: Do you carry a spare paddle?

Yep, got a good spare paddle so no worries there.

: What happens if, for instance, your GPS is lost or broken, or you
: didn't pack enough batteries, or your battery charger broke, and
: fog rolls in rendering your aerial (not surface-Are you taking
: nautical charts as well?) maps useless?

Lots of batteries, no charger. If I lose the GPS, after I pass the series of lakes that lead to the Nelson River, I will talk to the local natives. As it goes, I found out just yesterday that my roots go back to the Dogrib Cree tribe who live at Norway House, right where I am going. They will help me. That said, I have very good instincts for where I am going and need to be. If the fog rolls in so thick that I can't see for at least one mile, then I won't paddle at all. Polar bears are great swimmers...I don't want a close encounter with one on the water. That said, I can out-paddle a polar bear and probably outlast one on the water.

: An orienteering-type compass is very small and light and will
: function at least as well as one of those big strap-ons.

In fact, there is an orienteering compass in my first aid pack, right beside the sutures, so got that covered.

I should mention that my route is very stright forward and because I have studied the interconnecting route aspect of the course, I am sure I can find my way without the GPS and map. As long as I stay to the right, I will be ok. Again, if I have a problem, I have no issues with paddling back to Norway House to get help, even if it takes and extra day or two.

Robert N Pruden