Canoe Kayak
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US $1.48
Russian River Canoe Trip Ideal for Families
People of all ages will enjoy a gentle canoe trip down the Russian River, one of California's most scenic bodies of water.
The Russian River flows through such famous Wine Country destinations as Geyserville and Healdsburg before it makes its way out to the sea through gentle hills covered with thick redwood forests and teaming with rare birds and other wildlife. About a 10-mile stretch of the river from Forestville to Guerneville is ideal for calm-water canoeing or kayaking and a local company called Burke's Canoe Trips helps make it even easier by providing canoes, kayaks and a shuttle service that will return you to your car near Forestville.
The Russian River, in this case, is not exactly the "rushin'" river. If you're looking for a lot of fast water and river rapids, there are other California rivers that will fill that bill, but not this one. In fact, the water here is so tame that it's really not all that good for inner-tubing because in some parts you can't keep enough forward motion without a lot of paddling. For that reason, canoes and kayaks -- which seem to glide over the water with little effort -- are ideal.
It's not that you won't get a few thrills. As the people from Burkes' Canoes told us, there is just enough fast water to make things interesting. There are a few points in the river where channels of current can carry you into tree branches along the shore, or get your canoe turned around in a whirlpool if you don't guide your canoe to the right area. But the good news is that, even if you flip, the water's relatively warm, not very deep and you'll be carried forward to a calm area in literally just seconds.
We opted for a canoe on our trip down the river and were advised to keep all of our cameras or anything that could be water-damaged in a safe water-tight plastic bag. We also had been told to wear our swim suits, and were required to wear lightweight life-preservers. Looking at the calm water near the launch area, it almost seemed silly to worry about flipping over and we were wondering why there was so much emphasis on preparing to get wet.
We put a cooler full of drinks and sanwiches in our canoe and set off somewhat tentatively on our journey. Canoes are inherently unstable - at least if you haven't been around them for awhile - and it took us a few minutes to get comfortable with our balance and to get some confidence we could maneuver properly. But alas, our Boy Scout training soon kicked in just fine even though it had been decades - and probably a 20 percent weight gain -- since we had last put paddle to water.
Within about two minutes we faced our first challenge - avoiding a fairly fast river current pushing everything toward the wooded right shore. We aimed our canoe to the left bank, paddled quickly and managed to coordinate our front and rear paddles just enough to avoid the hazard. It wasn't a perfect approach, but it was a confidence builder. We looked forward to honing our paddling skills as we faced new challenges further down the river.
Soon we were into a calm stretch of water, barely moving but only requiring a gentle paddle to keep making good forward progress. This was when we really started to take in the natural beauty of the river - the thick forests of giant trees and the continuous ballet performed by the birds of the Russian River such as the Great Blue Heron and osprey. Along the way we would see turtles and deer as well. We also enjoyed paddling by the charming vacation cabins that are perched above the river in many strategic locations along this stretch of the Russian. Spectacular bridges span the river at various points although most of this float was away from the highway, making it feel even more remote than it actually is.
We spent the next four hours or so alternating between negotiating some of the stronger currents - or what you might call very small rapids -- and quietly paddling on a beautiful blue-sky spring day. We stopped only for a few minutes to have a sandwich on a spectacular sandy beach - although we're told most people linger at these beaches to swim, sunbathe and just hang out with their fellow travelers for hours on end.
After mastering maybe a dozen fast-current bottlenecks and with less than a few hundred yards to go to our finish, we were feeling supremely confident that we had regained the canoeing prowess of our youth. And then the unthinkable happened: we flipped. We had run aground in some shallow water and momentarily forgot that you don't dislodge a canoe by shifting your weight. Yes, we did get a little wet, but we weren't really cold on this bright sunny day and we were able to retrieve our belongings in short order.
Our pride was wounded. But we did feel better later when the Burke's Canoe people told us that fully one half of their customers flip at some point along this seemingly calm and idyllic stretch of river.
Nearby accommodations
Back in our car, we now drove the 10 miles back down to Guerneville where we would spend the night. With parks and trails and redwood scenery all just minutes from downtown, Guerneville is a popular destination for outdoors enthusiasts as well as those who love the charm of colorful small towns. Guerneville has a quiet Main Street - much busier on weekends - that offers a number of crafts shops and hometown restaurants. We enjoyed taking a couple of drives outside of town to places like Armstrong Woods with its trails through deep redwood forests. Many visitors drive just a few miles down to Jenner where the Russian River meets the Pacific Ocean.
