The Event - Part 2

Anita taking the time to marvel at the scenery

I found out long ago you can't judge a book by its cover. Despite the fact we are all familiar with this saying, we often are still quick to jump to conclusions, like I did with Anita. Quite frankly, I never expected we could or would be compatible in any way, let alone roughing it in the bush on a canoe trip. So of course when she agreed to head out on a canoe trip with me, I had my doubts and was skeptical. Although, I was sincerely appreciative that she was willing to go at all, so I made attempts to make her introduction as reasonably comfortable as possible. As mentioned in my last blog, the first trip did have some hardships, but Anita thankfully wasn't totally turned off.

Luckily for me (and my friends), as the year progressed, Anita agreed to head out on more trips. Despite her inexperience in less than glamorous conditions, she handled it well. Her skills slowly improved with each trip and more importantly, she actually enjoyed being out there. In the few times we got to trip together, we surprisingly also found each other. Did you know that canoe trips can be a great environment for finding someone? You are forced to get to know each other, deal with a myriad of conditions, both good and bad, and lastly figure out whether you are compatible or not, both as canoe partners or as friends. Unexpectedly, I found both. It was then we decided to date.

Many times in our lives, we are confronted with situations that elicit a higher form of mental processing than just thought processes alone. It's called gut-feeling. It's hard to fathom how or why we feel a particular way, but something intangible is at play. Well, only after 3 months of dating Anita, I felt and knew things were very 'right'. I couldn't believe it myself, but I honestly was ready to move to the next stage! (Yes, I know some of you will be quite shocked reading this!) I had no hesitations, questions, or even doubts, other than just the anxiety of popping the actual question. Maybe it was a combination of turning 40, FINALLY knowing what I wanted, being ready, etc. Most importantly, I think it was the mere fact that I met the right person.

Anita became not only a paddler,

but a good friend as well

In mid-September, Anita and I were finally going to get the chance to head out on a canoe trip together - alone. Wanting to seize this opportunity, it was literally days before the trip that I decided I was going to propose. With very little time to figure how I was going to do it, let alone get a ring, I was beside myself. I finally picked a route in Temagami and decided I was going to propose atop the highest point in Ontario, Ishpatina Ridge. (Ironic as September is my favourite month to paddle and Temagami is my favourite paddling destination.) The only problem, no ring. What would I propose to her with?! Consumed by this thought, I had a few restless nights prior to the trip. What was I going to do?

The Event - Part 1

Anita and I just hanging out

We all wish for many things in our lives, such as a life-long partner. Today, more than ever, people are either waiting longer to commit to someone, or not at all. And of course there are those that would love to, but can't seem to find that perfect match. I did a combination of them all. First off, I obviously didn't make any such commitment early in life, and as you all know my age from my previous post, I passed the point most average people get married. Also, at times, I thought about going solo and considered it seriously. Although, despite liking time alone, I do prefer company. Something about having someone there with you in body, mind, and spirit. Last of all, I did seek perfection. The problem was, that usually tended to turn me back to the solo option. I wasn't getting anywhere.

Anita and I work together at a hospital in Richmond Hill. Even though we knew each other for several years, I only knew her enough to say hello and have the odd exchanges related to work. This year, I had a bunch of trips planned with some friends, but needed a partner to commit to some, if not all of them. I solicited my usual paddling friends, but for one reason or other, no one could commit. It was then time to go for broke or else many of the pre-planned trips could be in jeopardy. So, I started sticking my neck out to see if anyone else would bite.

The response from my work colleagues are always amusing since they know about my canoeing exploits and think I'm off my rocker. So of course when I asked a bunch of them during lunch one day, I got the usual smirks, smart remarks, and attitude. Many had conditions attached to them which I obviously couldn't accommodate, like no bugs or animals, every night had to be in a cabin, or every site had to have a hot shower and a toilet. ("You're kidding, right?!") I was told a vacation meant getting pampered with fresh food, drinks, and a soft bed. The idea of roughing it for a vacation went totally against their principle. Sigh, why bother?

