tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-75847791249885874582024-03-05T05:56:32.059-05:00BaffinPaddler - http://baffinpaddler.blogspot.comPeggy Varner is a Canadian paddler, freelance writer, and communications professional with a blog about sea kayaking, paddling, outdoor, yoga, travel, and most importantly-perspective. BaffinPaddlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15682694017265829467noreply@blogger.comBlogger194125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7584779124988587458.post-22672491863766742262016-04-11T16:11:00.001-04:002016-04-25T17:17:31.003-04:00One cigarette butt contaminates up to 50 liters of water<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6XthX04WjWeUFgI2kGhUlIAodpZ8a4jDkAaOCfatdkC0OpvEw9aj2c5S6ou6TriMqnu8oUYTcllCCt8KIbX-WNDDAdjFsNfCRJx4nVV_MpCvSIfddXEUOzJpaikjsAKWFCxGCobRePwGK/s1600/baffinpaddler_cigarette-butts_sign_beach-playa-del-carmen-mexico+%25284%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="277" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6XthX04WjWeUFgI2kGhUlIAodpZ8a4jDkAaOCfatdkC0OpvEw9aj2c5S6ou6TriMqnu8oUYTcllCCt8KIbX-WNDDAdjFsNfCRJx4nVV_MpCvSIfddXEUOzJpaikjsAKWFCxGCobRePwGK/s400/baffinpaddler_cigarette-butts_sign_beach-playa-del-carmen-mexico+%25284%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Oddly enough, the first time I saw this type of sign was on a super busy beach in <b>Playa del Carmen, Mexico</b> this winter. I wonder why I haven't seen more signs like this when I travel to waterways: <i style="font-weight: bold;">One cigarette butt contaminates up to 50 liters of water. </i>In Spanish,<i style="font-weight: bold;"> una colilla de de cigarro contamina hasta 50 litros de agua</i><i style="font-weight: bold;">. </i>The sign was posted by a local restaurant. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I wonder why cigarettes are still allowed anywhere anymore. They are banned from more and more public places world wide. Bravo! I wonder why cigarettes are even produced when you can wear a toxic patch or chew toxic gum and not bother anyone or anything with this disgusting, toxic habit.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
But I do know one thing, now when I make travel plans, the first thing I will look for are completely smoke-free resorts. The resort we stayed at in Mexico did not allow smoking in rooms nor in the dining areas, lobbies, gym, etc. Even though there were open areas where people could smoke, this type of all-inclusive resort that restricted smoking in so many areas did not seem to be popular with smokers. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
But, the smokers are always on the beach in the lawn chairs leaving their butts behind. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLFjn6hFCTFEYTIZI1uYWD8f85GOTd0XOawcRiYWpRDtcV8Ka9chu_ZCs_SP_9EBN1DxG9_3sYWL-qllhym5KIh-jyytW4rTlI3GpB8C5giHQohDPN9ALD0ryFSjkuzZClGzTtZVPurTCu/s1600/baffinpaddler_cigarette-butts_beach-playa-del-carmen-mexico.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLFjn6hFCTFEYTIZI1uYWD8f85GOTd0XOawcRiYWpRDtcV8Ka9chu_ZCs_SP_9EBN1DxG9_3sYWL-qllhym5KIh-jyytW4rTlI3GpB8C5giHQohDPN9ALD0ryFSjkuzZClGzTtZVPurTCu/s400/baffinpaddler_cigarette-butts_beach-playa-del-carmen-mexico.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I saw tons of cigarette butts littered in the sand but spared you the messy shot. You'd rather see the beach and the ocean, right? The resorts are constantly cleaning up the mess. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Oddly enough, with all the crowds on the Playa del Carmen beaches, I did not see one person walking along the beach smoking. No smoking on the ferry to cross over to Cozumel, and no one was smoking in the line-up to board.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2_eE2NH36u6qJEv2t3aoaGRTA8RCpd6SRxZ1KStTUL9_zi4t-C07c0vM-GonpCLKImTbpoNrEsn04ztM2En-nTAU1Hvi-JX42NL61GKOewCrcpRw6PCeSq1J2N5mPhp-jdX28CwgocjL1/s1600/baffinpaddler_playa_del_carmen_beaches_cigarette_butts_toxic_sign_mexico_beaches_sign.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2_eE2NH36u6qJEv2t3aoaGRTA8RCpd6SRxZ1KStTUL9_zi4t-C07c0vM-GonpCLKImTbpoNrEsn04ztM2En-nTAU1Hvi-JX42NL61GKOewCrcpRw6PCeSq1J2N5mPhp-jdX28CwgocjL1/s400/baffinpaddler_playa_del_carmen_beaches_cigarette_butts_toxic_sign_mexico_beaches_sign.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Bravo to resorts that are cleaning up by not allowing smoking. And, bravo to anyone who kicks the habit or doesn't pick it up. Now let's see when cigarettes are completely banned and no longer produced. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I won't talk about plastic on the beaches. I picked up what I saw each day in the surf zone. I was rewarded on the third day by finding a nice pair of sunglasses bouncing around in the surf. Staff clean the beaches around the resorts daily, but the wild beaches are a sad mess of people garbage. Depositing more garbage cans might help. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The BaffinPaddler</div>
BaffinPaddlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15682694017265829467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7584779124988587458.post-53640314393268037602015-09-16T17:01:00.000-04:002016-04-25T17:49:07.897-04:00Kayaking the Petite Peribonka River<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFQ_WyqZrp4RlwpF5YhXcMhq_kb9_VdGEfPwRyDb5Z4ukKGYM6ayp10F7NFAmVIh97MhsETK_FkxYHe7bKssj0eWPXvnX_IAh5Vg8LlCAV69BvgyoOnHaH52nA_BSatZksT0ju5_p7Yauf/s1600/baffinpaddler_kayaking_petit_peribonka_river_sandy_beach_lac_saint_jean_quebec_canada.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiFQ_WyqZrp4RlwpF5YhXcMhq_kb9_VdGEfPwRyDb5Z4ukKGYM6ayp10F7NFAmVIh97MhsETK_FkxYHe7bKssj0eWPXvnX_IAh5Vg8LlCAV69BvgyoOnHaH52nA_BSatZksT0ju5_p7Yauf/s400/baffinpaddler_kayaking_petit_peribonka_river_sandy_beach_lac_saint_jean_quebec_canada.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
All the waterways around Lac Saint Jean are large. Even the <b>Petite Peribonka Rive</b>r.<br />
<br />
You can easily access the Peribonka River and the Petite Peribonka River, from . . . guess where? The town of Peribonka, located on the north shore of Lac St-Jean at the mouth of the Peribonka River.<br />
<br />
The Peribonka River (French: Rivière Péribonka) is a river in the Lac-Saint-Jean area in Quebec, Canada. It is about 450 kilometres (280 miles) long. It flows into Lac Saint-Jean at Pointe-Taillon National Park and is the largest tributary of this lake.<br />
<br />
<b>There is a public boat launch in the town of Peribonka and parking nearby.</b> Just stay on Hwy 169 to Peribonka. The launch is right next to the road at Rue Edouard Niquet. You'll see the docks. A company at the launch also rents kayaks for day paddles along with a small plastified map of the area. If the captain isn't there, just pick up the VHF radio on the door and call him. The instructions on how to reach him are posted. He's usually nearby. There is a public restroom in the small blue and white building on the dock where you rent the kayaks.<br />
<br />
To access the Petite Peribonka, you can head out on the Peribonka River from the public boat launch and track along the shore until you come to the opening of the the Petite Peribonka.<br />
<br />
As you paddle, look out longingly across the open water (on your left) to Point Taillon National Park. If the open water crossing and weather report looks good to you, a visit to Point Taillon may be of interest. If the wind is up and motorboat activity makes you think twice about crossing, you might prefer an easier little cruise up and down the 12 kilometre stretch of the more protected waters of the Petite Peribonka.<br />
<br />
The Petite Peribonka has a sandy bottom, some cottage development, marshes and lots of wilderness along the way.<br />
<br />
We didn't see any rocky shoals along our route. No islands and very few places to stop for a break.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAZz16hYrEhBSitxkwLNpigd-RVQua0q6C2zGtEfyD51p80Z3C8XscZ-pnKxC0cSNkonDYgA4PkkRkbrt94ZzWUuziQ3HnuOwfL2lWIwxwA0DBoBF3cDxGWgueZT283YgTxRN2Fkw5BMI9/s1600/baffinpaddler_kayaking_petit_peribonka_river_lac_saint_jean_quebec_canada.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAZz16hYrEhBSitxkwLNpigd-RVQua0q6C2zGtEfyD51p80Z3C8XscZ-pnKxC0cSNkonDYgA4PkkRkbrt94ZzWUuziQ3HnuOwfL2lWIwxwA0DBoBF3cDxGWgueZT283YgTxRN2Fkw5BMI9/s400/baffinpaddler_kayaking_petit_peribonka_river_lac_saint_jean_quebec_canada.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
You can paddle about 12 kilometres of this winding river to a waterfall where your route ends. Then, you'll have to turn around and slog back the same route. I call it a slog because, on a hot day with little or no wind, it is a slog with few beaches to stop for a swim or places to picnic. We never did make it to the waterfall. The day was just too hot for a long paddle without any wind.<br />
<br />
Current was negligible in August, which means, we didn't feel it in either direction.<br />
<br />
The high speed boats and SeaDoos scream through the Petite Peribonka like bats out of hell so be careful if you cross from one side of the river to the other. You can usually hear them coming from a distance. There is plenty of room for kayaks to paddle on the sidelines and for the speed boats to tear through the middle. You'll have some boat wakes to ride. <br />
<br />
If you're looking for a larger trip than a day paddle, Equinox Adventure offers multi-day guided kayak tours on the larger Peribonka River.<br />
<br />
<b>I found this paddle on the Petite Peribonka River so BORING!</b> Head to <b>Saint Gedeon on Lac Saint Jean</b> to paddle the bigger water, interesting craggy bays and islands!<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">You can click on the link below to my post on paddling off Saint Gedeon:</span><br />
<a href="http://baffinpaddler.blogspot.ca/2015/08/welcome-to-kayaking-dreamscape-of-saint.html" target="_blank">Kayaking the dreamscape of Saint Gedeon</a><br />
<br />
Happy trails!<br />
The BaffinPaddlerBaffinPaddlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15682694017265829467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7584779124988587458.post-72128979696032768862015-09-12T15:46:00.000-04:002015-09-13T10:48:07.260-04:00Cycle to the Chutes a Michel in Saint Felicien, Quebec<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-KG1laGbeKYWaVLFp9GU-bNPebKlG-6x0baCBDM-ythLstj3Z6Wul-fx4WqKAILB9ZaQE27w1-bLWp7GS_zphpJ9T1ga0X-lleOAQ2GvfmzDBhp_ZptDA64Zeu7tBFnRaPQS2buNxVTjP/s1600/baffinpaddler_chutes_a_michel_cycing_routes_saint_felicien_quebec_canada.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-KG1laGbeKYWaVLFp9GU-bNPebKlG-6x0baCBDM-ythLstj3Z6Wul-fx4WqKAILB9ZaQE27w1-bLWp7GS_zphpJ9T1ga0X-lleOAQ2GvfmzDBhp_ZptDA64Zeu7tBFnRaPQS2buNxVTjP/s400/baffinpaddler_chutes_a_michel_cycing_routes_saint_felicien_quebec_canada.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
When we arrived in Saint Felicien, Quebec (Canada) with bikes and sea kayaks, wondering what to do and where to go, several locals asked, "Have you been to the <b>Chutes a Michel</b> yet? No? You really should go. You'll like it."<br />
<br />
So we did. We changed our tentative plans to cycle the <b>Veloroute des Bluets</b> around Lac Saint Jean and headed off trail to find the rapids and falls.<br />
<br />
When more than one person is convinced you'll enjoy the place, your curiosity won't let you pass it by. We easily found the almost hidden access to the cycle trail that leads to the falls with directions from the owner of <a href="http://baffinpaddler.blogspot.ca/2015/09/where-to-stay-and-eat-in-saint-felicien.html" target="_blank"><b>Maison Banville Bistro</b> where we were having lunch in Saint Felicien</a>, and now I'll help you find it too: <b>The Chutes a Michel on Rivière Ashuapmushuan</b>.<br />
<br />
From downtown Saint Felicien follow rue Sacre Coeur (street) towards Beaudoin Street. At the end of rue Sacre Coeur in a quiet residential neighborhood, look for the little off-road trail hidden in the trees and bushes. It feels like a trail only the locals would know about. And that's how we found it. Locals told us about it.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFb7Btb2fYQq1vbKblliRGdLhAuGUBJLr39yItACe5E54rWN0t6KBIxFn_qzflx0sOBDX8ihXzvEt1nI1tc9GVnJK-wRxXUgvt1euKbEzO-SiKrRh04NiLhyphenhyphenf4DVZrzb0dVmH2afcG2XcA/s1600/baffinpaddler_cycing_routes_chutes_a_michel_saint_felicien_quebec_canada.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFb7Btb2fYQq1vbKblliRGdLhAuGUBJLr39yItACe5E54rWN0t6KBIxFn_qzflx0sOBDX8ihXzvEt1nI1tc9GVnJK-wRxXUgvt1euKbEzO-SiKrRh04NiLhyphenhyphenf4DVZrzb0dVmH2afcG2XcA/s400/baffinpaddler_cycing_routes_chutes_a_michel_saint_felicien_quebec_canada.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
The first thing you'll come across are formidable walls of raspberry bushes flanking the trail. In season, in late summer, they are full of large, ripe, sweet, delicious raspberries.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRvQ2n4GrNUXShbQ0LwD_k5rGdxfTWWpygueULPPRFJPPytnXhpTWLp_zoDvg4qFxwO_ImTI9rVw8UF2L45o07wVhyHkzlLM4BNIm27XNT01a-aGyKSgtA2hmWrAVXvmS6fLweTonCxfbo/s1600/baffinpaddler_cycing_routes_raspberries_chutes_a_michel_saint_felicien_quebec_canada.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRvQ2n4GrNUXShbQ0LwD_k5rGdxfTWWpygueULPPRFJPPytnXhpTWLp_zoDvg4qFxwO_ImTI9rVw8UF2L45o07wVhyHkzlLM4BNIm27XNT01a-aGyKSgtA2hmWrAVXvmS6fLweTonCxfbo/s400/baffinpaddler_cycing_routes_raspberries_chutes_a_michel_saint_felicien_quebec_canada.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Stay on this trail, about 3.5 kilometres until you reach the lookout at the <b>Chutes a Michel</b>. You can Google it with the GPS coordinates at: <b>N48.6853,W-72.4871</b><br />
<br />
This is a pleasant wooded trail on packed gravel, and makes for a nice cool cycle on a hot day. But, what impresses me more than the cascading water at the falls are the massive granite outcroppings surrounding the area. They are an incredible sculpted work of nature's art and worth a visit.<br />
<br />
And of course, this neat spot inspires a yoga pose or two on the imposing granite.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1xvyYg9J4x5kfxknj_y6IIiyeYEsNfMdwq6p5dtOReWfxA_eGQ2rDcTY1AVnPZ13y_0r5-P-ejVfqqkHf9RL8it0gaD0hYxExcX7-AR0oduoWiJWAEXvpsJ8s3aCkbOQa9cSkVkgq5MVw/s1600/baffinpaddler_cycing_routes_chutes_a_michelyoga_pose_saint_felicien_quebec_canada.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1xvyYg9J4x5kfxknj_y6IIiyeYEsNfMdwq6p5dtOReWfxA_eGQ2rDcTY1AVnPZ13y_0r5-P-ejVfqqkHf9RL8it0gaD0hYxExcX7-AR0oduoWiJWAEXvpsJ8s3aCkbOQa9cSkVkgq5MVw/s400/baffinpaddler_cycing_routes_chutes_a_michelyoga_pose_saint_felicien_quebec_canada.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
From downtown Saint Felicien to the Chutes a Michel it's about a 6 kilometre cycle so you can enjoy an easy, scenic round-trip 12 kilometre cycle and a waterfront picnic.<br />
<br />
Enjoy!<br />
<br />
You can click on the link below if you'd like to read more of my stories about Saint Felicien:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://baffinpaddler.blogspot.ca/2015/09/where-to-stay-and-eat-in-saint-felicien.html" target="_blank"><b>Where to stay and eat in Saint Felicien for kayakers and cyclists</b></a><br />
<br />
Happy trails.<br />
The BaffinPaddlerBaffinPaddlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15682694017265829467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7584779124988587458.post-4407621963543699632015-09-11T13:14:00.002-04:002015-09-26T08:14:21.228-04:00Where to stay and eat in Saint Felicien, Quebec for kayakers and cyclists<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXdPpCLzx8ix45FNymSDiVXyGgc-tofPKnOUOjZLhiNc1Bhzhq1-PCafsm9uAAuvMVKid6yi-9tSKs1swU-1_rYyPBQPdhTtkz2qWbcSVrrUJMblC4UW8MCkILGnwfJSylvEVK0PNUnb_k/s1600/baffinpaddler_maison_banville_B%2526B_bistro_saint_felicien_lac_saint_jean_veloroute_des_bluets_quebec_canada.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXdPpCLzx8ix45FNymSDiVXyGgc-tofPKnOUOjZLhiNc1Bhzhq1-PCafsm9uAAuvMVKid6yi-9tSKs1swU-1_rYyPBQPdhTtkz2qWbcSVrrUJMblC4UW8MCkILGnwfJSylvEVK0PNUnb_k/s400/baffinpaddler_maison_banville_B%2526B_bistro_saint_felicien_lac_saint_jean_veloroute_des_bluets_quebec_canada.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
I don't usually talk about accommodations, but when visiting the Lac Saint Jean region in Quebec, Canada for cycling and kayaking, this was my biggest problem!<br />
<br />
Figuring out what was available and where to stay. I didn't know the area at all. Internet research left me scratching my head. The most common lodging to be found in this area was B & Bs (gite), my least favourite type of lodging.<br />
<br />
