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Recent content by SWriverstone

  1. SWriverstone

    San Juans weather check...

    Hi All—thanks again for all the good information. Call me a wimp, but after having my heart and sights set on a week of paddling last week...I decided that my week off should be FUN, which for me means lots of sunshine. I'm not afraid of rain...but from what I heard, the entire Seattle area was...
  2. SWriverstone

    Solo Canoe advice?

    A bit of advice from a former whitewater canoe slalom racer: going with a longer (canoe) paddle is a good thing if your top-hand shoulder is in good shape, because having your hand/arm higher on planting the blade gives you more downward power, which translates to a stronger stroke. It also...
  3. SWriverstone

    San Juans weather check...

    All good comments @cougarmeat - I paddled whitewater in the pouring rain for years—it makes no difference, LOL. And great points about a tarp (and in fact I already have a Kelty Noah). I'm no stranger to backpacking in the rain—which is arguably worse than kayak- or car-camping in the rain...
  4. SWriverstone

    San Juans weather check...

    Well dammit...the forecast for next week (my week to paddle in the San Juans or somewhere) has deteriorated rapidly. A deep low over Southern Alaska is poised to send significant waves of moisture down through the PNW starting Sunday night into Monday. We're still a bit far out for a wholly...
  5. SWriverstone

    Solo Canoe advice?

    Lifelong canoeist here: whatever canoe you get, I'd strongly recommend paddling the traditional way canoes are paddled—on your knees. This might sound painful, but it's actually wonderful for your back (this is why so many people love those "kneeling" office chairs). Kneeling naturally positions...
  6. SWriverstone

    Sunshine Coast Info (moved from General Discussions)

    I just have to say @mick_allen - your reconnaissance of this area is nothing short of a CIA covert mission planner's! :D I'm impressed! LOL
  7. SWriverstone

    Cypress Head, San Juan Islands, WA 2–4 Sept 2023

    Ahh okay @alexsidles —I've read good reviews of that Sony. I have a similar camera, a Panasonic Lumix FZ2500. I originally bought it for its video capabilities (it has several "pro" features like a built-in neutral density filter, a silky-smooth manual focus/iris, etc.) and for its superzoom...
  8. SWriverstone

    Cypress Head, San Juan Islands, WA 2–4 Sept 2023

    Great narrative and photos as always @alexsidles (I loved your Terrible Tilly report too.) What kind of camera do you use? Really stellar images and you must either have a powerful zoom or a really long lens?
  9. SWriverstone

    Wilderness Systems Tempest 180 Pro $1100 USD

    Hi—I'm assuming you sold this boat?
  10. SWriverstone

    Tent: Naturehike Cloud Peak - "inspired by" Hilleberg Allak but costs ~$200 CAD

    This is definitely the problem with winter camping! I rarely sleep more than 7 hours...and it's a drag to have to lay around in darkness trying to entertain yourself until bedtime or sunrise.
  11. SWriverstone

    Fast/Fun Kayak Recommendation? Q700x, Rapier 18, 18x Sport, Wind 585

    Thanks Rick. Looks like (according to the specs online) the original Mariner is 18'5"—that right? I might be interested in it. I'm actually down in Eugene, Oregon (so I'd have to come UP to see it, LOL). I'll let you know when I'll be heading up that way and could take a look. Scott
  12. SWriverstone

    Fast/Fun Kayak Recommendation? Q700x, Rapier 18, 18x Sport, Wind 585

    All good points @AM - I wouldn't argue with any of those. Because really, I've just been trying to justify not spending thousands on a new boat! LOL (And my Tsunami is still fine for the moment.) And I agree we all generally get weaker with age—not stronger. :-)
  13. SWriverstone

    Fast/Fun Kayak Recommendation? Q700x, Rapier 18, 18x Sport, Wind 585

    Interesting thread. As someone very much like the OP in terms of size (5'11", 212lbs) I've been very happy paddling my plastic Tsunami 165. Like the OP, I also like to paddle fast and far...so I've been pondering whether I should buy a higher-performance composite boat? For me, the decision...
  14. SWriverstone

    San Juans weather check...

    Thanks @alexsidles - that's reassuring, and jibes with what I'm seeing elsewhere. :) Planning continues!
  15. SWriverstone

    San Juans weather check...

    So I keep trying to understand typical weather patterns in late September up around the San Juans and Vancouver Island. It seems few people paddle anywhere after August ends...but maybe that's not true? When I look at Google search results for things like "Is September a good time to visit...
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