Carol and Dave Aselsen - Redbird

Hello! I have been wanting to write to you, just to tell you how much we have appreciated the book you wrote on canoe building. About three and a half years ago, our son Andrew told me that he wanted to build a canoe. We went to the library and found your book. After reading through the book, we discussed with the school shop teacher whether he thought this project was a project that could be done in the school woodworking class. He gave us the go ahead, and Andrew started drafting the pattern for the station molds in his junior year of high school. He made the RedBird pattern. The shop teacher, Mr. Reed, helped him obtain a telephone pole and get it milled into strips. Andrew's project continued through his senior year, and he finally completed the canoe last June, the day before he and his five friends left for a week long Boundary Waters Canoe Trip. Andrew's friend, Joel Frazee, used the same strong back and station molds to build his canoe. Now our son Benjamin, who is a senior this year is using the same trong back and station molds to build a canoe as well. As parents, we are so glad that our sons have been able to use their time productively and creatively, that they have learned so much in the process, and that the end result is a beautiful piece of wokmanship that they will use and enjoy their entire lives. I wish I had some better photographs to show you, but at least I thought I could send you this clipping from the local newspaper describing Andrew's and Joel's canoes. Thank you for writing you book and teaching our sons the wonderful art of canoe building. It inspires us to know that you have been able to create a lifetime vocation out of canoe building. Even though our sons may only build canoes for a hobby, it certainly has enriched their lives to do so. With sincere appreciation, Carol and Dave Aselsen