Back Out In A Canoe!

The wait was painfully long, but glad to head out

on a canoe trip again!

I haven't posted on the blog lately as I was away on several canoe trips. (finally!) Its always hard to readjust to civilization when you come back from a big trip like the Bloodvein, so you look forward with much anticipation to the next one to reclaim your sanity and peace of mind. The prospects looked good with multiple trips planned for September, however it unfolded in the most unexpected way.

Paddling with new people means doing, learning and trying

different things, - like this delicious breakfast!

Initially I was overwhelmed with several request to paddle with different people. I was wondering how I would or could manage to paddle with everyone. With four trips lined up with different groups of people, in the end none of them panned out!!! I'm not joking!! (and no, I'm not upset) From car accidents, to wrongs dates to even a surprise trip to Scotland, they all fell apart. But in the end, it didn't mean I didn't get to go, it just meant some last minute changes to the trip! (Like hell I would stay home!)

The coloration and pattern on this baby

Milk Snake is gorgeous!

Thankfully Becky was okay with holding this fellow so I

could get some nice pics. What a beauty!

In mid September I headed to the Kawarthas with a new paddling friend, Becky. Despite canoeing all her life, she only paddled local rivers close to her home in Kitchener and Canada's canoe mecca, Algonquin Provincial Park. I immediately decided that I had to burst her 'bubble' and introduce her to greener pastures on the other side of the fence. Well when the trip ended, it came as a big relief when she acknowledged that she had a great time and was grateful to paddle in the Kawarthas. Known for its many lakes, marshlands, and its characteristic pink granite outcrops that add such uniqueness and beauty to the landscape, what's not to like? Now more curious than ever, she is now looking forward to paddling other great destinations our province has to offer. Glad I could do that, and yeah, okay, I'll take a bit of credit for popping that Algonquin 'bubble'!

I could say 'adorable' too, but this fellow let me know

it didn't want us around. The Stinkpot Turtle

is a threatened species.

Besides enjoying the weather and scenery on the trip, we got to experience some unique wildlife. Especially when Becky found a baby Milk Snake and I found a Stinkpot Turtle. Both are odd names, but only one has substance to back it up. The milk in the Milk Snake name was totally based on myth. People thought these snakes sucked milk out of a cow's udder since they were often found in barns! The main reason they were there was because of the rodents, not the cows. As to the Stinkpot Turtle, the name is more than justified. When this turtle feels threatened, it releases a foul odour to protect itself. I don't know about me looking or being all that threatening, (must have been Becky!), but trust me, we found out pretty quickly why its named as such! After taking a few pictures, we gladly let it go its merry way!

It's coming whether we like it or not!

Lastly, canoeing in the Kawarthas is free since it is predominantly crown land. Unfortunately, (well depends on how you look at it?) changes have steadily been taking place. I've noticed in the last year that signs have been going up, - like portage signs, camp site signs and even bathrooms signs. Now include picnic tables, fire rings and thunderboxes and you have the makings of a newly formed park. Yes, that's right, the Kawarthas Highland Signature Site Park, - what a mouthful! There was signs all over the place to indicate that by next year May, anyone paddling in the Kawarthas will now have to pay. I have mixed feeling about this happening, but regardless of what I think, I figured I should share this information with my readers. Nevertheless, its still no reason not to paddle this wonderful place! Just ask Becky!

Cheers,

tPP

Now who in their right mind would not want to paddle here!

Even if you have to pay, its definitely worth it!

Kindred Spirit - Too Close To Home

Outdoor pursuits such as canoeing has been known to

elevate people to a higher place.

Being a canoehead, I quite often notice and pay attention to canoe related things. Whether books, gear, paddling magazines or even websites. (obviously) Even the topic of canoes or trips gets me all excited as I then quite often get verbal diarrhea! So its a no brainer that it's like a natural reaction of mine or an extension of my personality.

Call it a fatal attraction, canoeing is that to some people.

Without it, its like life lacks energy, purpose

or meaning. It's that important.

