tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-44509903323125859832024-03-13T21:46:47.523-04:00The Passionate PaddlerWhether gliding across a glassy lake, weaving through a raging rapid, or portaging along a rugged trail, the inimitable canoe has allowed me to seek, find, & experience the solitude & tranquility of the wilderness. It is for this reason that I have a profound love for this vessel which has taken me there, both physically and spiritually. I hope to share with you my passion for paddling the beloved canoe through pictures & prose of my many adventures.Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12051904216248267432noreply@blogger.comBlogger160125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4450990332312585983.post-963152083791993522015-03-14T06:59:00.000-04:002015-03-14T08:39:18.015-04:00Firebox Campfire Stove - Part 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-YBocp_igkh-Zd2fF4bujz0gmdI7UbtYkmHGg-fRY0YlRO8AmtDH3a2oTJaI01XjN1oFWo1pjAAUzT1pWMhVGKm_EhN9_rqRU3KCJjsf_1Z_0OjOmJtnQz6nqljCTWx9U632a4CirXQ/s1600/IMG_7122.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-YBocp_igkh-Zd2fF4bujz0gmdI7UbtYkmHGg-fRY0YlRO8AmtDH3a2oTJaI01XjN1oFWo1pjAAUzT1pWMhVGKm_EhN9_rqRU3KCJjsf_1Z_0OjOmJtnQz6nqljCTWx9U632a4CirXQ/s1600/IMG_7122.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>The most important question as always, is how did it perform?</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><i>No better way to find </i></b></span><b style="color: #cc0000;"><i>out, then through field tests.</i></b></span></div>
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When you've had the opportunity to use various twig stoves, you know fairly quickly if the design will work. I could tell even before I used the Firebox, it was going to work well. It had all the key elements that would facilitate a good burn. Plenty of ventilation from the bottom plate, through to the side plates, and most importantly, a gap at the top for the exhaust gases to exit out of. Of course, no one evaluates gear by just looking at it. Field use is the only way to really find out. But before we get into that, let's find out what other physical elements make this a good stove.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghCHwDcRYLAT6qVHjvb4hjbF8N5g2Gv7SH4U_xkJs1W-v6Ca0Znt2lQw4XgGxTddXwKDtwQmP3wqVlBeLNZmUI1QM_sMQbToXK7CmIgG08JUGWn1NOzTYkEhXIj_RU9tRBpGWHja154g/s1600/IMG_5927.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghCHwDcRYLAT6qVHjvb4hjbF8N5g2Gv7SH4U_xkJs1W-v6Ca0Znt2lQw4XgGxTddXwKDtwQmP3wqVlBeLNZmUI1QM_sMQbToXK7CmIgG08JUGWn1NOzTYkEhXIj_RU9tRBpGWHja154g/s1600/IMG_5927.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>You can either use those long pieces of wood for cooking over</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>a firepit, or use them more efficiently in the Firebox.</i></b></span></div>
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The heavier weight of the stove, which in many respects is often viewed as a negative, was actually a positive. Most times, the combination of the pot and water/food is often heavier than the twig stove below, so there is a weight imbalance. It becomes a top heavy situation, which isn't ideal. However, this is where the Firebox shines, as the heavy stove becomes a solid stable base. Often times, whatever combination of pot/content I had on top, it was equal, or less than the weight of the stove below, which gives an extra measure of confidence to the user that it can't easily be knocked over.</div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Versatility is another great quality of the Firebox. It can be used</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><i>with other combustibles, like alcohol </i></b></span><b style="color: #cc0000;"><i>in this picture. </i></b></span></div>
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The vertical design and height of the stove can also be seen as a detriment, as it would be more prone to tipping. But as I've already mentioned, the stove weight helps to off set that risk. But there are benefits to this design. A taller vertical element allows you to put longer twigs in <i><b>and</b></i> angle them against the side wall, so that they rest above the flame. This is ideal when you have slightly damp wood, so that it has an opportunity to dry it out before catching fire. Otherwise, putting smaller pieces of twigs in, whether dry or not, often times land on top of the coals and flames, temporarily stifling it. This unfortunately creates a cycle of high heat vs low heat, as the new wood has to catch on again to build pp the flame and heat.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTA2v_n3cQgKuElHJIGT6-d8qn8kgEFc1NQUg9EXBUXosmXL8VPcSf0MsVrBZdPPPLzBoIlGrzoTchIUKfFuurobZfmfbUjj9dB9YZ1LZXmCDlyV5N_yJgFyK2A6IA4-cZUsu4ud569g/s1600/IMG_6680.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTA2v_n3cQgKuElHJIGT6-d8qn8kgEFc1NQUg9EXBUXosmXL8VPcSf0MsVrBZdPPPLzBoIlGrzoTchIUKfFuurobZfmfbUjj9dB9YZ1LZXmCDlyV5N_yJgFyK2A6IA4-cZUsu4ud569g/s1600/IMG_6680.JPG" height="236" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Rain? No problem. The Firebox will follow</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i> you under the tarp.</i></b></span></div>
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Now that we've covered the physical attributes of the stove, the big question ultimately comes down to whether the Firebox performed as well as expected in the field. The simple answer is yes. The Firebox did not disappoint, nor had issues while in use. It had plenty of ventilation from the bottom and sides to feed the stove oxygen. The spacing at the top was adequate for all the hot gases to escape and not temper the flame. The windscreen helped when directed into the wind, to keep the flame upright, opposed to horizontal. It was stable and I never once feared that it would tip over. (Assuming you're on a good flat base.) It simply just worked well, and did it time and time again. In fact, there was little that I had to quibble about in how the stove worked. As you'll see, the only two things I will mention below, are just minor inconveniences.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNrUgbZnSZVuFBvE4XX31CKcROtL1y0F-IuC40kFuFRDggS0Dhnh44fDjDi6dtYgqwQAV74IGulkrZr6OfMRqM9XP2sVNAmRvJpOz3cBdkaN_oQEvLu9qa27krY9bHFPqJ7O2vTaJ46Q/s1600/IMG_5675.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNrUgbZnSZVuFBvE4XX31CKcROtL1y0F-IuC40kFuFRDggS0Dhnh44fDjDi6dtYgqwQAV74IGulkrZr6OfMRqM9XP2sVNAmRvJpOz3cBdkaN_oQEvLu9qa27krY9bHFPqJ7O2vTaJ46Q/s1600/IMG_5675.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Here's the Firebox with the windscreen up,....</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP0pL8l_8LNx93PpfhhCVJ8IQf7QZq-ZUFgVdT0XxoKGEm8x3slHEkHECL9R_ZWmbs2ha4RB6IjgbqiyUCMs9LSHyOyR-9fOyMHVnrLp_nIpk60nrLScX_KXhDeX4z3uQcegau6l7Nrg/s1600/IMG_5674.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgP0pL8l_8LNx93PpfhhCVJ8IQf7QZq-ZUFgVdT0XxoKGEm8x3slHEkHECL9R_ZWmbs2ha4RB6IjgbqiyUCMs9LSHyOyR-9fOyMHVnrLp_nIpk60nrLScX_KXhDeX4z3uQcegau6l7Nrg/s1600/IMG_5674.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>....and here with the windscreen down.</i></b></span></div>
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The first thing is getting a fire lit in the Firebox. Because of it's tall vertical design, it isn't always easy to light from the bottom, as there are no slots on the sidewall to put your match or lighter through. One way to deal with this, is to make sure your tinder is right at the bottom, so that when you put a flame in through the bottom where there are big holes, it will easily catch. (You will need to remove the ash tray first.) The other alternative is doing a top down burn, which basically entails stuffing the stove with dry twigs/wood topped with tinder, and then lighting it from the top. This is ideal, only if you have good dry material underneath for the flame to easily catch. Otherwise, a bottom burn is preferable for less than perfectly dry material. In any case, both ways works, you just have to decide based on circumstances.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5fuAOd9GR3qbekHUHf7OcpPiEHQi4H_AdOmN65M3Xyh5h-rqqdisG_-xYAPz-NEimFzrdFlmSiSRIZkZmGPA9kGYHPssBgG2NT06C-f3SZfO9T0Xo9_PHT1tWvRDKZs9rpG-J01AWAA/s1600/IMGP3939.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5fuAOd9GR3qbekHUHf7OcpPiEHQi4H_AdOmN65M3Xyh5h-rqqdisG_-xYAPz-NEimFzrdFlmSiSRIZkZmGPA9kGYHPssBgG2NT06C-f3SZfO9T0Xo9_PHT1tWvRDKZs9rpG-J01AWAA/s1600/IMGP3939.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>With a twig stove like the Firebox, you don't even need a</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>saw or axe. Twigs is really all you need.</i></b></span></div>
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The other thing is the Fire Sticks. I used them on and off, but most times I didn't. The biggest problem I foresee with these Fire Sticks, is losing them. Once they are heated and discoloured, you can easily lose them in the dirt or grass, as they blend in so well. So the best thing probably is to put them on the stove and just use them. The only reason I often didn't, was because my pot was big enough that I didn't need them, and because they got in the way of me feeding the stove. (Bigger twigs) But at the same token, I love them for moving coals, adjusting the wood inside the stove, and transporting the stove itself. They really are handy, but you just have to be mindful of where you put them, if you don't need them.</div>
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There is one thing that I would like to mention and remind everyone who uses twig stoves. (This is not exclusive to the Firebox.) The ash tray on the Firebox is elevated from the ground, and I wondered if it was enough to keep the ground from charring. Nope. Therefore, whether the Firebox or any other twig stove, please be mindful and place a non-combustible material underneath the stove. A flat rock is ideal, or a gravel/sand/rock base would work as well. Other options can include digging into a clay base, or maybe even placing it on a block of wood. In any case, to prevent the campsites from being scarred with blackened and charred spots, please use common sense and good foresight to prevent this from happening. Thanks.</div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Another place to use the Firebox, is in the firepit. No worries about</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><i>the ground underneath, </i></b></span><b style="color: #cc0000;"><i>and the mess is all contained. </i></b></span></div>
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Lastly, I'm going to touch on the subject of the Firebox's weight again, as I'm sure, this issue may put people off from purchasing this stove. It is undeniably heavy. It certainly is not the ideal stove for someone going ultralight, or trying to save some weight off their backs. There are plenty of other alternatives. But let me point out one thing. This stove <i><b>will</b></i> outlast you. It is built like a tank. That thick stainless steel metal will not wear out anytime soon, nor will it warp. (Which is a common trait of thin-walled twig stoves.) A little warping is often not a big deal, but for a hinged set-up such as the Firebox, it is crucial. If anything warps, there would be no way it would come back together so nicely. So there is a very valid reason for it's thickness, besides the fact, that this stove will most certainly last a lifetime. How many outdoor things or gear that you own, have that kind of durability? Yeah, I thought so. </div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>The beauty of a twig stove, is that it can do more than just help</b></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>you cook. It can provide warmth and ambiance,</b></span></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"><b>even when solo.</b></span></i></span></div>
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So is this the perfect twig stove? No, but close. It is solidly built, is very versatile, and performs well. If weight is not a concern, then this could be the last twig stove you will ever own.With everything in life, often times, there are trade offs. The goal of perfection is a seemingly endless pursuit. One in which it <i><b>could</b></i> be accomplished down the road sometime. We can wait a lifetime to find out, or we can use the best of what we have right now. In that timeline, some will be waiting, and others will be using the Firebox stove. It's your choice.</div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i><b>The Firebox's build will be it's legacy, as it will probably be</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>around long after </i><i>you're gone.</i></b></span></div>
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If this stove fits your bill, and is to your liking and needs, you can order/purchase it here in Canada from the <a href="http://www.canadianoutdoorequipment.com/" target="_blank">Canadian Outdoor Equipment Store</a> in Mississauga. If you are from the US, or an international locale, alternatively, you can order straight from the company's website at <a href="http://www.fireboxstove.com./">www.fireboxstove.com.</a></div>
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Enjoy, and happy camping!</div>
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tPP</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12051904216248267432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4450990332312585983.post-4903184311145288752015-02-05T16:54:00.004-05:002015-03-14T04:27:28.656-04:00Firebox Campfire Stove - Part 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i><b>Some may envision this as a firebox, but the Firebox</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i><b>Campfire Stove is a bit different.</b></i></span></div>
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Cooking with fire has always been a main stay of human evolution. Sure, there is a lot of food out there that can be eaten raw, but for the most part, fire has established a permanent foothold in our enjoyment of food, in its variety and its taste. So is it no surprise, that to this day, we are still designing and creating unique vessels to conjure up that basic element of fire and heat? Just do a search on Google on twig stoves. You will find an endless array of commercial, homemade, and DIY contraptions. It's the new rage. Or is it?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ2gjp5Bdc1yfjN1k1gW-nrDZvQ_jeCRT8OROYH01Q2IrR3rGk0C5T52IduUJi-L09oo8hKn73IKdWWo-v43J9WbCJ3verUCuZWzsAzWZufzRIUyv6fsMgj5qfyc5pWZNFsRcHS8M82Q/s1600/IMG_5705.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ2gjp5Bdc1yfjN1k1gW-nrDZvQ_jeCRT8OROYH01Q2IrR3rGk0C5T52IduUJi-L09oo8hKn73IKdWWo-v43J9WbCJ3verUCuZWzsAzWZufzRIUyv6fsMgj5qfyc5pWZNFsRcHS8M82Q/s1600/IMG_5705.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>You can have this raw or cooked. Personally,</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>I like it prepared with fire.</i></b></span></div>
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Years ago, when I was introduced to my first commercial twig stove to review, it was new in the sense that they were one of the first to design, produce, and market them to sell. The concept and idea of a twig stove certainly wasn't new, as people were doing this for many years prior, simply from metal items and canisters found around home. It was this step up in purposeful design, efficiency in both utilization and packability, including durable materials, that a revolution began. Now here we are, with a vast array of choices, designs, and prices. So is it no surprise, that another twig stove has landed on my lap?</div>
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Last year, at the Toronto Sportsmen Show, I chanced upon meeting a sales rep from an outdoor gear distribution company. Our chat naturally led to gear talk. One of the things that transpired, was a discussion on twig stoves and how they compared to each other. Since I had experiences with many of them, including writing reviews, he claimed he distributed <i><b>the</b></i> best twig stove on the market - the Firebox. Of course, my curiosity was piqued. In exchange for sending me the Firebox, he requested a review on my blog. How could I say no? We shook hands and parted ways. Several weeks later, a packaged arrived with the Firebox and several accessories. It was time to get on with the review.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg71sGB7v6-j3xLYa8OHnGWElxGV_b_mTFaIgS5VWE62ihb19dQyg7y-a7Phsnc-E912DFndZHwXR5ujs2034-ChuKDM3xGEZLDzGsZV3vefAx3GagVKWteQt8SMnboVssJLKE23eurYw/s1600/IMG_5493.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg71sGB7v6-j3xLYa8OHnGWElxGV_b_mTFaIgS5VWE62ihb19dQyg7y-a7Phsnc-E912DFndZHwXR5ujs2034-ChuKDM3xGEZLDzGsZV3vefAx3GagVKWteQt8SMnboVssJLKE23eurYw/s1600/IMG_5493.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Here she is, the Firebox campfire stove, in its</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>compact form, for transporting</i></b></span></div>
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The Firebox has actually been around for a few years, so my review of it will certainly not be new. Although, for those of you who haven't heard of it, or either had the opportunity to use it, this review will definitely be more relevant and informative. The other pertinent side to this review, is comparing it's function and performance in comparison to others that I've tested previously. This will then give you a better idea as to where it stands in relation to others. As always, with this twig stove or any other such gear, I use it over the course of a season, so that it gets a fair amount of use under varying conditions. This really is the only way to evaluate gear fairly, and the Firebox was no exception.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyzpRyL3aOGENz7H_UGkEOQkdKxxFGGzqE3-PfReq3MiKI3jeOEkMplZyb_FQdDUHMz6tLH1soMdcq1Fh8P5edr0kDzHd5auzcnSt5Wj1Vbzpf6GLLPne7Fxgi7UKCl2gVGySUzFNXIw/s1600/IMGP2969.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyzpRyL3aOGENz7H_UGkEOQkdKxxFGGzqE3-PfReq3MiKI3jeOEkMplZyb_FQdDUHMz6tLH1soMdcq1Fh8P5edr0kDzHd5auzcnSt5Wj1Vbzpf6GLLPne7Fxgi7UKCl2gVGySUzFNXIw/s1600/IMGP2969.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>As you can CLEARLY see, I was busy</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>reviewing the stove. Honest!</i></b></span></div>
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The first thing you will notice about this stove, is its weight. It is not light. At 939 grams (Or roughly just over 2lbs), the Firebox is a solid piece of metal. It is constructed in the US of high quality 18 gauge stainless steel. I wondered why it was so heavy, which I then noticed it's thick gauge construction. I took a measurement of it's walls with a caliper and measured 1.12mm. Sure, that doesn't seem like much, but compared to other twig stoves, it was by far the thickest stove wall I have ever seen. The others ranged from half that thickness to even less, from 0.56mm down to 0.23mm. We often times associate weight with quality, and this is no exception. More on this later.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPWIQKCdyXcpT0hWRcAjuqBnx-mIALlWeTNRxufL0ZaF1NZ2jd6_aZRDHrY23EAL4Ua5h8eW4xKnDoZ7yPNUutcincR5mroaAzMzOMo2QgwRcQD4S1ylyGRZ6lHxD38jjDlMLGdC_V5g/s1600/IMG_5496.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPWIQKCdyXcpT0hWRcAjuqBnx-mIALlWeTNRxufL0ZaF1NZ2jd6_aZRDHrY23EAL4Ua5h8eW4xKnDoZ7yPNUutcincR5mroaAzMzOMo2QgwRcQD4S1ylyGRZ6lHxD38jjDlMLGdC_V5g/s1600/IMG_5496.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>The Firebox is a solid piece of quality stainless</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>steel. There's no denying that.</i></b></span></div>
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A nice feature of this stove you'll quickly notice is it's compactness. It literally folds completely flat and is only 11mm thick, which is amazing. The dimensions are not to shabby either, at 130mm x 190mm. All of the main pieces of the stove (5) are attached together by hinges, so there is no way to lose them, or fiddle about when putting it together. The other 3 pieces hold the stove together when collapsed. The ash tray clasps on to the side of one of the stove wall, and the two 'Fire Sticks' slot into openings that securely hold everything together. It is a brilliant design that is simple, compact, and versatile.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVBBe9SE7yv9Pnyn16eemnW02Cb5_5jLof2VH_k_gZp2djPO5of2n3-i7OPRuOvW008jtCoswYJjTB5zYSuQqeVjhKBZpICjWzB-FzHri5GTkvbUIoJ3dWY1e3Qt6uAmO3UP62mgHqIw/s1600/IMG_5508.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVBBe9SE7yv9Pnyn16eemnW02Cb5_5jLof2VH_k_gZp2djPO5of2n3-i7OPRuOvW008jtCoswYJjTB5zYSuQqeVjhKBZpICjWzB-FzHri5GTkvbUIoJ3dWY1e3Qt6uAmO3UP62mgHqIw/s1600/IMG_5508.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Here's the Firebox broken down</i></b></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Ycg57pHWIgqxmVLwlPv1az9Qw2y3iAf9lNFDJKCrqDetZqP1JX1GzgZyGF14Xxz6vBkdJFjyNghZ_BUwvjnjaSqzOX6ygd30LUhVrQ_ev4Uzkqf606v_Aj37lkRi7PjKnQhNKT0k2g/s1600/IMG_5504.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9Ycg57pHWIgqxmVLwlPv1az9Qw2y3iAf9lNFDJKCrqDetZqP1JX1GzgZyGF14Xxz6vBkdJFjyNghZ_BUwvjnjaSqzOX6ygd30LUhVrQ_ev4Uzkqf606v_Aj37lkRi7PjKnQhNKT0k2g/s1600/IMG_5504.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>The Firebox is very compact. Folds totally flat</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>and is no thicker than a AA battery!</i></b></span></div>
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One curious thing you may, or may not see in the picture, is that the Firebox, once assembled, (looking down), isn't square. It's a quadrilateral (four sides) that doesn't fit in the definition of it's various categories. The closest fit would be a trapezoid, but even by that definition, it doesn't fit, as two sides has to be parallel. Anyhow, ignoring the convoluted geometry aspect, I was wondering why the odd shape. If you look at the stove folded down, it looks to be four equal sides. I finally realized that the unusual shape has nothing to do with an anomaly or some tweak on performance, but rather, a purposeful design element. It is so that that whole set up folds up flat into itself with the hinges. I'm not going to get into the details of why, other than it works. Just trust me.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3adoJmde1Xsc3mSr5wcdA1SLMVXo7PtwZmW4qNYqw9YJP4is75FM0ql5aAJ9jrhUHMK_RV8WBPCDK0Tc0q3dSHWQqXPzMD6YkikNWQvfDQ1CzMAL7x9yNDkGICsH2waxUNR-uOpwZ-A/s1600/IMG_5511.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3adoJmde1Xsc3mSr5wcdA1SLMVXo7PtwZmW4qNYqw9YJP4is75FM0ql5aAJ9jrhUHMK_RV8WBPCDK0Tc0q3dSHWQqXPzMD6YkikNWQvfDQ1CzMAL7x9yNDkGICsH2waxUNR-uOpwZ-A/s1600/IMG_5511.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>It's not squared!!!</i></b></span></div>
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Versatility is another huge feature of the Firebox. If you look at the Firebox box when set up, you will notice an array of slots, cut outs, and openings. Sure, it looks nice, as if the person that designed the stove purposely added his artistic flair to it. But in fact, other than a cool design motif, those openings actually serve a purpose. Remember the two Fire Sticks that come with the stove? They are not crocheting needles or chopsticks. They actually are supports. Depending on the pot you have, those Fire Sticks can be placed in whatever desired arrangement or configuration that works with what you have, including holding a Trangia alcohol stove. I will not go into every possible arrangement, but the endless configurations is just as adaptable to the endless array of pots and combustibles that are out there to be used. Go nuts.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig_PaIbEf7u7tW1mB_8Ke1JEP-7ePKwJZVf46tNaQuWbfutjGgHT_LW9KHP_P8YMxl9Ycp6NxYjvmmjNGh830JjuTpouagSKxQYB6UHpaMlFi94cTvX9WqmjDrb-_SZ1M59RIY-YScfw/s1600/IMG_5530.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEig_PaIbEf7u7tW1mB_8Ke1JEP-7ePKwJZVf46tNaQuWbfutjGgHT_LW9KHP_P8YMxl9Ycp6NxYjvmmjNGh830JjuTpouagSKxQYB6UHpaMlFi94cTvX9WqmjDrb-_SZ1M59RIY-YScfw/s1600/IMG_5530.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Want to use an alcohol stove? Sure, go ahead. Just one</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>of many arrangements you can put together</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>with the Firebox.</i></b></span></div>
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One other small thing I'd like to point out in regards to the Fire Sticks, is that they can also be used to move the stove while lit. Of course extreme care is needed, but if the conditions call for a move, (wind, rain, etc), you can do it fairly easy without burning yourself. Just use the Fire Sticks to hook into a couple of the openings and voila, you can move it wherever you want. Plus, the stick can also be used an a 'poker' to adjust your coals and wood in the stove. Pretty neat.</div>
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Lastly, there is the ash tray. All Fireboxes come with an ash tray, which is a big bonus, as many twig stoves either don't come with one, or they must be purchased separately. I've always believed ash trays <i><b>should</b></i> be included with twig stoves. Sure, there are some circumstances that may not warrant having one, but most times they do. I believe it forces us to be responsible in containing the remains of a fire and keeping the site clean. Just please remember to fully extinguish the coals and ashes before dumping them in a fire pit or in a hole in the ground.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc0TJF_MgJOTW51eRvZ8zv_IYz7zGwQto26pj6w2mW8ngnSHhx0rUA9LPTqDgNwyGXRGDt-tSBI5GaVIJDx-vztQyFgy1uXhvaGZlBhyphenhyphenoWcalsQOVYXHQXF6kNVpWpfPgKOI1NM6CLCg/s1600/IMG_5521.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgc0TJF_MgJOTW51eRvZ8zv_IYz7zGwQto26pj6w2mW8ngnSHhx0rUA9LPTqDgNwyGXRGDt-tSBI5GaVIJDx-vztQyFgy1uXhvaGZlBhyphenhyphenoWcalsQOVYXHQXF6kNVpWpfPgKOI1NM6CLCg/s1600/IMG_5521.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>A closer look at both the Fire Sticks and </i></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>the ash tray below.</i></b></span><br />
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The only downside to getting the stove, is that you get it naked. No cover, no bag, no nothing. (I however did, when I got the package.) But my point is this. Why doesn't it come with one? I've never understood the reasoning for this. Think about this. A fire creates soot and ash, and it gets messy. Sure, you can wipe it down, but unless you spend an inordinate amount of time cleaning every nook and cranny, there will still be some soot to contend with. Want to shove that stove in a pack with everything else? Luckily, the edges of the stove are all machined down and smooth, so there is nothing sharp to snag on, but really, wouldn't you want a bag? Sure, there are those ultralight folks that want to save every gram, but if that was the case, they certainly wouldn't be purchasing this stove. It's a personal opinion, but something that seems to make sense to me.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjljaQXybBusS1kn1gHG9WVDmHL_DwD4kmslTF0NLfIh8ewIlXe2ttTCORASYOm0lhIEQNsKKn4Mx08deqntJPTuhdoWbKJ35VfPqsDmi_Qz4iB-uJdeShPYshWYN83vMqz7TmsddIwhg/s1600/IMG_5487.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjljaQXybBusS1kn1gHG9WVDmHL_DwD4kmslTF0NLfIh8ewIlXe2ttTCORASYOm0lhIEQNsKKn4Mx08deqntJPTuhdoWbKJ35VfPqsDmi_Qz4iB-uJdeShPYshWYN83vMqz7TmsddIwhg/s1600/IMG_5487.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>You'll want one of these for your Firebox, you know,</i></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>to keep it from being 'naked'.</i></b></span><br />
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The good thing is, there are lots of accessories that you can purchase with your Firebox. Yes, including a case. If you lose a Fire Stick, you can buy more. If you want to grill on your Fire Box, they sell that too. This is the other aspect of versatility with this stove. You can have your cake, and eat it too. It will just cost you. So there you go. You now know what the Firebox campfire stove is. So now, how does she work?</div>
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Stay tuned for Part 2!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12051904216248267432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4450990332312585983.post-69899978969015062502015-01-25T06:28:00.001-05:002015-01-25T06:28:25.124-05:00Gone? Not Totally.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>I may seem more like a silhouette of my former self on </i></b></span></div>
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<b style="color: #cc0000;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">this blog, but I'm still around!</span></i></b></div>
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It's been quite some time since I've last been seen around on my blog. As most of you already know, I've shifted my focus of sharing onto <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ThePassionatePaddler" target="_blank">Facebook</a>, due to the vastly superior method of exposure and audience engagement. I've found myself writing/posting more pictures than ever on Facebook, but sometimes, that forum is not always ideal for everything, like a gear review. Hence why, the blog still exists. I know I've had some inquiry as to when I'll be writing again on my blog, as obviously, some of you have enjoyed it - thank you. Well, I do encourage you to join me on Facebook, but of course, not everyone has an account on Facebook, nor want to join. I do apologize for shifting my focus away from my blog, but yes, there still will be the odd blog post. Coming up soon, a review of the Firebox camp stove. See you soon.</div>
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Cheers,</div>
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tPP</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12051904216248267432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4450990332312585983.post-74780483411424043552014-04-10T20:06:00.000-04:002014-04-10T20:06:47.440-04:00Gransfors Bruk Axe Review - Part 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Gransfors Bruk axes are made in Sweden and are exported all around the globe. Their axes are unique, in that they are still individually forged and made by highly skilled craftsmen. No big factory, where truck loads of raw material are dumped in at one end, and endless numbers of axes pumped out the other end. No, this is where the time honoured methods and techniques of skilled tradesmen create finely honed, crafted axes. In fact, each axe head is stamped with the initials of the craftsmen for two reasons. As a testament and recognition of his ability to create a great axe, but also as mark of ownership. This ensures that they are constantly striving to make the best axe possible, but also take responsibility of any short comings. If that doesn't speak of quality, I don't know what does.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGAvDjLSlFJBLI9MP0ri6pyTlAOjNiQhvLoR5w_EyQ6_enZhChpKcZ2APtoHAWEdB5SyQVGIUokqf9uyC9upbmWcg1ruDq57OzcfFZvKgajGcrKfOITkwoHiSPmtD7UdwqcOy9wAB7xA/s1600/_MG_8716.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGAvDjLSlFJBLI9MP0ri6pyTlAOjNiQhvLoR5w_EyQ6_enZhChpKcZ2APtoHAWEdB5SyQVGIUokqf9uyC9upbmWcg1ruDq57OzcfFZvKgajGcrKfOITkwoHiSPmtD7UdwqcOy9wAB7xA/s1600/_MG_8716.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i>On the axe head, you can clearly see the initials, "AS". If you go</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i>to the Gransfors Bruk website, you can </i></span><i><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;">find the smith's</span></i></div>
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<i><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;">name, in this case, Anders Stromstedt.</span></i></div>
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The shape of the Small Forest Axe head is long and narrow at the cutting edge, which is great for cutting deep into the meat of the tree. Then at the back end, it widens of course to accommodate the handle, but provides some depth to help with splitting. I would say the axe head is more of a felling axe head, rather than a dedicated splitter, but it will still split. The weight of the axe head is a fair trade off, not too heavy, and not very light at 1 1/2 lbs. The handle length again is a bit of a trade off too, not too short, but not long either at 19 inches. The handle is made from a solid piece of finely grained and knot free hickory. Lastly, the axe comes with a snug grain leather sheath, which protects both the cutting edge, and soft human flesh.</div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i>The well used axe head of a Gransfors</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i> Bruk Small Forest Axe.</i></span></div>
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This Gransfors Bruk Small Forest Axe accompanied me on many trips last year, 67 days in fact. I made sure this review came back with actual sustained field use, not just a weekend test run. Maybe it was coincidence, but it came in real handy on several occasions. This was perfect for properly evaluating its ability and effectiveness in real life situations, not just in the backyard. I carried it, worked it and sharpened it, all the while in the heat, the rain, in freezing temperatures, and with bugs. Trust me, it got out there, and got used - like it was meant to be.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEf1-0jCwX1bjoQLiGTdIGtPfydBEmHZ_PG_H7G-0AHPrbec4H9Q4S0ZvWiKrC1GOKt4wQm-6psYYrSREKDVTdf4fRtdfXEAdk94gOzteFXA2vMWTOM3lH_aKV4iFFU7BMabZOLIRE5g/s1600/IMG_7137.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEf1-0jCwX1bjoQLiGTdIGtPfydBEmHZ_PG_H7G-0AHPrbec4H9Q4S0ZvWiKrC1GOKt4wQm-6psYYrSREKDVTdf4fRtdfXEAdk94gOzteFXA2vMWTOM3lH_aKV4iFFU7BMabZOLIRE5g/s1600/IMG_7137.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i>What's the point of bringing an axe</i></span><i style="color: #cc0000;"> if you're </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i style="color: #cc0000;">not going to </i><i style="color: #cc0000;">use it? </i></span></div>
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So what did I do with the axe, besides portaging it a lot? The decision to bring an axe often rests on a particular purpose, which hopefully justifies the extra weight you will be carrying. Sure, someone may take it for protection against a bear, or a ravenous rabbit, but most times, people take it for its utilitarian aspect. Personally, because I often cook over a fire, or use a twig stove, I mainly use the axe for trimming tree trunks and tap splitting them into small pieces for the fire. Also, because I push the limits of the paddling season, having an axe in the shoulder seasons provide access to dry wood during a long wet cold spell. Lastly, I often trip in areas where the route is often not well maintained, or maintained at all. So this is where the axe really gets handy - chopping through downed trees. As you can see, the axe serves a multitude of purposes for me, which to me go hand in hand with my other essential gear.</div>
