A boat for thought.

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I am hoping to get out a bit more.  One of the things I would like to take to Alaska, for short or long, is a portable craft, with a decent load capacity, and the ability to handle heavier river runs if needed, and flat waters.  Any compromise is just that.  And, what I am asking has to be a compromise.  It is tough to paddle this boat, on flat water, against the wind.  The only real option, as to power, is an electric motor trolling machine.  Not very useful in the middle of nowhere, with no way, other than (potentially) solar power to recharge the battery.  Still, even that IS possible.  This is the boat that is sort of leading the pack.  It is supposed to be able to handle 850 (me and 470 pounds).

There are inflatables with four and five inflation panels, I believe... something like that.  Though I suspect, if one panel goes, in any of the craft, it's going to become a sticky situation.  If your gear is well tied in, and you have some of it waterproofed, you should be able to work over to a shore.  In heavy whitewater, it would just be a mess.  Flat water would leave a lot more room for easing in, but would still be a lot of work.  There isn't a single perfect boat, or anything else.  I think I like my choice.  If things work out, one way or another, I may be ordering that boat soon.  Hopefully in time to use it for a month or two this summer.  No whitewater runs, that just isn't my intent, unless I have to, or at least until I am more sure of the boat, to my own level of satisfaction.

There is flat water quite near to where I live.  If hiking keeps going, and I can handle the wait of the craft and some water, I might just hike it up or down to the water.  Inflated it would even be easier to sort of pack in, at least to the downside water... in theory there too, perhaps.  A trolling motor would be nice though, at least when I begin.  If I get too far out, perhaps an extra push back in would be good.  But that is another 15 pounds for the motor, and whatever a deep cycle 12 v dry cell weighs.  I'm not sure if kayak camping is allowed, or advisable, along the waters, but that would be fun too.  Probably?

If nothing else, I am seriously hoping to see Alaska in ways few of the more touristy types can.  But with risks they won't face.  Not a brag, many of them have children, lead a certain sort of life that doesn't leave much room, time, or money to do what I am hoping to do.  Just... it's good to think that, despite it all, I might have a bit to put out in order to get out.  Hmm... yeah, well... Good night.