Starting anew

[Walks on Water]

The name is Randy. I hail from Minnesota, just west of the twin cities.

I have always preferred to spend my off time in the woods (prairies, swamps....really anywhere not in the city). I grew up in a family that camped. Summer vacations were spent on the shores of Lake Michigan or the UP ( to avoid confusion I live in Mn, but grew up in Mi). I am comfortable just sitting back and watching the interactions of wildlife in their habitat.

I have difficulty in convincing family or friends to accompany me in discovery of the hidden corners of our world, something which I will never completely comprehend. I have found one companion that is willing to join me, Bailey the 1 year old wire fox terrier.

I downsized my canoe from an 20 year old 18.5' Wenonah something to a Wenonah Wilderness and have begun learning new styles of propulsion (well...new to me). I must say it is a lot easier to than I feared. I was afraid that I was going to be totally shore bound in windy conditions, I find that the Wilderness tracks quite well in the wind. I was afraid of the lack of stability in a solo canoe, no problems there either. I do wonder if I would have been happier with a Bell (aka Northwoods), kinda a grass is greener scenario.

Outfitting the new ride has been sort of fun in the last few weeks. My first purchase was a bent shaft paddle (love it), followed by a cheap 240 cm kayak paddle (hate it). I also frequent BWCA.com forums. Earlier this week I made contact with Bear Paulsen and got a great deal on his garage cleanup, a slightly dog- eared Duluth Monarch pack, two Crazy Creek chairs, and Skwoosh butt pad (not so sure about the usefulness of this one). Today I met with Bear and picked them up at Midwest Outdoor Expo. I really enjoyed talking with him. While there I had to complement the bent shaft paddle with a Bending Branches straight paddle.

I think I am set.

 

[Rippy]

Welcome Randy

 

[Mnoutdoorfunguy]

Welcome Randy. If you ever get out this way, Alexandria lakes area, and would like to paddle please let me know. Best of luck and fun with your adventures.

 

[redoleary]

Welcome aboard Randy. Sounds like you're well prepared for some new adventures, enjoy.

 

[Robin]

Welcome Randy, sounds good, nice canoe, nice new friend to accompany you and good deals on used gear. Enjoy and post some pics of your adventures.

 

[ppine]

Randy,
It seems unlikely that you would have trouble finding fellow paddleheads in such a canoe rich environment. How about a paddling club? Many others have made the point that traveling with a dog is the perfect amount of company.

 

[Philtrum]

Welcome, waterwalker. I relate to your quiet approach to the natural world, and I feel your frustration about finding like-minded paddling companions. My local canoeing club isn't interested in safety or skills training, and I've seen them do enough stupid stuff on rivers to never go out with them. Maybe the folks in the Mpls area are smarter than those in southern Wisconsin.

I find the Royalex Wilderness too stable, meaning I'm not sure what it would do when leaned almost to the rail. I'm more comfortable in a boat that has a little less initial stability, like the Bells, or my Hemlock Peregrine (essentially the same hull design). You might want to try some other boats and see what you like. Maybe your Wilderness handles better than the Rx version.

Keep us posted on your travels!

 

[Walks on Water]

No Title

Today, I traveled about 5 miles west of home to an interesting lake. Pelican Lake was an important stopping point for migrating waterfowl in past times, it is actually one of a handful that was attractive to canvasbacks and served as breeding habitat for White pelicans. When the suburbs began to approach this area it began to be managed as a fishery, primarily northern pike, crappie, and largemouth bass. The lake was allowed to rise, drowning out the native vegetation necessary for waterfowl. The problem was that the lake is only about 17' at the deepest points and would routinely freeze solid, killing most of the fish. Two years ago, the MnDnr said enough was enough and decided to return to strictly a waterfowl production area. The lake is gradually being drained to about 11'. This has resulted in a really quiet place to paddle with oodles of birds

 

[Walks on Water]

I want to thank you all for the warm welcome.

Forester- I have considered a couple of paddling groups, I actually had wished to accompany the Minnesota Canoe Association to the Kinnickinnic in Wisconsin this weekend. The trip coordinator did not bother to return my calls. Not a huge problem, it was cold, windy, and the river is likely low with a current dry spell. While I do enjoy canoeing, I see it as a means to improve opportunity for my real passion...bird photography. Groups do not improve my odds.

Phil- I find the handling issue to be relative, in my way of thinking it is not a question of whether my Wilderness handles better than a Bell, but that it handles better than my old beat up 18.5' Wenonah Whatzit. The Prism is likely faster and tracks better, but I doubt that it turns better. I'm pretty pleased with its handling, initial stability is my friend with a 400mm lens and I think it turns well enough. Buying a canoe reminds me of the choosing the best camera; Nikon or Canon, full frame or crop. After a while you realize that are pros and cons, and you make a choice and accentuate the positive and minimize the negative. In regards to the relative intelligence of Minnesotans vs Wisconsinites....we don't wear wedges of cheese on our heads

 

[Philtrum]

Yup, the Prism is faster and it tracks better, and it definitely turns poorly. As for relative intelligence, just compare the two governors.