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I've already lauded the craftsmanship of the axe, but now for the most important part. How does it actually perform? Well, in a few words, great, except for a few things. So let's talk about the two main things that I do with axes - at least for me. Tap splitting and tree/trail clearing (Mainly trees that have already fallen.) Because I usually have small fires, I don't often split big logs, so I won't be covering that, but what I'm going to share applies to that equally as well. For those that don't know, tap splitting involves taking pieces of cut wood, aligning it vertically, embedding the axe head into it, and taking a another piece of wood and hitting the back of the axe head to split the wood. Or, if the axe bites enough into the wood, tap the wood with the axe head above it over a wood block, or some solid surface to drive the axe head through it. Tap splitting can be done with large pieces of cut logs, but if that is the case, you may as well just split it standing above it. Tap splitting usually involves smaller pieces of wood.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm1da_5cfQcZSGOSp89PEg0O5kzVTf1mKnnoJfXMonrZor7moQNjhOJwuipkCCMGH9hDIHU-rPRNmzLAQ2IlAZvp8VeWh-S5WBlnCRqCZXLYKoi-0k0G3Q4ZfHf91TRdlqe09ClmPm2w/s1600/IMG_7660.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm1da_5cfQcZSGOSp89PEg0O5kzVTf1mKnnoJfXMonrZor7moQNjhOJwuipkCCMGH9hDIHU-rPRNmzLAQ2IlAZvp8VeWh-S5WBlnCRqCZXLYKoi-0k0G3Q4ZfHf91TRdlqe09ClmPm2w/s1600/IMG_7660.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i>Tap split wood was a big factor in our fire this day. After many</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i>days of rain, even tap split wood can be damp,</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i>thus our dry-feed routine.</i></span></div>
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As I tap split a lot of wood, and of various sizes and types, (hardwood vs softwood) I found in general, the Small Forest Axe does the job proficiently. The long narrow face drives well into small pieces of wood, and easily splits it. However, my issue stems around 2 things. First off, the longish handle. It is unnecessary for tap splitting. So in this case, I choke up on the handle and viola, problem solved. However, the 1 1/2 lb head, plus the weight of the long handle may not seem heavy, but tap split a lot of wood, and you'll soon find your forearm, and especially your wrist fatiguing. My forearm is less of a concern, as it is simply muscular in nature, but I have a small wrist and this weight and applied force (depending on the type of tap splitting you do) eventually causes aching, which is not of the good kind, unlike the forearm. This may not be a concern for people with big strong wrists, but for me, prolonged tap splitting means regular breaks. Other than that, the Small Forest Axe works admirably at tap splitting.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgymgnoKEaTvYVRjBlAhypyj4Hxle81uU371rI3Ars3kRvHf8r-crGsAojUjLsc2nNBr9_ku26Obor0s9aCeci5eAxRKmkwFnq3ns5AYYQtekWkKTM59tfoLSv7l2238dwWp8xwmwiWmQ/s1600/IMGP0473.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgymgnoKEaTvYVRjBlAhypyj4Hxle81uU371rI3Ars3kRvHf8r-crGsAojUjLsc2nNBr9_ku26Obor0s9aCeci5eAxRKmkwFnq3ns5AYYQtekWkKTM59tfoLSv7l2238dwWp8xwmwiWmQ/s1600/IMGP0473.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i>In the middle of a portage, we came upon a downed tree that</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i>was too high to go over, and too low to </i></span><i style="color: #cc0000;">go under.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i>As you can imagine, our favourite.</i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfhPmnMK5Ar8A2BqYD7Fy0spsNGtriUsxk47OYyhh87s0iKlpiLLi2ymJrt4ZeIV8GwD4tGxZUzP7kpixrZ8XpBjxw78lX6n28EKPDwh13CIBIEy-a_2XvG3V9hcMnsJK4973hSKHaXA/s1600/IMGP0474.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfhPmnMK5Ar8A2BqYD7Fy0spsNGtriUsxk47OYyhh87s0iKlpiLLi2ymJrt4ZeIV8GwD4tGxZUzP7kpixrZ8XpBjxw78lX6n28EKPDwh13CIBIEy-a_2XvG3V9hcMnsJK4973hSKHaXA/s1600/IMGP0474.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">As evidenced, many people chose to go over the trunk,</span></i></div>
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<i style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">as you can see the bark worn well off.</span></i></div>
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Felling trees is easier when it is standing, and away from obstructions. But on a 'trail', there is little that is ideal. (I rarely ever cut down a standing tree.) The ones I do, are usually horizontal, including all the other positions in between. There is no rhyme or rhythm when trees fall. They do so carefree, so that often means, <i><b>you</b></i> have to get into the most optimal position, since swinging an axe can be very dangerous. I probably got to cut through almost 10 tree trunks last year, most of them small to medium size - no bigger then 6-7 inch diameters. However, a few were bigger, with one being about a foot or more in diameter. And get this, it was high up too, making the swings very awkward. I eventually even had to climb atop and chop away. Let's just say it was a bloody good workout.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqz78j0odpI_N27etaRlQ-5Awnw2o2PIDDIDrpKdquOwdZjB6g_elQp2tesROLgIhEgHsBCTX0OzzUTXxYYogjbW3kXa0cvgRmbh28uTztOR5QaRQq8X1S9AhSmve7LLNKfCjt4pbMhA/s1600/IMGP0480.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqz78j0odpI_N27etaRlQ-5Awnw2o2PIDDIDrpKdquOwdZjB6g_elQp2tesROLgIhEgHsBCTX0OzzUTXxYYogjbW3kXa0cvgRmbh28uTztOR5QaRQq8X1S9AhSmve7LLNKfCjt4pbMhA/s1600/IMGP0480.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i>Of course we could have just slid the canoe underneath and went</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i>on our merry way, but this was a great opportunity</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i>to test out the Small Forest axe</i></span><i style="color: #cc0000; font-size: small;">.</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjgLtwyJUMY_2P4VzkI3a44Kp0UqBYIzXfU7ZvtaZbIkbUAZ1v948srcmC3k34MYENmtvKc8IJ-sO3J1XSyvcPhTofRup18gqEDhvV-iIQTIi2RGD4gPSlseqFDT8pn9CI_ldb2FiS8A/s1600/IMGP0488.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjgLtwyJUMY_2P4VzkI3a44Kp0UqBYIzXfU7ZvtaZbIkbUAZ1v948srcmC3k34MYENmtvKc8IJ-sO3J1XSyvcPhTofRup18gqEDhvV-iIQTIi2RGD4gPSlseqFDT8pn9CI_ldb2FiS8A/s1600/IMGP0488.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"> <span style="color: #cc0000;"><i>Almost there - it was a big trunk, easily over a foot in diameter.</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i>It was awkward to cut too, as it was high up. At one</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i> point I had to s</i></span><i style="color: #cc0000;">tand atop the trunk</i></span></div>
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<i style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">and swing away.</span></i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW4vPH1WpzjnVxJ8SnmB2yZzEeeUi3fB18kIdsF1A7pt1nyP2gE7a1lz1hqHWm2GSfmqfl8UpoNH_N6mGasRPL77QghP-KXM8i3yZ24yPIfxEgvQ9jYFtxYPCt1rIoPUpNJM6E-Xo1xQ/s1600/IMGP0489.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW4vPH1WpzjnVxJ8SnmB2yZzEeeUi3fB18kIdsF1A7pt1nyP2gE7a1lz1hqHWm2GSfmqfl8UpoNH_N6mGasRPL77QghP-KXM8i3yZ24yPIfxEgvQ9jYFtxYPCt1rIoPUpNJM6E-Xo1xQ/s1600/IMGP0489.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i>Hot and sweaty, but mission accomplished. The axe worked quite</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i>well at cutting through this thick trunk. Future portagers</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i>may not know it was the job of a Small Forest</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i>Axe, but I'm sure they will</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i>appreciate it.</i></span></div>
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Just as the axe performed well tap splitting, at the other end of the spectrum, it worked well chopping through thick meaty trunks. The 3 1/4 inch head depth allowed me to penetrate deep, whether hard or softwood, wet or dry. Rotating rhythmically from side to side, I was easily able to take chunks of wood out - yes, the chips were literally flying. In no time, I was quickly able to cut through the trees. Only a few times, when I had to deal with awkward angles and positions, did it take considerably more time, but that's expected. In general, I found it effective and efficient in cutting through. Saying that, there is one caveat. The handle. Not a fault in the design or wood, but in it's length. </div>
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I won't deny that the Small Forest axe does a good job felling trees, but the handle is not the ideal length. The length of an axe handle is important for good leverage, and helps reduce fatigue, as less effort is needed to drive the head into the wood. Hence why when I swung at lengths, it always felt limiting. Thankfully, since the length of my arms are more akin to a gorilla, being longer than my height, this helped with the 19" handle. But ultimately, I always felt I was lacking in length. (This statement, nor the gorilla one, is going to fair well for my manhood.) Therefore, I believe the Small Forest Axe is better suited for cutting down the occasional tree, rather than sustained use. But in this regard, it is perfectly fine too, because I believe that was the whole purpose of it's design - a compromise. Or better put, a jack-of-all-trades, much like the Prospector canoe. A canoe that was designed to be good for both whitewater and flatwater, but not great at either. In the same way, the Small Forest Axe doesn't shine in any particular way, but it is good at accomplishing multiple tasks.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-JprGSWtM15vHoEiw8xnOvF3V98NU5NsZv-O2THSe54M8PZhR4SIOu-GAFofe_f1aOXGW9uaR3I6jmo4eBGcRWQLUh-9ehyphenhyphenMstO1W-kcZxzIi6RXLaPScHZnnP3HhIT0POfN1fj0Ksg/s1600/IMG_0923-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-JprGSWtM15vHoEiw8xnOvF3V98NU5NsZv-O2THSe54M8PZhR4SIOu-GAFofe_f1aOXGW9uaR3I6jmo4eBGcRWQLUh-9ehyphenhyphenMstO1W-kcZxzIi6RXLaPScHZnnP3HhIT0POfN1fj0Ksg/s1600/IMG_0923-001.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i>When downed trees block your way en-route to a canoe</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i>trip, what do you do? Pull out your axe!</i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO2sexEfsBOxreDDSeaOZos501_ziUfdCIOaOvzhfzMCusJrVlAFmkVmZ1VidFpKBsLSqg7SbXAzXzo_QHHulmcRuqvI8lkbLGvU-ltcZj4-KdSzdPB2AdT_sP8KF7KW6JfchdmWpDLg/s1600/IMG_0942-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO2sexEfsBOxreDDSeaOZos501_ziUfdCIOaOvzhfzMCusJrVlAFmkVmZ1VidFpKBsLSqg7SbXAzXzo_QHHulmcRuqvI8lkbLGvU-ltcZj4-KdSzdPB2AdT_sP8KF7KW6JfchdmWpDLg/s1600/IMG_0942-001.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i>Three sizable trees came down, two softwoods and one</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i>hardwood. If it wasn't for the axe, we'd have</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i>to head back home.</i></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDXW0dHPX34urh1KSOhxzA3IHKiFbnBCPKx7pO7G6K3YVST_K6ejtxhBl9F3Ew1tdgKrs3CvloJZlhdCPoRb3hyphenhyphenq9iTaXwcxL0SxWG01rtyf3v10T7TC9Yz0aMejlQUOJMYiG3yCkWxA/s1600/IMG_0948-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDXW0dHPX34urh1KSOhxzA3IHKiFbnBCPKx7pO7G6K3YVST_K6ejtxhBl9F3Ew1tdgKrs3CvloJZlhdCPoRb3hyphenhyphenq9iTaXwcxL0SxWG01rtyf3v10T7TC9Yz0aMejlQUOJMYiG3yCkWxA/s1600/IMG_0948-001.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i>Is this what you call, "Three up, and three down"?</i></span></div>
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Whether in sports or hobbies, when one specializes in a specific field, you quickly realize the shortcomings and advantages of things you regularly use. Hence why Gransfors Bruk, makes many types of axes. All axes have a purpose, and to that end, it's about matching the axe to its ultimate use. However, there are times, when it isn't ideal to take one of every kind. If you're going to let's say Algonquin, where you don't have to worry about clearing trail, and just want to tap split wood to cook, then a small hatchet would be sufficient. But if you are trudging into thick unmaintained bush and want to build a cabin, a good felling axe is the way to go. However, if you find yourself needing wood to cook, AND clearing the odd trail, then the Small Forest Axe is probably the one for you, as it often was for me.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLhoMdA_UiNs2zvwmhAeQSw3ER8Z-iJ7OjP-gFJvX2sx8SkeUq8hlpLYF1tF4EDSqpw_F3YtOWRPWkvXK5jf1prUBBr5JCBONJHYNUaiAj4fcxlwtqQnuQVIPZ7VTRIQ2k_9p9kJbAsw/s1600/IMG_2695.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLhoMdA_UiNs2zvwmhAeQSw3ER8Z-iJ7OjP-gFJvX2sx8SkeUq8hlpLYF1tF4EDSqpw_F3YtOWRPWkvXK5jf1prUBBr5JCBONJHYNUaiAj4fcxlwtqQnuQVIPZ7VTRIQ2k_9p9kJbAsw/s1600/IMG_2695.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i>So, is the Gransfors Bruk Small Forest axe the one for you?</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i>Based on the trips I do, it certainly is for me!</i></span></div>
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It's a wonder how much I love axes now, and even more surprising how long I've went without one. Spending time in the bush can be accomplished in many ways, with various gadgets and tools. There is no right or wrong way. Sure, sometimes there are more efficient, or effective ways to do things, but based on circumstances, it's often what works for you at that particular time. It comes down to what you decide is important and how your time spent in the wilderness is to be enjoyed. Once upon a time, axes were essential for frontiersmen and settlers, but in this day in age, as trippers or adventurers, you don't need it. Or you have other options. But for me, the axe has become more than just essential to my enjoyment of the wilderness. Yes, it helps me make a fire, clear a downed tree, or used for camp craft, but this tool actually helps me to connect to the wild spaces around me too. I pay closer attention to my surroundings and spend more time wandering and admiring the forest while looking for wood. It's also taught me about the different types of trees around and the best wood for harvest. Who would have thought a simple axe could be the precursor for a more meaningful outdoor experience?</div>
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You don't need an axe to enjoy the wilderness, or for that matter, nor do you need a canoe. But I do love the canoe for where it can take me, and I do love the axe for what it can do for me. It's that simple.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLugFY_5BNUqGpAkEhiZWZVOrd_1klXigaMZIZ2Ov-9wh6hVeXSd2dOL3vjjeC_RCTF0InijzkV3QG7ETLw2_PHCFaXW3PrZfaGJ40RtOxg9IAFM8fztYsYZx-exOI9nna5tPQNamA0g/s1600/IMG_2946.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLugFY_5BNUqGpAkEhiZWZVOrd_1klXigaMZIZ2Ov-9wh6hVeXSd2dOL3vjjeC_RCTF0InijzkV3QG7ETLw2_PHCFaXW3PrZfaGJ40RtOxg9IAFM8fztYsYZx-exOI9nna5tPQNamA0g/s1600/IMG_2946.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i>I spend almost 3 months of the year on canoe trips. As important as</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i>my paddle is to my canoe, so is the axe, (tucked nicely in</i></span></div>
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<i style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">my pack), to my enjoyment of the outdoors.</span></i></div>
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Interested in Gransfors Bruk Axes? Check out <a href="http://www.canadianoutdoorequipment.com/index.php" target="_blank">The Canadian Outdoor Equipment Company</a> store. The folks there will be more than happy to help you. Their website has all the information you need to take the next step from drooling over Gransfors Bruk axes, to actually purchasing one.<br />
Happy swinging!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12051904216248267432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4450990332312585983.post-75366343301903088712014-03-24T20:51:00.000-04:002014-03-25T19:36:27.166-04:00Gransfors Bruk Axe Review - Part 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0EyPO7HExzCUzaH2fq6ZSG6DYF7smfG2b0Q8K97y1YFsT19-ndRDRvrJr44xINJ3hFfBFRpVV8OgtnjpFK2evgyjIhnQnWmrVvhUPNUqV7JzIz6Lv59BEaAogko0haBuKd6IH16SbKQ/s1600/_MG_8710.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0EyPO7HExzCUzaH2fq6ZSG6DYF7smfG2b0Q8K97y1YFsT19-ndRDRvrJr44xINJ3hFfBFRpVV8OgtnjpFK2evgyjIhnQnWmrVvhUPNUqV7JzIz6Lv59BEaAogko0haBuKd6IH16SbKQ/s1600/_MG_8710.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i>Not just any axe, a <b>Gransfors Bruk</b> axe.</i></span></div>
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As a kid, I loved being outdoors, but that was only one part of the equation. The other part was the dreamer, aspiring to be some rugged outdoorsman, carving out a meagre existence in the cruel wilderness. Seared into my impressionable head as a kid, was the iconic image of a woodsman holding an axe, much like Daniel Boone or Davy Crockett. It seemed to me to be the pre-eminent tool, for anyone wanting to embrace, live and survive in the wilderness. I wanted to be like them, and of course, that meant I </div>
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had to have an axe too.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMm1ryaZQBJ-7R4z4Gm1cf223qstGmUdZc-1axiXRu8PedFxZZTg3NzkanC1_5cTFeLfRxZCwch2XKYtLoUg7Z6qqjOzEh2MOmzZCuPnxyzjXYwryPbmcblvLq-qERTbJ3we_MKP5joA/s1600/DSC04746.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMm1ryaZQBJ-7R4z4Gm1cf223qstGmUdZc-1axiXRu8PedFxZZTg3NzkanC1_5cTFeLfRxZCwch2XKYtLoUg7Z6qqjOzEh2MOmzZCuPnxyzjXYwryPbmcblvLq-qERTbJ3we_MKP5joA/s1600/DSC04746.JPG" height="238" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i>That was, and still is me. Forever the dreamer.</i></span></div>
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Well, many years have passed since, and my notion of a woodsman going hand-in-hand with an axe was crushed. I found out in time, that axes are not as heralded now as a must-have tool when heading into the bush, as they once were. I fondly, or maybe painfully remember heading out on a backpacking trip with an axe for the first time. I was proud as ever to purchase my first axe, a hatchet. There were few words to describe the feelings and elations of ruggedness that coursed through my blood having it hang from my waist. My childhood dream almost came true, until I used it for the first time. Without so much as an understanding of how to properly use it, or what it was for, I took it with the all-knowing assumption that it was to provide firewood, and lots of it. Little did I know.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj88iiAfDauTQ2QFsElNgL1RtMgjm0hPXo3Z9wCUeme03XNUXma7HMj29CDJCKyPl5BvtHextYXeJUaFEWuoEaOw-MqkJI8YRMW4Fl1Ne8EKnwYkT7WNuQeXhfK03ElWYcmcyBhVNgcfA/s1600/IMG_9887.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj88iiAfDauTQ2QFsElNgL1RtMgjm0hPXo3Z9wCUeme03XNUXma7HMj29CDJCKyPl5BvtHextYXeJUaFEWuoEaOw-MqkJI8YRMW4Fl1Ne8EKnwYkT7WNuQeXhfK03ElWYcmcyBhVNgcfA/s1600/IMG_9887.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i>Yup, if you believe, I still have the first axe I purchased.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i>I bit rough looking, but </i></span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i>still very usable.</i></span></div>
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Yes, they are primarily a tool to cut wood, but not often just on its own. If you can imagine, my first mistake was hauling in a big log. (Big wood = big fire.) Chopping away, what seemed like forever was brutal. Sweating and cursing, I started to imagine the legendary woodsman as powerful demi-gods. After finally getting through my first cut, I looked at the log incredulously. How did they do it? I wasn't going to give up that easy, so I swung again vigorously. There is something to be said about the correlation between how youthfulness can make up for the lack of logic. (Thankfully, even though age hasn't made me stronger, it certainly has made me smarter.) I eventually got through the second cut, and finally had my first piece - yay! However, then came the splitting part. I quickly realized that hatchets aren't made for that, especially with a sizeable log. No matter how hard I swung, I couldn't get it to split. I sat that evening dejected around a cold fire pit, but learned some very valuable lessons. First and foremost being, that you don't need an axe to enjoy the wilderness, nor have a fire.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvFrDE_0kIwCnBKHCl3G4TwsZY5KZxbhqb9wxmyMlBFoJn32ok9qaOqtOQUwvuKwFzCRdYdnT2Fo36O6gu1xUG5Lgnc6IsC1MmtfsGvRNdr842l654AIP2cWyRKNkO24mC9lBqt6nE8w/s1600/IMG_1406.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvFrDE_0kIwCnBKHCl3G4TwsZY5KZxbhqb9wxmyMlBFoJn32ok9qaOqtOQUwvuKwFzCRdYdnT2Fo36O6gu1xUG5Lgnc6IsC1MmtfsGvRNdr842l654AIP2cWyRKNkO24mC9lBqt6nE8w/s1600/IMG_1406.JPG" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i>One of many fires enjoyed on a canoe</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i>trip, <u><b>without</b></u> an axe.</i></span></div>
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Many years passed since that trip, with no axes in sight. Various types and styles of saws now accompanied me throughout the proceeding years. Then one year, the flame was re-ignited when I met a new paddling friend. On our first trip together, he brought an axe, and opened my eyes to the possibilities. Not that I was totally oblivious to the things axes could do, as I learned much more about them after that initial trip, but never bothered, as the saws were more than sufficient for my needs. But seeing how my friend put that axe to work, showing me what it could do, and where/when it was best to have one, I was duly impressed. Leaving that trip, I was not only convinced, but seriously considering getting an axe again. I had come full circle, and now was back where I started.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9_-bnRtR80elhBQjQvj8Iz5d97x40cn3P4YObjmABaLr7QzJWlSj-KG9jjg6dqjYrMGOl914UXo1uaVithmGw85ZOX9YyllhmPA63ykvOW3y26XVfI3k9Qc88rSYOsyrOOBaP9YrIvw/s1600/IMG_8299.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9_-bnRtR80elhBQjQvj8Iz5d97x40cn3P4YObjmABaLr7QzJWlSj-KG9jjg6dqjYrMGOl914UXo1uaVithmGw85ZOX9YyllhmPA63ykvOW3y26XVfI3k9Qc88rSYOsyrOOBaP9YrIvw/s1600/IMG_8299.JPG" height="320" width="270" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i>My friend Ben demonstrating what he could</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i>do with his axe. (And yes, this</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i>was on a canoe trip!)</i></span></div>
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Since them, I've purchased 2 axes and take them regularly on canoe trips. What a difference compared to my initial experience, especially when you know what to do with it. Owning an axe is only one part of the equation, the other, having the skill-set and knowledge of what it can do - of which I was sorely lacking years ago. Sure, I will still admit, they are not essential to have on a canoe trip, but depending on circumstances, they can be. For me personally, they've become an essential part of my kit. I find myself in many circumstances and conditions that warrant its need and use, so like how a paddle is essential to canoe, so is my axe essential to my needs in the bush.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8yvv50Ls_hSnIlQizzv1iX7S_Nr3fGKt4cyzzeGrEKacaoX9wJlrwvopAfyDtLNppIshzwX5tv9-O6wCALIMjsBbdnJVa68rH0BspVI0EaOceM4gaOc-DNKM6jwra5wkIoP2vu85Yeg/s1600/IMG_5781.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8yvv50Ls_hSnIlQizzv1iX7S_Nr3fGKt4cyzzeGrEKacaoX9wJlrwvopAfyDtLNppIshzwX5tv9-O6wCALIMjsBbdnJVa68rH0BspVI0EaOceM4gaOc-DNKM6jwra5wkIoP2vu85Yeg/s1600/IMG_5781.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i>On this canoe trip years ago, without an axe, I wouldn't be</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i>warming beside a fire with all the rain, sleet, </i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i>and then snow I got.</i></span></div>
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A couple years ago, I was introduced to one of the owners of The Canadian Outdoor Equipment Company, Chris Scerri. We had crossed paths a few times at trade shows, spoken of our interest and passions, and came to discussing opportunities. If you've ever seen their booth, or their shop, it would make any hardened outdoor warrior drool. It is filled with 'earthy' high quality outdoor gear that seems to fuse better with the sense of wilderness, than many of the other big box gear stores. With many subtle neutral tones in the colour of their products, tools and gear that have lots of wood, carbon, or wool, it just feels like - being in the woods. No GoreTex, bright flashy colours, or much plastic. The Canadian Outdoor Equipment store feels like the real deal, because in fact it is.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh96JrC0EpkVCo9icAJQmCUFnPMecFzgWhfZCdunCFl3AWlwMHPcMxyrNOgiu2YSgPIhxobaVhq1zR1K5oUDrQMlK8qfkyoJtvVl64qS4cUVTPH-bkOJYyQ3U41ypuu9Rr7F5QSSN6A5w/s1600/_MG_8110.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh96JrC0EpkVCo9icAJQmCUFnPMecFzgWhfZCdunCFl3AWlwMHPcMxyrNOgiu2YSgPIhxobaVhq1zR1K5oUDrQMlK8qfkyoJtvVl64qS4cUVTPH-bkOJYyQ3U41ypuu9Rr7F5QSSN6A5w/s1600/_MG_8110.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i>Inside of The Canadian Outdoor Equipment Company store.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i>Literally eye candy for the outdoor enthusiast!</i></span></div>
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One of those discussions with Chris was about me testing some of their fine gear and reviewing it for them - one of them consequently being a Gransfors Bruk axe. Have you seen their famed wall of axes? Not only are all those axes gorgeous, but they look plain intimidating as well, especially the double-sided ones. If you haven't had the chance to hold one of these beauties, I urge you to. They quite simply exude beauty, precision, and craftsmanship. There are axes, and then there's Gransfors Bruk axes. To hold one is to tease, and to use one is to savour - they are practically works of art. They are not cheap either, but neither is a prime steak, or a BMW. I think you get the idea. Simply put, they are premium tools for the hardened adventurer that accepts no compromise.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4nwScYT56gbu06PbW1aKaPUjm_E88hIVcq9LK75XtuXIrRGbe_5IfxNrrqi6cWrk3YkOfkkdIUZ-5kLOFxZOApL_ssKVpFOHMOV_DCDuZjd6VazjC2Qt53LBa_IPr3OMcDQ9DU4gqew/s1600/_MG_8115.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4nwScYT56gbu06PbW1aKaPUjm_E88hIVcq9LK75XtuXIrRGbe_5IfxNrrqi6cWrk3YkOfkkdIUZ-5kLOFxZOApL_ssKVpFOHMOV_DCDuZjd6VazjC2Qt53LBa_IPr3OMcDQ9DU4gqew/s1600/_MG_8115.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i>The wall of Gransfors Bruk axes. Once you get to hold one, bet</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i>you'll find it hard to leave without one!</i></span></div>
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With any axe purchase, the best thing to do is talk with the staff. There are a various assortment of axes - styles, sizes, and features that are tooled for a specific purpose. You don't buy running shoes for a backpacking trip, nor would you buy a two bladed axe for a backpacking trip either. Tailoring an axe to your activity is key to your comfort and enjoyment, but also knowing you have the right tool for the right purpose. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoFD5p2-uPuuhkYeYkML71hRUakOFKKpPgYuOREhYvncoRPunWhtApNDt-2WCgyjUtHrrhbaTtpEi3O8DtODAv2GyUr6_hYwPbt8LQzu0i3VriNe-vivMW0lkTAh3P2lqD7512j_0wqw/s1600/IMG_7751-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoFD5p2-uPuuhkYeYkML71hRUakOFKKpPgYuOREhYvncoRPunWhtApNDt-2WCgyjUtHrrhbaTtpEi3O8DtODAv2GyUr6_hYwPbt8LQzu0i3VriNe-vivMW0lkTAh3P2lqD7512j_0wqw/s1600/IMG_7751-001.JPG" height="400" width="302" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i>You got it, a Gransfors Bruk Small Forest Axe.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i>Forged by fire, to give you fire.</i></span></div>
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After hearing about the trips I do, and the situation I sometimes get myself into, Chris had the perfect axe for me, a Gransfors Bruk Small Forest Axe. I stood in awe admiring the solid wood handle, the polished axe head, and the snug leather sheath. I left the store with a sense of grandiose. Like how I recalled feeling years ago when I purchased my first axe. This time, it was a bit different, knowing what I could do with it and how it could be used. Maybe it's a guy thing, but holding this finely crafted tool in my hands, had me emoting a sense of confidence and power, like I was some unstoppable bushman. Then my wife broke my reverie, as she reminded me about getting her something to drink. Right, take the wallet to the convenience store, not the axe.</div>
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Stay tuned for Part 2, where I finally get to put the axe through it's paces. And no, NOT at the convenience store!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12051904216248267432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4450990332312585983.post-84984759110159456922014-03-08T08:06:00.000-05:002014-03-08T08:59:42.140-05:00When Canoeing and Facebook Collide<div style="text-align: center;">
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You know the saying, "life is full of surprises"? It really is.</div>
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I'm sure we all have things that surprise us in our daily lives. Maybe because I'm so in tuned with my passion for canoeing, that quite often, I run into many surprises in my 'canoe life' as well. Some you think are just coincidence or plain luck, but other times, it's just odd and weird. Well recently, I came across a really amazing surprise. It was shocking in many ways, and just plain incredible at the same time, just fathoming how it could actually be? It was certainly noteworthy enough to me, my wife and the other couple, that I really wanted to share it.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguhtgmth81k9XlF9iDJop-yqm8k7CbKlSMNQxKTcs20MlM53epd3HFcTPigQk4DAaAbTFupZfLzoASZ3cET3h15bWqsCWhLqQa0LbSOIf_SXB2URxoZLp0x2iotcEm3SUIjE_hLLF9cg/s1600/IMG_1120.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguhtgmth81k9XlF9iDJop-yqm8k7CbKlSMNQxKTcs20MlM53epd3HFcTPigQk4DAaAbTFupZfLzoASZ3cET3h15bWqsCWhLqQa0LbSOIf_SXB2URxoZLp0x2iotcEm3SUIjE_hLLF9cg/s1600/IMG_1120.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i><b>Meeting Ray for the first time at the 2014 Toronto</b></i></span><br />
<b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i> Outdoor </i></span><i style="color: #cc0000;">Adventure Show</i></span></b><br />
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I ignored Facebook for years, literally. Despite the multiple and many requests to join, I didn't. Finally, last year, I took the plunge because I was more interested in making a 'page' about The Passionate Paddler, rather than a profile about me. (<a href="http://www.facebook.com/ThePassionatePaddler">www.facebook.com/ThePassionatePaddler</a>) Despite some technical issues with it, (Still, sigh.) it has been a great experience. Sharing my passion, connecting with other paddlers, and sometimes meeting them along the way. So I admit, maybe I did wait too long?</div>
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Recently, I was asked to speak at the Toronto Outdoor Adventure Show. Leading up to the event, I was given a bunch of free admission tickets, which I decided to give away by holding a simple contest on my Facebook page. The first person to enter, was a fellow by the name of Ray McCullough. Consequently, </div>
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by coincidence perhaps, he also took first place and won not only a pair of free tickets, but a copy of Jeff's Map.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRKnl27AoqX1tSTuC8X8xfOyV_cpqxHmaGn9SaaIKZEwbV9cQAZCJiE7S0YDGdOl86JpWwoZoFTgkXWMLVYFsLGKL9r3g_cOEgRtjEB2E0oMoss5QlYjQ6zNd_vm7YjGPJAr-6miAVVQ/s1600/IMG_0744.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRKnl27AoqX1tSTuC8X8xfOyV_cpqxHmaGn9SaaIKZEwbV9cQAZCJiE7S0YDGdOl86JpWwoZoFTgkXWMLVYFsLGKL9r3g_cOEgRtjEB2E0oMoss5QlYjQ6zNd_vm7YjGPJAr-6miAVVQ/s1600/IMG_0744.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i><b>Who would have thought, I had something</b></i></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i><b>to do with this tent?!</b></i></span><br />
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My intention was to mail out the free tickets, but due to time and the Family Day holiday, I ended up meeting Ray and the other winners at the door to give them their tickets. I only had a few minutes with each winner, as I congratulated them, as well as share a picture together with them before running off. As a nice gesture, Ray and his wife came by later in the day to visit me while I was working at the Eureka booth to chat for a bit. That's when it all started.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNrFOcQlfSTZrg6sE0XbCfzC7YEGIRI4LyQF1UNHsXXj9Wn68_MbrccY8cQ9XiN4PADdz1coaOMhTKsWcHEKcOSHLhxR3hRhb4AY-WckK1-omcjOhNhatUEzRyroduS1gndRbm2ahmbw/s1600/Jenn+%2526+Ray+Wedding249.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNrFOcQlfSTZrg6sE0XbCfzC7YEGIRI4LyQF1UNHsXXj9Wn68_MbrccY8cQ9XiN4PADdz1coaOMhTKsWcHEKcOSHLhxR3hRhb4AY-WckK1-omcjOhNhatUEzRyroduS1gndRbm2ahmbw/s1600/Jenn+%2526+Ray+Wedding249.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i><b>Jenn and Ray got married on Lake Chouchiching, on</b></i></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i><b>the really big 'canoe', Island Princess.</b></i></span><br />
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In the course of chatting, I asked them a question that got the whole ball rolling. During the Facebook contest for the free tickets, I was corresponding with several people, tallying numbers, and noting other people's interaction. For the most part, you see names and faces, particularly the profile picture. With a cursory acknowledgement, especially in the rush of things, you just move on. But sometimes, something catches your attention and you stop to have a closer look. Like I did, when I saw the profile picture of someone named Jenn Seek. Yup, it had a canoe in it, but also what looked to be her in a wedding dress with her new husband. As you know, Anita and I got married in canoe, so naturally, this really caught my attention.</div>
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Checking out her profile, she had a few pictures. They were canoeist aright. There were outdoor pictures, ones of camping, and of course canoeing ones too! But what impressed me the most, was the couple in their wedding attire, in a red cedar canvas canoe. It took me back to my wedding, the drama, the fun, and of course 'the adventure', being married together - in a red cedar canvas canoe too!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVlqq2o9bEGCyT3uhLNep29QYo7YC7rktruN2z7ayx3wr7_eRRx0AXBntsKhkO1em3pZxhJ-Q-Ucnhyjlkutz8CkGbOHWp9Cz2bJW0TExwUHriHEUP5PCw-gr_RO8-FvsNrZ7kENSYXA/s1600/Jenn+%2526+Ray+Wedding71.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVlqq2o9bEGCyT3uhLNep29QYo7YC7rktruN2z7ayx3wr7_eRRx0AXBntsKhkO1em3pZxhJ-Q-Ucnhyjlkutz8CkGbOHWp9Cz2bJW0TExwUHriHEUP5PCw-gr_RO8-FvsNrZ7kENSYXA/s1600/Jenn+%2526+Ray+Wedding71.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Canoe cuff links for the wedding - what a nice AND smart</i></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>touch! Coming from passionate paddlers</i></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>themselves, </i></b><b><i>not surprising!</i></b></span><br />
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I really wanted to contact Jenn, to see if she would be willing to share her story, and of course, me share mine, and ultimately share this story/pictures on my Facebook page. Because of those technical issues with my Facebook account I previously mentioned (Frustrating as hell sometimes.) I can't comment, message, or contact people through Facebook. Hence why, because Ray seemed to have some connection to this woman, I thought I would ask him if he didn't mind putting me in contact with her.</div>
