The more things change the more they stay the same. Or so they say.

My very first time in a canoe was in a 12 foot Sportspal .

We had that canoe for about 8 years or so. From the time I was about 12 years old until I was 20 it was the only canoe . It leaked and 'oil canned' badly but it weighed only 35 lbs and could be rowed or paddled and was the perfect canoe to start me off exploring the lakes in and around South River near entrance # 3 to Algonquin Park. I rowed that canoe by myself into Lost Dog lake several times.

Once , the wind and waves were so bad on Kawawaymog ( Round lake by the locals) that there were about 20 canoes piled up at amable du fond waiting for the wind to subside before daring to venture forth onto the lake. A very few experienced paddlers were making the attempt against 2-3 foot swells .

And then here comes a lone paddler in a 12 foot sportspal calmly surfing the waves across the lake using both paddles in the oarlocks as rudders. Wasnt a problem at all for me and got a big kick out of the incredulous looks I got from the paddlers who were making very little headway against the wind.

Fast forward 30 years .....

So after watching my kevlar canoe slowly getting beaten up by the rocky shores in Temagami....I have sold it and ordered a new custom Sportspal .

A lot of improvements from 25 years ago. 14 foot square stern so I can put my Honda 2 horse easily on the back and at 44 lbs with an 850 lb payload this canoe should fit the bill perfectly for my particular needs.

First trip will be in August of this year. Just me and my wolf-dog , 'Gordy'. Watch for pictures and a trip log.

Larry.

Well , in my experience the weather always plays a huge role in each and every trip no matter what you prepare for. This trip was no exception.  Starting with high winds and huge rollers on arrival day for Geoff and Darrin.  I was hoping they would end up camping on Hodge but the weather and circumstances of the time changed that. Despite the 1/2 mile distance between campsites Geoff and Darrin visited often. I found the weather cool and damp for June.  Night time lows  from 2-5 degrees with the air not warming to daytimes highs of 15 till about 3:00 in the afternoon. Mist and rain were in order for Monday and Tuesday. Lookin forward now to an August trip. May change all of my future trips to July and August.  More fish and warmer weather works for me.

June 1st , 2009

Tomorrow is Tuesday ,- pack up day! The plan is to have a long nap mid-day since I'll have the house to myself. Denise gets home around 6;30 p.m.

I'll get up then and pack the truck. And leave about 1:00 a.m. This will put me at the 'put in' approx. 6;30 a.m with 2 , 15 min. stops along the way.  Ohh mann !!!   24 hrs!

Boom dee adda, boom dee adda, boom dee adda, boom dee adda, I love the planning, I love to buy new stuff, I love the drive up, Even the stops I make ! . Boom dee adda boom dee adda, boom dee adda, boom dee adda. I love the put in, I hate the bugs that bite, I love the paddlin', I love my motor more! Boom dee adda, boom dee adda, boom dee adda, boom dee adda, I love the hot days, I hate the freezin' nites, I love the thunderstorms, especially northern lites, boom dee adda, boom dee adda, boom dee adda, boom dee adda, hmm hmm  hmm hmm, hmm hmm , hmm hmm----

Arrival day  will be Wednesday June 3rd.

Geoff and Darrin will arrive on Friday June 5th.

I am guessing around 12;30 p.m.

I have thought of a 10 day trip many times before, usually around the campfire  on the eve of departure day. Always wondering when I'll be able to come back, sometimes not for another whole year. A trip of this length takes a lot of planning, uses up 2 weeks of holiday time, and I have to convince my wife its a good idea.

I will be bringing my new canoe partner, 'Gordy" on this trip so there will be extra things to pack for him. A solo trip with my dog at my side is the best trip there is in my book. Sort of like "caveman and his wolfdog against the elements'. Arh, arh, arh !

My nephew Geoff will be going on my trip in 2009, perhaps he will come up in 2010 as well if he likes the lake enough. Sharing a site for half of the 10 days works for me. The other half will be just 'Gordy' and myself.  Only 375 days to go!

Will soon be picking Gordy up. June 13th tentativaly. I must admit I cant wait!! I,ve actually taken a week off to make sure Gordy bonds to me and to help him adust to his new "pack".   I am a bit concerned that Denises Cairn Terrier Toby the Turbo might be a wee bit  jealous, but - I hope they will be the best of friends. Will just have to wait and see!    

Update:  Gordy has been home now for almost a week.  What a wonderful breed westies are. So many of the traits I liked in Mac are present already in this pup.

   SO!  I am now looking forward to a late summer trip of  Aug. 23rd-30th. average daily temps at this time of year should be approx 24 degrees daytime and about 5 degrees at night. PERFECT!  The weather is more stable at this time of year- read less wind and less rain, bass are tryin to fatten up for winter, and pickeral will provide the incentive!! and NO BUGS!! Thank goodness my wife lets me indulge in these activities. Bless her heart. Denise puts up with a lot. I hope to bring Gordy on this trip if he is calm enough at 5 months old ,will have to see.