Heading out for the weekend

Maine_JMW

Maine_JMW

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Mar 27, 2008
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After a long layoff, I'm heading out for my first canoe camping trip in about 10 years this weekend with a buddy from work. We're headed out tomorrow morning to Lobster Lake in north central Maine. It's supposed to rain most of the weekend, but we've been planning and looking forward to it so long, we're going anyway. Shouldn't be tough to get a campsite that way either (they're first come, first served).

I used to do a fair bit of canoe camping, so I'll be bringing that gear and knowledge with me, but I'm happy to say I'll also be bringing new knowledge that I've picked up at this forum. I'll also be bringing my first BF knife purchase (a Becker Necker) and some freshly Siguy-sharpened items (knives and axe).

I'm bringing my digital camera, so hopefully I'll have some pics to post when I get back.

Jon
 
Hope the weather holds out for you bro .... but regardless I'm sure it will be a good time.

Be safe !
 
Years ago, if I wanted to go canoeing for the weekend, I would check the weather report. If it said rain for the weekend, I wouldn't go and of course, it would be nice all weekend. Similarly, if they said it would be nice, it would rain. So the solution is go anyway, and to hell with all the weatherman.

I found that some of my nicest times canoeing, was in the rain, providing, of course, that you're warm and dry. When it rains, it changes the sounds and the colours of your surrounding, and it can be mucho enjoyable.

To further enhance the wet weekend canoe trip, we take extra tarps, 1 oversize tarp to use over the tent instead of the anorexic fly that comes with most of them. There is enough room under the tent tarp to sit in a couple of lawn chairs, sipping a rye and coke. If the rain decides to come in at a different angle than vertical, there's enough tarp to take care of it. Also footwear, etc. can be removed and put on without mucking up the tent.

A large tarp or two for over the fire, so you can sit around the fire, in the rain, and you won't dilute your vodka and orange, known as Triple R in these parts (River Runner's Reward).

Something I forgot to mention regarding the oversize tent tarp, is that when you first get to camp, you put up the tarp, then you can remove your rain gear and stay dry while putting up the tent. It also keeps the tent dry for tearing down, when leaving.

One other important consideration, for me at least. When first setting up camp, dig the latrine, under a tarp of course, so if, in the middle of the night, when it's pouring down rain......................:(

Doc
 
Sounds like fun. I love canoe camping. There is a different sense of freedom you get and the serenity of being in places most people don't visit. Should also be a great time of year with regards to bugs. Looking forward to the pictures! Take Plenty. Don't forget the PJC and firesteel!
 
DOC-CANADA said:
Years ago, if I wanted to go canoeing for the weekend, I would check the weather report. If it said rain for the weekend, I wouldn't go and of course, it would be nice all weekend. Similarly, if they said it would be nice, it would rain. So the solution is go anyway, and to hell with all the weatherman.
Click to expand...

It's almost as if you read my mind... I went through that exact thought process throughout this week.

DOC-CANADA said:
I found that some of my nicest times canoeing, was in the rain, providing, of course, that you're warm and dry. When it rains, it changes the sounds and the colours of your surrounding, and it can be mucho enjoyable.

To further enhance the wet weekend canoe trip, we take extra tarps, 1 oversize tarp to use over the tent instead of the anorexic fly that comes with most of them. There is enough room under the tent tarp to sit in a couple of lawn chairs, sipping a rye and coke. If the rain decides to come in at a different angle than vertical, there's enough tarp to take care of it. Also footwear, etc. can be removed and put on without mucking up the tent.

A large tarp or two for over the fire, so you can sit around the fire, in the rain, and you won't dilute your vodka and orange, known as Triple R in these parts (River Runner's Reward).
Click to expand...

I have two large tarps and a spare packed. And as my friend said this morning when we confirmed that we were going -- "I have rain gear, plenty of rum, and a great attitude" I laughed out loud and knew right then that we would have a good time.

DOC-CANADA said:
Something I forgot to mention regarding the oversize tent tarp, is that when you first get to camp, you put up the tarp, then you can remove your rain gear and stay dry while putting up the tent. It also keeps the tent dry for tearing down, when leaving.
Click to expand...

Excellent point. We're supposed to arrive before the rain hits and hope to take advantage by getting our tarps up and gathering as much dry wood as possible to get it under shelter before the rain hits.

DOC-CANADA said:
One other important consideration, for me at least. When first setting up camp, dig the latrine, under a tarp of course, so if, in the middle of the night, when it's pouring down rain......................:(
Click to expand...

Sounds like you speak from experience ;) We will actually be camping on managed state land, so we have the luxury of an outhouse.

Thank you for taking the time to offer these excellent thoughts and ideas.

Jon
 
Maine_JMW said:
After a long layoff, I'm heading out for my first canoe camping trip in about 10 years this weekend with a buddy from work. We're headed out tomorrow morning to Lobster Lake in north central Maine. It's supposed to rain most of the weekend, but we've been planning and looking forward to it so long, we're going anyway. Shouldn't be tough to get a campsite that way either (they're first come, first served).

I used to do a fair bit of canoe camping, so I'll be bringing that gear and knowledge with me, but I'm happy to say I'll also be bringing new knowledge that I've picked up at this forum. I'll also be bringing my first BF knife purchase (a Becker Necker) and some freshly Siguy-sharpened items (knives and axe).

I'm bringing my digital camera, so hopefully I'll have some pics to post when I get back.

Jon
Click to expand...

Wow! I'm jealous!! I hope you have a great time! The fall foliage should be getting pretty nice around now!

I second what Doc-Canada says about the tarps. :thumbup: Best investment for a canoe trip. Back in 1979-80? my buddy and I took a canoe trip to Moosehead Lake (or maybe it was Mooslookmeguntic... I can't remember exactly.) Rained every day and we never even got into the canoe. We sat under the tarps, tending the fire, playing guitars, just relaxing for four days. Only needed to put on a poncho to get to the outhouse! One of the best canoe trips in my memory! :)

You might want to bring a small hatchet or ax to get at the drier wood for your fire. That was our biggest difficulty as it had been raining for several days before we arrived.

Stitchawl
 
Maine_JMW said:
Sounds like you speak from experience ;) Jon
Click to expand...

Regrettably yes. I think it has something to do with the booze, change of diet, etc., and the rain, of course. :(

Fixing up the sh*tter first, makes all the difference. Since nobody else is around, I leave a spare lantern there and all the other necessary amenities (under the tarp roof). Then, I started getting carried away :rolleyes:. Considered a remote control battery operated lantern, mini DVD player, .......................


Anyway, have a great trip. I would like to squeeze one in before snowfall, but who knows?

Doc
 
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