Julie,

I always keep spare straps and rope in my truck. I was glad I had extras on Friday night. I just wished that I hadn't forgotten the flashlight. I almost bought one when we stopped for dinner, but though no, I won't be doing any night paddling or hiking, we'll be curled up by the fire at the lodge after it gets dark. Oh, well.

Mike

: It doesn't hurt to keep a spare strap in your vehicle, particulary if you're
: travelling any great distance. I snapped a bow strap last summer-- driving
: across Montana to Pt Townsend, WA.... I was in a nasty crosswind for
: awhile (was nearly blown off the road a couple times!) and even with a
: rock solid rack system, the kayaks were jostling a bit, and friction of
: the bow strap against the front bumper won out. The strap was only one
: year old. It was fine when I started the trip (I did check it for wear
: before I used it.) I was in the middle of nowhere. Fortunately, I had a
: spare. (thare are not too many places where one can buy straps on a Sunday
: night on highway 12 between Helena and Missoula. Avon, MT isn't exactly a
: shopper's mecca!)I pulled over, replaced the strap, and was on my way. No
: problem... but it would have been if I didn't have a spare on hand.

: A person can't have too many straps.

: Julie Kanarr
: Wilsall/Livingston MT