I love my EV for tripping. Lots of convenient charging stations in the Adirondack Park. Many chargers are free, and located near restaurants or other interesting attractions, so its not any trouble to stop for a while. Even when they are not free, electricity often costs 1\6 of what gasoline...
Horseshoe to Hitchens. I did it (2007-2010?) it went easy then. your millage may vary. That said, if it looks at all possible I will give it a try in the spring. Maybe snowshoes and a bow saw this winter.....
I currently have and love a Bell Magic. The wood trim is a pain in the arse to maintain, and replace every so often, but she is a keeper. We will be together until one of us can not do it any more.
Solos I owned and and did not love.
Mad River Monarch. Not for me, but easy to sell for a tidy...
It can get hot in the shoulder seasons. I get into this thing through the neck. It stretches out big enough for my but, and shoulders, then shrinks back to neck size. Unlike a 2-piece set up with trousers and shirt, the onesie stays put and will not bunch up. I bet it is 20 years old, still...
I worked with the NPS in a river valley. I carried a combo marine / 2m HT. Even with some strategically placed repeaters communication was marginal at best. After 9/11 we were issued much more sophisticated government HTs ($3000 each) They worked OK.
An elderly friend (not on the internet) has a Millbrook Defiant he wants to sell. No info about condition, probably not paddled for 20 years. Boat is located in Croton on Hudson, NY. Hit me up for his phone number.
Might I suggest..
"The Lure of the Labrador Wild " (Wallace)
"The Adirondack Letters of George Washington Sears"
"Adirondack Canoe Waters North Flow "Jamison)
"The Bark Canoes and Skin Boats of North America" (Adney and Chapelle)
"New York Exposed: The Whitewater State Vols 1+2 (Squires)
My trips fall into 2 categories.
alone.
with college students.
I do not enjoy group meals with the college students. Never enough, over complex, poorly executed.
I was WFR trained / certified for 13 years to work with college students in a remote setting. Course was $700+ and took 8, 8 hour days plus homework. If you can swing it, go more comprehensive.