2011 Year In Review

Temagami: The biggest highlight to the 2011
 paddling season  - getting engaged.


Amazing, another year has already come and gone. I recall writing the first Year In Review blog post last January. I even remember feeling pleasantly surprised when I looked back at all those trip pictures to refresh my memory. In the span of a year, it's absurd how much I forgot, let alone remember with pictures to remind me. Even now, as I look back on all the trips in 2011, I find it to be almost cathartic. Canoe trips have been for me (and I'm sure many of you), a treasure trove of powerful emotions, experiences and memories that are a pleasure to relive in our minds, just as long as we don't forget them!

Killarney: Unmistakably, where else can you find

such stunning mounds of quartzite?

At the beginning of 2011 (or any other year for that matter), I never really know how the tripping season is going to turn out. Yes of course I make plans, but really, due to so many variables, they really are just tentative ones until you actually head out. You just never know what may transpire closer to the date (as most of you paddlers know), as they can literally fall apart at the last minute. I certainly wasn't immune to that either as a whitewater trip last September was cancelled the day before we left! As upsetting as that was, I've come to accept it, because that's just a part of any paddler's life. Thankfully, most times it doesn't end up that way!

Kukagami Lake: Sunny, hot, and beautiful, but in

mid-October? Lots to be thankful for!

Tripping in 2011 has indeed turned out to be another spectacular year. A quick tally of the numbers show 13 trips totally 70 days - that's one additional trip and 2 more days than last year, not too shabby. All but one trip was in Ontario, with the other being in Quebec. It was a good assortment of different trips that made for an interesting mix. The most interesting part of tripping in 2011 was all the unique events that occurred during them. Such as celebrating my 40th birthday, baking for the first time with a reflector oven, tripping with a new canoe, catching my first walleye, cooking a bird for Thanksgiving dinner, and of course getting engaged. It turned out to be quite the year to remember! Most importantly, I couldn't have done it without my fellow paddlers - friends, new and old, and now my fiance. Without them, where would all the interesting events, stories and pictures come from? Thanks to you all!

Haliburton: Quietly afoot along the portage trail, you
can actually hear the trees speak to you.

The first trip of the year started at the end of April in the newly formed Kawarthas Highland Provincial Park. It was a little confusing with the permit system that was not yet in place when we arrived at the put-in. Despite heading out without a permit, we were fortunate not to get  fined and luckily got a free trip out of it. This was also consequently Anita's first canoe trip ever, and certainly not her last. My next trip was at another provincial park, Massasauga, in mid-May. It was an opportunity to take some friends on our first canoe trip together. Despite tailoring the trip for them, they still had to deal with inclement weather, our campsite being occupied, a long portage and even tough paddling conditions, but none of it dampened their spirits as they looked forward to the next one. And who said canoeing isn't fun? 

Massasauga: Not only discovering a more scenic route,
but another way to bypass the portage.
Photos: Maral Kodjayan

In the beginning of June, I headed off to Georgian Bay with a new paddling friend to circumnavigate Franklin Island. It was certainly a surprise when the route turned out much shorter than expected, but the extra time gave us ample opportunity to explore around. As this area is popular with boaters and paddlers, we were also lucky to practically have the island oasis to ourselves. By mid-June, I was off again with my previous friends from the Massasauga trip. We were now headed to the French River to paddle Eighteen Mile Loop, a route I had previously done years ago. The weather this time was much more favourable, as we often found ourselves sweltering under the heat and jumping into the river to cool down. Lots of sun, sunscreen, scenery and great food - including a cantaloupe and a watermelon! This was also the first trip I got to try out the reflector oven, which consequently was perfect as it was also used to bake a chocolate cake for my birthday! Mmmmmm.

Quetico: Good times, great memories, and an
incredible place to go on a canoe trip!