We spent the night at the West Sonoma Inn and Spa, a stylish group of buildings at the edge of Guerneville where the resort takes advantage of the natural redwood scenery and nearby vineyard views. The innkeepers here have gone the extra mile in providing a lot of extras for guests that often are not found in small-town lodging facilities - plush beds, fireplaces, granite counter tops, wet bars, private decks and mini-kitchens. Our unit was unusually spacious and, because of a more spread-out configuration, each unit seemed quite private and very quiet. Grounds were richly landscaped and maintained.
A light European breakfast is offered at the West Sonoma Coast Inn that includes gourmet organic coffee, juice, fresh fruit and pastries. Prices at the inn start at less than $100 which, today, is a bargain in a highly desirable tourist area. That's especially true when you realize that the inn is considered by many to among the best and most luxurious lodging options in Guerneville.
AT A GLANCE
WHERE: The Russian River is in Sonoma County and the put-in point for Burke's Canoe Trips is about 70 miles northwest of San Francisco.
WHAT: Burke's Canoe Trips have been popular with couples and groups of all sizes for decades and are self-guided trips down a 10-mile stretch of the Russian River. The company furnishes the canoe and safety gear and then picks you up in their shuttle bus at the end of your trip, near Guerneville.
WHEN: The trips start each year at the end of May and continue throughout the summer. Weather is generally sunny and in the 80's.
WHY: Russian River canoe trips are a great way to see river scenery in a spectacular part of California where you'll enjoy both redwood forests and abundant wildlife. It's also a social experience since many people do the trip in groups.
HOW: For more information on Russian River canoe trips, phone 707-887-1222 or visit www.burkescanoetrips.com. Burke's Canoes charges $58 per canoe for use of the canoe, safety gear and pick up on the company shuttle. For more information on the West Sonoma Coast Inn, phone 1-800-551-1881 or visit www.westsonomainn.com.
About the Author
Cary Ordway is president of Getaway Media Corp which publishes websites focused on regional travel. Among the sites offered by GMC are http://www.californiaweekend.com, covering California beach vacations and http://www.northwesttraveladvisor.com, featuring Oregon travel and other locations in the Pacific Northwest.
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Canoe And Kayak $14.95 Canoe and Kayak is the #1 Resource for canoeing, kayaking, river rafting and the full range of paddling sports. Canoe and Kayak features adventure paddling destinations, equipment reviews, paddling techniques, the people, ideas, issues and events that shape the growing sport of paddling.Canoe And Kayak is part of the Sports family of magazines. It is generally sold to individuals and businesses and quite often can be found in a reception room or waiting room of a company or a professional office like a dentist, doctor, health club, gym, or beauty and hair salon. A full year magazine subscription to Canoe And Kayak includes issues delivered right to your mailbox. |
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Canoe & Kayak $14.95 Canoe and Kayak Magazine is the world's leading paddle sports publication and the #1 resource for canoeing, kayaking, and the full range of paddling sports. Each issue of Canoe and Kayak includes features about adventure paddling destinations, equipment reviews, and paddling techniques for whitewater, flatwater and the open ocean. Canoe & Kayak also features health and fitness topics, discussions on conservation, the paddling environment, and the people, ideas, issues and events that shape the growing sport of paddling. |
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Kayak Rescue Training Organized by a Canoe and Kayak Club $39.99 Bill Hatcher Kayak Rescue Training Organized by a Canoe and Kayak Club - Photographic Print |
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Dallas Manufacturing Co. 16 Canoe/Kayak Cover $79.99 Canoe/Kayak Cover Features: Custom Grade 600 Denier Polyester Completely Encloses Your Canoe/Kayak for Maximum Protection in Storage or Transit Easy to Use - Simply Slide in Canoe/Kayak and Zip Closed Available in 3 sizes. I Fits 16 Canoe/Kayak /i |
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Canoe, Known as Kayak, Used by Eskimo Hunters and Fishermen $49.99 Canoe, Known as Kayak, Used by Eskimo Hunters and Fishermen - Giclee Print |
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The Canoe $68.12 The canoe was essential to the early exploration of North America. Today, it is a vital link to the natural environment and vast wilderness, still widely used for recreation, transportation and sport.The Canoe is the definitive history of the construction and use of the canoe, kayak, dugout and umiak in North America. The book covers the canoe`s origins among Native peoples, its quick adoption by European settlers, its development from a working vessel to a recreational craft.Rare archival images, maps, artwork and stunning photographs of vintage canoes are included. Produced with the support and collaboration of scholars and museums throughout the world, The Canoe also features:High-tech sport canoes and kayaks used in contemporary Olympic Games400 beautiful images of canoe craftsmanshipStep-by-step photos and explanations for building a traditional bark canoeProfile of the famous model-builder, Tappan AdneyDetailed maps, glossary, source list and index. |
