: ...she has scars...so many scars. I sanded her hull down, did some
: spot repairs with epoxy, recoated the HBN protective layer on
: the botton and have repainted the hull graphics. I guess the
: years have not been easy for her but she is still as strong as
: ever. She still has a broken hip brace but that is no
: biggie...it's been like that for 4 years without problems. I can
: remember each scratch and dent on the hull, how it got there and
: where. The new varnish sure makes her look better though. The
: new brass stem band on the stern keel looks good, installed
: strongly and should keep the keel in perfect shape for years to
: come. I think I added an extra pound or two by adding that strip
: but the extra weight is well worth the added keel strength.

: I think I will add a couple of webbing straps to support my paddle
: in case I have to self-rescue...might as well make life easier
: for myself. The waters of Hudson Bay are damned cold, about 2 C
: or lower, I won't have much time to self-rescue if it comes to
: that. I will be wearing a new dry top and dry pants with my
: ankle length booties while paddling the Bay. Under all that will
: be duoble-lined socks, thermal tights and a decent thermal
: long-sleeved shirt for cold weather days. I also bought a
: neo-skull cap in case of cold weather. It will fit under my hat
: and keep my head warm in case of immersion. I thought about
: buying a one-piece drysuit but at $1000, I did better by
: purchasing the dry top plus pants at $500. Neo gloves will
: compliment the outfit at all times...fingerless gloves for the
: river section of the trip.

: This leg of the trip is the final leg of this section of the
: cross-Canada paddle. Once done, I won't do such a trip again
: until I am finished writing the book. That done, I am seriously
: thinking of the next section of this trip, the circumnavigation
: of Hudson Bay, with the idea of taking it all the way around
: northern Quebec, Labrador and then on to Newfoundland at the
: easternmost tip of Canada. If I decide to paddle on, it promises
: to be a wild ride.

: Robert N Pruden

Hey Robert,

Have a great trip, looking forward to hearing about it when you return :)

Bill H.