December 30, 2000


What should I bring on a six-week canoe trip?

I've got two questions I'd love for you to answer. The first is this: I'm going on a 6-week canoe trip, and will inevitably have plenty of free time with nothing to do. If you could suggest some things that I could bring along that are inexpensive, light, non-breakable and entertaining, to help pass the time, I would be very thankful. Also, I'm amazed at the variety of questions that you can answer from personal experience, are there any activities you don't do?

— Eric Winnipeg, Manitoba

Oh, it's easy answering the range of questions that I do. If I don't know the answer to something, I just make it up. Can't tell the difference, can you?

So, you need some activities to keep from going nuts during a six-week canoe trip. For one thing, you'll probably be busier than you think —- simply maintaining camp and handling all of the daily chores that go along with that will probably keep you pretty well occupied. But you're right, there will be some down time. And to fill it, here's what I'd suggest:

A Frisbee. For entertainment-to-weight value, the old flying disc can't be beat. Some companies make folding, super-light versions of the original, but anything will work fine. A couple of fat paperbacks. Something with a high ratio of words-to-weight. A deck of cards. I'm not usually a serious card-player, but at times when camping or climbing and stuck in a tent, I've become one. A notepad. Keep a daily journal — you'll find it fascinating to look back on in a year or two. Three tennis balls. Teach yourself to juggle! Light binoculars (9X25 Nikon Travelites would be fine, at $130.00) and a birding book. Some kind of group game. Monopoly? Chess? Whatever suits your tastes.

That should do it, without sinking a canoe. I think you'll get into it after a few days, and simply learn to seize each moment and enjoy the peace and quiet.

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