Yes, we had an excellent bail-out option with a hike to get back to our van. Then we were able to pick up the canoes.
Our canoes are Hornbooks - lightweight kevlar (and similar materials). They are designed for solo paddling although some Hornbooks can carry two people or a person and a dog....
A kayak paddle is the way to to although I do carry a back-up single paddle for emergencies. My canoe only weighs 15 pounds. I can easily pick it up and carry it many places. It is also easy to load on a vehicle. Here is a link to the Hornbeck website - https://www.hornbeckboats.com. There are other lightweight canoes out there - Swift Canoes makes some really nice ones as done Lake Placid Boatworks.
As far as tips - I went on some shorter paddles in the beginning and practiced getting in an out of the Hornbeck on a beach or low water. I pack most of my stuff in drybag and place that behind me in the canoe. I always carry emergency kits and a way to contact someone in case of an emergency. Your question is excellent - maybe I should do a post on it? Let me know if you have other questions too.
What an adventure! Glad you were able to find an alternate way to get back to the car without having to do that portage again.
I'm curious about how you started solo paddling. I know there are canoes designed for solo paddlers and since it is so hard for me to find a buddy to canoe with, the idea has been intriguing. Using a kayak paddle makes sense to me, but I'd love to hear more about your canoe and any tips for going solo.
Woah! I’ve paddled into a headwind once or twice before and that’s no joke! What a tough decision to do another loop to go back for the dry bag. What was in it? I’d be tempted to cut it as a loss! 😂
Yes, we had an excellent bail-out option with a hike to get back to our van. Then we were able to pick up the canoes.
Our canoes are Hornbooks - lightweight kevlar (and similar materials). They are designed for solo paddling although some Hornbooks can carry two people or a person and a dog....
A kayak paddle is the way to to although I do carry a back-up single paddle for emergencies. My canoe only weighs 15 pounds. I can easily pick it up and carry it many places. It is also easy to load on a vehicle. Here is a link to the Hornbeck website - https://www.hornbeckboats.com. There are other lightweight canoes out there - Swift Canoes makes some really nice ones as done Lake Placid Boatworks.
As far as tips - I went on some shorter paddles in the beginning and practiced getting in an out of the Hornbeck on a beach or low water. I pack most of my stuff in drybag and place that behind me in the canoe. I always carry emergency kits and a way to contact someone in case of an emergency. Your question is excellent - maybe I should do a post on it? Let me know if you have other questions too.
What an adventure! Glad you were able to find an alternate way to get back to the car without having to do that portage again.
I'm curious about how you started solo paddling. I know there are canoes designed for solo paddlers and since it is so hard for me to find a buddy to canoe with, the idea has been intriguing. Using a kayak paddle makes sense to me, but I'd love to hear more about your canoe and any tips for going solo.
I've not (yet) been to the Adirondacks-they are for sure on my list! And that last picture is beautiful!
Good point. These decisions are always hard. We felt the items were essential.....it all worked out and I can laugh about it now.
Woah! I’ve paddled into a headwind once or twice before and that’s no joke! What a tough decision to do another loop to go back for the dry bag. What was in it? I’d be tempted to cut it as a loss! 😂