Anita did not stand out from the group, as she claimed she was a "glamper". (Combine glamorous and camper, and you get someone who enjoys high maintenance camping.) Well unexpectedly, her resolve started to soften when she read my blog and regularly heard me rave about canoe trips. She actually took the bait, and soon after, the first trip with her was booked. On our first outing in April this year, she fared okay, despite a massive face plant on the portage. (Can you imagine, she apparently was day-dreaming about soaking in a hot tub!) Yes, the weather was cold, it also rained quite a bit, and there was the kilometre long portage she endured with more weight on her back than she ever experienced in her life, but she did it and somehow found reason to go again.

Since that inaugural outing, Anita has gone on 5 trips hence with me. She has endured shivering in the cold rain, trying to extricate herself out of a bog, face planted yet again on the portage trail, and even got bitten by bugs she never knew existed. Nor will she forget her gastro-intestinal bout, almost dislocating her thumb, and some wild weather conditions, one she descriptively coined as "gale-force winds and sub-zero temperatures". Sometimes it was too much for her, like when her legs gave out halfway up a very steep portage. I did my best to make her experience as tolerable as possible, but sometimes, it was out of my control. Sure, there was some tough times, but through it all, we shouldered through it - together. She was quickly becoming a great paddling partner. Was there a chance there could be more?

Coming Of Age

Dawn of a new age

Our lives are often filled with events, whether it is personal in nature, or on a global scale. Sometimes it impacts us in a big way, while other times, it doesn't make any difference at all. And let's not forget, timing also plays significantly to events as well. When I was first introduced to canoeing at the only summer camp I had the chance to go, it didn't affect my life very much. Jump forward many years, when I harmlessly picked up a copy of 'Up The Creek', a canoe route's book by Kevin Callan, my life took a dramatic turn. It hasn't been the same ever since, and I think it's pretty obviously to all what happened.

Some events are fairly predictable, like the changing of the seasons or when you have to file your taxes. You know its coming, sometimes you may not like it, but its going to happen whether you like it or not. Because it is predictable, you can prepare for it if need be, but other times, you can't do anything - it just comes and goes, like your birthday. This year, I turned 40. For many, it's a big to-do. Some will cry, while others will party, but for me, it went by without much fanfare. Only thing I did, which actually was planned by fluke with friends months before, was head out on a canoe trip. Even my friends on the trip didn't know I was turning 40. To me, it didn't really matter, I was just happy doing what I loved the most - being out on a canoe trip.

Celebrating my birthday on a canoe trip with friends

- couldn't ask for more!

Inversely, there are events that are unpredictable. Most people tend not to like these, as it can throw their lives into chaos, such as a car accident or an unplanned pregnancy. However, not all unpredictable events are bad. How about winning a lottery, getting a promotion at work, or an unplanned pregnancy? Generally, people don't like surprises, which is understandable, but then life as it is, would become very mundane and boring. Like a canoe trip in Algonquin, where you know exactly where the portages are, what they are like, their lengths, and even how many campsites there are on the lake. It can be a stress free experience, but how exciting is that? When I turned 40, that was totally predictable, but what wasn't, was getting a new canoe as a gift from my family. I'd say in my case, the unpredictable event made the predictable one a much better experience!

Getting a new canoe definitely put a smile on my face!

Then of course, there are some events that can significantly impact your life, whether they are predictable or not - like canoeing was to me. As expected, while growing up, I enjoyed most outdoor activities like canoeing; yet, it was totally unexpected how later on in life it consumed me. I don't for a moment regret any of it, nor all the crazy experiences that came along with it, as it has completely enriched my life. Turning 40 or getting a new canoe are big deals too, but honestly, other than having a few more aches and pains and sporting a new canoe, everything's status quo.