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So back to where I'm chatting with Ray and his wife. Without sounding like some stalker, I asked who Jenn Seek was? His wife beside him exclaimed, "That's me!!" "What?!!!" Yup, stunned like a deer in headlights, I couldn't believe it! But maybe I really should? I soon came to realize, that many people, including Jenn, give themselves pseudo last names, so they can preserve their privacy in this vast capricious world of social media. Okay, so that was shocking, but pretty cool. So now, it was easier to speak to Ray AND Jenn, about their wedding.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzojbv9YCEjpgNsQ_e8qYU1bIbfFzdofBG8pQR3Sp7bL-JfPABCyT1yRx2o100Wyim9US4g189oETV6ctXlPI-AGzfDKiGW2W3_yQLQ2coFsdgPuYjrSL5uPal16IX98DrECt8XFCpNA/s1600/Jenn+%2526+Ray+Wedding290.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzojbv9YCEjpgNsQ_e8qYU1bIbfFzdofBG8pQR3Sp7bL-JfPABCyT1yRx2o100Wyim9US4g189oETV6ctXlPI-AGzfDKiGW2W3_yQLQ2coFsdgPuYjrSL5uPal16IX98DrECt8XFCpNA/s1600/Jenn+%2526+Ray+Wedding290.jpg" height="400" width="265" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Check these beautiful paddles out. Ray</i></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i><u>himself</u> made these for the wedding</i></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>to be exchanged! Wow! </i></b></span><br />
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So away I went, asking questions regarding their wedding, as I tried to calm myself over the shock of it all. I found out they didn't actually have a canoe wedding, as those pictures were taken after they were married. The main reason they didn't, was because of elderly people that had mobility issues. Not surprising, as we had the same problems too, particularly wanting to have the canoe wedding on Georgian Bay. But thanks to Mike Armstrong, the superintendent of Awenda Provincial Park, his recommendation of using Kettle Lake instead sealed the deal, as it addressed that concern perfectly. Ray and Jenn however, with their love of the water and keeping to that theme, chose instead to get married in a 'bigger canoe', the Island Princess, a tour boat on Lake Chouchiching.</div>
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Another aspect that came up, was the weather, because the wedding was outdoors. They had a tough go with the cool and windy conditions. So naturally, I asked them what time of year it was at? I was stunned to hear it was in September, as ours was too. Theirs, Sat Sept 22, and ours Sun Sept 23! And for the record, our wedding was actually planned for Sat Sept 22, but due to family scheduling conflicts, it was changed to Sun Sept 23. Imagine that, we would have been married on the same date! Sure it is off by one day, but for all intensive purposes, it really is the same day! Wow!!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFpI4ROSD6v_sfWpG5q45-oumA8YbBz-k8djcANGaf6Z4k71FBpSclAjF-S2W3D__Hl07zlbaXhmtXMBO6X6bXXiVnmkGriJPhb6C_3eEe_2fZw0fHwTg1PuO9dxUMFbLc89wy7e4Daw/s1600/1980738_10100384306988410_1286416783_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFpI4ROSD6v_sfWpG5q45-oumA8YbBz-k8djcANGaf6Z4k71FBpSclAjF-S2W3D__Hl07zlbaXhmtXMBO6X6bXXiVnmkGriJPhb6C_3eEe_2fZw0fHwTg1PuO9dxUMFbLc89wy7e4Daw/s1600/1980738_10100384306988410_1286416783_n.jpg" height="210" width="400" /></a></div>
<b style="color: #cc0000;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Ray even made the paddles for the guest to sign. Isn't it</span></i></b><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>obvious Ray thinks and breaths canoes? I think</i></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i> I found a kindred spirit!</i></b></span><br />
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So here I am, can't believe what I'm hearing, and then on top of that, can't even think straight any more because of the uncanny coincidence. But it didn't stop there. Ray went on to say, that they knew me long ago, of course from a distance. Four years ago, they came to the Outdoor Adventure Show in search of a tough rugged tent. Ray has lots of experience tripping, and has even guided the American Boy Scouts all the way up in Atikokan. So, besides knowing the types of trips he finds himself on, he also knows exactly the type of gear he is looking for. So four years prior, with two tents in mind, our Eureka K2-XT, a proven mountaineering tent, and a Mountain Hardwear tent, guess who helped him seal the deal?! Yeah, ME!! I recalled seeing a photo on Jenn's Facebook of the Eureka K2 on Dashwa Lake in Atikokan. Who'd have thought, I had something to do with that!</div>
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A couple years back, I presented at the Barrie Canoe and Kayak Club. It was a last minute fill in. Jay Mothersill from Paddle Shack couldn't do it because his computer crashed, including all the pictures for his presentation. So, he emailed me and the club, and recommended I do a presentation in his place. I accepted, and had a great time too. The club members were a cordial group of paddlers, and the feedback after the presentation was great too. But guess who was there? Yup, Ray and Jenn. They knew exactly who this 'passionate paddler' was. As Ray is a canoe nut like me, he mentioned (And which I totally agree with.) that the canoe scene in Canada is not that big. Yes, people see Canada as the canoe Mecca, which it certainly is, but big name canoeist are few and far between. Not that I in any way consider myself in that league, but between my association with gear companies, my blog, photos and stories that have been published, and even now Facebook, I've somehow managed to squeeze in through the back door and squeak the odd time here and there for people to hear me.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2PZK2bu-VqbtbHbcTd-2jLKXixjv2RpmGCCTcjgsbN3svjPP6LFk0tzWPASNsCBOpX6-KIvrqKE-OjC8B-snEQmc-zgmAb__-Z9Rgq5syHUkw2KgDFbDcchs7AUAR0ySHewP1Mj2ZRw/s1600/Jenn+%2526+Ray+Wedding306.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2PZK2bu-VqbtbHbcTd-2jLKXixjv2RpmGCCTcjgsbN3svjPP6LFk0tzWPASNsCBOpX6-KIvrqKE-OjC8B-snEQmc-zgmAb__-Z9Rgq5syHUkw2KgDFbDcchs7AUAR0ySHewP1Mj2ZRw/s1600/Jenn+%2526+Ray+Wedding306.jpg" height="265" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>The happily married couple, Ray and his lovely wife Jenn,</i></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>hamming it up for the photographer in a </i></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>classic red cedar canvas canoe.</i></b></span><br />
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So yes, I was totally stunned and amazed. Not only did we practically get married on the same day, in similar locations, but I've personally helped them purchase a tent, and they got to know me better through my presentation, but never ever REALLY met me, until now. It was Facebook, imagine that? Facebook brought us full circle and provided the opportunity for us to finally connect, and connect we certainly did! If there was one person that was ever doubtful of the usefulness and authenticity of Facebook (and social media in general), that was me. But I certainly have put those feelings and thoughts aside. Yes, we unfortunately hear the odd horror stories, but something as special and unique as this, has made me a firm believer of the benefits of social media. And to think I waited this long to join Facebook. What else would, or could have happened if I jumped aboard sooner? Life is <i><b>certainly</b></i> full of surprises!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNCTqpbvVpdVAsVwSySnF7qBNLRWbNVXI0tUzcDwJGPXLM-v5r88GHER7bOODs0RpeqqOPS4Dmj_oDJMPiMvOlUI5N8eeE3JV3zmNTPerQeN379MmG4wTGi2FcxhZ5QBGvN60YYLcgDA/s1600/AnitaDavid_094.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNCTqpbvVpdVAsVwSySnF7qBNLRWbNVXI0tUzcDwJGPXLM-v5r88GHER7bOODs0RpeqqOPS4Dmj_oDJMPiMvOlUI5N8eeE3JV3zmNTPerQeN379MmG4wTGi2FcxhZ5QBGvN60YYLcgDA/s1600/AnitaDavid_094.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Look familiar? Much like Ray and Jenn, we were getting</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Who would have known?</i></b></span><br />
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<b><span style="color: #6aa84f;">Post Script:</span></b> After getting their permission to share this story, I personally spoke to Ray to get some more details. Here's another kicker. We both planned to get engaged at the 'peak' of something, on a canoe trip no less. Anita and I, on the highest point of Ontario, Ishpatina Ridge. Ray was originally going to propose on top of Silver Peak, (Killarney PP), but due to getting a dog the week before, couldn't go on a canoe trip with their new young Burnese Mountain Dog. So instead, got engaged to Jenn at the peak of the Lookout Trail in Algonquin. Oh, and one more thing. I almost had a coronary when I found this one out. I failed to ask them which year they got married, as I was so scattered brained when I found out we practically got married on the same day. Yup, the same damn year! 2012!!!! (Excuse me, I think I'm going to faint!)</div>
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PS. A big thanks to <a href="http://www.visualroots.com/#/page/7b9e/home/" target="_blank">Visual Roots Photography</a> for allowing us</div>
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to showcase their lovely photos. Check them</div>
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out. They are paddlers too!</div>
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<br />Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12051904216248267432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4450990332312585983.post-7214045280940002162014-02-25T06:09:00.000-05:002014-02-25T06:09:19.613-05:00Getting Familiar With A Dog On A Canoe Trip<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>I am nowhere as comfortable, as I am out in</i></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>the wilderness on a canoe trip. </i></b></span><br />
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As humans, many of us like familiarity. It makes us feel comfortable and secure, knowing there is no surprises. As much as I totally agree with the previous statement, at times, I like change. A disruption to the normal sequence of things. Not a rule of thumb, but sometimes, these changes can enrich one's life.</div>
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I've canoed since I was a kid. The odd trip here and there, where I got to head out and enjoy being out in the wilderness. That was then. Now, I've taken it up a notch or two, and the trips have become a significantly bigger part of my life. I now head out on a dozen or more canoe trips per year, spending easily over 2 months out in the bush on various types of trips. Times have changed.</div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Whether portaging a canoe, or paddling a river, these are</i></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>things that are very familiar to me</i></b></span><b style="color: #cc0000; font-size: small;"><i>.</i></b><br />
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For many years, I've headed out with others, or on my own. The process for preparing and executing the trip was routine, the only difference being the type of trip (flatwater vs moving water) or the location. Even then, it was pretty straight forward - paddle, portage, set up camp and do the routine all over again. Of course I am simplifying the whole process, as there is lots more that goes on in between, but you get the idea. I enjoyed this routine - it was predictable and straightforward. Well, that routine got a huge disruption when I got married. No, not because of my wife, but because of what came with her - two dogs.</div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>With my wife came two dogs - Toby and Teddy.</i></b></span><br />
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The dogs have caused a huge disruption in my paddling life. Okay, I'm exaggerating a bit. Maybe not huge, but significantly. The two dogs are poodles, one a black toy, and the other, a miniature red. I mean, the first thing I had to do, was befriend them. Make them feel like I was a part of THEIR family. That is a whole story in and of itself. Once I did that, (Meaning they didn't bark at me when I came home.) we moved on to the next phase, one of which was taking them on a canoe trip. First off, Toby, the toy black poodle, which my wife refers to as the "old man", was not given the green light. He is 12 years old, and the physical rigours of the canoe trips I plan, would not be conducive to his health. Thus, he was relegated to staying at the in-laws when we went. I'm sure he didn't mind, as he was good at conning my mother-in-law into giving him treats.</div>
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So there was the first disruption. Every trip, unless solo, had to involve the extra drive to the in-laws. Just thankful they were willing to look after Toby, it still meant a visit before, and after the trip. So now, only one dog would be accompanying us. If I thought taking only one dog would significantly lessen the disruption to my routine, I'd be the first to tell you. But no, in essence, it hardly does. All the things you need to do and prepare for the one dog, would be the same for two or three, you just multiply the quantity by the additional canines.</div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Surprisingly, Teddy took to the canoe easily and was a </i></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>trooper even in less than ideal conditions.</i></b></span><br />
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My wife is very experienced with dogs, having many, and multiples at a time. The only thing new, was taking a dog on a canoe trip. Naturally, my wife took the lead in this to assure Teddy's first canoe trip would be safe and enjoyable. It was a bit of a learning curve for sure, but it slowly came together. One of the first things we had to do was get Teddy a float coat (aka life jacket). Now that initiated an interesting discussion. Like, don't all dogs swim?! I soon found out not all dogs do; well, in a nutshell they all do, but not all very well. So, like us humans that don't swim, or even the ones that do, we need life jackets for safety. Plus, I had to consider other factors, such as, what if the distance to shore is significant, or the cold water is debilitating, or you are dealing with a strong current. As those factors can affect us, they are the same for a dog. So fine, he got a float coat.</div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>The float coat came in real handy when Teddy fell out of</i></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>the canoe for the first time. The problem</i></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>was, it wasn't his last!</i></b></span><br />
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With the float coat, you'd think there wasn't anything more to worry about, but that's only if the dog stays in the canoe. For the most part, Teddy is actually pretty good. He usually finds a comfortable place on the pack and lays down. However, occasionally he wants to be closer to water, with his paws literally on the gunwales. I could tell my wife was nervous, as she often looked back from her bow seat. I didn't think it was a big deal, as I figured he was just curious about his surroundings, but one day, he slipped in! Sure, the odd slip is tolerable, but if it happens regularly, it can be a real annoyance. Besides soaking all your gear, and getting you wet as the dog shakes, you have to stop the canoe, turn around and pull him out. You'd think he would learn his lesson after the first dump, as he doesn't even like water, but nope! Guess whose job it is to keep him back now? Yup, I have another role to play, other than sterning the canoe. Sergeant-at-arms, plus, the coast guard when he goes into the drink. Three times and counting. I still question my wife when she says poodles are one of the smartest breeds of dogs.</div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Folks, I really need a better raincoat.</i></b></span><br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Now THAT'S better!</i></b></span><br />
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Once off the water, at camp or on the portage, there was another concern. My wife and I were worried that Teddy would run off into the woods. Surprisingly, he pretty much stays hot on our heels. In fact, while on the portage, he runs ahead, acting as a scout, then behind us, as a bodyguard, all the while, keeping a close eye on us. (From imminent attack by the local evil squirrels.) He was easy to call back, most often by my wife's bidding, so our fears were quickly allayed. However, one issue with the dog we didn't expect, was with bugs. Black flies in particular. Outside, no problem, as we all get 'bugged', but when it was time for us to go into the tent, all hell broke loose. Black flies get caught up in Teddy's curls, as they work their way down to his skin, but as soon as he is inside the tent, they seem to want out. Quite literally in droves, they exit his hair for the open space of the tent - and us. It literally becomes a wholesale slaughter as we try to kill them all. How's that for excitement? Especially when you try so hard to keep them out in the first place. I won't even mention red finger-painting art deco that now adorns the inside of the tent.</div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>With the 'big red beacon' ahead, it wasn't</i></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>difficult for Teddy to follow.</i></b></span><br />
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Speaking of inside the tent, that's another issue. Teddy often gets dressed with some warm clothing at night, particularly if it is early or late in the season. He even gets a blanket too, to sleep on, or be covered. You'd think he would by mindful of my personal space and stick with the stuff he's given, but lo and behold, when I come into the tent, he is nicely curled up on either my stuff or my sleeping bag. Being closer to my wife, wouldn't he want to lay on her things? She tells me that that's how Teddy is showing his affection to me, which I have a hard time believing. So, not only do I have to sometimes deal with a wet and dirty dog on my sleeping bag, but compete with him for sleeping space! Did I mention he sometimes moves during the night - between my legs, next to me, or between my wife and I? I can't win. Oh, and guess who wakes up first? It's one thing waking up to your wife smothering you with kisses, something entirely different if it's the wet tongue of your dog trying to wake you up.</div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Teddy's favourite part of the trip was getting</i></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>extra special morsels with his kibbles.</i></b></span><br />
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Well, it's now been a full year of tripping with my dog, and boy has he gotten quite the introduction. He's been out in a canoe on every conceivable body of water, on half a dozen trips over the course of 31 days! He has come a long ways in his inaugural year, but he still fails to recognize lakes as the biggest bowl of fresh water available to him, or that he still can't go through mesh tent doors. He's also gotten swallowed up by mud on a portage, fallen into the water thinking he could rock climb, and mistaken foam on the water as solid ground, but thankfully, has survived the year pretty much intact. Even I will admit, he did exceptionally well.<br />
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<b style="color: #cc0000;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">One thing Teddy does better than my wife first thing</span></i></b><br />
<b style="color: #cc0000;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">in the morning is lather me with kisses.</span></i></b><br />
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Sure, he's given us some big headaches along the way, but despite them all, having Teddy with us has been hugely positive. He has certainly taught me to be more patient and understanding, and more importantly, to appreciate and enjoy the interactions between us, the dog, and the environment. What's not to love about a devoted four-legged companion that often makes me laugh and ensures nothing is routine? I acknowledge my dog has forever changed my familiarity with canoe tripping, but in time, those disruptions will become routine too. I know change can sometimes be tough to deal with, or even accept. But if you make the effort to the see the other side of the coin, you just may be surprised - much like I was. I haven't given up the title to my sleeping bag yet, but Teddy has certainly earned his place in my canoe.<br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Teddy has now become a bona fide canoe dog, and me,</i></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>a sucker that admits to enjoy having him</i></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>along on my trips!</i></b></span><br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12051904216248267432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4450990332312585983.post-76935525630185851282014-02-05T06:00:00.000-05:002014-02-05T06:18:01.185-05:00180 Stove Review - Part 2<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeZWLKlqSbkzv1FrE-2EH34mN0ubdXLN-1OaKaYDlqZWRWK7OsfECFkbXEsKzpJs5KSjBVTp4SCrY2FkgZep6YfVWPJpy3En5d_ULp2fvMwXaiz9B8KsQoOZC-q6s_6HhyphenhyphenJRsJiz3m_A/s1600/IMG_9780-001.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeZWLKlqSbkzv1FrE-2EH34mN0ubdXLN-1OaKaYDlqZWRWK7OsfECFkbXEsKzpJs5KSjBVTp4SCrY2FkgZep6YfVWPJpy3En5d_ULp2fvMwXaiz9B8KsQoOZC-q6s_6HhyphenhyphenJRsJiz3m_A/s1600/IMG_9780-001.JPG" height="227" width="400" /></a></div>
<b style="color: #cc0000;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The simple, but highly recommended snow/ash tray.</span></i></b><br />
<b style="color: #cc0000;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Sorry, obviously WELL used!)</span></i></b></div>
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Before I talk about performance, I want to talk about the snow/ash tray. No, you don't need it, but would I recommend it? Totally. Yes, it is more weight, but the features totally out weigh the extra grams. It's simply two equal pieces that slot into each other and perfectly form the base of the 180 Stove. (Works with the 180VL Stove too!) The other great thing is, the size of each piece is approximately the same as the sides of the 180 Stove, therefore easily packs together. I've seen other twig stove trays, but they just don't nestle as well as this one. It's obvious the priority of pack-ability was foremost in the simple but effective design - nice.<br />
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The snow/ash tray serves two main functions, portability and environmental stewardship. In regards to portability, it allows you to move the stove wherever, or whenever you need, based on conditions. Whether in wind or rain, I was easily able to move it under cover, or to an area with a wind block - all the while, with the fire still burning. (Of course, extreme care is needed!) Or how about cooking from a nice vantage point? How often do you get to decide where the kitchen is, in regards to the fire pit? To take advantage of a nice view over-looking the lake, or in front of the setting sun, you can do that with a snow/ash tray and your 180 Stove. Plus, it can be that small intimate 'fireplace' after supper. It will literally go wherever you need it to go. </div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>First it was the wind, then the rain. No problem. We just</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>moved it under the tarp, which protected it from</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>both, and voilà , fixed!</i></b></span></div>
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Then there is the environmental stewardship factor, for a lack of a simpler word. The tray is used to contain the ashes and keep it from making a mess. I don't think I need to expound any more in regards to this obvious concept. The tray simply contains the ash, and you dispose of the it in a prudent manner. The other issue which is a bit of a thorn in my side, is the damage caused underneath the tray. The tray does NOT prevent heat transfer. You will most likely scorch the soil underneath after using the stove. I know people have stated that you can dig a depression and then cover it afterwards, which I've done many times myself, but I'm not convinced any more. If you cook in the same spot for an extended period of time, you will most likely kill everything alive below and prevent anything from growing there for some time. Just imagine a dog park with splotches of dead areas around. Sure, I'm exaggerating the point, but I think you get the idea. I've decided now to either use the 180 Stove (or any other twig stove for that matter) in the fire pit sans tray, or on non-combustible surfaces such as rocks, pebbles, or sand, with the tray. This will prevent unsightly blackened areas all around, and protect the environment around us that is teeming with life, even though we may not always be able to see it. I figure there is enough damage being done on camp sites, that every little thing helps.</div>
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One last thing, particularly in a dry season. If you use the stove without the tray and decide to dig down, be very aware of the possibility of an underground fire 'taking root' from humus, or a root itself. I've seen this happen once from a fire pit, and I was relieved that we found it the the next morning before we left camp. You may confidently douse the area with water, but with underground fires, it could well be far from the original area and burst into flames in a different location when you are long gone. This is another big reason for having a tray and using it atop non-combustible material. It goes without saying, be mindful and safe.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2UL7QHfyLKAKSJWwhq6RU7wkFubgDdib4VsAAFbp_LdxfAYx4JWHofgWTtWsI_VFb7YfcqMXro-6M6NklEYar9-aLeH_jEXZq3i6PhjQ_NShgxZNOtCCv7qhzCdPh4JDFOheofNg-7g/s1600/IMG_3994.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2UL7QHfyLKAKSJWwhq6RU7wkFubgDdib4VsAAFbp_LdxfAYx4JWHofgWTtWsI_VFb7YfcqMXro-6M6NklEYar9-aLeH_jEXZq3i6PhjQ_NShgxZNOtCCv7qhzCdPh4JDFOheofNg-7g/s1600/IMG_3994.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>I'm sure you'll agree, it is better throwing the ashes out of</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><i>sight in the bush, then under </i></b></span><b style="color: #cc0000;"><i>these nice stones.</i></b></span></div>
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So, the biggest question remains, how does it perform? The answer is not so simple - it actually depends. The reason I say that, is because it depends on a few factors, but namely what you place on top of the stove. If the pot is small, and there are open gaps around the pot, the fire will continue in its intensity. The problem is, if the pot is big and it covers the entire surface, your fire will be stifled due to the lack of air flow. The best way for you to visualize this is, to think of your fireplace at home. Before you light the fire, you have to ensure your damper is open. Why? Because when you light the fire, the hot combusted gases have to go somewhere, which is up. (Remember, hot air rises.) As the hot air moves up, fresh air moves in from the surrounding room and feeds the combustion process by providing fresh oxygen. If you close the damper, not only will you have smoke flooding the room, the intensity of the fire will diminish because there is a chaos between hot air trying to exit upward (Which it can't.) and fresh air trying to move in from below (Which it can't as well, since hot air above is having a hard time leaving.). The fire will continue, but just not as efficiently as if the damper was open. The 180 Stove, or any wood stove for that matter, works on the same principle. Hence, why I say the answer to the question isn't so cut and dry.</div>
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I used this stove many times under varying conditions. It wasn't always bad, despite using a big pot. There are actually ways to work around the problem. If there is a mild breeze to 'force feed' air, that helped the issue significantly. However, you can't control the wind, nor the intensity, so it is out of your control and not reliable. You could also use wood in small quantities. Too much wood and again, you stifle the little air flow you have. Problem is, more effort is needed to get/process smaller pieces of wood, and your fire will never be as big or hot. Lastly, using absolutely dry wood - which sounds like a no-brainer, but has more relevance here. Since less air is moving, wood will not burn as efficiently, particularly if it has a bit of moisture to deal with. However, if the air flow increases, even slightly damp wood will burn well. (Think, blowing into the fire.) Oh, one other thing, the small pot scenario. If you are solo, sure. If you have more people and lots of time, sure. I think you get the idea, but it may not always be practical. So, the stove does work, but not as good as it could, and better under certain circumstances. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia548zZ8F0WK89t6sGjq0eD5uvZI9HhBlO3LlIRULxcN6lcS7sUGDuHzugl7IyQ9WTRQbfBOGx8S3USS0lYxdrl_kzUjcT5MJPx7gTXV0AlmmofSAEp_z-GSS8lmpv81iCl-gDptxNTg/s1600/IMG_6600.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEia548zZ8F0WK89t6sGjq0eD5uvZI9HhBlO3LlIRULxcN6lcS7sUGDuHzugl7IyQ9WTRQbfBOGx8S3USS0lYxdrl_kzUjcT5MJPx7gTXV0AlmmofSAEp_z-GSS8lmpv81iCl-gDptxNTg/s1600/IMG_6600.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Here's a fire pit we found one day at camp. If I wanted to cook </i></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>over a fire, I would have to do a major clean up, </i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><i>then rebuild the </i></b></span><b style="color: #cc0000;"><i>fire pit to cook.....</i></b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ4TBsO6BX4oFtMlSTxx8vuFA1rexMpdz8kXxq4z-C0IQWXUxP_IhLLZgBe_9-ZO76iKjDWog_aip7QnJDt1dotK2uXrasNPWVTOy_vECJ45Nlh29QY4btIQzY5VHuEfAaV_bYli5j5w/s1600/IMG_6604.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ4TBsO6BX4oFtMlSTxx8vuFA1rexMpdz8kXxq4z-C0IQWXUxP_IhLLZgBe_9-ZO76iKjDWog_aip7QnJDt1dotK2uXrasNPWVTOy_vECJ45Nlh29QY4btIQzY5VHuEfAaV_bYli5j5w/s1600/IMG_6604.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<b style="color: #cc0000;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">.....or, as we did, take out the 180 Stove, find a nice spot</span></i></b><br />
<b style="color: #cc0000;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">(Meaning clean, level, AND comfortable), and</span></i></b><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b style="color: #cc0000;"><i>proceed to cook supper.</i></b><b style="color: #cc0000;"><i> Yup, I'll </i></b></span><br />
<b style="color: #cc0000;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">take option 2!</span></i></b><br />
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One other point that I'd like to make, that affects performance too, is the method of introducing combustibles into the stove. All twig stoves I've used prior, involve putting things in through the top. This method, while it works, has its drawbacks. It isn't easy to see the fire with the pot over the top, and putting things in often times suppresses the flames. If you only use small pieces and in measured intervals, it will minimize this, otherwise, you will go through cycles of a crazy burn, then a suppressed burn. The reason I love the side entry is, is that you can see the fire and how it is burning. Thus, you can add to it where and when you need. Sure, you will have similar heat intervals, but it is much easier to control and minimize, since you can monitor your flame. I'm all about side entry. (Hmmm, that didn't sound right.)</div>
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In regards to the performance issue, there is an easy remedy to this problem. All it needs, is elevated cross-members that will lift the pot about an couple centimetres. Through some tests and trials out in the bush, once I had the pot lifted, the fire easily regained it's intensity, and the heat output significantly increased. This crucial air gap, is the key to good air flow, since the hot gases has a place to exit. As mentioned before, it's quite simple - good air flow equals good fire. Trust me, I was really rooting for this stove as I love so many things about it, but it needs a bit of a tweak to ensure this good stove becomes a great stove. I will definitely be making recommendation to the company and hopefully they will determine the best course of action in the future. I just know, if they adopt an 'improved design', I guarantee, I'll be the first in line to purchase one. In conclusion, my recommendations to purchasing one still stands, but with a caveat. Knowing this may not exactly solve the problem, but help you deal with it and still make it a very usable stove.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijpQUI99Zfgx4rkPFvJObos3D5ocL_JJi4-oK5Llj53oGqoUv_BkitZFzRGEzP8P1eD72I2VbSZXmSq2Uk06UvTKwg3yFZ9_NrcZ30e8T0VuQU7uxQGEujNlm01tGQJrZSFgkjQTCNiQ/s1600/IMG_3989.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijpQUI99Zfgx4rkPFvJObos3D5ocL_JJi4-oK5Llj53oGqoUv_BkitZFzRGEzP8P1eD72I2VbSZXmSq2Uk06UvTKwg3yFZ9_NrcZ30e8T0VuQU7uxQGEujNlm01tGQJrZSFgkjQTCNiQ/s1600/IMG_3989.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Cooking with the 180 Stove alongside the more traditional </i></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>method. As you can see, my friend had to use</i></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>more wood than us.</i></b></span><br />
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In regards to purchasing one, here's another reason to get one. They are reasonably priced, even though they are made locally in the US. At $46.95US, where else can you find a dependable stove at that price that will likely last you a lifetime? You will not only have a great product, but support a domestic company that strives to keep sustainability and reliability as a priority. You can order directly through the company at 180 Tack (<a href="http://www.180tack.com/">www.180tack.com</a>) or from Canada from an on-line retailer - <a href="http://www.bushcraftcanada.com/">www.bushcraftcanada.com</a>. Surprisingly, they are priced there at $47.99 CAN! Unfortunately it shows they are out of stock at the moment, but at that price, it's probably obvious why they sold out!<br />
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The new trend of outdoor gear is alive and well. With products that get you out there, and help not only the environment, but your pocket as well, definitely deserves your attention. The 180 Stove is one of them. I may still have a white gas stove, but when I head out into the bush, it's the twig stove I turned to first.<br />
Will you?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT0-lbxO0B7QP8nypl6Inojojs0Cr7EiLG7jtk56sMxWYQbPjgsCgYTTPr6aFCWenS3QaqzWhNcsF9oRZnHcanjySYi_xu0cMh_krO_YrH0v7RGvjdLm0dKEzeI43z51Cnt-jLbEy6aA/s1600/IMG_7074.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhT0-lbxO0B7QP8nypl6Inojojs0Cr7EiLG7jtk56sMxWYQbPjgsCgYTTPr6aFCWenS3QaqzWhNcsF9oRZnHcanjySYi_xu0cMh_krO_YrH0v7RGvjdLm0dKEzeI43z51Cnt-jLbEy6aA/s1600/IMG_7074.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>With the 180 Stove and the snow/ash tray, you </i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><i>decide where to </i></b></span><b style="color: #cc0000;"><i>have the fire,</i></b><b style="color: #cc0000;"><i> not</i></b></span><br />
<b style="color: #cc0000;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"> the other way around.</span></i></b></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12051904216248267432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4450990332312585983.post-51091695999104608382014-02-02T11:22:00.000-05:002014-02-03T08:37:20.109-05:00180 Stove Review - Part 1<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i><b>Cooking over a fire is nothing new. A skill worth having, but</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i>just comes down to whether </i></span><i style="color: #cc0000;">you want to or not.</i></b></span></div>
