then heart trouble made remote trips seem out of reach. My balance is not so good. My friends are old and don't want to go any more. My canoes are all sold, although I still have a drift boat.
The point is that you need to seriously consider that next big trip. If you are on the fence, I encourage you to just do it. One of these days it will be too late.