B & Bs are hit and miss. But I stumbled across this little jewel, <b>Maison Banville</b> in Saint Felicien, by sheer luck. In the heart of town, you'll find it at <b>1086 boulevard du Sacre-Coeur</b>. Or visit their website at www.lamaisonbanville.com.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimtCP7neYUw00L8r4HXJCpRZC8FmMGkii_3Z7CbFW6yhuFwnOZDeYSHlfqcZG1TjbuzOYljeSJ8-BqGbCYP4AvsjbPXluXqmNmW6qHl7tvKadZklcRdHCiZrXfLPqUq63Xu7FB_rkVKOSY/s1600/baffinpaddler_maison_banville_B%2526B_veloroute_des_bluets_saint_felicien_lac_saint_jean_quebec_canada.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimtCP7neYUw00L8r4HXJCpRZC8FmMGkii_3Z7CbFW6yhuFwnOZDeYSHlfqcZG1TjbuzOYljeSJ8-BqGbCYP4AvsjbPXluXqmNmW6qHl7tvKadZklcRdHCiZrXfLPqUq63Xu7FB_rkVKOSY/s400/baffinpaddler_maison_banville_B%2526B_veloroute_des_bluets_saint_felicien_lac_saint_jean_quebec_canada.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
This is where cyclists like to stay while touring the <b>256 kilometre Veloroute des Bluets</b> that circles Lac Saint Jean. It's perfect for road warriors. You've got services: B & B, bistro with great food and a company called <b>Equinox Adventure </b>shuttles cyclist's luggage from accommodation to accommodation around the Lac Saint Jean region so you can cycle all day and not have to haul heavy saddle bags. It's called <b>"Credit Card Touring."</b><br />
<br />
<b>Equinox</b> <b>Adventure</b> also<b> rents kayaks and bikes</b>. If you don't like travelling with lots of gear or don't own any, you've got options here.<br />
<br />
The cyclists I talked to love the <b>Veloroute des Bluets</b> and the local services in the small towns along the way, especially visiting local cheese and chocolate shops and devouring the small, fresh, local blueberries that the region is famous for.<br />
<br />
<b>Maison Banville B & B and bistro </b>is conveniently located on the veloroute and is waterfront on <b>Riviere Ashuapmushuan</b>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
We arrived in Saint Felicien hungry and doubting our instincts on where to eat, so we asked cyclists with nice road bikes where we could find a good lunch. They told us the Maison Banville bistro was great. The patio looked inviting and we could keep an eye on the bikes.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirUl3gtDTXYd5grDRADCc6YGdWfQx26XrqeiO1K_3y-uehKHOLrnlCm8uwsnyDbZe5dGOR9lpi0ffqhhbsxBjScPMmT7nJEDnAHhT8MiMZ7_3r-zQVSwJA62OWPYtDWiutNeaVq1UQiPQm/s1600/baffinpaddler_maison_banville_bistro_patio_saint_felecien_lac_saint_jean_quebec_canada%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirUl3gtDTXYd5grDRADCc6YGdWfQx26XrqeiO1K_3y-uehKHOLrnlCm8uwsnyDbZe5dGOR9lpi0ffqhhbsxBjScPMmT7nJEDnAHhT8MiMZ7_3r-zQVSwJA62OWPYtDWiutNeaVq1UQiPQm/s400/baffinpaddler_maison_banville_bistro_patio_saint_felecien_lac_saint_jean_quebec_canada%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
The cyclists were right. It was a great stop for food and drink and a relaxing break. Cute, clean, friendly atomosphere, varied menu, reasonably priced, good service and excellent bistro-style cuisine. When I asked for my vegetarian panini extra crispy, it was perfect. The panini combo comes with a choice of one of their wonderful homemade salads or soup. The food was great and fresh. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7AxOoxRqzZdxbRQqBtUnx_stVN2nbvrfWkhl76sMkmR0KQxMUXHJV2mBMqyyftG75jm-ZxlHKgXvLk1i9mstt0NwrQ5E8TXc-m-FZEQmi1wI5A9IVo_2CoS6QMdQYzEVbxJTJxV9mxCjD/s1600/baffinpaddler_maison_banville_bistro_menu_saint_felecien_lac_saint_jean_quebec_canada.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7AxOoxRqzZdxbRQqBtUnx_stVN2nbvrfWkhl76sMkmR0KQxMUXHJV2mBMqyyftG75jm-ZxlHKgXvLk1i9mstt0NwrQ5E8TXc-m-FZEQmi1wI5A9IVo_2CoS6QMdQYzEVbxJTJxV9mxCjD/s400/baffinpaddler_maison_banville_bistro_menu_saint_felecien_lac_saint_jean_quebec_canada.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
I met the owner of Maison Banville, David, who manages the B & B and bistro with his wife, Aurelie. I asked him if he would give me a tour of the B & B so I could share information about this neat little spot.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZfVg7UpUGaVTEAmuIwTPZo67Y-kcHb8T1mB0cnVTO8M3RiNQMds6iR5OTVtaAjvNTFqLUOYRSODQiHPkz6w6_X9WdRvXamLg1AQfKfspo5HE-LnPND-2-406l8_FSm4aj2SJKWpC8dk7j/s1600/baffinpaddler_maison_banville_bistro_owners_david_saint_felicien_lac_saint_jean_quebec_canada.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZfVg7UpUGaVTEAmuIwTPZo67Y-kcHb8T1mB0cnVTO8M3RiNQMds6iR5OTVtaAjvNTFqLUOYRSODQiHPkz6w6_X9WdRvXamLg1AQfKfspo5HE-LnPND-2-406l8_FSm4aj2SJKWpC8dk7j/s400/baffinpaddler_maison_banville_bistro_owners_david_saint_felicien_lac_saint_jean_quebec_canada.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
He was a gracious and friendly host and gave me a wonderful tour, answering all my questions. I'm a blogger. I ask lots of questions! Since this region is very French, I asked him if he also spoke English, he replied, "Yes!" He spoke English very well. So no worries if you need help with the French menu or information about the area.<br />
<br />
The locals and local merchants in the Lac Saint Jean region seem to really enjoy the cyclists and kayakers visiting the area. They are proud of their beautiful region and are curious to learn where you are visiting from. I was often asked, <i>"D'ou viens tu?"</i> (Where do you come from?) We found the region a very welcoming environment, and you meet people visiting from all over.<br />
<br />
I found the interior of Maison Banville B & B (gite) cute, quaint and clean. It has 5 bedrooms, 3 with private bath, 2 with a shared bath and a charming common room for meals with waterfront views.<br />
<br />
Of course, I asked about the water access for kayaks. Behind the B & B they have a nice, private waterfront access on the <b>Riviere Ashuapmushuan. </b>No, I can't pronounce the name of this river either! But <b>you can paddle down this pretty little stretch of river towards Lac Saint Jean, about 4 kilometeres. </b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJG0r3OTUMoJxu3oqVKDb9LtGbdM82hA_LmFDIO8wJcQB7_0roCsVVo6UytYSidFCQZdUEvjtcipWyrotBpha3pxPcO5vj70CGuAutks_4Px8Po9_fh2nEy6ufASzSppMYJWRA4ql6oZkv/s1600/baffinpaddler_maison_banville_waterfront_riviere_ashuapmushuan_saint_felecien_lac_saint_jean_quebec_canada.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJG0r3OTUMoJxu3oqVKDb9LtGbdM82hA_LmFDIO8wJcQB7_0roCsVVo6UytYSidFCQZdUEvjtcipWyrotBpha3pxPcO5vj70CGuAutks_4Px8Po9_fh2nEy6ufASzSppMYJWRA4ql6oZkv/s400/baffinpaddler_maison_banville_waterfront_riviere_ashuapmushuan_saint_felecien_lac_saint_jean_quebec_canada.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Now lets look down from this beautiful view and see how we'd launch kayaks. Opps. A little too steep and nasty for us with 17 foot long fibreglass sea kayaks.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_lITSKVji08F7gSls1yfao-PUwDtlPtLmlLNg0hmlORlfE7n38nDSapTZ0KOkNR65l8psCqeT4YdmMnIHyroOwfvPZZS2IKgcu3wtUkHjHv5hQgBlbcjH3wY9vhPrlaaTF2EHy4mcjOTw/s1600/baffinpaddler_maison_banville_water_access_saint_felicien_lac_saint_jean_quebec_canada.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_lITSKVji08F7gSls1yfao-PUwDtlPtLmlLNg0hmlORlfE7n38nDSapTZ0KOkNR65l8psCqeT4YdmMnIHyroOwfvPZZS2IKgcu3wtUkHjHv5hQgBlbcjH3wY9vhPrlaaTF2EHy4mcjOTw/s400/baffinpaddler_maison_banville_water_access_saint_felicien_lac_saint_jean_quebec_canada.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
But the good news is, just up the street from the B & B is a beautiful, public boat launch with free parking and clean public restrooms.<br />
<br />
Maison Banville has it's own, private parking in the back so you don't have to park on the street. Two thumbs up.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp9QUjLUgJ55QlVvasUYM0JZQXirH_Z6JdXP8JJoPgIRzhacUSSRpkYU48dyAJJ-3mTcgCSndg6Gfgilp9JX8DJX5tndUADVpCRO94mpvEI78jZszxNk70CWtJ-0SfBALHBnE1fA63wZeJ/s1600/baffinpaddler_maison_banville_waterfront_parking_kayaking_saint_felicien_lac_saint_jean_quebec_canada.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp9QUjLUgJ55QlVvasUYM0JZQXirH_Z6JdXP8JJoPgIRzhacUSSRpkYU48dyAJJ-3mTcgCSndg6Gfgilp9JX8DJX5tndUADVpCRO94mpvEI78jZszxNk70CWtJ-0SfBALHBnE1fA63wZeJ/s400/baffinpaddler_maison_banville_waterfront_parking_kayaking_saint_felicien_lac_saint_jean_quebec_canada.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
We drove to Saint Felicien from Alma (about 75 kilometres) to explore the cycle route along the way. The two sea kayaks and gear were of course along for the ride. We were ready for what attracted us most. Cycling or kayaking.<br />
<br />
Next up I'll share a great place to launch a kayak for a pretty paddle, and a favorite section of cycle trail we found in Saint Felicien.<br />
<br />
Happy trails!<br />
The BaffinPaddlerBaffinPaddlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15682694017265829467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7584779124988587458.post-54318088960775775182015-09-09T15:34:00.000-04:002015-09-09T15:34:51.433-04:00Paddleboarding with lightning vs paddling with the sunset<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA2VOjBLVSlgos3753YlPUA2cXb_PCq1Jm3r0k8uGJjUDJeeiJKwBP9tqQEyMC95ImFh0uBkZbZBMzmWTHjOzp-hpWy10K7YfJ2cFGMHeeIdODu3zfJMwllJM7c0S7mV1HmaO9m1gWaR93/s1600/baffinpaddler_paddleboarding_lightning.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA2VOjBLVSlgos3753YlPUA2cXb_PCq1Jm3r0k8uGJjUDJeeiJKwBP9tqQEyMC95ImFh0uBkZbZBMzmWTHjOzp-hpWy10K7YfJ2cFGMHeeIdODu3zfJMwllJM7c0S7mV1HmaO9m1gWaR93/s400/baffinpaddler_paddleboarding_lightning.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
The glow on the paddleboard is so different.<br />
<br />
With lightning strikes in the distance refusing to let night fall, the board, the lake, and the sky emit an eerie, electric glow.<br />
<br />
At sunset, in the absence of impending storm, the board has such a warm glow.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeMDzhY3INvi8hUZiI7KL79R33sbNZ0r45Zyxj3M_dymFlVlODoCpI7K5lfn5BclVD6p2GnOFGIAklz6kp3nrsXLrTRQ2lV4eMNUH7FOPozSaRNk5PZwCJ6CBcG6WpT-DUSvtEQkxYiIKz/s1600/baffinpaddler_paddleboarding_sunset.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeMDzhY3INvi8hUZiI7KL79R33sbNZ0r45Zyxj3M_dymFlVlODoCpI7K5lfn5BclVD6p2GnOFGIAklz6kp3nrsXLrTRQ2lV4eMNUH7FOPozSaRNk5PZwCJ6CBcG6WpT-DUSvtEQkxYiIKz/s400/baffinpaddler_paddleboarding_sunset.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
But, both signal it's time to head home.<br />
<br />
Safe and happy paddles.<br />
The BaffinPaddlerBaffinPaddlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15682694017265829467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7584779124988587458.post-40058648482008432282015-09-04T18:01:00.000-04:002015-09-10T13:47:37.317-04:00Discover a cute kayak launch in Val Morin, Quebec, Canada: Paddle Riviere du Nord to Lac Raymond<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhID8usIQB3TwE0Wv4_EVrO68zhk5eJCEgSeFCMh5IdWGSy8kNj14vkBNdn4ev2eBaaS9_InNK4vofK06XzsDi-DOhvDZYdcbpK7a27j-nh2C2fBWY-unJjFWWIuse0L92uMMWvib7djaMD/s1600/baffinpaddler_sea_kayaks_val_morin_parc_de_la_riviere_quebec_canada+%25282%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhID8usIQB3TwE0Wv4_EVrO68zhk5eJCEgSeFCMh5IdWGSy8kNj14vkBNdn4ev2eBaaS9_InNK4vofK06XzsDi-DOhvDZYdcbpK7a27j-nh2C2fBWY-unJjFWWIuse0L92uMMWvib7djaMD/s400/baffinpaddler_sea_kayaks_val_morin_parc_de_la_riviere_quebec_canada+%25282%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
When you stumble across a nice place to launch a kayak and someone with a smiling, friendly face comes out of a beautiful little mountain theatre across the road to greet you and asks you to tell others about this place, how can you say no. And he didn't even know I was a paddle blogger.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPY_XXgapiZ0UyJvZ861eUut6AN8iH7iVvgrsm4roGyx9kfHZYpBf59G7APpRymrQIOazcHL0IxGKnXT3VZYAlGF_KgYYde-o_1bjytAcBc5ZfHconkyygTWndL6USNI0TJn1DJpqcMOGO/s1600/baffinpaddler_theatre_du_marais_val_morin_quebec_canada.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPY_XXgapiZ0UyJvZ861eUut6AN8iH7iVvgrsm4roGyx9kfHZYpBf59G7APpRymrQIOazcHL0IxGKnXT3VZYAlGF_KgYYde-o_1bjytAcBc5ZfHconkyygTWndL6USNI0TJn1DJpqcMOGO/s400/baffinpaddler_theatre_du_marais_val_morin_quebec_canada.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Remember the beautiful facade of this building. It's right across the street from the <b>small public launch on Riviere du Nord in Val Morin, Quebec</b>. Or Google the address of <b>Theatre du Marais</b> and put it in your GPS: 1121 10th avenue. Free parking is on the street next to the theatre.<br />
<br />
Sorry, there is no public restroom in the Parc de la Riviere at this launch site.<br />
<br />
We visited on a day with constantly threatening black skies of rain.<br />
<br />
Here's another jewel of a place I really don't want to share because I like it. I want to be greedy. It's a day paddle route. No camping along the way. But, I'll let go and share it in the hope that you save some of the time we spend exploring good places to launch a kayak. And, as a kayaker, I want to keep on moving and find another new place to paddle. It's in our blood to explore.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipBqqmfobt6PneHsZAjDZvBYZ8VNd8Yd4rzmdhVoNGw-5BlD0jVnN852lsFY-j6raWhTGYgEyVzAHSJCmQauR2TIvVbZlXTOyhk9ZisHwWwcL_EdX3NyyvDBjGekMVIBOomjIRDYdmCgVY/s1600/baffinpaddler_sea-kayak-beach-riviere_du_nord_val_morin_quebec_canada.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipBqqmfobt6PneHsZAjDZvBYZ8VNd8Yd4rzmdhVoNGw-5BlD0jVnN852lsFY-j6raWhTGYgEyVzAHSJCmQauR2TIvVbZlXTOyhk9ZisHwWwcL_EdX3NyyvDBjGekMVIBOomjIRDYdmCgVY/s400/baffinpaddler_sea-kayak-beach-riviere_du_nord_val_morin_quebec_canada.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
This route is a great for kayaks. No speed boats on Riviere du Nord or Lac Raymond in Val Morin. Hop onto a little stretch of river with light current and head to a moderately-sized lake (Lac Raymond) with no speed boats only 3 kilometers away. The river flows in the direction of Lac Raymond. Riviere du Nord is fairly shallow, sandy bottom, some rocky shoals, perhaps a deadhead to avoid, some cottage development along the way and lots of wild and ducks. Not many beaches though. The beach pictured above is the only one I found with any space, so if you see it along the way, grab it! If water levels are exceptionally low, you might have to drag your kayak. It just depends on when you visit. We had no problems in August.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBbbI1zS_2U-eVfJj3DcCuSLSKvgSWHQvVpaLv8FI6slhV6rIlR6_rpPjIczWVNZcrJFzVSXK8FlfGXFu_3KcdHLdzRZUoI_u8gIOlY3ASAWUVvx2MxCdfSaZ09SaNijf46cYTjFGfdlJ_/s1600/baffinpaddler_kayaking_riviere_du_nord_val_morin_quebec_canada_to_lac_raymond.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBbbI1zS_2U-eVfJj3DcCuSLSKvgSWHQvVpaLv8FI6slhV6rIlR6_rpPjIczWVNZcrJFzVSXK8FlfGXFu_3KcdHLdzRZUoI_u8gIOlY3ASAWUVvx2MxCdfSaZ09SaNijf46cYTjFGfdlJ_/s400/baffinpaddler_kayaking_riviere_du_nord_val_morin_quebec_canada_to_lac_raymond.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Perfect scenario for some kayakers. Stay on the Riviere du Nord and paddle from Val Morin to Lac Raymond - about 3 kilometers from this launch site in Val Morin on 10th Avenue, across the street from the theatre or paddle in the opposite direction of this launch towards Val David on Riviere du Nord, about 4 kilometers away.<br />
<br />
When the wind is up, play in the waves of Lac Raymond and paddle where you like. No speed boats or SeaDoos to worry about. Easy to navigate and hard to get lost. This is a very straightforward, simple paddle. A great paddle for viewing the spectacular fall colors in the Laurentians. If you see me out there, please give me a wave and say, "Bonjour!"<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNpNw1pZFUQjjp7CyS5KoZEArxaMwC4AqdcaaFxS0G8vjlgzfas0RYZejMMO2YmHlHBzTEcpd3cHZ9EqcqdmxpoW_IsAfL6EnaUczNr5DtDlxiwh8-cIj69UA2vaeJjOaug815_QpprrQM/s1600/baffinpaddler_lac_raymond_kayaking_quebec_canada_no_motor_boats.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNpNw1pZFUQjjp7CyS5KoZEArxaMwC4AqdcaaFxS0G8vjlgzfas0RYZejMMO2YmHlHBzTEcpd3cHZ9EqcqdmxpoW_IsAfL6EnaUczNr5DtDlxiwh8-cIj69UA2vaeJjOaug815_QpprrQM/s400/baffinpaddler_lac_raymond_kayaking_quebec_canada_no_motor_boats.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Should I tell you this tidbit? OK, why not. When we returned to the launch site at the end of the afternoon, a big wedding party descended in high heels, dresses, and suits hauling a heavy tandum kayak and gave a happy send off to a newlywed couple heading down river in it. The couple finished their wedding party and started their new life together on this little stretch of river - in a tandum kayak . . . I can't help but wonder, how long will it take before they look into each other's eyes and say, <i>"Honey, I love you, but I want my own kayak!"</i></div>
<br />
Happy paddle trails.<br />
The BaffinPaddlerBaffinPaddlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15682694017265829467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7584779124988587458.post-82714242282259449732015-09-02T12:00:00.001-04:002015-09-03T15:46:17.764-04:00Are you prepared for fishing lure encounters?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvXicXD1h9GReRxdt85MhbuOGdFbbkD0IwGrT4wAW4hP8-Qygpc77gE61y9ceNOgnKFi5l_iU6nZ9T7O8tlUz98-qKAdOnFe3Pq4XCpxcRhpxvcRnQyd2LtixCpTFxvK_2Z_oioXdrMqyI/s1600/baffinpaddler_red_fishing_lure_beach_island_baie_des_girard_saint+gedeon_lac_saint_jean_quebec.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvXicXD1h9GReRxdt85MhbuOGdFbbkD0IwGrT4wAW4hP8-Qygpc77gE61y9ceNOgnKFi5l_iU6nZ9T7O8tlUz98-qKAdOnFe3Pq4XCpxcRhpxvcRnQyd2LtixCpTFxvK_2Z_oioXdrMqyI/s400/baffinpaddler_red_fishing_lure_beach_island_baie_des_girard_saint+gedeon_lac_saint_jean_quebec.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Remember me?<br />