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I've come a long ways in the art of cooking over a fire. I use to exclusively cook with a white gas stove for many years, but have now developed a love for cooking over an open flame. Although it is not an essential skill, it is definitely a practical one worth acquiring, as it can be useful when your stove malfunctions, or you unexpectedly run out of fuel. Cooking over a fire is nothing new, as it has been employed for eons, but there has been a resurgence of a similar open fire method - cooking using a twig stove.</div>
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I'm not sure as to the primary reason behind the rise of twig stoves, as I've seen many variations and styles recently. But there certainly are reasons to justify it's purpose, usefulness and popularity. First off, it's environmentally friendly. You use a lot less wood to cook with a twig stove, than a grill over a fire pit. The flame is contained in a smaller area and directed straight beneath the pot, thus efficiently utilizing the concentrated heat. It is also much more wind resistant, first due to the sides of the stove encircling the fire, and secondly, because you can place the stove wherever you want. But most importantly, the stove doesn't require you to harvest big pieces of wood. The fuel is practically all around you on the ground - from twigs, pine cones, bark, and even moose droppings! This goes a long way in not only eliminating your reliance on fossil fuels, but also all the energy spent extracting, refining, and having it shipped to you. You just gather and utilize the fuel around you, while leaving the other form behind, so it can be recycled naturally.</div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>The 180 Stove - one of many new designs of twig</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>stoves that have recently emerged.</i></b></span></div>
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There are also the financial implications. Twig stoves generally cost less than most gas stoves, whether white gas or ones that use pressurized gas canisters. There is also the cost of gas itself. With the upswing in the cost of energy, all it's other forms derived from oil have come up in price too. You can't save anymore money than what nature provides for free. Besides, who doesn't want more money in their pocket?</div>
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Then there are the practical reasons. Twig stoves are fairly simple designs that are usually made of very durable material - such as stainless steel and titanium. Not only will they most likely last a lifetime, but are fairly light too, easily the equivalent of other types of stoves, and quite often less. Talking about weight, as you don't have to carry fuel with you, that's where you will really notice a difference. No fuel AND fuel container(s) means less weight (and space) on your back when you are portaging. </div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Why pay for fuel which nature provides for free?</i></b></span></div>
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One other big benefit to a twig stove, is its simple design that has no moving parts. Not that the twig stove can't be broken, (Usually due to carelessness or neglect.) but if it is looked after, you'll probably never have to deal with a repair or breakdown ever. That means more weight savings, as you won't even have to take a stove repair kit as well. These stoves really are a 'buy once, last forever' type of equipment that you can't go wrong with.</div>
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Well, I've had several opportunities to try different twig stoves over the years, but recently, I came upon another type that caught my attention - the 180 Stove. From what I could see, I liked many of its features, and was really curious about how well it performed. I sent an email to the owners to see if I could review it. They were more than happy to accommodate, and not only sent me the 180 stove, but the even smaller and lighter 180VL stove plus the snow and ash tray too! How do you like that? As you can imagine, I was eagerly looking forward to getting it and trying it out. </div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>The lighter and more compact 180 VL Stove. Have</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>your cake and eat it too!</i></b></span></div>
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Last year, I had the opportunity to take the 180 Stove with me on a half a dozen trips over 46 days. I think it's obvious I put the 180 Stove to good use. With this much time spent using the stove, I was able to get a good feel for its performance and design, and provide an objective review of it. There was many things I loved about the stove, but I did find one issue that detracted from it's great design. The good news is, that it can easily be remedied with some small changes. But before we get into that, let's talk about all the good points.</div>
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This stove is made of 24 gauge, high quality 304 (18/8) stainless steel. (In short, really good quality stainless steel.) Sure, it can be lighter if made of titanium, but it is a nice compromise between cost and weight. However, if weight is an issue, this is somewhat addressed with a sister design which I will mention later on. Although there isn't an option for titanium, you can't go wrong with good quality stainless steel. These stoves are built to last. No corrosion, pitting, and minimal warping. It is as durable as they come. The only thing you'll see change, is the usual scorch/sooty marks after they are first used. Other than that, they are guaranteed to last for many years of use.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg76LDqVETtRsmmqvCTHTIXvBboEvsH_57TIRbgZSkSSD4f89VZpNHYP5WG1sTYwFZOExv4LWAFj2eoUEX7vb_QFQu5p1TsFx5x-yBg-yaqY4IwJO1J6dREyU4BS62rU_nxSgoWo2cDXg/s1600/IMG_2615.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg76LDqVETtRsmmqvCTHTIXvBboEvsH_57TIRbgZSkSSD4f89VZpNHYP5WG1sTYwFZOExv4LWAFj2eoUEX7vb_QFQu5p1TsFx5x-yBg-yaqY4IwJO1J6dREyU4BS62rU_nxSgoWo2cDXg/s1600/IMG_2615.JPG" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>You can't go wrong with good quality 18/8 stainless steel</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>for a twig stove. A good compromise between</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>weight, cost, and durability.</i></b></span></div>
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The design of the stove is my favourite. Reminds me of a little wood stove. Simply 3 sides, and three cross members atop to hold everything together rock-solid. And I mean rock solid. This stove easily handles a big heavy pot and you'll experience very little movement. The other good thing about this design is that the whole set-up is low to the ground - a low center of gravity if you want to call it that. This assures that there is little chance the pot (and stove) will tip over, unlike many others which have a more traditional vertical design that are more prone to tipping. The 180 VL Stove is a bit different as it has a triangular design to save weight. Therefore it has only 2 sides and 2 cross-members, reducing the footprint and therefore the size of pots you can place on top. Therefore, the VL version is more suited to solo trippers that are looking for the lightest and most compact stove, or trippers that don't mind compromising weight for functionality. Just be mindful, that some of the features of one versus the other don't necessarily cross over. </div>
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Weight is a big thing these days when it comes to outdoor excursions. Although paddlers are not as weight conscious as backpackers, we certainly do take it into account, especially when trips involve a lot of portages. In either case, you won't be disappointed. The 180 Stove only weighs 286 grams, whereas as the smaller 180 VL Stove weighs in at a miserly 167 grams! That is pretty darn light! As a comparison, my favourite white gas stove, the MSR Dragonfly weighs 365g, not including the fuel bottle. Other highly regarded multi-fuel stoves weigh even more, so it is no rocket science as to the numbers. You can't go wrong in this department. On a side note, I also take the ash/snow tray, which adds another 167g, which of course negates the weigh savings and brings it closer to the weight of a gas stove and empty fuel bottle, but as you know, you don't need one to use it. I'll speak more about this further on.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcEsM33OFS5DgeSaG1uN9LbGEzZ4JkNE2BiCPuN0tneq_RZAGgxRTTGqEteWI_1eAV5Nb_UEZlEYOvtN0K_e1J71gKrDiWYyVCAoPXBBm8JPuRWS2P1tRCJkwsaB_M2Q_7vfqXtTH0yg/s1600/IMG_9771.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcEsM33OFS5DgeSaG1uN9LbGEzZ4JkNE2BiCPuN0tneq_RZAGgxRTTGqEteWI_1eAV5Nb_UEZlEYOvtN0K_e1J71gKrDiWYyVCAoPXBBm8JPuRWS2P1tRCJkwsaB_M2Q_7vfqXtTH0yg/s1600/IMG_9771.JPG" height="217" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Who doesn't want a compact stove for packing? Not only does</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>the 180 Stove pack small, but is not susceptible</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i> to damage when packed either!</i></b></span></div>
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Lastly, the 180 Stove packs down pretty compact. When disassembled and strapped together, you have a physical footprint of 17.8cm(L)x8.3cm(W)x1.5cm(H). Know of any gas stove or twig stoves that pack down this small? I didn't think so. And the other amazing thing to this pack form is, is that it is as durable in this arrangement as it is when set-up! No need to worry about damaging it at all. Rigid and compact, you can easily slide it into a small space or crevice in your pack or barrel without worry. This is an smart design that you won't have to worry about pulling your stove out in more pieces than it came with.</div>
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Part 2 Coming soon!</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12051904216248267432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4450990332312585983.post-11051984902019268552013-12-11T08:54:00.000-05:002013-12-11T08:54:26.544-05:00Finally Back!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvRPPP0QpIJB8g3d9l3P20KiScAfRztSgJHdCcwz9NLmVRiylJWCYtinQyBiBfSHJDlssL_iw3vcsHcEJ4zMXefu3XzlFWYFOyaTcyp7SdpaYKHiLXCnM4lt42oB6GqmonhXAlQoC-5A/s1600/IMG_9142.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvRPPP0QpIJB8g3d9l3P20KiScAfRztSgJHdCcwz9NLmVRiylJWCYtinQyBiBfSHJDlssL_iw3vcsHcEJ4zMXefu3XzlFWYFOyaTcyp7SdpaYKHiLXCnM4lt42oB6GqmonhXAlQoC-5A/s400/IMG_9142.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i>It's always sad to see the season end, but it is a good time to</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i>look back, reflect, and chart the course</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i>of next year's trips!</i></span></div>
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Wow, it's been awhile since my last post! It's been quite a busy tripping year and the little time I had at home, was put to use doing house stuff. You know, the stuff that never gets done if you are away too frequently on canoe trips? More like, stuff that if you don't get done, you WON'T be allowed to go on canoe trips! Well, the paddling season has definitely wound down and I'll (reluctantly) be spending more time indoors. It is now time to reflect, go through thousands of photos and spend some time writing. There are a few reviews I'll be doing this year, plus the usual collection of odd, crazy, and funny stories that happened to me (and those that were with me) during my trips.</div>
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Hope you all had an amazing and safe paddling season this year. The weather was a bit wonky this year, but then again, when isn't it? Anyhow, it's good to be back. Time to pack on some 'winter fat' and ride out the snow cover. </div>
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As a Game of Thrones fan, if you are aware of the House Stark's motto, it really is true. "Winter IS Coming".</div>
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Cheers,</div>
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tPP</div>
Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12051904216248267432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4450990332312585983.post-16624284885407568562013-08-01T17:03:00.001-04:002013-08-01T17:03:20.365-04:00Revisiting the Queen - Part 3<div style="text-align: center;">
Maybe because of the success we had the past couple of days, or the thrill and excitement of discovering new routes, either way, I wanted more. I couldn't deny that some of the nice scenery along the way came with a disproportionate amount of effort, but we all know, you don't get something for nothing. As long as you are working within your limits and know when to give and take, it can make for an exciting adventure!
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i>Heading out of Scrabble Lake to begin yet</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i> another </i></span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i>day of adventure!</i></span></div>
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After our well rested stay on Scrabble Lake, we headed out the next morning towards the SW end. Here we entered a narrow arm where we were to find a portage to another marsh. Sense a theme? As usual, it wasn't obvious. We could hear water rushing down from the elevated level where we were at, and found it was a creek that presumably flushed into the marsh somewhere below. The north end of the creek didn't show any promise or signs of use, so we checked out the south side. It was here that I was able to discern what looked to be a trail, as it opened up and eventually led to the marsh below. Backtracking, we found the overgrown 'opening', and of course a pink tape that was well covered by leaves. Before beginning the short portage, I cleared the take-out and added more pink tape for future paddlers.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJS6isgnTnu2VPzLoiRklfYfQGPrkTAhUFNrx7uewNXV85erYGoUoBPmZGFMrM872MRUs1IqYgdi3Jxu8gXq43Rh9icnJ6vY4Nool8MCguSZEr_qDOcpH9ghNAXWEBMew9aPWDc6FPWw/s1600/IMGP0150.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJS6isgnTnu2VPzLoiRklfYfQGPrkTAhUFNrx7uewNXV85erYGoUoBPmZGFMrM872MRUs1IqYgdi3Jxu8gXq43Rh9icnJ6vY4Nool8MCguSZEr_qDOcpH9ghNAXWEBMew9aPWDc6FPWw/s400/IMGP0150.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i>Some trail maintenance and new signage</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i>for subsequent paddlers.</i></span></div>
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Starting the paddle through what looked to be a big marsh on the topo had me wondering about the conditions we were going to find. Unexpectedly, it was actually easy to paddle through, with areas that were even open. Other than the odd beaver dam here and there we had to liftover, it was a nice paddle through what felt like a very remote and isolated area. We also passed the point where the portage from Clear Lake was to come into the marsh, but we never saw any signs of it, as it was probably overgrown as well. We were making good time, so we also decided to detour west to see Cranberry Lake. Exiting the marsh, we entered a creek which we paddled upstream as far as we could, where it got shallow and rocky in a narrow gorge. From there, I just portaged the canoe along the creek bed before we jumped in the canoe for a short paddle to see the lake. Assuming we would find it devoid of human presence, like a long lost lake, we were sorely disappointed to find a hunting cabin just north of the creek. I guess other people had the same idea too!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHq6VWnB9dG0s7bWxUsxXPWbLK6zpjF0IYNh2t7LbnNtthSV0S-IOxEe4P0wvi4tBVa0s6EzP_AB5seVlSkv9IuisgBIy2nfn18wKp29ORiwZFeELQayQh2fIlBfPphAnoYk1kOcL7tw/s1600/IMGP0156.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHq6VWnB9dG0s7bWxUsxXPWbLK6zpjF0IYNh2t7LbnNtthSV0S-IOxEe4P0wvi4tBVa0s6EzP_AB5seVlSkv9IuisgBIy2nfn18wKp29ORiwZFeELQayQh2fIlBfPphAnoYk1kOcL7tw/s400/IMGP0156.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i>Portaging along logs to Cranberry Lake</i></span></div>
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We soon left the scenic lake with the thought of coming back in the future to explore further. Once back in the marsh, we continued south through a verdant pool of plate-sized lily pads. Looking ahead, I could see the shoreline close in and I started to get that nagging hint of concern. Would we be able to get through? With relief, we actually were able to, but it definitely took more effort. It was not for the lack of water, but because of the many logs strewn across the narrow waterway. I'm sure Teddy wasn't enjoying all the liftovers, considering he had to stay put in the canoe. We were just thankful he didn't need Gravol. Doing liftovers across beavers dams is one thing, but try doing it on half submerged logs, floating logs, or ones that felt like they were slick with oil. It took some steady balance and quite often a wet foot, but we were having fun and laughing along the way. We were counting on each other to fall in first. Luckily, neither one of us ever did.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVuwcmJRpGxaXp3I_mJmmpZL8pTj2fiqHi5KnjYm23lr3T__0e2ORG0CLlNXvXy_7fRf4pbJUlBeOtha8luZH6OxaIWsvVv6n1t27KbQgyB6kpwg7wqFlCsi8CBruklZxsoAeI4IDlDg/s1600/IMG_2979.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVuwcmJRpGxaXp3I_mJmmpZL8pTj2fiqHi5KnjYm23lr3T__0e2ORG0CLlNXvXy_7fRf4pbJUlBeOtha8luZH6OxaIWsvVv6n1t27KbQgyB6kpwg7wqFlCsi8CBruklZxsoAeI4IDlDg/s400/IMG_2979.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i>One of many floating logs we had to lift over. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i>Thankfully, </i></span><i style="color: #cc0000;">this one was fairly big!</i></span></div>
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We eventually arrived in the vicinity west of Red Boat Lake. Apparently, there is a portage that can get you into that lake if you continue paddling west, but we weren't headed that way. From here, we wanted to continue south to the unnamed pond before Fishog Lake. Problem was, there was no recorded or documented case of anyone going this way. Like Colburn Creek, we were going in blind. We could evidently see the way ahead was a dead end. The water ran out, and there was thick wall of alders blocking the way. Looking at the topo, we headed to the small island beside us, that marked the entrance to another marsh that leads west to Red Boat Lake. We took a lunch break on the island while I checked and rechecked the route I was going to take us on. It was a last minute do or die feasibility study. Good thing it wasn't up for discussion or a vote. With only my wife and I, we would always be at an impasse!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN6nV_LtRWggZreWt0F6SPB8FjejmSQQguqJHuIiXwlzxA9uonp4mviLf3LXtdhD8EniPtl5Lyqu9Wa627eiCFn1bckgWacvc8bBHG-ggaEoqjFPb4r7WRzbqPCZlmm3hwx2GQemxuJg/s1600/IMG_2987.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN6nV_LtRWggZreWt0F6SPB8FjejmSQQguqJHuIiXwlzxA9uonp4mviLf3LXtdhD8EniPtl5Lyqu9Wa627eiCFn1bckgWacvc8bBHG-ggaEoqjFPb4r7WRzbqPCZlmm3hwx2GQemxuJg/s400/IMG_2987.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i>Lunch break on an island surrounded by</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i>a thick rich marshland</i></span></div>
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The main issue was whether we could continue south. The east side of the island was obviously not an option, so we decided to check the west side and then determine whether to go for it. Paddling over, the other side definitely looked promising, as we could see the water wend it's way south, despite being shallow and log ridden. But first, we had to manage a liftover across multiple floating logs. Of course with Anita in the front, she had to get out first. The first step was fine, the second? Well, this incident was the closest I came to winning the bet. Her leg immediately sunk with the log halfway up her thigh! What surprised me more was how fast she was able to swing her leg up and onto the canoe gunwale! I couldn't stop laughing while bracing the canoe the other way to prevent her from taking Teddy and I in! It's amazing what fear can do to people. See, didn't I tell you she has a fear of the bottomless bog? We did finally make it over, but I was subjected to a thick layer of sarcastic remarks as we continued on. I couldn't get the grin off my face!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXUEL9MDTbJ5I8gS2XYP-fpglOX8RpKUelabntLirCrFwXGf7ss4xgYw23T0ycb-VDTXekgXdFbzLqR9LLhtux0D4vK263M22OVl6lQ5Ex2jzQp5OQCQnZPYqC_S_TyKLfPvv0PBtwUg/s1600/IMG_3002.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXUEL9MDTbJ5I8gS2XYP-fpglOX8RpKUelabntLirCrFwXGf7ss4xgYw23T0ycb-VDTXekgXdFbzLqR9LLhtux0D4vK263M22OVl6lQ5Ex2jzQp5OQCQnZPYqC_S_TyKLfPvv0PBtwUg/s400/IMG_3002.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i>Hmmm, the canoe just ain't going to make it</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i>under. Oh well, liftover it is!</i></span></div>
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We eventually came upon an ATV bridge, which I surmised could be a good back-out option in case we got stuck, however, it kind of disrupted the sense of unaltered wilderness I was enjoying. As the bridge was too low to paddle under, we had to lift over it. I remarked how awful the footing on the bridge was compared to logs; I got a look, then a punch. A short paddle brought us to another narrowing, although this time, we could definitely hear the sound of rushing water. We pulled out at a small beaver dam before the drop, as I got out to inspect what lay ahead. I could see the water cascading several times through a rocky gorge, as it flushed out into an open valley, which was just spectacular. I couldn't believe how beautiful the area was. I rushed back and relayed my findings to Anita, as we then bushwhacked ahead to the foot of the small falls. On our way back, we did some trail maintenance and put up some flagging tape for future paddlers that decide to pass this way. One curious thing to note, there actually did seem to be a slight trail. Whether it was an animal trail, or a trail once travelled by natives in this area, it was hard to discern. But based on the depression and characteristics of the ground, someone, or something once passed this way many years ago - interesting. </div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i>Discovering a small set of falls along the way </i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i>and the scenic landscape around it.</i></span></div>
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We took some time to admire the splendid scenery before slowly paddling away. If I knew what we were going to face ahead, I would have definitely opted to camp at the falls, but since we didn't, we had to continue on. A short paddle brought us to another drop in elevation, where as before, we bushwhacked around the cascading rapid. Clearing the brush as we went, we again found evidence of a faint trail. I was now certain, we weren't the only ones that came through this way. The big question was who? Back in the canoe, we continued on down a narrow corridor, where we could see the shoreline and trees close in. The landscape was changing.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Gr7E7udLoui2xA_8x-FM0YaFok9KMwzWk4o7Q6VkTPdT8baopy4O_AwX6cLPQ35LBMw5Mgf1BWrGbs_aNYrOoM-tGbXu7AmS0kxofWyZRJibozb45lc-yoD2Sz_5ip9H3OMwGtnBDQ/s1600/IMGP0166.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5Gr7E7udLoui2xA_8x-FM0YaFok9KMwzWk4o7Q6VkTPdT8baopy4O_AwX6cLPQ35LBMw5Mgf1BWrGbs_aNYrOoM-tGbXu7AmS0kxofWyZRJibozb45lc-yoD2Sz_5ip9H3OMwGtnBDQ/s400/IMGP0166.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i>Passing a huge erratic along the lower </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i>section </i></span><i style="color: #cc0000;"> of Digby Creek. </i></span></div>
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Stopping at a beaver dam that had a significant drop, we could see the vale we were entering. Leaving the open boggy marsh, there was now rocks in the creek bed, huge erratics along the shore, a canopy of trees atop our heads, and even current coursing through the water. Before continuing on down the creek, we had to consider a contour line on the topo that crossed the creek further down, most likely indicating a falls. We needed to decide now what we were committing ourselves to before moving on. Portaging would be a challenge as the shoreline abruptly rose up on either side. Looking down as far as I could, noting the shallow creek, as water danced deftly around all the rocks, we figured we'd go for it. We couldn't paddle anyhow, so we figured it would be safe since it would be slow drag through the creek until we came to the drop, assuming it was going to be like this the whole way.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3dr-imzucYqy8JL6ww0DKS48kKDkPlT_j5L5jpYOpZbqoxwBXf7e_j_nL5TSDOkpXahrNT95iT3LAFxpztVGZbmRRblSw9UB35s71b4GEfvEu7s7_voAZNnUkTnlxAAAgNChipRFOtw/s1600/IMGP0168.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3dr-imzucYqy8JL6ww0DKS48kKDkPlT_j5L5jpYOpZbqoxwBXf7e_j_nL5TSDOkpXahrNT95iT3LAFxpztVGZbmRRblSw9UB35s71b4GEfvEu7s7_voAZNnUkTnlxAAAgNChipRFOtw/s400/IMGP0168.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i>Opting to drag the canoe along this section was</i></span><br />
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Despite dragging, it wasn't all too strenuous. It was cool under the canopy due to all the shade, and the slick Twintex material slipped easily atop the rocks. Other than a rocky ledge, which we got down fine after man-handling a log that blocked the way, it was pretty straight forward travel. Surprisingly, we even got to paddle a bit when the creek deepened. It was very pretty and intimate in this section, and we were thoroughly enjoying the decision to drag through, rather than find a way in the bush. Soon enough, we heard the distinct roar of angry water. We pulled out well before the drop and I scouted ahead along the shore. It was a drop alright, but not straight down. It had a good pitch where the water cascaded down, but not enough to stop us from taking the canoe down carefully. After deciding which line to take, we cautiously guided the canoe to the bottom. At the base, it made almost an abrupt 90 degree turn, where we dragged the canoe over rocks to deeper water. Paddling out to open water, we could see the the steep portage that made quite an impression on Anita on our way in. This was it, we finally made it to our intended destination intact!</div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i>At the top of the falls, waiting for a hand to</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i>guide the canoe down.</i></span></div>
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We spent our last night back out on Fishog Lake before heading out the next day. The end of the trip almost seemed docile, but the morning we left, it gave us unforgettable farewell, as the skies dumped on us like crazy. It was a poignant reminder before we left, that despite being on familiar waters now, we were still in the wilds of Queen Elizabeth 2 Wildlands Park.</div>
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tPP </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhlsK6_ufm6QEjKlNmDkZCu73DO_nG3Lm1poVuOqBVaH37q60Z-szhWj6d3VYizejOUw3MXgMF-XG2Tjacu2FFvR4VfMEboIo3lMqAbqxVX53AlQ_CyM2zsD7DdZ8YZzMldS3fFCs95A/s1600/IMG_3126.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhlsK6_ufm6QEjKlNmDkZCu73DO_nG3Lm1poVuOqBVaH37q60Z-szhWj6d3VYizejOUw3MXgMF-XG2Tjacu2FFvR4VfMEboIo3lMqAbqxVX53AlQ_CyM2zsD7DdZ8YZzMldS3fFCs95A/s400/IMG_3126.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i>Back on the all familiar Fishog Lake, </i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i>we could now relax!</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: blue;">Post Trip Notes:</span> This is the first time owning/having a GPS on a trip. As you can see, it came in quite handy. I've never been a fan of having electronic gadgets on trips, preferring to use my God-given talent, (aka my brains), but I can see the merit. When we got lost on this trip, it may have taken more time and effort, but I would have certainly still figured it out - like many times before. However, there is value in the device - such as pinpointing important landmarks, marking new portages, or even new routes that can be corroborated and added to a map database. I'm still new to the whole thing, and need to spend more time with it to get familiar with its features. However, with the information I have from this trip, I plan to share it with Brad Jennings (<a href="http://explorethebackcountry.com/">explorethebackcountry.com</a>) so that he can add it to his already detailed map of the park. Now, you have no excuse not to follow in our wake! Have fun!</div>
<iframe allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" src="//www.facebook.com/plugins/follow?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fprofile.php%3Fid%3D1217697495&layout=standard&show_faces=true&colorscheme=light&width=450&height=80" style="border: none; height: 80px; overflow: hidden; width: 450px;"></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12051904216248267432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4450990332312585983.post-2474992959655863092013-07-11T16:47:00.001-04:002013-07-24T19:24:01.846-04:00Revisiting the Queen - Part 2<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWrdcwYgxV0LgSjzkMuYQBk3blAGuITL_FyICtQDiRfXybGMgX-Sg-ckQ9t9Bli-XMKLFfFP61S2_LFwhnWScIFJCPlcZzTN5ey5S9xm0KukT3vh82zOxAEcColf9WY5_gTdbc39b4NQ/s1600/IMGP0105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWrdcwYgxV0LgSjzkMuYQBk3blAGuITL_FyICtQDiRfXybGMgX-Sg-ckQ9t9Bli-XMKLFfFP61S2_LFwhnWScIFJCPlcZzTN5ey5S9xm0KukT3vh82zOxAEcColf9WY5_gTdbc39b4NQ/s400/IMGP0105.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>The other option - heading up Coburn Creek</i></b></span></div>
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The decision may have seemed nuts, but it's not like I was heading up Coburn Creek blindly. Based on the topo map, (despite the fact they are dated) it clearly showed water flowing down from the lake to where we were. There was a big marsh midway, of which I couldn't be certain whether it had closed in after all these years, but I figured it couldn't be as bad as the ATV trails. I hoped. If it was, I knew it would definitely be more exciting than trudging down a dusty trail. More importantly, the water levels were up from last year, so I figured the chances would be better than ever to make this attempt to Coburn Lake.</div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Coburn Marsh was actually easy to get through</i></b></span></div>
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I couldn't ignore the questions or feelings of doubt as we set out. Especially since Anita was making sarcastic remarks of how I always get us into interesting dilemmas. I figured as a back up, if worse comes to worse, we could just head back the way we came. When the waterway quickly narrowed and resulted in us man-handling the canoe, my doubt started to grow in earnest, but we eventually got to a beaver dam that thankfully gave us a platform to paddle again. I was then relieved when we surprisingly got through the marsh fairly easy. Well, that is until we accidentally took a wrong turn. </div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Which way? Her guess was as good as mine, but in the</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>end, it was wrong either way.</i></b></span></div>
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What we thought was a deeper wider channel, slowly narrowed and saw us squished tight between alders. We obviously couldn't paddle any more, and had to resort to balancing on tenuous mats of bog as we dragged the canoe through. It was soon obvious that things were going from challenging to out right ridiculous. We couldn't even see where we were heading due to the dense vegetation, or where we may end up. Out came the GPS, and not surprising, it told us we were definitely going the wrong way. So back we went, hauling the canoe backwards, occasionally dropping deep into the abysmal black swamp waters. We then headed up the correct channel, despite being shallow and having logs strewn across it, and ended up at the base of a small set of rapids. From here, we bushwhacked approx 150m and were ecstatic to emerge from the forest to witness the gorgeous blue waters of Coburn Lake. We made it! The plan paid off and we were thrilled to have finally arrived at this elusive lake. Not everyone would agree to my route choice, but despite the few struggles, I enjoyed this route much better than slogging down an ATV trail.</div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>As you can clearly see, THIS was the right way!</i></b></span></div>
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This roundabout way to get to Clear Lake was totally worth it. Coburn and Little Coburn Lake is gorgeous, and I'm so glad I passed through this way to see them. I can't wait to come back to this area and spend more time here, but for now, we continued on to Clear Lake. Locating this portage also took a bit of time, as we assumed the trail was further in the marsh, but had to back track and found it was another ATV trail at the north end of the lake. Once on Clear Lake, the skies overhead started to darken as big clouds moved in. As it was also late in the day, and the route to Scrabble Lake from the marsh north of us was not a recommended route, (Guess which way we are going?) I thought it was wise to call it quits for the day, especially since I put Anita through enough for one day. We made camp on the big island in the middle of Clear Lake.</div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>We finally made it to Coburn Lake. </i></b></span><b style="color: #cc0000;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">What a relief!</span></i></b></div>
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The next morning, we headed straight for the marsh - yet again. Since we already had information on the difficulty of getting through this way, I was hoping the elevated water levels would somewhat make it easier. Of course we could have gone the more typical way of portaging out of Clear Lake on the west side, but what fun is that? Besides, the route through the marsh seemed the most logical way to get to Scrabble Lake (assuming it was passable) and I was determined to find it. We were soon privy to the difficulties that lay ahead. First off, there were the generous placement of slippery logs beneath the shallow dark waters that made for some tough liftovers. The beaver dam that appeared gave us some hope, but that quickly faded as the alders choked us out. Despite pushing down several leads, they all closed in tightly, and with it, signs of water. I was literally at the brink of defeat. </div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Storm clouds and rain moving our way on Clear Lake. And</i></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>yes, there was a rainbow before the rain hit us!</i></b></span></div>
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I could see the ridge in the not-too-far distance and knew getting there was the key to Scrabble Lake. I even considered portaging, but I knew trying to navigate through the alder filled marsh with floating bog mats would be both challenging and a scary proposition, especially as my wife has a fear of falling into a bottomless bog. (Don't we all?!) One look at her face was all it took to know that that proposition was off the table. Out of options and frustrated, I decided to make one last push, barring this, we would turn back. I decided to head closer to the east shoreline (despite the lack of water) and figured if we couldn't make progress through the marsh, we could always portage along it. Anita was on board, and away we went.</div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Heading into the marsh to search for the elusive</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i> passage to Scrabble Lake</i></b></span></div>