It came and it went - another birthday

I admit, my life in much of the past decade has revolved around canoeing and there hasn't been much that has changed this. Maybe there is some truth to it when family and friends think my life-long partner will be a canoe. The chances of that happening are pretty much in their favour, predictably; but unpredictably for me and for everyone that knows me, there is an event that may change this. There are times in our lives that an event may be life altering, a game changer, or maybe it's a coming of age. Whatever you want to call it, things will never be the same. And don't worry, I'm not going to hang up my paddles yet! It's a big change alright, but I believe its a good one. Stayed tuned!

tPP

Thankful For Luck!

Mesmerized by the colours

Occasionally, when you head out on a late season canoe trip, you may just luck out. Like I did, when a group of us headed out during Thanksgiving weekend for a 5 day canoe trip. Usually at this time of year, everyone talks about lucking out with the colours, but I'm specifically referring to the weather. Tripping in northern Ontario in mid-October is usually a chilly occasion. Much like what I recently experienced on some trips since mid-September where I've had some really cold wet weather. So when I began checking the weather forecast prior to our trip, I couldn't believe what I was seeing. There was a row of sun icons, all indicating sunny days; but even more surprising was the temperatures listed directly below. They were steadily increasing way above norms this time of year - I'm talking 20+ Celsius highs!

Shorts, hats, and sunscreen. What else would you

expect on a mid-October trip?!

This kind of weather forecast at this time of year really creates quite the dilemma for me. What do I bring?! T-shirts, shorts, sandals, or how about a bathing suit? It's one thing if I was out for only a couple days, but being out 5 days, I was quite certain that those highs weren't going to be around the whole time. I knew the combination of constantly changing weather patterns and no

ironclad weather forecast, I really should be ready for anything. So, in the end, my clothing bag was bigger than ever, as I even packed in a towel! Well surprise surprise, for once, the weather and the weatherman's forecast was dead-on correct. It was the longest hot spell I've ever experienced on an October canoe trip! (And yes, I did go in for a dip, so bringing the towel was

justified!)

Beauty in the juxtaposition of both life and death

Maskinonge Lake did not fail to impress

With the weather forecast being so nice, as well as being Thanksgiving weekend, it was imperative to make sure we celebrated with a special meal. Since we were all going to miss out on turkey, I suggested the idea of cooking a chicken on the trip. Well, the proposal didn't take much convincing as my friends took it upon themselves to do it. The only concern was the abnormally warm temperatures, so we adjusted by having Thanksgiving dinner a day early. Consequently, including Thanksgiving dinner, we had some incredible meals because the route we chose was not too difficult and we had the liberty to take whatever we wanted. Yup, the barrels were filled with heavy fresh food, but so were our stomachs at the end of each meal! I have to say, not only did we luxuriate in the warm weather, but we ate like kings!

Prepping the potatoes and brined chicken for

our Thanksgiving meal

We made a unique double-sided fire pit to simultaneously

cook multiple things at once

And lastly, in regards to our comfortable route, we ventured into an area none of us had tripped before. I've frequently considered tripping through some lakes NE of Sudbury (east of the Chiniguichi area), but had never got there until now. Well, let me tell you, this route turned out to be spectacular! Sure, the weather helped immensely, including the eye-popping colours, but also because of its clear aqua-green waters, stunning cliffs, intimate falls, sand beaches and pretty islands. Honestly, it was much more than we all expected! It was really a treat for the senses, as we were amazed at the beauty of this place. With the combination of everything that just went right, we truly felt lucky beyond compare. Now how lucky is that?!

Sunsets like this, including a full moon made

our trip even more memorable

This trip really reinforced how lucky and thankful I am to live in Canada, and continue to look forward to being amazed as I paddle around the next bend. Hope you've all had a wonderful Thanksgiving and enjoyed the great weather too!

Cheers,

tPP

Now that's a meal fit for Thanksgiving -

especially on a canoe trip!