At the end of June, I now set off east with some other friends to Quebec for a 2 week whitewater trip down the Coulonge River. It goes without saying that we had lots of fun running rapids, but the oppressive heat and buggy conditions sometimes made it a bit challenging to enjoy at times. However, we were pleasantly surprised by how scenic the area was despite the numerous cottages and lodges along the way. Unfortunately, despite trying our best to slow down, we finished the trip much earlier than expected, which then prompted the next outing. Not wanting to waste the time we had off, a couple of us headed to Algonquin for a few days. It was ironically, a vacation from a vacation! What can I say? 

Algonquin: Solo, dragging my canoe through the mud, 
and wishing for once it was frozen!


With a few weeks to get things ready, by mid-August, we now headed in the opposite direction, west towards Quetico Provincial Park. Participating as An-Artist-In-Residence, I was also granted permission to use the never-before-paddled Nova Craft Cronje that was given to the park to commemorate their centenary. Some of the comments I got as other paddlers saw me take the canoe from the visitor centre made me chuckle. They knew it wasn't coming back in the same condition. I was pretty certain they knew something about the park that I didn't at that time. In any case, despite the canoe coming back with many notable marks, each member of our small group came away with lasting impressions as well. It was hard leaving the park, but even harder to deal with wistful longings to be back in the wilds of Quetico during our long 2 day drive back.

Coulonge: The thrill of whitewater is often addictive
and hard to match for its adrenaline rush.

Come mid-September, a flurry of trips began in earnest. The first one was a trip to the Haliburton Highlands with another new paddling friend. We poked in and around areas where I've never been to before while I took advantage of her facility as an arborist to learn more about trees. Right after came the all important canoe trip with Anita to Temagami. Of course with my luck, the weather conditions were tough and low water levels put a kibosh our intended route, but when I needed everything to come together, it fortunately did. The combination of the amazing weather and the time alone atop the summit made for perfect conditions to propose. Luckily for me, she apparently said yes.

French River: Under a moderately heavy load (unlike voyageurs),

we happily re-trace this historical trade route.

 My next outing was supposed to be a whitewater outing on the Madawaska River, but unfortunately as you know, it got cancelled last minute. Without skipping a beat, I then headed out again at the end of September with a good friend back to Haliburton. We had some tough weather conditions, including lots of long portages, but our complimentary skill set and combined experiences still made the trip enjoyable, even when our first campsite was accidentally taken!

Algonquin: An easy choice to get away
for a last minute canoe trip.

With lots of time to still trip in the year, I headed out with friends in mid-October to paddle a new route through crown land. The very scenic route with the added benefit of abnormally warm temperatures gave us more reasons to celebrate Thanksgiving while on the trip. Of course, the crowning achievement was not only portaging a frozen chicken, but cooking the whole bird and having it for Thanksgiving dinner!

Haliburton: Despite the weather on this trip, moments
like this truly make it all worthwhile.


By November as the season was coming to an end, I quickly took the opportunity to head out on a couple more trips. One with Anita to Killarney Provincial Park where she got to experience the "crown jewel" of Ontario`s wilderness with its towering mounds of white quartzite. Lastly, I headed out on a solo trip at the end of the month to Algonquin. Always a great way to reflect back on the past year's trips and even hope for a 'white' paddle out to close the season. No luck on the latter as I finished the trip soaking wet under a steady rainfall. So much for the climactic ending to finish the 2011 paddling season!

Kawarthas: Not only the first trip of the year,
but Anita's first canoe trip as well!

As we are now well into 2012, the ideas for canoe trips are swirling in my head. Wedding plans may curtail my usual exuberance for canoe trips this year, but who knows? I may need to get away more to deal with all the stress of planning! (Sigh) One of the goals this year is to get Anita more comfortable with whitewater, as she has already gotten a wealth of experience from the previous year. I don't know about you, but I never had anywhere close to what she got to experience when I first learned to paddle. In her inaugural year alone, she got to spend 42 days in a canoe! (Can you read, "I'm a bit jealous!", between the lines?!) In any case, 2012 looks to be a busy year, both in the canoe and out. I'm (bravely) looking forward to all the craziness that may unfold throughout the year, but as always, I'm much more resolute when heading out into the unknown with a canoe and paddle in hand! 2012 (gulp), here I come!