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Hauling and dragging the canoe back and forth was a lot of work. However, I think Teddy, our poodle, was working just as hard trying to keep on all four legs. The harsh rocking motion, including pitching from front to back or side to side, ultimately challenged his sense of balance. Also, Anita's fear of the bog extended to Teddy, which meant he was totally forbidden from jumping out of canoe, despite wanting to escape the portable earthquake machine. It was then no surprise, when he ventured too close to the gunwale one time, he found himself unceremoniously dumped in the murky waters. A mother's instinct is a powerful thing. I never saw Anita move so fast, as she pulled him out before I could say anything. I sometimes wonder what would happen if I fell in? Hmmmmm?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMxHid0u7FJ1qTgcBdV_JquTuuumXyub4Cuy4oTQoKiWtN1HFz7DXd9jDhcz6sokYEQl-ORmdZGiYpSucLwsKidFBrSYoqNZthsTovPySRovoJg0Dq7dnBL_QWMs7w0SyGKnLR28Qm1Q/s1600/IMG_2546.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMxHid0u7FJ1qTgcBdV_JquTuuumXyub4Cuy4oTQoKiWtN1HFz7DXd9jDhcz6sokYEQl-ORmdZGiYpSucLwsKidFBrSYoqNZthsTovPySRovoJg0Dq7dnBL_QWMs7w0SyGKnLR28Qm1Q/s400/IMG_2546.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Out of the shadows and into the light - of Scrabble Lake</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Mission accomplished</i></b></span></div>
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We pushed on slowly, making progress canoe length by canoe length. Unexpectedly, it actually got better as the vegetation parted and more water appeared. In fact, we even got to paddle briefly, until we came to a high beaver dam. That would explain the low water levels on our side, but it seemed promising up top. The big liftover brought us up to another marsh. From here, we thought we would have to paddle through it, as it exits out as the east end of Scrabble Lake, but we didn't. Looking north, we could clearly see a narrow channel of water extending out to what looked to be open water. We couldn't believe our luck and checked the map to confirm what we were seeing. A short paddle through the shallow waterway had us basking in the sun and blue waters of Scrabble Lake. Success!</div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>The views along the way to Scrabble Mountain were better</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>than the one at the summit. Go figure!</i></b></span></div>
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That day was a short one, to reward us for our hard work getting to Scrabble Lake. We found a prime campsite on a island on the NE side of the lake and quickly set up camp. The only other calorie burning activity we took part in, was hiking up to the peak of Scrabble Mountain, also the highest point on the Ganaraska Trail. The walk up had some scenic lookouts along the way, but surprisingly, the summit was a bit of a let down. Other than a cairn/memorial to mark the highest point, the view was all but blocked by the surrounding trees. Instead of being wowed by a panoramic vista of the area, we instead took shelter in the shade to get away from the intense heat and rehydrate ourselves. After our break and a few cursory snapshots to say we were there, we headed back down to our cozy island campsite.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOLMEdFtweKLCXFj9laS2STSJUa_YKK3unrpvL4UmuNlOQAren-8-bgyEDHMBWk91osOvWVQkeM7k9mFRxcPiAwodAfVnOXux71ohMkqZ6TqDhikhqYifCACVKI-po3ctxQ6AtjMXyYw/s1600/IMG_2750.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOLMEdFtweKLCXFj9laS2STSJUa_YKK3unrpvL4UmuNlOQAren-8-bgyEDHMBWk91osOvWVQkeM7k9mFRxcPiAwodAfVnOXux71ohMkqZ6TqDhikhqYifCACVKI-po3ctxQ6AtjMXyYw/s400/IMG_2750.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Our nice island campsite where I hatched the</i></b></span></div>
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This island site was a great way to end the day, where I went for a nice swim to cool down and Anita got to relax and read her Kobo. As the sun began to set and I pulled out the map to look over our route for the next day, I had a eureka moment. I put on my best smile and called Anita over. She already knew something was up, as she could read my face. She saw through me and sarcastically said, "Now what?" I told her I had a brilliant idea and found another<i><b> possible route</b></i> back down to Fishog Lake through Digby Creek. She soon realized on the map that more than half of my intended route had not been travelled by anyone before. Yup, she gave me the look alright!</div>
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Yes, I do believe there is a Part 3!</div>
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tPP</div>
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<iframe src="//www.facebook.com/plugins/follow?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Fprofile.php%3Fid%3D1217697495&layout=standard&show_faces=true&colorscheme=light&width=450&height=80" scrolling="no" frameborder="0" style="border:none; overflow:hidden; width:450px; height:80px;" allowTransparency="true"></iframe>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12051904216248267432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4450990332312585983.post-20467592764039739452013-06-28T20:51:00.000-04:002013-06-28T21:00:43.457-04:00What's New In 2013<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Solid reputable outdoor gear from Sweden, period.</i></b></span></div>
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The paddling season is well under way and there is lots I would love to blog about, but time is elusive for me. It's amazing how little time I have between my job, work at home, and canoe trips. It was amusing one day, when an outdoor retailer I was discussing projects with, was surprised to find I actually had a full time job! Yup, I squeeze it all in - literally. It's great to get out on a lot of trips, but it actually is a lot of work. There is a lot of organizing, planning ahead and staying on top of things so you don't get too far behind. I also can't thank my wife enough for being a big part of all the preparations behind the scenes. It certainly helps to have a hand, as I certainly couldn't do it all without her. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHv90WV2A_0Fnz7CHmQtFaWWxjcCPDrPDVe9_1UOSlnREMLDA_Sroet0Ef-kxg7U3B-3_mNHQk_FGXcx9Fq1hDiCyjSZvCVSvQLVVBQAwdKI3LDbhaRPFUIt8t8L19PCDa-GUuBst4gQ/s1024/_MG_8524.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHv90WV2A_0Fnz7CHmQtFaWWxjcCPDrPDVe9_1UOSlnREMLDA_Sroet0Ef-kxg7U3B-3_mNHQk_FGXcx9Fq1hDiCyjSZvCVSvQLVVBQAwdKI3LDbhaRPFUIt8t8L19PCDa-GUuBst4gQ/s400/_MG_8524.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Teddy is thankful that he wasn't left out. As he now has</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>the gear, let's see if he has the desire!</i></b></span><b style="color: #cc0000; font-size: small;"><i> </i></b></div>
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Okay, so I want to mention a few things before I get too far into the paddling season. Every year, I try to see what's new and different in terms of gear and use/test them during the current season. It not only helps with prospective buyers that are looking for information and advice on similar type gear, but it also helps me to discover the next best thing. So let's jump right in and see what's on the plate this year.</div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Traileader Jet, a Tech4O watch that is telling me that it is</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>going to rain. Yes, it forecast weather too!</i></b></span></div>
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From <a href="http://www.eurekatentscanada.com/" target="_blank">Eureka</a>, I'll be testing out their new line of lightweight tents that are sporting some nice bright colours. They have 3 in this series, Amari, Midori, and the Taron, which I will be using this summer. Weight savings are always good, but let's see how they saved the weight, and how the tent stands up. I'll also be sporting one of their <a href="http://www.tech4o.com/" target="_blank">Tech4O</a> watches, called the Traileader Jet, which is a brand/subsidiary under the Johnson Outdoors conglomerate. It is one of those fancy watches that pretty much tells you everything besides time - altimeter, barometer, compass, and thermometer. I opted for the one without the GPS, as I prefer a dedicated unit for trail finding.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-pAMq9W0FqZDmuGIyYqqcaCt66dmELIFVOrYS25cSC1gavq7oWJNr7ssNmeJkXpGXyt4hyphenhyphen5iSEPEidUGEdudxl2hjou21edXt2qdilBft56AKPMJZDBZsk1QsKVeYZ5_7pzj_TcwcIA/s1024/_MG_8466.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi-pAMq9W0FqZDmuGIyYqqcaCt66dmELIFVOrYS25cSC1gavq7oWJNr7ssNmeJkXpGXyt4hyphenhyphen5iSEPEidUGEdudxl2hjou21edXt2qdilBft56AKPMJZDBZsk1QsKVeYZ5_7pzj_TcwcIA/s400/_MG_8466.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Eureka has been making quality tents for years. Let's see </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>what this new line of tents is all about!</i></b></span></div>
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I've also partnered up with the gang from the <a href="http://www.canadianoutdoorequipment.com/index.php" target="_blank">Canadian Outdoor Equipment Co</a>. They have set me up with a bunch of gear to test and use, so look out for some reviews in the near future. They have some really cool high end gear, so I'm really excited to test them out. Some of their gear is from Europe, which are known to be solid reputable products, which unsurprisingly have been around for years. I will be using their line of <a href="http://www.trangia.se/english" target="_blank">Trangia</a> stove/pot set, as well as the crème dela crème of axes - <a href="http://www.gransforsbruk.com/" target="_blank">Gransfor Bruks</a> axes. Not only is it a beauty to behold, but it just feels right. I can't wait to put this axe through its paces!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEOXiXIE5uwZ_NH4M5fHBqSw43fdQuR_EKU57vfXOyjwEme0ukF7SKrgyecAIztsa3EGdkvSknBYZONxdh6_DtQDGHT_CeFXkHFsKr3WYXOKz80yMyQowbiengumm9IGUXN7XMR3Wgbg/s1024/IMG_2710.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiEOXiXIE5uwZ_NH4M5fHBqSw43fdQuR_EKU57vfXOyjwEme0ukF7SKrgyecAIztsa3EGdkvSknBYZONxdh6_DtQDGHT_CeFXkHFsKr3WYXOKz80yMyQowbiengumm9IGUXN7XMR3Wgbg/s400/IMG_2710.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-small;"><i><b>Crocodile Dundee once bragged about his intimidating knife.</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #e06666; font-size: x-small;"><i><b>Well here's an axe that has bragging rights too!</b></i></span></div>
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<a href="http://www.hooligangear.com/" target="_blank">Hooligan Gear</a> has been a solid partner of mine for many years, and this year, I will get to use their well regarded Rescue Throw Bags on our whitewater trips. The specs say it for themselves - paddled quick release belt, reflective tape, and Spectra rope. You don't fool around when it comes to whitewater, so the best gear, is the least you can do to help you along the way when needed. Also, <a href="http://www.hooligangear.com/SearchResults.asp?Cat=1477" target="_blank">Hooligan Hound</a> gear couldn't have come at a better time, in supplying and helping us adjust my dog Teddy (and myself) to having him along on our canoe trips. Us human trippers are not the only ones that need good dependable gear. We are hoping to soon have Teddy become a Hooligan Hound!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA7Mpj-8Px4ClVMDhXNK4KSKBlq3U6TY7YgNJKosZ1WVHpabSTeyYTfIye-1weNF9WrvyY0EhgZ64k2fGYkpb6jNDU7NXjHJu71_fY7SMzWKi3ASsaSO7jG5pJLmmcoJ2p8nJR_PmfeQ/s1024/_MG_8483.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhA7Mpj-8Px4ClVMDhXNK4KSKBlq3U6TY7YgNJKosZ1WVHpabSTeyYTfIye-1weNF9WrvyY0EhgZ64k2fGYkpb6jNDU7NXjHJu71_fY7SMzWKi3ASsaSO7jG5pJLmmcoJ2p8nJR_PmfeQ/s400/_MG_8483.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i><b>It's reassuring to know you can count on quality</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i><b> safety gear, when you need it the most!</b></i></span></div>
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I have a weakness for wood, fire and stoves. Combined together, wood stoves. I have trialled several already, and now want to try another one out - the 180 Stove. Before I even had the chance to use it, I could tell by its design, I would love. Why, because this is how I would envision creating my own. It is one slick set up, but in operations and when compacted down. I'm totally stoked about using it and will obviously let you know how it performs. <a href="http://www.180tack.com/" target="_blank">180 Tack LLC</a>, is an independent US based company in Colorado. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN3S2nYK-yShOH5k7xVKrrZbOigaO8YA0Y_uvDS5IV4vL6dx2C1wsOL6e695LM7OWUhVmLA8IVIpzyAHNfwKTaZRMgtW95Wp8kB4MzAbRrbFeX-vUu6xQDRCKCURtP8HfSODTbEh1tmQ/s1024/IMG_2662.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiN3S2nYK-yShOH5k7xVKrrZbOigaO8YA0Y_uvDS5IV4vL6dx2C1wsOL6e695LM7OWUhVmLA8IVIpzyAHNfwKTaZRMgtW95Wp8kB4MzAbRrbFeX-vUu6xQDRCKCURtP8HfSODTbEh1tmQ/s400/IMG_2662.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i><b>A beautiful little wood stove, that I am really looking forward</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i><b>to using. I just wished it stayed this shiny!</b></i></span></div>
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Last but not least, Jeff McMurtrie (of<a href="http://www.algonquinmap.com/" target="_blank"> Jeff's Maps</a>) and I have agreed to work together. We got a quick introduction, and then a great trip to start off our friendship and partnership this year. Who can deny the quality of maps that Jeff has put out to the paddling community, especially to all you avid Algonquin trippers. Now, the Killarney ones are soon to follow too! Not only do I hope to help him with info for his maps, (from my extensive tripping in many areas) but we have some projects planned for the near future too!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj10zY4Hqg6DpZuQVAt-MRJsXWWXBF8btbUPL0TfT_11cD8RyqJbDOLSVM0w4K4MslIUq5WHFMJin4sMoDrRuMl01wLAKF4Hm9B3CMdM8WJxiNqhu19-akTTncK550nyT8cxpHgrkKhQ/s1024/_MG_8510.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjj10zY4Hqg6DpZuQVAt-MRJsXWWXBF8btbUPL0TfT_11cD8RyqJbDOLSVM0w4K4MslIUq5WHFMJin4sMoDrRuMl01wLAKF4Hm9B3CMdM8WJxiNqhu19-akTTncK550nyT8cxpHgrkKhQ/s400/_MG_8510.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i><b>If you are an Algonquin tripping buff, look no</b></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i><b>where else. This is THE map!</b></i></span></div>
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Okay phew! I think that's it for now. There is a few little odds and ends, but as you can see, that is more than enough stuff for me to use. I've gotten to a good start with trips this season and they will continue long into the year for me to try out all this gear. Excited as always to try new stuff, let's see how it all goes! Happy tripping everyone, and maybe you'll see me out there, figuring how to use some of this stuff!</div>
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A huge thanks to all my partners - and more importantly, new friends!</div>
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Cheers,</div>
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tPP</div>
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</script>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12051904216248267432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4450990332312585983.post-84424397626587760482013-06-23T23:16:00.001-04:002013-06-24T21:33:07.991-04:00Revisiting the Queen - Part 1<div style="text-align: center;">
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After my first canoe trip through Queen Elizabeth Wildlands 2 Provincial Park last year, I came back with mixed feelings. There was enough wilderness in the park that intrigued me, but all the float planes and cabins put a damper on the enthusiasm. Even the name of the park was bizarre, as I couldn't understand the correlation. Yet despite this, the lure to go back was nagging at me. I decided another trip was in order to satisfy my curiosity, especially since I didn't get to see the east side of the park.</div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i><b>Setting off on Head Lake to </b></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>revisit QEW2 PP</b></span></i></span></div>
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Since my trip (and the subsequent blog post), Brad Jennings of <a href="http://explorethebackcountry.com/" target="_blank">explorethebackcountry.com </a>sent me a nice email and we have since corresponded several times. Brad and his father Wayne have continued to map potential routes in the park and have generously shared that information with the paddling community. This is great for adventurous paddlers like myself, looking for new routes to explore - with the other bonus being that the park is close by. I know there are other paddlers, especially Jeff McColl that has helped Brad with this work. So with the same mindset, I hope to assist him where I can with any pertinent information that could be added to their already informative map.</div>
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Getting the flavour of the park last time around, I was well prepared to expect the same conditions, if not worse, since I also wanted to venture a bit off the known routes this time. Brad informed me before I left, that some of the route I was taking was better signed and cleared this time. After starting from a different access point this year, H1 (on Brad's map) we paddled east across Head Lake and made our way into to Fishog Lake for the first night. It was a short day as we left after work and we wanted to rest up for the route that lay ahead. Little did we know, the adventures that laid before us.</div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Enjoying the light show with the setting</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>sun on Fishog Lake</i></b></span></div>
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The next morning, we headed out of Fishog Lake in a northeasterly direction. We were to follow a chain of portages that would get us into Red Boat, then Coburn, and eventually into Scrabble Lake. Needless to say, it didn't really pan out that way. (Does it ever?) True to Brad's words, the signs were there, but being late spring and what seemed to be the lack of paddlers through this area, there was still a lot of growth. This often times hid the pink flagging tape that was to be our guide, so we took out our pruner (Yes, they work amazing for clearing trail!) and saw, and cleared/reflagged the trail along the way.</div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Evidence of Brad & Wayne Jennings work</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>in the park with the portage signs</i></b></span></div>
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One notable portage that took us out of a pond and into a narrow creek had Anita questioning the logic of its take out. Only being 290m, it was wasn't very long, but the start was straight up a boulder strewn incline. Brad mentions it in his map, but despite the forewarning, it requires stamina going up and deft footwork balancing over and around boulders. I took it as status quo, being familiar with this kind of portage, but Anita wasn't impressed. I guess it didn't help that she was hauling more than half her body weight on her back. In any case, as this area is rimmed in by high granite, there really wasn't any alternatives - yet.</div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Scrambling up the steep pitch of boulders</i></b></span></div>
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Travel-wise, on the water and off, it went fairly smoothly. Actual trail time took longer than usual, only because I was doing moderate trail maintenance and re-flagging as we went along. We had lunch on Red Boat Lake, before setting off on a 650m portage on ATV trails to Coburn Lake. It was supposed to be a straight forward carry; supposed to be. ATV trails are pretty evident, like how can you miss the furrows created from their big wheels? Also, we had to turn right at the Y-split, otherwise, we would end up on the 950m portage to Clear Lake. We started with hardly a second thought, as we knew exactly which way to go and and figured we would soon be on Coburn Lake.</div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Anita catching her breath at the top of the climb.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Can you tell she was thinking</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>happy thoughts?</i></b></span></div>
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I have to say, I hate following ATV trails. They don't go from point A to B in the most efficient way, much like an actual portage trail would. I don't want to go snaking from one side to the other, nor go up and down inclines, because I have a gas-powered engines to effortlessly get me there. I know at times, they do have to go around obstacles, but just like paddling through oxbows, you realize you just travelled double the distance. Not to begrudge the trail fun factor for ATV's, but do that with a pack and canoe on your back, it isn't fun. Give me the fastest point from one body of water to the next, without scaling Everest, much like how the First Nations people did it. Am I asking too much?</div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>The Coburn Creek crossing - Teddy </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>prefers shuttle service</i></b></span></div>
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Signage in terms of the faded pink survey tape was sparse at best. I think I saw maybe two strips? I'm sure Brad, nor anyone else bothered much with signage, as the ATV trails should have been somewhat self-explanatory. The little I did see gave me confidence we were going the right way, despite thinking we should have arrived at the lake by now. As Anita and I were doing one and a half carries, I sent her on ahead as I went back for the canoe. When I finally caught up with her, she was crossing a wide creek. At this point I knew for a fact, we were way beyond the 650m distance, if not double, but a wide creek crossing too? It was definitely still an ATV trail, with the purposeful rock placement in the creek. We put our stuff down after crossing and I pulled out the GPS that I was using for the first time. According to the map I printed, we actually do cross Coburn Creek. It seemed we were lower down based on the GPS, but because I had scribbled the approximate line of the portage on the topo map, I really couldn't be sure. It certainly seemed we were in the right place, but the distance travelled seemed awfully wrong.</div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Anita and Teddy recovering at the Coburn Creek crossing - </i></b></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><i>this after our long fruitless </i></b></span><b style="color: #cc0000;"><i>march</i></b></span></div>
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<b style="color: #cc0000;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"> along ATV trails</span></i></b></div>
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You know when you get the feeling something is wrong, but some of the interpreted information is correct, you force the unknown to make sense? This not only makes you feel better, but makes the illogical, logical again. I now assumed the 650m distance was actually from the Y split, so the actual length of the portage was much longer. Ta-daaa! All fixed! So off we went, continuing along the ATV trail, thinking the lake would appear soon. I sensed we were heading in the wrong direction again, but the trail twisted and turned and soon had me flummoxed as to which direction we were actually headed. When again I was certain we were well passed the required distance, I pulled out my GPS and was shocked to find we were heading southeast, not north! Seeing my wife labour under the large pack as she came up yet another incline towards me, I thought I was going to be in BIG trouble.</div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Looking up Coburn Creek and optimistically</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>thinking THIS was the key to getting</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>to Coburn Lake</i></b></span></div>
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Surprisingly, she was totally okay. After I took her pack off, and gave her water to drink, I explained the good news. I said with 110% confidence, that we were going the wrong way! She said she wasn't surprised. She sarcastically remarked that it was normal that I would take the longer and harder way around and laughed. (Phew! I thought I was going to become bear bait!) After a little break, we turned around and headed back to the Coburn Creek crossing. On the way back, with more than enough time to ruminate, I had devised the next plan of action. We would abandon the ATV trail and forge our own way to Coburn Lake - up Coburn Creek. Anita just shook her head.</div>
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Stay tuned for Part 2!</div>
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</script>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12051904216248267432noreply@blogger.com0Queen Elizabeth II Wildlands Provincial Park, Kawartha Lakes, ON K0M 2L0, Canada44.755784964435534 -78.894281387329144.752965964435532 -78.8993238873291 44.758603964435537 -78.8892388873291tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4450990332312585983.post-66700464965956513442013-05-29T08:23:00.000-04:002013-05-29T08:23:29.169-04:00Measuring Up To Algonquinites<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Absolutely gorgeous Hi-A-Wa-Tha Lake, who would have</i></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><i>known? A hidden </i></b></span><b style="color: #cc0000;"><i>gem inside Algonquin.</i></b></span></div>
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Most avid paddlers like myself, eagerly wait for the start to the paddling season when signs of spring abound. When the weather starts to warm and the daylight starts to lengthen, it is a sure sign that ice is melting too. After a prolonged 4-5 months of paddler's hibernation, it was time to break out the tripping gear and get the </div>
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canoe(s) ready for another season. My enthusiasm was tempered by back to back weddings at the usual time I would head out for an ice-out canoe trip, but as fate would have it, I didn't have to agonize at all. As I often head to Algonquin Park to open the paddling season, the cooler than average temperatures and flooding in the park meant no one could get into Algonquin's interior early this year. Thus, as my wife reminded me, my sulking was for nought.</div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>The original Algonquinites, (l to r) Mark Rubino, Jeff McMurtrie,</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Mark Scarlett, Scott Rogers, and John Scarlett</i></b></span></div>
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The plan was to head out with Anita for a extended weekend trip at the beginning of May. Unexpectedly, those plans got totally thrown out the window when I met Jeff McMurtrie, of Jeff's Map (<a href="http://algonquinmap.com/">algonquinmap.com</a>). Thanks to Chris Scerri, co-owner of The Canadian Outdoor Equipment Co.(<a href="http://canadianoutdoorequipment.com/">canadianoutdoorequipment.com</a>) who in our ongoing discussions to work together (which I will write about in the future), was introduced to Jeff through email. I knew about Jeff's detailed Algonquin maps, which I consequently used to get information on access points when I ran the Big East River one year. Funny enough, he also knew about me, when reading about a trip report on my blog to compile information on routes in and around the park. As fellow trippers, we instantly connected and before we even had a chance to meet in person, he asked if I was interested in a trip to the park with his group of friends. Heck, it was almost like a blind date!</div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>What a heartfelt moment, finding Mark's Lake.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Now someone push him in!!</i></b></span></div>
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These friends are not ordinary park trippers, they are Algonquinites. This is heady company with the likes of Jeff, who obviously knows the park inside and out, same for Mark Rubino, (<a href="http://markinthepark.com/">markinthepark.com</a>) who has practically seen most of Algonquin as an exclusive park tripper, Scott Rogers, (<a href="http://smedleyco.com/">smedleyco.com</a>) who is another park aficionado, and lastly, the Scarlett brothers, John and Mark, who have tripped in Algonquin for over 50 years! I myself have tripped many times in Algonquin and seen many areas through its varied seasons too, but I couldn't help feel slightly timid by these avid Algonquin trippers. </div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Do you see a trail? - Rediscovering/reliving the old portage</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>from Barnet Depot to Alder Creek? Or was it?</i></b></span></div>
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I found out quickly that this group is a tough, gritty, well-greased tripping machine. They had recently completed the Meanest Link, a tough route through Algonquin Park honouring Bill Swift Sr., rediscovered new routes along forgotten portages/waterways, sought out lakes unconnected to typical routes and even created a new portage in the park! Did I mention they are not your typical Algonquin trippers? Unfortunately, they had lost their 'sixth', so was in search of a replacement. I was certainly flattered when I was asked to join this elite tight-knit team, but as you can see, the more I found out about them, it was plain intimidating. Labelling them Algonquinites in my opinion, was very fitting.</div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>John enlightening us on the metal remains found near a cabin.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Being a blacksmith, he really knows his stuff!</i></b></span></div>
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It's always awkward joining a new group. I didn't really know anyone, including Jeff, whom I had just met. Plus, you always wonder if you will not only gel with the group, but be able to keep up to the group's level of intensity and style. Lastly, it's not like there was time for a meet and greet to get to know each other first, </div>
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as the trip was starting in less than 2 weeks. I may have lots of tripping experience myself, but like the new kid on the block, you always wonder if you'll measure up to the group. It was a bit nerve racking, but I had to put it aside and focus on getting ready, as even my wife was on board with me going. She was totally fine with postponing our trip, as she figured it would be warmer by the time we went. (Nope!) Plus, she also thought I could benefit from some good old male bonding. (Like what was that's supposed to mean? Visions of Deliverance danced in my head!)</div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>We ate well, and that is an understatement. Thank goodness</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Algonquin has long portages to keep the beef off!</i></b></span></div>
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The start date of the trip was in constant flux due to many unforeseen factors. The later than expected ice out in the park, heavy rains that caused extensive flooding, and the resulting damage to many access roads. Because of the damage, the park was not issuing permits, so it became a frustrating waiting game. In the end, the trip date got moved to the beginning of May, including changes to the access point and the route itself. On May 4th, Jeff and I finally set off from Canoe Lake on an absolutely gorgeous day. (Anita was regretting her decision not to go, as the forecast for the week was +20C highs and sun all week!) The rest of the group was already at the park for a bi-annual gathering of avid Algonquin trippers, so I met them when we arrived a couple hours later. It was an ideal opportunity to socialize with people that shared the same interest, while eating and drinking the evening away. The weather was perfect for this, and soon enough, I was starting to feel comfortable being there. I was now more than ever, looking forward to the start of the actual trip the next day.</div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>"The March" along old logging roads.</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"> Simply </span></i></b></span><b style="color: #cc0000;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">lead or follow along.</span></i></b></div>
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This year's trip was supposed to be an easy one, in comparison to previous years. That was the consensus I was getting from the group. It certainly wasn't a tough trip overall, but there was some days of note. For the most part, there was the typical amount of travel, mixed with portaging and sightseeing. Not the sightseeing where we are paddling around with cameras around our necks and posing in front of our canoes, but rather checking out old ruins and remnants of times gone past. I few of us had no clue that these ruins existed, despite passing familiar areas many times. We were entertained and educated by the Scarlett brothers, who were like historian/park guides that had the seen the park over the course of 5 decades and had witnessed many changes during that time. Did I mention they are 68 and 71? I stand correct by those numbers. Although, don't let those numbers fool you. They are just as fit and fast on the portage and water as the rest of us, and they probably carried a greater share of the weight! They are my new paddling paragons!</div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Remains of an Alligator on the shores of Burnroot Lake.</i></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>It's an incredible piece of Algonquin's </i></b></span><br />
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On the flip side, this group loves to go off trail, the beaten path, or where "no one has ever gone before". (Star Trek, move out of the way!) Now this is stuff I love. Bushwhacking, route finding, feelings of "Where are we?", or "Are you sure this is the right way?!" It adds an exciting element to the rather mundane, paddle, portage, paddle, portage and then find camp. Sure, not everyone relishes this kind of stuff, but I certainly do. This group's mentality was right up my alley. On day four, we set off to primarily find a lake named after one of our members, Mark Rubino. Jeff had unofficially named this unknown/unnamed lake after him - Mark Lake. So the idea was to get Mark there, so that he could see it. (We were also hoping for him to experience it too by jumping in, but he chickened out after seeing that the water was dark and had a boggy bottom.) It was a combination of rock hopping, weaving through tight spruce, sinking in mats of bog, and stomping along old logging roads. We did make it, and Mark got his ceremonial picture beside 'his lake', but the tempo and pace of this 10 km excursion was aptly named "The March". You either followed, or got left behind. </div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i style="font-weight: bold;">False alarm, not Alder Creek. At least</i><b><i> </i></b></span><b><i><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;">we hoped not!</span></i></b><br />
