Issue #33 - Ottawa Outdoors Magazine

outdoors ottawa

Summer 2012

F r ee

Your outdoor adventure and travel guide Ottawa • Gatineau • Ontario • Quebec • US & Beyond

Six summer workouts that sizzle!

Stand up paddling, boot camps, kayaking and more Canoe trip for the girls Getting together in Temagami

Glamping it up When camping meets comfort

Prepare for the outdoors And the wilderness will welcome you

Hit the trails Trail running tips

Exploring the Bonnechere Caves Escape from the heat

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outdoors ottawa

Canoeing with the girlS

SUMMER 2012

Glamping in the wild

Six workouts that sizzle

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8

~ Articles

~ Departments

5 Summer workouts that sizzle

4 Publisher’s Letter

8 Canoe trip brings the girls together

26 Cool Gear Hot Clothing

10 Technology on the Klondike Trail

31 Canoe-over-canoe rescue

12 Great Canadian Kayak Challenge

32 Angling adventures in Ottawa

14 Glamping: luxury camping for you?

35 Hit the trails . . .running!

16 Kayaking the Ottawa River

36 Take your puppy camping

18 Ottawa Valley Naturalist Sites

43 Outdoor Clubs

20 Spotlight: Stephanie Shoobert

43 Upcoming Events

21 Finding the rush: a tribute to whitewater kayaking

46 The Back Pages

5

Cool Gear Hot Clothing

26

22 Be prepared: interview with Wally Schaber 28 Avoid the pain: stretch before paddling 30 Getting the bugs to bug off 40 Exploring the Bonnechere Caves 42 Hiking the Appalachian Trail

31 Canoe-overcanoe rescue COVER PHOTO CREDIT Stand-up for CHEO www.ottawaoutdoors.ca

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Now you can get each issue e-mailed direct to your inbox!

it Readne!

onli

It’s TOTALLY FREE too! There’s loads of info, videos and more about the local outdoor adventure scene, all delivered in this extremely cool animated version.

Just go to www.OttawaOutdoors.ca to sign-up at the top right of the homepage and we'll send you a digital version of the print issue. ottawa outdoors 3

PUBLISHER, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: DAVE BROWN EDITOR: ROGER BIRD WRITERS Jennifer Hartley, Kathleen Wilker, Allen Macartney, Alastair Baird, Stephanie Shoobert, Claudia Kerckhoff-van-Wilk, Craig Macartney, Frances Manlucu, Andrew Westwood, Tim Allard, Kyle Den Bak, Sheila Ascroft, Dave Brown, Judy Scott PHOTOGRAPHERS & ILLUSTRATORS Istockphoto:Asiseeit, Northern Edge Algonquin, Paul Villecourt, Bonnechere Caves, Judy Scott, Stand Up for CHEO, Keith Milne, Gord Coulthart ADVERTISING INQUIRIES Dave Brown, Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Ottawa Outdoors Magazine is an independent publication published seasonally every four months and distributed FREE at sports stores all over the region, as well as at 100 other locations.

We reach 200,000 readers each issue!

E-mail: Advertising@OttawaOutdoors.ca Tel: 613-860-8687 or 888-228-2918 HOW TO GET PUBLISHED Ottawa Outdoors Magazine welcomes story and photo contributions. All photos should ideally be shot with a high-resolution digital camera, but otherwise scanned at 300dpi resolution and burned onto a CD-ROM or e-mailed. No unsolicited contributions will be returned unless accompanied by a self-addressed stamped envelope. Publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited manuscripts, photographs or artwork. Publisher may publish any and all communications with Ottawa Outdoors Magazine, and may edit for clarity and style. Indexed in the Canadian Periodical Index ISSN No. 1204-69556. © Copyright 2012. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any materials published in Ottawa Outdoors Magazine is expressly forbidden without consent of the publisher unless otherwise agreed between partners. Printed in Canada.

ENVIRONMENTAL PARTNERSHIPS Ottawa Outdoors Magazine aligns with local and international environmental groups. Recently Ottawa Outdoors Magazine joined and supports the following groups. We encourage you to do the same.

Leave No Trace Canada is a national non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and inspiring responsible outdoor recreation through education, research and partnerships. Leave No Trace builds awareness, appreciation and respect for our wilderness areas. www.leavenotrace.ca One Percent for the Planet is a rapidly growing network of companies that give at least one per cent of their annual sales to environmental causes. Their commitment provides vital resources and awareness to organizations that work to keep us on a sustainable path. 1%FTP provides members with a straightforward and powerful way to become part of the solution. We are proud supporters of One Percent as a movement as well as their members which include Mountain Equipment Co-op and more than 20 other businesses across Canada. www.onepercentfortheplanet.org

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Publisher’s Letter Choose from a buffet of outdoor activities!

Welcome to the summer copy of Ottawa Outdoors Magazine with something for everyone. What an issue!

