Algonquin Web

What would you do for a backwoods brew?

Temptation and guilt in the backcountry of Northwestern Ontario

(continued)

2010-09-03 09:40:22

Outdoor Parents, Outdoor Kids book is a timely read

I just picked up a great new book the other day - Outdoor Parents, OutdoorKids:A Guide to Getting Your Kids ...

2010-09-03 06:28:40

Up The Creek Without A Paddle

Happiness is paddling a canoe on the river of life. – Unknown May good friends and a good paddle always be at your side - Unknown Following on yesterday’s post on the phrase “paddle your own canoe“, I thought I’d post on another such phrase ”up the creek without a paddle” (especially since I have been ... [more]

2010-09-02 15:18:40

CARSON LAKE - Finding Sleeping Bear Rock

I headed out for a short canoe trip with just Alexander, down the lake along the shore and the old Ottawa, Arnprior, and Parry Sound railway line, just for a bit of fun. An interesting little trip it was, as we encountered a boat with four divers in scuba gear beginning a one hour search of the lake just below a large boulder railway embankment, at the bottom of which (as legend has it) lie the entombed remains of a short freight train! Having paddled the area numerous times, I have never seen rotting railcars peering from the murky depths, but one of the divers was insistent that he saw such a thing while paddling in the area a number of years back.
Further along, Alexander and I made our turn around at 'Sleeping Bear Rock', a near 100 tonne boulder that closely resembles a napping black bear cub! ... [more]

2010-09-01 18:34:00

Paddle Your Own Canoe

Paddle solo, sleep tandem. - Caroline Owen Love many, trust a few, and always paddle your own canoe. – Anonymous The phrase “paddle your own canoe” is an interesting one….with many versions….here is an online definition and the origins of the phrase, http://www.phrases.org.uk/meanings/paddle-your-own-canoe.html: Paddle Your Own Canoe Meaning Act independently and decide your own fate. Origin The ... [more]

2010-09-01 15:29:50

September is National Wilderness Month: Get out there says the prez

The Obama family hikes on Acadia National Park's Cadillac Mountain in Maine on July 16, 2010. (Official White House Photo by Pete Souza)

If the president ever invites you somewhere, you should seriously consider accepting his (or her, as the case may be) offer.

In this case, President Barack Obama has declared September National Wlderness Month by Presidential Proclamation, and in a lofty and stirring proclamation he's inviting "all Americans to visit and enjoy our wilderness areas, to learn about their vast history, and to aid in the protection of our precious national treasures." ... [more]

2010-09-01 14:07:00

Quick Trip Report: Surfing and Teaching on Lake Superior

Here are a couple photos from a trip last week up to Lake Superior last week. I had the pleasure of being invited to teach a Paddle Canada Level 2 sea kayaking course at Naturally Superior Adventures with my co-instructor; the very funny and hugely talented Rev. Bonnie Perry. Long-time readers will remember a piece I wrote a year ago when she was nominated to be the Bishop of Minnesota. ... [more]

2010-09-01 13:35:09

Drunk Camping Fail

This video is for those of you who want to feel more superior about your ability to put up a camping tent. It’s also for those of you who already feel more superior about your ability to hold your booze...

Read more...

... [more]

2010-09-01 13:06:19

Cool Leave No Trace Promotional Video

I just love this short promotional video for the non-profit organization, Leave No Trace.
... [more]

2010-09-01 12:41:14

Coast Guard launches "Paddles Up Great Lakes"

CLEVELAND –  The Ninth District Coast Guard District is launching “Paddles Up Great Lakes", an educational outreach campaign aimed at raising safe boating awareness among the region’s paddlesports community. 

The campaign begins Labor Day weekend and runs through Sept. 10.

