Your canoe trip plans, hopes, dreams for 2022

[memaquay]

I was reminded a couple of weeks ago about my plans for the Steel Loop.....4 days when I was 40, 5 days when I was 50 and I always had said 6 days when I turned 60. I thought the heart issues might slow me down, but I'm probably in better shape now than I was at 50. It's my freaking back right now, that dang thing, can't be counted on.

So I will probably try a couple of short two and three day trips early in the spring, and if my back survives the portages, I will attempt the Steel again.

 

[Robin]

I plan on exploring a lot more of Maine this year, and hopefully get a first backcountry trip in with some of my grandkids too. Maybe an Alagash trip, and I’d like to hit the Penobscot from Medway, Maine south to find out first hand how good the SMB fishing really is.

A fly in trip to a remote lake in northern Ontario around August is another dream. I called an outfitter in Nakina, Ontario and they seemed optimistic that they could find something to my liking. A call back next spring for rates and possible back hauls is planned. Looking at 10 days solo on a good sized lake, no portages. I have never done a fly in canoe trip so I’m really hoping this pans out.

And, that wood canvas canoe gathering in NY’s ADK, the Puckerbrush Primitive Gathering in July where I display my wc canoes and back to the ADK’s in late October with my sons for a canoe in deer camp.

 

[TrailBlaser]

My thanks to all of you for your kind thoughts and words. The encouragement is also appreciated. I don't really know what to expect (especially after the surgery) and would be remiss if I didn't say I am apprehensive at the least. It certainly is not the way I anticipated transitioning into retirement. I look forward to reading your trip reports. Thanks again and best wishes to you all for 2022!

 

[TrailBlaser]

don't push too hard! my weight limit for close to a year was only 20lbs so I wouldn't pull the wires and glue holding my sternum together, and so I could let my chest muscles heal. I, found that trips that year were pretty well all flatwater, short, (distance not time) and portage- free, I also added a half dozen cold packs for my chest muscles and sternum and switched to an ottertail for 95% of my paddling because most of my other paddles were high-volume ones that put too much strain on my chest.
Here's to hoping your convalescence period is short and pain free...

Scoutergriz, thanks very much for your thoughts and the information. The consultation with the surgeon is in a couple of weeks, so the information about what to expect has been only what I have found on the Web. I appreciate the personal experience info you shared, particularly because it relates to what we do.

 

[TrailBlaser]

Hope all goes well.. Maybe a trip with others to a lake? We have lots here in Maine that offer that possibility without portages. Same for the Daks though that area seems to be getting awfully crowded.

Yellowcanoe, thanks for your kind thoughts and ideas. I know it will only be a matter of time before I get my usual "Adirondack withdrawal" symptoms and want to get out there. Recruiting others to go and share the "work" is a great idea. Thanks again and best wishes for 2022!

 

[Riverguy]

My 2021 plans got blown up when my daughter, and best paddling pal, died in an auto accident in March. I'm still learning to cope with my grief.

There was a plan to loop around Manicouagan summer 2021with a friend of mine, but between my daughter's death, and Covid, the trip was put off. But this summer... Yeah! I think I'll do it. She would want me to. When discussing the Manic plans with her, she was excited for me.

The problem now is that my planned paddling partner has fallen in love. LOL. I think I'm getting bounced and replaced for him taking a trip to Italy with the new lady-friend instead of the paddle trip. Can't say I blame him... mosquitoes, black flies, and sleeping on the ground... versus... an Italian chateau and room service. LOL. This angle is still in development.

It may be that I make this a solo trip. None of my 'adventures' of this scale have been solo before. But, when I think about it, I am always the main planner and driver of an expedition. So, I'm thinking "why not?". The solo idea will need to be sold to my wife, however. She'll surely worry. (I'm thinking of renting a satt phone for check-ins).

The original plan was for us to allow for 11 days around, but I don't think it will take that long. I can paddle in weather within limits. At least, I have before. We were going to build in several "break" days for hiking.

So, right now, I'll either go solo in June, or work it in early August with a friend. We'll see. Stay tuned; as I'll likely bounce ideas and plans off the crew here.

 

[Glenn MacGrady]

My thanks to all of you for your kind thoughts and words. The encouragement is also appreciated. I don't really know what to expect (especially after the surgery) and would be remiss if I didn't say I am apprehensive at the least. It certainly is not the way I anticipated transitioning into retirement.

TrailBlaser, it's perfectly normal to be afraid. I was terrified of going under for minor procedures like colonospies and nose surgery. Since you've been candid about your open heart surgery, would you mind specifying the the type—bypass, valve, aorta? I ask mainly because we have lots of older members here and it's encouraging to hear how they have returned to active canoeing after various medical issues, as it will be when you recover and do likewise.

 

[Erica]

I'd still like to do my solo upper Liard trip, NWT/Yukon, which was thrown off track by covid.

