Its amazing how much the lighting can change in just a few minutes on the Canadian prairies.

Bob is learning by doing, that all of those ribs need some fairing before the planking can go on, and some linseed oil.

The Boreal has most of the bottom planking one and we're working around to the sides. The ends are left loose until its off of the mold.

The Cruiser with the ribs all faired and coated with linseed oil. She's ready for planking now, too.

The ribs on the two canoes. There is something about this stage of building that looks great.

The top canoe is the Cruiser. If it looks a little odd how the stem is sitting at the end, that's because this old mold doesn't conform to the shape of the stem that I use and needs a little jigging.

Monday was rib bending day. Its a lot of work to get everything ready, but once it is you're ready to roll! There isn't much time to think about what you're doing or idle chit chat, so you have to have a process all worked out in advance. Having a good process ensures that all of the decision making is all done in advance.

This canoe is being made as a retirement gift. That's Bob on the right, he's the lucky recipient. He's also luck because he's one of the few people who can spell their name backwards and it still looks right. I can't do that, it comes out as Goud.  On the left is my dad. He came by for the afternoon because Bob had to leave mid-day and I really needed to sets of hands till on deck till the job was done.

Two canoes all ribbed out! In the back is Bob's Boreal and in the front is a Cruiser.

First snowfall. I expect that this is here to stay.

Dorge's Field, November 7, 2011