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latremore, Even more awkward, I was assistant guide on an Allagash trip years ago, when it was discovered, at the first campsite, that the utensil bag was not packed. We were very busy with a crooked knife, and jack knife for a couple of hours or so before dinner! Luckily the clients found humor...

All the E.M. White Guides are great poling canoes. this 20' paddles very nice too. I was able to do my own clinching until time for the half ribs. Then I had to call on a friend to help. Dave

It's probably a combination of the above. The keel line on a White is pretty much straight, and this one is not arrow straight after all the rib replacements. I didn't note any large amount of distortion and the shiny shellac bottom bounces the light around quite a bit. Dave

Christy, Thanks. I agree, it's not really a restoration, and I can only surmise that it is an E.M. White since there was no builder's plate, etc. I had actually thought of replacing the few original parts, but liked the idea that at least part of an old canoe will be travelling once again. It...

I would replace while you have the opportunity. If the canoe has Robertson screws, Jamestown Distributors carries silicon bronze Robertsons.

Karin, I bend the ribs on the outside. In the case of this canoe, it was very time consuming as each rib had to be done in a separate operation. If multiple ribs are done at the same time, it is too easy to begin to distort the hull shape. The other "fly in the ointment" is the two part...

While I'm on a roll... Here are some photos of a very challenging restoration of, what I believe is, an E.M. White. I have another 20' White built around 1913 and everything about this canoe said E.M. White from the beveled and wide planking, shape of the thwarts, and decks, to the tapered ribs...

Murat V, I'll have to take some separate photos of the paddles. One is curly maple, and the other bird'seye maple. Both with Northwoods style grips. I discovered your web page awhile back and have admired your paddles more than a few times. I've made several, but other than trying different...

I've used Kirby paints for several canoes. They're nice folks to deal with, and will mix a color if you can supply a sample of the original. Unfortunately I only had tiny specks of the original color. I plan to get her on the Allagash in the next few weeks. Dave

Thought I'd post a couple of photos of a 16' Chestnut Prospector I aquired last Oct. I re-canvassed it this spring after replacing a couple of cracked planks, stripping the interior, and making and caneing bow and stern seats (original slats are too uncomfortable for me). I refinished the...

I've never soaked in oil, but when bending ash or oak stems, I have pre-soaked in water for a day. Dave

I may have percipitated the "wilderness" part of this thread, by using the words "designated wilderness". I was using it in the political sense and somewhat tongue in cheek. My thoughts were similar to Sweeper's. If you compare the Allagash Waterway to Baxter Park you quickly see one - the...

It will be interesting to see how the area will be managed as, according to the BLM, each monument is unique as to rules and regulations. Outfitters and guides, however, will be required to be permitted by the BLM. Dave

That's why, when I was a youngster, a fry pan was called a spider in Maine. Dave

It might be interesting to some to read up on the whole Bert's Bees/Quimby thing, and how the land purchase issue was handled by Ms.Quimby as regards camp lease holders and owners etc..

Umbazooksis West is a good place to spot a vehicle if you want to avoid the paddle down the lake, but you would still have to cross the top of the lake and that usually means being broadside to the wind for awhile. Dave

In my lifetime (70 yrs) the East Branch Penobscot and adjacent woodlands have always been open for recreation. My concern is the over-regulation that comes with "designated wilderness". You sure can't run the Grand Canyon anytime you feel like it! Dave

What's the length, depth, and beam of the tandem? Are you going to use with a tripping load or empty? The beam may make for awkward paddling with a seat where the carry thwart would normally be. Are you certain you won't want to use it tandem at some point? If you haven't already seen the thread...

I have two 20' E.M. Whites, both built sometime in the first two decades of the 20th cent. One had neither a broken or cracked rib or plank when purchased. The second was a freebe that required two stems, all but 13 ribs, and way too many feet of planking to put back in shape. Oh yeah, forgot to...

I take an old Spiller with a 3 lb. head and a 30" handle. I personally dislike hatchets for camp use, especially solo tripping. Too dangerous for my taste. Dave