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Adventure Canoe Forum » Recent Posts http://www.adventurecanoe.com/forum/ Canoe Camping & River Tripping Discussion en-US Fri, 12 Mar 2010 20:06:30 +0000 http://bbpress.org/?v=1.0.2 <![CDATA[Search]]> q http://www.adventurecanoe.com/forum/search.php It's Canoeing Weather! http://www.adventurecanoe.com/forum/topic/its-canoeing-weather#post-1648 Fri, 12 Mar 2010 09:35:02 +0000 James 1648@http://www.adventurecanoe.com/forum/ I guess real adventure requires adversity Tents and bags http://www.adventurecanoe.com/forum/topic/tents-and-bags#post-1647 Fri, 12 Mar 2010 09:28:20 +0000 James 1647@http://www.adventurecanoe.com/forum/ <img src="http://www.adventurecanoe.com/image/eleven-point/eleven-point-river-13.jpg" alt="" width="800" height="532" /> I have a <a href="http://www.altrec.com/camping-tents/?redirect_search_term=tents&facets=true&brand=mountain-hardwear&brand=mountain-hardwear" target="_blank">Mountain Hardwear</a> "Room with a View" that I love. Unfortunately they don't make them anymore. I'd check out the<a href="http://www.altrec.com/mountain-hardwear/light-wedge-2-person-tent" target="_blank"> Light Wedge</a> wich puts you $35 over budget but is probably worth it in the long run. There are a few <a href="http://www.altrec.com/camping-tents/?redirect_search_term=tent&facets=true&brand=sierra-designs&brand=sierra-designs" target="_blank">Sierra Designs tents</a> that fit your budget as well. <a href="http://www.altrec.com/mountain-hardwear/light-wedge-2-person-tent" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.altrec.com/images/shop/detail/swatches/MHW/19313.47715_d.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="320" /></a> Light Wedge tents are simple backpacking tents for two or three. Featuring Mountain Hardwears patented tension shelf for strength and storage, the 70D nylon and mesh canopy has a single, D-shaped door, two mesh ceiling vents and one rear vent. Atlas 7001 poles are strong and light.  Guaranteed watertight construction.  Superlight option:  pitch with fly and Pitch Light footprint to shave pounds. Footprint sold separately. <ul>   <li>Tent Capacity: 2</li> <li>Number of Doors: 1</li> <li>Guaranteed watertight construction with fully taped fly, taped perimeter seam, welded corners and welded guy clip anchors. Rain room tested with 1200" of rain in 24 hours.</li> <li>Atlas 7001 pole system is strong, lightweight, durable, resistant to corrosion and dents, and easy to service by hand in the field</li> <li>Pitch Light configuration allows user to set up a superlight shelter using only the tent fly, poles and footprint (sold separately)</li> <li>2-pole wedge design is lightweight and roomy</li> <li>Large dry entry vestibule with a strong aluminum brow pole provides ample head room</li> <li>Tension Shelf provides strength, support for vestibule pole, and 3-D storage</li> <li>Full-size mesh door with dual slider zipper for easy entry and ventilation</li> <li>Reflective guy-out loops, starter points and zipper pulls for easy set-up at night</li> <li>Superlight 1/4" buckles and webbing reduce tent weight</li> <li>Color coded pole loops for easy set up</li> <li>Number of Vestibules: 1</li> <li>Floor Area: 34.9sq ft / 3.2sq m</li> <li>Vestibule Area: 8.6sq ft / 0.8sq m</li> <li>Interior Height: 3.57in / 109.2cm</li> <li>Body Fabric: 68D Polyester Ripstop DWR</li> <li>Fly Fabric: 75D Polyester Taffeta 1500mm PU</li> <li>Number of Poles: 3Number of Poles: 3</li> <li>Minimum Weight: 5.1lb / 2.3kgMinimum Weight: 5.1lb / 2.3kg</li> <li>Pitch Light Weight: 3.7lb / 1.68kg</li> <li>Packed weight: 6.1lb / 2.8kg   </li> </ul> The <a href="http://www.altrec.com/mountain-hardwear/drifter-3-person-tent" target="_blank">Drifter</a> gets you in under budget at $194 and is also a nice tent. <a href="http://www.altrec.com/mountain-hardwear/drifter-3-person-tent" target="_blank"><img src="http://www.altrec.com/images/shop/detail/swatches/MHW/19313.80080_d.jpg" alt="" width="320" height="320" /></a> It comes in a <a href="http://www.altrec.com/mountain-hardwear/drifter-2-person-tent" target="_blank">two man version</a> as well for $164 The Mountain Hardwear or <a href="http://www.altrec.com/camping-tents/?redirect_search_term=tent&facets=true&brand=sierra-designs&brand=sierra-designs" target="_blank">Sierra Designs</a> stuff is far and away better than TNF, Kelty or big box retail stuff. You'll be happier with a good tent. I wouldn't much worry about the difference between 2-3 season. It's not until you expect several feet of snow and 50mph winds that you need to upgrade to the $600+ 4 season tents.  