A good discussion Tom T. I also canoed for many years without the benefit of technology and enjoyed my trips. Most of the time I was never concerned about finding campsites because I knew that we would find something suitable for the party. Most of the parties I led were 4-8 persons. We always caught enough fish to have a few meals.

I started using technology in the 90’s but didn’t discover websites like QJ until shortly before I joined. Technology can be helpful, but it also can build a false reliance. The only technology that really made a difference in my trips is the fish finder. I discovered a whole new world under the surface of the lakes I travelled. Even if only passing through, I would turn it on to see what we were paddling over. Most lakes were trolled unless we were in a hurry.

Unfortunately, my health has declined to the point where I am no longer able to do canoe trips. My last attempts drove this point home to me. I still enjoy hearing and reading about the experiences of others.

On the issue of using campsite and portage data, the horses are out of the barn. Too much info can cause funneling and overuse. I used to share this info but quit about a decade ago when I revisited some campsites I had shared info about and saw severe degradation and abuse. I will still share via email or text to those I know and trust. 8-)