Welcome! Sounds like you do some stuff most of us don't - look forward to your contributions.

I'd listen to Canoedogs. He's a pretty avid canoe'r, so he probably has a good grasp on the dangers of being in a small boat in isolated waters.

I've got nothing for you besides a camping-based experience. But my fiance and I are talking about getting kayaks, so I'm paying attention to this thread!