“Paddlesports is the fastest growing segment of recreational boating,” said Frank Jennings, Jr., the Ninth District’s recreational boating safety program manager.  “Current economic conditions coupled with the modest entry-level cost of paddlecraft have contributed to a surge in the popularity of this sport.” ... [more]

2010-09-01 12:22:10

Lines-taking and lofting a historic sailing canoe

From John Summers, CCM General Manager
I spent an interesting few hours last Sunday measuring a boat. Why would you want to measure a boat, in this case an historic sailing canoe? Well, for a old boat like this, built in the early years of the 20th century, the plans, if there ever were any, are long gone, and so the only way to build another one is to measure and draw it. This involves two related steps: 1) lines-taking; and 2) lofting.

In lines-taking, you construct a geometric box around the boat and measure in from it to points on the canoe's surface. Because a canoe is mostly curves,

2010-09-01 12:01:59

Sea Kayak Photo of the Moment: September 1

Sea kayaking at Iles de la Madeleine, QC - Flickr Photo Credit: Benoit Dery
Did you know I run a flickr photo group specifically for sea kayaking in Canada? Submit or view Canadian sea kayak photos here.
Read more... ... [more]

2010-09-01 11:50:01

Wise And Wonderful Words For Wednesday: Thoughts From Sigurd Olson

September 1st….the start of another month….a wonderful Wednesday….the 300th post on this blog….time to think about the summer soon past….and thoughts of the magic and wonders of the outdoors. I turn to Sigurd Olson for such thoughts….and wise words….here then are some quotes from this great man: Soon I must find out or go insane ... [more]

2010-09-01 08:08:51

The Incredible Journey

Many of us have headed out this summer on a canoe trip….here in Ontario that usually means going to some area like Algonquin, Killarney, or Temagami….such trips could be merely overnight or for as long as a month or more….and no matter how long or where, getting out on a trip is a great way ... [more]

2010-09-01 06:30:18

Sending letter to prime minister (re Ottawa River Heritage Designation)

PETAWAWA -Council will send a letter to Prime Minister Stephen Harper pledging the town's support for the Ottawa River Heritage Designation.

(continued)

2010-09-01 00:49:59

Tips for introducing kids to fishing – Part 1

An opportunity to take a group of kids fishing every day for a week came through my email this summer. Excitedly, I accepted the offer and suddenly found myself wondering where to start. Fortunately, with some time spent in some pre-fishing planning and following these suggestions, you could easily be the ‘first-time’ fishing ambassador to ... [more]

2010-08-31 12:52:34

Photo: A big speckled trout

I saw this speckled trout on Facebook and I had to ask if I could post it on my blog. Diana, has allowed me to post this picture of her 5.5 pound speck she caught…somewhere within an hour or so drive from Huntsville. Her husband has trained her well. Thanks Diana!

2010-08-31 12:04:37

The big spill

By Douglas Hunter As the Deepwater Horizon oil rig disaster in the Gulf of Mexico continued to unfold throughout the summer, Canadian scientists began considering the consequences of this unprecedented environmental disaster on the bird species that depend on the gulf region as a major winter stopover and migratory pathway. Joe Nocera, a research scientist with Ontario’s Ministry ... [more]

2010-08-31 10:00:33

The road to recovery

By Amber Cowie Life in the fast lane is hazardous for all species, but navigating southern Ontario’s dense network of roads takes an especially high toll on small animals, such as turtles, snakes and salamanders. Aware of the danger cars pose to the rare Jefferson salamander, the City of Burlington recently adopted an enlightened approach to making ... [more]

2010-08-31 10:00:33

Rosemary Speirs: Standing up for nature

—As told to John Hassell I have been involved with many Ontario Nature campaigns during my 10 years on the organization’s board of directors. Looking back, I’m proud of the milestones that we have reached along the way. When the mayor of Pickering openly flouted conservation easements by selling 1,600 hectares of land to developers, we ... [more]

2010-08-31 10:00:33

The Ring of Fire

Mining activity continues to escalate in a part of our province that the government claimed would be a candidate for conservation. Will the Ring of Fire become Ontario’s tar sands? By Peter Gorrie

2010-08-31 10:00:33

The race to save the South March Highlands

Road construction and development threaten a unique and biologically diverse forest-wetland complex – unless a coalition of concerned citizens can slam on the brakes in time. By Brian Banks

2010-08-31 10:00:33

Ontario Nature’s Writing and Art Contest for Youth

This year, we asked kids to submit artwork in addition to essays. The winners wowed us with their responses to our topic: “Wild species and wild spaces: why biodiversity is important to me.”