Tents and bags http://www.adventurecanoe.com/forum/topic/tents-and-bags#post-1646 Thu, 11 Mar 2010 18:39:33 +0000 natecanoes 1646@http://www.adventurecanoe.com/forum/ I like my Kelty Traildome II. About $150 or so, pretty roomy for one person, not so much for two. Sets up in about a minute, using two poles. Packs down to about the size of a loaf of bread, and weighs about 4 lbs It's Canoeing Weather! http://www.adventurecanoe.com/forum/topic/its-canoeing-weather#post-1645 Thu, 11 Mar 2010 18:37:07 +0000 natecanoes 1645@http://www.adventurecanoe.com/forum/ reminds me of a great bike trip I had. 600 miles in, my ignition went haywire, so I rigged a toggle switch to start the bike. The keys also unlocked my gas cap, but since I didn't need them to start the bike, they were quickly forgotten laying on top of a gas pump in South Dakota. I didn't remember them until I needed more gas, when it was too late to turn back and get them. After a short walk I strapped a gas can to the rear seat, and routed a hose down to the fuel pump. It wasn't pretty, but it worked.   I hear those KTM's are pretty awesome Assault And Batteries http://www.adventurecanoe.com/forum/topic/assault-batteries#post-1644 Wed, 10 Mar 2010 15:18:16 +0000 JR 1644@http://www.adventurecanoe.com/forum/ Well Done Dennis!  I wish I had ran across this blog a couple of weeks ago, you would have saved me a lot of time researching!  I have visited a lot of the same sites that you have and agree whole heartedly with your assesment.     I believe the battery charger that you want (La Crosse BC-9009) is now availible.  I just bought one and it came with batteries and adapters for a reasonable price. They say that the melt down issue was due to a poor power supply and the problem has been fixed.  I sure hope so! <a title="Battery Charger" href="http://www.thomasdistributing.com/shop/la-crosse-bc9009-alphapower-aaaaa-nicd-nimh-battery-chargerbrincludes-4-c-size-and-4-d-size-battery-adapters-4-aa-and-4-aaa-batteries-and-durable-travel-bag-p-1762.html?SP_id=&osCsid=a98rm8a91donrsllit8gi3gna7" target="_blank">Thomas Distributing Link</a> It's Canoeing Weather! http://www.adventurecanoe.com/forum/topic/its-canoeing-weather#post-1643 Wed, 10 Mar 2010 11:05:36 +0000 James 1643@http://www.adventurecanoe.com/forum/ To bad I'm stuck at the office staring out the window. I did get out for a ride on the KTM last weekend though. <img src="http://hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/hs458.snc3/26196_342325153714_653408714_3832365_3660098_n.jpg" alt="" width="604" height="453" /> Thats Taylor and his BMW X-Challenge on the left and my KTM 640 Adventure on the right. <a href="http://altrec.com/eagles-nest-outfitters" target="_blank"><img src="http://hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/hs478.snc3/26196_342496683714_653408714_3832923_3692897_n.jpg" alt="" width="453" height="604" /></a> I got to try out the <a href="http://altrec.com/eagles-nest-outfitters" target="_blank">Eno Nest</a> Taylor's wife got me for Christmas...Super comfortable. <img src="http://hphotos-snc3.fbcdn.net/hs478.snc3/26196_342502433714_653408714_3832959_3861260_n.jpg" alt="" width="604" height="453" /> Taylor relaxing in my homemade version. I'll post sewing instructions soon. Hammocks are surprisingly comfortable to sleep in. I wish we would have brought some pads for insulation though, my back was freezing while my front side was nice and toasty. I guess the bridges may freeze before