Mad_Mat wrote on Apr 12^th, 2010 at 1:33pm:


M_M -- good advice on the down command.  I use one of those old yellow dense foam pads, cut to fit.  It seems to work okay, and I can always use it in camp. 

prouboy

I've never paddled with a dog, but have heard it recommended to have a pad for the dog to lie on - keeps them from slipping on the bottom, and they will be more inclined to lie down for you

also, if I were you, I'd be training the dog to lie down on command, so that if you get into questionable conditions, it will be lieing still, not getting antsy - regardless of which boat you take

usually when I'm solo, I will take the big pack and my saw on the first trip - helps to know where the trail twists and turns and detours before you try it with the boat.  Also, if you wind up at a small landing where you'll have to load your boat in the water, its tough to find a situation where you can leave it tied off and floating in a place that will work -  I'll go boat first,  if on a well know trail, like Nym to Batch - there, I know I have a large landing I can safely leave the boat at and a known easy trail.

As one of the most quoted contributers to this thread, let me clarify, that I was not suggesting that the canoe should be free-floating when you go back for second trip. Obviously, one would want to be sure the canoe was secure, before returning for second load. It could be loosely tied to a tree, or the guard K-9... [/quote]

Being the most quoted can only mean your one of the most liked. I have a deep respect for you and all on the list.

Old Salt wrote on Apr 11^th, 2010 at 7:53pm:


As one of the most quoted contributers to this thread, let me clarify, that I was not suggesting that the canoe should be free-floating when you go back for second trip. Obviously, one would want to be sure the canoe was secure, before returning for second load. It could be loosely tied to a tree, or the guard K-9...

nctry_Ben wrote on Apr 11^th, 2010 at 9:56pm:


Puck can lie down, but so far he has chosen not to.  He gets excited (a bad thing), when he sees loons, and likes to put his front feet on the little pack, in essence, standing up.  I'm sure a deer or moose will get him really going.  I'm training him to always stay seated.  He already knows one rule -- can't leave the canoe until he gets my okay.  I think that'll help in approaching sketchy shoreline portages. 

I've got a large dog pack, but it's too big for him.  Not sure I want to go to the hassle of packing him. 

As for portaging, until now, I've always gone with others, and what to take over first is never an issue....  I portage the canoe and a small pack, and the others grab packs.  So the order of things hasn't been an issue.  I'll have to think about this some. 

Haven't been on choppy water.  Today I was chasing the wake of powerboats, but it wasn't the same.  I'll just go slow and careful.  Each time out I feel more comfortable in the boat and confident about making a trip.  I'm getting excited.  Being a fairly strong extrovert, soloing might not be my thing.  But Puck should help, and the freedom to just meander when and where I want seems so appealing. 

prouboy

Old Salt wrote on Apr 11^th, 2010 at 7:53pm:


IMHO I would tend to take the pack on the first trip in case you needed to clear a downed tree or if you had to make a choice where the path divided or even ended so you could have things figured out for when you brought the canoe over. I wouldn't think you'd put your canoe in the water and then go for your pack. I suppose in the BW you have less to worry about, but I have seen it.

Ya look good in the picture Prouboy... Does the dog have room to lay down comfortably? They do adapt, all she/he needs now is her/his own pack. I'd go with the MerlinII (Have you tried it in choppy water yet?)

I should also note the paddle in the pic -- made by our own Paddlemaker! 

Sweet paddle.

prouboy

That looks like a nice arrangement. Thanks for the pic, I had been wondering how it would all fit.

I would go with the solo, IMO.

Old Salt wrote on Apr 11^th, 2010 at 7:53pm:


Neither am I!  Good idea.

I've attached a picture of one of my recent "practice" day trips.  Since this pic was taken, I've replaced the green Duluth pack with a longer, slimmer,lower profile pack made by Lowe Alpine.  Now I won't have  to wedge the Duluth pack in there. 

prouboy

I carry the canoe on the first trip, so that it can be immediately loaded on completion of second trip. But, I'm not a solo paddler...