2010-08-31 10:00:33

Creatures of the night

Wind turbines and disease are taking a toll on bat populations here and south of the border. Can a combination of innovative solutions bring these nocturnal mammals back from the brink? By Tim Tiner

2010-08-31 10:00:33

Kirtland’s warbler

  First identified less than two centuries ago, North America’s rarest warbler makes an impressive comeback.  By Tim Tiner   Among species at risk, North America’s rarest warbler provides one of the few good-news stories. Brought back from the brink of extinction on its tiny Michigan breeding range, the tame, effusive, tail-bobbing Kirtland’s warbler has multiplied in recent years ... [more]

2010-08-31 10:00:33

Wind wars

How we can live with turbines without wrecking the wilderness. By Anne Bell Illustration by Marco Cibola   Nature conservationists and green-energy advocates, so often allies in the battle to preserve the natural world, are finding themselves in opposition to each other on an increasingly important issue: the spread of wind farms across the province and their deadly impact ... [more]

2010-08-31 10:00:33

A Thoreau Tuesday: A Few Quotes….And A Green Wood Canvas Canoe Business

From Wikipedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Henry_David_Thoreau, comes this brief description of who Henry David Thoreau was: Henry David Thoreau (born David Henry Thoreau; July 12, 1817 – May 6, 1862) was an American author, poet, abolitionist, naturalist, tax resister, development critic, surveyor, historian, philosopher, and leading transcendentalist. He is best known for his book Walden, a reflection upon simple ... [more]

2010-08-31 06:34:57

Defiant Spirits: The Modernist Revolution of the Group of Seven

From a young age, Canadians learn about our country’s most famous painting movement in art classes, yet the Group of Seven’s dramatic landscapes and blazing depictions of Canada’s wilderness still don’t seem to get the respect they deserve.

(continued)

2010-08-31 01:11:17

Roughing it in the bush

Steve Bull watches the faces of his charges for any kind of reaction as the float plane slowly buzzes over the lake in the heart of Group of Seven territory.

(continued)

2010-08-31 01:07:30

Black Bay ratepayers still nervous about power project

The Xeneca Power Development remains a matter of great concern for the Black Bay Ratepayers Association, whose members were urged to keep raising their voices whenever they could about it.The group, which represents property owners in and around the Black Bay area, isn't as worried about the current project as they once were, as it seems the proposed power station would be located far enough downstream to not affect their water levels. However, the ratepayers are concerned about the potential to develop the Petawawa River further upstream, if the proposed development proves successful.

(continued)

2010-08-31 01:05:53

THE LITTLE MISSISSIPPI RIVER - Into the Conroy Marsh

Monday following our short trip on the York, Rudi and I abandoned Alexander with mommy and headed out to the Burnt Bridge Road put-in, this time heading north along the Little Mississippi and into the Conroy Marsh.


... [more]

2010-08-30 19:00:00

Managing Ontario's Elk Population

Ontario is seeking public feedback on new approaches to managing the province's elk population.

2010-08-30 14:00:00

Can-Lit Canoe Revisited Today On CBC Radio

Since I spoke about CBC Radio earlier here today, I thought I’d post a quick reminder that this afternoon CBC Radio is replaying Shelagh Rogers’ piece on the canoe in Canadian literature, that I originally commented on  in a previous post here, Can-Lit Canoe, http://reflectionsoutdoors.wordpress.com/2010/05/24/can-lit-canoe/. Hope you get a chance to listen to this great show. Especially about ... [more]

2010-08-30 09:13:38

Beyond Camp Gruel - includes frozen beer

If you're car camping, or the portages on your interior canoe trip happen to be short (or better yet, nonexistent), ...