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Kayak $74.88 High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles A kayak (sometimes generalised as a canoe) is a small humanpowered boat that traditionally has a covered deck, and one or more cockpits, each seating one paddler who strokes a doublebladed paddle. The cockpit is covered by a spraydeck (skirt) that keeps the inside of the boat (and the paddlers lower body) dry. The spraydeck or similar waterproof covering attaches securely to the edges of the cockpit, preventing the entry of water from waves or spray, and making it possible, in some boats, to roll the kayak, capsizing and righting the boat without it filling with water or ejecting the passenger. Author: Miller, Frederic P./ Vandome, Agnes F./ McBrewster, John Binding Type: Paperback Number of Pages: 84 Publication Date: 2010/10/12 Language: English Dimensions: 6.00 x 9.02 x 0.20 inches |
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Classic Accessories Infinity Canoe & Kayak Cover $56.88 Classic Accessories Boat Covers in stock now! Read Classic Accessories Infinity Canoe & Kayak Cover customer reviews. AutoAccessoriesGarage.com has the best selection of Classic Accessories Boat & RV Accessories at the lowest prices around. Classic Accessories Infinity Canoe & Kayak Cover are chosen by auto enthusiasts everywhere to personalize their vehicles. Classic Accessories Infinity Canoe & Kayak Cover available now at AutoAccessoriesGarage. |
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Classic Accessories Infinity Canoe & Kayak Cover 82314 $56.88 Classic Accessories Boat Covers in stock now! Read Classic Accessories Infinity Canoe & Kayak Cover 82314 customer reviews. AutoAccessoriesGarage.com has the best selection of Classic Accessories Boat & RV Accessories at the lowest prices around. Classic Accessories Infinity Canoe & Kayak Cover 82314 are chosen by auto enthusiasts everywhere to personalize their vehicles. Classic Accessories Infinity Canoe & Kayak Cover available now at AutoAccessoriesGarage. |
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Classic Accessories Infinity Canoe & Kayak Cover 82324 $72.11 Classic Accessories Boat Covers in stock now! Read Classic Accessories Infinity Canoe & Kayak Cover 82324 customer reviews. AutoAccessoriesGarage.com has the best selection of Classic Accessories Boat & RV Accessories at the lowest prices around. Classic Accessories Infinity Canoe & Kayak Cover 82324 are chosen by auto enthusiasts everywhere to personalize their vehicles. Classic Accessories Infinity Canoe & Kayak Cover available now at AutoAccessoriesGarage. |
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Ultimate Canoe and Kayak Adventures (Paperback) $47.48 A stunningly illustrated book detailing the world`s most breathtaking on-water adventuresWhether it`s paddling down mountain chasms or on gentle rivers and lakes, navigating a canoe or kayak counts as one of life`s indescribable joys. And in this memorable collection of 100 extraordinary on-water experiences, author Jason Smith gives armchair adventurers and avid water sport enthusiasts a taste of what canoeing and kayaking feel like in every climate, condition, and geographical location. From the frozen wastes of North America, the rivers and seas of Europe and Asia, to the stunning waters of the Far East and Australasia, he brings each paddle stroke to life. With something for everyone—from the white water adrenalin junkie to the extreme kayaker—Ultimate Canoe and Kayak Adventures offers true-life adventurers useful, detailed information telling you exactly how, where, and when to attempt any on-water expedition yourself. The author is an avid paddler with 20 years of experience, has been recognized as an "Extreme Photographer" by Professional Photographer magazine, and is editor of Canoe & Kayak UKStriking full-page color photographs are matched with lively text that bring 100 adventures to lifeOffering a rare, inside look at living the life of adventure in every climate and latitude, this spectacular album of memorable canoeing and kayaking experiences is an ideal gift and a must for those who wish they`d been there—and those who already have. |
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Sit-On Kayak and Canoe Trolley - by Gear Up $89.99 This canoe and kayak dolly is designed to be extremely flexible. You can adjust the upright bars to fit most scupper (drainage) holes on sit-top kayaks for quick and easy portage, or you can adjust the upright bars out to the side and use in conjunction with tie-down straps (not included) to assist in the portage of any kayak or canoe.  This kayak trolley features heavy duty powder coated aluminum tube construction with ribbed rubber padded cradles to gently hold and secure a single canoe or kayak. Wide heavy duty pneumatic tires handle most any terrain. Injection molded tire rims and aluminum construction resist rust. 175 lb. Weight capacity. Arms are removable for compact storage when not in use. This kayak cart is great for getting that canoe or kayak from car top to lake, ocean, or river!   Type: Carriers Color: Grey |
