Sassafras Paddle oiled & ready for first dip

The decorative burnings on a second Penobscot paddle replica were completed over the winter. Here's the pic from back when there was still some snow on the ground...

Since then the paddle has been patiently waiting to be oiled and finally used in the water. While working on painting the canoe, took the opportunity to get this thing oiled up. Sassafras has a muted golden colour to it when it is oiled. I like the tone with the darker pyrography.

Oiled up and drying

I'll likely be taking this one on its maiden trip when the 14' Chestnut / Peterborough is completed.