I have been an active member of this website for a relatively short time.  During this time, the relationship among strangers from around the country who have a similar passion continues to amaze and energize me.  Beyond the camaraderie, and the sharing of information on this website, I have read about members lending other members services and gear, sight unseen.  The stories about offers from one member to another member, sometimes who have never met each other, of everything from cabins to canoes renews my faith in the goodness of people.  

This past winter I met paddlemaker at Canoecopia.  Conversation over a beer led to my interest in his passion for making canoe paddles.  I am now the proud owner of an incredibly beautiful and functional bent shaft paddle, from paddlemaker’s workshop!  The paddle is made from western red cedar and yellow cedar. The tip of the blade has strips of Brazilian cherry. The grip design is unique and effective.  Everyone who sees this paddle marvels at its beauty.  The attached photo doesn’t do justice to the skill and craftsmanship that went into building this paddle.

I have more than a beautiful paddle.  I have a story of the power of a network of like-minded wilderness canoeing advocates.  Every time I use the paddle, I think of paddlemaker, Quiet Journey, and the power of relationships.  I will never be able to make things of beauty like this paddle, but I look forward to the time when I can share some small bit of knowledge or expertise with some QJ member.  

I just wanted to share this story, and "publicly" thank paddlemaker for making me a work of art!

prouboy

If I had a paddle like that, I would hang it by my fireplace.  I would never be able to use it for fear of defacing it.  The same goes for those beautify cedar strip canoes.
Westwood