Hard Drive Failure!

After many fruitful years together, she has finally decided to

call it quits! Very disappointed, now time to look

for a 'newer, younger model'!

Its amazing how traumatic a hard drive failure on a computer can be! Predictably, people's lives, including mine, are bound more and more to computers, laptops, smartphones, and now tablets. Of course many of the things associated with computers are probably not all that necessary, (eg. games, social media,...well maybe) however, computers definitely make our lives easier and they have become pretty essential nowadays. (I just heard a survey that said computers are replacing pets as companions!) Well, when you lose access to your computer, you can quickly feel disconnected, but more importantly when you lose access to your hard drive, you can lose a lot of important data and personal stuff. Literally, all the things you have accumulated over the years can be lost in a split second. Scary stuff!

Decided to see if I can attempt to recover data from the hard

drive using some techniques I found on the internet,

although, I am not expecting anything.

Well, a few days ago, my computer starting acting up. I had a funny feeling something bad was going to happen. I quickly proceeded to back things up to an external hard drive. I was lucky enough to even get some kind of warning as sometimes it just quits. Anyhow, I was able to get most of my stuff uploaded before the drive finally stopped working. The damage was minimal (I think), but I'm sure I lost some stuff. I'm having to resort at the moment to move things to another computer for the time being until I get things sorted out - not fun. I really do feel somewhat 'disjointed', but do feel lucky too. I regularly back up my photos, but not usually everything else. Guess what's going to change now?! Well, time to assess the damage and get reorganized. Hopefully will have a normal post out soon!

David

Back From Paddling!

Dimitry about to be force-fed water on the Coulonge!

Its been over a month since I've last blogged, wow, time does fly. Lots have been going on since then, namely 4 canoe trips totally 22 days, which could have been 24 if it were not for us finishing the Coulonge River trip early. As you can see, it didn't leave me many days in between to prep for the next trip, including the fact all those non-paddling days were spent at work too, so I apologize that I've haven't been anywhere close to updating my blog. Now that the dust has settled, (a least for now) besides all the housework, yarkwork, bills and other mundane things that need to be done, I will have some time to hopefully post a few blogs.

Fred admiring the scenery from a vantage point

high above the French River

I had a great time during the past month on these trips and almost feel lost not having the urgency to run around like a chicken without a head. Although, I do admit, it does feel great to sit 'on the can' relaxed in an air-conditioned house without having to be attacked by hordes of mosquitoes! There is always so much to write about on my trips - the ideas and subject matter doesn't stop flowing, but its near impossible to write about them all. I'm positive I could write a book if I had the time to sit down and just write,.......right, like that will happen! (Not planning to retire from canoeing anytime soon!) In any case, despite badly slicing my finger just before a canoe trip and risk cancelling it, finding no relief from mosquitoes while sleeping in a cabin, dumping in a rapid and losing my new favourite hat, as well as having my beloved stove blacken for the first time ever, all is good. Kind of like that line of T-shirts that says "Life is Good", it really is, despite it all. Ok, time to get writing! Hope all of you have got out paddling or will be soon! The weather is perfect for it!

Cheers,

tPP

And who else but me, licking my fingers rather

than kneading the bannock mix!

Photo: Anita DeVries

New Toys For My Canoe Trips

Today's society is rife with technology. You can either dismiss

it, or take advantage of it. Occasionally I do the latter

- like GoPro's Hero Video Camera.

I love canoeing, that is pretty obvious. But I also love some of the opportunities that come with being "the crazy canoe guy" - as a work colleague aptly puts it. Sometimes I look for opportunities or things that can benefit me on canoe trips, and other times, fortuitous opportunities or things come my way because of what I do. Either way, it is both enjoyable and rewarding to discover new things, and in return share these things or experiences with my readers.

Much like the Eureka Singlis/Dualis air mattress that I'm trying out this year, I will also be using/testing some other products, one of them being a reflector oven. I'm not much of a baker both in the bush or at home, but I have made bannock bread on previous canoe trips and have thoroughly enjoyed it. Which self-respecting canoeist hasn't? Anyhow, one of my paddling partners this year, Anita, was a baker by trade years ago and of course a light bulb went off in my head. Now of course, glowing coals in a fire pit doesn't exactly equate to a commercial convection oven, but I put the challenge to her. I have to admit, there isn't much equal to freshly baked bread on a trip, so I hope to exploit...(Oops, did I say that?!!)..I MEANT 'utilitze' her skills to see what interesting things we can bake and come up with.

