solopaddler

Terrible news Phil, I'm so sorry to hear. Condolences to you and your whole family. Every cast you make his memory will live on.

Happy New Year to you bud! Nice job with the youtube clips. Here's a short clip of our new arrival, brought her home this morning. <object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ium4gXx4NoM?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param'>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ium4gXx4NoM?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ium4gXx4NoM?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object>

Yep. I lost mine, they sent me a new one, then I found the old one.

Ironically enough I have two valid cards in my wallet as we speak.

A milestone day for sure. Great to see Simon!

Very sorry to hear, my deepest condolences. By the sounds of things he was a good man and his legacy will live on.

Ice fog, Wayne hit the nail on the head.

Nothing too hvy for the pike Gord. In a baitcaster, M/H 12-20lb is good, spinning rod 10-17lb...

I do now, I just bought 2.

The Johnny Morris gold series reels are on sale. GREAT reel for the money.

Yeah, mine were up at 2am, then 3am, and we finally all got up at 4:30. Cooking now for 16, should be a fun day.

Fantastic! Have a good one O'Shea's!

I know, truly amazing voice from such a young girl! Merry Christmas everyone.

<object width="640" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NzzDXieTn-I?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param'>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NzzDXieTn-I?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NzzDXieTn-I?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="640" height="385"></embed></object>

Now that's more like it! Bob is a great guy, can't wait to see the episode!

Another one to cheer ya up: <object width="480" height="385"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3iEIuD3j0Fs?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param'>http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3iEIuD3j0Fs?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3iEIuD3j0Fs?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="480" height="385"></embed></object> Merry Christmas!

A little overdone, but the idea was great.

You must be a lawyer. How'd that analogy pop into your head?

I was just thinking you'd probably have Jen home or at least enroute. Another hurdle to cross Wayne and you and your family will do it. Here's hoping for a Christmas day homecoming.

Really though Albert, for what you need the vehicle for you may have to look at minivans again. By far the best bang for your buck.

I totally agree. Also from Toyota the Highlander might be worth a look.

Transportation for 4 adults and pull your boat? You need something a bit bigger for sure.

Yep, they're great vehicles. A bit harder on gas but definitely good vehicles.

That's a good story indeed, but definitely false. As I can attest to squirrels can swim. The following is a true story that happened to me a few years back. Several years ago while soloing in Quetico I approached a perfect island campsite on Kawnipi Lake and decided to pull in and set up camp as it was getting late. While unloading my gear this angry little psycho red squirrel with a black slash on his forehead raced around me excitedly, chattering and shrieking like he was rabid (obviously I was on his turf!). Anyhow, after awhile he left and I went about my business. A little while later I had a fire going and was about to start eating a potful of rice when out of the corner of my eye I spotted the little demon seed sitting on the log next to me mesmerised by my rice. Very very slowly I grabbed the pot lid in my right hand and held it poised above the pot which was resting on my knees. It took a looong time, probably 15mins of sitting motionless like that, but finally the little buggar hopped into my pot and started gobbling up my rice. I slammed the lid down to capture the demon and all hell broke loose! He was scrabbling at the pot trying to get out all the while making these weird gurgling noises LOL! Well, as much as he was bugging me I didn't want to kill him, I just wanted him gone. I looked around and noticed a tiny rockpile in the lake about 400yds from the island. Aha! I thought, Alcatraz it is for the little beggar! I put the still shrieking squirrel into my canoe and pushed off for the rockpile. Upon arriving, I VERY carefully placed the pot on the rocks, then leaned way over with the paddle, completely unbalanced, and flipped the pot lid off with the tip of the paddle. What happened next is kind of a blur it happened so fast. In my minds eye I see the squirrel shoot straight up in the air about 3 feet, do a 360 to see where he is, then shrieking, he launched himself horizontally right at my face LOL! He was like the Chuck Norris of squirrels. All 4 of the demons little claws sank into my face drawing blood. I freaked (obviously ) and capsized my canoe into the lake. The demon squirrel springboarded off my face and hit the water like he had an outboard in his butt making a beeline back to his island. Squirrels are REALLY good swimmers, who knew? All I could do was laugh, I mean what else could I do?. I gathered my wits (and canoe) and made my way back to the island. Thankfully the demon squirrel seemed to be in hiding, the ordeal was over! (or so I thought!) The next morning I packed up early as I wanted to get going. The canoe was loaded and I was just finishing my morning oatmeal when, you guessed it, I spied the demon squirrel about 2 feet to my right staring intently at my pot of oatmeal! I knew it was the same beast 'cause of the distinctive black slash on his forehead (sign of the beast?) Anyhow, this time it took at least 1/2 an hour...my arm was getting REALLY tired holding my pot lid in the air motionless. Finally, his hunger overcame his fear and he tentatively hopped in. I slammed the lid down on him with a vengeance!. Man the bizarre, otherworldly noises that came from that pot sent chills down my spine! Without really thinking, just reacting, I grabbed the pot and started to shake it as hard as I could (sorry squirell lovers, don't condemn me 'till you've walked a mile in my shoes ). I shook that pot 'till my arms were sore then threw it down on the ground. Amazingly the demon landed on his feet, standing upright. His eyes were closed though, and he was wobbling around like a drunk. I grabbed my pot, thinking, huh, that'll teach ya!. I was still watching the beast as I turned to my canoe, when suddenly the wobbling stopped, his beady eyes snapped open clear and bright and full of hate! He let out a blood curdling shriek and launched himself at my leg! If any of you remember the killer bunny rabbit from Monty Python and The Holy Grail, well this was pretty similar. Frantically I tried to get to my canoe and safety as the creature attacked. He latched himself onto the cuff of my pants as I ran to my boat. Realising he was attached to me I kicked my leg out and he flew off (I could have split the uprights at 60yds with that shot). Anyhow, I made it to my boat and pushed off, finally escaping the beasts wrath. By far my most memorable wildlife encounter! Merry Christmas

They're pretty small, are you sure that's what you want? Lots of problems with those vehicles from what I've heard anyway. If a small sports ute is what you want I'd look at a CRV instead. More money up front but more reliable and far better resale. If you can find an '06 Nisaan X-Trail (the year they stopped making them) with low mileage, that'd be worth a look. Mine has been incredible, best vehicle I've owned by far.