@@christinaadley5152 There's a parking lot at Fish Lake. Downstream from Widewaters campground I've only paddled the section to Straits Lake. There's another drive in camground further downstream off M94. Be prepared for lots of lift overs, strainers and sweeper. Beautiful stretch though.

@@yooperventures2830 I was wondering about that, I lived here my whole life and had idea there was so much to do around here. Lol, I was looking to get out at 8 mile but didnt see a place for leaving an out vehicle. I figured 23 miles in one day was a bit excessive since there isn't much but distance between 8 mile and the dnr launch near Palm Brooks!

@@marieintheUP They are very cool, but wait until February to visit when they've had more time to form. A lot less crowded on week days also.

@@yooperventures2830 good tips! thank you

I hear you. Unfortunately, we live in a time when people aren't willing to take the time to learn the proper way to do things. They'd rather take the "easy" route. It's kind of like all of the young, able-bodied people I see out on the bike trails riding ebikes. I'm in my sixties and plan on riding a regular bike as long as I can. I don't ever see myself using a kayak paddle unless I'm paddling a kayak.

​​​​@@Mattematical I've done some kayaking in the past and found it quite uncomfortable in my wrists and lower back. I feel more comfortable in my canoe so I've stuck with that. Same thing with my single blade. It works for me so I'll stick with it. I've done many wilderness trips over the years and never once contemplated a double blade. I think I've just learned not to push my limits. The point of my video was not to push one way or another. I knew that would open up a can of worms. My point was just to show how I like to paddle my canoe. I've been asked why I don't use a double blade paddle so this was my response. Less efficient. Probably. Am I old school, stubborn, traditionalist? Yes, probably. Am I happy paddling my canoe the way I do? Absolutely. Bottom line it's about getting on the water and enjoying yourself. Single blade, double blade, canoe, kayak, row boat, whatever.

It sure is. I've had heavy fat canoes in the past and just wasn't having as much fun.

@@p3outdoors Thanks. I guess it's used in the mining operations and they draw it down at times. Seemed a little extreme though.

@@AveryEskelinen Awesome! I've had some bad encounters with dogs over the years so I'm probably more paranoid than I need to be.

@@mkvnwk I enjoy the McGuffin's books. I kind of think it's a bit like why e bikes are becoming so popular. Many people on e bikes don't really need one, but they like that they're faster and easier to pedal. I think a little bit of that mentality has creeped into the paddling world.

@@Bazilli I have heard that from others as well. Anytime I've kayaked without a spray skirt my lap gets soaked. Even with drip rings on the paddle.

@yooperventures2830 yeah those drip rings do nothing for me

Agree 100%. I’ve been paddling since the 70s. At first I thought it might be the shorter WW kayak paddle I was trying w my Old Town Pack. But I borrowed a super long one with the drip rings and same thing. Not as bad but still super annoying. Single blade is where it’s at for canoes. Now that I’m old and fishing/ paddling mostly flat water I’m gonna try a nice wooden beaver or otter tail. I love the feel of a nice wooden paddle, I’ve used a wooden Silver Creek WW kayak paddle for years.

Upper Peninsula of Michigan near the village of Gwinn.

I don't think any of the portages are maintained. I thought about portaging to Carp Lake, but the "portage trail" was in rough shape.

Yeah, I debated making this video, but real fishing is like this quite often. It seems like the days I do the the best my cameras are left at home.🙂

Looking good brother! I'm so glad to see you bicycling. In December too, wow it is different. Love you!

Quick Stop Bike Shop in Marquette. They didn't have a trucker in stock, but they ordered it. At the time they sold Surly bikes. They mostly sell Kona and Trek now.

@@yooperventures2830 Good to know. Thanks for the information.

As far as I can tell the B17 and Flyer have similar dimensions. The major difference being the Flyer has springs. Not sure about the Champion Flyer. It's no longer offered on the Brooks website. I noticed some being sold on eBay and based on the photo I can't tell the difference with the standard Flyer. Maybe someone else can chime in.

Wow! Small world.

I switched out the sitting drops with kneeling drops. For me it's a game changer. I was used to the kneeling seat from a Mad River Independence I paddled for many years. When I need to stretch my legs out the sitting position seems no more tippy then it was originally. I've been doing a lot of fishing in it and love it. Looking forward to testing it in big waves and loaded with portage packs.

Yes they will squeak occasionally with the flyer. I'm riding on a Brooks b17 now and honestly don't miss the springs.

From Gwinn so most of my rides originate from there. I've ridden all over the UP, lower MI and WI too.

@@yooperventures2830 so you endorse the flyer

@@scottroder5516 I'm actually using a Brooks B17 currently, but the Flyer was a great saddle too.

@@yooperventures2830 thanks. Keep rolling

I went with a B17 when I replaced the flyer. I'm very happy with it and don't miss the springs. One thing I didn't like about the flyer was the extra railing for the springs. If the leather sagged too much it would actually bottom out on the rail. It would also squeak at times. None of these issues with the B17.

@@yooperventures2830 yup, I have those issues. What I hate is the front metal shim would end up like hitting my genitals. But I don’t think I’ll be spending any more money to buy a new saddle lol. I saw that the metal b17 rails are $20 plus $12 for new rivets so I’m going to diy it

The springs never squeaked when I used it. I had a suspension seat post on another bike I previously had and did not like it. I am currently using a Brooks B17 saddle and I find it just fine. I don't really need springs or suspension on my touring bike.