Check out the article to the right and you’ll see Jennifer’s piece on six outdoor activities to get you in great shape as you have fun in the process.

If you’re an avid canoeist, head to pages eight and Dave Brown 31 for articles on paddling with the girls and how to perform Publisher canoe-over-canoe rescues.

Editor-in-chief If kayaking is more your love, head to pages 12, 16 and 21 to read about kayaking the Ottawa River, experiencing whitewater kayaking’s rush, or how to enter the Great Canadian Kayak Challenge.

And if running or hiking is your passion you’ll definitely want to read how to get started trail running (pg. 35), or Judy Scott’s experience on tackling the Apalachian Trail at the age of 72.

As well, with many Ottawa Outdoors readers always looking for an opportunity to go camping, the articles on page 36 (Camping with your puppy), and page 14 (Glamping: camping in comfort) will definitely get some answers on how and where to go.

The remaining articles include a feature on the Bonnechere Caves; fishing adventures for anglers in the region; outdoor pre-paddling stretches and how to keep the bugs away, among other great articles this issue.

So all in all, this issue is packed with loads of ideas and destinations you can head to to fulfil your outdoor fix. And don’t forget to check out the listing of outdoor clubs and upcoming events.

Get outdoors, get involved and get going. And try to stay cool as you go! Happy trails.

Ottawa Riverkeeper Update!

At Ottawa Riverkeeper, we receive up-to-date waterquality testing data from the multiple agencies involved in water testing throughout the watershed and update the app as the information comes in.

In some cases (such as the City of Ottawa) that means daily. We also provide maps to get to each beach, historical data on water quality at each beach, and a write up covering the services and attractions available (canteen, free parking etc). Get it today!

Summer workouts that sizzle Even if you are dedicated to your sport, it’s always good to try something new, especially in summer. Who knows, you may end up incorporating a new workout into your regular routine. This could give your usual muscle groups a break, strengthen different ones, and you end up with more of a balanced, toned body.

The downside is a possible pain in the butt, your neck, your abs – anywhere! – as you try something new. Just when you think you’re in great shape, you get a reminder that you’re human. But this next-day discomfort after a new workout shows there’s always more you can do.

Summer is ideal for experimenting in the great outdoors where you can get your booty moving in new ways.

Stand-up paddle boarding Core, core, and more core. It won’t take long to tighten up your abs, strengthen your back, your obliques and your pelvis muscles with this sport. You’ll feel like you’re made of steel. Not being a Hawaiian hipster (much as I’d like to be), I had no clue what the heck paddle boarding was, but I found out you just have to maintain your balance standing up on a surfboard, paddling through still waters, not surf. Standing means better views, both off to the horizon and down into the water. It’s not as much of a calorie killer as other sports, but the core benefits are wickedly good. It’s great fun and a perfect summer add-on, especially in the heat. www.ottawaoutdoors.ca

The downside? An unco-ordinated person like me has to work hard to balance on the board. But even that part is great for your core. And this is not a cheap sport. You’ll be handing over a minimum of $1,500 to get set up. Thankfully, there are local places like Trailhead Paddle Shack to rent gear. They’ll send you away with everything you need (including car equipment to transport your board) for between $25 and $40 a day. If you fall in love with SUP, they have discounts for rentals of five days or more.

Walking It’s cheap, only requires solid shoes and is easy on your joints (and every other part of your body for that matter).

The faster you walk the more benefits you get. Walk briskly (five or six km/hr) and you’ll burn more calories (if that’s your goal). For a 140-pound

person, a one-hour walk at five clicks an hour will roughly burn about 200 calories. Walking can reinforce the social world too: Grab a friend and catch up as you go.

Be aware it takes time to burn fat and calories, but it’s a great way to slow down and admire the world around you. Crank it up a notch by throwing in some hills and you’ll have a great addition to your routine. There is no shortage of hiking trails in the Ottawa-Gatineau area, and the Trans Canada Trail is a great place to start www.tctrail.ca.

Then there are NCC riverside paths and trails in Gatineau Park. Check them out at www.canadascapital.gc.ca/.

Photo by istockphoto: asiseeit

By Jennifer Hartley

Boot camps This full-body workout offered by fitness clubs and trainers works you hard in every way imaginable.

Classes generally last an hour and you’ll shell out something like

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comparable to running, and works all major muscle groups. You’ll feel this workout the next day, but in such a good way.

$250–$300 for 16 sessions.

Check out www.fitchicks.ca (women only), www.reveluketion.com/ www.ottawabootcamp.com/ or www.bootycampfitness.com (another women-only boot camp).