roads maxim holds true for hammocks too. <img src="http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs478.ash1/26196_342628423714_653408714_3833224_6602641_n.jpg" alt="" width="604" height="453" /> We stopped by Boo's market for wings and the trip turned into a real adventure when my keys went missing. <img src="http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs471.snc3/25850_343551243714_653408714_3836669_3327269_n.jpg" alt="" width="453" height="604" /> After digging though the trash and pulling the booth in a fruitless search for the keys we took the ignition apart and rode back to the campsite. I wasn’t much in the mood for riding on Sunday, so I packed it up and went home. Luckily I was only a few miles down a gravel road because my right fork leg started spooging oil out all over the place and turned the bike into a monofork. <img src="http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs503.snc3/26432_1373864904630_1172033220_1092837_5836679_n.jpg" alt="" width="720" height="540" /> Taylor did go out with some others we met up with and had a good ride. I’ve ordered new fork seals and all the parts...Taylor and I are going down to the <a href="http://www.gatewaybmw.com/2010-gs-challenge-april-9-11/" target="_blank">GS Challenge in April</a> so I’ve got plenty of time for a little work in the shop. I’ll get back in the canoe soon... they just work. If you're bored and want to see some more moto photos click here <a href="http://picasaweb.google.com/jamesddixson/RandomMotorcyclePhotos" target="_blank">http://picasaweb.google.com/jamesddixson/RandomMotorcyclePhotos</a>   Howdy - paddling from Minneapolis to the Gulf http://www.adventurecanoe.com/forum/topic/howdy/page/3#post-1642 Wed, 10 Mar 2010 10:52:21 +0000 James 1642@http://www.adventurecanoe.com/forum/ John- Looks good. Those tugboats are massive! Howdy - paddling from Minneapolis to the Gulf http://www.adventurecanoe.com/forum/topic/howdy/page/3#post-1641 Tue, 09 Mar 2010 19:53:14 +0000 BWCAJohn 1641@http://www.adventurecanoe.com/forum/ I just added some new posts as well as some pictures to each of the recap posts as well.  iPad or other technology in a Canoe http://www.adventurecanoe.com/forum/topic/ipad-or-other-technology-in-a-canoe#post-1640 Sun, 07 Mar 2010 18:40:01 +0000 Dennis 1640@http://www.adventurecanoe.com/forum/ GPS would take all the fun out of map reading but I can see where it would be a valuable tool on a cloudy day, or at night when there are few visible clues to go by. Back in the Boy Scout days I banned expensive electronic toys and radios because the tended to get broken or lost. When things get lost, everyone starts pointing fingers at everyone else and it gets ugly fast. It is usually better and less stressful to leave all that sort of stuff at home. I have taken the ipod outdoors but even that puts a damper on any kind of group activity and I loathe any sort of boom boxes blarring around a campfire. James and I went on a float trip once and someone on the far side of the river was having an all night party with a garage band using some big amplifiers. It was a pretty good band but still a little distracting. There was also a full moon so we were not likely to go to sleep early but they could have at least let us approve the set list ahead of time. Need a suggestion for a river trip, but wait! Is there an answer? http://www.adventurecanoe.com/forum/topic/need-a-suggestion-for-a-river-trip-but-wait-is-there-an-answer#post-1639 Sun, 07 Mar 2010 18:24:28 +0000 Bryan Hansel 1639@http://www.adventurecanoe.com/forum/ Did I mention that you have to grab a train and get it to stop in the middle of nowhere to get on the Kopka? Need a suggestion for a river trip, but wait! Is there an answer? http://www.adventurecanoe.com/forum/topic/need-a-suggestion-for-a-river-trip-but-wait-is-there-an-answer#post-1638 Sun, 07 Mar 2010 18:23:34 +0000 Bryan Hansel 1638@http://www.adventurecanoe.com/forum/ <blockquote><cite><a href="http://www.adventurecanoe.com/forum/topic/need-a-suggestion-for-a-river-trip-but-wait-is-there-an-answer#post-1625" target="_blank">canoejim</a> - 3 days ago  » </cite> <blockquote><cite><a href="http://www.adventurecanoe.com/forum/topic/need-a-suggestion-for-a-river-trip-but-wait-is-there-an-answer#post-1624" target="_blank">Bryan Hansel</a> - 13 minutes ago  » </cite> If you want to do a BWCA trip, it should be ice free in early October. Maybe something like the Frost River. Feels remote. Nobody will be on it that time of year and you should see moose, etc. And it's one of the best trips in the BWCA that you can do.