On August 15th, through to 18th, Hanna Nielsen
led a group of us into the Algonquin Park.
We had a mixed bag for weather on this trip, but as always, a little rain
didn't dampen our spirits. It is the company we keep that makes a trip, not
the weather. The weather is always a part of the adventure, something that
we as Canadians take great pride of. I remember walking to school 5 mi.
in 3 ft. of snow, up hill both ways. Well, we paddled in torrential
rain, up current, on flat water both ways; or at least some of us may tell
you that, to enhance the overall experience of the trip. :-)
When the sky cleared, so did we. We were on our way doing a few little side
trips. A small isolated island with bear markings all over it, gave us
another opportunity to have lunch on the Canadian Shield. Then in the same
weekend, another opportunity sitting underneath a small waterfall laughing and smiling.
Our campsites and the company were awesome as usual. We played
some new games, Michael led us in song around the campfire, and the lovely
ladies in our group serenaded the men. It was a very nice song; to reflect
on a terrific weekend.
The memories we amass as we travel together are tremendous. Thank you,
Hanna, for adding so much more to an already wonderful summer.
Happy Paddling,
Mike Valin
GEORGIAN BAY
On July 19th/20th, Fred Swartz led a group of
us newbie's and seasoned kayakers onto Georgian Bay, eventually landing on
Franklin Island.
Once again, the weather was awesome! We were able to fully enjoy all that
was
offered by living so close to Georgian Bay. It is times like these that you
want to break out in our province's unofficial theme song,
A Place to
Stand, A Place to Grow (Ontari-ari-ari-o!).
For a newbie kayaker like myself, you could not have painted a
brighter smile on my face. Thank you for that Fred. I am really not sure
what was brighter on these two days, the sun, or the smiles from our
companions as we travelled our way through the channels and inlets.
Those that know me have since seen me slide to what we lovingly call the
"dark side." Yes, my canoe is missing me, and the sea kayak has been getting a
lot of attention. :-)
Once again, this trip was an opportunity to reacquaint with old friends and
make some new ones. I am always amazed at the diversity of experience we
have within the club. More so, each members willingness to share those
experiences so that each of us takes something home we did not have at the
start of the trip.
Where else but on Georgian bay could you paddle at midday for ice cream and
end your trip with fresh fish and chips.
Once again, thank you Fred for leading us all on a new adventure.
Happy Paddling,
Mike Valin
PRETTY RIVER
On Saturday July 6th, Fred Swartz led us on the clubs annual trip on the Pretty River. It was quite a day and the weather was awesome being sunny, warm, with the perfect water temperature.
This family paddle is a great introduction to our club, as well as a very nice flat-water paddle.
Smiles on this trip were abundant, found on every face. We had several stops along the way and we all had the opportunity to swim, relax, then sit under the small waterfalls for natures own massage therapy.
For the majority of this trip you are protected from the wind, which makes for a leisurely paddle. We were fortunate enough not to have encountered wind and waves on the main lake.
If a picture says a thousand words, have a look at these ones, another wonderful day on the water. Thanks so much Fred.
Happy Paddling,
Mike Valin
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