Jimbo wrote on May 28^th, 2023 at 1:56pm:


Thanks for explanation (excuse) for your tripping style. I kept seeing the word " Babine" and that helped me too.

Maybe we are kin, I noted the territory was was called Keyoh. Explains why I was drawn to the new barge.

Old Salt wrote on May 27^th, 2023 at 11:02pm:


My indigenous ancestors had an important role assisting those early voyageurs, interpreting & hauling a fair amount of freight for them over mountainous portages in the West.  See: (You need to Login or Register to view media files and links)

I recall reading an excellent account about this tribe in Peter C. Newman's "Caesars of the Wilderness." Of all the books I've ever recommended in QJ's "Bookshelf" forum, that is the one I'd rate as a "must read" for anyone interested in the fur traders & explorers of old.  That one and his "Company of Adventurers" were both entertaining and enlightening.

Portage on!

Jimbo   

Those who know Jimbos last name are not surprised that he will carry a lot of stuff. We heard constantly about the Wenohnah champain.

solotripper wrote on May 25^th, 2023 at 7:52pm:

db wrote on May 25^th, 2023 at 5:14pm:


Might as go all out. 

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I do love the nesting aspect.

Hey, I got an idea. How about a solar panel infused spray skirt for it to, oh don't know, recharge that solar powered cooler or recharge a new and improved mondo Kelly Kettle?

Yes this canoe will haul a lot. I noted Kelly Kettle has designed their new 64 cup kettle too squeeze in behind the stern seat. The optional stove pipe and collar telescopes and fits atop. This new Jimboized kettle can be set up in a spare tent and all can enjoy a sauna as the evening refreshments are retrieved from the solar powered cooler that is another option for the Champlain.

When I was in the market for a canoe, Rutabaga had a store with a test paddle day nearby. The first canoe we paddled was a Sundowner, which I believe is now discontinued and slightly smaller.

I came with a fairly experienced bow paddler and another friend (150lbs) for ballast. My first thought was it needed another two friends for ballast.

I snatched up this outfitter issue Champlain for its capacity. With trips being more fly-in  and moving base camps style for 30 days or more I wanted it over a MN II that I have paddled a few times. Also hoping one of my solos may nest inside for more options when we strap canoes to the Otter aircraft. If I have to use it flipped over as a rain shelter it should excel.

Marten wrote on May 22^nd, 2023 at 10:14pm:


I seem to recall (not one, but) two of our QJ Moderators renting one of these several years back and having a notably bad experience over the course of  @10 days or so.  Their complaints about how poorly it (allegedly) handled still echo in my ears... and these were quiet guys who seldom complained about anything.  Consequently, it's going to take a strong ringing endorsement from multiple VERY trusted sources before I would even consider trying a Champlain... no matter how much cargo I could shove in it.

That has been one of the real plusses for me in routinely visiting the QJ website over these many years.  You get to know folks and learn to trust their assessments.  It can save you a lot of time and misery.

I'm NOT saying this is a bad canoe.  Obviously there is a market that wants it.  It's more about how I, personally, make up my mind about trying specific new products to serve my expected needs.  Word-of-mouth from sources I trust is a huge factor in my decision-making.

So, my ears are wide open for contrarian points of view re: the Champlain. 

Jimbo   

P.S.  Check out the commentary by YB & KF in this old thread: (You need to Login or Register to view media files and links)