May 08, 2002 — There are plenty of weekends when chores and family and spring's tricky weather make it tough to escape for a long backcountry canoe trip. Fortunately, the North Country offers plenty of shorter routes - half-day trips that promise fantastic views without a lot of hassle. A couple of weeks ago, Brian Mann paddled on the Osgood River in the Adirondacks. He sent this audio postcard.