Day 0
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
LessonsLearned

Some of these are quotes from the person, some are just attibuted to them! First the humourous ones:

Brent says:

Lie to the other people about how far it is.

Gillian says:

You can never have too much butter.
Don't go canoeing with people you are unwilling to see mostly naked.
If you fall down with two packs on, you might as well rest there for a while.

Howard says:

When portaging a canoe, there's no such thing as too much shoulder padding.
Either get a fishing licence or confiscate all cameras before taking hold of rod and reel.
Don't bother to bath BEFORE cleaning fish.

Jason says:

Going over a ledge sideways isn't a very good idea
Very cold water takes away your power of speech
Cheese is one of the four basic food groups (Gillian proved that there is nothing that is not improved by the addition of cheese)
The aluminum/plastic paddles are terrible for filleting fish (the fish slides off the ridge of the handle where it is joined to the bottom part)
Even if the two people in the canoe agree on the plan before going down a rapid, it doesn't mean the plan is any good.
A fish fillet can absorb more than its own weight in butter.

Mike says:

Keep the round side of the canoe down in the water.
Spray cover does not prevent canoe from flipping over. Nor does it prevent gear inside canoe from shifting.
Plastic wrap will keep out mosquitos.
Thermarests should be stored rolled out or, stated differently, one should read the instructions that come with outdoors gear.
When fixing wiring on vehicle, one should reconnect to trailer before assuming that the fix worked.

Now for some serious ones:

Avoid wearing sandals/Tevas etc. Howard got cold toes in these conditions. If it had been rainy, would have been worse. That said, Warren has done many canoe trips with Tevas... but has since moved on. When wading, sneakers (or Teva Wet Climbers!) protect your toes when you slip, which happens every other step. Even as camp shoes on dry land, the portions of socks exposed by sandals tend to pick up all kinds of prickly twigs etc.
Don't touch/grab the gunwhales. This is one of those things that you have to learn under fire...
Use your head to support help support the weight of the canoe during portages. Mike uses a helmet, Warren used extra pads. IF you have a strong neck, this can double the distance you can carry a canoe.
Unless the bowman looks back, he has almost no clue as to the actual direction or condition of the canoe. Bowmen rarely notice when the canoe has filled and sunk.
Don't rely entirely on waterproof bags. Howard suspects that the rolltop waterproof bags work better when stuffed to the brim.
Don't wait for the pictures to be developed to enjoy the scenery.
When running rapids, you WILL get wet. It is still a successful run even when your canoe fill totally, and you are sitting in water up to your armpits. Oh, and bowmen always get wetter than stern-men.
Make sure all newbies have enough gear. Two sets of clothing and rain gear are VITAL.
Always keep your map and compass open in front of you. Mike discovered that this is the secret to good navigation.
And some simple, novice lessons that Gillian learned:
Learned about the 1.5 method of portaging.
Learned my steps are about 75% of a yard.
Learned not to have loose stuff in the canoe.
Learned how to fillet fish.
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