Dogs and Canoeing
Dogs have long been trusty travel companions. John Steinbeck recounted his cross-country adventures with his dog in Travels with Charlie. Author Peter Jenkins chronicled his walk across America with his beloved half malamute by his side. But getting a dog to sit still in a canoe? A challenge, yes. Impossible, no. Dogs really can be great canoeing companions. Listed below are several links that give good advice on canoeing with your beloved canine friend. To quote the experts at Rutabaga, a Wisconsin paddlesport shop, “Canoes + Canines…an equation that can work for you…
Who called it settling down? Starting a family doesn’t mean that canoe adventures have to come to an end. In fact, canoeing takes on a whole new significance with kids. A good, practical guide to canoeing with kids has been written by Rolf and Debra Kraiker, Cradle to Canoe, Camping and Canoeing with Children. And there’s more from Gorp on canoeing with kids.
The ability to tie at least a couple of good knots can go a long way when you’re canoeing. If you were never a Boy Scout or a Campfire Girl, or if you need a refresher on knot tying basics here are some resources.
Netknots.com provides an extensive guide to ideal knots for four categories: paddling, the outdoors, fishing and boating while Folsom’s basic guide to knot tying offers basic information, Knots and Lashing provides an illustrated guide to the basics, and The Web Knot Index will connect you to a variety of knot-tying web sites.
Does planning for anything longer than an overnight paddle leave you struggling for meal ideas? Ever had your tent zipper break halfway through a week-long trip? Wish you could light a one-match campfire? Wonder just how many uses there are for duct tape or how to carry eggs into the wilderness without lugging that big old cooler? You can learn tricks of the trade, like frozen chili for your first night’s supper, from one camper’s personal page. You can never learn too many canoeing tips and tricks, from fixing a broken zipper to critter-proofing your camp to ideas on staying safe and dealing with the unexpected. Check out these tips and tricks resources.
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