Celebrating the simple elegance of the design of the open canoe, its rich history in so many of the world's cultures, and the pure pleasure that those of us who share the passion derive from our use of the canoe. What I have in mind for the Canoes list is, basically, twofold: 1) Pictures and/or descriptions of canoes and 2) How they are used.

That would include anywhere from an Amazonian dugout, Old Town ABS, birchbark, cedar strip, canvas, unusual canoes, etc. ...and how they use it: anywhere from paddling, say, a red rebuilt Chestnut Prospector on glassy water through the mist on a crisp autumn morning, ala Bill Mason, to a 3 month trip across Canada, ala Sigurd Olsen (or at least a link to such an epic!). Or, re-enactments of historical canoe events.

Also of interest would be how people accessorize their canoes. Additionally, there are many, many great books about canoeing. What are your favorites? What are your sources? Give us a review.

Further, I'm looking for good quotes or stories about canoes or canoeing.