Franklin Island: Time spent exploring the amazing place
and  Lynne 'getting into the groove'!

Wishing you all the best in planning this year's paddling trips!

Hope to see you on the water!

Cheers,

tPP

The Coming of the New Year

As I come to the cusp of another year, I can't help think about a few things that have hit close to home. And surprisingly, it's not about paddling. Maybe because it's at the age I am now, or maybe it's something I now pay attention to, but I specifically noticed two things that seem to run contrary to each other. Lot of my friends, colleagues and even family are now having children. It's a pleasure to see these children that are vibrant and full of life. But on the flip side, people I know are not only ageing, (of course), but most poignantly, getting sick, with some succumbing to their illness. I was especially reminded of this when I visited my father's grave site this year and realized how close we are in age. It's 'life' at its finest some would say, whether evolutionary, or for others, the creator's master plan. Whether each action is to balance the other (and help us cope), maybe, but it's still a hard swallow at times. Despite it all, this is life as we all know it.

Reflection: Looking back at the previous year

New Year's is a happy time and I don't want to rain on anyone's parade with sombre thoughts. It's just that I wish for all my friends, family and readers all the best in health and spirit. Because it is only with health we can paddle, and of course when we get to paddle, happiness soon follows. And yes, I'm being facetious, as there are many other things that can bring about happiness, but as I suspect most of my readers are paddlers, I think you know exactly where I am coming from!

Projection: Looking ahead at the new year

Happy New Year's Everyone!

 Wishing you all health and happiness in 2012!

See you on the water!

tPP

Paddling On Christmas Day?

Stark, still, and serene in Algonquin at the end of November. 

Captivating for sure, but not the kind of scenery to

get you into that festive mood.

As I drove to work this morning, I couldn't help myself from thinking about another canoe trip. Here I was in the middle of December, with no trace of snow anywhere and my car displaying 4C outside. Last week one day, we even hit a high of 14C! This is December, isn't it? I even did an oil change on my car this past weekend, something I've never done at this time of year. The forecast for the rest of the week shows highs above zero with no sign of any snow. It looks like it's definitely not going to be a white Christmas this year. 

Oh yeah, Christmas is coming too. Maybe it's the lack of snow, or the fact that I have so many other things on my mind. In any case, I can't say I'm in the Christmas mood,...yet. Sure, the Christmas tunes are playing and the Christmas decorations are out, but I feel like being somewhere else. Like lost somewhere deep in the wilderness, paddling along shore with big fat snowflakes falling all around me. Yeah, now that sounds about right. Even on my last trip at the end of November, I was hoping to take a canoe-Christmas themed picture to share on the blog. Of course I needed some of that white stuff to provide the proper backdrop, but no luck there as well. If it was a tad bit colder, I would have gotten my wish, but since it decided to stay just one degree above zero, I ended the trip soaking wet instead - sigh.

Even the removal of my roof  racks is a glum occasion. It's about coming

to facts that canoeing is finished for the season.

Photo: Lisa Riverin-Thomas

I've never been a big fan of Christmas, at least in the commercialization of it. The mad rush of shoppers, crowds, trying to find parking, and searching for gifts as elusive as spotting a Canadian lynx. Why we subject ourselves to all this madness, I will never know. We say its all about giving, but sometime I'm more inclined to think its all about getting. In this day and age, most of us have what we truly need - a roof over our heads, food at the table, a job and family/friends. What more could anyone want? Sometimes I think we lose sight of the most important things we should be thankful for at this time of year. If there should be any giving at Christmas, in my opinion, it should be to those that don't have these basic things, which including myself, quite often take for granted.

