Tiny Canoes on the Clearwater…
Matthew July 27th, 2010
Following is a trip journal I posted to “Song of the Paddle”. At Christine’s request I’m reposting here so readers of this blog can follow along… Matthew
It’s been a long time since I’ve had a chance to post anything, but thought it high time to change that. My father has owned an Old Town Pack for a number of years, and decided last week his shoulder problems were going to make it impossible for him to use any more. Knowing that I’d love to have a solo boat to add to the fleet, we worked out a suitable trade, and yesterday we drove home with a barely used Pack strapped to the top of the car. Along the way home we stopped at Salmon Lake, the southern-most lake in our own “Lake District” here in western Montana.
Ready to roll… I’m glad I read the reviews of the Pack (and listened to my dad’s advice…), the first few moments in it make you wonder if you will go for a swim, then it seems perfectly normal. After about a half hour I felt like I could lounge about and at one point even stood up to get a better view… but she’s a lively little thing!
The Pack isn’t the first boat my father bought then, sent our way. Christine paddled her Perception Sparky. It’s essentially a decked version of the Pack. Dad bought it to use at his favorite fishing pond, but the first time he used it, he got stuck inside and had to be helped out by his companions. Like me, my dad is a big guy and the Sparky is a small boat. It shortly afterward made its way to our house… as you can see Christine is tiny and the perfect size for it. No danger of getting stuck.
We headed across the north end of the lake and entered the Clearwater river. The stream was very shallow and the two little boats skimmed along like leaves on the water.
A Pack’s eye view…
A place of quiet comtemplation… we saw eagles, deer, a heron, and many belted kingfishers as we made our way upstream.
Christine leads the way.
…and I follow behind, trying out my double paddle.
Perfect stillness…
I gave the single blade a try, kneeling. I’m torn… they’re both good. Not nearly as fast as the double blade, but a wonderful feel.
Heading acoss a wider section of the river.
The stream flows on and on. The Clearwater takes a meandering route through this section of the valley, and around every bend is a new side channel to explore.
The two wee boats. As I guessed, they are the perfect vehicles to take one deep into secluded spots that would be too small to get our 18.5 foot cruising canoe into. They made an afternoon on a lazy river feel like a grand adventure…
…”the smaller the boat the greater the sport”
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You guys always look like you are having fun. That looks like a perfect day to on the water. Those little canoes would be great for portages.
Have you ever heard of this trip? My husband used to canoe these waters.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eiTBDCHK_0c
These two little cuties look like a lot of fun. How nice to have a fleet at your disposal.
It’s really embarrassing to have to admit this, but I can hardly relate to anything that the two of you are doing, although I am envious. I have knees that would just not allow the sorts of contortions I’d have to do to even climb on board.
Having said that, I can tell you honestly what I’m thinking, right?
1) I wish someone would say that I am tiny, and
2) Christine looks so cool, sitting in the water. I could do that!
Sandy, thank you for that Youtube video; it looks like a wonderful river.
Clair – it’s OK – that’s what we’re here for! And… I’m not exactly “tiny”. I guess it’s all a matter of perspective.
Y’all are havin’ just too much fun. The scenery there is breath taking. Thanks for sharing.
what fun you two look to be having. and Christine i have to say you look so comfortable cooling down in the water. beautiful scenery you’ve shared. continue to enjoy yourselves. have a great night.
It’s delightful to read a post from you, Matthew. Your trip looks beautiful. And I love the last photo of Christine sitting in the water!
I like the look and size of those boats! I want to get a couple of small kayaks to mount on the stern of my motorboat, so I can travel to different shores, anchor the motorboat and explore or go ashore in the kayaks. The canoe looks like it would be easier to get in and out of from the big boat, but I like the size of the kayak.
Christine, I really enjoyed Matthew’s post! I felt as though I was there with you – such a tranquil and scenic place. You look like you’re thoroughly enjoying yourself. Now, I’m just a little worried that Red Raven may feel neglected – I hope not!
Very enjoyable post! What a gorgeous area to spend the day. Looks like a great trip.
Those are two sexy looking canoes! Your trip looked absolutely wonderful. Full of serenity and beauty and fun all mixed up together.
It reminded me of my only ever trip kayaking down a river with friends in Iowa. I loved how close it got me to birds like Herons and Belted Kingfisher and Great Crested Flycathers…….