</blockquote> Hi Bryan and thanks for that. We still want something really remote. Cheers!</blockquote> Well, you do have to drive up a road (Gunflint Trail) that leads to a dead-end on a lake which attaches to Canada; the drive takes you 50 minutes away from the nearest town, which has a population of only 1,300 people and is a 2-hour drive from any city over 90,000 people (Duluth or Thunder Bay). To get onto the Frost River, you first have to paddle to <a href="http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&q=Frost+Lake,+West+Cook,+Cook,+Minnesota+55604&sll=47.750447,-90.334273&sspn=0.058633,0.154324&ie=UTF8&cd=3&geocode=FXNM3AIdJDWW-g&split=0&hq=&hnear=Frost+Lake&ll=47.995436,-90.827408&spn=0.233424,0.617294&t=h&z=11" target="_blank">Frost Lake</a>, which is a full day of lakes away from the Trail, and the Frost puts you pretty far into the wilderness area. Since, you'll be only a few of the people in the 1,000,000 acres of U.S. designated wilderness you'll be remote. In October, if we have rain, some of the northshore of Lake Superior rivers might be running, like the <a href="http://www.larryscanoejournals.com/Steel_River.html" target="_blank">Steel</a>. Or pick a trip in the<a href="http://www.superiortrails.com/canoe/wabakimi_album.html" target="_blank"> Wabakimi Wilderness Park</a>, which is about 200km north of Thunder Bay, and paddle the <a href="http://explore.outdoorsica.com/blogs/paddlers_guide_to_happy_camping/2008/mar/07/kopka_river_misadventure__part_1/" target="_blank">Kopka</a>. It should be ice free. Wabakimi is remote and a pain to get to. Plus, you could plan to spend some time of Lake Nipigon with it's 500 islands. It'll be cold, wet, and windy weather that time of the year. iPad or other technology in a Canoe http://www.adventurecanoe.com/forum/topic/ipad-or-other-technology-in-a-canoe#post-1637 Sun, 07 Mar 2010 17:52:31 +0000 Bryan Hansel 1637@http://www.adventurecanoe.com/forum/ I carried a Asus 901 Eee PC for about 30 days of trips this last summer. It was nice having it along to be able to look at the day's images, but it did create a huge demand for my time. Time that I would have otherwise spent hanging out on the beach or reading a good book in the tent. I found it created a different experience than I'm used to, and I didn't find that to be bad or good--just different. I do enjoy having a mp3 player with me to listen to music when I'm journaling, or to try and get a radio station when stuck in a tent on a wind day. I don't like having a GPS along nor cell phones. iPad or other technology in a Canoe http://www.adventurecanoe.com/forum/topic/ipad-or-other-technology-in-a-canoe#post-1636 Sun, 07 Mar 2010 17:16:22 +0000 natecanoes 1636@http://www.adventurecanoe.com/forum/ I am against having radios, laptops, etc in the wilderness since I feel they ruin the experience. On the flip side I am sure the same has been said about tents with no-see-um mesh, GPS, etc. I guess a person could always bring it, but it wouldn't be for me Paddle Review- Bending Branches Viper http://www.adventurecanoe.com/forum/topic/paddle-review-bending-branches-viper#post-1635 Sat, 06 Mar 2010 19:57:37 +0000 Dennis 1635@http://www.adventurecanoe.com/forum/ It looks like sort of an art nouveau style paddle. The best part would be the astonished look on people's faces when you told them that is was once a straight paddle at the beginning of your epic adventure. iPad or other technology in a Canoe http://www.adventurecanoe.com/forum/topic/ipad-or-other-technology-in-a-canoe#post-1634 