<br />
No I forgot to look.<br />
<br />
Are you prepared if you step on me?<br />
<br />
No, not really. I guess I could take off my paddle bootie if you aren't stuck in my foot. I left the wire cutter in the car.<br />
<br />
Now that you found me, what are you going to do with me?<br />
<br />
It doesn't happen often, but this is the second time I almost stepped on a big fishing lure with multiple barbs. This one is bright red and easy to see, but with all the interesting scenery surrounding me, it was easy to miss. I only noticed it when I knelt down to take a photo.<br />
<br />
<b>Location</b>: An island in Baie des Girard, off Saint Gedeon, Lac Saint Jean, Quebec, Canada<br />
<br />
This is why I wear a good paddle bootie with a thick sole and not neoprene paddle socks. Protect your feet!<br />
<br />
Now what to do with this lure? I can't leave it on an island shoreline to wash back out into the water unattended or leave it where it sits for someone else to step on.<br />
<br />
I planted the fishing lure firmly into a dead tree.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ8WUO1Lk65QoRVg54j7zFKwT2riIjk-EScxTxRaNxese0xG4IB_cM7sL55ud2BFfZCCeNXVifCowr-VWNNNSlz0K25mMRE0ftZi1OW7BvSR-SQS819UuAfQdz0MCTqPOyZ0kzAjLK0_uo/s1600/baffinpaddler_red_fishing_lure_beach_island_baie_des_girard_saint+gedeon_lac_saint_jean_quebec_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ8WUO1Lk65QoRVg54j7zFKwT2riIjk-EScxTxRaNxese0xG4IB_cM7sL55ud2BFfZCCeNXVifCowr-VWNNNSlz0K25mMRE0ftZi1OW7BvSR-SQS819UuAfQdz0MCTqPOyZ0kzAjLK0_uo/s400/baffinpaddler_red_fishing_lure_beach_island_baie_des_girard_saint+gedeon_lac_saint_jean_quebec_2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
I thought I'd tell my blog readers where I found it so someone could go hunting for it. The kayaking geocache crowd loves that.<br />
<br />
But, I showed it to my paddle partner and he said, <i>"Hey, that's a nice lure. It's coming home with me."</i><br />
<br />
I wouldn't stick a fishing lure with live barbs into a kayak hatch for obvious reasons. We weren't prepared with any type of container to bring it home in. What to do?<br />
<br />
We embedded small, soft bits of loose shoreline driftwood into the barbs to keep them busy, then wrapped the lure in an empty snack bar wrapper. Not a great fix, but good for the short term, and put it into a kayak hatch.<br />
<br />
Now, every time we paddle I ask my paddle partner, <i>"Is that fishing lure still in your hatch?"</i><br />
<br />
Yes.<br />
<br />
Remember me?<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtQW3_FvPSRlsqBwox6k-prrlyJAwsbqA5ACirfsPWLuPM8rLVp-nIqlyEQI8JO308Bko7Xvm5DRkt3JpXNLxlt2yJPxX-X_84DPOZyV-FHyJF_-JF37GlpB7FIKHXa5xAHhOGBpgakOLR/s1600/baffinpaddler_red_fishing_lure_beach_island_baie_des_girard_saint+gedeon_lac_saint_jean_quebec_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtQW3_FvPSRlsqBwox6k-prrlyJAwsbqA5ACirfsPWLuPM8rLVp-nIqlyEQI8JO308Bko7Xvm5DRkt3JpXNLxlt2yJPxX-X_84DPOZyV-FHyJF_-JF37GlpB7FIKHXa5xAHhOGBpgakOLR/s400/baffinpaddler_red_fishing_lure_beach_island_baie_des_girard_saint+gedeon_lac_saint_jean_quebec_2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
I stop to think about fishing lure encounters from time-to-time because I've had to tow a paddler across a lake and drive him to the emergency room of a hospital when a fishing lure with multiple barbs got embedded into his hand. It's really not that uncommon if you are removing a lure with multiple barbs from the mouth of a lively, flopping fish with your bare hands. It's pretty upsetting to look at and it's very painful if you're the one with a fish hook in your hand. You are stranded. You can't paddle. You can't pull it back out.<br />
<br />
And, when this little accident happens, it may make you freak out a bit. Take a moment to breathe and think. Easier said than done. Especially when you see blood and are far from outside help.<br />
<br />
Fishing lures with multiple barbs dangling from your hand invites you to snag yourself a few more times or to get caught on something else. So cutting yourself free of the lure and only going to the hospital with the embedded barb is one option. When I didn't have a wire cutter handy on an island, I actually used duck tape to wrap around the other free barbs to immobilize them until we got to the hospital.<br />
<br />
All this is very painful. In my first aid kit, I also keep Advil or some type of common temporary pain killer. It's better than nothing.<br />
<br />
I remember, the hospital didn't have a wire cutter handy. It took them 30 minutes to locate one after an already long wait time to be admitted. Seriously!? I learned to keep a small fishing wire cutter in the car and one in a kayak hatch.<br />
<br />
If you do decide to cut yourself free from a fishing lure before heading to the hospital, the doctor said not to cut it off close to the skin, otherwise they have more trouble removing it. They numb your hand, then push the hook through in the direction of the barb, not pull it back out where it went in. That barb has really got you hooked! If that doesn't work, they have to do some surgery. After the fishing hook was removed, there was a course of antibiotics. That wound is ripe for infection.<br />
<br />
It's good to test a new wire cutter. We bought one, tested it on an old fishing lure at home, and the new wire cutter broke in our hand. Some are cheap and don't work. Best to buy a good one and test it on an old lure before trusting it on a trip.<br />
<br />
Remember me? Yes I do!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJcjMTbABL-G7E9RO8ZAEiDcpaYMTipULA1Zzsif-dF_H6ACbeJ1yVEeyuMl7D_cHpjGo09tQqqhwDolU2BngI1X7SbMt3tHn61DwtuwRSkiHe8Kcq5MPIAS9UxNHA-Azki3P_mCyqqn1p/s1600/baffinpaddler_fishing_lure_rocky_beach_battle_of_the_windmill_prescott_ontario_canada.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJcjMTbABL-G7E9RO8ZAEiDcpaYMTipULA1Zzsif-dF_H6ACbeJ1yVEeyuMl7D_cHpjGo09tQqqhwDolU2BngI1X7SbMt3tHn61DwtuwRSkiHe8Kcq5MPIAS9UxNHA-Azki3P_mCyqqn1p/s400/baffinpaddler_fishing_lure_rocky_beach_battle_of_the_windmill_prescott_ontario_canada.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Are you prepared for fishing line and fishing lure encounters?<br />
<br />
Me? Not always. And I know better. Here's another reminder to keep the small fishing wire cutter tool in the kayak. The duck tape, and the tow belt I never forget.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Below are links to more of my fishing line and lure encounters:</span><br />
<ul>
<li><a href="http://baffinpaddler.blogspot.ca/2012/12/rescue-me-geocache-without-geo-at.html" target="_blank">Rescue me! A geocache without the geo at the Battle of the Windmill National Historic Site, Prescott, Ontario, Canada </a></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><a href="http://baffinpaddler.blogspot.ca/2012/06/tangled-in-fishing-line-on-riviere.html" target="_blank">Tangled in fishing line on the Riviere Rouge, Mont Tremblant, Quebec, Canada</a></li>
</ul>
Happy paddle trails!<br />
The BaffinPaddlerBaffinPaddlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15682694017265829467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7584779124988587458.post-61728795283462033712015-09-01T10:23:00.000-04:002015-09-01T10:23:05.740-04:00Friendly duck alert<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAw4MtTyxvlhGwnIXMMsNgvbMpWENu6xCK-SNts1K3B0KEVaDA-qzfaazapXOYCQOzNRgBXU-1bbvYswKwy3wZD-1hO4DKIsA5-WYzFIWgpa6iPZyzlgM_Ws4e7C6T7xEwCvJ5cgIreleO/s1600/baffinpaddler_kayaking_duck_alert.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="251" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAw4MtTyxvlhGwnIXMMsNgvbMpWENu6xCK-SNts1K3B0KEVaDA-qzfaazapXOYCQOzNRgBXU-1bbvYswKwy3wZD-1hO4DKIsA5-WYzFIWgpa6iPZyzlgM_Ws4e7C6T7xEwCvJ5cgIreleO/s400/baffinpaddler_kayaking_duck_alert.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
I thought I'd take a close-up picture of a cute little duck swimming up to my moving kayak on a cold mountain stream with light current. My hands on the camera, the paddle in my lap.<br />
<br />
The nose of my moving kayak kept getting closer to the duck, surely it will divert? But the duck did not change course. It turned directly towards the nose of my kayak and kept swimming towards it. We were headed for a nose to bill collision.<br />
<br />
Yikes. I can't run over a duck! I dropped my camera and grabbed my paddle for a quick stop (back-paddling). My waterproof camera is attached to my paddle jacket and has a paddle float for good reason.<br />
<br />
Yes. I brake for ducks. Some are a little too friendly. <i>"What's in your lunch bag buddy!"</i><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRhl9OdLIW0Qh9rsV40klXM9Gt-mO4q66u4lyiVQ_dez_WL3NDbGT1X9_bcWq1lSSO_WappgldzIJsrgAyG7xiBQHWEtZTbOiEQo08eorJy-bY2ZbUEYD7srRYmliRkt5u1xjyDWqhEjIH/s1600/baffinpaddler_sea_kayaks_duck_sandy_beach.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRhl9OdLIW0Qh9rsV40klXM9Gt-mO4q66u4lyiVQ_dez_WL3NDbGT1X9_bcWq1lSSO_WappgldzIJsrgAyG7xiBQHWEtZTbOiEQo08eorJy-bY2ZbUEYD7srRYmliRkt5u1xjyDWqhEjIH/s400/baffinpaddler_sea_kayaks_duck_sandy_beach.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Happy paddle trails.<br />
The BaffinPaddlerBaffinPaddlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15682694017265829467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7584779124988587458.post-6690492470666375702015-08-30T20:12:00.003-04:002015-08-31T16:15:24.605-04:00Welcome to kayaking the dreamscape of Saint Gedeon, Lac Saint Jean, Quebec, Canada<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMLdnF9Dl2xX2SYZimSmI-rG2TyA1h-8iTz_MZAzcGhCfjrkhLGtCuuDoQqSwVRhTMScYlsPhR57ydYsiWKxRvcU4uxWOOJIJwXFE3lFHBcTwdXAv03gJ1_nv7Sevb-FqZvL1YDSZLfEzU/s1600/baffinpaddler_kayaking_saint_gedeon_islands_lac_saint_jean_quebec_canada_1+%25281%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMLdnF9Dl2xX2SYZimSmI-rG2TyA1h-8iTz_MZAzcGhCfjrkhLGtCuuDoQqSwVRhTMScYlsPhR57ydYsiWKxRvcU4uxWOOJIJwXFE3lFHBcTwdXAv03gJ1_nv7Sevb-FqZvL1YDSZLfEzU/s400/baffinpaddler_kayaking_saint_gedeon_islands_lac_saint_jean_quebec_canada_1+%25281%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
This is a little jewel of a location for sea kayaking without the sea. It's big water with ocean feel on a giant lake: Lac Saint Jean. So no worries of reading tide charts. And the water is warm enough for a swim in summer. Two thumbs up!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAwq9PvqbcRbqLNo2p18ZYdiB8E9M9c-twqUWVOu-2ODR-YsjeYHU287ywXM1p3GehLasLUf8rLcEM2AdtCpvczewbRgh6c4fdt1eZmBkI7QvM58Pl3dEwmm-buddT7XR_OH6YJlP1WWuG/s1600/baffinpaddler_kayaking_saint_gedeon_islands_lac_saint_jean_quebec_canada_1+%25287%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAwq9PvqbcRbqLNo2p18ZYdiB8E9M9c-twqUWVOu-2ODR-YsjeYHU287ywXM1p3GehLasLUf8rLcEM2AdtCpvczewbRgh6c4fdt1eZmBkI7QvM58Pl3dEwmm-buddT7XR_OH6YJlP1WWuG/s400/baffinpaddler_kayaking_saint_gedeon_islands_lac_saint_jean_quebec_canada_1+%25287%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
A lake formed like big round bowl can be boring in a kayak so it's nice to know where along its shores you can find a beautiful archipelago of islands and big craggy bays with interesting granite rock outcroppings and semi-sandy, gravely beaches to park on around the lake.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-eNUHqxiR9BXTQvyb1DLVmRB2Dy7ORbLdSzXcPOVIbwIJaQo5qtMunicFM_RUJiUooZThJFrhDiX6wRJpknYnITR5YKQ3bBcT9y-KRiKOfmS6FRtvqeU8AaM8Eca80YM1LB-qf2d1G2V1/s1600/baffinpaddler_kayaking_saint_gedeon_islands_lac_saint_jean_quebec_canada_1+%25286%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-eNUHqxiR9BXTQvyb1DLVmRB2Dy7ORbLdSzXcPOVIbwIJaQo5qtMunicFM_RUJiUooZThJFrhDiX6wRJpknYnITR5YKQ3bBcT9y-KRiKOfmS6FRtvqeU8AaM8Eca80YM1LB-qf2d1G2V1/s400/baffinpaddler_kayaking_saint_gedeon_islands_lac_saint_jean_quebec_canada_1+%25286%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
We found it here: <b>Saint Gedeon. </b>We had the feeling of being lost without getting lost. Big water on Lac Saint Jean, with lots to explore and endless places to wander - so close to our accommodation.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwtUmfcgfp3ots5uvdPo5j8b1yEQfLY33zBDsV_VOX68F5EVs0dnegWj1u22mitzkh6-SbUZmC9yYr1T9YiqklIV86V4YfmIjzqfxIyvPaSfKCNRkTcC7GvU0do9lInIVIP74n3Wunp9yi/s1600/baffinpaddler_kayaking_saint_gedeon_islands_lac_saint_jean_quebec_canada_1+%25285%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwtUmfcgfp3ots5uvdPo5j8b1yEQfLY33zBDsV_VOX68F5EVs0dnegWj1u22mitzkh6-SbUZmC9yYr1T9YiqklIV86V4YfmIjzqfxIyvPaSfKCNRkTcC7GvU0do9lInIVIP74n3Wunp9yi/s400/baffinpaddler_kayaking_saint_gedeon_islands_lac_saint_jean_quebec_canada_1+%25285%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
After paddling the <b>islands off Saint Gedeon</b> and the nearby <b style="font-style: italic;">Baie des Girard</b>,<i> </i>I remarked to my paddling partner that I didn't want to share this spot on my blog. How selfish! He told me I had to. So many paddlers share favorite paddling places, I've got to do the same. That's what makes us a paddling community. And, I figured the kayak karma police would chase me until I did.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtc_SOmQz3LWXoQMsui5yx3u0yKKts4k9ckaJYlehoeKRL9WZrV5SqP0PUMfcC9_c9Lbk7ZE3MzubZ75trw3zbPRSveTEuJMlbH4AOfft1Fz0Lb__juSC-OTZvErsX-urq3o7hVqnG1wTj/s1600/baffinpaddler_kayaking_saint_gedeon_islands_lac_saint_jean_quebec_canada_1+%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtc_SOmQz3LWXoQMsui5yx3u0yKKts4k9ckaJYlehoeKRL9WZrV5SqP0PUMfcC9_c9Lbk7ZE3MzubZ75trw3zbPRSveTEuJMlbH4AOfft1Fz0Lb__juSC-OTZvErsX-urq3o7hVqnG1wTj/s400/baffinpaddler_kayaking_saint_gedeon_islands_lac_saint_jean_quebec_canada_1+%25283%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
That's how wonderful this paddling location is. I found myself wishing our good paddle buddies and fellow bloggers from Maine were with us. This area reminded us so much of our awesome trip to paddle and camp the archipelago of islands off Stonington, Maine - minus the lobster boats and colorful lobster buoys.<br />
<br />
We didn't have a map or GPS. By paying attention to our direction with a kayak compass and using simple landmarks along the way, we were able to find our way without getting lost.<br />
<br />
Saint Gedeon is a small community nestled around Lac Saint Jean. Accommodations are limited but we found the perfect waterfront spot at <b>Auberge des Iles</b>. The owner of the auberge was very accommodating and friendly. We found the locals and visitors to the region friendly and relaxed.<br />
<br />
You can't beat the <b>fresh local blueberries</b> when they are in season. The Lac Saint Jean region is famous for its small, tart, delicious blueberries. You'll see endless fields of them as you drive around the lake.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">You can easily Google Saint Gedeon and look at the earth view. </span><br />
The<b> islands</b> off Saint Gedeon and <b>Baie des Girard</b> are not far from the auberge and are in a protected bay. When the wind is way up on Lac Saint Jean, the bays can be calm and quiet. There weren't many motor boats around the islands or in the bay, but stay on the look out for them. They come and go from nearby marinas and visit some of the island beaches. Most of the high speed activity seemed to stay out in the big, open stretches of the lake where motor boats don't have to worry so much about rocky shoals.<br />
<br />
Watch out for rocky shoals in the area. I would avoid going out when there are white caps and big wind and waves. You won't see the rocky shoals.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjxrpFsfdaMXLCDsWftEq8HJUxfAk-NV7IBSRda38j9tVBuIZ60bl7cyG6EQDuC1TRfkxdIh-AF-ThO7MHRaJHSiiXyE3H2AeeRRDnMn3Bf_pJHF7ZPD7_oZg2WXZKAkd4KMwoUTRUJ4y6/s1600/baffinpaddler_kayaking_saint_gedeon_islands_lac_saint_jean_quebec_canada_1+%252810%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjxrpFsfdaMXLCDsWftEq8HJUxfAk-NV7IBSRda38j9tVBuIZ60bl7cyG6EQDuC1TRfkxdIh-AF-ThO7MHRaJHSiiXyE3H2AeeRRDnMn3Bf_pJHF7ZPD7_oZg2WXZKAkd4KMwoUTRUJ4y6/s400/baffinpaddler_kayaking_saint_gedeon_islands_lac_saint_jean_quebec_canada_1+%252810%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<b>You can launch your kayak from a sandy public beach next to Auberge des Iles</b>. There is a small driveway next to the auberge that leads down to the water. There is a picnic shelter. Free parking can be found in a parking lot across the street from the auberge.<br />
<br />