Light and compact (when folded), this reflector oven shouldn't be

much of a burden on trips. Especially considering

the great pay offs it is capable of!

I've owned an Outback Oven for many years and have had some good results, but I've heard even better things from using reflector ovens. A couple years back at the MEC Paddlefest, I was introduced to Rob Stevens, who was showcasing several beautifully handcrafted products, including a cedar canvas canoe. But what I recall was a reflector oven he had that was imported from Sweden. After a quick search (Got to love the Internet!) I found the oven and contacted the owner about whether he was interested in showcasing his product. Surprisingly, I was then contacted by Rob, as he is responsible for distributing the ovens in Canada, and soon found the reflector oven waiting for me at home!

Now that I have it, its time to put it to good use. Anita has got a chance to 'play' with the oven, has already purchased a lightweight baking pan and is presently mixing/testing some secret ingredients together for its first official test. (I have been sworn to secrecy from revealing the ingredients as my life may be in danger - just joking!) Well, during the course of this year, follow along and let's see what interesting things we bake up. I will selflessly volunteer my stomach and subject my body to all those extra calories to let you know how the baked goods taste and share with you our experiences. Guaranteed to have lots of pictures and hopefully some videos to share as well.

I know its a teaser, but that's all I can give for now. You'll have

to wait until I'm given the green light before

I spill the beans!

Secondly, I have gotten an unique opportunity to try/test a prototype paddle that is not on the market yet. Even though I already have a partnership with Bending Branches, in a round about way, Russ Schroeder, who is in charge of advertising at Rapid Media recommended me to the Marketing Director of Bending Branches when he was looking for some avid paddlers to test this new paddle out. So after a few emails, I was sent this pre-production model to field test and provide feedback. I can't give much more details, but this is one sweet paddle. When all is said and done, and this paddle makes its grand entrance into the paddling world, I will for certain provide information and pictures. I'm also looking forward to getting one myself!

Lastly, some of you may recall my blog last fall when I went on a solo trip in Algonquin and missed a great opportunity to get photos of moose. As my camera was dropped off at the end of the portage, I was obviously left without anything to capture the ungulate experience. I vowed not to get myself into that situation again. I am not a big fan of point and shoot cameras, but they do offer some advantages I can't get from my dSLR. The main reason being that they are compact and can be kept with me at all times without getting in the way. So, I finally went out and purchased a couple of them. The first one is a Canon Elph 300 HS, a small 12 mega pixel camera that can also record 1080p high definition video. The second one is the Pentax W90, which like the first is 12 mega pixels, records 720p high def video, and most importantly is waterproof.

One of two compact point & shoot cameras that I will have with

me at all times. No more excuses for missed photos!

Many times I have missed opportunities to take photos in conditions that would guarantee the demise of any dSLR, but not any more. Since I have covered all the grounds now, there really shouldn't be any more excuses to miss those "once in a lifetime" photos (and video). Lastly, to round out these expensive purchases, I also got a GoPro Hero Camera to record video. These are compact waterproof hi-def video recorders that can be placed in the most unusual places to record amazing/unique footages. So with all this extra gear, my trip weight will surely increase, (sigh) but hopefully I will have more to share with all of you!

Ok, so enough babbling. Time to get out paddling and put my

money where my mouth is!

Cheers,

tPP

Black Flies Are Out!

Fred and Maral were all smiles despite the long day in tough

conditions. Of course a hot supper helped!

Wow, boy is it hot today!* I would love to be on the water today so that I could jump in to cool off! On the second trip of the year in mid-May to Massassauga Provincial Park, I was hot then (temp was just above 20C then compared to 35C today) and decided to take a plunge into the cold Georgian Bay waters. It was refreshing to say the least and it didn't feel too cold at all, until I jumped in the second time. This time I screamed like a girl and came out numbed. My friend Fred decided to go for a plunge as well since I told him it wasn't too bad after my first jump. Judging by the fact he didn't emit a single sound from his mouth when he hit the water and crawled out as fast as he could, I knew he didn't agree with my assessment. Oops! (No, he was quite ok with foregoing another plunge!) * This blog was supposed to be posted this past Mon during the heat wave, but was obviously postponed!

