Reviews
This book is the perfect book for both first timers and veterans alike.- Graham McCulloch, Publisher, Shortcuts.ns.ca, I read it front to back immediately and have returned to review selected chapters since. The directions and illustrations are excellent. Thanks for making your vast experience and knowledge accessible to the rest of us. I now wish that I could take one of those Allagash trips with you., If you have never paddled a canoe maybe it is time to do so. Once you have enjoyed the quiet and calmness of riding in a canoe on a calm lake at dusk, you will be hooked. Doing so in your own strip canoe is the epitome of bliss.Author Gilpatrick is an outdoorsman that has written several other outdoor related books. If I were going into the woods he is the guy I would choose for my guide. Any guy that has taught outdoor resource classes for over 30 years should know how to get me back home safely. Gilpatrick has written books about building outdoor furniture, paddles, snowshoes, canoes and cane seats. Native North Americans know the advantages of travelling by canoe, the serenity of the calm lakes and being one with nature allows us to reflect upon its beauty. This is even more enjoyable in a self-built strip canoe and Gilpatrick walks us through the process. In fact, there is a set of full size plans included for eight different canoes. Gil shows you how to make paddles and also goes into the details of making your own cane seats. Maybe the 19' 6" Grand Laker model is for you and the author even shows you how to add a motor if this is your desire. Gilpatrick has built over 500 canoes in his 30 years of experience. This book is the perfect book for both first timers and veterans alike.