In its legal brief, the DEC noted that the Adirondack Park is a nationally recognized canoe and kayak destination and the wilderness area is one of the most popular paddling and backcountry camping areas, attracting about 2, 000 users annually.

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Norway and Germany took gold in the men's single kayak and single canoe sprint events, respectively.

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Mr Hall, of the Wychavon Kayak and Canoe Club, said the seal probably spent so much time with them because it was "a bit lonely".

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Sea Canoe also offers kayak journeys in Vietnam, the Philippines and Fiji.

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