Massassauga Provincial Park is accessed at either Three-

Legged Lake or at Pete's Place. Wonder why it's

called Pete's Place?

The canoe trip to Massassauga Provincial Park, like the one to the Kwarthas previously was over shadowed by the forecast of rain all weekend. But like before, we headed out expecting the worse and hoping for the best. My only wish was that the rain would hold off for the first night so that we could enjoy steaks from the grill by the fire, instead of from the frying pan under a tarp. My prayers were answered as we all eagerly devoured not on the steaks, but grilled red peppers and corn. Ummmmmmm, yummy! In the end, we lucked out with the weather too, only getting one day of rain out of the three. Not bad I say!

My mouth waters when I see this picture,.....sigh!

Memories of a delicious meal.

The only issue we had with the rain on day two was that it lasted all day. Throw in some strong headwind and waves and we had quite the battle to do. Luckily we didn't have to cover too much distance that day, but it was enough to worry me in regards to my paddling companions. All have only little experience in regards to canoe tripping and I purposely planned an easy trip to teach them the ropes. That day it was a crash course on paddling into driving rain, wind and waves - fun! Fortunately, they all managed ok and were only worse for wear, but it certainly did push them. In the end, I was really proud of them and impressed at their enthusiasm and determination to keep plodding ahead despite the conditions.

Everyone's spirit was still high despite the constant rain.

I couldn't have asked for better companions!

Photo: Maral Kodjayan

Maral, a work colleague of mine and her husband Fred, joined Anita and I on this trip after inquiring the previous year about canoe tripping together. After all the talking and planning, the only reservation she had was getting cold, especially when she slept. Besides all the advice I gave her on wearing layers and such, the single most important thing I recommended to her was getting a down sleeping bag. It was a fairly big purchase, but I promised her that she would not regret it, especially since she owned a synthetic bag with no loft. The first thing I asked her after she crawled out from under the tent in the morning was, "How did you sleep?" She had the biggest smile on her face and couldn't stop raving about how warm she was. She said the purchase was worth every cent! Another time, during our battle with the wind and rain, we stopped by shore to take a break. I was concerned about her bare hands being cold (as mine were) and offered her my dry neoprene paddling gloves in my pocket. With her characteristic big grin, she told me she was fine and that her hands were warm. I thought for sure she was just playing tough, but when I grabbed her hand, they were actually hot! I couldn't believe it! (She said she actually dipped them in the lake to cool them off while paddling!! ????) I'll take my gloves back thank you! I think it is safe to say she managed fine with the cold on the trip. Phew!

Maral's smile was infectious. You might not be able to

see her eyes, but her smile still shined through!

Like Maral, my paddling partner Anita also managed to surprise me. Although, maybe because there was ulterior motive to avoid portaging, but it showed inquisitiveness, initiative and a bit of adventure from this paddling neophyte. You see, we portaged roughly a kilometer to get to the present campsite at Little Blackstone Lake, but had to head out the same way the next day. While looking at the map, Anita questioned why we couldn't paddle the ribbon of blue that ended at the lake where we were headed. Not noticing this previously, I took her suggestion seriously and agreed that it could be possible, but only if we scouted it first. I wanted to check for rapids and also determine the terrain we would be passing through since the contour lines were compressed along portions of the route. So after pulling the canoes on shore at the head of this waterway, off we went along the river's edge to our intended lake, scouting as we went. Since we didn't know what to expect, we decided to carry some of our gear and drop it off at the end in case we still had to portage.

The rough trail along the river was quite a surprise, helping

us both scout as well as enjoy the scenery.

Unexpectedly, we found a rough trail along the shoreline that was cleared and marked with flagging tape, which made the scouting easier. We surmised that the park was in the process of making a hiking trail, which we agreed was a scenic route. The highlight of this trail was saved for last when we came to a set of cascading falls that tumbles into Blackstone Harbour, which was our intended destination. After a brief break viewing the falls, we headed back knowing we only had to tackle a few shallow C1's at the top, limbo under a felled tree and deal with a couple lift-overs. After a crash course in basic whitewater maneuvers, I ran both canoes through the rapids with Anita and Fred intact. We all got to squeeze and duck under the trunk of the large pine, and luckily, we were both able to force the canoes to slide down two beaver dams. The biggest challenge came when we had to navigate the canoe down a narrow 90 degree channel, but a bit of skill and lots of luck got us through that upright. All that was left was to pull the canoes out before the falls, which we did without incident, and portage to the rocky shoreline.