<b>You can have lunch or dinner to beautiful waterfront views at the Auberge des Isles restaurant.</b> They have a chef from Saint Sauveur, Quebec. The menu is small, and the food was quite good. If you stay at the auberge, we found the continental breakfast (included in the price of the room rental) was excellent. Lots of fresh fruits, and local creton that guests devour each time a fresh batch is put out.<br />
<br />
The owner of the auberge said August was their busiest month. We visited mid-August. Cyclists touring the 256 kilometer <b>Veloroute des Bluets</b> around Lac Saint Jean also take advantage of the convenient location of this auberge. It's a great spot to bring the bikes and the kayaks. The cycle route passes next to the auberge.<br />
<br />
If you are planning on camping, there is a big <b>campground in Saint Gedeon</b>. It is jam-packed and busier than a bee hive.<br />
<br />
There is also a <b>public boat launch next to a marina off Rang des Iles in Saint Gedeon</b> just up the road from the auberge with limited free parking.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTFMn4Aet0v4es5HRdEISrsvJ3K6qNhnFa_LSNhWTOytEoxaLZuQ_ntCQ3zW3y7gYbgRu0Rk7MOH4GM2wG9DZnGOsiJ3Aj2c9Htx6PjvHVtxqY1VSOeG7prP0l1Xukh2GlxBHntqPZymC3/s1600/baffinpaddler_kayaking_saint_gedeon_islands_lac_saint_jean_quebec_canada_1+%252811%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTFMn4Aet0v4es5HRdEISrsvJ3K6qNhnFa_LSNhWTOytEoxaLZuQ_ntCQ3zW3y7gYbgRu0Rk7MOH4GM2wG9DZnGOsiJ3Aj2c9Htx6PjvHVtxqY1VSOeG7prP0l1Xukh2GlxBHntqPZymC3/s400/baffinpaddler_kayaking_saint_gedeon_islands_lac_saint_jean_quebec_canada_1+%252811%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
The cement ramp at the boat launch is steep and surrounded by big cement retaining walls and rock. No safe place to land or launch if the wind is up or the weather changes while you are out and no restroom, or any decent place for a rest stop nearby. I don't like this boat launch for launching kayaks but the views from this location are beautiful. If the weather looks good all day and the wind is gentle, it's a good option. A local told us the waves can be wicked here when the wind is strong.<br />
<br />
The Saguenay-Lac Saint Jean region of Quebec, Canada is very French and we speak French so it was no problem for us to communicate. If you travel to the region and don't speak or understand any French, you might want to make a few phone calls to the places you plan to visit to see if services in English are available. <br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Enjoy the dreamscape of Saint Gedeon on Lac Saint Jean.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjudKDqv_KhmIbbjNGjVBvWIeJkzPXQ77UKWJkPu-RBYtevQUGtAFi7QBqQmmKYcNb5_XHhC6qimOY2r1tPrplR3gZ3hVzhzGT0oL85rY3QwyuoIGsYilukM4_4ZfSpxp6KJ1E04tZDK5VT/s1600/baffinpaddler_kayaking_saint_gedeon_islands_lac_saint_jean_quebec_canada_1+%25288%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjudKDqv_KhmIbbjNGjVBvWIeJkzPXQ77UKWJkPu-RBYtevQUGtAFi7QBqQmmKYcNb5_XHhC6qimOY2r1tPrplR3gZ3hVzhzGT0oL85rY3QwyuoIGsYilukM4_4ZfSpxp6KJ1E04tZDK5VT/s400/baffinpaddler_kayaking_saint_gedeon_islands_lac_saint_jean_quebec_canada_1+%25288%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
The light on the water is sometimes magical. Seagulls never looked so good. The sunsets can be spectacular.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyRlhdKTnRTUkTTd5GkOauDq5PnRMyqgbhyaKDVAfUctTQdbDrWrDGzxC9optPpXgaRMoM4tyocF8lsFrM-vzM92Zpola8snHuPKnLxttAffEnLgQm4UUohunKVolQ-MjGT-Nt3PK2EHL5/s1600/baffinpaddler_kayaking_saint_gedeon_islands_lac_saint_jean_quebec_canada_1+%25289%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgyRlhdKTnRTUkTTd5GkOauDq5PnRMyqgbhyaKDVAfUctTQdbDrWrDGzxC9optPpXgaRMoM4tyocF8lsFrM-vzM92Zpola8snHuPKnLxttAffEnLgQm4UUohunKVolQ-MjGT-Nt3PK2EHL5/s400/baffinpaddler_kayaking_saint_gedeon_islands_lac_saint_jean_quebec_canada_1+%25289%2529.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Happy trails.<br />
The BaffinPaddlerBaffinPaddlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15682694017265829467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7584779124988587458.post-70833837027715388302015-08-28T23:13:00.002-04:002015-08-28T23:28:18.181-04:00Harmony with your kayak<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA3qrk3EwaZ5ol3eZFOX__8Un94jDXm7Mj8227Wxk6CINZDZOgDYFVGD4thdaiLVVVC_CkOR-Tfo049G-P8KbCgQFEoR7V0AA58cRpvI0OGxuAvbRbyan-pNrafuU1SQ7XErUWqYQ1u_U9/s1600/baffinpaddler_harmony_sea+kayak_greenland_paddle.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA3qrk3EwaZ5ol3eZFOX__8Un94jDXm7Mj8227Wxk6CINZDZOgDYFVGD4thdaiLVVVC_CkOR-Tfo049G-P8KbCgQFEoR7V0AA58cRpvI0OGxuAvbRbyan-pNrafuU1SQ7XErUWqYQ1u_U9/s400/baffinpaddler_harmony_sea+kayak_greenland_paddle.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Harmony with your kayak. Where do you find it?<br />
<br />
My kayak has a message in the seat. Harmony. After five years of paddling this kayak that I love, I suddenly noticed it. I was just reaching down to swab out the water behind the flexible back bend. The message in the seat made me stop for a few moments and I wondered, why didn't I notice it before? Harmony in my seat. If it's a brand name. Good choice.<br />
<br />
I always felt it when I got in. Harmony with this kayak. And, especially, harmony after I learned how to adjust the seat and foot pegs, harmony after I found a paddle or two that I liked to paddle with, harmony after I took some kayaking courses, harmony when I found some good paddle mates, and harmony when I keep exploring and learning.<br />
<br />
If you don't feel harmony in your kayak, perhaps look deeper. Is it your kayak, the paddle, your technique, your attitude, gear that doesn't work or perform to your needs, your paddle knowledge, your fitness level and diet, the people you paddle with.<br />
<br />
When you have harmony with your kayak, enjoy every moment.<br />
<br />
Your kayak keeps teaching you. What a wonderful and patient teacher. Find one you love.<br />
<br />
Happy paddle trails.<br />
The BaffinPaddlerBaffinPaddlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15682694017265829467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7584779124988587458.post-17394307686232125792015-08-16T10:01:00.001-04:002015-08-31T16:33:59.969-04:00Sunscreen your kayak<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8MWvVlHRqlMMv3AJPPNDtGmMjrs9qUt4a6ysASPh5BRfgjzmLkD5wQ-iDvQAkfgAiQKt1KpUge01YqSG9jVoDqzPhNZy5-D5iRAkW-_eB-ZzHI0wFLmWCNSZ3zEWe1Jh36DexxYI-lKo2/s1600/baffinpaddler-aerospace-303-sunscreen-for-sea-kayaks.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8MWvVlHRqlMMv3AJPPNDtGmMjrs9qUt4a6ysASPh5BRfgjzmLkD5wQ-iDvQAkfgAiQKt1KpUge01YqSG9jVoDqzPhNZy5-D5iRAkW-_eB-ZzHI0wFLmWCNSZ3zEWe1Jh36DexxYI-lKo2/s400/baffinpaddler-aerospace-303-sunscreen-for-sea-kayaks.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
It's motivating to sunscreen your kayak before a trip, whether it is plastic or fibreglass. I have one of each. For me, it's the only way to get motivated, otherwise I keep putting it off. And I know on a trip, the kayak is going to spend a lot more time in the hot sun. But, it's important to do it properly. There are several different brands of product to sunscreen and protect your kayak. I used Aerospace 303.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsoNe2gS0QLWCzkMwIly4_JxLuZlI0UC4LT9NVry0pZBb6q7vBunIdxsJ7Tw_N8P7-fZIFLF0sauPx7O-34hn27y2ovWMRIDzZCauPA2p6u6b4OIkrUUJ0uBKCUA46K6RdwmqRjtKb4BWm/s1600/baffinpaddler-sunscreen-your-kayak-303.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsoNe2gS0QLWCzkMwIly4_JxLuZlI0UC4LT9NVry0pZBb6q7vBunIdxsJ7Tw_N8P7-fZIFLF0sauPx7O-34hn27y2ovWMRIDzZCauPA2p6u6b4OIkrUUJ0uBKCUA46K6RdwmqRjtKb4BWm/s400/baffinpaddler-sunscreen-your-kayak-303.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
The kayak also looks beautiful after a proper cleaning and treatment, sometimes even showroom ready. And, I feel better when I'm tripping knowing I've given it some sun protection. It also reminds me to bring my human sunscreen too.<br />
<br />
Here's a link to my article on sunscreening your kayak and how to do it properly according to the manufacturer's instructions.<br />
<br />
<a href="http://baffinpaddler.blogspot.ca/2011/03/sunscreen-your-kayak-303-protectant.html" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Sunscreen your kayak! 303 Aerospace Protectant. Time to think about it</span></a><br />
<br />
Happy paddles!<br />
The BaffinPaddlrBaffinPaddlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15682694017265829467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7584779124988587458.post-2856018604369084372015-08-13T11:39:00.001-04:002015-08-13T13:37:27.980-04:00Accidental paddle art<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0G8NZbk4ae_80QWe5I5Ja1nuuWyUrGa0UwnTXvd7SNU5dgFI9BDCMRtrVs21DbNfoZQWHvXfAstH3UHTZCf1a4ixQg8YUsl-EmrzVJmc5keUbFy4QqavG1ushSQCpiGUgZ272ADCDR8XO/s1600/baffinpaddler-desiccated-preserved-clementine.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi0G8NZbk4ae_80QWe5I5Ja1nuuWyUrGa0UwnTXvd7SNU5dgFI9BDCMRtrVs21DbNfoZQWHvXfAstH3UHTZCf1a4ixQg8YUsl-EmrzVJmc5keUbFy4QqavG1ushSQCpiGUgZ272ADCDR8XO/s400/baffinpaddler-desiccated-preserved-clementine.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
There are lots of benefits to cleaning out the kayak gear bags before a little trip to cold water. You find stuff!<br />
<br />
Some of it is necessary stuff. Some of it is stuff you forgot you had. You find out some of what you want and need is hidden somewhere else and you spend hours tracking it down. But finally, the mess is assembled and all the sand and grit is dumped back outside where it belongs.<br />
<br />
Geez. Look at all this stuff! It's frightening? It's beautiful? It's all good stuff! Now to pare it down and bring as little as possible. And this is all the day tripping gear. The kayak camping gear (sleeping bags, lightweight 2-man tent, pots n' pans, etc.,) are another story and packed away in bins. My paddle partner laughed, "You have a lot of shit down there!" I guess he forgot half of it is his!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVJEoLxG0sNFN0H55f7qxNmkPljzbIjR3KIHXFXPHVtf0cYYDKRVYEaybDbZ5epK3yWG1OQGHe55-a0H-4IRuGeB8KQc6ID3Hn1EK2NXWHvjt3H4B5ICHVu8N9pnOrC-PzUrXlEoz5-K4F/s1600/baffinpaddler-kayaking-gear.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="310" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVJEoLxG0sNFN0H55f7qxNmkPljzbIjR3KIHXFXPHVtf0cYYDKRVYEaybDbZ5epK3yWG1OQGHe55-a0H-4IRuGeB8KQc6ID3Hn1EK2NXWHvjt3H4B5ICHVu8N9pnOrC-PzUrXlEoz5-K4F/s400/baffinpaddler-kayaking-gear.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
But what's this? A long lost clementine hiding in one of the gear bags. Perfectly desiccated and preserved and hard as a rock. It has a faint scent of orange flavoured chocolate.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZMTSCY3ndYLgPgiIaiVjozAS9ipdPljYLtAO6hb-tMmlaBCPJtcc0KmVl5DWAXT6wIA_wK2H3i19b-ruwUJ0qJzOoCw_QHOncFlaRhYotQAL9i6hNpYayk9W33v63IFoOZgLgP0xiHFqo/s1600/baffinpaddler_dried_clementine_paddle_art.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZMTSCY3ndYLgPgiIaiVjozAS9ipdPljYLtAO6hb-tMmlaBCPJtcc0KmVl5DWAXT6wIA_wK2H3i19b-ruwUJ0qJzOoCw_QHOncFlaRhYotQAL9i6hNpYayk9W33v63IFoOZgLgP0xiHFqo/s400/baffinpaddler_dried_clementine_paddle_art.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
Now, what to do with it? It has become paddle art. Another one of those unexpected things you find along the way. I wonder which trip you belong to?<br />
<br />
Happy paddle trails. We're dusting off the sea kayaks and taking them further North to colder and bigger water than our little local lakes.<br />
<br />
The BaffinPaddlerBaffinPaddlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15682694017265829467noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7584779124988587458.post-11995770175049497282015-03-17T21:38:00.001-04:002015-03-19T11:23:13.381-04:00Happy St. Patrick's Day from The BaffinPaddler<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdTyycKSQ-2cUm8Tqnxiy4YBDhM9t4n7FPHoDpdDLuxPXQbIHgYJAG9WdHS8Nv0E3ure7-Bc1yrEnXtiIdET7AMcfi2y_tD99iEJ2JPIIKPhduV2_8zJzJ0zYMIj-9zOfUOA1k366Rab9X/s1600/baffinpaddler-ice-fishing-hut-st-patricks-day.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdTyycKSQ-2cUm8Tqnxiy4YBDhM9t4n7FPHoDpdDLuxPXQbIHgYJAG9WdHS8Nv0E3ure7-Bc1yrEnXtiIdET7AMcfi2y_tD99iEJ2JPIIKPhduV2_8zJzJ0zYMIj-9zOfUOA1k366Rab9X/s1600/baffinpaddler-ice-fishing-hut-st-patricks-day.JPG" height="291" width="400" /></a></div>
It's St. Patrick's Day. Time to tip our hats goodbye to the ice fishing huts on Lac Deschenes (on the Ottawa River) in Canada's National Capital Region.<br />
<br />
Today the wind gusts were a wicked 65 km/hr (40 mph) making it hard to hold on to this flimsy green hat from the Dollar Store!<br />
<br />
The ice fishing huts are all off the lake now, well ahead of spring thaw.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Here's a last look at this winter's cozy temporary village on Lac Deschenes with its spattering of quirky little heated ice-fishing huts. </span><br />
<br />
How these small, transportable shelters can harbor heat and not melt a hole in the ice are a mystery to me.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcvsCOn6zwotsxfnl6lVisk0eYJ8OleqBQfUK78CFPlZKxUJwVAJrysyX5pzNwEatbME4jULuJ35VG1W71T9iYAwIJeB3GS08ZNXe6PxZ6jrOf0OxHMFUjAKXFEGa-zWe9Kn_9yLmu0ky2/s1600/baffinpaddler-ice-fishing-huts-lac-deschenes.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcvsCOn6zwotsxfnl6lVisk0eYJ8OleqBQfUK78CFPlZKxUJwVAJrysyX5pzNwEatbME4jULuJ35VG1W71T9iYAwIJeB3GS08ZNXe6PxZ6jrOf0OxHMFUjAKXFEGa-zWe9Kn_9yLmu0ky2/s1600/baffinpaddler-ice-fishing-huts-lac-deschenes.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
Winter recreation on frozen lakes wouldn't be complete without the majestic views of the <b>snow kiters</b> flying by on windy days.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCx0eJbZpRFPPNX-flazRA7ezgFhblOoXa29fpn1fsBpKZEuP3zS4Ava0hJPK0tYytndIf-j5Vtss1eUXllhDdnCEZfDvPNcPv_HNWTH26NAZaseGAtpLoN07sDx-WF3QYXQtZjGNmf4Qg/s1600/baffinpaddler_ice_fishing_hut_snow_kiting_lac_deschenes.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCx0eJbZpRFPPNX-flazRA7ezgFhblOoXa29fpn1fsBpKZEuP3zS4Ava0hJPK0tYytndIf-j5Vtss1eUXllhDdnCEZfDvPNcPv_HNWTH26NAZaseGAtpLoN07sDx-WF3QYXQtZjGNmf4Qg/s1600/baffinpaddler_ice_fishing_hut_snow_kiting_lac_deschenes.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
Lonely? Check out the views. The Aylmer Marina and the cities of Gatineau and Ottawa are your next door neighbors. It feels remote, but it's not.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg77wLDU4KNGI1Je70R5-vE6O-7QmHObaC28nk64GjKM_IwZYygRUkEvzKUyK6X3bQdfGWYzFlLWyDL_Gtnl0P_96-pIIIxATKAZQUzYAixZ2xwSgTOf9Ek5mCTzQDS7DSkf8w4hH4ukoQX/s1600/baffinpaddler-ice-huts-lighthouse-aylmer-marina-winter.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg77wLDU4KNGI1Je70R5-vE6O-7QmHObaC28nk64GjKM_IwZYygRUkEvzKUyK6X3bQdfGWYzFlLWyDL_Gtnl0P_96-pIIIxATKAZQUzYAixZ2xwSgTOf9Ek5mCTzQDS7DSkf8w4hH4ukoQX/s1600/baffinpaddler-ice-huts-lighthouse-aylmer-marina-winter.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
Personality. Each hut has its own story. It's tempting to peek into the windows.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm3P0e_YzB9OIb4mw-peyJY6ATNipGtuxBhyyh6nSIPDHuia3cYSTFsb5tWB9_BtnpLRbKq46HdXCwn_UZX5xKBGsL0CJ56foD__VCIEQGcRPW7zhjaoCnn1xu3TOk8odvqCKXz8cSnrKJ/s1600/baffinpaddler_ice_fishing_huts_canada.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm3P0e_YzB9OIb4mw-peyJY6ATNipGtuxBhyyh6nSIPDHuia3cYSTFsb5tWB9_BtnpLRbKq46HdXCwn_UZX5xKBGsL0CJ56foD__VCIEQGcRPW7zhjaoCnn1xu3TOk8odvqCKXz8cSnrKJ/s1600/baffinpaddler_ice_fishing_huts_canada.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
Today, the little temporary village is gone. And, we still have a long way to go for spring thaw!<br />
<br />
Happy St. Patrick's Day, however you celebrate it. I'm part Irish, and I don't drink green beer.<br />
The BaffinPaddlerBaffinPaddlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15682694017265829467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7584779124988587458.post-26826848809843913652015-02-18T21:48:00.001-05:002015-03-02T14:10:57.173-05:00Greenland Bound — A Paddler's Pilgrimage: What's your favorite clip?At the 10th Reel Paddling Film Festival World Tour, <b>Greenland Bound — A Paddler's Pilgrimage</b> won best Sea Kayak film for 2015.<br />
<br />
I can see why. It has won my heart and given me new paddling inspiration. If you haven't seen it yet, you may want to have a peek:<br />
<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="281" mozallowfullscreen="" src="//player.vimeo.com/video/119495279?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="400"></iframe> <a href="https://vimeo.com/119495279">Greenland Bound - A Paddler's Pilgrimage</a> from <a href="https://vimeo.com/ontarioseakayak">Ontario Sea Kayak Centre</a> on <a href="https://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br />
<br />
I've already watched it ten times today. It's such a wonderful story, beautifully shot and narrated.<br />
<br />
The story follows James Manke and James Roberts as they travel to Qaqortaq, Greenland, to experience the culture and participate in the 2014 Greenland National Kayak Championships. They returned to Canada with gold medals, smiling faces, many happy memories and newfound friends.<br />