<b><i><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;">The search continues to find the end.</span></i></b></div>
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But that was only to prep us for the event the next day, which no one volunteered naming. Probably because they are descriptive terms not appropriate for this blog, as it really did make "The March" seem benign. The purpose of this exploratory excursion was to retrace an old portage that existed many years ago. This portage started from Barnet Depot and ended at Alder Creek, possibly to avoid the longish paddle around Burntroot Lake and a couple rapids to Longer Lake. It had obviously fallen out of use (I wonder why?) and was not maintained, so the question remained, was there enough to actually follow it? Most recently, Craig McDonald, an MNR employee who is well known for documenting old forgotten portages (nastawagn), marked a winter portage along this supposed route. But even then, there was questions on whether it was actually correct. Despite all this, blinded by this romantic notion of reliving an old forgotten portage, we set out with canoes atop our heads to find out. Sounds enticing, huh?</div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>One of many stone chimneys left standing from</i></b></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>the remains of Camp Minnesing</i></b></span></div>
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Let me put it this way, if you know anything about winter portages, winter portage does not equal summer portage. I have 5 other witnesses who can testify to that fact. First of all, what was thought to be a 1200m carry, turned out to be almost double at 2 kilometers. Secondly, what started as a decent trail, eventually degraded to bushwhacking, maneuvering around fallen trees, splashing through marshes, forcing our way through alder thickets, and fighting our way out of boot sucking muck. It was a lot more than our group had expected. We decided early on to double portage, since we thought it prudent to scout the way through, as we had no idea of the trail conditions. However, it was soon clear to us, that despite the favourable start, we were pretty confident that we were not on an old portage, or for that matter, any trail at all. With all the time and energy spent to get to where we were, we had no choice but to move on. It wasn't easy, nor always enjoyable, or even healthy exposing our ears to those waxing eloquent monologues praising this unique trail, but we did it - four hours later. We were finally thrilled to see the snaky contours of Alder Creek as we emerged from a tangled mess of alders, but rather than give high fives, bear hugs and hoots of joy, everyone quickly and quietly jumped into the canoes and paddled away. I'll take it that the silence was a poignant way of saying, "Thank gawd it's over!"</div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>The Scarlett brothers - the unrelenting </i></b></span><b style="color: #cc0000;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">paddling</span></i></b><br />
<b style="color: #cc0000;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">-portaging</span></i></b><b style="color: #cc0000;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;"> team</span></i></b></div>
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Sure, we were probably the first in our present time (and possibly the last) to portage that very unportage-like trail, but that is the kind of things I enjoy. Discovering (for better or worse) new routes and pathways that take "the road less traveled". Maybe better phrased, the path that no one travels, but who's really </div>
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paying attention. I really enjoyed the team's tenacity and perseverance to get through, helping each other and plodding on ahead, all the while scheming to hang Jeff by his underwear. (It was his idea, right?) Our group enjoyed some amazing weather, often had an abundance of great food, and experienced innumerable laughable moments. But, I will guarantee, any time we think about this trip, we will first fondly recall the portage that 'thou shalt not name', which has been indelibly imprinted (or scarred) into all collective grey matter.</div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>The aftermath and carnage after the</i></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i> Barnet Depot portage!</i></b></span></div>
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Not all days were like this. There were many other memorable trip moments that didn't consist of pain. Overall, this canoe trip had a great mix of both. I have to thank Jeff for sticking his neck out and inviting me on this trip, as I thoroughly enjoyed time spent alongside everyone, whether relaxing on the Slingback, huffing along a portage, or huddled around the fire. It was awkward at first, not really knowing anyone, but by the end of the trip, I found out more than I really wanted to know about everyone. It really felt like a brotherhood, of shared hardships, laughs, and naphtha flavoured honey-mustard pretzels (you had to be there). It was not only a great trip, but an amazing experience with an amazing group of guys. As the trip neared its end, I wondered if I measured up and earned my keep as the 'sixth', as I was definitely interested in being part of next year's adventure. While paddling out under snow squalls and stinging ice pellets on the last day, I couldn't help but think about tripping with this group again. Nine days had quickly come and gone, and I was already feeling nostalgic. Yes, it was that good. So boys, when's the next trip?<br />
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Cheers to a great adventure!<br />
tPP</div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>Now there is six - Taken on our favourite</i></b></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><b><i>campsite on Burntroot Lake</i></b></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12051904216248267432noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4450990332312585983.post-72184985322643118992013-04-27T07:27:00.000-04:002013-04-27T07:35:37.258-04:00Canoe Tripping with Dogs<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvrSTBRYrjhXMWyA5ksUNO61-qm3ceb3c9wXW5bciRJLHo3AquXjvzrwnux6OdHI8DMnFr3QXNyHj_BLAAeM2hwPj789NX7pP95g9c9msS9tyA7B_AFEo2U18Yb__zWonBpFJmC3lfKQ/s1600/IMG_7473.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvrSTBRYrjhXMWyA5ksUNO61-qm3ceb3c9wXW5bciRJLHo3AquXjvzrwnux6OdHI8DMnFr3QXNyHj_BLAAeM2hwPj789NX7pP95g9c9msS9tyA7B_AFEo2U18Yb__zWonBpFJmC3lfKQ/s400/IMG_7473.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><i>Igloo, a friend's West Highland Terrier has often accompanied</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><i>us on canoe trips. Is it now time for me to</i></span><br />
<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><i> bring a dog as well?</i></span></div>
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I know there are many of you out there that love dogs, and I bet there are just as many that take them on canoe trips. Well, you've probably already surmised by now that I don't have a dog, since I've never mentioned one in any of my posts. Well, that was before - pre-marriage. Since that fateful day, I've apparently (Unbeknownst, unknowingly, unwittingly, you following?) become the adoptive father of 2 small poodles - sigh. Okay, I admit, it's not that I didn't know Anita had dogs, but I did know that after we got married, the dogs were going to move in. I by no means hate dogs, or animals for that sake. Growing up, our family has had many pets, including dogs. It's just that my lifestyle has made it difficult to have one lately, and admittedly, I've gotten use to not having one for many years.</div>
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I'm firmly of the belief that dogs are not 'additions' or even just pets. I mean that in a way that dogs are like family, therefore they are a big commitment. They require a lot of attention and time, just as a child would. (Okay, maybe not as much, but pretty close.) I'm pretty sure many of you consider your dog(s) family, whereas others, not so much. I'm not here to get into a debate about where dogs stand in importance or their place in family hierarchy, (Note: My spot just dropped 2 places after the dogs moved in!) but I knew that I wouldn't be able to give enough of myself to own one. That's just me. I'm pretty sure you'll agree, that realization is much better than owning a dog, and neglecting the poor thing.</div>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><i>Here's Toby, our resident old man</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><i>who is still cute as a button!</i></span></div>
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As it stood, I really had no choice in the matter. It really was a case of "the dogs come with me". Not that I had any big objections, but I did air a few concerns, which have been sorted out. So it is official, I am now a bona fide dog owner. (Except when they do something bad, and then they are Anita's - wink, wink.) It certainly has been an adjustment, but I've survived pretty much intact. Maybe a bit worse for wear at times, - I'll have more to say about this later - but otherwise pretty good. I've quickly discovered we don't need a doorbell, an alarm clock or a kitchen broom. There are definite benefits, but there's the flip side. Headaches with all the extra unnecessary barking, can't sleep in, and do you know, I sometimes actually have to wipe their butts! (My gag reflex is tenuously holding.) </div>
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As time goes on, I'm developing a fondness for them, as I think they are for me. Albeit, I'm sure it will take some time, as I've only lived with them for just over 6 months now. But still, it's hard not to notice the dog's antics. When Anita comes home, the dogs literally go ballistic. Howling, barking, whining and going just plain haywire. When I come home, they quickly come running while barking, until they realize who it is. After which, once they confirm Anita is not around, trot back off the way they came, jumping onto the comfy couch, and literally laying down in a funk! Despite my, "Hello? I'm here!", they just look at me with stone faces - sigh.</div>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><i>I may have come home, but these two rascals couldn't care less. They </i></span><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: red;"><i>actually </i></span><i style="color: red;">are sulking because Anita hasn't arrived</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><i>yet, do you believe that?!</i></span></div>
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In any case, there has been progress. There has even been progress in terms of my reluctance to take them on canoe trips, as was my initial stance. However, my position has slowly changed (I must be going soft with the dogs.), and I have actually suggested to Anita about taking them. She was surprised at my suggestion, probably as much as I was at making them, but I figured why not? Although, I've been told the older one, Toby, the toy poodle wouldn't be allowed to go due to his age, his cataracts, and his inability to swim. Poor guy, but Anita thinks a trip may kill him. I didn't really object, considering I also found out that he does not stop whining in the car due to motion. Could you imagine all day in a canoe? So unfortunately, he will be spending quality time with Anita's parents when we head out. </div>
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<i style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Teaching the boys the basics of canoeing. Can't</span></i><br />
<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><i>you tell how thrilled they are?</i></span><br />
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So now, I've been told that I need to focus on getting Teddy ready for an eventual canoe trip. That means getting his stamina up, teaching him commands, and establishing myself as the alpha dog. (Me, alpha dog?! Okay, so where do I pee to mark my territory.). Anita will admit he is a momma's boy, skittish, and "a bit spoiled", (Bull - stifled cough.) so it will take some time to get him toughened up for the wilderness. I've already taught him a few commands, such as stay, paw, sit and down, but they only really seem to work when I have treats in my hand. I've also played around with him, to try to get him more active, such as getting him to leap, fetch a ball, and just plain running around. Although, I never expected that this kind of interaction carried risks.</div>
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One day, I found if I jump and run around, he follows, barks and jumps too. Although unexpectedly, he started to nip as well. It seemed harmless as he would briefly grab your clothing and let go, but one day after I sat down, I felt a soreness on my shin. I pulled my pants up to reveal a colourful Loonie-sized bruise on my shin. Anita was shocked that I got bit, but I was doubtful as I never felt anything at that time. I was positive the injury was from me knocking my shin into the bed frame the night before, however, Anita was not convinced. On closer inspection, it became evident of the tell-tale markings. Blood soon came to the head of three distinct puncture wounds. The bugger actually bit me!</div>
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<i style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">A war wound from playing with the dog.</span></i></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><i>Who would have guessed?</i></span></div>
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Well, the injury wasn't a big deal, but the actions of the dog concerned me. I wouldn't want any of my niece/nephew's, or anyone else for that matter to be accidentally bit while playing around with him. I wanted to make sure Teddy knew it wasn't right to bite, so of course, smart-ass me decided I needed to "work with him". (Anita gave me a funny look and shook her head.) So the next day, we played again, as I hopped and jumped around him. As he got excited, I voiced my displeasure when he tried to nip again. I had thick fleece pants on, so I figured it would help keep his teeth off of me. Needless to say, it didn't work. In literally a split second, as focused as I was on his mouth, he lunged between my legs and bit down. This time, there was no mistaking what happened. It was Easter weekend, so let's just aptly say he got my 'egg'! On top of that, he still managed to break my skin! Don't worry, I'll save you the picture, you'll just have to take my word for it.</div>
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<i style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Here's Teddy, our "red" miniature poodle who we eventually </span></i></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: red;"><i>plan to take on a canoe trip. </i></span><i style="color: red;">He may be more of a</i></span></div>
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<i style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">threat to me than wildlife!</span></i></div>
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Despite this incident, I still consider Teddy a good dog, and I am beginning to like him a lot, despite his propensity for scarring me. I can't comprehend why he does this, but hopefully in time (and no further wounds), we'll work something out. I really do want to take him on a canoe trip, so it just means I have to put in time with him, you know, to bond and 'figure' him out. For the time being, I decided to let my wounds heal and take a break. Like seriously, who do I think I am? A dog whisperer, like that guy Cesar Milan? I paddle canoes, not train dogs. Although next time, I should really consider wearing a jock; I wonder if Cesar does? Anyhow, the injuries are healing nicely, but I had to endure more than enough giggles and sarcastic remarks at the Easter dinner table. Boy, does word travel fast about one's misery! Oh well, might as well laugh about it, considering one of my 'eggs' is no longer blemish free!</div>
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Cheers,</div>
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t(slightly limping)PP</div>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><i>And yes, it was THOSE teeth!</i></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12051904216248267432noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4450990332312585983.post-43131575575698081072013-04-14T19:59:00.000-04:002013-04-14T20:17:02.449-04:00A Canoe Trip for a Honeymoon?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><i>Now that the wedding is over, it's time to literally</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><i><b>'paddle'</b> out for our honeymoon!</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><i>Photo: Anice Wong</i></span></div>
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Anyone that has gotten married, knows how much work, both physically and mentally it takes for a wedding. Yes, there are exceptions, like going to a JP, or eloping in Vegas, but other than if you are super organized or rich enough to have someone else organize it for you, wedding preparations can take a lot out of you. Therefore, a honeymoon is especially deserving to the newly wed, especially if the wedding day was stressful too! But more important and exciting, a honeymoon is the opportunity to consummate the marriage in an ideal and stress free environment. For that reason alone, who wouldn't want a honeymoon?</div>
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I mentioned in the Year in Review post about our original plans to take a honeymoon canoe trip. Well as you all know, it didn't happen. Now coming from me, after having a canoe wedding, it would only make sense that I would follow through with a honeymoon canoe trip, right? Certainly, but like the wedding, it was only appropriate that I asked my soon-to-be-wife, what she had in mind. (I certainly wasn't going to suggest a honeymoon canoe trip, even though I was thinking it!) Unexpectedly, she really didn't care, as long as we got to spend time together. I couldn't resist, so I nonchalantly suggested my idea to her. Surprisingly, she was actually fine with it! In some sense, I was not totally caught off guard. We are neither the type that go to all inclusive resorts to sit and be waited on. Anita doesn't drink and I'm a cheap drunk, so the higher costs associated with these types of resort benefits would be wasted on us. Not only that, we had just bought a house and paid for a wedding, so our funds were pretty depleted. So considering everything, a canoe trip for a honeymoon was an easy decision. Except one big thing,
it never happened.</div>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><i>Anita has already had many opportunities to canoe trip </i></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><i>across Ontario; now it's time to take her on</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: red;"><i> canoe trips</i></span><i style="color: red;"> across Canada!</i></span></div>
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Six months later, I still don't have a honeymoon story to share with those that ask about our post-wedding celebrations. Not that I feel pressured by anyone or my spouse, but I feel a sense of urgency to get the deed done. (Not to be confused, 'the deed' has been done. You didn't think I'd wait this long, did you?!) Anyhow, it feels like unfinished business, like something that just wouldn't sit right if I didn't do it. Maybe it's the expectation of societal norms, or maybe it's just another reason to go on a canoe trip (No kidding!), in any case, I am set on doing it. </div>
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Anita and I have gone on roughly a dozen canoe trips together, so how would a 'honeymoon canoe trip' be different? That's where I come up with creative, or as Anita puts it, "crazy ideas". First of all, being a honeymoon, the canoe trip should be unique, right? Secondly, why should a honeymoon only happen once? Sure, for argument sake, it really can only happen once, (Unless of course you marry again.) but why have only one blissful opportunity with your partner? It's a wonderful time that I personally think should be cherished more often. I'm sure I have your curiosity now, but before I disclose the plan to you, here's some more information of where this idea came from. </div>
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During the formative years before I got enraptured with canoeing, there were several prominent canoeist that inspired me. Gary and Joanie McGuffin were two of them. They not only inspired me with their incredible paddling exploits, articles, books, and photography, but their honeymoon as well. As you probably already guessed, yes, it was on a canoe trip, but theirs was across Canada! I was not only awed at the grandiose of the idea, but even more impressed that they fulfilled it. After reading their book, "Where Rivers Run" years ago, I fondly recall day-dreaming and wishing for both a life-long paddling partner and a honeymoon like theirs. </div>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><i>If you don't know who the McGuffin's are, or have read</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><i>this book, it is definitely worthwhile</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: red;"><i> </i></span><i style="color: red;">checking out.</i></span></div>
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Fast forward many years, I have lived and breathed an amazing paddling lifestyle in many ways I've never expected. Sure, that wishful dream has not been fulfilled, but I am more than grateful for all that I've got to experience in the paddling world so far. At times, I (nor my mom) thought I would ever get married, but fate obviously didn't see it that way. I couldn't be luckier that I'm now married to a wonderful woman that also enjoys canoeing. I don't ever expect her to be as crazy and passionate about canoeing as I am, but thankfully, she's agreed to be a part of this almost-dream-come-true honeymoon. </div>
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I'm sure most of you now have a vague idea of what I'm hinting at, so it's time to let the rabbit out of the hat. As much as I would have liked to fulfill the original dream, I had to make some changes in order for it to be feasible. Due to both our work requirements, it would be next to impossible to get that kind of time off for one long trip, so instead, the plan is to take several smaller ones. And instead of a trans-Canada paddle, our plan is to take a honeymoon canoe trip in each and every province and territory in Canada. Sure, it's not the same as the original dream, but it would still allow us to experience every part of our beautiful country in a canoe! </div>
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Now that I've been given the green light for these multiple honeymoon canoe trips, there are several big questions to answer. First off, where? Well, that's the fun part. Anita and I will have to take the time to search out routes from maps, route books, the Internet and other paddling friends. I would think a route which would showcase the province/territory's landscape would be ideal. This will of course be ongoing, so there will be more posts to follow on this. The next big question is when. Well, I couldn't think of a better time then this year. I certainly don't want to delay the honeymoon any longer! One other thing, I had thought to put a timeline in for these honeymoon trips to help move things along, but there are too many variables in our lives that can change year to year that may make it difficult to adhere. So instead, I've decided to try and commit to taking at least one honeymoon canoe trip per year, if not more when possible. There are definitely other details and things to consider, but they will be sorted out later on. </div>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><i>There are many paddling books that provide info on canoe</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i style="color: red;">routes </i><i style="color: red;">across our vast </i><i style="color: red;">country. We just have to</i></span></div>
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<i style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">figure out which ones to take!</span></i></div>
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Lastly, this is where my readers and followers can help us. My main audience are primarily from North America, so this can obviously be both very insightful and helpful. To help this process along, since corresponding on the blog can be challenging, I will soon be setting up,....surprise, surprise,...a Facebook account! I've never been much into social media, but I have to admit, it can be very useful in many situations such as this. It will also be easier to keep in touch with my audience and update everyone with the in's and out's of my tripping life that often don't make it on the blog. I won't be setting up under my name, but under "The Passionate Paddler", so please look out for me and help me get this ball rolling! It may also be a great way to meet up with some of my readers (who may or may not be paddlers) during our travels!</div>
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So that's it! It's a sealed deal. I'd imagine we are probably going to unofficially be taking the longest running honeymoon, but hey, I don't mind! If it takes me paddling around the country, I'm all for it! Wouldn't you? It's now time to figure out our first honeymoon canoe trip in my home province of Ontario. After that, it's time to venture out beyond these borders! </div>
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Cheers,</div>
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The Paddling Honeymooners!</div>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><i>Anita and I anxiously looking forward to</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><i>our paddling honeymoon!</i></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12051904216248267432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4450990332312585983.post-45921434850243736522013-03-31T21:55:00.000-04:002013-04-27T07:31:26.634-04:00Year in Review - 2012<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPM9iZl9o8KLJ8cd8KwqsvLn7As9qYKoWbZWGJzbMB_3CTmgzhhNBOWc1DoDPfHaCW3I8pmEggGkW4omheZZ4JjrVE2aOW4z23hLJLkHDYrOb1XAJKLAn3nLmBJ3GlSxopR2zNs2oMclE/s1600/AnitaDavid_034.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPM9iZl9o8KLJ8cd8KwqsvLn7As9qYKoWbZWGJzbMB_3CTmgzhhNBOWc1DoDPfHaCW3I8pmEggGkW4omheZZ4JjrVE2aOW4z23hLJLkHDYrOb1XAJKLAn3nLmBJ3GlSxopR2zNs2oMclE/s400/AnitaDavid_034.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><i>2012 may not have been the ideal tripping year, but it certainly</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><i> was important. Time to get married!</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><i>Photo: Anice Wong</i></span></div>
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Two thousand and twelve was an off year for me. It was an anomaly when compared to previous years, in regards to the number of trips, and the amount of days spent out in the bush. In all respects, I did not expect some banner or record year, considering what was going on in my life, but based on plans I had in place, it would still have been a great year. Unfortunately, unexpected circumstances changed our plans significantly and altered how the year played out. Regrets? I would have to say no for the most part. But because I had to reflect back for this review, it's too bad it didn't go as planned. The ideal circumstances would have had me not only getting the cake, but eating it too! But alas, life is unpredictable and sometimes that's what makes it interesting - well sometimes. Ultimately, I am thankful for many things that did happen last year, and considering, lucky for the many opportunities I did get to head out on canoe trips!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTTwwcQrjO-sV2JH-fbWUuxtmzwWpY_uxYZshUX220q6zJSFkjR1F2KwqhEKUXNWJZ7BmvxDFehf79WlvAaCBvgIqUMtgJ-gFyYTD3JNObvSviAOrRSHjwO1tSpvCHjHDlxQKGrZ5Zk8Q/s1600/IMG_9682.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgTTwwcQrjO-sV2JH-fbWUuxtmzwWpY_uxYZshUX220q6zJSFkjR1F2KwqhEKUXNWJZ7BmvxDFehf79WlvAaCBvgIqUMtgJ-gFyYTD3JNObvSviAOrRSHjwO1tSpvCHjHDlxQKGrZ5Zk8Q/s400/IMG_9682.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><i>Island site on Noganosh Lake - Who doesn't love tenting</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><i>under towering red pines?</i></span></div>
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Tallying the numbers, I headed out on 5 trips totalling 29 days. It's certainly nothing to be disappointed about, but it is less than half of the time I usually spend on canoe trips. Twenty-twelve may not be remembered as a tripping year, but it certainly will stand out for the many other significant things that did happen. Looking back, I am happy it is all over. There are memories from the past year that I will cherish for a lifetime, but it's also nice to look forward to a normal one. Sure, it will be another regular year of more canoe trips and tromping around in the bush, but call me crazy. I wouldn't have it any other way!</div>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><i>The towering peaks and cliffs along the Mississagi river had</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><i>us craning our necks, admiring the scenery.</i></span></div>
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The tripping season started later than I hoped. After the extremely mild winter and the jump start to an early spring, I should have been out on a trip at the beginning of April. Unfortunately, things didn't pan out that way. I was especially envious when friends asked me to join them on an Easter weekend trip, but regretfully, I had to decline. Despite the missed opportunity, I was finally able to head out at the end of the month with Anita to the French River to open the season. Nothing like the thrill of the first canoe trip after a long dormant winter!</div>
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The next trip during the May long weekend was a hit and miss route along the Gibson river, when I couldn't book sites at a provincial park. It was a trip that surprised our group with some great scenery, including the numerous falls along the way. The part we could have skipped, was the large lakes we had to cross where cottages and weekend party'ers populated the shoreline. It's unfortunate that a great route located close to the city couldn't totally be isolated. But maybe that is why the non-canoeist are there too! My advice, paddle the route in the off season.</div>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><i>The French River is one of my favourite paddling destinations.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><i>Go early and you will have the place to yourselves!</i></span></div>
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Come June, Anita and I headed off to visit a new unmaintained park that I had very little information about. With some bits and pieces of information from various sources, we put together what seemed to be a fairly easy trip. Little did we know, that the 'easy trip' was far from the truth. It wasn't that I expected an easy route, rather, it was because I didn't expect a challenging one. Despite the extra effort, it was well worth it. It may have been hard not to notice the hunt camps and cabins along the way, but we couldn't deny the sense of seclusion and tranquillity in the pockets of wilderness we found. The experience was positive enough that we are definitely going back.</div>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><i>Wanting our ring bearer to participate in the themed wedding,</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><i>this paddle set up worked out great!</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><i>Photo: Anny Chiu</i></span></div>
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Before the month of June ended, I was off again with a group of friends to paddle the Mississagi River. The logistics of this river trip make it challenging for many canoeist due to the long shuttle. Despite being a set back for some, we decided that enduring the long shuttle was worth experiencing this river. The rewards were plentiful with the varied scenery and terrain that we found captivating. Not surprisingly, this was also the trip that Tom Thomson took exactly 100 years ago that really inspired his painting of landscapes, not Algonquin as everyone is led to believe. Tom Thomson claimed it to be the "finest canoe trip in the world", while a another notable canoeist, Grey Owl, claimed it as "the King among rivers". Who can argue with them? The landscape has changed since then, by humans of course, but it is easy to see how it was, and still is a great route for a canoe trip.</div>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><i>Parts of the Gibson River were surprisingly isolated and scenic.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><i>As long as you know which parts to avoid!</i></span></div>
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Once summer had started, it was obvious things were falling apart, at least in terms of our tripping plans. Our carefully crafted schedule and plan to both trip and prepare for the wedding wasn't going to be feasible any more. There was more pressing issues to deal with, so unfortunately, canoe trips had to take a back seat. Surprisingly, Anita wouldn't hear of it, at least to a point. She really wanted to head out for one more trip before we tied the knot, especially since she missed out on the previous one. So off we went on a short trip to explore a crown land route. It was a great reprieve from the stress, but a chance to reaffirm why we wanted to be together for the rest of our lives. What better place than on a canoe trip!</div>
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After the last trip, our focus immediately turned to our upcoming move and wedding. Things definitely got crazy, but thankfully, all the planning and preparation paid off come wedding day. It had its challenges and headaches, but it was totally worth it. I mean, how many times do you hear about an actual canoe wedding? Unfortunately, this was the last time Anita and I shared a paddle in a canoe for the rest of the year. Originally, there was plans for us to head off on our honeymoon right after, and yes, it was on a canoe trip. Unfortunately, because we had just moved into our home before the wedding, the house was a disaster, and on top of all that, I got sick the day after. So much for that plan!</div>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><i>The Queen Elizabeth 2 Wildlands, a great paddling destination</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><i>in southern Ontario. Although, probably better</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><i> when there's water!</i></span></div>
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Speaking of which, I still do owe my wife a honeymoon. Months have passed since our marriage, but I haven't forgotten this special time and very important 'rite of passage'. All is not lost. I may have been dormant the last several months, but my head has not been idling away. There is a novel idea that has been brewing in my head for a paddling honeymoon, which I plan to share with you in a future post. It's also an opportunity for my readers to provide some input and suggestions too!</div>
