ppine, I have enjoyed the shallac bottom, it is a tuff bottom and easy to fix up ( plus I like the look). Robin, thanks for resurrecting this old post. As for my knee ... every day is an adventure. It is better for sure, but it ain't right. I reckon it will not get much better. I can bend it enough to kneel, but not by much. I may never be able to sit on my heels again, just way to far of a bend for me.
My plans were to drive to a resort near the end of the Bloodvein and park my truck. I would then take a Ferry to Winnipeg, spend the night, take a train to red lake with my canoe on it, and get picked up by Harlan. From there I was going to to get a boat ride on Red lake to my put in, cross the park, run the Bloodvien and finish at my truck. However, in my hunt for a canoe dog/canine soul mate, I found a Chessie that melts my heart just thinking about her. My wife's heart did not melt, nor did it warm. No chessie for me. However, we did find two Vizsla pups ( Lord helps us). So I will be raising/training 2 pups this spring, summer in the hopes of having 2 nice family dogs and possibly a canoe partner.
I may not get to the North Country this year Robin. I am hoping that in a summer or two I will have a dog with enough training and obedience to be a solo canoe buddy. I guess I will have to keep you posted on this one.
Bob.