<br />
Dubside is also featured.<br />
<br />
<b>Do you have a favorite scene or clip from the video? </b><br />
<br />
I certainly do. It's the rolling iceberg that tries to steal the scene from James Roberts as he's competing.<br />
<br />
Fantastic! Enjoy!<br />
<br />
You can also find more about their adventure on their <b>Greenland Bound Facebook page</b> - just Google it. And like their page.<br />
<br />
<b>Here's a Paddle Canada article congratulating them on their achievements:</b><br />
<br />
<a href="http://www.paddlingcanada.com/news/1324-paddle-canada-officially-congratulates-james-roberts-and-james-manke-for-acheivements-at-the-greenland-kayaking-championships-2014.html" target="_blank">Paddle Canada officially congratulates James Roberts and James Manke for achievements at the Greenland Kayaking Championships 2014. </a><br />
<br />
Happy trails!<br />
The BaffinPaddler<br />
<br />BaffinPaddlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15682694017265829467noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7584779124988587458.post-88001933611361631832014-09-01T19:42:00.000-04:002015-04-06T12:59:24.761-04:00The easiest way to find mindfulness - Paddling?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ZJ6CDKwFYa_tmR_qHGicFYe-IYSFtrmaupRggdoTVXUrkbvUFSyJ87iO1OAyjQZsWI1gxfk6TxGSyIKsPYBjtkQVmki0zJe57qdLbMRNnmeOwxQ95FlgZYTIjIbHgJfx_hevS-bp75Qh/s1600/baffinpaddller-mindful-kayaking-tremblant-quebec-canada.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8ZJ6CDKwFYa_tmR_qHGicFYe-IYSFtrmaupRggdoTVXUrkbvUFSyJ87iO1OAyjQZsWI1gxfk6TxGSyIKsPYBjtkQVmki0zJe57qdLbMRNnmeOwxQ95FlgZYTIjIbHgJfx_hevS-bp75Qh/s1600/baffinpaddller-mindful-kayaking-tremblant-quebec-canada.JPG" height="237" width="400" /></a></div>
Yes? No! Maybe . . . I guess your paddle state-of-mind depends on many internal and external influences.<br />
<br />
<b>Internal influences</b> may be your own health --- how you are feeling mentally and physically. You come to the water with a good attitude or with pent up stress from daily life and issues you just can't let go of. You may have a sore knee, a tummy ache, or a fit body that feels good all-over.<br />
<br />
<b>External influences</b> may be the weather and conditions that you consider awful or totally perfect. A shoreline you'd like to land on is too rocky, or is very welcoming with a sandy beach.<br />
<br />
Many things can affect our paddle state-of-mind and influence our ability to be mindful and enjoy our paddle.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">What is mindfulness?</span><br />
<br />
Mindfulness involves being in the present moment and paying attention with openness, interest, receptivity and without judgement. <br />
<br />
Practising mindfulness on land can help us be more relaxed paddlers when we hit the water.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">My next story is up on the Wanderlust Journal. </span><br />
<br />
It's about mindfulness. I enjoyed 4 days of yoga classes and events at the awesome Wanderlust Tremblant yoga festival from August 21-24 in Quebec, Canada. On the first day of the festival I took a mindful meditation class in the historic St. Bernard Chapel.<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Here's the link:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://wanderlust.com/journal/3-ways-practice-mindfulness/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">3 Ways to Practice Mindfulness</span></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrVBJOtGuNJlrSozJEOjmcsuIwRhpuaxiC2HfkkVJABiCCIiHRVTxuBgics2W343uih4eGo5uDKfp5PgZeSabFp8POmqER9OeYgvgwNqlf5cG3i9LXgQG2xF0US42q4grw9nJqgP7Qm1J-/s1600/baffinpaddler-lessons-in-mindfulness-st-bernard-chapel-tremblant-wanderlust.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrVBJOtGuNJlrSozJEOjmcsuIwRhpuaxiC2HfkkVJABiCCIiHRVTxuBgics2W343uih4eGo5uDKfp5PgZeSabFp8POmqER9OeYgvgwNqlf5cG3i9LXgQG2xF0US42q4grw9nJqgP7Qm1J-/s1600/baffinpaddler-lessons-in-mindfulness-st-bernard-chapel-tremblant-wanderlust.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
Mindfulness is a great thing to practice and share.<br />
Happy trails!<br />
The BaffinPaddler BaffinPaddlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15682694017265829467noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7584779124988587458.post-75306138778074689772014-08-24T18:47:00.002-04:002015-04-06T13:58:16.290-04:00Mountain yogis unite - 5 ways to take your yoga practice outdoors<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfT8N6jL86C9Ad0yVHAntoR4QFyhR32v80WQ3b2NE3yt8PEJjkqqauZvTACnEp7AHC1nAD7-DAGGostkPdrW9WZhrX5lNsUujkR0CY3BaU21mWgrQ-ZYY_p5nC3ISyF8IsePTExaI8Qw_7/s1600/baffinpaddler-yoga-outdoors-tremblant-quebec-canada.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfT8N6jL86C9Ad0yVHAntoR4QFyhR32v80WQ3b2NE3yt8PEJjkqqauZvTACnEp7AHC1nAD7-DAGGostkPdrW9WZhrX5lNsUujkR0CY3BaU21mWgrQ-ZYY_p5nC3ISyF8IsePTExaI8Qw_7/s1600/baffinpaddler-yoga-outdoors-tremblant-quebec-canada.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
For my outdoor friends and new visitors to this blog, you may enjoy this article. Some people just can't relate to yoga - I know, it's not easy. It can be confusing and difficult to get into, and to keep up with. It's diverse, challenging, and hopefully rewarding. Sometimes, I question myself. "Why are you doing this? Why do you keep doing this?' Yoga!<br />
<br />
The answer is simple: It can be good for you.<br />
<br />
I am a member of the mindset of people who believe they can shop around and integrate a yoga practice into their lifestyle. One that suits you. Mine is very flexible. I can take it anywhere. And I do.<br />
<br />
My ears often perk up when I listen to the reasons why some people don't like yoga. They tried it once or twice. The things they didn't like are the same things I didn't like. But, I changed my perspective. I decided to explore different forms of yoga, and a variety of teachers and studios. I kept going because, even with the things I didn't like, I was seeing good results. And when I kept going, I kept finding more things I liked or that intrigued me. Along with more and more good results.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Some people just don't like indoor yoga studios.</span><br />
<br />
Indoor yoga studios make some outdoor people cringe and feel uncomfortable and confined.<br />
<br />
The good news is, many of us get out of the indoor yoga studios and do yoga in the outdoors year round. Yes, even in winter! It's called <b>Snowga.</b><br />
<br />
You can really take it to the next level, literally! when you trek up a mountain trail. It's a great cardio workout to warm up the body and open up the lungs, then do a little, or a lot of yoga in the great outdoors with beautiful views.<br />
<br />
Inspiring outdoor views naturally touch the heart chakra. You can feel it, even if you don't know what that is. It feels good. A warm, happy feeling. So sweet! And hey, the heart chakra, the fourth chakra, is associated with the colour green and the element air.<br />
<br />
I have found doing yoga, or even just striking or holding a few of my favourite yoga poses in the outdoors incredibly powerful. Always much more powerful and meaningful than what I ever find inside a yoga studio.<br />
<br />
The cool thing is, more and more people are doing yoga and finding creative ways to make it interesting, engaging and fun. It's a great way to connect with all things. I love both indoor yoga studios and all those outdoor yoga spaces we find along our path. Outdoor spaces for practice are infinite and roomy!<br />
<br />
<b>My next story is up on the Wanderlust Journal inspired by awesome experiences during the Wanderlust Tremblant yoga festival in Quebec, Canada from August 21-24. If you'd like to have a look, here's the link.</b><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://wanderlust.com/journal/5-ways-take-practice-outdoors/" target="_blank">5 ways to take your yoga practice outdoors</a></span><br />
<br />
Happy trails!<br />
The BaffinPaddlerBaffinPaddlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15682694017265829467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7584779124988587458.post-23549837626102955112014-08-22T19:20:00.000-04:002014-08-22T19:20:43.839-04:00What's in the Wanderlust Tremblant Mandala<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAWlf22J_A2fS_7o4-_XE5KiXNYb0S4twR8JeEzhrx8Mwy4FbIBblU7V1sp1AKjDsEHNjog3EeLZR_JE6zcfyavIGR7vZfjc6y-hZS9UWd96ieqDYJh7qHPEn2ksHEqXWt7UNgkj8IZB6F/s1600/baffinpaddler_wanderlust_tremblant_yoga_festival_mandala.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAWlf22J_A2fS_7o4-_XE5KiXNYb0S4twR8JeEzhrx8Mwy4FbIBblU7V1sp1AKjDsEHNjog3EeLZR_JE6zcfyavIGR7vZfjc6y-hZS9UWd96ieqDYJh7qHPEn2ksHEqXWt7UNgkj8IZB6F/s1600/baffinpaddler_wanderlust_tremblant_yoga_festival_mandala.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
Oh cool. I'm a guest blogger at the Wanderlust Tremblant yoga festival that runs from August 21-24 (Quebec, Canada.)<br />
<br />
You're probably wondering what the heck this is in the photo above. I didn't have a clue either. So I found out and wrote a story about it with some much appreciated help from the Wanderlust editor. I'm still just a baby in the yoga world.<br />
<br />
My first story is up on the Wanderlust Journal if you'd like to have a look. Here's the link:<br />
<br />
<a href="http://wanderlust.com/journal/let-art-guide/" target="_blank"><span style="font-size: large;">Let Art Be Your Guide</span></a><br />
<br />
Better yet, come join us in Tremblant for a fantastic yoga festival with indoor and outdoor classes, treks and runs on mountain trails, SUP yoga on Lake Tremblant, music, food, and yoga gear for sale! The weather is perfect and so are the vibes:) I'm not sure if there are any classes still available though. You'll have to check the Wanderlust Tremblant website schedule.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin4MXo1eJPpBGKaHgE76nt9h1iLURilOW9xpghQx_eU2P83q4SzRGNcA2YWv4b5xpTM4cxHC7yV2vz_hnpmFAFwsloRzw5ZeM_gIhgrireTlk0scUfqph5ANq4PhAhHH3KcMayRJVvisdy/s1600/baffinpaddler-wanderlust-tremblant-yoga-festival-quebec-canada.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin4MXo1eJPpBGKaHgE76nt9h1iLURilOW9xpghQx_eU2P83q4SzRGNcA2YWv4b5xpTM4cxHC7yV2vz_hnpmFAFwsloRzw5ZeM_gIhgrireTlk0scUfqph5ANq4PhAhHH3KcMayRJVvisdy/s1600/baffinpaddler-wanderlust-tremblant-yoga-festival-quebec-canada.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
Everyone loves the Tremblant resort village and surroundings. They keep telling me so.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqXMum51_OozOgwtoNcrIofoR2qRNKkwuJaDBxjaOvnd9Er2TA2bj6jSXy4LWGO0JcDuvMwkndFmRadA3fkyCcMlwamqy1l_ymN4UlvDsQ9t0anTc9qWgepAKt9GWr8iZJ_0EnpwiAOGrs/s1600/baffinpaddler-tremblant-resort-cabriolet-quebec-canada.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqXMum51_OozOgwtoNcrIofoR2qRNKkwuJaDBxjaOvnd9Er2TA2bj6jSXy4LWGO0JcDuvMwkndFmRadA3fkyCcMlwamqy1l_ymN4UlvDsQ9t0anTc9qWgepAKt9GWr8iZJ_0EnpwiAOGrs/s1600/baffinpaddler-tremblant-resort-cabriolet-quebec-canada.JPG" height="311" width="400" /></a></div>
I'll be up late again tonight working on another festival story. Yogi by day. Writer by night.<br />
<br />
I miss my kayaks! I'll catch up with them in the fall.<br />
<br />
Happy trails.<br />
The BaffinPaddlerBaffinPaddlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15682694017265829467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7584779124988587458.post-57235755957332607542014-08-16T19:00:00.002-04:002014-08-16T19:13:49.183-04:00The calm before the storm - 2014 IRONMAN North American Championship Mont-Tremblant<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Ak3F58T05E6XnZf0qJMuJiwtiZPRKoYWOFbJpNK5VXBEX-2H2M5L0O5JQY-WoNc5UnMqoLCTMRBASHUAjOahTgqrgUEhGIlE-5LjMW7HofHJ1J-N09tcdFR6GFO89SjsS44f_LpVBRfG/s1600/baffinpaddler_ironman_tremblant_preparations_swim_6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj6Ak3F58T05E6XnZf0qJMuJiwtiZPRKoYWOFbJpNK5VXBEX-2H2M5L0O5JQY-WoNc5UnMqoLCTMRBASHUAjOahTgqrgUEhGIlE-5LjMW7HofHJ1J-N09tcdFR6GFO89SjsS44f_LpVBRfG/s1600/baffinpaddler_ironman_tremblant_preparations_swim_6.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
The 2014 IRONMAN North American Championship Mont-Tremblant (Quebec, Canada) starts early tomorrow morning at 6:36 a.m. from the beach on Lake Tremblant with the 2.4 mile swim.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDtwT6EVb3WI4E7Xq8Y76ZRZ5SQMePGAOABJIKn5rqqkX88dWTOkoE0KFSVsnKcyg9390oxGuatd-3TZ2Fm6V97bJC41GkJ45jQdS_47urj9N6DOzbJzIh5aRBuM_yNdr-utjz3Iuhj-gy/s1600/baffinpaddler_ironman_tremblant_swim_beach_2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDtwT6EVb3WI4E7Xq8Y76ZRZ5SQMePGAOABJIKn5rqqkX88dWTOkoE0KFSVsnKcyg9390oxGuatd-3TZ2Fm6V97bJC41GkJ45jQdS_47urj9N6DOzbJzIh5aRBuM_yNdr-utjz3Iuhj-gy/s1600/baffinpaddler_ironman_tremblant_swim_beach_2.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<b>It's a full Ironman.</b><br />
<div>
<ul>
<li>2.4 mile swim (3.86 km), athletes have 2 hours, 20 minutes to complete it</li>
<li>112 mile cycle (180.25 km), athletes have 8 hours to complete it</li>
<li>26.2 mile marathon run (42.2 km), athletes have 6 hours, 30 minutes to complete it.</li>
</ul>
<div>
The beauty and peace at the depart for the swim the day before the competition defies the cold front, rain, and fog that rolled in this week.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHaxvGDP6yuFpTpy7flnwlmlejEkri53eA93oIkuZD0_XkcHbaniFjXUcJghEof8hPBoYBy6xdVa3fKWvlR2kZJdyUrkH-oz5tc37FASCl1aOcLXKeSfw384TwRIkYQQ9d1dqMotjOfqEW/s1600/baffinpaddler_ironman_tremblant_swim_depart_4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHaxvGDP6yuFpTpy7flnwlmlejEkri53eA93oIkuZD0_XkcHbaniFjXUcJghEof8hPBoYBy6xdVa3fKWvlR2kZJdyUrkH-oz5tc37FASCl1aOcLXKeSfw384TwRIkYQQ9d1dqMotjOfqEW/s1600/baffinpaddler_ironman_tremblant_swim_depart_4.JPG" height="360" width="400" /></a></div>
This week the nights have gone down to 9 degrees Celsius 9 (48 F). The days sometimes warmed up to 15 degrees Celsius (59 F). All this, and just last week some of us were bemoaning temperatures around 32 C (90 F), with a little humidity. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The cold, rain and fog offers an ominous calm the day before the triathlon. The lake is quiet.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj65XDTNVHG4EBPKYRiGQJkt1OSJ8XYa5reGAZ6d0Ew6lP-eTkmWU6uWeUzW0m_BaSIPqEkWwp-nnfi41K1bWPoMsKcsG3hqoLf6IsYRBY_HOzRpR_xF7FO2wtNGOgM-tnbHmeY9KLMLT4/s1600/baffinpaddler_ironman_tremblant_swim_beach-depart_5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhj65XDTNVHG4EBPKYRiGQJkt1OSJ8XYa5reGAZ6d0Ew6lP-eTkmWU6uWeUzW0m_BaSIPqEkWwp-nnfi41K1bWPoMsKcsG3hqoLf6IsYRBY_HOzRpR_xF7FO2wtNGOgM-tnbHmeY9KLMLT4/s1600/baffinpaddler_ironman_tremblant_swim_beach-depart_5.JPG" height="303" width="400" /></a></div>
Today I felt very lucky to enjoy a few quiet moments at the Ironman swim departure site after the meeting of volunteer kayakers for swim support. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlzvPjfVSO2rySeHBVD1Dqn5cR80agYKYctdMpp1XwWbZIBqiCntf0fIgcJKkI_8FyM2OYbdeVhyOWuH7zyewC-Awaij8KtuZMrRTYM80nz7d_MXkBwPFu7-J75Md8xI7glb7dkHh9ypez/s1600/baffinpaddler_ironman_tremblant_swim_depart_3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhlzvPjfVSO2rySeHBVD1Dqn5cR80agYKYctdMpp1XwWbZIBqiCntf0fIgcJKkI_8FyM2OYbdeVhyOWuH7zyewC-Awaij8KtuZMrRTYM80nz7d_MXkBwPFu7-J75Md8xI7glb7dkHh9ypez/s1600/baffinpaddler_ironman_tremblant_swim_depart_3.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
Tomorrow morning, the swim depart site will be quite the opposite when the beach and water is filled with action, athletes, and tremendous energy. </div>
<div>
<br />
Each swim buoy marker is 130 metres (426.5 feet) apart along the 2.4 mile swim. The 2.4 mile swim distance may not look like much on a small map that you see in a local newspaper. But, when you see the Zodiac boats hauling out, and quietly placing each numbered marker, the scale of the swim, and the distance the athletes will cover, suddenly starts to come into stark perspective. Wow! I'm happy I'll be in a kayak.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGOFEI3MXVZmEJRSIX5m6-H_j22cx2BZsWgTRNTi6LgZm1nuyCX2Wo0riYblY52V9R9CItBBUC0EnQxspp3Bi_sGGxu3wlIRyiYjjttMyWizBEz8zs3a2aWVpnW2NVVFBKrnEA4befCKCV/s1600/baffinpaddler_ironman_tremblant_swim_preparations_7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGOFEI3MXVZmEJRSIX5m6-H_j22cx2BZsWgTRNTi6LgZm1nuyCX2Wo0riYblY52V9R9CItBBUC0EnQxspp3Bi_sGGxu3wlIRyiYjjttMyWizBEz8zs3a2aWVpnW2NVVFBKrnEA4befCKCV/s1600/baffinpaddler_ironman_tremblant_swim_preparations_7.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
There are 13 numbered yellow buoys heading out from the swim depart at the Tremblant Beach and Tennis Club - they disappear quickly in the fog - there's a turning point - the swim is a loop - and 13 orange numbered buoys on the return stretch to Parc Plage. The distance between the yellow and orange buoys in the middle of the loop is about 400 metres (.2 miles). Swim support is inside and outside the swim loop and there are some resting platforms along the way at specified buoys.<br />