2010-08-30 08:41:45

Lost/Stolen Canoe

In a follow-up to recent post, Follow-Up To G8 Ladies Canoe Post,  http://reflectionsoutdoors.wordpress.com/2010/08/28/follow-up-to-g8-ladies-canoe-post/, a quick note that Pam Wedd of Bearwood Canoes is looking for a lost/stolen canoe: A blue 15 ft Bearwood canoe, serial # QDH SH001 M97A, was lost/stolen approximately Aug 10 from the Parry Sound Area. Bright blue, dacron covered. If anyone sees ... [more]

2010-08-30 08:35:22

Outdoors and Out of Reach….More On Getting Away From It All

As I’ve noted here before, I listen to CBC Radio a lot…..on Metro Morning today there was a discussion on unplugging from technology and the effects it has on the brain….there was mention made of a recent New York Times article on a canoe trip by several scientists that looked at just that entitled Your Brain ... [more]

2010-08-30 07:58:32

I'm not a er...I do Ings.

I've found myself without motivation to get out on the river this week. It feels sometimes like I've seen it too many times, no "exploration" feel to it.
It sometimes begs the question "Am I a kayaker?" I can hear the collective jaws drop through the timezones. However it's not a new question I've been asking both myself and compatriots. However today I had plenty of time to reflect on it.
I read a few nights ago about the Schyan river on the Quebec side of the Ottawa river. While I have hung out around it's junction with the Ottawa having lunch and relaxing; I have never explored the river itself. ... [more]

2010-08-29 18:55:00

... stop the constant interference [ of provincial government ] in local-decision making. The voters put their faith in you to make the best decisions for your local communities.
The Government's Green Energy Act strips decision-making away from the elected municipal governments and bestows it on faceless bureaucrats at the OPA. This is why, in the face of strenuous local objections we have seen the government plough ahead with schemes to install giant wind industrial wind farms where ever they see fit. This is wrong.
Certainly renewable energy should be part of Ontario'a supply mix, but only where it is welcomed, and wanted, and at prices ratepayers can afford. ... [more]

2010-08-29 18:03:00

THE YORK RIVER - Back to the Hunt Cabin

After returning toward our put-in, we stopped to chat again with Gus Zylstra who we met on the way out. Gus owns a house and some rental properties in the area, and is also owner of Pinecone Publishing, the complany that publishes The Country Connection, an awesome little magazine covering country and cottage life, especially local to Eastern Ontario 
Gus and friend (oops forgot to ask her name) at the Pinecone Forest

A much needed break
... [more]

2010-08-29 15:30:00

Killbear Paddlers Rendezvous Reminder

Reminder of Killbear Paddlers Rendezvous from John Hupfield on WCHA forum: The dates are 11 and 12 September. Some show up as early as Thursday and stay longer. Granite Saddle Campgound is closed for this event. You go to the Administration Building and tell them you are there for Paddlers Rendezvous. They will rent you ... [more]

2010-08-29 06:18:35

Follow-Up To G8 Ladies Canoe Post

I posted about the G8 wives working on a canoe (and eating chocolate paddles) in  G8 First Ladies Make Canoe Seats, Eat Paddles….Better Than Hanging Out At A Fake Lake, http://reflectionsoutdoors.wordpress.com/2010/06/27/g8-first-ladies-make-canoe-seats-eat-paddles-well-its-better-than-hanging-out-around-a-fake-lake/. Here is some more info on one of the canoes they were involved with. The following article was posted online, http://www.cottagecountrynow.ca/news/article/866740–g8-spouses-give-new-canoe-to-camp-ooch: G8 spouses give new canoe ... [more]

2010-08-28 11:24:30

The York River - 'Hunt Camp on York' to Slabtown

Slabtown Ontario is home to approximately three-fifths of one one-millionth of the population of Canada, so it is unmarked on any maps, and the average person has a better chance of winning the Lotto Max Jackpot than of ever accidentally wandering into this little town.
Rudi, Alexander, and I found it by following the old 517 from Combermere, the Boulter Road, Rivercrest Drive, and finally an old MNR track barely suitable for passage by the van. A few hundred metres from where we parked, we found a put in at a clearing with a small hunt cabin, and then headed east along the York to the Boulter Road Bridge in Slabtown.

