Tanyia gave me my fathers day gift last night and as you can see, two Group of Seven prints. I have always loved "The Canoe" by Tom Thompson and "Stormy Weather" by Frederick Varley, even long before I was interested in canoes or Algonquin.
They hang on the walls of our dining room and every time I walk past them I stop, stare and smile.
Thanks Tanyia.
While surfing around I found this list of great articles by Kevin and thought some of you may like to read them as much as I did...if you haven't already that is! :)
Articles by: Kevin Callan
National Magazine Award winner Kevin Callan is sure to put a smile on your face as he shares his experiences in a canoe.
While listening to the radio driving back from the gym this afternoon the news report included a story on a "Bear on the loose" in Pickering, a large suburban town, just East of Toronto and not far from where I live.
What made me laugh was during the report they stated that "...over the last few years as housing develpoments continued to grow, Black Bears have invaded Pickering neighborhoods, bringing with them fear and frequent damage to property"
The bears invaded the neighborhood? Ahhh.....I'm pretty sure the bears were there first folks.
Since I now have my canoe, I have removed the "Canoe Fund Update" from the sidebar.
I can't believe that I haven't posted this before now. This is just crazy!!
Jeffery M from the AA forums has created a new map that includes information from many other maps. It is incredible and he has made it available for free!
There is way more on this map then I have time to say, but here are some of, but not even close to all of the highlights.
I recently asked that question on the AA forums and as is always the case, the members delivered with some great information on a couple of products.
Thanks to Barbara from AA forums for posting this.
The "Get to Know" lesson plans are an awesome tool for me to teach Lauren and a good refresher for me. The Kevin Callan article is also really good.
Check them out.
-Bring extra ziplocks for all those found treasures.
Go to this page, and check out the Lesson Plans and Observation Templates:
http://www.gettoknow.ca/connect/resources.php
Taking the Kids Camping (Kevin Callan)
http://www.paddling.net/guidelines/showArticle.html?310
Cradle to Canoe: Camping and Canoeing With Children
by Rolf & Debra Kraiker
An anonymous poster on the Algonquin Adventures forum recently wrote a blurb on things to consider when taking a child out for their first canoe trip. With my daughter Lauren and I heading out for our first trip in just over a month, this really hit home with me. He covered some things I hadn't considered and thought it might be good for others to read as well.
"Ton's of advise that could be offered for a "kid's first trip". You've probably already searched the previous posts on this topic on this board, but if not take a moment to do so.
In general keep them involved and they'll have more fun, doing is better than watching others do it. A good example is sawing up firewood... most young kids love to do it, while most adult see it as almost a necessary evil, so be sure to take a saw that you are comfortable having them use. Be sure you have a first aid kit with antiseptic and small bandages (bandaids - clothe ones stick longer than the plastic) close at hand.
Let them help cook and clean up after meals.
You've probably already planned your menu, if there's anything on it that they don't eat fairly regularly, have them try it before you leave to ensure they'll like it on the trip. A good last minute meal substitute that many kids like might be Mac and Cheese, if you find something on the menu that isn't well received.
Let them know what tasks need to be done in camp beforehand and have them be responsible for some of them. That way they won't need to always be asking "what's next?" or having you calling out orders. set up tents, bear bags, get water, firewood, cooking, etc.
Lifejackets...have them put them on before getting into the canoe, everytime..no exceptions..if for no other reason for your peace of mind. Attach a whistle to each lifejacket for "Emergencies only"
Have a backup plan incase weather makes being outside impossible, card games etc.
get each of them a waterproof disposible camera to record "their perspective on the trip"
you said that the kids would carry their own gear, if they are able (weight-wise) let them carry some of the group gear and meals as well (even if it's something small - a snack, fuel canister, etc.). This helps them to feel like a contributing part of the group rather than just someone along for the ride.
take along extra beverages, hot chocolate, koolaid for when it's hot and when it's not (sitting out a rain storm is better with hot chocolate)
Don't eat in or near your tent, never. It's a bad practice that could be unsafe in the long run.
