Thomas - I built the canoe in a class at Northouse Folk School. The instructor was Dan Strootman. He got the form from a former Navy Admiral who he knew from I think his navy days. Dan told me, the admiral modified it a bit and then Dan did some other modifications. The hull is very flat and broad for a Prospector and the way it paddles with no more then two people and a 12 pound Yorkshire terrier I wonder if it can even be called a Prospector any more. Handles great and still has very good turning ability. Very little push from crosswinds or headwinds.
Canerodz - ah, you noticed my favorite tree. It is a plum - my stepdad, an old butcher who has spent too much time in food stores, said he was pretty sure it is an Italian Plum? I don't know other then I will agree it is a plum. Beautiful white flowers in spring. As soon as it blooms, the orioles arrive. Unfortunately, it is dying. An arborist friend is coming out in a few weeks to take out a large, very dead section and we will try to keep it as long as possible but, I don't think it will be with us by next year at this time. We are discussing what to replace it with but it will be missed.
Howard