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Kayak and Canoe Camping
Kayaks and canoes can transport paddlers to riverside retreats that are not accessible to motorized campers. All the noise and the lights of car camping are far away. Kayak/canoe camping is gentle, serene, and minimalist. Having a limited amount of storage space helps campers realize that they really don’t need to bring every modern convenience. It’s nice to leave the radio and CD players at home and listen to the songs of nature instead. The rest of the world won’t miss a beat if we retreat from it every now and then.
Before a river trip, check the weather. Within a few hours, weather radar is usually a better predictor than the official forecast, and any large areas of precipitation approaching your anticipated route are likely to produce unsettled weather and a rising river even if you don't see a drop of rain. Don’t set up camp close to the riverbank. A rise in the water level may occur during the night and set all your gear adrift.
Always leave a trip itinerary with someone who would miss you if you didn’t return on time. Accidents happen. Gear fails or gets lost. Cell phones may not work in remote areas. Cars and trucks die on the road. These are all things that may leave paddlers stranded on a river or a road. Let someone know where you will be so that help can be sent your way.
Pack your gear in dry bags. Garbage bags are not an adequate substitute. They tear and can’t be sealed properly. A wet sleeping bag at the end of a hard paddle trip is not a pleasant way to end the day. Dry bags are made of heavy-duty vinyl. Since most things that are needed always seem to fall to the bottom of a bag, the clear bags help you see where the wanted item is.
Always pack for immersion. Make sure to secure the bags in your kayak or canoe. If you do end up swimming, your gear will be safe in your boat. Otherwise, the river will look like a yard sale! You will not be a happy camper that night if your food and gear float farther downstream than you do.
Kayak and canoe camping allows the avid paddler to reach awesome places. Give it a try. It might change your outlook on life.
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