Don't let them leave camp alone (buddy system) and anytime they leave (even just to find firewood), have them take atleast their whistle. It's easy for kids to loose their way in the woods, the whistle will help you find them. Tell them if the get lost or even a little lost to find a tree, have a seat and blow the whistle untill you come. It's easier to locate a noisy stationary group of two, than it is to try to find a quiet, individual wandering around lost.
Have fun and be safe."
While many were out enjoying the cold, wet weather on the Victoria Day long weekend, I used the time to complete my total garage make over.
I needed to create a rack to store my new canoe and while I was at it, decided to build some overhead storage for all my canoe gear while throwing out the crap that has stolen valuable floor space. I'm pleased with how it turned out.
Building the rack and the ceiling mounted shelves was the easy part....organizing everything else was a long and at times painful process. But I'm proud to tell you that my garage is now exactly how I dreamed it could be and I have all my gear in one
place. For her part, Tanyia is just happy that the "place" for all my trip gear is not in our closet anymore.
With my training reaching it's peak I have been looking at electrolyte replacement drinks, AKA Gatorade alternatives.
When working out for extended periods, you lose electrolytes fast and those drinks are a good way to replenish them. The problem is I don't want any refined sugar and they are all just LOADED with them, but I DO need the salt and potassium.
After a bit of reading I found a few great articles that expose Gatorade, PowerAde and the rest for what they really are....very well marketed kool-aid.
This about.com article does a great job explaining what your body needs when exercising and a simple way to make your own.
Here is a quote from that article...
This is the headphone model I have used for years and love them. They are made by Sony and are the only ones I have found that will not come off while I run or bike and will still work even if they get soaking wet. They have great sound and offer a comfortable, low profile design, at a price that can't be beat and man, can these things take a beating. You can check them out HERE.
I bought my original pair from the "The Source" AKA Radio Shack, two years ago. When I bought then they offered me their extended warranty for an extra $6. I wasn't going to get it, but considering this was my second pair in a year and how hard I am on them I figured why not?
Well since then they have broken three times and each time they replace them...no questions asked. Today was pair number four and again no problems with getting the replacement.
If you happen to be in the market for a good set of headphones, check these out and you won't be disappointed...but make sure you get the warranty. ;)
BEEP...BEEP...BEEP...*SLAP* on the snooze bar.
That's how my morning went. I'm not sure if it's just an emotional low point in my training or something else, but I'm just so tired lately and I've been struggling to get up for my morning workouts. I still eventually get up, but I'm just not my "pop" out of bed self.
After my swim and bike workouts this morning, I feel much better.
Funny. I thought I had more to say about this, but..that's pretty much it! lol
Jim feel sleepy...then Jim feel better. This is real interesting stuff eh?
After a week on craigslist with nothing but a handful of emails , I was starting to think that selling my "extra" canoe was going to much harder then I had planned. The Langford Prospector 16'6" is a great canoe and since this one was in such great shape (practically brand new) , I was a bit surprised at the lack of interest.
Last night, all that doubt was removed when I sold the canoe to a really nice couple from Peterborough. They are just getting into canoeing and we talked about it for while. They peppered me with questions for about an hour and it felt good to share what I have learned over the past 3 years.
As much as I'm glad to have the space it occupied in my garage back, it sure felt cool to see two shinny red canoes in there....even if only for a week.
Back in March of the is year I posted about what may be the only knock on the Hennessy Hammock. At night when it gets cold we need to sleep on top of our Thermarest pads to keep warm and during the night if your bum, arm, leg or any other appendage happens to slip off the pad it gets cold and you have to wake up and reposition yourself. It's the only annoying part of the sleeping in a Hammock. I thougth about using the idea outlined in my previous post, but I'm not brave enough to try the Z pattern of adhesive on my Thermarest, so I figured there must be a better soloution.