Despite my little rant, Christmas is still a great time of year. It often brings out the best in people, their generosity and kindness. What I do love most about Christmas is families spending time together. As much as we think everyone does a lot of this throughout the year, I'm pretty certain not enough time is actually spent doing this. We all have 365 days in a year to do all kinds of things for ourselves, but how many of those days do we all make a concerted effort to be together. Christmas is one of those times, and that part alone is worth waiting another 364 days for. The long term forecast shows Christmas day to have above zero temperatures and most likely no snow. I know I would rather be out paddling somewhere, but it's Christmas, and time to be well spent with family. I'm sure I can forget thinking about paddling for one day!

I was grateful to have witnessed and captured this scene on a trip a few

years ago. However, this is how I would imagine what

 paddling on Christmas day should be like!

 Wishing you all, paddlers or not, the happiest of holidays!

Merry Christmas!

tPP

The Event - Part 5

Anita's reaction after realizing she just committed the
rest of her life to me. (And the problem is?!)

There are moments when we are awed, captivated and even find ourselves breathless by the scenery before us. It often illicit deep profound thoughts. Well, when Anita and I were sitting there atop Ontario with the splendor of the endless scenery before us, I began asking those atypical questions. About her dreams and wishes, what she wanted in life, and ultimately about happiness. Prepping Anita to finally pose the question, my mouth suddenly parched, my heartbeat doubled, and my hand inside my pocket that held the wooden ring started to sweat. I'm sure my vision went fuzzy and my blood pressure dropped  precipitously low, so before I fainted and totally ruin the moment, I quickly asked if she would make me the happiness person in the world -as I slid the wooden ring on her finger. 

Pause.

From that point on, I had no recollection of the following minute(s). Every blood vessel in my body had probably constricted so much, the lack of oxygen to my head must have halted my ability to record the proceeding events - quite frankly being one of the most important times in my life. I seriously had no clue if she even said yes! When I finally started to come back from 'outer space', I heard Anita go on about being shocked and surprised I proposed so soon. I surmised she might have said yes, but in all honesty, I had no clue! No word of a lie, I actually asked her afterwards if she actually said yes. Understandably, both surprised and perplexed by my question, she adamantly and reassuringly acknowledged she did - phew! Talk about being a space cadet!

So here it is, the wooden engagement ring. Made of cedar
from the shores of Scarecrow Lk and carved
with a Leatherman!

Relieved by both the affirmative answer and the weight that was now lifted off my shoulder, I was finally able to relax and join in on the conversation. Anita remarked that she was amazed and impressed that I was able to carve a ring that coincidentally also fit! (Yes, I was beaming!) Although, I did tell her luck played a big part in it. I then promised her a more substantial engagement ring with an actual stone after the trip, but for now, she would have to accept this symbolic one. Comically, this response gave me another neat idea, as I offered to find a 'stone' to affix to the wooden ring. This would then complete the look of a typical engagement ring - a la Au Naturel style! As we were sitting atop a mound of quartzite, I quickly searched around and found a few that seemed to work. With her approval of the final stone, we created an even more symbolic ring - one that was also from the very place we got engaged!

The wooden ring with the very impressive 
'2 carat quartzite' - lol

We were both on a 'high', (Excuse the puns!), on the highest point of land, and which certainly was the highlight of the day for both of us. We were giddy, ecstatic and overwhelmed by the moment. It's one of those few times in life when you feel the emotions warm and extend to the furthest reaches of your body. All you want to do is just take it all in, and never forget it. As much as we would have loved to stay there and let time stand still, I eventually had to break the reverie. It was getting late and we still had to cover some distance that day. (A rest day was originally scheduled for this day, but was lost due to unexpectedly being wind bound on Smoothwater Lake.) We took one last look around, embraced, then turned to leave that unique location, which incidentally became even more special to us.

The highest point in Ontario now has more
significance to the both of us!