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All in all, it may have been one crazy year, but it all turned out for the best. Looking ahead, you can bet I want to make up for last year. There are already a few trips in place for this year, such as a whitewater trip on the Noire River in Quebec, a couple weeks in Wabakimi Provincial Park, as well as revisiting Queen Elizabeth 2 Wildlands to explore the east side of the park. I have to say, it's been the longest stretch of time between canoe trips I've had to endure in a long time, but it hasn't in the least tempered my passion. In fact, it has only increased my longing to head out. I have to totally agree with the oft quoted saying, "absence makes the heart grow fonder". Although, who knew it could also refer to canoe trips! </div>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><i>Appropriate footwear for an outdoor wedding. Just try</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><i>and ignore my butt shot - thanks Anny!</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><i>Photo: Anny Chiu</i></span></div>
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Looking forward to an amazing paddling year in 2013!</div>
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Hope to see some of you out there!</div>
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Cheers,</div>
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tPP </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbJ1LJ21o3ePiqlLYzcadZvaOxkQQzgn2dp0uFL8y0v3UzxKaoLNX1UkzrRu5K2zVoPo8NkCzGXOqZYHmfe6aOo0bUbA_PRLuhTRA0qV8zZUwFNBCRJ9GmLv9a40qkFs7Kw9nK722yhL8/s1600/_MG_3966.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbJ1LJ21o3ePiqlLYzcadZvaOxkQQzgn2dp0uFL8y0v3UzxKaoLNX1UkzrRu5K2zVoPo8NkCzGXOqZYHmfe6aOo0bUbA_PRLuhTRA0qV8zZUwFNBCRJ9GmLv9a40qkFs7Kw9nK722yhL8/s400/_MG_3966.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i><span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;">It took place here, on the shores of Plastic Lake</span></i></div>
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The idea for this post came about when I had an incredible experience on a canoe trip in 2011. In general, I think I can say I have had amazing experiences on most trips, but occasionally something happens that quite literally leaves you speechless. You know, those times you question whether it just happened, or for that matter, if anyone would believe you if you told them? Quite often, these things happen so quickly and unexpectedly you don't even have the opportunity to capture it. It may be the rare instance where you have the camera/video camera in hand, but most times you don't. The only record of it, is now in that grey matter of yours. </div>
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There would obviously only be one story per year, but I would have to wait until the year ended to evaluate all my trips before selecting the one to write about. I would also imagine that in some years, there may not be anything that exciting to write about, but then again, other years there may be plenty. In any case, I'll go year by year and see how this all plays out. I just hope that whatever I have to share with you, you can vicariously experience this amazing event alongside me.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2zlyk08j5DgSNri1o5fKKYD7i-_BBTYQFfSPRrozKVk2PSZW55LCjhNWU_DVk7dPVqC7q6do-IuJlh0ML7G-enYE9sDz9WQ_TF_oomtAqEVVx-w0Mj2Xa9PcYzNZVa3QzTeOQpNVUC3k/s1600/_MG_3988.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2zlyk08j5DgSNri1o5fKKYD7i-_BBTYQFfSPRrozKVk2PSZW55LCjhNWU_DVk7dPVqC7q6do-IuJlh0ML7G-enYE9sDz9WQ_TF_oomtAqEVVx-w0Mj2Xa9PcYzNZVa3QzTeOQpNVUC3k/s400/_MG_3988.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Finding this Northern Ringed-Neck snake under our tent was</span></i><br />
<i style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> certainly </span></i><span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><i> cool, (Surprisingly not crushed!) but</i></span><br />
<i style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> not as amazing as what followed.</span></i><br />
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I had planned to share this post with you in 2012, but as you all know, things have been pretty busy with me last year. The plan is to have this "Best of" post in the early part of the new year. I already have an amazing story to share in 2012 with you, despite the shortened season, (And no, it's not the canoe wedding!) but will have to do it later in the year. For now, let's go back to September of 2011 when I was out on a 4 day canoe trip in the Haliburton Highlands Watertrail area.</div>
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I was with a new paddling friend named Jennifer, whom I had met at the Sportsmen Show earlier in the year. She was working with the Birds of Prey folks and had come over to our Eureka booth to look for a tent and sleeping pad. I got her all set up with a good deal, but during the exchange, I found out not only did she know about birds, but was also an arborist. One discussion led to another, where I then found out that she had lead some canoe trips up in northern Ontario. Before parting ways, we exchanged emails and agreed to stay in touch, with the possibility of heading out on a canoe trip together.<br />
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Months passed before we got in contact again, but when we did, we agreed on a short canoe trip together in September. As she was located near the Haliburton area, we decided to head to that area to paddle. I picked out a moderately easy route in the Leslie Frost area, passing through landscape I was familiar with, including new areas that I haven't been to. It would be a good mix of paddling and portaging, while seeing how well we jived together on a trip. </div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: red;"><i>Skirting a section of muck, Jennifer </i></span><i style="color: red;">handily shoulders a barrel</i></span><br />
<i style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> on the 1150m portage to Sherbourne Lake</span></i><br />
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Jennifer was a natural in the outdoors, as would be expected for an arborist and someone with knowledge about birds. I know my trees fairly well, but it was great having someone along the way, teaching me new things about trees. In the bird field, I'm fairly lacking except for the obvious ones, so it was interesting to learn about our avian friends from her along our route. Most importantly, we worked well together paddling along the waterways and portaging through a variety of terrains. </div>
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The morning of day three, we were camped at Plastic Lake, probably the lake with the least inviting name. (I've still to figure out why.) The day dawned beautifully, as there was a faint hint of mist across the lake, and the water was like glass. We took the morning to sit by shore to soak it all in, with me occasionally getting up to take a few shots with my camera. At one point, I finally got up and walked up the rocky slope to the tent site above to change into my tripping clothes. I was getting hungry and it was time to get breakfast going. After putting on a different shirt, I stood up behind the tent to change my pants. It was after I removed them, that's when I heard it. (Why does it always happen after you've taken your pants off?)<br />
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<i style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Just finishing the portage into Plastic Lake, Jennifer looks at the</span></i><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: red;"><i>map </i></span><i style="color: red;">to determine where the campsites </i><i style="color: red;">are.</i></span></div>
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I've spent enough time in the bush to identify certain sounds, and like most times, it was obvious. I could hear the low resonating beat of heavy hooves heading my way. It was just a question of which ungulate, a moose or a deer? In my anticipation and nervousness, I made a pathetic squeak out to Jennifer to let her know something was coming. (Found out later she didn't even hear me.) I turned my back to the lake as I looked towards the trail just behind our tent. (This path leads to the other campsite further along the shore.) I quickly realized the pace was fast, in fact very fast, and it was heading towards our camp! In my eureka moment, I realized if this thing came up the pathway, not only would the tent be in the way, so would I! In that short time, standing with just my drawers on, you'd think I'm move, but in fact I actually froze!</div>
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What was seconds before, a nervous anticipation of seeing an animal, was now a growing fear. My eyes were transfixed down the trail into the nebulous space of pine needles, leaves and shadows. I was starting to feel the reverberations in the ground as the thumping got louder. Then came the sounds of thrashing leaves, snapping branches and even the distinct heavy breathing associated with a hard run. It was then, wondering what was driving this beast to run at such a mad tempo towards our open campsite, I caught a glimpse of the multi-pronged antlers heading my way. It was a large male deer barrelling up the small incline towards me. Like the white pine standing stoutly behind me, I stood just as resolutely, holding my breath, wondering why my fight or flight instincts weren't kicking in! I believe it is usually at these moments, when some people un-admittedly relieve themselves, but the only benefit to my stiff body, was the fact the sphincters below my bladder were as immovable as my stance! That still didn't change the fact the deer was snorting heavily and heading directly towards me!<br />
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<i><span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;">It all started here, right behind the tent!</span></i></div>
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Was it my 3 day old smell, or the sight of a half naked human being, I will never know, but not more than 10 feet in front of me, the deer remarkably did an abrupt 90 degree turn into the bush away from me. With barely a breath of relief, my body stiffened once again. Hot on the heels of the stag, was a wolf! Going at a frightening pace, it's head low and ears pulled back, it too turned into the forest. The flash of angry grey fur was more than I could fathom as I still stood in shock in the same place, now following the chase by sound. I could hear the continued crash of flesh against vegetation around the back of our campsite, which then followed down the outside perimeter of our camp towards the lake. I may have finally exhaled a breath of relief at that point, but it was again short lived. The chase was now heading towards the lake - and Jennifer!</div>
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It's strange how the body works. Evolutionary processes would normally dictate self-preservation, especially in times of fear and danger, like it did just moments ago. I certainly wasn't going to fight, but where was my flight reaction?! Yet when I was concerned about my fellow paddler, my legs actually started that accelerated gait called a run. (I'm pretty certain there's some short-circuits in my head.) Midway down the hill, yelling at Jennifer about some big bad wolf, I heard a huge splash. Was it Jennifer, or the deer?! By the time I got to shore, literally almost tripping in my floppy imitation Crocs (and skivvies), Jennifer was standing by shore looking at the stag swimming out into the middle of the lake. </div>
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A bit rattled, she told me she heard the raucous coming down her way, as she then witnessed the deer leap straight into the lake a few feet from her! Thankfully, it missed her, as my pathetic attempts to warn her fell on deaf ears. (There was dense brush behind her so she couldn't see what was coming.) I immediately asked about the wolf, as she looked at me puzzled. I quickly relayed the events not minutes ago, as her eyes widened with amazement. We both then looked around us, wondering where the wolf was. Wolves usually don't bother with humans, but what if this one was pissed I ruined it's chances? Full bent on taking the stag down, it was probably full of adrenaline and possibly interested in the next closest warm-blooded mammal(s)! The other question that soon became apparent was whether this wolf was working in a pack or on it's own, as I only witnessed the one. In any case, we backed away into the centre of camp, away from the forested edge as we peered around nervously.</div>
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<i style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">It <b>was</b> peaceful and tranquil,the morning of day three;</span></i><br />
<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><i>however, it didn't stay that way!</i></span><br />
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Defensively holding onto a large stick, while straining to listen for any signs of movement, we were also quite aware how quiet the area had become. Prior to this, we could hear birds chirping and the local red squirrels chattering away, but now there was dead silence. It was like every living thing around, knew that there was a top level predator around and no one was willing to give up their position. After what seemed like eternity, we realized the wolf (or wolves) had melted back into the shadows just as quickly as they came. We also wondered if the wolf continued running along the shore to head off the deer once it came out of the water. In any case, it would be a long run as the stag was far off in the middle of the lake.</div>
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With some time to settle and finally digest the whole incident, we realized the deer's plan all along was in fact to run into the lake to ward off the wolf, as it knew it wouldn't follow. We were amazed, as we didn't know that this was a deer survival tactic, or that they could even swim long distances. I've seen many deer on canoe trips, but this would be my first sighting of one in the water, let alone swimming! The deer had obviously meant to take the open run along the trail into our camp, and then down to the lake to increase it's lead over the wolf. My presence and placement obviously prevented that. I'm not partial to either the deer escaping or being caught, but the thought of me being the reason for the deer's demise was a bit, how do you say? Oops?! Even more unsettling, if it was being shred to pieces by our camp!</div>
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After about 30 minutes, life returned to the area as the collective chorus of sounds started their usual refrain. Feeling confident nothing was lurking around, I took the time to inspect the trail where the chase took place and located the obvious gouges left in the soft pine needle floor where hooves and pads had just tore a strip. I was both amazed and astonished that Jennifer and I got to witness this event, and even more grateful that the chase diverted around me and Jennifer. (Or quite frankly, I'd be telling a different story!) In any case, it was an incident that I, nor Jennifer, will ever forget. Having spent a lot of time in the bush, I've seen many deer and wolves, but not ever together, let alone in this type of circumstance. It could simply be stated as being at the right place at the right time. </div>
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<i style="color: red;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">The whole incident not only shook us up, but really got our</span></i><br />
<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><i>appetites going! Omelets anyone?</i></span><br />
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The rest of the trip finished without incident, other than being spooked by another deer along a portage. It ended up being a great trip, with 'the chase' certainly being the highlight. It was a privilege getting this rare opportunity to actually witness the life and death struggles of these wild animals, which we often only get to see on TV. We sometimes forget, when we get caught up in the beauty of the environment, that this is going on constantly 'behind the scenes'. But in reality, this darker side is a big part of life in the forest.<br />
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I know I sometimes take for granted when I cut into a steak, or chomp into a burger. This incident gave me a greater appreciation of the world outside our life of convenience, when we can easily pay to have our hunger looked after almost immediately. How often do we go hungry, even when we are 'on the hunt' in a grocery store? Thankfully, this canoe trip, as well as many before, often keeps me from forgetting that notion. I bet the deer was relieved that his instincts and flight reaction allowed him to survive another day. Now, if only I can get my flight reaction to work too!<br />
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Cheers,</div>
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tPP<br />
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</script>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12051904216248267432noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4450990332312585983.post-1694552267595288352013-03-03T14:03:00.000-05:002013-03-03T14:10:36.376-05:00The Canoe Wedding<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><i>Sept 23, 2012, the moment of truth</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><i>Photo: Anice Wong</i></span></div>
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<i><b style="background-color: white;"><span style="color: #666666;">Preface</span></b></i></div>
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As a avid canoeist, I have to first and foremost thank my loving wife for allowing me to have this canoe wedding. It really was a dream come true. It was a fitting ceremony that perfectly reflected my passion for paddling and our love of the outdoors. I couldn't have been happier! Thank you love!</div>
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Days before the wedding, I was obsessed with regularly checking the weather forecast. One minute it was looking doubtful, then the next there was hope. I was stressed. There was many other things that I needed to focus my attention and energy on, but because the wedding hinged on the weather, the anxiety was never very far. Mike Armstrong, the superintendent of Awenda Provincial Park emailed me the night before the wedding and told me not to concern myself with the weather forecast. He said the fronts coming off the bay were changing hourly and encouraged me to go ahead with the original plans. Mike then told me to rest up and enjoy my last night being single. Ironically, it was far from that. I <i>was</i> home alone, as Anita was in Barrie at her sister's place for the early morning prep, neither enjoying it or having a restful sleep!<br />
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<span style="color: red;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Prepping for the wedding under overcast skies and rain</span></i></span><br />
<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><i>Photo: Anice Wong</i></span><br />
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On the early drive up Highway 400, the weather was fickle, much like the forecast had been for the past week. The day dawned grey, but the sun was now shinning forth from the east and slivers of blue began to appear everywhere. However hopeful those moments were, they were crushed once we past Barrie. As ominous as it could only be, there was a dark mass of low clouds that spanned the horizon directly ahead of us - my spirit sunk. As we approached, Maral, our wedding coordinator and good friend who was driving me, told me to ignore what lay ahead and only think positive thoughts. I was mess of fluctuating emotions, much like a rapid sine wave. It would be a HUGE stretch to say I was cracking a smile and looking relaxed. When it darkened all around us and the rain came down in torrents, so much so that cars had to slow down, there wasn't any sign of positive vibes around me for a mile!</div>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><i>Leave it to Rob to take it up a notch or two when the decorative</i></span><br />
<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><i>boundaries didn't set the way it was supposed to!</i></span><br />
<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><i>Photo: Anice Wong </i></span><br />
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Just before we arrived at the park, the rain had stopped - there was hope again. A crew sent down by Mike to clean up the area was just leaving as we pulled into the parking lot of Kettle Lake. There was already a few people there to help with the set up, so we quickly unloaded and got started. It was wet everywhere, but the clouds were already parting and the sun was even coming back out again. I crossed my fingers as I ran back and forth dealing with questions and issues with the set up. At one point, the rain did come again, so we all had to make a mad dash to cover things up, but luckily it wasn't as bad as the previous downpour. I was nervous and worried as ever, but there was no time to think about the weather any more. People were starting to arrive and we still had last minute things to do. In my preoccupation, little did I know that the weather was breaking above me.</div>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><i>Almost all set to go, would the weather cooperate?</i></span><br />
<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><i>Photo: Anny Chiu</i></span><br />
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The original plan for the wedding was for the whole thing to take place on the water. The one change that had to be accommodated was taking our vows on the deck by the lake. My novel idea of exchanging vows on the water, in canoes, was quickly challenged and squashed. As you can imagine, it carries a certain amount of risk, and even though I would have keeled over in laughter if we fell in, I'm sure many would not share my sentiment - terra firma it was. Our procession took place paddling down the aisle between our friends in canoes on either side. (Yes, we had a canoe audience!) I got to paddle in first, solo, then the rest of the party followed. The 'boys' from Paddle Shack played a huge role in sterning the canoes in, with a groomsman at the bow and the bridesmaid sitting daintily in the middle with the bouquet. All the while, immersed in the soul stirring strings of Pachelbel's Canon in D, resonating across the lake. If the sight of the paddling procession wasn't moving enough, the music was the clincher. Then it came time for the bride.</div>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><i>Flower petals for the processional lane</i></span><br />
<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><i>Photo: Anice Wong</i></span><br />
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I managed to hold it together for the whole wedding, but when I saw Jay paddling the stunning red cedar canvas canoe around the bend with my beautiful wife-to-be, I had to catch my breath. It was that brief fleeting moment that made me realize it was all worth it. All the planning, headaches, and effort that went into this canoe wedding - everything. I managed to stay steady on my two feet, willing tears from pouring out of my eyes as I looked out across the lake. My vision may have been a bit blurry, but that beautiful scene will always remain in my mind for as long as I live. It was simply incredible.</div>
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<span style="color: red;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Here comes the bride! (Thanks Jay!)</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><i>Photo: Anice Wong</i></span><br />
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The rest of the ceremony went as planned with the weather actually cooperating. In fact, the sun was shinning through between large masses of clouds as they slowly moved through. I was so relieved everything was working out as I hoped. Although, there was one incident that managed to hold our collective breaths during the ceremony. During the ring exchange, the reverend's attempt to give Anita the ring ended up rolling off his notes and went bouncing along the deck floor. All we could think of was the ring slipping through the cracks to the water and mud below. Luckily it didn't, and that brief moment gave everyone quite the laugh, as the reverend breathed a huge sign of relief. Nothing like a little bit of drama to spice up the moment! Besides exchanging traditional rings, we exchanged paddles as well, as a token symbol of what we plan to do for the rest of our lives together. </div>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><i>The ring was successfully recovered and promptly</i></span><br />
<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><i>placed on my ring finger!</i></span><br />
<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><i>Photo: Anice Wong</i></span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><i>The clouds certainly added drama to the scenery,</i></span><br />
<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><i>but luckily not in the form of rain!</i></span><br />
<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><i>Photo: Anice Wong</i></span><br />
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The ceremony ended with Anita and I paddling out to the middle of the lake as our canoe guest blew bubbles our way. Our paddling guest then joined us together as one big flotilla for a nice group shot before concluding the wedding. It was finally all over. All my worries, anxieties, and fears during the week were for naught, as the wedding turned out perfect. I couldn't have asked for more. Was it meant to be, or was it just fluke, or did a higher power have something to do with it, I have no clue. Either way, I'm just grateful that everything worked out so well, because after some photos, packing up, and saying goodbyes, the rains came again. Phew!<br />
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<span style="color: red;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">The successful conclusion to not just a wedding,</span></i></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><i>but a canoe wedding!</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><i>Photo: Anice Wong</i></span></div>
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The reception was like any traditional wedding, with a few noticeable differences. Such as mini decorated canoe at the reception area for the gifts, ornamental wooden canoes at the tables (These were a hit, everyone wanted one!), canoe cookies as gift for the parting guests, and most noticeably the wedding cake. Normally at a wedding you don't make your own cake, but as Anita and her father were once bakers, they naturally took it upon themselves to make it. Although surprisingly, Anita took the wedding theme to dressing the cake and literally ran with it! As I was not privy to the design, I had a good laugh when I got to see it for the first time the night before. Let's just say, the wedding cake was not only hilarious, but got quite the reaction! See below.<br />
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<span style="color: red;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">Anita's creativity coming through in the cake design.</span></i></span><br />
<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><i>Appropriate, but should I be worried?!</i></span><br />
<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><i>Photo: Ellen Lee</i></span><br />
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Lastly, speeches at weddings can sometimes be a bit drawn out and sappy. I was specifically instructed by my future mother-in-law to ensure there wasn't many and that they were all short. Well, that was <i>after</i> I requested both my groomsmen and best man to give a speech - oops! Concerned, I urged and reminded them to keep it short and light-hearted. It didn't help when they told me how many pages they had at the reception hall! I was worried. Yet, once the speeches started, it was a continuum of non-stop laughter. Literally, all of them had the audience in stitches, including Anita and I. They all spoke about my passion for paddling, but threw in a healthy dose of ridicule, sarcasm and jokes my way. I found out later, everyone that followed the first speech was worried how they were going to measure up to the previous one, but in fact, they honestly just got better! Even when it got to Anita's turn to hear it from her sister's, it didn't stop. We were in tears. It certainly was the highlight of the reception, so much so that I was approached by many afterwards and told they were the best wedding speeches ever. Not surprisingly, the wedding speeches <i>were</i> longer than expected, but when my mother-in-law came by afterwards and told me the speeches were terrific, I knew I was off the hook!</div>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><i>The speeches were the highlight of the reception.</i></span><br />
<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><i>We couldn't stop laughing!</i></span><br />
<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><i>Photo: Anice Wong </i></span><br />
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The day finally ended just before midnight. We were tired, but it was a good tired. There was a warm fuzzy feeling inside of us and we were basking in the afterglow. It certainly was a very long day with all the extra travel, but every bit of it was totally worth it. Everything and everyone came together when it counted, and like a tough canoe trip, we worked through everything and came out of it with unforgettable experiences and memories. The dream had actually come true.<br />
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A canoe wedding - who would have ever thought?<br />
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<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><i>Canoe cookies for our guest. As you can guess, Anita and</i></span><br />
<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><i> her father were very busy baking!</i></span><br />
<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><i>Photo: Ellen Lee</i></span><br />
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<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><i>The ornamental canoes were more popular</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><i>than the centrepieces!</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><i>Photo: Anice Wong</i></span></div>
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Any wedding, let alone a canoe wedding wouldn't be possible without the help and assistance of many people. Anita and I want to especially thank those that made this unique wedding possible.</div>
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<span style="color: purple;"><i><b>Mike Armstrong, <a href="http://www.ontarioparks.com/english/awen.html" target="_blank">Awenda Provincial Park</a></b></i></span></div>
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- Mike's advice and support, including recommending Kettle Lake, which sealed the deal</div>
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- to park staff we dealt with and even those that cleaned up before the wedding</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-MFZJL4BnOnoGV3oLTktiCsFoo5OxwIcdAXaH-7Rx0h_WyQ9Tai0BRq6qfWfmqXEFWD-hU0AIyFloIVDx2QnGlZSAlUEykHoexAcKziYKQ0iDprXo40TrCutIa9yS0ZW-bnTv1ZPYYxU/s1600/AnitaDavid_110.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-MFZJL4BnOnoGV3oLTktiCsFoo5OxwIcdAXaH-7Rx0h_WyQ9Tai0BRq6qfWfmqXEFWD-hU0AIyFloIVDx2QnGlZSAlUEykHoexAcKziYKQ0iDprXo40TrCutIa9yS0ZW-bnTv1ZPYYxU/s400/AnitaDavid_110.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><i>Photo: Anice Wong</i></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><i><b>Many Alcaide, <a href="http://metatelemediagroup.com/" target="_blank">Meta Telemedia Group</a></b></i></span></div>
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- a friend who unfortunately couldn't be there, but generously provided the sound system</div>
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<i><b><span style="color: purple;">Kelly McDowell, <a href="http://www.completepaddler.ca/" target="_blank">The Complete Paddler</a></span></b></i></div>
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- who provided the mini gift-accepting-canoe and some paddles</div>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><i>Photo: Ellen Lee</i></span><br />
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<i><b><span style="color: purple;">Reverend Gerry McMillan</span></b></i><br />
- for officiating over our marriage and accepting the unique circumstances that came with it<br />
- incorporating an element of canoeing in our vows, that spoke to the paddler in all of us<br />
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<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><i>Photo: Anice Wong</i></span><br />
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<span style="color: purple;"><i><b><a href="http://www.paddleshack.ca/muskoka/" target="_blank">The Paddle Shack</a> 'Boys' - Jay, Chris & Brett</b></i></span></div>
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- the 'sternsmen' for the wedding procession, you guys were the anchor! </div>
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- for providing their beautiful line of <a href="http://www.paddleshack.ca/muskoka/canoes/alchemist.php" target="_blank">Alchemist</a> canoes for the ceremony including paddles & life jackets</div>
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- Chris allowing us to use his gorgeous cedar canvas canoe, a 1928 Peterborough Champlain</div>
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- the "Just Married" paddle created by Jay & his mom</div>
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- supplying us the popular ornamental canoes<br />
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<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><i>Photo: Anice Wong</i></span><br />
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And lastly, to all my canoe tripping friends. Without all of you, this canoe wedding wouldn't have been possible!<br />
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Thank you all from the bottom of our hearts!<br />
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<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><i>Photo: Anice Wong</i></span><br />
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<i><b>With love and gratitude,</b></i><br />
<i><b>David & Anita</b></i></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><i>And as they say,....the rest is history!</i></span><br />
<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><i>Photo: Anice Wong</i></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12051904216248267432noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4450990332312585983.post-65036920103179051112013-02-19T23:46:00.000-05:002013-02-20T06:38:10.339-05:00I'm Finally Back<br />
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<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><i>Two of four canoes around the house. Why the wheelbarrow?</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><i>To the stop the dog from constantly peeing </i></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><i>on my canoe! Sigh!</i></span></div>
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I hope everyone has been keeping well. I've been MIA for quite some time, and I apologize to all of you that have patiently been waiting. Lots has happened since my last post, but unfortunately not in regards to canoeing. Since we moved into our new house prior to the wedding, we've had lots to do in order to get settled - which meant unpacking, hanging things, fixing stuff, endless cleaning, moving furniture, re-moving furniture, buying things, and returning things. Talking about returning things, I've never returned so much things in my life! Our main bathroom has had half a dozen mirror changes because it didn't look right, and even when we finally found the one, it had to be returned due to a crack in the frame! Go figure!</div>
