ccarlson

That's a nice, more easily packable design than the usual round stoves. I do like the price point of the tomato juice can model though!

Uh, keep it wet

Paul... you're not getting much action here... maybe try posting to paddling.net You'll probably get a hundred responses FWIW, my 90hp VW diesel has no problem doing illegal highway speeds with two boats and a full load of camping gear aboard. Suspect the Civic would be fine but no first-hand experience. Carl C.

Sideways race... drawstrokes Figure of Eight Race... both forward and reverse All-in rescue race... teams of 4. First team to have everyone in dry boats wins

There are also various compressed-air models, like these... http://tinyurl.com/25bn3r which I have heard are good, but clearly cost more to operate, as they require a cartridge of some sort. The compressed air models are loud but I've found that the cartridges tend to corrode badly after a short time in the ocean kayaking environment.

I've owned and paddled both boats quite a bit... and still have the Explorer. My take on the boats is as follows: Volume/weight: Explorer is a bit larger in volume though not by a large margin. Both boats have adequate volume for camping trips of several days. Explorer is 6 inches longer overall and my current Explorer weighs maybe a few pounds more than the glass Ellesmere did. Note, however, thata Explorer weights vary quite a bit and many are substantially heavier. Construction quality: The Ellesmere is vacuum bagged and of generally very good construction. The Explorer is hand laid and, at least in my own boat, of good quality. This reputedly varies a lot with the Explorer though mine has been very rugged and stands up to tough use. The seat did eventually break and was replaced with the foam seat I prefer anyway. Comfort: I find both boats to be comfortable for my size (6'3", 200lb) with the Elle a slightly snugger fit. My Elle was an ocean cockpit design which was very secure and comfortable underway. Entry and exit were less fun. Seat in the Ellesmere very comfortable except for the large hump at the front edge. I made a foam seat modelled after the Elle seat without the hump... that seat in now in my Explorer. I found the original seat in the Explorer to actually be pretty comfortable. All this is very subjective and dependent upon the paddler's physical characteristics and preferences. On-water performance: The Ellesmere is definitely a faster boat than the Explorer... very fast for it's length in fact. It also turns more sharply when edged and is generally a really nimble and fun boat to paddle. Good in rough conditions though initial stability is a bit twitchy, at least for someone my size and height. Secondary stability is excellent. The boat does have a fairly strong tendency to weathercock due to its loose stern. Just a bit of skeg deployment tames this though. The Explorer is slower with higher initial stability and feels much more secure in rough conditions than the Elle. Doesn't come around quite as quickly as the Elle but is pretty close... a very maneuverable boat for its length. Subjectively, it has a steadier and more highly damped feeling in the water. Surfs better than the Elle. Does not weathercock nearly as strongly. Both boats are very easy to roll. Summary: Ellesmere a bit more demanding of the paddler and somewhat quicker/sportier in terms of handling. Explorer very confidence-inspiring in all conditions and a do-everything-pretty-well boat. Both are great boats with slightly difference characteristics. Really boils down to which one feels good to you. Or, just get one of each

Gene is correct... the sticky stuff on the velcro won't stick for long. I just put contact cement right over the adhesive the velcro came with. It held for 3 years in my previous boat and has been in the Explorer for over a year so far. Carl C.

I didn't make it but looks like everyone had a great day! Anyway, here is the links to the trip photos... http://share.shutterfly.com/action/picture...AatWTJw1aMmLCbA

Rick, I sent you a message with John's contact info. Carl C.

I think it's a new model from Nekki

Interesting article posted by Sea Kayaker magazine regarding relative speeds of several kayak designs. Is longer better? Apparently, only if you consistently paddle well over 4.0kt. Fast Kayak Article

It's possible that those kinds of mutations did exist at some point but didn't survive. While they were ruminating re. postponing immediate gratification, sabre toothed tigers or the like ate them

I'll sharpen my harpoon Friday evening :-)

Yaaaayyyy! ... great job guys... congrats!

Here's the text from a previous message by web admin Bill Gwynn... hope it works for you, would love to see the pix! Ok...Gallery should be functioning. File size limit is 1 meg and 1600px x 1200px. Each user is limited to 50 meg of space for their gallery. To create your gallery: 1.) Log into the forums 2.) Click on "My Controls" 3.) Click on "Your Albums" 4.) Click "Create Album" 5.) Place a title and description 6.) Check the box if you would like the album to be public 7.) Click on "Your Albums" again 8.) From the drop down menu click "Upload Image" 9.) Fill out the caption and description 10.) Click "Add Image"

See y'all there! Carl C.

Uh, I think York is in Maine, not NH

Nah, you guys are too advanced for the Triton... check out a Nelo tandem. Anyway, congrats and best wishes for a long life in tandem ;-)

Well, if kayaking is the primary objective, I'd suggest you consider Baja. Lots of different outfitters for different tastes from mild to wild. It's a magical place with stark desertscapes meeting the topaz blue sea. While I did only paddling when I went, there are numerous other diversions also available including mtn biking, horseback riding, hiking, etc. Winds can be an issue in early part of calendar year so plan some non-paddling days while there. If a beautiful tropical location is the primary objective with some paddling opportunities thrown in, I highly recommend St. John USVI. Most of the island is a National Park and, therefore, unspoiled. This is something pretty rare in the Carribean. No high rises lining the gorgeous beaches. Lodging from camping to villa rentals. I personally love Maho Bay Camps. Oh yeah, the paddling... An outfitter on St. John is Arawak Expeditions http://www.arawakexp.com I haven't been in a few years but have paddled just day trips with them a couple of times. Have fun! Carl C.

Gary, very kewl! Now, when are you going to install those flashing lights to go with it?

I recommend this pouch for the grenades. Can be clipped to pfd straps with a little creativity and also have the safey clips for the grenade pins to boot! http://www.redsoldier.com/Russian-Hand-Grenade-Pouch

Yeah, I think I'll invest in lithiums for both the c-light and the strobe... cheap insurance. Also, just to correct my prior post, it was the ACR C-strobes, not the Firefly that died early deaths. So, can't say how the Firefly might perform. Carl C.

I may not be a representative sample but I've had two ACRs croak on me and the Princeton I got a couple of years ago still functions. That said, I think the ACR is a bit brighter but not sure it would make too much difference.

For the Kennebec and Dead, I've gone several times with New England Outdoors and also with Northern Outdoors. Kennebec should be fine for a 12 yo as well as the Dead in anything but their highest annual releases. The Penob can be quite challenging and you may want to check the various outfitters to see what their minimum age is for that trip. Just passed through The Forks on my way to and from Quebec and things seemed as busy as usual up there. Have a great time!

11/14... now, THAT'S what I call advance planning!