My First Canoe to Celebrate Family Legacy and Old Town, Maine

TL;DR - This weekend I acquired a 1983 Old Town Tripper from the original owner. My family were potatoe farmers in Alton, Maine where the old homestead still resides.

My grandpa grew up in Alton, ME where his father was a potato farmer. He eventually wound up in Oklahoma while in the Navy and decided to stay and married my grandma. He always missed Maine, where his family continued, but started a new life where I eventually came along.

2 years ago was my first opportunity to visit Maine. It was there that I proposed to my wife on Little Hunters Beach in Acadia. Although, visiting Old Town and eventually seeing my family's original homestead in Alton was a special highlight.

For the longest time I've wanted an Old Town canoe. My wife and I regularly camp, hunt, and float the rivers of Arkansas, but its taken me awhile to find the one I wanted.

This weekend, on our 1st anniversary, we picked up a 1983 Old Town Tripper from the original owner in Nebraska. I was even able to track down a scan of the original build list from the Old Town archives.

Though I've never lived in Maine, it's still in my heart. Something about the rugged wilderness and beauty captivates my mind. I can see why Grandpa always loved it though he was still so far away.

I know it's just a canoe from the 80s, but something about it gives me pride. My family legacy from the past in Maine pushes me on towards my future and to me it's worth remembering.

The Tripper is a legend of a canoe but I'm sure you already know that. I really regret not getting one while the factory was still able to make them.

Congrats! Enjoy the tripper, excellent choice