Running a few shallow C1's rounded out our

adventure to Blackstone Harbour

Photo: Maral Kodjayan

We all agreed that this unplanned excursion was much more enjoyable than portaging back on the same trail. Especially with the falls at the end where we took time to sit back and enjoy the scene. Although, we were not the only ones eager to hang out by the falls. The black flies were now out in numbers and made our time there a bit annoying to say the least. Unfortunately for me,...well, depends on who you ask, the black flies swarmed around my head, and unlike my companions, decided to only bite me! Now how fair is that?! I'd like to espouse the high quality of my blood as being the reason why the black flies targeted me, but I don't think its a quality I was going to tout at the moment. Despite the black flies, I was just happy that my companions gave me the thumbs up in regards to this trip as we all headed home looking forward to the next one!

The "fruits of our labour" was a pretty set of cascading

falls we got to enjoy before heading home!

Hope you've all got out paddling! More trips to come!

Cheers,

tPP

A Free Trip!

Kawarthas Highland Provincial Park, Ontario's newest

fee paying park. Still worth it!

There's nothing like finally getting out on your first canoe trip of the year. With all that has been going on, I haven't even had the chance to get out for a day paddle so I was eagerly looking forward to this inaugural trip. Even the weather forecast didn't phase me as rain was called for during the whole time we would be out. As it happened, (as usual) things changed and the first day we were treated to a day full of sun, blue skies and 18 degree temperatures. Couldn't have asked for better conditions! It was totally invigorating as it really felt like I crawled out from beneath a rock.

Our small party headed to the Kawarthas since I knew for sure the ice was out. Reports from Algonquin then indicated that some areas were still not accessible due to ice, so I was a bit reluctant to head that way. And no, that was not what was stopping me, you kidding?!! It was just that my paddling partner, a colleague from work whom has never canoed before was joining me, so I had to be mindful of the type of trip I was leading. I learned well enough from previous experiences to keep people from being turned off by my types of canoe trips!

Looking out across Cold Lake and enjoying the view

First off, permits are now needed for camping at Kawarthas Highland Provincial Park starting May 1st. April 30th was the first day of our trip, but since we were going to be there until May 2nd, I checked the park's website to find out where to obtain permits. The only instruction was to call the MNR office in Bancroft. I called the day we left, but no one was there to answer the phone. When we arrived at the access point, the info on the display there gave the same instructions. I tried again to no avail. With all the notices about park permits and the resulting fines, I was a bit leery about not having one, but with no other recourse, we left with a note on my dash about our dilemma and hoped for the best.

Enjoying an unexpected whitewater run on Ansthruther Creek!

Photo: Anita DeVries

The trip turned out to be lots of fun, sometimes unexpectedly, like when I didn't pay attention to the map after the first portage. We completed the short carry as expected in the right area, but when we came upon rapids, I knew something was very wrong. Absent-minded while caught up the group's conversation and in the splendor of the beautiful day, I didn't realize we should have paddled across a small pond rather than down a pretty creek. We certainly didn't mind as it was a really scenic area, but I now had to figure out where we were! (Oops!) Luckily, we were headed in the right direction as this creek also ended up at Gold Lake, our intended destination. (from Ansthruther Lk) The best part of that was, it now gave Ben and I an opportunity to run both boats through a tight twisty section of C2's that had us grinning from ear to ear, not to mention wet our pants! (No, not what you are thinking!) We were more than pleased to get this unexpected whitewater run out of a flat water trip.

These bugs were found swarming at the put-in by the water.

Does anyone have any clue as to what they are?

