Racoones can be BIG problem. They will try to get to your food and WATER. I hosted water and food up on a mast on my trips.
On a solo boat I found that oars works much better than single paddle.
Typically, you can survive on two liters of water a day, unless it's very hot. Gallon a day was more than enougth for me.
Why don't you try Watertribe Challenge - it's a lot af fun, and you can take all week to do it.
www.watertribe.comIt's a great resource too. I'd recomend to read some of the articles
http://www.watertribe.com/Magazine/Y2002/M12/SteveIsaacMakeAHypothermiaKit.aspxhttp://www.watertribe.com/Magazine/Y2002/M12/SteveIsaacWaterTribeKit.aspxhttp://www.watertribe.com/Magazine/Y2002/M12/SteveIsaacHydrateOrDie.aspxhttp://www.watertribe.com/Magazine/Y2002/M12/SteveIsaacWhenGodsPlay.aspx