My husband does not want me to go solo, but he may not be able to take off enough time to do it with me. It was originally planned as a solo trip. I have my spot (thank you, Robin). I'm not getting any younger.

I'd like to find an alternative to plan for, possibly in Alaska, if the Canadian border is closed.

 

[yellowcanoe]

Riverguy that is awful to lose a child. My condolences are with you and your family. Manicougan has been in my sights for awhile and with no portages nor shuttle looks more and more interesting to me. I think we will do it ( hubby and wife). It's certainly doable solo with time buffers for bad wind.

 

[Clint]

For 2022 I would like to build 2 canoes. The solo that is on the table now and a tandem that I have plans for. My race partner have 4 races ( Texas Winter 100k, River Marathon, Texas Water Safari and the Neches Wilderness Race) that we a planning on trying to get top 5 in our division. We will see how that goes....... those kind of plans can turn on a dime. Hosting 2 canoe races in conjunction with TCKRA in my area. And hope for canoe camping trip down the Red River between Texas and Oklahoma and a trip somewhere down the Neches river.

 

[Riverguy]

Riverguy that is awful to lose a child. My condolences are with you and your family. Manicougan has been in my sights for awhile and with no portages nor shuttle looks more and more interesting to me. I think we will do it ( hubby and wife). It's certainly doable solo with time buffers for bad wind.

Thanks.

The more I think about it (as a solo), the more I think of it.
I'll keep the board in the loop. (I'm new here.. maybe a week or so)

 

[TrailBlaser]

TrailBlaser, it's perfectly normal to be afraid. I was terrified of going under for minor procedures like colonospies and nose surgery. Since you've been candid about your open heart surgery, would you mind specifying the the type—bypass, valve, aorta? I ask mainly because we have lots of older members here and it's encouraging to hear how they have returned to active canoeing after various medical issues, as it will be when you recover and do likewise.

Thanks Glenn. Yes, no problem with sharing about my situation. Although I don't have the consultation with the surgeon until January 12, my cardiologist told me I have mitral valve repair and one or two bypasses, depending on how the surgeon decides to deal with the blockages I have. Right now, I don't feel worried about the actual surgery itself; probably because I think I have the right person doing it. I also don't feel concerned about the rehab afterwards, as I believe I will be motivated to do that by my desire to enjoy my upcoming retirement and the additional time it will provide with my family and for my outdoor pursuits. However, I do think about how long it will take to get back to full strength to do those things. What is most on my mind now is what happens immediately after the surgery when I am in the hospital recovering. Most of that has to do with my aversion to being connected up to tubes and machines. I have been trying to get my "head straight" on that and even have started working with a psychologist on it. As the psychologist has been telling me, the mind is going to bring this stuff up from time to time. He said the approach is to be aware of it, acknowledge it, but don't fight it and just move on. I am getting a lot of practice with that, but it is not always easy to do. All this being said, perhaps when it gets closer to the actual day of the surgery is when actual fear will set in. In the meantime, I am trying not to dwell on it and instead focus on the other things I need to have in place before and after the surgery. I also have been doing the gear prep/organization tasks we do to prepare for the next canoe camping season; I find this really brings me sense of peace and satisfaction.

 

[ErktheRed]

I plan to fish more and learn how to fly fish. More books less phone

Paddle trips planned:
Gamitagama to Old Woman Lake (solo)
Big island lake wilderness 4 nights
BWCA first time for the wife and I
Manistee river in fall
Many 1-3 nighters

Places I’ve been dreaming to paddle
Algonquin
Torngat Mountains
Great Bear Rainforest

TrailBlaser, I hope everything goes well and you have a healthy and speedy recovery. And cheers to your retirement in advance and tk your upcoming adventures. I’ll be in the hospital for a couple of weeks starting next week for treatment and I feel like all these plans are Just Dreams. Told the wife that we might have to drive down south for a bizarre and sunny canoe trip before I go back to work.

 

[yknpdlr]

My unobtainable dream for 2022 would be a return to the Yukon for yet another Y1K race. Or better yet, a leisurely cruise down that river to linger and to better enjoy and photograph the sights that I only have seen fleetingly while paddling at race speed. But it does not appear to be in the cards with no full crew willing to return on that very expensive long distance far away trip again. Besides that, my wife (as my primary pit crew) says that 5 times up there is enough. I don't necessarily agree, but hey it is what it is. Covid will likely prevent my other plans of visiting Europe again to see another canoe partner and my eastern European relatives. Other than that I will do the local Adirondack races, certainly another Cannonball-90 or two and the then my 25th official 90 miler, whether with a partial crew (some as old Yukon partners), and/or some solo.
My newly built Adirondack camp on a small private lake provides a training location and plenty of work to do with firewood and other chores and hiking opportunities as well as a general Adirondack base to operate from. Other summer activities will take my time and effort as part of an Adirondack leanto buillding team (lean2Rescue) replace/repair team, and the occasional wilderness SAR incident call out along as an instructor for wilderness guide and land navigation training to fill my time nicely.