We also had fun on a small adventure when we decided to see if we could find a way into Cloudy Lake from Cold Lake. I had no information regarding this route, but based on the topo map and the higher water levels, it looked feasible. The only real challenge was navigating upstream through the marsh with multiple liftovers, but surprisingly it was a beaver that stopped us in our tracks,.....er, in our boat. As we came upon another mat of sticks in the narrow channel, a beaver appeared on the opposite side and swam towards us. Of course we stopped and watched with delight as the beaver approached us, but couldn't believe the audacity of this rodent when it waited in front of us, wanting us to move out of the way! Of course there was no way we could turn the boat around nor could we navigate all the way back in reverse, so we made a stand and stayed there. In the end, the beaver slapped its tail in disgust and headed back up. I felt bad, but soon after we passed over the clump of sticks, my partner shrieked when her paddle almost came in contact with the beaver as it swam beneath the canoe and continued downstream. I'm sure the beaver had the last laugh! In any case, we did make it to Cloudy Lk. It is a pretty place and worth the effort to get there, also evidenced by the fact someone else was already camped there!

The search for the passage to Cloudy Lake. Did I

mention it was also cloudy that day?!

We didn't come away unscathed by the weather as it progressively got worse towards the end of the trip. By the last day, we were trying to stay dry under a tarp from the driving rain as we packed up our wet gear. Despite this, it didn't dampen our spirits as much as the thought of heading back home. We did find the right portages this time on our way out as we had to double back through the same area. Just like the creek on the first day, this small body of water ended up also being a nice tranquil sanctuary to paddle through. Although lucky enough to experience this place in solitude, I could definitely see this area being far from silent and isolated in the summer as it is very close to cottages, a road and a marina. Glad to have experienced it this way!

The beaver waiting for us to pay the toll before letting us pass.

"Anita, do you have any fresh twigs on you?!!"

When we got to the access point, as a bonus I didn't find a ticket on my car - phew! I was also surprised to find the parking lot empty, since on the first day it was full of vehicles. I guess everyone wanted to take advantage of the last opportunity to camp free before the permit system came in effect. We also found that all the information inside the display had been changed with instructions on how to fill out the permits provided in a cubby below. This definitely takes care of the headaches and worries of obtaining a permit to camp in the park now. Thankful that the park warden spared me a ticket and gave me a free pass for the opening day of the new park, I took it as a good omen to start the paddling season on the right foot!

Let the canoe trips begin!

Cheers,

tPP

The last vestiges of winter to stick around.

Darn, no beer to cool in the snow!

Finally Getting Out With A New Sleeping Pad!

I got my first article published in a magazine!

As some have commented, "It's

about time!!"

Man, its been way too long since I've blogged, sorry! So much going on and just not enough time. Since my last post, I've finally got my first magazine article published in Kanawa (Requiem For The Romaine), had a fun time presenting at the Barrie Canoe and Kayak Club, had several requests from other canoeist (both friends and strangers) to join them on some big canoe trips, assisted a Parks writer with information about canoeing, met a few new potential paddling partners and to boot, I became an uncle again! The tot's name is Noah. I figure with a name like that, - synonymous with a boat & water - you know we are definitely going to get along well! Anyhow, despite all this I decided it was time to sit my rump down and post something before the paddling season begins. It definitely has begun and yes, if you believe, I still haven't been out! I'm totally discombobulated! Anyhow, that should soon be remedied this weekend as I'm heading off on a short 3 day trip to start the season.

The Barrie Canoe and Kayak Club members attending my

presentation. It was surprisingly a large group,

(gulp!) but fun presenting there!

Photo: Anita DeVries

Timing was perfect as I got some new gear from Eureka today to try out and use. One which has me very interested in trying out is their new line of sleeping pads. I'm sure you are all aware of the self-inflating sleeping mats that have revolutionized the outdoor community by storm, replacing those de facto (and uncomfortable) blue foam pads. Well in recent years, there have been a few companies that have come out with 'air-mattresses' that are significantly more comfortable. For colder climates, you can even get ones that insulates as they have either down or synthetic fill inside of them for the best of both worlds. Well, Eureka took a different angle on this principle and has created their own line of comfortable sleeping mats - the Singlis ST and Dualis ST.

Eureka's answer to the 'air mattresses' growing

popularity among trippers.

The Singlis ST is an 'air mattress' comprised of 6 longitudinal tubes that can be inflated with either the integrated hand pump or by blowing in through a brass valve. It doesn't have much of an R value (insulative value) since air is the only thing inside of the tubes, therefore it is only good for warm weather excursions. The big benefit is that it is really comfortable and eliminates even sizable protrusions from below. The Dualis ST on the other hand has a unique twist being that the same 'air mattress' style tubes are bonded underneath to a self-inflating mattress. Therefore you have both the comfort of the air tubes, plus the insulative properties from the self-inflating foam! Seems pretty brilliant to me! I'm certain I haven't seen anything of this sort on the market, so it will definitely be interesting to try out and see how well they perform.

