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03/15/2017 02:00PM |
It feels like it takes a week or so for me to really get into the swing of things out there. The longer I'm out the better it gets. There's probably a limit where the enjoyment starts going the other way but I haven't found it yet.
My first couple trips were in the WCPP area. Last year I got into southern Nunavut and while it won't happen this year I can't wait to get up there again and plan to go farther north yet, hopefully above tree line. Just finishing up a canoe that should be able to take me on a 60 day solo in that country. Hopefully get to fully test it out in the next couple years.
Alan
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03/15/2017 12:21PM |
Bob.
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03/15/2017 03:52PM |
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03/15/2017 02:59PM |
Like Alan, it takes me a while to get in the "flow" and the longer trips are better in that respect, plus there's not as great a possibility of having a trip basically reduced to next to nothing by weather. A 4 1/2 day trip shortened to 3 by extreme weather, with 2 days drive on each end isn't that great.
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03/15/2017 03:52PM |
In 2016 my permit was for 13 nights but I came out after 12 because of a crappy forecast and I was practically out of food. I'll be doing 10 nights in Sept.
I would love to do 21 nights sometime with my dog.
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03/15/2017 04:41PM |
9 night 10 days into the Q last week of June over the 4th of July is my normal routine when I go solo. Hope to hit the "New Moon" or "Full Moon" on my trip if at all possible for bigger fish potential.
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03/15/2017 05:45PM |
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03/15/2017 06:52PM |
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03/15/2017 08:24PM |
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03/16/2017 12:48AM |
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03/16/2017 05:52AM |
Alan, will you take your dog with you on that 60 day trip? Also - on your longer trips, do you resupply? Any pics of your latest canoe?
Wally 13 - I would love to talk "night "fishing with you some time. I also enjoyed meeting you at the Copia show - I liked your presentation. I was the guy sitting at the table with Old Salt just before you guys presented.
Bob.
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03/15/2017 08:20PM |
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03/16/2017 04:50AM |
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03/17/2017 02:48PM |
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03/17/2017 04:59PM |
My solos, only about 6 of them, have been 6-10 days. Hunter's Island this summer will be longer.
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03/17/2017 06:52PM |
Alan, if I had that kind of space I might never resurface! The things I could build. I will get there! Also, I agree with your point about getting into the swing of things. It takes me about 5 days to really settle in and feel one with everything around me, slow my pace, fully experience the surroundings and live in the moment. When I hit that point, I don't ever want to leave and the internal countdown starts... Day 6.... uggghhh... only 8 days left! Rain, sleet, snow, sun... it doesn't matter anymore, its just part of the experience and it's all good!
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03/16/2017 09:58AM |
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03/16/2017 04:46PM |
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03/16/2017 04:48PM |
quote mr.barley: "16.5 feet"
Nice!
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03/16/2017 11:15PM |
Sure. Will talk fishing with you anytime. Glad you enjoyed our presentation at Copia.
Evening/night fishing for walleyes has been very productive for me the past several years.
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03/16/2017 08:46PM |
Alan, will you take your dog with you on that 60 day trip? Also - on your longer trips, do you resupply? Any pics of your latest canoe?
No, probably no dog on that trip as it will likely be in the far north again. Bugs and weather are too serious. On my first trip I set up a resupply because I didn't know how long it would take and wasn't sure if I had my food amounts correct. I made better time than expected and my food was spot on so it turned out to be unnecessary; which meant I spent a lot of money and had to carry extra weight for the last few days of the trip. No more resupplies unless it's a really long trip and I can find a way to do it more economically, like have the food flown to a remote village via regular air service rather than paying for a special flight.
Couple pictures of the boat. It's 16x32" with lots of flare in the bow. Made from 5/32" cedar strips with a couple layers of fiberglass outside and a couple layers of kevlar inside. I'll paint the inside this weekend and then it should be ready to go after bolting in the thwarts.
Alan
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03/17/2017 05:39AM |
quote Alan Gage: "
Alan, will you take your dog with you on that 60 day trip? Also - on your longer trips, do you resupply? Any pics of your latest canoe?
No, probably no dog on that trip as it will likely be in the far north again. Bugs and weather are too serious. On my first trip I set up a resupply because I didn't know how long it would take and wasn't sure if I had my food amounts correct. I made better time than expected and my food was spot on so it turned out to be unnecessary; which meant I spent a lot of money and had to carry extra weight for the last few days of the trip. No more resupplies unless it's a really long trip and I can find a way to do it more economically, like have the food flown to a remote village via regular air service rather than paying for a special flight.
Couple pictures of the boat. It's 16x32" with lots of flare in the bow. Made from 5/32" cedar strips with a couple layers of fiberglass outside and a couple layers of kevlar inside. I'll paint the inside this weekend and then it should be ready to go after bolting in the thwarts.
Alan"
That's a real nice space there with great lighting. I see your pup keeps you company too. :) Just curious, are these plans you have found or have learned to design yourself? Using three different materials seems out of the box. But then, I really no very little when it comes to building.
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03/17/2017 06:08AM |
Good luck on finding areas to resupply - it can be such a pain, and expensive. I must put a hold on longer solo excursions until I retire in a couple of years. It is hard to find more than 2 weeks in a row that are duty free.
I find that my trips have become less about true exploration, and more about finding walleyes. I still wader the back country, but I am more fishing driven ... oh well, that is just how I roll. Anyway, the more I read about your trips, the more you sound like Hoop to me. Have you ever met him?
Good luck with your trips Alan, thanks for the pics of the boat - she looks crackling!
Bob.
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03/21/2017 08:41AM |
I too still work and have kiddos in the nest.
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03/19/2017 01:20PM |
Its hard to get more time off than that with my job in Ak and since there is so much to see here, I go tripping with my car and explore the road system.
I expect that when I retire in a year or two I will go for a few two week solo's.
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03/19/2017 02:00PM |
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03/21/2017 09:23AM |
I can only fit in one trip each year, so I try to make the most of it. Given the nine-hour drive, it makes sense for me to stay awhile. I feel like I’m in my routine by day 3, but each day I feel more connected to my surroundings. I’m always sorry to leave. I can’t wait for September!
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03/22/2017 01:47PM |
Just curious, are these plans you have found or have learned to design yourself? Using three different materials seems out of the box.
For the last couple years I've been designing my own. So far so good. The use of multiple materials, especially different types of cloth for the outside and inside of the hull is nothing new. The thin cedar does the same thing as a foam core but it's easier for the DIY one-off boat build. It should be stronger than a foam core boat but heavier too.
Thanks for the pics Alan. Your boat looks fantastic. Differential Rocker? Looks like a good amount of volume and nice sheer. It looks to be a boat capable of epic trips - nice job!! I bet she will be fast and easy to paddle.
Thanks.
No differential rocker on this one. All my solos have had differential rocker and I want to try one without. My differentially rockered boats have given me some problems on fast moving water (also due to my lack of skill) and I'm hoping this will be a little more friendly. I want it to handle up to CIII rapids. I'll also be fitting it with a spray deck.
Alan
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03/22/2017 10:56AM |