Carpe Diem
I walked outside to go to lunch and realized it was sunny and 50 degrees… in the middle of January!! Carpe Diem (seize the day). I went home got changed and went paddling. First paddle of 2023 – there’s a new camera angle coming to the channel which “elevates” the experience. Watch and see!
Labor Day Paddling
It was Labor Day and we decided to go out and have some fun on the river. My son wanted to fish. His girlfriend wanted to relax. I wanted to film. See what happened next. There will be raindrops… many rain drops!!!
Tofte Lake Paddling
I was in Ely, Minnesota for a few days and going on day trips into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) in my Northstar Northwind Solo. In this video I paddle on Tofte Lake in the Superior National Forest near the BWCAW. This is a “bite-sized” adventure where you can sit back, relax, and pretend you’re in the boat with me.
Boundary Waters Paddling
I’m in Ely, Minnesota for several days and going on day trips into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) in my Northstar Northwind Solo. In this video I paddle on Lake One and the Kawishiwi River in the BWCAW. This is a “bite-sized” adventure where you can sit back, relax, and pretend you’re in the boat with me. A few unexpected things happen but mostly this is a chill video where you can admire the plentious beauty of the northwoods.
Paddling on Garden Lake | Ely, Minnesota
By now you’ve probably watched Episode 1 in my YouTube video series and you know that I finally made it to Ely Minnesota to go paddling. In this video I paddle on Garden Lake in the Superior National Forest near Ely. This is a “bite-sized” adventure where you can sit back, relax, and pretend you’re in the boat with me. While camping appeals to me, a hot shower, air conditioning and a comfortable bed appeal more. I call the Northwoods Inn my “campsite” for this adventure. Click below and sit back, Relax and Enjoy
Mystery Paddling Destination
Every summer I say I’m going to go “here”.
But I have never gone.
It feels so intimidating. So far and so mysterious. I’ve heard many talks about this place at Canoecopia. I’ve looked at maps. I’ve done some research. Never went. Finally… this summer… I found out at the last minute that I have a week off work and I run out of excuses… I’m doing it! I packed up my Northstar Northwind Solo Canoe and got on the road.
Watch this video of the road trip as I slowly give away clues as to where I’m going…
Do you have to be good at your hobby to enjoy it?
My daughter came home for a visit for Father’s Day. We went out for a paddle and we started talking about a fascinating topic. Do you have to be good at a hobby to enjoy it? We talked about some other stuff too – including my idea for a “Hobby Superstore” where you can rent good entry level equipment for just about any hobby. Enjoy this relaxing video where you just sit back, relax and pretend you’re on the water with us.
How to clear a blocked river
When I went to my usual paddling spot for the first time this year recently, there was a downed tree that was blocking the river. I decided to bring a saw and go back to clear the way before it got clogged up with lots of sticks and leaves and debris. I packed up my Northstar Northwind Solo with gloves, a hatchet, some rope and my Agawa Canyon Boreal 21 saw and set out to clear it. It seemed like an easy job, but things are sometimes more difficult than you expect.
First time paddling 2022
I got out to paddle for the first time this year recently. Here’s a quick video to “wet your whistle” for what’s to come this summer. Enjoy
I got a “new” kayak | Wilderness Systems Tarpon 140
I was scanning my email recently and saw a good deal pop up on a used 2012 Wilderness Systems Tarpon 140. I had been talking about getting a sit on top for a while now and this was the boat I had targeted in the color I wanted (mango). I couldn’t resist. I bought it. She’s a beauty. See for yourself.
Specifications:
LENGTH: 14′ / 427 CM WIDTH: 28″ / 71 CM
BOAT WEIGHT: 68 LBS. / 31 KG DECK HEIGHT: 14.5″ / 37 CM
MAX CAPACITY: 375 LBS. / 170 KG
Advantages I’ve seen so far (compared to my other boats (solo canoe, sea kayak, recreational kayak) include impossible to swamp/sink (unless you leave the hatch covers open), easy to get into and out of, less feeling of “being trapped” inside, lots of places for accessories (fish finders, rod holders), comfortable seat, lots of dry storage, lots of room on back deck for a cooler and tackle box. It is very stable and tracks nicely.
Disadvantages include – the weight (68 pounds) is a bit more than I personally want to lift on top of my SUV alone. It also has a lot of “pointy bits” that scrape your skin as you are trying to lift it on top of your car. It isn’t as easy as you might think to get back on top of if you tip it over in deep water.
It has a sticker on the front from the shop where it was originally purchased in San Marcos, TX. A big shoutout to T & G canoes and kayaks.
Looking forward to many adventures in it.
If you want to see my video review – click here
Massie Creek Paddlers 