Sat, 06 Mar 2010 19:50:16 +0000 Dennis 1634@http://www.adventurecanoe.com/forum/ I'm surprised that there are no plans to install video screens in the lids of coolers or the headrests of bow paddler's motorized adjustable seats. When the time comes that I need to resort to watching movies on a campout, I'll be looking for some new traveling companions. Canoeing and camping are about freeing the mind and imagination. People should be relating important experiences or thoughts with each other, not electronic devices. iPad or other technology in a Canoe http://www.adventurecanoe.com/forum/topic/ipad-or-other-technology-in-a-canoe#post-1633 Sat, 06 Mar 2010 13:38:05 +0000 Aggroman 1633@http://www.adventurecanoe.com/forum/  I brought a laptop on a solo weekend trip a few years ago, thinking if I get bored, i'll just watch a movie by the fire. The fire was roaring, there was a meteor shower over head, bass were slapping the water, dancing thier pre-spawn jig, and there I was, with my head down, buried in a laptop watching Young Guns 2.  I probably just lost a few friends here today for putting that scene in your mind. Sorry. It didn't take but about fifteen minutes of watching before I honestly started feeling strange about things. I knew I didn't feel right about what I was doing. So, I packed it back in the pelican, popped some jiffy pop on the coals, sat down and enjoyed the show Mother Nature had going on her big screen.  Definitly something I won't bring again, but that's just my own personal feelings towards it. I had it for entertainment value, not as a tool. We were a big outdoorsy family growing up and that still is a huge part of my family now. Never did tell Dad I did that, so shhhh.   Scott iPad or other technology in a Canoe http://www.adventurecanoe.com/forum/topic/ipad-or-other-technology-in-a-canoe#post-1632 Fri, 05 Mar 2010 20:01:25 +0000 Dennis 1632@http://www.adventurecanoe.com/forum/ Let's start a new forum called, "Ask A Luddite." iPad or other technology in a Canoe http://www.adventurecanoe.com/forum/topic/ipad-or-other-technology-in-a-canoe#post-1631 Fri, 05 Mar 2010 12:39:29 +0000 BWCAJohn 1631@http://www.adventurecanoe.com/forum/ I guess I would say that one would need to examine the reason that they are in the wilderness in the first place and determine if the technology will enhance or detract from their reason for going in the first place.  iPad or other technology in a Canoe http://www.adventurecanoe.com/forum/topic/ipad-or-other-technology-in-a-canoe#post-1630 Fri, 05 Mar 2010 12:26:38 +0000 James 1630@http://www.adventurecanoe.com/forum/ I do think the iPad would be great for manuals, books and first aid but I wonder if it’s ok to watch movies on it. My wife complains that I always have my head down looking at the iPhone where ever we go. I’m wondering if you all think that the wilderness should be enjoyed as wild and not connected or have a bunch of tech. Where’s the line? iPad or other technology in a Canoe http://www.adventurecanoe.com/forum/topic/ipad-or-other-technology-in-a-canoe#post-1629 Fri, 05 Mar 2010 12:07:45 +0000 BWCAJohn 1629@http://www.adventurecanoe.com/forum/ I like the idea of having one as you could cram it full of a library of resources and not have to carry a stack of books along.  Imagine having plant and animal guides complete with pictures and audio clips, maps, historical information about your travel area or even saftey resources like first aid materials all accessible.  I would certainly bring hard copies of any vital information but a device like this could be a great resource.  