The Risk of Occupying the Wrong Campsite

The beautiful scene we got to see for a brief moment

when the rain stopped in the morning

from our group site

Have you ever occupied a campsite that you weren't supposed to? I know I have. Once in Algonquin, my partner and I couldn't locate a site along a particular stretch of river where we had reserved a campsite. We ended up at the lake instead to look for a place to camp. As most of the campsites were already occupied, we were relieved to find one, but we also felt uneasy about whether we were taking someone's site. It was late in the afternoon, so there was still time for other canoeists to look for campsites. So despite setting up camp, we were quite anxious, especially when other canoes passed close by. We agreed earlier that if anyone with a permit for this lake was out of a campsite, we would voluntarily pick up and move. Well thank goodness we didn't have to.

Now, have you ever been on the flip side? Well, this past weekend, it happened to me and my paddling partner Andrea when we headed to the Haliburton Highlands Water Trails (HHWT) region to paddle the Black Lake Loop. We left right after work on Thursday and planned to paddle only a short distance from the access point to a site close by since it was going to be late. This particular spot was a group site, so I had to take extra measures to reserve it. My partner and I obviously do not qualify as a group by sheer definition, nor did we belong to any group organization on the HHWT list, which is also a requirement. So the only way I was able to secure that site was to call the staff at the HHWT office the day we were leaving. Once it was verified that no group had reserved it, we were able to pay and reserve that site. All was going as planned until we paddled around the bend and began seeing multiple canoes, tents, people and a huge tarp over the campfire. I looked back at the map, confirmed this was the site and was dumbfounded that it was taken by a group!

Jared displaying his fly-fishing skill. Unfortunately

the jumping fish didn't bite!

Understandably, anyone would be upset, especially under the circumstances we were in and the extra measures needed to reserve this spot. So we purposefully paddled towards the site and inquired. An older gentlemen approached the shore and immediately apologized once he found out we had a permit for the site. He quickly conveyed to the group that they would have to pack up and move. Before he did this, we inquired about what happened. As it was, this group from a local college was actually supposed to be at another site that evening. But since it was the last night, due to the combination of a short travelling day and miserable weather, Gilles, the instructor/guide decided to continue on and take advantage of this rarely used group site near the end of the route. He surmised that the lack of other paddlers seen during their trip and the weather conditions, he would likely find this site empty - and of course his assumption was right. But little did he know that TWO crazy paddlers would show up that evening to lay claim to that group site!

It was totally understandable why this group ended at our site. Even my partner's ruffled feathers settled as we tried to figure out another solution. Neither of us were comfortable about sending this group off as they were all settled in, but nor did we want to paddle in the waning light to look further abroad for a campsite. So I suggested to Andrea about sharing the site with this group. Surprisingly she agreed without hesitation. We proposed this to Gilles and he was more than happy with this arrangement. It was a win-win situation where we could still camp at our designated site and feel good about allowing this group to stay there as well.

Members of the Outdoor Adventure Skills course from l to r

Lezly-Ann, Jared, Amberlea, David, Renaldo

Juli, Jacob, Gilles and my paddling

partner Andrea

Gilles was more than accommodating that evening in getting us settled and helping us feel welcomed. Lezly-Ann, the assistant guide immediately offered to give us her tenting spot, which was not only flat, but sheltered. (Thank you Lezly-Ann, especially since it rained the next morning!) After setting up our tent, we headed to the campfire and were introduced to the other 6 members of the group. They were students from Sir Sanford Fleming College, taking part in the Outdoors Adventure Skills course. Out on a 4 day canoe trip, they were being taught how to paddle and portage from Gilles and Lezly-Ann, as well as probably learning how to put up with the inclement weather.