One day at work when I headed to our staff room to have lunch, I noticed the usual scattering of magazines and newspapers on the table. Most times I don't even bother because I usually have my own stuff to read. However, what caught my attention was a small picture of a guy in a canoe. As I picked up the magazine, I realized it was a recent edition of MacLean's. I guess someone else had read it and left it open on that page - if not, I would have never even noticed it.

Curious about the article, I read the title, - it was the fellow's full name, including his middle name. And right above, just like the inscription on a tombstone was the year of his birth and death! Oh,...that's not good I thought. So now a bit apprehensive, I read the short intro below the title. "He loved canoeing, and could be seen portaging through suburban streets to get to the river. 'He always wanted to see what was around the bend.'" I knew just from that I already liked him; I continued reading.

My car has often been identified at work with a canoe on the roof.

A fellow from the IT department shot this with his

Blackberry, and sent it to me titled "One

CanoeHead Spotted!!"

Photo: Cameron Gonsalves

I soon forgot about lunch as I became totally absorbed in this short one page article. What became clear was that this fellow by the name of Michael Craig Robinson, fell in love with canoeing, much like myself. Here was a guy that I could see many similarities and feel a kindred spirit. While reading I was mesmerized and understood his passion. He was often spotted at work with his canoe on his roof just like I frequently do. He read many books pertaining to nature, the environment and history like I have. He even missed an important event, like his graduation to go canoeing. I've been guilty on more than one occasion for similar types of offences!

What kind of books did you expect to find in my room?

Sure, I'm probably reading (excuse the pun) too much into this. There are probably dozens of other people that can relate to Mike like I did. However, it doesn't take away from the fact that a promising individual who cared about others and shared his passion for paddling had his life cut short. So you are probably wondering what happened? Well, that's where I end my inadequacies as a writer. The article was well written by Julia Belluz and should be appreciated by actually reading it. I decided to scan it and post it below for all to read. I know its probably questionable posting this article but I have nothing to gain, (monetarily or otherwise) other than a desire to share the life of a brilliant individual who also happens to love canoeing. Here it is below. Click on the picture to enlarge it for easier reading.

All it took was a picture of a

guy in a canoe.

Sure there is no coincidence that his father died of lung cancer like my father did. Nor the fact that we are almost the same age, him being 40 and I 39. Neither is the fact that his plane crashed on July 24, which would have been the first day of his trip, somewhat like July 25, the first day of our big trip. Nevertheless, despite never meeting him, I feel a great sadness and heaviness in my heart towards this kindred spirit, - a passionate paddler. The coincidence of how and why I came to find this one article eludes me, but the similarities and irony hits too close to home. I just hope it all ends here.

My deepest condolences to his wife Tammy and their son Nolan.

Mike, rest in peace.

- from one passionate paddler to another -

Heaven, the ultimate Shangri-La must be

a dream place to paddle.

Enjoy my 'friend'.

PS. If you have a hard time reading the article,

contact me at passionatepaddler@gmail.com and I will email it to you.

The Bloodvein River - Eight Feet Up

Since when do Aspen grow in water?!! Problem is that

they don't! See the ones angling over?

Timmmmmber!

Ontario this past winter has had record low snowfall. Combine that with record high spring temperatures and little rain meant only one thing for our rivers - very low water levels. This was detrimental to my planned canoe trips this year as 2 major river trips were cancelled due to this. So when the the date for the Bloodvein River trip approached I was cautiously optimistic, especially as there also was an out of control fire burning just 100 kms east of where we were to start! The odds did not look good.

Anxious, a month before the trip I finally decided to check the government website that provides info on current water levels. To my surprise the water levels were actually very high. In fact for the week that water levels were displayed on the graph, it was higher than the maximum values and slowly on its way down! Who would have ever thought!? Relieved, I was now pretty certain that by the time we would be on the river the water levels would still be paddleable. Phew!

In this picture you can clearly see the high water level mark

on the rock face. This was evident everywhere

in varying levels.

