The "Vermont Pack Boat" is based on the traditional "Adirondack Guide Boat".  It is manufactured in Ferrisburgh, Vermont by the "Adirondack Guide Boat" company (see http://www.adirondack-guide-boat.com  ).
The guide boat was originally used in the Adirondack mountain region of New York around the turn of the century to carry people and materials throughout the lake district of that part of New York.
 
 
 
 
 

"Adirondack Guide Boat" is a great business.  They make sure you know what you are buying.  Nathan took us out to test the two styles of boats they sell.  On the left is the 15 foot Guide Boat.  We decided to purchase the smaller Packboat on the right.  It weighs only 45 pounds and easily fits our small car.  It is big  enough for the both of us.  This boat has a lot of advantages over a canoe.  Rowing is more efficient and the participants are facing each other.  Going out for a row means a good time to talk to each other.  Notice the comforatble wicker seats.
 

Here we are on one of our first cruises - in Burlington harbor.  Kathy got the hang of it fairly quickly and I don't have much trouble sitting in the passenger seat and relaxing.
 
 
 

On one of our year 2001 camping trips, we went to the Saranac Lake area in the Adirondac Park of New York.  This is truely a wonderful place.  We rowed for quite a distance into an area reserved for boats without motors.  There are many primative camp sites available for those who are willing to travel in canoes, kayaks and guideboats.
 
 
 

Here we are near the falls of Leland, Michigan.  We spent some time on both Lake Lelanau and Lake Michigan.
 
 

The sunsets in Leland can be spectacular.  Here, you are looking at Leland harbour and Lake Michigan in the background.
 
 
 

Early in the year, we camped near Island Pond, Vermont.  This community is in the middle of much wilderness.