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We've accomplished quite a bit, but there's still more to do. I've yet to unpack all my camping gear, which I confess to having too much of, so that is my winter project. I've already been instructed by my wife to unclutter/dispose of excess gear, which I agreed to do as well - sigh. (Shhhh, I counted 9 tents!) In any case, the important thing is to make sure I have everything arranged so that I am set to get back to tripping this year. I thought for sure I would be suffering a severe case of withdrawal from not paddling, but surprisingly, I've managed okay. I think it was only because there was so much to do, my mind was constantly occupied with what had to get done next. I have to say, it is really nice to have our own place, but it was quickly evident how much time, money and effort that goes towards owning a home. We are finally at a place where we are somewhat comfortable and can relax a bit. There is lots of projects still in the works, but for now they can take a number. I have the rest of the my life to deal with them. (Hopefully Anita misses this post!) </div>
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Funny enough, my wife has been on my case about working on the blog. Imagine that! (You can thank her for that.) She wants me to inform all of you that my absence from the blog has nothing to do with her, but rather my preoccupation with domestic things. Well, it's time for me to get back into it. I hear it all the time about how marriage can quite often change things from the status quo, which specifically means your hobbies or favourite past times, such as canoe trips. I can see how that can be to some degree, especially if children come into play. However, Anita was well aware of my inclinations and propensity towards paddling before we tied the knot, and she says, (so far) she doesn't have any intentions in changing that. I can't love her enough for that. (I know some of you are smirking! I'll let you know again in a few years.) In any case, it is great to be back and I look forward to sharing paddling stories with all of you! </div>
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Cheers, </div>
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David</div>
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PS. On a funny note, one of our neighbours made a remark about how many canoes were laying around the house. </div>
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Little do they know!</div>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><i>Many of you want to know about our canoe wedding and</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><i>how it turned out. That will be my next post!</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: red; font-size: x-small;"><i>Photo: Anice Wong</i></span></div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12051904216248267432noreply@blogger.com11tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4450990332312585983.post-39868662963477168272012-09-25T00:11:00.000-04:002012-09-25T08:29:32.082-04:00The Day After<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidYPYiyz7PoLZw7ig71kk2HK1tp-4nDlwfVrSUncxYLKzqwRNkElvcWDOL6fMBUPxOfNVzMeXIvDZxZsC3tET5k3gVSZMmOPE1y0NiCb42pxt_Lg6A_ZrMcE9xWpL93fdK9htKEN3Bibs/s1600/IMG_0168.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidYPYiyz7PoLZw7ig71kk2HK1tp-4nDlwfVrSUncxYLKzqwRNkElvcWDOL6fMBUPxOfNVzMeXIvDZxZsC3tET5k3gVSZMmOPE1y0NiCb42pxt_Lg6A_ZrMcE9xWpL93fdK9htKEN3Bibs/s400/IMG_0168.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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It's official, I'm married! And yes, we were able to pull off the canoe wedding after all! The weather leading up to the day, including the day itself was unpredictable. On our drive up, we drove through a downpour when the skies darkened all around us. My stomach was in knots. Would we be able to pull it off? We had contingency plans, but considering how much time, effort, and money was spent to execute this canoe wedding, we didn't even want to consider it. Maybe positive thinking had something to do with it? Or maybe the fact that so many people were praying for a nice day. Either way, it turned out to be the most beautiful day for a canoe wedding!</div>
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It's the day after and I'm sick in bed aching, coughing, and stuffed up. I think the stress of everything has finally taken its toll. Despite the relief and thrill that everything worked out amazing at the wedding, I guess my body finally said enough. So instead of heading off on a honeymoon canoe trip, I am recovering at home. Actually, we both are, as Anita's toe was confirmed broken. So any notion of a honeymoon canoe trip was over awhile ago, sigh. No problem, we are just thrilled and happy everything worked out as planned, so for now, we are just going to stay home to recoup and relax.</div>
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I will have more to share in regards to the wedding later on. I don't have any pictures to share, because for once in my life, people were taking pictures of me rather than the other way around! Anyhow, based on feedback and the amazing comments I received, I am looking forward to the pictures with much anticipation as all of you! For now, I'm going to grab another tea and head to bed - with my wife!</div>
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Cheers,</div>
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tPP</div>
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12051904216248267432noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4450990332312585983.post-29084812203433227002012-09-14T00:03:00.001-04:002012-09-14T00:05:34.448-04:00Reflections Before The Big Day<br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i>10 more days to go before we 'paddle down the aisle'. Beside</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i> rings, we are planning to exchange </i></span><i style="color: #cc0000;">paddles too!</i></span></div>
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<i style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Hoping for good weather!</span></i></div>
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I've been going non-stop with packing, dealing with lawyers (yes, plural), moving multiple times, visiting banks, wedding invitations problems, lack of funds (universal problem?), wedding plans, fees, deposits, lack of sleep, conditional closing dates,....the list goes on. I think you get the idea. I don't want to sound like a whiner, because many of you have experienced similar trying times and situations before a wedding, but those that know about our headaches, agree that ours are certainly more 'unique' and stressful.</div>
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I decided to take a break from working on the wedding speech and blog. It's funny how writing can be therapeutic and relaxing when you don't feel pressure and just write what's on your mind - like now. I've been thinking about my upcoming marriage and the parallels to canoe tripping. It's ironic how many similarities there are and the wisdom that can be gleaned from it.</div>
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I think it is apparent I love the outdoors. I've participated in many outdoor activities and have narrowed it down through the years to canoeing, why? Some of the answers are obvious, like the fact our country is a network of waterways that is best suited to explore and travel by canoe. But delve a bit deeper and you'll find I also enjoy canoeing because it is an activity that requires 2 people. Something about paddling, portaging, and experiencing the outdoors together gives me an innate and deep sense of satisfaction and appreciation. </div>
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The canoe was conceived with 2 seats in mind and therefore is a vessel that is ideally propelled by 2 individuals. As we all know, each paddlers action or inaction affects the way the canoe behaves and therefore is crucial for both paddlers to work together in sync. To some degree, both paddlers can compensate for the other when things are not going perfectly, but ultimately, there are inefficiencies which can lead to other problems and issues. Doesn't this sound much like marriage?</div>
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The more I think about it, canoe tripping is like a life lesson in marriage. Any 2 persons that commit to a canoe trip is putting a lot on the line, especially if it is a long one. You are basically going to be fairly close to the other person for an extended period, and if you don't jive well, the trip is going to be a challenge to enjoy. Ultimately, the whole trip is going to be an exercise in compromise and relationship building. I know I've heard many people say how important it is to be an individual, (and it is) but when you're committing yourself to be close to someone for the long term, you have to compromise. It is a necessary component of a relationship. I can guarantee, if you are bull-headed and individualistic, there is little chance you'll find willing canoe partners, let alone meaningful long term relationships. Sure there are exceptions, but either one person is doing all the compromising or both are tolerating - sounds like a great relationship to me!<br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i>Ornaments like these should lend well to</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i>the canoe wedding theme!</i></span><br />
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Canoe trips, like life has many ups and downs. How often do you have a perfect canoe trip, let alone see couples living perfectly in harmony. The vagaries of a canoe trip parallel those we experience in life, except due to the shorter time frame, things are often amplified, especially if you head out on a whitewater trip! Therefore, there is many similarities and parallels that can be transferred either from a canoe trip to life, or vice versa. Personally, I think canoe tripping is the ideal model for a partnership. I find it immensely satisfying when you work together with your partner to accomplish a goal. Some people may find dependence a weakness, but I certainly don't. It is an true and honest assessment of ourselves. (How often are we brave enough to admit that?) This bit of humility often goes a long way in helping to acknowledge the value of a partner and allow people to bond.</div>
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I've paddled with many people in my short lifetime and hope to paddle with many more in the future. But what I'm really looking forward to is this 'ultimate canoe trip' with my friend and partner Anita. All my life's lesson both on and off the water have boiled down to this big day, when I will be paddling the rest of my life with this person. Whether or not we are the perfect paddling partners is irrelevant. More importantly, we are the perfect partners to live the rest of our lives giving, sharing, experiencing and creating a lifetime worth of memories - which include actual canoe trips!</div>
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Now, if I can just get away on one!</div>
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Cheers,</div>
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tPP<br />
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<span style="color: #cc0000;">UPDATE:</span><br />
Just when you think things couldn't get worse, it does. It looks like Anita may have broken her baby toe while we were moving. (I reminded her that door posts are usually stationary.) Yup, it's swelling up nicely and turning a myriad of colours, and of course she is hobbling and in pain. Sigh. At least she isn't walking down the aisle! When we get to land, I guess I could always 'portage' her!<br />
Hoping for the best, considering!<br />
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Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12051904216248267432noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4450990332312585983.post-17602440507251930442012-08-11T15:21:00.000-04:002012-08-12T06:12:34.294-04:00Mid-Summer Crisis<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3viKMQpvFzkKn8sr7EPS9c0rgGVVtf37RHVk9WoQxANdtgGMlEzTCSEJX9HNIUQcQ42Gi4M2gnvZhcUJeEy3v3YzNOcxiRbUwZCgRTTNNu1GEcQjV2JDNpnNvWeANXuh7nP3zhl1xeps/s1600/IMG_0139.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3viKMQpvFzkKn8sr7EPS9c0rgGVVtf37RHVk9WoQxANdtgGMlEzTCSEJX9HNIUQcQ42Gi4M2gnvZhcUJeEy3v3YzNOcxiRbUwZCgRTTNNu1GEcQjV2JDNpnNvWeANXuh7nP3zhl1xeps/s400/IMG_0139.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i>Ess Narrows: The familiar public access</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i> point to Dollars Lake</i></span></div>
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The summer is whipping by and it is already pass the halfway mark. At this moment, I am writing under a tarp (due to rain) on the shores of Smoky Lake. The normal course of events this summer has been anything but expected for Anita and I. Like most everyone, I assume people make plans and see to it that it pans out. Of course there are always glitches and unexpected events which throw you for a loop, but naturally you just deal with it and move on. Occasionally, things really go haywire and you are at a loss of what to do.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8e3uEqwZ43DftX2tfFadEPHREQFE5o4_fz8ga6simlppD_MC-412An6gLp-o3mVRoqxddejtgFPwPIqxgDB7Fjm4o4BntHU80diDZvxvBzqeRwTEgT3BHVf5ij6WrQBYkSmVNgV5kDL0/s1600/IMG_9582.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8e3uEqwZ43DftX2tfFadEPHREQFE5o4_fz8ga6simlppD_MC-412An6gLp-o3mVRoqxddejtgFPwPIqxgDB7Fjm4o4BntHU80diDZvxvBzqeRwTEgT3BHVf5ij6WrQBYkSmVNgV5kDL0/s400/IMG_9582.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<i style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">Snug under a tarp on the shores of Smoky Lake -</span></i><br />
<i style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">perfect time to read, write, and relax.</span></i><br />
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As all of you know, Anita and I are to get married this fall. With that in mind, we had plans in place for things to go rather smoothly. Well, it's been anything but. The wedding is one thing, but we also had to deal with an unplanned move, (actually multiple moves) selling, buying a house, being without a home for a undetermined amount of time, financial headaches, and even dealing with family. Our lives have literally been turned upside down. We were on the verge of scrapping the wedding altogether due to all the uncertainly and stress, but in the end, we decided to persevere and still see the canoe wedding through. Despite it all, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Much like glimpsing a flash of blue through the trees on a long tough portage, we know it will all end soon.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhWnA_AtDJNK02w4kCmyGNXWlgTQ8AbXyXII5eGIWp501sXxFovDCwHGtLNcqtxpwDf9ZcWhcT81t9w4UCduul54vlpwD3crmg26yUt4M4hk3Uss5TUduvUsaPiUIwKrpS7J9yEc8IaqY/s1600/IMG_9735.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhWnA_AtDJNK02w4kCmyGNXWlgTQ8AbXyXII5eGIWp501sXxFovDCwHGtLNcqtxpwDf9ZcWhcT81t9w4UCduul54vlpwD3crmg26yUt4M4hk3Uss5TUduvUsaPiUIwKrpS7J9yEc8IaqY/s400/IMG_9735.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i>The Stare Down: Ironic that later on in the trip, we did</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i>get to stare down a moose that was alive!</i></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM2ogMHkAyV_OqACdTDiQfw3KnLlZUguqJkGPsqLephwB1cRQq4HUpLXWpbCeyZZRN493KqRMon1Y1-GM6P2MoLQRTh5Qa5_CbYbwCx2RzL4CeH0V8CCallihyphenhyphenKXpBwAv_TcaL2D843Yk/s1600/IMG_9727.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM2ogMHkAyV_OqACdTDiQfw3KnLlZUguqJkGPsqLephwB1cRQq4HUpLXWpbCeyZZRN493KqRMon1Y1-GM6P2MoLQRTh5Qa5_CbYbwCx2RzL4CeH0V8CCallihyphenhyphenKXpBwAv_TcaL2D843Yk/s400/IMG_9727.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i>Remains of the moose were everywhere, not just bones.</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i>"Oh, here's some ribs and the lower jaw!"</i></span><br />
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Of course with all this going on, our original summer plans have unexpectedly been thrown into total disarray. Anita and I had actually set aside time for canoe trips together this summer, but they have been altered considerably. Anita already missed out on one big trip to the Mississagi River due to illness, and our other big trip has been cancelled due to our move. We had one other trip which we were supposed to take at the end of July, which I was going to cancel as well, but Anita kiboshed that idea. She wouldn't be denied missing all her summer canoe trips! (I'm pretty sure I found the right woman!) So, what was supposed to </div>
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be 10 days away, changed to 8, for issues at home, then shorten again to 5 to deal with wedding matters. We thought we'd never make it out, but thankfully we finally did.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHQ-Xcbsoovm1PlmCdvYl9pNPlIWEz5rZv0dwJMOqutea8bl5RiAwJJm9-P6kCmgrrskXDGc63c8tqHco6DoQC85laVWqlpxefjdl4-zZmpgwttHCvqMdbybFd7cu-htoVJFYdF_WcRdI/s1600/IMG_9550.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHQ-Xcbsoovm1PlmCdvYl9pNPlIWEz5rZv0dwJMOqutea8bl5RiAwJJm9-P6kCmgrrskXDGc63c8tqHco6DoQC85laVWqlpxefjdl4-zZmpgwttHCvqMdbybFd7cu-htoVJFYdF_WcRdI/s400/IMG_9550.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i>Dollar Lake: When you're not in a rush to get to camp, you can</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i>take time to stop and explore nooks and crannies.</i></span><br />
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Going away with pressing matters back home is hard because your mind is not at ease. However, Anita and I surprisingly didn't even broach the subject once - its as if we both knew. We honestly left all our worries behind. I'm so happy that I agreed to Anita's <strike>demand</strike> request to still go on a canoe trip, because we both really needed it. It helped to ease not only our minds, but our physical being as well. And really, what's better than a relaxing canoe trip?</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht1NTUcn7BEYFQgY9wQ9AuqXLZYxBYTT5_5OQYYL0RIJ7NBDLm_sdm3FSNybNJLKN2aGUSdsdFXFKM0cPrqgDJul4ijiwiBckfZksLPACMWyeg6sXOYQvHqHWZtKcH_1V6kXCVr1MEs1o/s1600/IMG_9912.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEht1NTUcn7BEYFQgY9wQ9AuqXLZYxBYTT5_5OQYYL0RIJ7NBDLm_sdm3FSNybNJLKN2aGUSdsdFXFKM0cPrqgDJul4ijiwiBckfZksLPACMWyeg6sXOYQvHqHWZtKcH_1V6kXCVr1MEs1o/s400/IMG_9912.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i>Mud Lake: An unfair connotation to a lake we</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i>found stunning and beautiful.</i></span><br />
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We spent five days paddling through crown land, exploring a chain of lakes in the Noganosh Lakes area. I've been to this area years ago, but only made it down to Smoky Lake since the group I was leading had had enough paddling and wanted to take advantage of the good fishing on that lake. I promised myself then to come back in the future and see the rest of the area. So here I am, back on Smoky Lake on the morning of day two, waiting for the rain to abate so that we can head out. Nonetheless, it was the perfect time to write as I have so little of it back home.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYRNEGlHe6miaQePO-vJlmbl-WRhUn_q-YXCOCCQ0sYG5joclz6lg5ad8zveK7EGL3WgOJcdfqK7l97cRMGg7Tsv9DxU7N8U0qb-hixbBWA78_lk39NBw2ac5iEyPze983dwb0yJdu4S4/s1600/IMG_0061.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhYRNEGlHe6miaQePO-vJlmbl-WRhUn_q-YXCOCCQ0sYG5joclz6lg5ad8zveK7EGL3WgOJcdfqK7l97cRMGg7Tsv9DxU7N8U0qb-hixbBWA78_lk39NBw2ac5iEyPze983dwb0yJdu4S4/s400/IMG_0061.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i>What's a trip without some adventure. Anita trying</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i>to find footing on uneven ground. </i></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizCzwDpX6rzNdWKdKN3DI-pvabeo_PHiZSGtRb3g_NJlg4GeI5o2g7H-wQYwrAY9vOTMXTE4OufrccPOaXdwM2knuNQkAL2mAmPup1duzWJc6I_NnI0Dg_N6LZl74lkunngW7vMhpQgXw/s1600/IMGP0035.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizCzwDpX6rzNdWKdKN3DI-pvabeo_PHiZSGtRb3g_NJlg4GeI5o2g7H-wQYwrAY9vOTMXTE4OufrccPOaXdwM2knuNQkAL2mAmPup1duzWJc6I_NnI0Dg_N6LZl74lkunngW7vMhpQgXw/s400/IMGP0035.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i>This 400M portage swallowed us up, almost </i></span><i style="color: #cc0000;">encompassing</i></span><br />
<i style="color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> the canoe as well. Not used much?!</span></i><br />
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We spent time exploring a chain of lakes in the area, - Noganosh, Last, Mud and John Lake. It was pretty relaxing, except for the fact we had to deal with headwind almost everyday. (Anita claims I have something to do with that!?) Other than the odd fishermen, it was surprisingly devoid of paddlers. Although, we did meet a few nice people. Tim, with his dog Goldwater, paddled into Smoky Lake with us. He was coming to fish, and he didn't leave disappointed. (Anita chastised me for not bringing a fishing rod!) We also met a family from Liverpool (now living in Canada) that was day-tripping in the area and paddled with us into </div>
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John Lake. We ended up portaging together through an overgrown and underused trail back to Last Lake, which was amusing as you could barely see the tops of the canoes! It was no epic trip for sure, but it was a great for us - to relax, reconnect, and regroup before heading back home to chaos.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiavlBU5i71ovgfhvIWSPAjimSe3irIXM0LJwkOkvQPfQWsoduC4WjbtGCyhJl9YKJ9f7rUTBCVyJ7SaNiXg5VwGRAy5IqPBTKDyBaOa2WUSMVrQekAMpMzDGf1NimK3yJ-mypDY5bU2zI/s1600/IMG_9621.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiavlBU5i71ovgfhvIWSPAjimSe3irIXM0LJwkOkvQPfQWsoduC4WjbtGCyhJl9YKJ9f7rUTBCVyJ7SaNiXg5VwGRAy5IqPBTKDyBaOa2WUSMVrQekAMpMzDGf1NimK3yJ-mypDY5bU2zI/s400/IMG_9621.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i>GH + EH engraved their initials at this campsite in</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i>Aug '86. Wow, almost 26 years to the</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i>date. Wonder where they</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i> are now?</i></span><br />
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We will soon be without many of our personal things in the next little while, as we are going to temporarily live with a friend. We are going to cope as best as we can, but it is going to be tough. I will do my best to update with plans for the canoe wedding, but no guarantees. My next writing assignment will be the wedding speech. It's about 6 weeks to go and boy do we still have lots to do before then. Hope you are all doing well, enjoying the summer and getting out paddling!</div>
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Cheers,</div>
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tSPP (S=stressed!)<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCCJpOOZQMJSb_Wa9CaeG-0Q8GoQn0iUFEwVeQg5d3ERMfiI0lMahbaHX5C11wc8YGYC9DskqVg0G5STLKW8M9rsohn_iFsK9yet2Wk0UXf-wN7_5xHb0inIRG4-USyv8pSuyqUPU4gSE/s1600/IMG_9791.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhCCJpOOZQMJSb_Wa9CaeG-0Q8GoQn0iUFEwVeQg5d3ERMfiI0lMahbaHX5C11wc8YGYC9DskqVg0G5STLKW8M9rsohn_iFsK9yet2Wk0UXf-wN7_5xHb0inIRG4-USyv8pSuyqUPU4gSE/s400/IMG_9791.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i>I, (we) are always rejuvenated and refreshed by our time on</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i>trips. We took inspiration from this one to refocus</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i>and persevere through our</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i>trying time.</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i>.</i></span><br />
<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i><br /></i></span>
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<br /></div>Anonymoushttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12051904216248267432noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4450990332312585983.post-5669548386977766282012-07-25T20:38:00.000-04:002012-08-19T08:57:53.829-04:00Queen Elizabeth What?!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj71-qHwLYX1ib9Ec51v0oJhM35K_qNoIROjuhELu23q3vUNpsbWTsoSBnWWCRSPmfN9dbLZsmcnHztyfxNdYz_9__vumVhSJnMT8zD699oPWhNf_168RLJ2Bl6awpzTSni86_ZSmSXhig/s1600/IMG_8082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj71-qHwLYX1ib9Ec51v0oJhM35K_qNoIROjuhELu23q3vUNpsbWTsoSBnWWCRSPmfN9dbLZsmcnHztyfxNdYz_9__vumVhSJnMT8zD699oPWhNf_168RLJ2Bl6awpzTSni86_ZSmSXhig/s400/IMG_8082.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i>Intrigued by this piece of wilderness? Here's a small </i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i> peek of this southern Ontario park</i></span></div>
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I don't understand the logic of naming a large tract of Ontario wilderness after a monarch. It was supposed to be some Conservative (political party) promise, but come on, the correlation? In fact, the only part of the name that has any relevance is "Wildlands", but even that is a stretch, as many parts of this unmaintained park is dotted with boats, cabins, and even float planes. In any case, leave it to the politicians to do something that doesn't make sense. Now the rest of us have to rattle off the awkward park name when speaking about it. Queen Elizabeth Two Wildlands Provincial Park, got it? Yeah sure.</div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i>The Queen Elizabeth 2 Wildlands is characterized </i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i> by wide swaths of marshlands,... </i></span></div>
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Now that I got that out of my system, I can talk a little bit about what the park is actually like, since I spent six days paddling through there. The park is unmaintained as yet, and therefore still probably not in the condition it will finally be in when it's officially operating. I left the trip with mixed feelings, but despite my reservations, I still plan to head back there again. There isn't close to as many canoe routes as let say Killarney or Algonquin, but the park has real potential. Being the second largest park south of Algonquin, (after the Kawarthas Highlands), and a landscape that is interconnected with ribbons of blue, a topo map and curiosity is all that is needed to make your own adventure there.</div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i>...punctuated by sporadic up-thrusts of granite.</i></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white;">I heard about this paddling destination often in passing and by accident, but never took it seriously until this year. While working at the Outdoor Adventure Show, I briefly spoke to park superintendent Tamara Flannigan that oversees the broad area which includes the QE2W. (That's my short form now.) She gave me a little information on the park and some possible routes, which she was able to cram onto a small sticky note that even included a map she drew. When I finally decided to head there, I requested some more info from a follower of my blog who'd been there. (Thanks Adrian) He sent me an email which included a link to a site explorethebackcountry.com that even had a google map with info on portages and campsites! I printed the topos of the area and proceeded to overlay the info from their site to my maps before heading out. (Thanks to Brad and Wayne Jennings of explorethebackcountry.com)</span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i>An over abundance of aquatic vegetation and low water levels</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i>often made route finding challenging</i></span></div>
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All the routes in the QE2W park are pretty much there and back. Although in time, based on the topography, I'm pretty sure someone will loop some of the routes together. Anyhow, the routes themselves are not too long, nor are the portages, so my plan was see every route that had been mapped or marked out in the park so far. But as you may have surmised from the last post, it didn't go as planned. First off, the water levels were very low. Many of the interconnecting routes are through creeks, marshes, bogs and ponds. Let's just say those ribbons of blue were very very thin to almost non-existent. There was a disproportionate amount of hauling, heaving and grunting instead of paddling. Secondly, some of the portages are easy to find, but others, didn't even seem to exist. The low water levels didn't help either as the take-out or put-in's were not normally where they would have been. My experience with locating portages certainly helped and ultimately I did always manage to find a way through, but they weren't always ideal. Although admittedly, sometimes they were actually better.</div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i>Survey tape found along the portage</i></span></div>
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<i style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">helped to guide the way</span></i></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i>Occasionally we found rock cairns too</i></span></div>
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Brad and Wayne Jennings from explorethebackcountry.com should be applauded for their efforts to open up routes by marking the portages with survey tape, but they forgot one major thing. They did it in early spring when there was no foliage or new growth. Come summer, most, if not all signs were obscured or covered. Even when you did find a marker, you couldn't find the next one. Secondly, we are all different in our route finding abilities, so naturally my choice of travel which I thought was ideal, was not what Brad and Wayne chose. So as you can see, an inordinate amount of time was spent trying to find a way through, besides clearing the brush as we went. </div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i>Often this was what we had to work with in trying to find a way through</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i>Can you see the survey tape - you can't from further back.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i>How about a trail? Don't think so!</i></span></div>
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And let me tell you about the bush. I don't know if it has to do with this particular region, but like I mentioned in the last post, the profusion of vegetation in this park was incredible. I often felt like I was in a rain forest! I don't ever recall seeing so many shades of green. It was all very beautiful and healthy-looking, but the downside was trying to navigate your way through. We were often waist to chest deep in greenery. My saw was most inappropriate for this, other than a few downed trees that we had to clear. We really should have had bypass pruners or clippers instead to deal with all the vegetation!</div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i>The combination of heat, humidity and the profusion of</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i>greenery made me believe I was in the tropics!</i></span></div>
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So dealing with low water levels and route-finding, combine that with brutal heat and humidity, (Did I mention deer flies?) you can see how the the rate of travel slowed right down to a crawl. Anita asked me a couple times about the rationale of pushing ahead, which was certainly valid, however, being one to not easily give up, we still did. One phrase I think I ingrained in her head was, "It will eventually open up", as we pushed on ahead. Thankfully, each and every time, it did. Phew, I didn't want to tarnish my reputation!</div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i>Taking a much needed break to rehydrate and down some</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i> bars before heading </i></span><i style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000;">out through another stretch</i></span></div>
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<i style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> of barely-paddleable marsh</span></i></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i>An unmaintained park means sometimes you have to provide</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i>the 'maintenance' yourself to get through!</i></span></div>
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During our trip, at times I felt totally isolated - far from anyone or anything. A lot of the campsites have fire pits with hardly any charred wood to show in it. Unlike Temagami with its known network of portages and First Nations inhabitants, was there similar travellers here? Or were they ambitious fishermen/hunters and I am just romanticizing about historical inhabitants in the area. In any case, it really felt good to be here, like I was in some lost paradise. The only downside is that it is never too far from signs of modern man. Cabins were found in many waterways and along portages. Aluminum boats were frequently found at the start and end of portages. We even witnessed several float planes landing and taking off! I could only fool myself for so long. As much as these things disrupted my sense of wilderness, surprisingly, I still enjoyed being there. </div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i>We weren't the only ones that enjoyed this place. We found</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i>this plaque at the</i></span><i style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000;"> base of a concrete dam.</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i>SHM</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i>SOAR WITH THE EAGLES -</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i>MARK TIME WITH THE ANGELS, FOR</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i>HEAVEN IS WHERE WE'LL MEET</i></span></div>
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<span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: x-small;"><i>6-8-25 5-10-90</i></span></div>
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One of the real charms of this park is that there are numerous bodies of water linked together by some sort of water. If you are adventurous and have a map/GPS, this could be the key to creating your own isolated, out-of-the-way route/campsite. Who knows what may happen or change when the park starts being maintained, but for now, if you don't mind roughing it a bit, or finding your own way, there is much to discover and enjoy in this southern Ontario park. Despite everything that happened on my trip, it certainly captured enough of our hearts, that Anita and I plan to definitely head back there again!</div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><i>Will we head back to this park - definitely. </i></span><i style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000;">Was it all worth it -</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><i style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000;"> you bet. </i><i style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000;">At least you won't forget the name!</i></span></div>
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<i style="background-color: white; color: #cc0000;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">QE2WPP</span></i></div>
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Hope you've all been out paddling and enjoying</div>
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the incredibly hot weather!</div>
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Cheers,</div>
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tPP</div>
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