years ago I had a Folbot that was like the model they now call the Greenland II. 17 ft., open cockpit. It held a ton of gear plus two people. It was so stable it was unbelievable. Both people in it could lean as far as they could to the side and it would barely tip. It was also very fast.
I used to take it down various rivers and was always amazed at how much wildlife you can see from one. Apparently the animals just don't equate something large, slowly floating down a river, with humans and more or less ignore you.
In a bout of apparent insanity, I let a friend talk me out of it and I sold it to him. Dumbest thing I ever did. I later replaced it with a 16 ft. canoe. Heavier, slower, and WAY less stable. (this was a high dollar canoe, not some cheapo piece of junk.) As far as I'm concerned, there is no comparison - - the kayak wins hands down. Just remember I'm comparing an EXPEDITION type kayak to a similar sized canoe. I have no experience with the smaller white water kayaks, and am not addressing them.
Canoes and kayaks will both get you to remote places quickly and easily. You will arrive much less tired, even accounting for the paddling. You will see lots of wildlife.
One thing I have observed about river paddling is that many (most?) rivers are quite a few meters below the surrounding land. So, as you travel along, even in built up areas, You don't often see any buildings, people, or man made things. Even though it may be very near by you "appear" to be alone in a wilderness area. Oftentimes the only clue that your not,is that you can hear traffic noises.
kayaks/canoes and bushcraft go together like ham and eggs. or should I say bangers & mash?
