Funny story about trimming.  On my maiden solo voyage with my tandem I ended up kneeling in the bow with my wife's kayak paddle (which I had along as a spare) struggling to paddle into a 30 mph wind on a river.  When I would come to a bend in the river the wind would actually blow me around and back upstream on occasion because the stern was so high up!  THAT moment is when I realized that I didn't know squat about trimming a canoe.  To add to the fun was a 60 lb. golden retriever bouncing around in the boat.   Luckily the trip ended well except for a few lumps on the dog's head from my paddle.  I'm guessing that my guardian angel must be a paddler and the dog eventually forgave me.

PB....you're right.  Sometimes we just have do more doing than reading.  Experience is the best teacher.....IF you survive.

Stay safe and warm........Mike