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Jester
addicted to OAC
USA
899 Posts |
 Posted - 29 July 2010 : 12:30:46
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While not as common in my experience, when I do encounter a dock at a portage landing, I tend to be wary. For some reason, especially when solo, I prefer launching, including loading and unloading of the canoe, from Mother Earth, whether it be a small sand, mud or gravel spot or a more rocky location.
My first encounter with a dock in Algonquin was at the south end of Smoke Lake back in the 80. I think this dock may be submerged by now. I seem to remember a submerged dock at the Big Porcupine end of the Ragged trail and there was/is one on Rod & Gun Lake's north shore. The one that prompts this question is the grassy but solid dock along Hambone Creek at the south end of the portage out of Acme Lake/unnamed pond. I know, I know, the park and Chrismar maps call the lake to the east of this small pond Acme Lake, but the topos from which these maps were drawn actually label the small pond between Hambone and Daisy, Acme Lake. But that is another story for another day.
How many of you take advantage of such docks when encountered or are there others of you, like me, who prefer to keep your feet off such structures?
If you use the dock, what tips do you have to avoid the other type of tips?
Jester
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I know enough to know I don't know enough! |
Edited by - Jester on 30 July 2010 15:21:36 |
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Laurie Ann
forum admin
Canada
7086 Posts |
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Donny
a post-count junkie
Canada
1013 Posts |
Posted - 29 July 2010 : 17:05:05
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Docks were not made for canoes. I only use a dock if there is no other way to put-in or take-out. |
Donny |
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Hillbilly
a post-count junkie
Canada
2090 Posts |
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scoutergriz
addicted to OAC
Canada
693 Posts |
Posted - 30 July 2010 : 10:13:16
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shoreline for sure, it's really hard to do a marathon style launch off a dock (been there, done that, took the swim) |
of all the things I've lost, It's my mind I miss the most
Algonquin Backcountry Recreationalists
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Dale
a post-count junkie
Canada
1082 Posts |
Posted - 30 July 2010 : 10:34:56
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| Depends on the situation. The dock on George to Freeland in Killarney is the only option so I use it. Most of the time I use the dock but I am still young and my balance isn't bad yet. |
Canoe or die!! |
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splashdancer
addicted to OAC
Canada
553 Posts |
Posted - 30 July 2010 : 15:01:21
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| Often times when I've come across these docks, they have seen better days. I inspect the boards, or missing boards for exposed nailheads. Slipping, tripping or catching on a nail is nasty for equipment, even worse for skin. I'll use them very carefully because usually the docks are there because of a difficult land/launch area. |
Robbie |
Edited by - splashdancer on 30 July 2010 15:02:48 |
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Jester
addicted to OAC
USA
899 Posts |
Posted - 30 July 2010 : 15:27:14
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I may have discovered one of the reasons behind my dislike of park docks. One of the allergens listed at the Zyrtec website is "dock". I noticed today's pollens include: "Grass, Sorrel/Dock and Nettle."
Who'da thought a pill would make me able to use the docks??
Jester |
I know enough to know I don't know enough! |
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splashdancer
addicted to OAC
Canada
553 Posts |
Posted - 30 July 2010 : 15:45:52
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With that little pill Jester you can now use grass then too?
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Robbie |
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WildernessWitch
forum admin
Canada
3152 Posts |
Posted - 30 July 2010 : 16:32:40
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| Shoreline. |
-Samantha |
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Jester
addicted to OAC
USA
899 Posts |
Posted - 30 July 2010 : 17:24:21
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quote:
Originally posted by splashdancer
With that little pill Jester you can now use grass then too?
Medicinal grass only.
Jester |
I know enough to know I don't know enough! |
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talltimber
a post-count junkie
Canada
4004 Posts |
Posted - 01 August 2010 : 13:02:22
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| Mostly shoreline But I can use docks if they are not too high! |
to do more canoeing than working! Someday. |
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NorthernGrouse
just got here
Canada
11 Posts |
Posted - 17 August 2010 : 08:17:52
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| Shoreline every time. I especially dislike floating docks. |
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Preference: launching from dock or shoreline?