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Classic Accessories Hurricane™ Canoe and Kayak Cover (Model A) $70.08 The Canoe and Kayak Cover from the Classic Accessories HurricaneTM Collection completely covers your canoe or kayak for maximum protection.Fits Canoes / Kayaks up to 12'L, 110" Girth.Complete ProtectionKeeps your canoe or kayak clean while protecting against weather and sun damagePerfect for long term or seasonal storageTough polyester Hurricane fabric won’t shrink or rot and resists mildew and UV damageFabric coating technology provides water resistance and repellencyEasy to Use and FitSpecial design fits either canoes or kayaksEasy access zippered openingConvenient carrying handlesStorage bag includedTo see all sizes this item is available in, please click here. |
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Swagman Kayak/ Canoe Transporter $156.87 Cart is ideal for moving kayaks and canoesBoat accessory is quick and easy to assembleCart is crafted of steelLarge wheels make it easy to move through sandIncludes two 4 meter tie-down straps |
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Canoe Racing $60.54 High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles Canoe sprint, which is referred to by the IOC as canoe/kayak sprint, is one of the two forms of the canoeing disciplines that are featured in the Summer Olympics, the other being canoe slalom. Marathon racing is not an Olympic sport. In nonOlympic years, the main events are the World Championships. Canoe racing combined with map navigation is called Canoe orienteering. Author: Miller, Frederic P./ Vandome, Agnes F./ McBrewster, John Binding Type: Paperback Number of Pages: 72 Publication Date: 2010/08/04 Language: English Dimensions: 6.00 x 9.02 x 0.17 inches |
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Red Waterproof Dry Bag 50L for Camping,Fishing,Kayak,Canoe,Surfing &FREE SHIPPING 102581 $13.68 Waterproof Dry Bag 50L for Camping,Fishing,Kayak,Canoe,Surfing @FREE SHIPPING |
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Free Shipping 15L Dry Bag Waterproof Bag for Kayak Canoe Rafting Camping Blue $10.24 Free Shipping 15L Dry Bag Waterproof Bag for Kayak Canoe Rafting Camping Blue |
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Free Shipping 15L Dry Bag Waterproof Bag for Kayak Canoe Rafting Camping Red $10.24 Free Shipping 15L Dry Bag Waterproof Bag for Kayak Canoe Rafting Camping Red |
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Kayak Touring $3.95 Concise, illustrated guides compiled from Canoe & Kayak magazine. Launching and landing in surf, navigating through wind and waves, strokes for long-distance paddling, staying on course in blind crossings, packing and equipping sea kayaks. |
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Classic Accessories Hurricane™ Canoe and Kayak Cover (Model C) $90.38 The Canoe and Kayak Cover from the Classic Accessories HurricaneTM Collection completely covers your canoe or kayak for maximum protection.Fits Canoes / Kayaks up to 18'L, 110" Girth.Complete ProtectionKeeps your canoe or kayak clean while protecting against weather and sun damagePerfect for long term or seasonal storageTough polyester Hurricane fabric won’t shrink or rot and resists mildew and UV damageFabric coating technology provides water resistance and repellencyEasy to Use and FitSpecial design fits either canoes or kayaksEasy access zippered openingConvenient carrying handlesStorage bag includedTo see all sizes this item is available in, please click here. |
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Classic Accessories Hurricane™ Canoe and Kayak Cover (Model B) $86.69 The Canoe and Kayak Cover from the Classic Accessories HurricaneTM Collection completely covers your canoe or kayak for maximum protection.Fits Canoes / Kayaks up to 16'L, 110" Girth.Complete ProtectionKeeps your canoe or kayak clean while protecting against weather and sun damagePerfect for long term or seasonal storageTough polyester Hurricane fabric won’t shrink or rot and resists mildew and UV damageFabric coating technology provides water resistance and repellencyEasy to Use and FitSpecial design fits either canoes or kayaksEasy access zippered openingConvenient carrying handlesStorage bag includedTo see all sizes this item is available in, please click here. |
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Thule Canoe Carrier $80.95 Thule Kayak Racks in stock now! Read Thule Canoe Carrier customer reviews. AutoAccessoriesGarage.com has the best selection of Thule Cargo Carriers & Roof Racks at the lowest prices around. Thule Canoe Carrier are chosen by auto enthusiasts everywhere to personalize their vehicles. Thule Canoe Carrier available now at AutoAccessoriesGarage. |
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Thule Canoe Carrier 579XT $80.95 Thule Kayak Racks in stock now! Read Thule Canoe Carrier 579XT customer reviews. AutoAccessoriesGarage.com has the best selection of Thule Cargo Carriers & Roof Racks at the lowest prices around. Thule Canoe Carrier 579XT are chosen by auto enthusiasts everywhere to personalize their vehicles. Thule Canoe Carrier available now at AutoAccessoriesGarage. |
