This past winter seemed rather long and somewhat more challenging than most winters in Kentucky. After not having been sick for at least four years, I had to fight off some kind of respiratory ailment that lasted for several weeks this past winter. Even though I did manage to get out some with my camera or to simply take a hike from time to time, as the winter progressed I longed more and more for the warmer days of canoeing season. I found myself thumbing through previous photos or video clips from past canoe camping seasons. About all that accomplished was to enhance my desire to get out again.
The canoeing season for me usually begins somewhere around the end of March or early April and ends somewhere around the end of October or maybe early November. That four or five month gap between seasons allows for some free time to prepare for the next season. It is important, especially as for someone older like myself (I'll turn 73 this year) to stay physically fit. Neglecting doing so can actually prevent or at the very least, slow you down when the new canoe season arrives.
(As always check with your doctor before beginning any kind of strenuous workout routine). I keep it simple and do what works for me. There was a day I would spend a good deal of time at the gym. Now that's a good thing, but it took a lot of time and involved some expense. In more recent days I have streamlined my workout routine by using my garage as a gym. It's a whole lot cheaper and way more convenient. Overall, I workout 3, sometimes 4 days a week. On those days, I do a series of pushups ... usually about 100 or so spread over three or four sets. Pushups are one of the best and easiest forms of strength training routines as it works pretty much your whole body especially your shoulders and upper back which are crucial muscles for canoeing. I also throw in some arm strengthening routines using, of all things, an old car battery for a weight. It weighs about 40 pounds or so and provides enough resistance to strengthen not only my biceps but my upper back, lats, and shoulders. My two car battery routines include bicep curls and one arm bent-over rows. The full workout usually takes about 15 at most 20 minutes. In addition I also throw in some walking usually averaging 2 to 3 miles upwards to 3 to 4 times a week...except during the coldest part of the winter where I tend to back off for a while. Last year I managed over 800 miles of walking with as many as 10 miles for a high, and as few as less than 2. My goal was to make 1000 miles for the year...oh well...I came close. It's a good idea and kind of fun to keep a walking log tracking your daily miles, month to date miles, and overall mileage. It also serves as a form of motivation to keep going and over time it adds up quickly. Start slow and build endurance and strength..and keep it simple and fun and remember, you don't have to wear yourself out, just get started and stay with it! ( I managed to drop a few pounds along the way.)
When it comes to canoe camping or any kind of activity that involves carrying your camping gear with you, less is most always better. For canoeing I use two main waterproof bags ... the smaller one I use for my personal gear like dry clothes, spit kit, small towel ... you know, those things you will need around camp but not so much through the day. The larger one carries my actual camping gear like tent or tarp, sleeping bag, ground cloth, cooking gear, small shovel, small hatchet ... again...those things necessary for an overnight or multi-day trip. I also use a very small bag for wallet, phone, keys, extra camera batteries and such. During the hotter months and even though I avoid using one most of the time, I will actually carry a small cooler to store any kind of perishable food items.
Speaking of food, there is nothing more satisfying than eating a good meal cooked over a campfire. I love bacon and eggs of a morning while observing fog drifting off the water. At day's end, a good steak or even hamburger really completes the day. If not for items such as those, I would never carry a cooler with me. Most of the time I can get by with freeze dried foods or food not needing to stay cool. The idea is to keep it simple but nourishing.
As far as canoe gear goes, this past offseason allowed me to build and/or modify a couple of canoe/kayak paddles. One was a how to make a double paddle instructional video I posted as YouTube video (https://youtu.be/Va3iK9KRTpw?si=Ugak5WJhH23oJ6pm).
Fun project and I'm looking forward to trying it out. The other one I simply modified a previous paddle so I can break it down into two pieces.
My canoe gear for most canoe trips stays about the same regardless if it is a day trip or overnighter. I use a 16 foot Old Town Camper canoe. It's a great canoe and has served we well for over 20 years now. It weighs in at 59 pounds...there are newer and lighter weight canoes available now days, but, I'd be lost without my venerable and trusty Old Town. Paddles include one double bladed paddle plus a spare single paddle. When you need to cover some distance, that double paddle is the way to go. It offers almost continuous momentum and straight tracking. A lifejacket, throwable cushion, seatback, water bailer, fifteen feet or so of rope plus an anchor...and that's about it to round out the basics. I keep it simple too along with some basic fishing gear. As always, it is best to build up slowly until you gain confidence and skill.
My camera gear needs, I have learned should also remain simple. For landscapes and such I use my Sony A77 plus two lenses: a 75-300 Minolta zoom and a 18-50 Sigma wide angle fitted with a circular polarizer filter. For video I primarily use my phone for it takes very good video. I will also shoot some video with the Sony for certain kinds of footage the phone may not capture quite as well. I also include a small tripod to secure the phone too for the video footage and for long exposures with the other camera gear. Yes, I have more capable camera gear, but there really is no need to lug it around, which I have done in the past. it is amazing how little camera gear you actually need to capture your adventure. All the gear is stored inside a watertight ammo box when not in use.
When loading the canoe, I place most all the gear as far forward as I can. This provides a counter weight forward to offset my weight aft and allows the canoe to track better and to not be as adversely affected by the wind. I also load the gear as low in the canoe as possible avoiding any packs or bags to extend above the gunwales. This lowers the center of gravity helping to retain canoe stability, and reduces its wind catching signature. Camera and fishing gear I keep close to me as well as water bottles and snacks.
Yeah, I'm ready for a new season of canoeing adventure. The photographic possibilities are almost limitless and with any luck at all, I'll be able to capture some unique moments of light. Preparing for those potential moments requires a measure of planning and preparation, but those things are what adds to the mystique and enduring nature of pursuing such things. Keeping it simple, staying within your own capabilities, and being willing to give it a try makes what might seem out of reach...possible.