I think it's all about how you decide to integrate it into your kit. Need a suggestion for a river trip, but wait! Is there an answer? http://www.adventurecanoe.com/forum/topic/need-a-suggestion-for-a-river-trip-but-wait-is-there-an-answer#post-1628 Fri, 05 Mar 2010 10:30:34 +0000 James 1628@http://www.adventurecanoe.com/forum/ I always like the Jacks Fork, Eleven Point, Current or Buffalo You'll probably see me out there in October because the 14th is my birthday and the weather is usually good. It's cold enough that the bugs are dead and warm enough to give yourself a sponge bath. The Jacks Fork and Current are so much better in October because there are no float trippers. Check this tag "<a href="http://www.adventurecanoe.com/forum/tags/ozark-national-scenic-riverways" target="_blank">Ozark National Scenic Rivers</a>" and look around in the trip reports section for photos. iPad or other technology in a Canoe http://www.adventurecanoe.com/forum/topic/ipad-or-other-technology-in-a-canoe#post-1627 Fri, 05 Mar 2010 10:19:57 +0000 James 1627@http://www.adventurecanoe.com/forum/ <img src="http://www.makescreativematter.com/wp-content/hero_20100127.png" alt="Apple iPad" width="570" height="690" /> I am really excited about Apple's new iPad. I've written a few articles about it at <a title="Makes Creative Matter" href="http://www.makescreativematter.com/" target="_blank">http://www.makescreativematter.com</a> I think it's really going to do some cool stuff. Anyway, I've measured my Pelican case and it looks like the iPad will fit perfectly. I was wondering what you guys think about bringing technology into the wilderness. I’m not so much concerned with breaking it, but I wonder what you guys think about watching a movie in your tent instead of reading a book or listening to the cicadas hum. The iPad has 10 hours of battery life and you could recharge it with a <a href="http://www.nrsweb.com/shop/product.asp?pfid=7436" target="_blank">Brunton solar panel</a>. I’ve been stuck in my tent in a rain storm reading the back of a <a href="http://www.amazon.com/gp/redirect.html?ie=UTF8&location=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.amazon.com%2Fs%3Fie%3DUTF8%26node%3D%26search-alias%3Daps%26ref_%3Dsr%5Fgnr%5Ffkmr0%26qid%3D1267806097%26field-keywords%3Dtrails%2520illustrated%2520river&tag=adventurepaddle-20&linkCode=ur2&camp=1789&creative=390957" target="_blank">National Geographic Trails Illustrated</a> map for entertainment. So should the canoe and wilderness be reserved for getting away from it all or is a diversion a diversion.   Name that paddle - WIN THAT PADDLE! http://www.adventurecanoe.com/forum/topic/name-that-paddle-win-that-paddle#post-1626 Fri, 05 Mar 2010 09:48:44 +0000 zakaryjohn 1626@http://www.adventurecanoe.com/forum/ Hey guys. Thanks for all the great entries...keep 'em coming. Kayak paddles are on the wish-list! I'm especially interested in developing a Greenland-style. I'm not a big kayaker though, and haven't used one yet. Anyone have any experience with them? Need a suggestion for a river trip, but wait! Is there an answer? http://www.adventurecanoe.com/forum/topic/need-a-suggestion-for-a-river-trip-but-wait-is-there-an-answer#post-1625 Thu, 04 Mar 2010 17:16:01 +0000 canoejim 1625@http://www.adventurecanoe.com/forum/ <blockquote><cite><a href="http://www.adventurecanoe.com/forum/topic/need-a-suggestion-for-a-river-trip-but-wait-is-there-an-answer#post-1624" target="_blank">Bryan Hansel</a> - 13 minutes ago  » </cite> If you want to do a BWCA trip, it should be ice free in early October. Maybe something like the Frost River. Feels remote. Nobody will be on it that time of year and you should see moose, etc. And it's one of the best trips in the BWCA that you can do.</blockquote> Hi Bryan and thanks for that. We still want something really remote. Cheers! Need a suggestion for a river trip, but wait! Is there an answer? http://www.adventurecanoe.com/forum/topic/need-a-suggestion-for-a-river-trip-but-wait-is-there-an-answer#post-1624 Thu, 04 Mar 2010 17:01:21 +0000 Bryan Hansel 1624@http://www.adventurecanoe.com/forum/ If you want to do a BWCA trip, it should be ice free in early October. Maybe something like the Frost River. Feels remote. Nobody will be on it that time of year and you should see moose, etc. And it's one of the best trips in the BWCA that you can do. Need a suggestion for a river trip, but wait! Is there an answer? http://www.adventurecanoe.com/forum/topic/need-a-suggestion-for-a-river-trip-but-wait-is-there-an-answer#post-1623 