They didn't have it easy as it rained all four days, but everyone seemed pretty content to be out there despite the conditions. Well,....except for Amberlea, who was eager to have it end. Of course I inquired why and soon found out she was an English Literature major! (The rest of the students were all enrolled in some sort of outdoors-oriented program at the college.) I also found out she had gone to Teacher's College and was doing this course to expand her teachable skill-set to make her more marketable. Good for her I thought, although I could tell, the 'outdoors thing' just wasn't as much to her liking as it was to the others. I left her to continue dreaming about being home warm and dry.

The natural world teaches us many lessons. This pic taken on

Carcass Lake seemed to indicate bad weather. But look

closely and you will see a rainbow. Things

may not always be as bad as it

may seem.

Andrea and I both had a good time that night as we all sat around the campfire sharing stories and making Smores. I found out Jared wanted to be a conservation officer, Renaldo wanted to guide trips one day, and Lezly-Ann even taught me about how to pick mushrooms. Of course I couldn't help babble on about canoe trips, especially with Gilles, who is not only a paddling instructor, but a die-hard canoe tripper like me. We barely shared several hours together in total with this group, but it was great to feel so at ease with other like-minded people. The next morning, we parted ways under a steady rain and grey skies, but I left in high spirits as I had a great time with this group. Even Andrea mentioned later in our trip that our time with this group was an unexpected highlight. Of course, no one expected things to turn out so well considering, however, I'm now convinced that the concept of occupying the wrong campsite may not always be a bad thing!

tPP

PS. Wishing you all (Canadians) a Happy Thanksgiving!

No turkey for me as I will be away on a canoe trip.

The weather looks great and I sure as heck

want to take advantage of it!

Cheers!

The Quetico Experience

The Quetico experience even included a beach

campsite. Didn't expect that!

The first hot shower, a comfy bed or even the first fresh meal is always a treat when you finish a long trip. However, if I could take it all back to continue tripping in Quetico, I would do it all in a heartbeat. I may be a bit biased since I obviously love canoe trips, but hey, this just summarizes my feelings about the 2 weeks I spent in Quetico. The experience was amazing and I can't wait to go back.

I've never seen so many large red and white pines together.

I was in total awe and often found myself tripping

on portages while looking up.

Temagami is one of my most favourite places to paddle in Ontario due to its rugged landscape, old growth and challenging routes. So of course when I heard that Quetico is much like Temagami, I was ecstatic. Part of me was a little reserved to think there was another locale with features that rivaled Temagami, but the other side of me was screaming to go there to find out for myself. The opportunity finally came and I can whole-heartedly say, I love the place. I really did find Temagami's twin!

These weren't new shoes, but the portages in Quetico

definitely finished them off. I actually had

holes in them!

When I think of an operating provincial park, I normally think of a place that is somewhat tamed and groomed. I find most parks have that feeling its been a bit pampered. However, canoe tripping in Quetico was much like what I would experience on a crown land route. Trying to locate portages, rough portages, (including take-outs and put-ins), rugged landscapes that include fire ravaged areas, wild storms, old growth, and oh, even trying to locate campsites! To me, these challenges and circumstances align more closely with what I'd expect to experience in the wilderness untouched my man. Sometimes there is a price to pay for these qualities, but the rewards are simply unmatched. Yes, we all sported bruises, scrapes, and had aches. Yes, we all got stuck in muck, had spills, blurted colourful words. Yes, we were at times exhausted, frustrated, and even miserable. But as one member of my group said after the trip, we all came away with wonderful memories - that was indeed the Quetico experience.

The combination of some great campsites and rest days

meant baking was going full tilt! Scrumptious!

Two weeks in Quetico is enough time to fully immerse yourself in this great park with lots of history. Personally, I would have preferred something more like 4 weeks, but sometimes, experiencing a bit and wanting more is much more gratifying. The route I picked tried to take in some of the highlights of the park, while at the same time trying not to overly task my fellow paddlers. (They may have slightly different opinions on this one.) We covered roughly 240kms in 12 days (with 2 rest days), which I thought was a fair mix of travel and leisure. In any case, I feel I only barely scratched the surface and would love to go back for more. My only issue with Quetico? Its sooooo far! Its a tough swallow to lose 2 days at either end of your vacation to travel there, but honestly, it is definitely worth the drive. Am I going back, definitely! Should you go, absolutely! Bottom line, you just need to go there and experience Quetico yourself. You won't regret it!