<br />
There are many more details and lots of professional support for the athletes, but let's rest before the event and enjoy the peaceful foggy views.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGVkrdaLxA51XtEfHwkNrrAhBeM_gyWjOKOwKZeWTugIbbcg597mptvivAuKYtPzzmVXSJMBMXbKg8bbyENwSM-JTIUJS7K75GbF06oodTbkL1IMDFN_v7Xw9nSdrxu5C3eCWLjWPd3e7a/s1600/baffinpaddler-ironman-tremblant-beach-depart-9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGVkrdaLxA51XtEfHwkNrrAhBeM_gyWjOKOwKZeWTugIbbcg597mptvivAuKYtPzzmVXSJMBMXbKg8bbyENwSM-JTIUJS7K75GbF06oodTbkL1IMDFN_v7Xw9nSdrxu5C3eCWLjWPd3e7a/s1600/baffinpaddler-ironman-tremblant-beach-depart-9.JPG" height="292" width="400" /></a></div>
It is my first experience as a volunteer for an Ironman competition. The dedication, organization, and the volunteer and professional support for the athletes at the event is incredible. Of course, the dedication and training the athletes go through, and the support from their families is another story. Why they do it is their story.<br />
<br />
During the event, of course, we volunteer kayakers are on duty and working. No photos. The media and event photogs are onsite for that.<br />
</div>
<div>
<b>Best wishes to the athletes, their families, and their support teams at the 2014 Subaru IRONMAN North American Championship Mont-Tremblant on August 17. </b><br />
<br />
Happy and safe trails.<br />
The BaffinPaddler </div>
</div>
BaffinPaddlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15682694017265829467noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7584779124988587458.post-113664668024905512014-08-11T18:54:00.002-04:002017-02-27T11:17:39.357-05:00Does my Ironman Tremblant T-shirt make me look fat?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeREkfvvcPLWubjlaLoBF-BzFaJeyOoS8kiPddcT_ZDZwtvyaXwbfmVem2RlNBWlieXmDfRao5y-ILIXN67rUsYE-58AusAU-GT6TTjToXRvw2U7c1nmdP_smAN3KPVNLWDdCTDgprnFDw/s1600/baffinpaddler-ironman-tremblant-2014-volunteer.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeREkfvvcPLWubjlaLoBF-BzFaJeyOoS8kiPddcT_ZDZwtvyaXwbfmVem2RlNBWlieXmDfRao5y-ILIXN67rUsYE-58AusAU-GT6TTjToXRvw2U7c1nmdP_smAN3KPVNLWDdCTDgprnFDw/s1600/baffinpaddler-ironman-tremblant-2014-volunteer.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
Yes it does. Let's blame it on a bulky belt on the jean shorts. What the hell. This is no time for vanity. I couldn't help striking a yoga pose in from of the big red M in the Tremblant Ironman village today.<br />
<br />
I call it the Ironman village, because the massive white tents and stages for the event are already set up at the base of the Tremblant resort village. You can already feel the Ironman mania and high energy building in town. Parking further and further away, and taking longer and longer to find a parking lot with space is your first clue! August is a busy month up here!<br />
<br />
<b>The full Ironman Triathlon in Tremblant, Quebec, Canada on August 17</b> is fast approaching. It's what I call the totally insane Ironman. The full Ironman - not the half. How this is humanly possible in one day is beyond comprehension. Yet some 2600 athletes from over 50 countries, including Quebec's elite racers, will give it a go. Preparing for a full Ironman takes several years of hard training and burns a lot of calories.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Full Ironman</span><br />
<ul>
<li> 2.4 mile swim (3.86 km), athletes have 2 hours, 20 minutes to complete it</li>
<li>112 mile cycle (180.25 km), athletes have 8 hours to complete it</li>
<li>26.2 mile marathon run (42.2 km), athletes have 6 hours, 30 minutes to complete it.</li>
</ul>
Everything is raced in that order with no breaks. Athletes need a lot of support along the way to accomplish this and help insure their safety.<br />
<br />
Tremblant is stunningly beautiful, but it is no picnic for distance cycling and running. We have mountain grades here! The swim in Lake Tremblant is the best deal unless the wind is up. The water is cool and refreshing, not cold in August and the views are awesome year round.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I'm one of the many volunteers that will help support the event and the athletes</span>.<br />
<br />
Today I was on one of the volunteer teams to sort and organize the T-shirts for the captains of the volunteer teams for swim, bike, run, and other athlete services. That's a lot of red T-shirts! Close to 2500 volunteers are required to make the event a success and ensure security at the <b>2014 Subaru IRONMAN North American Championship Mont-Tremblant on August 17. </b><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">On event day, I'll be on the water (beautiful Lake Tremblant) as a swim support volunteer with my 17-foot long, bright yellow Baffin sea kayak.</span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVvzP8H9Azb1LpjbEydLCZxTr_iIwOxVm9Hz-Om_81STbZPLYzM23m2T50Ek6oB6fqze2hzZFWE4QEiPiBWkQJ4rWw37ALbb6JRsZs11-11KbsLdZSKmJFKl8etIv29cVyQF0DrDSJgn2m/s1600/baffinpaddler_boreal_baffin_sea_kayak.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVvzP8H9Azb1LpjbEydLCZxTr_iIwOxVm9Hz-Om_81STbZPLYzM23m2T50Ek6oB6fqze2hzZFWE4QEiPiBWkQJ4rWw37ALbb6JRsZs11-11KbsLdZSKmJFKl8etIv29cVyQF0DrDSJgn2m/s1600/baffinpaddler_boreal_baffin_sea_kayak.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
<b>We have to be there at 5:00 a.m.!</b> The Baffin is always ready to go. I'm going to need coffee and a rooster crowing to get me out of bed way earlier than that.<br />
<br />
The first wave of athletes run to the water at 6:36 a.m. An oddly precise time. I'll peek at the exact time on my white, waterproof Ironman watch when the first feet hit the water. The watch was a Mother's Day gift many years ago, and is the only watch I've ever had that has survived all my outdoor activities and has never gotten lost or destroyed.<br />
<br />
<b>We have to be on the water during the event for 4-hours without a break.</b> Now I'm really kicking myself for not bothering to learn how to roll (again this year I ignored all training camps). It would be a great way to cool off, keep myself awake, and stretch out some muscles that are sure to get cramped after sitting around for so long.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">This Ironman event will be a first for me and my Baffin sea kayak. It will be an amazing experience.What an awesome thing to share with your kayak. The list can always grow. Your kayak is always there for you.</span><br />
<br />
I'll try to grab a few stunning shots of the Ironman experience and the Ironman village at Trembant as the event descends and takes over the resort and the surrounding area for miles!<br />
<br />
Many roads along the path of the event or in the path of the event will be closed or will be blocked off at 6:00 a.m. on event day and won't reopen until well after the event.<br />
<br />
I'll have to spend the day in the Ironman village at the Tremblant resort, and will probably be found on a bench somewhere later in the afternoon sound asleep with my camera in hand, unless the sheer adrenalin of the event keeps me going all day.<br />
<br />
My red volunteer T-shirt may be very weary and wet by day's end. I may jump into the lake or practice a Cowboy Scramble or two after my shift is over.<br />
<br />
So far, the weather report for this Sunday looks perfect. Let's hope it stays that way. <br />
<br />
Happy trails!<br />
The BaffinPaddlerBaffinPaddlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15682694017265829467noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7584779124988587458.post-85789548759074666402014-06-18T17:09:00.002-04:002014-08-05T14:47:16.179-04:00I'll be a guest blogger at Wanderlust Tremblant, August 21-24, 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivQ9NnomtwBoia1UeDLvuekPdOXq1DnxF7f4UqYOnZLwvlOTG9qla5hItDs6ngSjZPxXWSaLSpA5Nw0KUk7uOYVjZElUmfEZBB4z_R9vnn69AMNHEQ9WFQ0WpbiVe4KY06nyc3NaMPI6aG/s1600/baffinpaddler-toad-upward-dog-yoga-pose.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivQ9NnomtwBoia1UeDLvuekPdOXq1DnxF7f4UqYOnZLwvlOTG9qla5hItDs6ngSjZPxXWSaLSpA5Nw0KUk7uOYVjZElUmfEZBB4z_R9vnn69AMNHEQ9WFQ0WpbiVe4KY06nyc3NaMPI6aG/s1600/baffinpaddler-toad-upward-dog-yoga-pose.JPG" height="268" width="400" /></a></div>
The power of the pose. You can strike a powerful yoga pose, or notice it in something else.<br />
<br />
It can create an opening. It opens a door. You'll have to step through that door to see what's next.<br />
<br />
This morning, I stepped outside 10 minutes before my yoga practice to have a look at the day and what it might bring.<br />
<br />
Before we step into a new space we normally look down to see what we might be stepping onto.<br />
<br />
I saw a toad sitting upright, enjoying a warm, dry spot on the stone patio. He was facing North.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb3Ng1LldS0npae2jTtVkyLExijYQ6yEQx28_TkXr46Lx8t0EhJ27tJgXgmGy8xd2-5XSw7fXPq-jj6U6ix5KmwDlicQAnAGo3ovJXTd4bCY3C2FoWBpNK0KRaWyrW-ZATxnKLaphlbDxd/s1600/baffinpaddler-toad-meditative-pose.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgb3Ng1LldS0npae2jTtVkyLExijYQ6yEQx28_TkXr46Lx8t0EhJ27tJgXgmGy8xd2-5XSw7fXPq-jj6U6ix5KmwDlicQAnAGo3ovJXTd4bCY3C2FoWBpNK0KRaWyrW-ZATxnKLaphlbDxd/s1600/baffinpaddler-toad-meditative-pose.JPG" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
When I came back with my camera minutes later to capture his focused, meditative sitting pose, he stood up on all fours and held this fierce, confident pose for a long time.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1pa8Nmi93rvtFWONbRHKIBCtc6C-spmvzX7J0SL3-xcPXhtNZyJuu4MWGGoWeUeMhpzTSO10Snm608D5pQv0-6gsY7tEttvGZWN125s8xJ0ZtXW_widyRp_3zCx62WojmQ_fTQP4qrcUD/s1600/baffinpaddler-plank-pose.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1pa8Nmi93rvtFWONbRHKIBCtc6C-spmvzX7J0SL3-xcPXhtNZyJuu4MWGGoWeUeMhpzTSO10Snm608D5pQv0-6gsY7tEttvGZWN125s8xJ0ZtXW_widyRp_3zCx62WojmQ_fTQP4qrcUD/s1600/baffinpaddler-plank-pose.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
It reminded me of several yoga poses: Table top, Plank, and Up Dog.<br />
<br />
Then I realized it was his Warrier pose. I was in his space.<br />
<br />
I've never seen a toad do this before. Usually they just hop away or sit still when they realize you've spotted them.<br />
<br />
After my own morning yoga practice, I turned on a favourite TV channel and saw a random quote flash across the television screen:<br />
<br />
<b><i>Today is your day. Your mountain is waiting. So get on your way. Quote by Dr. Seuss.</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
Today, it seems I'm being sent some strong reminders not to forget to get online and schedule the classes and events I want to attend at this year's <b>Wanderlust Tremblant yoga festival</b> than runs from <b>August 21-24</b>.<br />
<br />
For those of you that don't know the mountain or the region, <b>Mont Tremblant Resort (known as Tremblant) is a beautiful, world-class, year-round resort in the Laurentian mountains of Quebec, Canada. </b>It's about 80 miles northwest of Montreal. Tremblant is best known as a fantastic ski and snowboard destination, but also has a large lake (Lake Tremblant), excellent for water sports, private resort beaches, and several outstanding golf courses. Everyone loves the brightly-colored European-style resort village where pedestrians rule, shops, pubs, restos and family activities abound, and vehicles live and travel with care on the outskirts where they belong!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMw64SOjasxs9GH431FyeAW2Zo3jR9UPCWg27EKbv8fRAevEZ1dC5RkkaiputUbak-TUG-xkWLKL12aS23cCqBTtzl_Pgz4YgAA8KJZtuWep3pzwwAuCYOwXHhO7FDJBM_Cx-qXvjMq0DK/s1600/baffinpaddler-tremblant-resort-village-lac-tremblant-views-mountain-quebec-canada.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMw64SOjasxs9GH431FyeAW2Zo3jR9UPCWg27EKbv8fRAevEZ1dC5RkkaiputUbak-TUG-xkWLKL12aS23cCqBTtzl_Pgz4YgAA8KJZtuWep3pzwwAuCYOwXHhO7FDJBM_Cx-qXvjMq0DK/s1600/baffinpaddler-tremblant-resort-village-lac-tremblant-views-mountain-quebec-canada.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
The name of the mountain, Mont Tremblant, came from the local Algonquin natives, who called it the <i>"trembling mountain"</i>. The summit is some 875 metres (2,871 feet) high, making it one of the tallest peaks in the Laurentian mountains. It's fantastic for skiing in the winter, and trekking the mountain trails along waterfalls in the summer.<br />
<br />
Last year I missed Wanderlust Tremblant because I waited until the last minute and all the classes were sold out.<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">But this year, I'm happy to say that I'll be one of the guest bloggers at Wanderlust Tremblant. I'll be attending the event every day and writing a daily story.</span><br />
<br />
The event organizers want us to step out of our comfort zones and be creative.<br />
<br />
I'll provide a link on my BaffinPaddler blog to my articles on the Wanderlust website if you'd like to follow along. I've never participated in a Wanderlust event before, so it will be a new experience for me to jump in head first and share it with you.<br />
<br />
The Wanderlust motto is Find Your True North.<br />
<br />
Why did the toad's powerful standing pose and Dr. Seuss's quote remind me to get off the fence today?<br />
<br />
Who knows. But I got the message! Time to schedule some classes!<br />
<br />
If you'd like to find out more about Wanderlust Tremblant, and book your classes sooner than later, here's the link. It's an experience, it's a festival, it's a journey, it's a celebration, it's yoga and more . . .<br />
<br />
<a href="http://tremblant.wanderlustfestival.com/" target="_blank">Wanderlust Tremblant, August 21-24, 2014</a><br />
<br />
Happy trails!<br />
The BaffinPaddlerBaffinPaddlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15682694017265829467noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7584779124988587458.post-86010568558139088742014-06-11T23:28:00.000-04:002014-07-19T19:17:51.818-04:00When the wind is up - kayak surfing on Lower Beverley Lake<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM8MKI3rMW7K9TmfS0wZ42WOLQZCwq2Uff2s-BG-HNsBQdGx1sUbOTf_eZhZW8WRII4sjL3zPyUgomUN5dmfjTIoxcZONNDJs6A7Dsh8cStIsdh2RT9KQoN47MonjTHa07ULyvYJ56bX1L/s1600/baffinpaddler-kayak-surfing-lower-beverley-lake-delta-ontario-canada.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhM8MKI3rMW7K9TmfS0wZ42WOLQZCwq2Uff2s-BG-HNsBQdGx1sUbOTf_eZhZW8WRII4sjL3zPyUgomUN5dmfjTIoxcZONNDJs6A7Dsh8cStIsdh2RT9KQoN47MonjTHa07ULyvYJ56bX1L/s1600/baffinpaddler-kayak-surfing-lower-beverley-lake-delta-ontario-canada.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
Here's a little kayak bite from me to contribute to the love of paddling. It's National Paddling Week in Canada from June 6-15 so it makes me think, "Do something with one of your kayaks!"<br />
<br />
If you can't find any organized paddling events in your area, you can create your own paddling event with the wind. It's often abundant and free!<br />
<br />
That's what we did at Lower Beverley Lake, from the Village of Delta, Ontario (Canada) when we had a forecast with a <b>25 km/h north wind </b>blowing us south across the lake towards Lyndhurst Creek.<br />
<br />
But, it was the <b>40 km/h wind gusts</b> blowing behind us that gave us the surfing power.<br />
<br />
These conditions are my maximum for my smaller girl size, strength, and skills.<br />
<br />
It's a lot of fun to get a feel for kayak surfing on lakes in moderate conditions if you've got good surf sea kayaks, some decent paddling skills, and the proper gear. If you don't know what stern rudder is yet. . . and have no rescue or rolling skills, it's not a good idea to give this a try.<br />
<br />
If you don't have access to ocean waves and tides to surf on, and you're looking for a fun lake to kayak surf on, Lower Beverley Lake is a good candidate when motor boat traffic is low and the wind is up.<br />
<br />
<b>Lower Beverley Lake is an an awesome lake for day tripping with kayaks</b>, wind surfing, boating, and fishing, with <b>28 kilometers (17 miles)</b> of diverse shoreline adorned with granite rock formations, forest, marshland, small sandy beaches, and some cottage development.<br />
<br />
<b>Lower Beverley Lake has open water, large and small bays to hide in on windy days</b>, 14 islands to skirt around, and several adjoining creeks that are interesting to explore (Delta, Lyndhurst, and Morton).<br />
<br />
It’s a fairly deep lake with an average depth of 9.1 meters (30 feet), the deepest parts are 28.7 meters (94 feet).<br />
<br />
There are some limestone shoals to watch out for. Most are marked with small white rock buoys with reflectors and lights.<br />
<br />
