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As life goes on, you learn things. This page is a summary of the things that we have learnt about canoeing
in
the North. Some are obvious, but put down here anyways. A lot of these things have to be learnt the
hard
way.
Serious ones:
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Don't try to start a fire with birch, especially in the rain.
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Don't count on the map to have the locations of falls correctly mapped. Always scout ahead.
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Don't wear jeans, or any cotton if you can avoid it. Polar fleece and wool is magic stuff. Wool socks
should be mandatory.
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Check the map, especially at the junction of two maps!
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Tie in your gear... Always
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Bring a spare set of clothes, and pack them so they stay dry. If you change into the dry ones, do NOT
get them wet.
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Your feet are going to get wet. Accept this.
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A canoe makes a great table. An aluminum canoe and even better one.
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Arrange your packs to that they are "stackable" for portages. We usually portage wearing a
large
heavy-duty pack, with a second large one sitting across it on top. If the portage is not too steep or
rugged, a third small pack can be worn on front. The small one should be put on first to keep the
straps in place.
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Don't tie anything into a canoe you are going to portage. Keep it as light as possible. I don't even
tie
my paddles in. Don't wear any packs while portaging it either. I usually wear my life jacket because
it
provides additional padding for my shoulders.
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Make sure you tie up the loose ropes and painters before portaging the canoe. We have had two
incidents where people almost got knocked over backwards when a loose rope got caught. Once they
almost fell backwards down a steep cliff. Note that both of these incidents involved Rick Lloyd!
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Humorous ones:
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If you are going on a trip where you planning on frying everything, make sure you
remember the margarine.
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Putting up a large tarp over your cooking area greatly decreases the chances of rain.
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Check the map, especially at the junction of two maps!
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When Tim says he is thirsty, make him drink, even if it is your water. When Alan says he is
hungry, let him eat.
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When you go to all the trouble to mark a trail, make sure you follow the markers.
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More to come as each is (painfully?) learned!
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