 

[TrailBlaser]

I plan to fish more and learn how to fly fish. More books less phone

Paddle trips planned:
Gamitagama to Old Woman Lake (solo)
Big island lake wilderness 4 nights
BWCA first time for the wife and I
Manistee river in fall
Many 1-3 nighters

Places I’ve been dreaming to paddle
Algonquin
Torngat Mountains
Great Bear Rainforest

TrailBlaser, I hope everything goes well and you have a healthy and speedy recovery. And cheers to your retirement in advance and tk your upcoming adventures. I’ll be in the hospital for a couple of weeks starting next week for treatment and I feel like all these plans are Just Dreams. Told the wife that we might have to drive down south for a bizarre and sunny canoe trip before I go back to work.

Thanks so much ErktheRed. I hope all goes well for you as well. What would life be like without dreams of things to come? I spoke with my wife about making an overnight trip up to the Adirondacks before my surgery but with the Covid spreading, I am fearful of doing so. Best wishes to you for 2022.

 

[Glenn MacGrady]

My 2021 plans got blown up when my daughter, and best paddling pal, died in an auto accident in March. I'm still learning to cope with my grief.

Riverguy, that's so tragic. My condolences and prayers for you, your family and daughter.

Manicouagan

Wow! I'd never heard of this astronomical and geological phenomenon. Looks like it could be a very interesting trip, but rather far away from Virginia. Since you say you've never undertaken a trip of that magnitude solo, and since the tragedy is still so recent, it might be best for you and your wife's psychological peace of mind, and to hone your solo skills, to do one or two trips closer to home and to civilization.

 

[memaquay]

Riverguy, please accept my sincere condolences, I can't even begin to imagine the pain. I think a solo trip is the perfect thing to do, there will be times when you will be working so hard, your only thoughts will be in the moment and the task, and there will be times when you will have lots of time to be alone with your thoughts.

Trailblaser, you will be recovered so fast and feeling so fine, you will have a hard time containing yourself. I got five stents, and it was a game changer, I felt like a million bucks a few days later. Of course open heart surgery will take longer to recover from, but my friends who have had it were on their feet within a couple of days, and pretty much resumed full function within two months. In fact, I envy them, wish I had the bypasses, because then it would be like starting with new hardware, and I could resume smoking and drinking at my former pace, instead of this semi healthy lifestyle I indulge in now.

I was not a fan of the tubes and crap either, just make sure they give you good drugs, that's the ticket, with enough morphine in your system, even a catheter is comedic.

Take care fellow canoe trippers!

 

[Gamma1214]

Mem, you are a seriously twisted human (I like that in a human!)

RG: I can't even imagine... Grab a Spot or an InReach for the wife's peace of mind & go! I doubt you'll regret it.

TB: Certainly scary but you'll do fine. The light at the end of the tunnel is a sunrise on a secluded lake.

As for plans: Some local, weekend / overnights with the canoe but long trips are on foot this year. A few long(er) distance trails I want to do backpacking while I game plan a good mid-life crisis, month long + canoe trip for 2023.

 

[boatstall]

For 2022 I would like to build 2 canoes. The solo that is on the table now and a tandem that I have plans for. My race partner have 4 races ( Texas Winter 100k, River Marathon, Texas Water Safari and the Neches Wilderness Race) that we a planning on trying to get top 5 in our division. We will see how that goes....... those kind of plans can turn on a dime. Hosting 2 canoe races in conjunction with TCKRA in my area. And hope for canoe camping trip down the Red River between Texas and Oklahoma and a trip somewhere down the Neches river.

Clint, Thanks for reminding me of the Neches. Back in the late 90's we would often come over annually for what was then called, if I remember correctly, "The Neches River Rendezvous". I'm guessing the Neches Wilderness Race is similar, but perhaps without as many beer coolers. Was always a great time.
Thanks for reminding me of the river. May have to put in on the list for this year.

Riverguy
We have 2 close friends who have each lost adult children. I have no words that can heal your heart. We have grieved with our friends, as one was our God child. I think your willingness to share here is achieving a major hurdle, and will perhaps help in the healing. Broken hearts heal slowly.
God speed.

Bill

 

[Odyssey]

Riverguy you and yours have my deepest condolences and my greatest respect. I admire your strength and honesty. I look forward to your trip report.

I'm keeping my paddling plans flexible this year. I'm a homebody type who sometimes likes to travel. These past two years I've been enjoying more staycation stuff, but my maps and notes are still inked up and waiting.
My dehydrator is up and running, gear is set aside and ready, trip clothes already packed. Even though the first trip is still months away it'll likely be a last minute decision.