You can launch from a public boat launch on Delta Creek.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2qYRpta17970Z8EjjBoYKrcD7LJAYwKKFiss-CmNaopNTUH8qUSyJ18wetg11mW4euQCR4sASS7uBwsCvjZuu5kkRZqM2pxGDTfLD3cVs95FW1_DIQY9AUk_SO0p-KaRJliYmIthcsNEy/s1600/baffinpaddler-delta-creek-public-boat-launch.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2qYRpta17970Z8EjjBoYKrcD7LJAYwKKFiss-CmNaopNTUH8qUSyJ18wetg11mW4euQCR4sASS7uBwsCvjZuu5kkRZqM2pxGDTfLD3cVs95FW1_DIQY9AUk_SO0p-KaRJliYmIthcsNEy/s1600/baffinpaddler-delta-creek-public-boat-launch.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
The public boat launch is only a few paddle strokes from the beautiful <b>Old Stone Mill,</b> in <b>Delta</b>, Ontario. Although, if you see the Mill from the water, turn around and paddle the other direction out to Lower Beverley Lake. You can visit and tour the inner workings of the historic grist mill, built in 1810, but not by kayak. The entrance is at the front at 46 King Street (County Rd. 42). Don't get too close to it by kayak. The Mill has a working water wheel.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ICu06HM5DYgNWQTIw6cfPoRHlhOl-Db-rca8KtRZ1_dBN3mgWnOs-R5V1bq6yS4vAAon6Y9JBPQ7TjpmyHN3b7KGOGDRk-t7gGw1l_O4_XgGtPeO7cZlxG5-C651aZ76svP8ttO1CEzd/s1600/baffinpaddler-kayaking-old-stone-mill-delta-ontario-canada.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9ICu06HM5DYgNWQTIw6cfPoRHlhOl-Db-rca8KtRZ1_dBN3mgWnOs-R5V1bq6yS4vAAon6Y9JBPQ7TjpmyHN3b7KGOGDRk-t7gGw1l_O4_XgGtPeO7cZlxG5-C651aZ76svP8ttO1CEzd/s1600/baffinpaddler-kayaking-old-stone-mill-delta-ontario-canada.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
Delta Creek is short, sweet, and narrow with a bit of current and lots of cottages and campers surrounding it. But the giant willow trees along the route make it worthwhile for a short visit.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq6VXFRvxcSgDXTDkw4tY5Tx79nQA6u3r64kOd553mNkp_fNw2_yDfDhhweMx8bumBOLZAXKOLMcYa0-119eA3B96eOvwh1mD61Y_sgCVkepg8WSzYEePjBzsYXEI0m9wHTk-5QGw6pDtC/s1600/baffinpaddler-kayaking-delta-creek-ontario-giant-willow-trees-canada.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiq6VXFRvxcSgDXTDkw4tY5Tx79nQA6u3r64kOd553mNkp_fNw2_yDfDhhweMx8bumBOLZAXKOLMcYa0-119eA3B96eOvwh1mD61Y_sgCVkepg8WSzYEePjBzsYXEI0m9wHTk-5QGw6pDtC/s1600/baffinpaddler-kayaking-delta-creek-ontario-giant-willow-trees-canada.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
Now, how long did it take us to cross Lower Beverley Lake from Delta Creek to the opening of Lyndhurst Creek with a big push of wind? Only 30 minutes.<br />
<br />
The orange boathouse on the southeast shore of Lower Beverley Lake in Halladay Bay sits at the opening of Lyndhurst Creek. It was our marker for finding the opening of the creek from the lake with no GPS.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn-f3VfdTcuXFNRYHX7AkSYfHwbY68k5oemHVd_YV20tKq3UmwO6iH2teeoGyrt1BfE2p2jtZy85OwJXKAJ1hERV_BYGy_iGuWvyTdP5PHCY2f0rNhCWgvFDGE2bNpUZ-w2Dm1I44P0_7F/s1600/baffinpaddler-kayaking-lower-beverley-lake-orange-boat-house-halladay-bay-lyndhurst-creek-ontario-canada.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgn-f3VfdTcuXFNRYHX7AkSYfHwbY68k5oemHVd_YV20tKq3UmwO6iH2teeoGyrt1BfE2p2jtZy85OwJXKAJ1hERV_BYGy_iGuWvyTdP5PHCY2f0rNhCWgvFDGE2bNpUZ-w2Dm1I44P0_7F/s1600/baffinpaddler-kayaking-lower-beverley-lake-orange-boat-house-halladay-bay-lyndhurst-creek-ontario-canada.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
You can paddle down Lyndhurst Creek from Lower Beverley Lake to Lyndhurst (or vice-versa). We were much more protected from the wind once we entered the creek, and the kayak surfing was over. <b>Lyndhurst Creek is about 4 km (3 miles) long</b> from Lower Beverley Lake to the <b>public boat launch at Lyndhurst.</b> The total distance one way from <b>Delta to Lyndhurst is about 7.5 km</b>.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4JOpNGeXeTq7LkaxpCVmPzkWC5gUv3IGbTwrfE_ECx_dZSSHuyQPMfCraMk7e1XkosJ38GMEAPG9zo7i7qYOe9KmtoBUzd8GsyYIEDFEtdQCtk05IMwPdf0zpB6qlrohgARzdJnVu0ud8/s1600/baffinpaddler-kayaking-lyndhurst-boat-launch-lyndhurst-creek-ontario-maelstrom-vital-166-sea-kayak.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4JOpNGeXeTq7LkaxpCVmPzkWC5gUv3IGbTwrfE_ECx_dZSSHuyQPMfCraMk7e1XkosJ38GMEAPG9zo7i7qYOe9KmtoBUzd8GsyYIEDFEtdQCtk05IMwPdf0zpB6qlrohgARzdJnVu0ud8/s1600/baffinpaddler-kayaking-lyndhurst-boat-launch-lyndhurst-creek-ontario-maelstrom-vital-166-sea-kayak.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
At Lyndhurst there's a public boat launch with free parking, a waterfront gazebo/picnic shelter, a few picnic tables, and a public restroom.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj11jimrnal33FzXS4xP5DXE2XovYpT1h3AVQU14iVNvoWl_gudXZ5DGzgxnGFw3MwCAgdHJDJNgR6y6g5V85C8-tqbhK9GfLzwBjxNObh4550VQ9YD1cPLW-8w_T5Mzgtf6ZbY5tuts3km/s1600/baffinpaddler-gazebo-boat-launch-lyndhurst-creek-old-stone-bridge-ontario.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj11jimrnal33FzXS4xP5DXE2XovYpT1h3AVQU14iVNvoWl_gudXZ5DGzgxnGFw3MwCAgdHJDJNgR6y6g5V85C8-tqbhK9GfLzwBjxNObh4550VQ9YD1cPLW-8w_T5Mzgtf6ZbY5tuts3km/s1600/baffinpaddler-gazebo-boat-launch-lyndhurst-creek-old-stone-bridge-ontario.JPG" height="342" width="400" /></a></div>
You can't paddle past this point, there's a small dam. But, you can enjoy the views of the historic Old Stone Bridge, the oldest bridge in Ontario, built from 1856-57. Don't get too close, the wind and the current may push you towards it.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUxbPds72Jn4deDHxkml2-eGno5PSIwQi8Hby8gBJs9tBeRrCuupOxC_Wmf_G8amDHUlEhqjPFztPunqWaWwCfEmF-ts4Q0sXheUsTM_mMSeNjp_H0mLErtwtU34JMzR0aJl0AYeJZurdX/s1600/baffinpaddler-lyndhurst-old-stone-bridge-ontario-canada.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUxbPds72Jn4deDHxkml2-eGno5PSIwQi8Hby8gBJs9tBeRrCuupOxC_Wmf_G8amDHUlEhqjPFztPunqWaWwCfEmF-ts4Q0sXheUsTM_mMSeNjp_H0mLErtwtU34JMzR0aJl0AYeJZurdX/s1600/baffinpaddler-lyndhurst-old-stone-bridge-ontario-canada.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
Lyndhurst Creek is an outlet of Lower Beverley Lake. The creek is wide enough, the current slow moving, and the water fairly deep that it feels more like a little river (with no rapids) than a creek. The shorelines have marshland and some cottages along the way, and is populated with snapping turtles if you like to catch them sunning on fallen logs.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglTJzooqyfp74DTFaFz08_jq-mPSQK0N9J71mCjB_Osmd0qqbzZo3AQ69_shJq2nI6pclsYtmWAVZlN8QBS-AYSwj0B4Ygi9DPbH1Vz7BwRt_kzlgLezbLJNf9rw7b9YfzxxGsNVn5MvMO/s1600/baffinpaddler-snapping-turtles-lyndhurst-creek-ontario-canada.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglTJzooqyfp74DTFaFz08_jq-mPSQK0N9J71mCjB_Osmd0qqbzZo3AQ69_shJq2nI6pclsYtmWAVZlN8QBS-AYSwj0B4Ygi9DPbH1Vz7BwRt_kzlgLezbLJNf9rw7b9YfzxxGsNVn5MvMO/s1600/baffinpaddler-snapping-turtles-lyndhurst-creek-ontario-canada.JPG" height="223" width="400" /></a></div>
I know what you're thinking, <i>"Oh, yeah. It was a fun ride down in the wind, but how was the ride back to Delta!" </i><br />
<br />
On windy days, and depending on the direction of the wind and where you launch from, you may want to shuttle a car between Lyndhurst and Delta, or earn your paddling points by paddling back against the wind, curse the gusts - they are wicked, and duck into a bay or hide behind an island when they hit and wait for a break. Then paddle like mad back to your cabin or take out before another wind gust hits. This will test your best paddling hat!. Luckily mine had a neck strap. I wore my paddling hat around my neck on the way back.<br />
<br />
On calm days with little wind, this is an enjoyable paddle without the kicks! Bring friends. This makes a great day paddle for groups.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikMAZpkZBHWdPppQW_ZmjIteTI7LBRk4klGkiMwfUvjzXG67zggQxDg9Ot0tJ98XdZrUM5lgjaAqH5bxNUsA_kWibaEr6hodz4-y7zMAQLuP183OZucRuyjEChUIKfjCefaQBQGzuSyALc/s1600/baffinpaddler-kayaking-lower-beverley-lake-delta-ontario-canada.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikMAZpkZBHWdPppQW_ZmjIteTI7LBRk4klGkiMwfUvjzXG67zggQxDg9Ot0tJ98XdZrUM5lgjaAqH5bxNUsA_kWibaEr6hodz4-y7zMAQLuP183OZucRuyjEChUIKfjCefaQBQGzuSyALc/s1600/baffinpaddler-kayaking-lower-beverley-lake-delta-ontario-canada.JPG" height="173" width="400" /></a></div>
Love your kayak . . . or keep shopping!<br />
<br />
Happy and safe paddle trails.<br />
The BaffinPaddlerBaffinPaddlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15682694017265829467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7584779124988587458.post-30925085963634163012014-06-10T12:59:00.000-04:002014-06-11T23:08:06.619-04:00Good News - More campsites you can reserve in the 1000 Islands<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBjZ17c2MHX1HYdfSJexisYESiA3-AA1kXwXr5nW-Blxx4TFXgZlriFZIV8nbMjyNyDBTvR7O3HwrCL2zO26_zPxY_gwIM5SwVGezXQAwOKrAQ52oOwlSj4p9ZfPAwqkpI_6M4llVB3pfW/s1600/baffinpaddler-kayak-camping-1000-islands-reservable-campsites-canada.jpg.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBjZ17c2MHX1HYdfSJexisYESiA3-AA1kXwXr5nW-Blxx4TFXgZlriFZIV8nbMjyNyDBTvR7O3HwrCL2zO26_zPxY_gwIM5SwVGezXQAwOKrAQ52oOwlSj4p9ZfPAwqkpI_6M4llVB3pfW/s1600/baffinpaddler-kayak-camping-1000-islands-reservable-campsites-canada.jpg.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
For you kayak campers out there, here's an update on some good news in the 1000 Islands National Park (along the St. Lawrence River, Ontario, Canada).<br />
<br />
Remember the old days when you couldn't reserve any campsites on the islands and had to paddle out to a few, cross your fingers, and hope for the best? Times are not only changing for us, but improving.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The number of campsites that can be reserved in the 1000 Islands National Park of Canada has increased to 36.</span><br />
<br />
You can now reserve a campsite on Beau Rivage, Camelot, Cedar, Milton, McDonald, Gordon, Georgina, East Grenadier, Central Grenadier, Aubrey and Mulcaster Islands, with the remaining 25 campsites still available on a first-come, first-serve basis.<br />
<br />
oTENTik accommodations on McDonald Island, Gordon Island and Mallorytown Landing (on the mainland) are also reservable, so you don't need to pack a tent!<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWMqwNo3uJLoWKh2y_4rm8Acq_58wPKFy6CMxTh9HGpgqYZB8ha9GsqE8TE0aTu-YsEqXn0-koqpUCbAxx2mXF7srIchoHGyJZdCWPN0bKmi12HOqMLAgJY4iJdfGTQO6MzBN2dQBw3xNL/s1600/baffinpaddler-kayak-camping-1000-islands-otentik-ontario-canada.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiWMqwNo3uJLoWKh2y_4rm8Acq_58wPKFy6CMxTh9HGpgqYZB8ha9GsqE8TE0aTu-YsEqXn0-koqpUCbAxx2mXF7srIchoHGyJZdCWPN0bKmi12HOqMLAgJY4iJdfGTQO6MzBN2dQBw3xNL/s1600/baffinpaddler-kayak-camping-1000-islands-otentik-ontario-canada.JPG" height="288" width="400" /></a></div>
Now, let's wish for even more great news that generators will not be allowed on any camping islands! And, that more and more motorized craft will rely on solar power. Call me greedy, or call me hopeful. But I know park staff are working on phasing out generator use on all islands bit-by-bit.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">I'll be posting more kayak bites during Canada's National Paddling Week, which runs from June 6-15, 2014.</span><br />
<br />
Get out there and paddle or join in some paddling festivities in your area and enjoy!<br />
<br />
Happy paddles and safe trails.<br />
The BaffinPaddler<br />
<br />
<b>Credits:</b> Thanks to Parks Canada for providing me with information and updates about the 1000 Islands National Park.BaffinPaddlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15682694017265829467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7584779124988587458.post-43302435573208972472014-06-02T15:42:00.000-04:002014-06-27T12:35:41.077-04:00I love it when my sea kayak takes me to the beach - Rivière Rouge<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaYrIOjcYrbv1YKwO083GngtJ2MmicQXJLh6yoIumeOlglIX_kZcyXOK8x2NfSqqBUk4CMg73d6pz0PvDi_p6NCzaQE4ztsvTrHT8iOm_NfHHK8V_cfklVH5prbtc4_mNr7mvCW6otJoXq/s1600/baffinpaddler-kayaking-riviere-rouge-beaches-tremblant-quebec-sea-kayak-vital-166.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaYrIOjcYrbv1YKwO083GngtJ2MmicQXJLh6yoIumeOlglIX_kZcyXOK8x2NfSqqBUk4CMg73d6pz0PvDi_p6NCzaQE4ztsvTrHT8iOm_NfHHK8V_cfklVH5prbtc4_mNr7mvCW6otJoXq/s1600/baffinpaddler-kayaking-riviere-rouge-beaches-tremblant-quebec-sea-kayak-vital-166.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
It wasn't my idea. The wind and the current of the <b>Rivière Rouge </b>(Red River) were pushing us towards this long, white, soft, sandy beach, so I agreed with my kayak,<i> "Hey, let's stop here."</i> Why resist. There are so many sandy beaches along the shores of the <b>Rivière Rouge</b>, I have trouble choosing which one to visit. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
My kayak picked this one. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1URNukAItaHqf4WAR4NFGwZXbRq-TyW3K64nGWuyOVKTqQE612n1_nZTrJMdQFdjsVuZ8rC1wkj9AEXXx_ggb11ir9v8yeGan9qmRrW6sKtfwKvPblXp0hqaB2gQAgMPRSJyHtBNSG6ms/s1600/baffinpaddler-kayaking-riviere-rouge-vital-166-tremblant-quebec-canada.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg1URNukAItaHqf4WAR4NFGwZXbRq-TyW3K64nGWuyOVKTqQE612n1_nZTrJMdQFdjsVuZ8rC1wkj9AEXXx_ggb11ir9v8yeGan9qmRrW6sKtfwKvPblXp0hqaB2gQAgMPRSJyHtBNSG6ms/s1600/baffinpaddler-kayaking-riviere-rouge-vital-166-tremblant-quebec-canada.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
Seems my kayak not only has good timing, but also good taste. It picked the nicest stretch of beach along our route that day.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
A few minutes after landing on the beach, a big wind gust picked up and we had a <b>sudden 5-minute sandstorm</b>. Say what! </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Then the wind fell quiet again. Thank you kayak. How did you know? After the surprising wind gust, we continued on our way with a little extra grit in our teeth.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
We were paddling against the current, <b>launching from La Conception, Quebec</b> heading upriver (NW-N) <b>towards Labelle </b>(about 15 minutes <b>north of Tremblant</b>, Quebec).</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
There's about <b>20 kilometers (12 miles)</b> of winding, twisting river with current, and no rapids along this section. Paddling some distance against the current is a great way to get in shape and test your power strokes and torso rotation.</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
If you want to add more distance to your paddle route, you can include the stretch of <b>Rivière Rouge</b> from <b>Brébeuf further south downriver</b>.<br />
<br />
If you don't want to paddle against the current, you can shuttle a car at a pick-up point downriver, and launch from upriver and go longer distances with the flow. It's fun and much easier.<br />
<br />
You can also rent basic rec kayaks or canoes from a local outfitter with a shuttle service, like <b>Kayak Cafe</b> in <b>Labelle, Quebec</b>, and they'll pick you up at several points downriver. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
With big, lightweight, fibreglass paddle spoons and two high-performance sea kayaks and relaxed power strokes, we didn't have any trouble paddling against the current the first day of June with a moderate to light wind, and a few strong, sudden gusts. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
All the people paddling downriver from Labelle in canoes and sit-on-tops seemed to look at us in surprise, as if to say,<i> ''Aren't you going the wrong way?" </i></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
Nope. This is good training. And, we're wearing PFDs!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
You don't need a kayak compass to navigate this stretch of river. There aren't any islands or big bays to confuse you, just farmland, cottages, trees, beaches, and mountain views. You can't get lost. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
But, I find it more interesting to always know the direction I'm going, and where the wind is actually blowing. The weather report doesn't always get it right. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
My kayak compass showed the true twisting and turning of the Rivière Rouge. We went NW, N, NE, SW, S, SE, E, and W. The compass readings are not necessarily in that order, I just remember, we did them all. Upriver or downriver, you'll have views in all directions. On windy days, you can test your skills and paddle strokes with headwinds, tailwinds, and crosswinds. Enjoy! You may visit a few extra beaches. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
After 2 hours of paddling against the current came the reward. Turning around and going with the current! But the wind had other ideas! It decided to make us work a little. No free rides!</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The <b>Rivière Rouge</b> is a beautiful, clear river to paddle, with a slight red tinge from the sandy, shallow bottom. The bottom is mostly sandy - not rocky, and very shallow in many spots along the way. In the summer months, you may need to get out and carry or drag your kayak a bit. Watch out for fallen trees and the odd deadhead. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