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0br - Fishing, canoe, jet ski, kayak & more at your door $56 One room efficiency style cottage on Rushing Branch creek which leads out to the St Johns River. Enjoy expansive Marsh views from your back door. Park your jon boat, canoe or kayak on the floating dock just outside your back door. Brackish water with... |
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Canoe Polo $73.28 High Quality Content by WIKIPEDIA articles Canoe polo is a competitive ball sport played on water, in a defined field, between two teams of 5 players, each in a kayak. The object of the game is to get the ball into the opponents goal, the team scoring the most goals in a set time being the winner. Author: Miller, Frederic P./ Vandome, Agnes F./ McBrewster, John Binding Type: Paperback Number of Pages: 88 Publication Date: 2010/11/17 Language: English Dimensions: 9.02 x 5.98 x 0.21 inches |
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Canoe and Kayak Building the Light and Easy Way $24.95 The first quick-and-easy composite construction method for canoes and kayaks This book is certain to appeal to any paddler with a DIY bent. Master craftsman Sam Rizzetta presents three attractive innovations: a new building method that makes Kevlar and carbon-fiber boats cheap and feasible for home builders; an ergonomically designed canoe that makes paddling easier and more comfortable; and a foam-flotation installation method that makes canoes and kayaks safe and unsinkable. |
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The Canoe: A Living Tradition $29.58 The canoe was essential to the early exploration of North America. Today, it is a vital link to the natural environment and vast wilderness, still widely used for recreation, transportation and sport. The Canoe is the definitive history of the construction and use of the canoe, kayak, dugout and umiak in North America. The book covers the canoe's origins among Native peoples, its quick adoption by European settlers, its development from a working vessel to a recreational craft. Rare archival images, maps, artwork and stunning photographs of vintage canoes are included. Produced with the support and collaboration of scholars and museums throughout the world, The Canoe also features: High-tech sport canoes and kayaks used in contemporary Olympic Games 400 beautiful images of canoe craftsmanship Step-by-step photos and explanations for building a traditional bark canoe Profile of the famous model-builder, Tappan Adney Detailed maps, glossary, source list and index. |
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Quiet Water Maine: Canoe and Kayak Guide $19.01 In this completely revised edition of AMC's best-selling "Quiet Water guide, authors Alex Wilson and John Hayes reveal more than eighty spectacular ponds and lakes in Maine ideally suited for canoeing and kayaking. From marshy coves and crystal-clear lakes to winding inlet channels and pine-tree-edged ponds, this updated guide offers paddlers of all ages and abilities access to water adventures. Each trip includes a detailed tour description with summaries of the time, distance, difficulty, and special features of each area, as well as notes about the flora and fauna paddlers will discover along the way. Beginners and experienced paddlers, birdwatchers and anglers, families with children and active seniors--all will appreciate this user-friendly, comprehensive guide to Maine's best quiet water. Special features include: >More than eighty spectacular calm-water trips--including five new destinations >Detailed descriptions and maps of each lake, pond, and river >Locator map and a new "At-A-Glance" highlights chart for easy trip comparison and planning >Trip summaries open each chapter for quick scanning of tour details, including prominent fish species >Covers parts of the new, multistate Northern Forest Canoe Trail >Driving, parking, and put-in directions >Local camping and picnic spots >Photographs of plant life and places of interest |
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Sayward Forest Canoe Circuit $13.01 Located within a day's drive of Vancouver and Victoria, the Sayward Forest Canoe Circuit invites city-weary paddlers to crystal clear lakes, lively streams, and quiet ponds, all linked to each other by portages wide enough to accommodate canoe or kayak carts. The route is just right for beginners who want to experience the joy of canoe tripping. Intermediate paddlers will also enjoy the secluded places on the circuit. Ease of access, a choice of managed or unimproved campsites, and world class scenery reward both novices and old hands with a great wilderness experience. This guidebook provides maps, GPS waypoints, and detailed descriptions of every campsite and portage on the circuit. |
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Outside Inside 148831 Canoe Note Pad $20.02 Each pad includes 50 sheets is shrink wrapped and pegable. 100 recycled paper. Printer and paper are FSC certified. Canoe and Kayak: 8 x 2.5 . |
