I still read this newsgoup from time to time but seldom have any
information to contribute. (Thee are those who would say I never did.)
I seldom post personal exeperiences and even they have been
drastically reduced since the heart attack during the canoe race in
May05. I was only out paddling twice this year, once in Janruary
because it's never been possible to paddle in January in Ottawa
before, and once in the fall to collect apples to make cider.

I don't know what the reasons for the decline in postings. Could be
the people, eg declining levels of testosterone with age (that should
mean fewer flames), or the "technology" moving discussions and life in
general to websites. I moved from rec.autos.tech to www.fordfestiva.com
for sharing information on car care specific to the model I own and
love. Or it could be the rising price of paddling paraphenalia
(someone suggested fuel prices) and fees. I stopped going camping when
fees tripled over a few years.

I'll contine to read the newsgroup and post when I think I have
something useful to offer although my knowlege and experience are
getting dated. I still have sponsons on one of my smaller boats to
keep it upright when I put up the sail which I hope to do again some
day.