The rest of the trip didn't pan out exactly as planned. We ran into more of the same problems we had at the beginning of the trip - go figure. Low water (more like no water) on the Lady Evelyn river meant we couldn't make it to Florence Lake. Then ironically, we ended up back at Smoothwater Lake where we dealt with wind again. We even decided to finish the trip a day early as we ran out of options. Despite all this, I was completely thankful that I was able to accomplish what I had set out to do. Call it good timing, luck, or divine intervention, whatever it was, I was grateful for the perfect conditions that allowed me to affirm one of the biggest changes to my life. There is now a new passion in my life besides paddling - Anita. Life as I've known it won't ever be the same.

Its a life changing decision, but one I
happily look forward to.

Canoes were originally made with two people in mind. I am just thrilled, that someone has now permanently taken that other seat. Looking forward to a life full of paddling adventures with Anita!

Cheers,

tPP

Postscript: So the big question, why the pause? There actually was a valid reason for it. In Anita's defense, the proposal not only caught her off guard, (Which is how it's supposed to happen, right?) but at the same time, she thought the wooden ring was a joke. A few weeks prior, Anita's mom unexpectedly spoke to both of us about rings and marriage. When Anita and I talked about that discussion later on, she sarcastically asked for a ring. I jokingly pulled off a key ring and slipped it on her finger, stating that was all she would get. That incident was obviously still fresh in her mind when the actual moment came, and guess what? She didn't initially reply because she honestly thought it was another joke! Talk about back-firing! In any case, as you know from my state of disconnect, I didn't even hear it, let alone was cognizant of anything she said afterwards - but at least I now know why. I guess in the end, the joke was really on me! (shaking my head)

Last Trip of the Year?

Heading out for the last time with my faithful

red Nova Craft Prospector!

Photo: Anita DeVries

Well, it's been crazy of late, especially at work and at home, so it will definitely be refreshing to get away on a canoe trip one last time this year. I've also been working hard at getting the series of posts of "The Event" up. I have one last one to do and hope to get it done next week, of course, after I return from my canoe trip. Yesterday, everyone has been shopping like mad on Black Friday; (It's not officially an event in Canada) even I took advantage of it and ordered a couple things online, but I am more than happy to get away from the continued shopping madness this weekend. In fact, as everyone is shopping for deals, I will take advantage of this 'mild weather deal', and get away on a solo 4 day trip in Algonquin. (I'm pretty sure I won't have to deal with crowds!) Well, have fun shopping this weekend if you are out looking for deals. I hope to get a good deal on this canoe trip! Be in touch soon!

Cheers,

tPP

The Event - Part 4

Our small island campsite on Scarecrow Lake
surrounded by a thick fog

Did you know carving a wooden ring is not easy, especially with just a Leatherman? I spent almost one and a half hours carving, poking, trimming, and whittling away at that lump of cedar. Started with a piece too big, almost ruined it a couple times, and even came close to slicing my fingers! Throw in my generous use of colourful words, what started out looking like man's first invention of the wheel, it eventually took on the likeness of a ring. I wasn't going to win any awards, but I was happy with the results. (Did prehistoric man propose in the same way?) Hey, I even got the size right! A ring she once put on her finger, I found fit on my pinkie as reference. Yes I know, sneaky!

I wished I took pictures of how the piece of the wood transformed into a ring, but I was so concerned Anita may eventually wake up, I didn't stop for a second. And good thing, because just as I finished, she came out of the tent to relieve herself and ask what I was up too. I had just enough time to throw the wood chips/shavings into the fire and tuck the ring in my Pelican case before she came over. I told her I was contemplating (cough) life, and freezing my butt off. (No lie here!) That night, I was glowing with warmth, despite sliding my chilled body into my down bag. Beating the odds by the skin of my teeth, sleep came to me better than it ever had in the last few days.

