My point was to say I disagree with the tandem bike analogy.

I've only tandem tripped with people I knew something about. And you still never really know until you're into the trip how it's going to turn out.

I wasn't disagreeing with the context of the discussion here, i.e. group soloing.

I'm lucky enough to know several different tandem partners I'd go with anytime again.

No offense Jon but that sounds like the worst trip I could possibly imagine. I'd stop in for an evening or two if invited and possible though.

The only salvageable idea this happy camper saw in there was the chef of the day idea. We would always have each couple/canoe responsible for a meal or two from packing through dessert and washing everyone's dishes. People always did their very best and the only thing we eventually outlawed by majority opinion was couscous n' chickpea based. Freeze dried shrimp didn't go over too well either but that vote would have been unanimous.


FWIW - I was well into in my 40s when I got married. As far as canoe trips go, after spending a years worth of nights in Quetico by that point in my life, I'd call either avoiding disappointment after trying many different things. Hey, when you finally come across a good fit that feels right, why waste time looking for something better? Trips change, as does life. Enjoy the good stuff while you can!

Paddling solo has a certain appeal for me and, who knows, one of these days I might actually do an extended solo trip.  But I’m incredibly lucky.  My paddling partner is my wife.  The 26 day trips we take every summer is the highlight of our year.  We’re to a point where we move together like one.  Whether doing a portage or setting up camp, we don’t have to say a word.  And here’s the best part, she doesn’t like to fish but she loves going fishing with me.  So, wind or calm, I have my own trolling motor in the bow – talk about being spoiled! 
When I was young I crisscrossed Canada and the U.S. travelling and camping (motorcycle – in 6 years near 75 thousand miles.)  While I loved the solitude and the spontaneity of travelling alone, for me at this point, it’s kinda, “been there, done that.” Now I find it a thrill to share my experience with someone who cherishes it as much as I do - that early morning cuppa with the mist rising off the lake or the moon lit late night dram before sacking out.  To be that connected to someone in a place where you feel so open, well, what can I say - she doesn’t walk on water but I could spend eternity with her.   Which is how it feels when we’re in the bush together (in a good way  )  But hey, solo, tandem, that’s why there’s chocolate and vanilla. 

Kerry wrote on Apr 28^th, 2013 at 3:07pm:


  Hey Kerry, you sound like one of my boyhood heros!  

(You need to Login or Register to view media files and links)

Kerry.......Oh..M...Gee!! HOW ROMANTIC! 

Confidence of character. I applaud it.

The perfect canoe partner? Sort of tough. I suspect some folk like myself might just be a little to particular. They have a checklist.......
*daylight to dark
*no complaining
*likes to fish
*impervious to bugs
*No smoking
*no foul language
*no constant yackety-schmakety
etc. etc. etc.

I will keep an eye out but I have resigned myself to accepting that the most practical canoe partner is looking back at me in the mirror every morn. But then again my family and friends said I would never get married because I was too fussy.......

As per my soul mate going tripping........until someone figures out how to portage a Kings Down mattress (camel? Elephant?) and can make Deet smell like scented candles and can make sweat feel and smell like jasmine massage oil it's not happening.........."where do we go for dinner"?