The <b>Rivière Rouge </b>always inspires me to do a little impromptu yoga in the outdoors.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggdNOvwkozDo6TpqU04oTTeRx7mqh9PmgCym6uJ8opeh9LI-JL6p91rJ-H3ED4rytYXmvrerbFgi0xLn3yFGxFtuxHS87UywCIBT7Np04X2acZcI9qaxxfakbSuyLc5YQUMN_oGza8ylEQ/s1600/baffinpaddler-yoga-riviere-rouge-tremblant-quebec-canada.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggdNOvwkozDo6TpqU04oTTeRx7mqh9PmgCym6uJ8opeh9LI-JL6p91rJ-H3ED4rytYXmvrerbFgi0xLn3yFGxFtuxHS87UywCIBT7Np04X2acZcI9qaxxfakbSuyLc5YQUMN_oGza8ylEQ/s1600/baffinpaddler-yoga-riviere-rouge-tremblant-quebec-canada.JPG" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
Just be extra careful paddling or swimming in this river in the spring (the water is cold) or after lots of heavy rainfall. The current, or an occasional cross current can surprise you. You can't swim against the current. You can swim or float with the current or swim perpendicular to the shore to get out of the main current and seek shallow footing where you see beaches. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
And, in the true spirit of a good kayaker who loves the water, I did pick up some Budweiser along the way! Although, it was not mine . . . </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl68XdCS_e93czrtYvtNZz8vVGo2MBBlU9h9NBClREhmabDvGkc1auZ_MRAu5FFrtyLGscmyfNfpeK0UZsfifi8fm26yteM4A4l4QOIFIUvBzCqM-FnWFA_Q9n20QEOWHLkjIuApUrstzm/s1600/baffinpaddler-kayaking-riviere-rouge-labelle-la-conception-tremblant-quebec-canada.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjl68XdCS_e93czrtYvtNZz8vVGo2MBBlU9h9NBClREhmabDvGkc1auZ_MRAu5FFrtyLGscmyfNfpeK0UZsfifi8fm26yteM4A4l4QOIFIUvBzCqM-FnWFA_Q9n20QEOWHLkjIuApUrstzm/s1600/baffinpaddler-kayaking-riviere-rouge-labelle-la-conception-tremblant-quebec-canada.JPG" height="305" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
Happy paddle trails!</div>
<div>
The BaffinPaddler</div>
BaffinPaddlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15682694017265829467noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7584779124988587458.post-41084746313279359582014-05-04T18:39:00.000-04:002014-05-05T12:11:38.060-04:00Level Six Capital Cup - Whitewater Freestyle Kayak Competition at Bate Island, Ottawa <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLOwYIWQBO1q6kHv5_MsrlclX_jAw7I5B1X8HGIM0Y085_8rnWG5xEo2h5ogrLL3-ttBZKpvTGsP78nGADU6_h6zLLOFsbQ0-NeljLBfQ0Yf6vfpjjd9cQKyU8AZqunUNfl_JctSkUFqDU/s1600/baffinpaddler-level-six-capital-cup-whitewater-kayak-freestyle-competition-bate-island-ottawa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhLOwYIWQBO1q6kHv5_MsrlclX_jAw7I5B1X8HGIM0Y085_8rnWG5xEo2h5ogrLL3-ttBZKpvTGsP78nGADU6_h6zLLOFsbQ0-NeljLBfQ0Yf6vfpjjd9cQKyU8AZqunUNfl_JctSkUFqDU/s1600/baffinpaddler-level-six-capital-cup-whitewater-kayak-freestyle-competition-bate-island-ottawa.jpg" height="335" width="400" /></a></div>
Yesterday, I caught a glimpse of the Level Six Capital Cup, a whitewater freestyle kayaking competition that showcases both men and women, amateurs and professionals.<br />
<br />
While it's more fun to watch the competitors negotiating the excitement of the rapids, and this is what the photographers love to shoot and the kayak manufacturers love to promote, it was the irony of the baby stroller parked next to the whitewater kayaks that caught my eye. <i>"Are you watching mommy compete?" </i>Go girl!<i> </i><br />
<br />
The event is put on by Level Six with other sponsors such as Mountain Equipment Co-op (MEC), NRS, OWL Rafting, Madawaska Kanu Centre, Wilderness Tours, and Ottawa Kayak School.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvympMIXYyoPX0IaCn74XXhjloo8x6iisastGNGGsLgs6vLAcPVgU82yzA5zYfu6Pf9UK6NqVJNnq1YzBNMHsfd2WvlfPPwGowhMC12S-QgDldDbRP1VeHXNtWG9KjHgGstbvu5lIgh3cR/s1600/baffinpaddler-level-6-capital-cup-whitewater-kayak-freestyle-bate-island-ottawa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvympMIXYyoPX0IaCn74XXhjloo8x6iisastGNGGsLgs6vLAcPVgU82yzA5zYfu6Pf9UK6NqVJNnq1YzBNMHsfd2WvlfPPwGowhMC12S-QgDldDbRP1VeHXNtWG9KjHgGstbvu5lIgh3cR/s1600/baffinpaddler-level-6-capital-cup-whitewater-kayak-freestyle-bate-island-ottawa.jpg" height="320" width="400" /></a></div>
The Level Six Capital Cup also includes a SUP race and a raft race. This is fun to watch! You can find a link to professional photos of the event on the Level Six Facebook page. Just Google it.<br />
<br />
The event takes place each spring in Ottawa, Ontario (Canada) in the powerful Champlain Rapids from Bate Island, just off the Champlain Bridge, as long as the water levels cooperate. And this year, the Ottawa River was happy to oblige with big spring flows and fair weather. Saturday, May 3 was generous with no rain, a moderate wind, and 17 degrees Celsius (63 degrees Fahrenheit).<br />
<br />
The water levels, rapids, and standing waves the first week of May at Bate Island are still in mint condition after April's big melt-down and powerful flows.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGPUqTM-BG9uMw5dLmXbJikbE67tgUktY8rgJs2skiYnacjfvPn3DDrPdruInRBRk8YeNsG-BrH2FD_axyBUDz2nknY1YmulDK2UHXXUDr0rY1iupzTZQ0EAzIqx34n_cazxqf5rMP4bCB/s1600/baffinpaddler-level-six-capital-cup-whitewater-kayak-freestyle-competition-bate-island-ottawa-ontario-canada.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGPUqTM-BG9uMw5dLmXbJikbE67tgUktY8rgJs2skiYnacjfvPn3DDrPdruInRBRk8YeNsG-BrH2FD_axyBUDz2nknY1YmulDK2UHXXUDr0rY1iupzTZQ0EAzIqx34n_cazxqf5rMP4bCB/s1600/baffinpaddler-level-six-capital-cup-whitewater-kayak-freestyle-competition-bate-island-ottawa-ontario-canada.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
Look at the big, bad, cup! It was well-guarded at the event. I was lucky to get a photo of it. <b>Adam Chapel won the Men's and Brenna Kelly won the Women's</b>. For more information you can look up the results on the Level Six website.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibfFlzxs_8ijOX09yDY85Nhr6NnAKqIrfso_zmwZG0a98jp6hQObRBaLdu7YCsWRwUYucTlo1CQA6pbm4zbVMM0BTHzPfzdyuWdsrG07CtosU5qkXuVgSPEQAJD1iRjRTwoMVRTTp6okw5/s1600/baffinpaddler-level-6-capital-cup-whitewater-kayak-freestyle-competition-bate-island-ottawa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibfFlzxs_8ijOX09yDY85Nhr6NnAKqIrfso_zmwZG0a98jp6hQObRBaLdu7YCsWRwUYucTlo1CQA6pbm4zbVMM0BTHzPfzdyuWdsrG07CtosU5qkXuVgSPEQAJD1iRjRTwoMVRTTp6okw5/s1600/baffinpaddler-level-6-capital-cup-whitewater-kayak-freestyle-competition-bate-island-ottawa.jpg" height="320" width="173" /></a></div>
If you missed the Level Six Capital Cup this year, you may want to check it out next spring. Watching the event is free and so is parking at Bate Island. It is relaxed and low key. Bring a picnic lunch. Cycle to the site. Competitors pay an entry fee.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcwKGiyVIHNfN7tu1VaLdHNkSGCVW8V0t9auMI5yrYlmKBvpp5dxxaHADz63ICZlqMY8bX1MvZH9dkTFGZuJRHISD1ehcAE_AxtfNGJ4suJdqxa1ypYQZNQ7Stx0BYPaXWQlAJKdrP3ZER/s1600/baffinpaddler-bate-island-whitewater-kayaking-ottawa-ontario-canada.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgcwKGiyVIHNfN7tu1VaLdHNkSGCVW8V0t9auMI5yrYlmKBvpp5dxxaHADz63ICZlqMY8bX1MvZH9dkTFGZuJRHISD1ehcAE_AxtfNGJ4suJdqxa1ypYQZNQ7Stx0BYPaXWQlAJKdrP3ZER/s1600/baffinpaddler-bate-island-whitewater-kayaking-ottawa-ontario-canada.jpg" height="293" width="400" /></a></div>
I'm not a fan of whitewater kayaks, but those river runners and creeking kayaks keep calling me. As a sea kayaker, I like a longer kayak.<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8hZnhFZUUTUX9LzFfEc6hK2lIG436AI0_ZE9Zcm6_X3rst3zjP6Zj828h_aO4_YoYT7SVIqxoNR7cjggCMZ88pyQF9fjppYPFLJ4Ixm02cv_IRAGDeXhCWQhikfqaQQujextci2tJpFYC/s1600/baffinpaddler-pyranha-karnali-whitewater-kayaks-bate-island-capital-cup-freestyle-ottawa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8hZnhFZUUTUX9LzFfEc6hK2lIG436AI0_ZE9Zcm6_X3rst3zjP6Zj828h_aO4_YoYT7SVIqxoNR7cjggCMZ88pyQF9fjppYPFLJ4Ixm02cv_IRAGDeXhCWQhikfqaQQujextci2tJpFYC/s1600/baffinpaddler-pyranha-karnali-whitewater-kayaks-bate-island-capital-cup-freestyle-ottawa.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pyranha Burn III - new in 2014</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Next week, Ottawa's Tulip Festival kicks off. Let's hope the tulips will cooperate and bloom in time with our late-breaking, chilly, overcast, and soggy spring weather.<br />
<br />
Happy trails!<br />
The BaffinPaddlerBaffinPaddlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15682694017265829467noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7584779124988587458.post-87169267799973651122014-04-22T17:15:00.003-04:002014-05-06T10:01:13.949-04:00Ça Cogne! It's spring in Canada.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5nHBGQ7eDKjPyT3_GjCqU578bKiHtcyqAHxiGrqusVrSaSAeEbO6cT1GeWomNulR57fLB3kX_F2lETXYlOfYNwgUh6eosfdldPOTd_zSEwq0BmU39rrscN1Tj6CcpJsa88eTA5RNGWqAW/s1600/baffinpaddler_whitewater_kayakers_bate_island-ottawa_river_canada_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5nHBGQ7eDKjPyT3_GjCqU578bKiHtcyqAHxiGrqusVrSaSAeEbO6cT1GeWomNulR57fLB3kX_F2lETXYlOfYNwgUh6eosfdldPOTd_zSEwq0BmU39rrscN1Tj6CcpJsa88eTA5RNGWqAW/s1600/baffinpaddler_whitewater_kayakers_bate_island-ottawa_river_canada_1.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
What "cognes?" The ice melting, breaking up, and flowing downstream to be churned up in the rapids as they hit the whitewater kayaks playing in the big, fast, spring flows of the Ottawa River off Bate Island.<br />
<br />
Over the weekend, I watched the melting ice flows moving downriver towards the rapids. They are almost impossible to see churning in the whitewater of the rapids. I asked a whitewater paddler at Bate Island,<i> "What about the ice?"</i><br />
<br />
He responded in French,<i> "Ça Cogne."</i><br />
<br />
In English, you can choose the verb of your choice: it bangs, knocks, hits, thumps, whacks, wallops, or clobbers.<br />
<br />
I guess the size and speed of the ice chucks hitting your kayak would help you choose the best word.<br />
<br />
Then I asked him, <i>"What if you go into the water."</i><br />
<br />
He responded calmly with a smile, <i>"Cover your face."</i><br />
<br />
Spring thaw usually equals big spring flows on the Ottawa River. And this year is no different.<br />
<br />
Each year I look for the peak spring flows off Bate Island. I can usually tell by a convergence of whitewater paddlers lined up along the shore, waiting for a turn at the high flowing rapids and big standing waves.<br />
<br />
They were there this long Easter weekend, and so much fun to watch.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDZxdYwZ4HLIg0itxwsYYkbOIHfNs1LXeLr_-d96MZnmuk9OlQ-SuyV41EzXpxEzCgTKgWnXIImqQc_wRkCF5x8ov5xkZexZ48mdbR8nER0PQ_hW17FjuF8KHpE8LpRXMLYCCCA9MdjbBx/s1600/baffinpaddler_whitewater_kayakers_bate_island-ottawa_river_canada_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjDZxdYwZ4HLIg0itxwsYYkbOIHfNs1LXeLr_-d96MZnmuk9OlQ-SuyV41EzXpxEzCgTKgWnXIImqQc_wRkCF5x8ov5xkZexZ48mdbR8nER0PQ_hW17FjuF8KHpE8LpRXMLYCCCA9MdjbBx/s1600/baffinpaddler_whitewater_kayakers_bate_island-ottawa_river_canada_2.jpg" height="272" width="400" /></a> </div>
It's quite a show. Especially when you're standing close to shore, the incredible speed and powerful rush of the water during spring flows is impressive and frightening, and challenging fun for the whitewater paddlers.<br />
<br />
Spectators gather to witness the yearly spring paddle pilgrimage to this spot at <b>Bate Island on the Ottawa River between the cities of Gatineau, Quebec, and Ottawa, Ontario in Canada. </b>Bate Island has a small park with picnic tables, a large picnic shelter (gazebo), free parking, and can be accessed in either direction from the Champlain Bridge.<br />
<b><br /></b>
The variety of skilled paddlers and surfers who show up to ride the big standing waves and play in the icy-cold rapids may surprise you. We expect whitewater kayaks and whitewater canoes. They are made for this.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilRnPgX2PJxLbInCVFxBeu4T_cD6-oynzOp-L1WxtaaBhEU-UePprkuOmoErLO3QLZQAiy-HDdjqzy9Ezba2sxn7AednWv6zGxDTBNYw63O_LZg_kDEu_czpJlUFErceQETFddhupR2-jX/s1600/baffinpaddler-whitewater-surfer-bate-island-standing-wave-spring-ottawa-ontario-canada.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilRnPgX2PJxLbInCVFxBeu4T_cD6-oynzOp-L1WxtaaBhEU-UePprkuOmoErLO3QLZQAiy-HDdjqzy9Ezba2sxn7AednWv6zGxDTBNYw63O_LZg_kDEu_czpJlUFErceQETFddhupR2-jX/s1600/baffinpaddler-whitewater-surfer-bate-island-standing-wave-spring-ottawa-ontario-canada.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
Each year, it's the surfers and stand up paddleboarders who surprise me the most. Yes, they ride and play in waves and tides, but what about rapids with strong currents and some ice chunks thrown into the mix? My images simply can't convey how fast and furious the water is. You have to be there to fully appreciate it.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxo5Ts5v0slMLuyw4Vtl7I6rhtMcyZv5atFpe9XrUzIL387g7gy_4tBzTSR-Swnw1eG6GAP_L4QgE8wNZSBnBGwEQph5ujZt_Kibr70dK1BFtAiYxfiGiz97Hw6FjZqIrdAoVI5PQcfZMQ/s1600/baffinpaddler-whitewater-kayaker-stand-up-paddleboard-bate-island-rapids-spring-ottawa-ontario-canada.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgxo5Ts5v0slMLuyw4Vtl7I6rhtMcyZv5atFpe9XrUzIL387g7gy_4tBzTSR-Swnw1eG6GAP_L4QgE8wNZSBnBGwEQph5ujZt_Kibr70dK1BFtAiYxfiGiz97Hw6FjZqIrdAoVI5PQcfZMQ/s1600/baffinpaddler-whitewater-kayaker-stand-up-paddleboard-bate-island-rapids-spring-ottawa-ontario-canada.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Whitewater art comes in many forms. Some forms will swim more than others.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhagNgKTx4wo0l6jC6H34cRhzpWPMvdoDXqhzko6EGs1yLe146Ca60PKONfmyXZE_89pQ3BIfIFMNiBnL0_zJsLCN5CEGVtOk6yOpuJ9eKVpU9NhaFI_llKzTLNQAQiKfDsdcKUEf0Df-fd/s1600/baffinpaddler-whitewater-kayaking-bate-island-ottawa-ontario-into-the-drink.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhagNgKTx4wo0l6jC6H34cRhzpWPMvdoDXqhzko6EGs1yLe146Ca60PKONfmyXZE_89pQ3BIfIFMNiBnL0_zJsLCN5CEGVtOk6yOpuJ9eKVpU9NhaFI_llKzTLNQAQiKfDsdcKUEf0Df-fd/s1600/baffinpaddler-whitewater-kayaking-bate-island-ottawa-ontario-into-the-drink.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
When going into the rapids, choose your best weapon.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh02fcEguq8J_BqhcoUJCbewbONADVlMkclCI-vK1eeJuevuzJn7CO561jVNl3IeDUmnKHLRFUBpLS0fQoGSjwBhprFwnLCGnDQKloxcc9vpX71Wnq7dOSCGxjtbCKgCAS_BpsM5P3clYKT/s1600/baffinpaddler-whitewater-kayaks-bate-island-launch-ottawa-ontario.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh02fcEguq8J_BqhcoUJCbewbONADVlMkclCI-vK1eeJuevuzJn7CO561jVNl3IeDUmnKHLRFUBpLS0fQoGSjwBhprFwnLCGnDQKloxcc9vpX71Wnq7dOSCGxjtbCKgCAS_BpsM5P3clYKT/s1600/baffinpaddler-whitewater-kayaks-bate-island-launch-ottawa-ontario.jpg" height="300" width="400" /></a></div>
The whitewater kayak is king.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5SN5V8T0OTJLdJLxyw8m8JlQTkgZYZ_GJnhJ0xzttmvMvFPnDCRHBw_FMjWIO6UhRvRlQUTpo-0n-EKMGMnwuFwPkTBAo-nbPLgl6CYvUv9e_i7Ooj5xJa_vsjJkNaDQPaMH3rBNYCaGy/s1600/baffinpaddler-paddleboarding-rapids-ottawa-river-bate-island-canada.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg5SN5V8T0OTJLdJLxyw8m8JlQTkgZYZ_GJnhJ0xzttmvMvFPnDCRHBw_FMjWIO6UhRvRlQUTpo-0n-EKMGMnwuFwPkTBAo-nbPLgl6CYvUv9e_i7Ooj5xJa_vsjJkNaDQPaMH3rBNYCaGy/s1600/baffinpaddler-paddleboarding-rapids-ottawa-river-bate-island-canada.jpg" height="298" width="400" /></a></div>
It's still missing from my small fleet of sea kayaks and paddleboards. But I'll get one or two for play in less intense waters and rolling practice.<br />
<br />
I had a rolling lesson in a Jackson Zen 65 river runner, and I liked it. It's the only whitewater kayak I've ever sat in that made me think I might want one. I usually don't like the feel of them.<br />
<br />
<b>Stay warm and safe</b>. If you are new to the river,<b> beware. The very dangerous Deschenes Rapids are downriver from Bate Island.</b><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJGDb7DFgev_lZcJeBWlMcLoY4JNDSqCHsEve8cdsJdHF1O4QP5d2HOuE2IYk_EW7QfkpdXcueYOpI6vcP0rPxH6fhiZoqcCZUTVE6SBnsQtS6eMcPDUh3KkUKX7ERU-pfPqDP5lT3_5pO/s1600/2_baffinpaddler-deschenes-rapids-dam-ruins-Aylmer_Quebec-canada.jpg.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJGDb7DFgev_lZcJeBWlMcLoY4JNDSqCHsEve8cdsJdHF1O4QP5d2HOuE2IYk_EW7QfkpdXcueYOpI6vcP0rPxH6fhiZoqcCZUTVE6SBnsQtS6eMcPDUh3KkUKX7ERU-pfPqDP5lT3_5pO/s1600/2_baffinpaddler-deschenes-rapids-dam-ruins-Aylmer_Quebec-canada.jpg.JPG" height="225" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Deschenes Rapids, Ottawa River, Aylmer, Quebec, Canada</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
You do not want to paddle downriver from Bate Island or run the Deschenes Rapids from upriver. The rapid along the Quebec shore races with fury through an old hydro facility that has crumbled. But you can view these impressive rapids from shore if you cycle the path along the river<br />
<br />
Happy trails!<br />
The BaffinPaddlerBaffinPaddlerhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/15682694017265829467noreply@blogger.com2