Andrea and Jennifer helped me at the Heritage Pavilion

to set me off on my way with the beautiful

Centenary Nova Craft Cronje.

Photo: Anita DeVries

It was a real privilege and honour to paddle the Centenary Nova Craft Cronje in Quetico and take part in the Artist-In-Residence program. The Cronje was a delight to paddle and light on the shoulders while portaging. I tried so hard to keep the pristine canoe from scratches, but within days it started in earnest. Oops! We left Quetico with many scrapes as memories and the canoe was no exception. As my fellow paddlers stated, at least the canoe now has character and has even 'experienced' the park itself! We can't have a 'Quetico canoe', if it hasn't even been on a canoe trip in the park, can we? Many thanks to the great staff at Quetico that helped me on my way when I got there and when I left, particularly Susan Bourne, the park naturist, Jennifer Lukacic, assistant park superintendent, Andrea Allison the park librarian and Robin Reilly, the park superintendent that got the whole ball rolling! It was a pleasure meeting them all and hope to see them again soon.

Not much a fisherman, I was ecstatic to not only catch my

first walleye, but also the biggest one!

Photo: Fred Kodjayan

Later in the year, I will blog on our groups experiences and share some more photos. It was hard to come back to the real world, but there is no time to sulk. In just over a week, I'll be headed back out again. Yup, its my favourite month to paddle and I plan to take full advantage of it!

Hope you've all been out paddling!

Its been a great year for it so far!

Cheers,

tPP

We had lots of time to relax,....oh!, that's the picture below.

Oops, this is Cristof after a portage!

Ok, that's more like it! Taking in the Quetico experience!

Artist-In-Residence at Quetico

I'm posting from a motel near Thunder Bay, as I'm about to embark on a 2 week canoe trip in Quetico Provincial Park tomorrow. I've heard and read many good things about this paddling mecca, which is unique in some ways from other paddling parks in Ontario. For one, unlike Algonquin PP which still allows logging, Quetico has banned logging practice altogether, so within its boundary, what you see is what you get; no facade of unending wilderness. Another practice that is different in Quetico which I think is great, is the omission of signs for campsites and portages that heightens the wilderness experience for paddlers. You can tent anywhere, as long as you practice low impact camping. Not forgetting also that you don't have to book sites at any particular lake, your route is now determined totally by your ability, experience or purpose - no need to follow a pre-determined route. A park with qualities like this, how couldn't I get excited?

Early this year, when I started to plot out my canoe season, I finally decided to take a trip out to Quetico Provincial Park. (As I've never been.) When I attended Canoecopia this year to present, I took the opportunity to visit the Ontario Parks booth to meet the superintendent of Quetico PP, Robin Reilly. We had a nice long chat about the park and its history, which only captivated my curiosity to paddle there even more. As a bonus, in the course of our discussion due to my association with Nova Craft Canoes, Robin even invited me to use their special commemorative centennial edition Cronje they got from Nova Craft, which was in display at their park office. Wow, what an honour and offer! Not only that, he suggested I take part in their Artist-In-Residence program, in which an artist gets to paddle in the park for free, in return by showcasing their artwork and helping to promote the park. Come on, how could I refuse!?

In any case, sometime early tomorrow, I will be portaging the brand new, never-before-paddled commemorative Cronje down to the shores of French Lake, and start a 14 day trip through Quetico Provincial Park. I am really looking forward to this trip, and hope that the route selected allows me to experience the essence of Quetico and capture some of it through my lens. I hope to share my experience in the following year through presentations, my blog and a return visit to Quetico. Be in touch in a couple weeks! Hope you have all got out paddling!

Cheers,

tPP