Thu, 04 Mar 2010 16:09:48 +0000 canoejim 1623@http://www.adventurecanoe.com/forum/ A few of our guides and I are trying to line up a trip at the end of this season, 2010. Problem: Our problem is that being in the guiding business we can't get out during the season so are forced to go in early October. Okay, good so far except that our requirements are that wewant a mild river (good time of year for that) and it can't be frozen or about to freeze. Well, about to freeze is okay but not frozen. Now anyone in their right mind would immediatly say that everything in the North is frezzing at that point, and if that's as far as you can think, then you're no help to us. Does anyone out there have some incredible idea to solve our problem? We want a remote location and really scenic. Thanks everyone for thinking about it. Name that paddle - WIN THAT PADDLE! http://www.adventurecanoe.com/forum/topic/name-that-paddle-win-that-paddle#post-1622 Thu, 04 Mar 2010 13:00:33 +0000 canoejim 1622@http://www.adventurecanoe.com/forum/ Oh hang on - I hope we get more than one entry, how about - The Wafer? :) Jim Name that paddle - WIN THAT PADDLE! http://www.adventurecanoe.com/forum/topic/name-that-paddle-win-that-paddle#post-1621 Thu, 04 Mar 2010 12:59:00 +0000 canoejim 1621@http://www.adventurecanoe.com/forum/ I would call it a TreeTale. Or Ridgeback Or a Glide Do you make any wood seakyak paddles that would be suitable for our enviroment on the west coast of Canada? We do a lot of <a href="http://www.outforadventure.com/Kayaking_Orcas_Killer_whales_expedition.htm" target="_blank">sea kayaking with killer whales</a> in British columbia and have often considered ordering custom wood paddles for our fleet but have yet to find the durability we need. They would also have to split so they can be packed away but this is where the problems is. We have found that as soon as you add a connector it creates a real weak spot in the paddle shaft and they ofetn break while the clients use them to get in and out or when using a paddle float. Paddle Review- Bending Branches Viper http://www.adventurecanoe.com/forum/topic/paddle-review-bending-branches-viper#post-1620 Thu, 04 Mar 2010 12:30:31 +0000 BWCAJohn 1620@http://www.adventurecanoe.com/forum/ <img src="http://bendingbranches.com/images/large-paddle/Viper.jpg" alt="" width="330" height="520" /> I had a chance to spend a few days with this paddle recently and thought I would share my thoughts on it.  We were paddling on the ocean in the vicinity of Wrangell Island and Etolin island in southeast Alaska. When offered the chance to try out this paddle I immediately jumped at the opportunity.  This is a beautiful paddle and the elegant curves of the shaft and color variations of the wood on the blade and handle are striking. After picking up the paddle I was struck by it's light weight, a mere 22oz, and smooth finish.  This paddle is extremely comfortable and when the paddle got passed around to other members of our canoeing party this was repeated by almost everyone.  The paddle fit very naturally within my paddle stroke, much more comfortably than any straight blade paddle I have used. I found this paddle to be extremely responsive.  I could feel just enough spring at the end of the paddle stroke so that I felt like I was getting an extra push but it never felt mushy or flimsy.  The large blade on this paddle pushes a ton of water and you can really keep up your speed.  It feels effecient, something I really look for in a paddle. Some of the other testers found that the j-stroke was more difficult given the shape of the shaft but I did not experience this, probably because I have used a bent shaft paddle in the past, albiet a straight shaft. I wouldn't put this paddle in the economy section but if you do a good deal of paddling and want to put the least amount of stress possible on your body give it a test run. I don't think you'll be dissapointed. Name that paddle - WIN THAT PADDLE! http://www.adventurecanoe.com/forum/topic/name-that-paddle-win-that-paddle#post-1619 Wed, 03 Mar 2010 21:00:40 +0000 Dennis 1619@http://www.adventurecanoe.com/forum/ That looks pretty cool but can you add an extra paddle blade at the other end?   