Fast forward into the trip and we started to realize something was 'up'? At first we thought waters levels were normal as we clearly saw a distinct high water level mark. (There was clean pink granite rock approx 2-3 feet below a clear line of thick brown lichen.) Even after our second portage, our first being a short carry down to the lake from the parking lot, we immediately got our feet wet on the trail and assumed just that - a wet portage. However, when almost every portage had pools of water, mud holes, and even 'mini creeks' running through them, we knew this area wasn't experiencing any of the dry conditions further south.

The out wash and boils from some of the rapids and falls

were incredible! Lisa contemplating where

we would end up if we dumped!!

The most obviously evidence of high water levels was at the rapids. Nothing that the guidebook or information we had made sense. It seemed all of the rapids went up a notch or two in classification, with some rapids disappearing all together and even new ones being formed! The most anxious moments were when we were trying to land the canoe at the start of the portage. As most were just at the brink of the foaming whitewater, chute or falls, the unmistakable roar combined with the strong pull of the current meant paddling to the take-out was a nerve-racking affair. We thus started to search and even use high water take-outs when they were available. Occasionally even the put-ins were too risky as well, which inevitably meant portaging further, but given the option it was well worth it.

The high water levels even claimed some victims, - I mean

the boat! (I assumed there wasn't anyone in it!)

Photo: Lisa Riverin-Thomas

All of the evidence plus many more was verified one day when we paddled by a cabin with a floatplane. There was a fellow sitting by shore who had just gone swimming so we decided to paddle by and say hello. We not only found out that this is the last remaining leased cabin in Atikaki Provincial Park, but that the water levels were in fact 7-8 feet above normal levels at this time of year! He amusingly pointed out the curved tops of the handles that stuck out beside us, - it was attached to the dock below our canoe!

One of the truly amazing things that the high water levels

created was dynamic hydraulic art forms. We

called this one the Whale Tail.

The high waters levels and conditions related to it made our trip much more interesting than we'd ever expected. Some good, some bad, sometimes frustrating and other times exciting, but regardless, they all make for good stories! I can laugh at it now, but so can you when I get around writing about it!

tPP

The Bloodvein River - The Reason Behind the Name

Under these 40 foot cliffs we witnessed one of the

reasons why this river was protected.

Any word or phrase that contains the word 'blood' tends to invoke vivid imaginations or queasy thoughts. It's usually not the kind of word that brings smiles or sets a happy tone. Even Lisa's father questioned her about the sanity of paddling a river designated to be called Bloodvein, - he assumed there was a dark side to the river.

There has been many theories and suggestions as to what the name actually implies, but there is one notable feature that stands out on this river that seems to clearly define this waterway. Of course there is a morbid one too that tells about a "Blood River" from the deaths of many natives killed in battle, but it seems less likely. During our daily paddle, anywhere the rocky shoreline was exposed we frequently saw conspicuous "veins" of red granite coursing throughout it. This seems to be the most plausible reason for its name when it was first referred to as such in a Hudson's Bay Journal in 1818-19 from a Berens River Post.

Here are some examples below:

Some of the "blood veins" were small and uninspiring....

...while others totally stood out and aptly defined the

descriptive nature of the river's name!

Seeing the similarity of the red veins of granite to our vascular system, it is intriguing to imagine a time in the distant past when this red molten lava coursed through solid rock like blood in our veins. It must have been one 'hell' of a place then! Coincidentally, the veins weren't the only red things we saw on this trip. The Bloodvein River has been designated a Canadian Heritage River by both Ontario and Manitoba for its geographical, natural, and historical significance. As this river was a major trade and settlement route, the river is replete with pictographs. So much so that it is the largest collections of pictographs in Canada!

Lisa admiring some of the many unique displays

of pictographs throughout the trip.

Here is an amazing display of pictographs.