One of 3 small beautiful' alpine' lakes we got
to see on our way up to the summit

The next morning dawned with our small island totally encased by thick fog. When the mist finally burned off, we were treated to a gorgeous day, the kind of day you wish for when you're about to propose outdoors. I was the happiest person in the world, considering everything that happened to get to this point. After a hearty breakfast of pancakes, we reluctantly began to pack up. We took our time that morning, luxuriating in the warmth from the rising sun and breathing in the cool crisp autumn air. Both feeling fortunate and at ease by the beautiful weather and scenery unfolding around our island, Scarecrow Lake was finally living up the hype I accredited to her prior to the trip. Of course, unknown to Anita, I wasn't totally relaxed as she was, considering what was coming. I just had to reassure myself that everything would work out fine - all in good time.

The hour and half it took to climb to the top was a great distraction. The combination of the physical exertion and the scenic trail helped to redirect my attention. Although, it was hard not to think about what was ahead, as every step brought us closer to the summit. Inevitably, we made it to the top. We took a moment to embrace, claim that we officially made it to the highest point in Ontario, (2275ft/693m), and then admire the unending vista in front of us. Thankfully, we were also the only ones up there, especially considering what I was going to do. (We passed two groups heading back down on our way up.) I couldn't have asked for better conditions, as we were sitting comfortably atop a mound of quartzite on an absolutely gorgeous fall day. More than ever, now was the perfect time. Gulp!

Enjoying the scene atop the highest point in Ontario
Ishpatina Ridge - 2275ft/693m

The Event - Part 3

Smoothwater Lake was acting up - overcast,

rain, cold, and very windy!

Burdened with enough to think about prior to the trip, once it got under way, I then had to deal with problems getting to Scarecrow Lake. (Where the trail to Ishpatina is located.) First off, we had miserable weather; rain, cold temperatures, and lots of wind. So much so that we actually got wind bound on Smoothwater Lake for a day. (Anita still asks why it's named as such?) Once we finally left Smoothwater, we took a detour on our way to Scarecrow Lake via Scarecrow Creek. I went this way years back and it wasn't a problem then. Not this time - we ran out of water and were thigh deep in bone chilling muck. We literally had to hold onto the canoe while 'walking' and dragging the canoe, otherwise we would have sank further in. Anita wasn't impressed and started to doubt my glorification of Scarecrow Lake. We finally got there cold, wet, and muddy late in the day, but thankful that it was now passed us. I just hoped and prayed the next day, summit day would turn out much better.

After much thought about not having a ring, I decided the next best thing was to make one myself - I would carve one. I still planned to get one, but I hoped the symbolism of this wooden one would suffice, as well as garner a yes, until I could get a real one. I am neither a woodworker or carver, so this idea that was great in theory, was a daunting prospect, considering I still had to find the time and opportunity to do it! With only a Leatherman, I wondered if it was even possible? It was ballsy to say the least, but I was running out of time and options, so this was going to be it.

Creeks are great places to paddle, except when you

run out of water! (Scarecrow Creek)

I was hoping to camp at the trail head when we got to Scarecrow Lake. Disappointingly, there were people already there and we had to resort to the only other campsite, which was on an island. Normally, this wouldn't be problem, but the slim picking of trees and the difficulty of sneaking away made things more challenging. Luckily, we had to paddle to the mainland to collect firewood. I took the opportunity to purposely walk further away and saw off a green cedar branch. (Why not have it smell nice too!) Surprisingly, she didn't notice the bulge in my pocket, nor that I smelled wonderfully like cedar. Once we got to camp, I furtively hid the small limb between some rocks.

With less than 24 hours to go, my opportunities to carve the ring was slowly slipping away. I was starting to get nervous. Fortuitously, after the sun had set and it started to get cold, despite sitting around the fire together, Anita decided to turn in. She was both tired from the tough slog and chilled by the cold wind, so was eager to get to bed early. Luck was on my side! She didn't even question why I wanted to stay out, especially when I mumbled something about wanting to see the stars. This was the opportunity I had been waiting for! Now was the time to make it happen. With only the chill to deal with, I quickly retrieved the cedar limb, my Leatherman, and sat close to the warm fire. It all now came down to this moment - could I make it?