I would call it the Slap Happy Beaver because canoeing is all about fun. Advice to 1st time wilderness canoers - what would it be? http://www.adventurecanoe.com/forum/topic/advice-to-1st-time-wilderness-canoers-what-would-it-be#post-1618 Wed, 03 Mar 2010 19:09:04 +0000 BWCAJohn 1618@http://www.adventurecanoe.com/forum/ One great way to keep clothes, sleeping bags and gear dry without the use of expensive dry bags is to use trash bags.  The most effective way to keep water out is to gooseneck the open end and wrap it tight with a rubber band.  If done correctly this should keep the gear inside dry even during a capsize.  Using trash bags in conjunction with compression sacks works great. Take extra care with your clothing so that it stays dry.  Keeping dry will keep you warmer and help prevent hypothermia which is arguably the most dangerous killer in the wilderness.  One way to keep water out of the inside of your rain jacket or shell is to "river roll" it.  This is accomplished by starting with the jacket zipped.  Fold the sleeves over the front of the torso and start rolling from the bottom up.  Stuff the torso and sleeves into the hood of the jacket until you have a tight bundle.  A good pair of rubber boots can make one much more comfortable if you are in and out of the water a lot, especially in the colder seasons.  Everyone up here in Alaska wears <a href="http://www.xtratufboots.com/catalog.php" target="_blank">Xtra Tuf boots</a>.  They are rock solid and get awesome grip on wet slippery rocks.  The biggest thing I can think of is this: "Plan for the worst, hope for the best".  Back up your GPS with a compass and map and know how to use them.  Keep a knife, matches in a waterproof container, and a signalling device on your person at all times.  If you feel uncomfortable with the conditions and you are out then think about what you are doing and if the risk is worth the reward.  Always wear your PFD!   Howdy - paddling from Minneapolis to the Gulf http://www.adventurecanoe.com/forum/topic/howdy/page/3#post-1617 Wed, 03 Mar 2010 17:55:29 +0000 BWCAJohn 1617@http://www.adventurecanoe.com/forum/ <img src="http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs073.snc3/14101_620409294632_199108694_35476822_2438716_n.jpg" alt="Locking down near Fulton, IL" /> Locking down near Fulton, IA.  I love this pic because it shows how tiny a canoe is compared to a tow, even one as small as a 2 barge tow.  Later we'd encounter tows consisting of up to 42 barges with two or three towboats each with up to 10,225 hp. Mike Galt http://www.adventurecanoe.com/forum/topic/mike-galt#post-1616 Tue, 02 Mar 2010 22:48:17 +0000 BobWilliams 1616@http://www.adventurecanoe.com/forum/ Joe P: What a pleasure to stumble upon this website and your brief recollection of life with your step-dad.  I hung around with him and you and your Mom a lot in the late '70's.  You razzed me for being tall and nick-named me "Tree". I still have two Dandy's, one of which was one of the original seven numbered and signed by the Great One.  I've had to replace the original wood of course.  I also still use a paddle he made for me.  Within the past week, we've done the Loxahatchee and Turner Rivers with his equipment. Sorry to now tardily learn of his passing.  Hope all's well with you and Millie. Bob W. Howdy - paddling from Minneapolis to the Gulf http://www.adventurecanoe.com/forum/topic/howdy/page/2#post-1615 Tue, 02 Mar 2010 17:46:39 +0000 BWCAJohn 1615@http://www.adventurecanoe.com/forum/ 3 more days added to the recap.  Enjoy. Name that paddle - WIN THAT PADDLE! http://www.adventurecanoe.com/forum/topic/name-that-paddle-win-that-paddle#post-1614 Tue, 02 Mar 2010 13:27:59 +0000 BWCAJohn 1614@http://www.adventurecanoe.com/forum/ Just submitted and entry as well.  It looks like you do some great work, can't wait to see some of your paddles in person.