We did our best to visit each pictograph site when noted on our maps, however while some were easy to locate, others we simply couldn't find. In any case, it was amazing to see so many pictographs of various forms and figures. If only we knew what those symbols meant I'm sure it would have made the trip much more interesting. Although, we did let our imagination run loose as we even shared a few laughs about our interpretations! In respect I would never discount the notion of these pictographs being of spiritual importance, but at the same time, I've wondered if these were not the first instances of graffiti by some bored adolescent youth? I don't think anyone yet knows for certain as to the true meaning or significance of pictographs, so its still really any one's guess, - intelligent or not. (yes, mine being the latter!)

We discovered an unusual offering of tobacco at this pictograph

site. Good thing neither of us are smokers!

The trip would have been quite interesting alone with just these two notable features, but the Bloodvein has a lot more to offer that we can definitely attest to, - for better or for worse!

Trust me, lots more to come!

tPP

Home from the Bloodvein River Expedition

Surprisingly as we entered the Manitoba side of the river there

was a federal plaque honouring the Bloodvein as a

Canadian Heritage River on a campsite!

Was it really necessary?!

After 18 days on the river paddling 320 kms, plus 7 days on the road driving approx 5000 kms we are finally back home safe and sound. Phew! We had a great time on the river and the corresponding road trip but its all over now. (sigh) It's back to reality, - to house chores, bills and work. No wonder its depressing coming back home!

There is lots of stories and experiences to share from our Bloodvein trip including several unforeseen events. (What else would you'd expect from my trips?!) I always hope that my excursions into the 'wild blue yonder' plays out perfectly, but that would just make it plain vanilla. It may unfortunately be at my (our) expense, but at least it makes for some great stories!

Lisa and I are in the midst of cleaning and putting away the mountain of gear, clothes and even food from the trip. (Imagine that! We actually brought back lots of trail mix!!) Once that's done and I'm settled back at home/work, I'll try to post some stories from the trip as soon as possible. Especially since September is around the corner and you know what that means, - I'll be out paddling my favourite month of the year!

Be in touch soon!

Cheers,

tPP

Manitou Rapid was my favourite campsite. The rest day was

well worth it. It was all smiles except for one

thing,.....to come later!

Prepping for the Bloodvein River Trip

77,78, 79, and 80! Counting all the bars for the Bloodvein trip.

Its been less than 2 weeks after our return from our adventurous Kirkpatrick trip. Since then, Lisa and I have been busy getting ready for our next one, this time all the way to northwest Ontario/Manitoba to paddle the Bloodvein River. Since our fortuitous meeting almost a year ago, Lisa and I dreamed of taking a big canoe trip together. Especially as we were so compatible as a tripping team and thoroughly enjoyed the numerous shorter trips together. Late last year after choosing to paddle the Bloodvein, we slowly saw the dream turn into reality as we gathered info, obtained maps, and bought supplies. Now that the departure date has almost arrived, we are more than ecstatic!

Dehydrating vegetables for some of our meals. Its amazing how

much they shrink, but thankful for the weight savings!

Our plan is to paddle the Bloodvein in its entirety from its headwaters near Red Lake, Ontario all the way to where it flows out into Lake Winnipeg. We will cover approximately 320 km over the course of 18-19 days, paddling on a Canadian Heritage River filled with many pictograph sites, numerous runnable rapids and a slice of pristine wilderness. How can any canoeist not get excited about this? Reading past trip reports and getting information regarding the route gets us excited like little kids filled with nervous energy as we can't wait to start the trip!

The smell in the kitchen emanating from the oven and both

dehydrators were amazing! It was one heck of a

production! That's chilli in the works!

Well we are almost ready to go, still packing up some things and getting last minute errands completed. The house looked like a bit of a disaster with tripping gear all over the place including piles of food everywhere. The kitchen once felt a bit like a sauna with 2 dehydrators and the oven going simultaneously preparing our meals. (No we didn't trip the breaker!) However its the mountain of trail mix that has me worried. Lisa loves trail mix and we have 5 huge bags that weigh over 8 kg! (that's over 16 lbs!!!) Did I mention the huge bar of chocolate that weighs almost a pound as well?!! We are planning to eat well, but correspondingly burn a lot of calories carrying the stuff!

