> > TRIP PLANNING
My! How Times Have Changed
Cliff Jacobson recently marked the 20th ANNIVERSARY of his influential Expedition Canoeing tome by updating its practical tips in a new fourth edition. We asked Jacobson to look back on the past two decades of remote canoe tripping and tell us what has changed; FOR THE BETTER, AND FOR THE WORSE.
“You used to have to start years in advance if you wanted to re- search and plan a remote trip. You had to write letters—actual letters—to governments, schools, churches and chambers of commerce. With luck you would be put in touch with someone who knew something you needed to know. Te people you needed to talk to in the North left letters lying around for months while they were out on the land. You actually had to get to know librar- ians who would research old journals for you. Te web has changed everything. Now you just type a river
name into a search engine and you can put together a whole trip in less than a month.”
> > CANOES
“Royalex and composite canoes have changed the way we paddle rivers. When I started I had an 18-foot lightweight Grumman ca- noe. We used to paste wax on the bottom so it would slip off rocks more easily but you still had to be careful of the dreadful keel. In those days, getting your canoe stuck meant you were walking out. Now you can paddle things we never would have dreamed of pad- dling in remote areas 20 years ago.”
> > PFDS
“PFDs used to be comfortable, then along came some government agency and said they must have more floatation. Now they are bulky and hot. Worse, they all seem to be designed for kayaking, so they are all short and your kidneys freeze if you have a fouling wind. I mourn the loss of the thin, tubular jackets that moved with your body. All the PFDs these days seem to be designed for class IV whitewater, not wilderness canoeing.”
> > COMMUNICAT IONS
“Satellite phones and VHF radios have really changed the nature of tripping, but not necessarily for the better. Tey’ve given you an option to quit, something we never had before. We used to paddle 18-hour days if that was what was needed to get to a pick- up. You bit your lip and you did it. It created a bond with your trip mates, and a sense of personal strength. Now, with an option of getting out early just by making a phone call, we’re not really chal- lenging ourselves against the wilderness anymore. Te character- building qualities that tripping encourages are diminished.”
> > PAYING TO PLAY
“Some things should be free. I don’t think you should have to pay a fee or buy a licence to have access to the wilderness. If taxes go to support things like the military, surely they can support the wilderness too. It’s distasteful that the wilderness is just another thing governments think they can raise money with.”
> > CLAMMY CLOTHING
“Most of today’s clothing is designed more for a fashion show than the wilderness. Since Gore-Tex was invented people don’t understand the need for ventilation. When you’re paddling you’re producing a lot of heat. So-called breathable jackets don’t breathe well enough for paddlers.”
> > CONS ERVAT ION
“In the old days we weren’t as ethical as we are now. We used to consider cutting down trees for tarp poles and such. Our attitude has gotten much better. Of course, this can go too far. I’ve heard it said that fires are passé. I think that’s silliness. I’d certainly miss campfires if they were banned.”
> > STRICT SCHEDUL ES
NEW SHOES, BUT NOT MUCH ELSE. PHOTO: ©
GARYANDJOANIEMCGUFFIN.COM
“People today tend to be in a hurry to get back. Tat’s where the mistakes are made. People forget that every northern river was run by natives, with kids, with supplies, and without lifejackets. You know how they did it? Tey took their time and they em- ployed good judgement. If it didn’t look good they walked. You can still do that if you aren’t too worried about getting back to work for Monday.”
CANOE ROOTS n 35
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