Passing a Cottage on the South Bank of the York ... [more]

2010-08-27 20:22:00

Trip #12 Smoke Lake to Phipps Lake and back August 2010

This trip was a long time coming for the two of us. We had to cancel our May trip due to work and we didn't want to wait till Fall to get a trip in. We decided to head up on the Wednesday the night before the trip was to start. Some friends had rented a cottage on Oxtongue Lake so we stopped in for a visit. The cottage was nice but to small for the two of us to sleep so we said our goodbyes and headed to the West gate of the park where we slept in the car for the night. Cars aren't designed to sleep in so I don't recommend this as a great idea the night before you plan to paddle any distance the following day. Blake set his watch alarm for 07:00 and we woke up and drove to Canoe lake office. We planned on a trip from Smoke Lake to Little Coon Lake but since we didn't reserve a spot we had to change our trip plan upon arrival to the Canoe Lake permit office. Blake wanted to go in to Bonnechere for one night, Phipps the second, and come back out to Ragged for the l ... [more]

2010-08-26 21:45:30

Annual General Meeting - 2010

You are cordially invited to attend the Friends of Temagami Annual General Meeting.

The meeting will take place Saturday November 6th, 2010 - 9:30 a.m. hosted at Smoothwater of Temagami on James Lake.

http://www.smoothwater.com/

Dinner -$25

Bunkie - $20

Private room $92, dbl occupancy – $82 single

 

Agenda and Saturday evening guest speaker to be announced

 

For more information please contact email@friendsoftemagami.org

2010-08-26 11:46:08

What Would You Like To See On Canadian TV? Here’s My Ideas

I listen to CBC Radio nearly every day….in the morning one of my favourite shows is Q which is an interview show. Currently there is a contest for pitch for a Canadian TV show….a truly Canadian show. From the show’s blog, http://www.cbc.ca/q/blog/2010/08/25/the-q-contest/#socialcomments, here is the details: The Q Contest: What would you like to see on Canadian TV? ... [more]

2010-08-26 11:34:21

The Great Canadian Voyageur Contest

A week ago I spent time with the winners of the Great Canadian Voyageur contest in Mattawa, Ontario. The grand ...

2010-08-26 08:14:32

Community Projects Protect Endangered Animals And Plants

Ontario's species at risk will continue to be protected by concerned citizens and groups running local environmental projects.

2010-08-25 23:00:00

Speck Country Video

2010-08-25 15:42:50

Thinking About the World's Water

World Rivers Day is coming up in late September, so we're thinking about water around The Big Wild offices. As that cliche goes, "the next war won't be fought over oil, it'll be fought over water".   So where exactly are the world's water resources? Who has too much, and who doesn't have enough? To answer these questions, we turned to the excellent University of Sheffield resource Worldmapper. They revisualize maps of the Earth based on a particular factor, and create some great educational resources.   We explored the site, and found a handful of great maps for water resources. In each case you can click the map to view a larger version of it.

2010-08-25 12:45:10

Grey Owl’s Cabin: A Poetic Journey

I was watching SCN (Saskatchewan Communications Network) on Monday night (we’re on Bell ExpressVu satellite). There was a brillant short film called Grey Owl’s Cabin: A Poetic Journey, that was done by Preston Kanak of Kanak Productions. It is a beautiful film journey to Grey Owl’s cabin, blending music and Grey Owl’s own words. Grey ... [more]

2010-08-25 09:46:14