Howdy- Just got back from 1st quick paddle down on L. Champlain. Too windy to do what I wanted to do but I got in a couple miles in a big cove out of the weather. It felt good. Lots of migratory waterfowl.(Sounds better than ducks+geese). And one Bald Eagle.
Hey mr bill- If I was driving to S.E. AK. I'd bring the Dirigo17 for gear carrying capacity+stability. Otherwise, If I wasn't driving, I'd rent something up there stable.
Definetly go to the Great Lakes or some big water before you go to AK.. I've never been to that part of AK yet, but thats the place to kayak.
Good Luck- Bilnik