From the initial impression and test, the Singlis ST was quite

comfortable. Can't wait to test it out!

It's still pretty cold out there during the night, so I'm going to use the Dualis this weekend. In fact, because I'm so excited to try it out, I'm going to sleep on it tonight at home! I'll let you know how things turn out after the weekend. Hope you are all getting out soon too, despite all the wacky temperamental weather!

Cheers,

David

Back In The Swing of Things!

Working the Eureka booth at the Sportsmen Show with Dave

Helsdon, the creator of the Chrysalis and Jim Stevens,

head of Eureka-Johnson Outdoors.

Ahhhh! Its been way too long since I posted on my blog! Thanks to all of you that stuck around, wondering and waiting,...waiting,....and waiting,......for the next post. Sorry! The last month or so has been quite the beehive of non-stop activity that was somewhat related to canoeing, but unfortunately nothing in terms of actually getting out on the water with a canoe and paddle. Yes, the weather has warmed up enough that the local waterways are flowing, but as friends have luckily already headed out, I'm still on the computer working away, wishing for my opportunity to get out. See, I haven't forgotten this blog and as we 'speak', I'm typing away! Hopefully next weekend I'll get the chance to finally get out on the water, crossing my fingers!

Had the privilege of meeting Sonya Swanson, the Sales and

Marketing Assistant for Bending Branches

at Canoecopia.

So I'm sure some of you are wondering which rock I crawled under? Well at times, that would have actually been nice, but no, I've pretty much been front and center among lots of people. It first started with a presentation at Nova Craft in London, then working at the Outdoor Adventure Show, then off to Madison, Wisconsin to attend Canoecopia to present, and then back to the Sportmen Show where I worked at the Eureka booth again. Things have just finally started to wind down, but I just got a call from the Barrie Canoe and Kayak Club requesting a presentation, so as you can see, it is still not over. Plus during this whole time, I've had writing assignments and still have yet another article to work on. However, despite the hectic schedule, I always come away from these shows and presentations more inspired than ever. Yes, they can be long hours on your feet when at times you think you'll never stop talking, but there is always an amazing exchange of stories, information, and laughs. I've meet new friends, reconnected with old ones, made new contacts, and even learned new things. But the greatest reward is helping people, whether inspiring them to head out on their own canoe trip, or advise them on purchasing appropriate gear for their next adventure. That alone is worth everything.

Talk about nerve-racking, I got slotted to be one of the first

speakers when the doors opened at Canoecopia!

You should have seen the line - yikes!

Photo: Rosie Page

I know I head out on many canoe trips throughout the year and get to experience and see some amazing things (usually). So as I speak to fellow paddlers that are as varied as the canoes out there, sometimes I feel a sense of remorse. Many wish that they can head out as often as I do, or paddle to some of the places I've been too. I totally understand because I was once there too. I looked up to notable paddlers years ago as inspiration (and still do) and wished I could be like them one day. I certainly haven't gotten anywhere close, but I've certainly come a long way and feel now at the place and position I'm in, despite canoeing for myself, I feel a greater reward by giving back. That's when those longs hours standing and talking pay off, when I get a heartfelt thanks from helping people and seeing their enthusiasm build for their next adventure. Or giving advice on different canoe routes and encouraging them to venture outside of their usual tripping destinations as you see a light bulb go off. Even so much as helping kids into a hammock at the Eureka booth and getting them all excited about going on a camping trip. Whether or not any of this actually happens, I will never know, but you plant a seed, and let them go with it. And occasionally, just occasionally, you come across someone who tells you that it was either my advice or the inspiration I gave them that got them out there. You know that credit card commercial that speaks about priceless experiences? That is exactly what I'm talking about, priceless - and for everything else, there is Mastercard!

Cheers everyone! Good to be back on the blog!

tPP

The Nova Craft booth at Canoecopia after a long day. Rosie

Page, Roch Prevost, Dave Hood and Tim Miller,

owner of Nova Craft Canoes.