No less effort in organizing all the gear and wondering how

everything was going to fit in! (Why is there a

blow dryer hiding under the pile?!!)

Before I head off, I like to once again thank my generous and kind sponsors for their support of this trip. Its a comfort to know Lisa and I will be heading into the wilderness with quality products. A big thanks to Eureka for supplying the roof over my head and various other camp side implements that will make life more enjoyable around camp. Another big thanks to Hooligan Gear for providing the packs and barrel harnesses that will shoulder the heavy loads - including the mountain of trail mix! Thanks to AquaBound for providing whitewater paddles which we plan to put to good use, Salus for the PFD's to keep our heads above water, The Original Bug Shirt to keep those pesky vampires out, The Complete Paddler for providing whitewater gear/accessories, and even Comfort Corner Corporation for providing Lisa and I orthotics to keep our feet in optimal condition! (more to come about this later). Lastly I'll be taking things like the Littlbug stove and the Badger Paddle sock to compliment the gear already selected to head out on the trip. Again, my deepest gratitude to all of you for your ongoing support and help to make this trip and many others a success!

Trail mix! - the present-day canoeist's pemmican! Lisa loves this stuff

and there is plenty! Store bought bags supplemented

with even more stuff! (Gulp!, its heavy!!

- the big hurt!)

Wow, it will be over 3 weeks (24 days) I'll be gone with travel time included. To date it will be the longest I've ever been away on a trip! Can't say I don't like this trend! Hopefully bigger and better things for the future! Well many thanks to all of you that follow along on my blog and read about my rants both in and out of the canoe. I hope everyone is or will be taking advantage of the great weather this summer to paddle. As I share my experiences on my various trip this year, I hope in the same way I will get to hear about some of yours! Take care everyone and safe paddling! Be in touch when we get back! Time to finish packing! ("Yeah Lisa, I'm POSITIVE no more trail mix can fit in!")

Cheers,

David & Lisa

Kirkpatrick Lake Loop Jul 1-10 2010

This beautiful and pristine area in north central Ontario

is just waiting to be discovered in a canoe!

Well we're back!! Sure we're all sporting some achy muscles, lots of bug bites, stinky clothes and world class tans, but we got to paddle, portage, drag and haul through some pristine crown land northwest of Elliot Lake on a long forgotten canoe route. Was it worth it? For sure! We didn't see one other human being the whole time during our 10 days there and did I mention that the place is gorgeous?! Aqua green clear lakes, stunning shorelines, huge towering pines, and dramatic cliffs; where can you go locally these days and make that claim?! But it wasn't all pain free.

Yup, this was day one! There was no break-in period. We

were immediately immersed in the ruggedness

of the trip! All or nothing!

I admit there was some anxious moments, like whether we would manage to get in on the access road (and out), being lost several times, questionable route choices and sinking in bogs. But overall, the experience was amazing and we had lots of good laughs. The weather was great too - maybe too good. It was blistering hot and humid which made some of the long carries brutal under the oppressive heat. But like all portages, you usually end up at a body of water good for a refreshing swim. We often went in clothes and all to wash off the dirt, bog, sweat and bugs!

Hot and sweaty, humid and muggy....all equates to

lots of time in the water!

Later in the year I hope to write a bit more about our experiences on the Kirkpatrick Lake Loop canoe trip. It truly is a hidden gem that should be paddled and explored. A special thanks to Jay Mothersill from Paddleshack (he guided there years ago) for taking the time to pull out his dusty maps and provide just enough information to us so that we could not only go there, but discover a wonderful new place to paddle! I encourage all those who are looking for a bit of adventure and wanderlust to visit this place. It will truly deliver!

We definitely were awed and inspired by the beauty of the land

and water. We came with some expectations and left

with great memories and experiences.

Hope you are all getting some time out

on the water this summer!

Cheers,

tPP