Well there was and as reader "Reeeock" recently suggested, the best is by a company called "Jacks are Better" and they specialize in accessories for the Hennessey Hammock. Cool eh? The only problem is the $230 price tag! OUCH!!! That's more then I paid for the Hammock, so I can't justify that kind of money for what is essentialy a sleeping bag that attaches to the outside of the hammock.
A similar, but MUCH cheaper idea is outlined HERE but here is the quote:
"...However, a Gossamer Gear ThinLight Evazote sleeping pad (Wide-Long if available) slung in a Jacks R Better Weather Shield bottom cover (at present, only their top cover is out of stock) is much cheaper, lighter and almost as warm as the Hennessy under-pad/under-cover system. The JRB Weather Shield has the advantage of being able to sling a quilt as well as a sleeping pad"
Still not exactly cheap, but $60 is much easier to handle.
Lots of stuff going on right now and all of it good! Here are the highlights.
1 year, 4 months, 6 days....just in case anyone ever asks.
The strap on my swim goggles broke today and they were the original pair I bought at Canadian Tire when I first started my swim training last January. It's a bit sad actually. I trained for and completed my first tri wearing those goggles, so I don't think it's too crazy to have a sentimental attachment...right?
Since I started I have swam over 114,400 Meters or 114.4 km wearing those goggles and have seen a real improvement in my overall performance. Replacing them won't be easy, but not for the reason you might think. You see I have a BIG head, so finding a pair that fit well is tough. For me it's like trying to put a thong on a bowling ball!
The search begins...
I don't have much time to write this up, but I just had to let everyone know about the deal I what I think is the deal of a lifetime I just made for a used canoe.
Details:
-Langford 16'6" Prospector, Kevlar,
-Red
-2 years old and used twice
-In like new condition
-With 2 adult and 2 kids paddles and PDF's
for just $1300!!!! This canoe is worth $2900 new.
I'm going to see it tomorrow and if it checks out then I have my dream canoe for a steal of a price. It is a little more then I had wanted to pay, but how can I pass up a deal like this?
I will update with pics and more after I pick-it up...I AM SO EXCITED!!!
While reading another excellent trip log from a trip to Ishpatina in Oct 2005 the writer mentioned that he departed the put in (Beauty Rd and Montreal River) at 9:30 and arrived one lake north of Scarecrow lake (our destination for CC2008) "...just before sunset". I wanted to know how long it took him to get that far and then use that to see if it was possible for Gerry and I to do it in a single day.
I found a site that reports the sunset and sunrise times for Canada and you can set it for any date past or present. So I punched in the date and presto... for the Ottawa area, on October 9, 2005 the sunset at 6:28 pm. So it took him 9 hours to go 90% of the way. For the record I had to use my fingers to count, but no toes....I repeat no toes! This is great news for Gerry and I, as we will be moving much faster then a solo canoe and will hit the water earlier....not to mention that the sun doesn't set until 8:30 pm, so we can easily do this trip in day if we choose too.
I had intended on writing up the itinerary for CC2008 today, but it appears that won't happen. I promise to have it posted ASAP...maybe even tonight...if I don't fall asleep first. Very tired right now.
In case I don't post again, have a great weekend everyone!
After speaking with Gerry about changing our route for this years trip it is now official...Gerry and I are going to Ishpatina Ridge for CC2008!
I plan to do a time line for the trip this afternoon, but until then here are some things I've been working on for the trip....
Although years...and years and...(you get the idea).... years away, Tanyia and I have been looking at our options for retirement. I would like to have some property in the Algonquin area where I could put a small cabin to use as a base camp for my trips. It would have no electricity or plumbing, but would have a wood stove, be completely winterized and able to sleep 6. There are lots of options, but I found this article from the National Post that gives a great overview of some of the options available for a simple shelter, many I had never heard of before. Check it out!
My personal favorite is the Yurt.
Tanyia has recently expressed interest in going on a canoe trip next year. This is a monumental moment here folks. I figure if I can get her out on an easy route the first time. and get her hooked, my life will be complete. It's all theory at this point, but I may have a girl other then Gerry to go on trips with! ;)