The caloric burn can be anywhere from 500–800 calories an hour, 6 ottawa

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Road cycling If you want to be a bit kinder to the body, wrap your legs around a bike, not the stationary one at the gym but on the outdoor trails. Again, think of Gatineau Park (although it is hilly) and all the other local bike paths. That same 140-pound person can shed 450 calories on a moderate ride outdoors. Increase the intensity, and you burn more. Sunday mornings until 1 p.m. right up to Labour Day, the NCC along with Alcatel Lucent, keeps cars off many of the parkways giving cyclists and in-line skaters more than 50 kilometres of roadway to themselves, including some in Gatineau Park. Check out www.ottawabicycleclub.ca/ for longer rides in our area.

Kayaking Unlike paddle boarding, a kayak puts you lower down, so your view won’t be as good but balance is a breeze. Unless you paddle up a

storm, the caloric burn isn’t high but you get a great upper body workout and tone up your back, arms, stomach and chest. It’s an easy social sport as well as you can glide through the water and chat.

If you don’t want to fork over the coin to buy a kayak, visit www.canadascapital.gc.ca/ for rentals. Trailhead Paddle Shack rent kayaks for $30–$55.

Running I have a marathon runner’s bias.

I lose myself in the rhythm of running and it seems pure magic.

All you need is good shoes, good music, water to drink and you can catch some rays, or enjoy a night run under the stars. And you’ll burn between 400 and 800 calories an hour, depending on how fast you go.

There are so many summer options. In-line skating, longdistance swimming in Gatineau Park lakes, hiking, Ultimate Frisbee, rock-climbing – all spring to mind.

Summer is short, so grab a water bottle, get outdoors, and enjoy it. ~ Jennifer Harley recently qualified for the Boston Marathon and is a freelance writer.

www.ottawaoutdoors.ca

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Canoe trip brings the girls together Moms and daughters, big sister little sister, aunts and nieces together in Temagami

By Kathleen Wilker

On a July midnight my eight-year-old daughter Anna Sierra and I were at the Ottawa Bus Terminal for an overnight ride to Sudbury. We were joining Wild Women Expeditions for a five-day Women and Girls Temagami canoeing adventure.

In our family, canoe camping is serious business. I’m allergic to the peanut traces that too often show up in packaged freeze-dried food, so for backcountry expeditions we prepare weeks in advance, doubling up the portions of every meal we cook and dehydrating the leftovers.

We pack with care knowing the heavy lifting on portages will be done by my husband and me. I love it all – lake swims, sleeping in tents, lots of time together – but the prep is hard work.

This time, Anna Sierra and I were headed for luxury. It’s a guided

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trip, and all we carry to the Wild Women’s base camp is sleeping bags, Thermarests and our clothes.

Tents, dishes, meals, boats, lifejackets, paddles, and maps were provided.

The age range for girls on the trip is 8–14, so although my daughter is an experienced paddler and tripper, she’s on the young end of the age spectrum and I wanted her confident she could keep up with the big girls. I was excited that she would be part of an all-female expedition and be welcomed into that sisterhood at an early age.

(We didn’t know it as we rode the bus to Sudbury, but “sisterhood” would work in surprising ways. The outhouse at one campsite was a long walk from the tents. As the youngest but most experienced camper, Anna Sierra accompanied older girls who asked her to go with them because they were nervous walking alone in the woods.)

When we arrived at the base camp, we met a mix of mothers and daughters, big sisters and little sisters, aunts and nieces. Our guides were two capable outdoorswomen in their 20s, perfect role models for our youngsters. As we introduced ourselves, I discovered that there were all kinds of reasons for choosing a guided trip.

One athletic aunt lived in downtown Toronto and had no camping or paddling history. She wanted expert backup to gain outdoor time with her niece. One single mom was an accomplished paddler who wanted to pass on her love of the outdoors to her 14-year-old daughter, but lacked children her daughter’s age among her friends. And a big sister (aged 25) getting ready for a six-month hiking adventure wanted to take her www.ottawaoutdoors.ca

“Within every woman there is a wild and natural creature, a powerful force, led with good instincts, passionate creativity, and ageless knowing. Her name is Wild Woman, but she is an endangered species.”

— Dr. Clarissa Pinkola Estes, in Women Who Run With The Wolves

Wild Women Expeditions offers all types of outdoor/wilderness trips including: CANOEING • KAYAKING • CYCLING • HIKING • YOGA RETREATS • ARTS RETREATS • OUTDOOR SKILLS CLINICS

Join Wild Women on an adventure in one of our spectacular destinations across Canada: younger sister canoe camping.

When we canoe as a family, my husband usually takes the stern, I get the bow and the kids ride – sometimes paddling, sometimes snacking or telling stories, sometimes napping – amidships.

But after the drive to the put-in, Anna Sierra picked out a paddle just her size and hopped confidently to the front of the boat we would share. No more hanging out in the middle for her. We were in charge of our boat.

After a paddling lesson for the newbies, we pushed off for our first time in the legendary waters and rocky shores of Temagami, taking in the scenery slowly enough for one woman to learn the art of sterning her canoe.

At the campsites, the guides encouraged the girls to help prepare meals, and help out they did. One morning at breakfast, while guides worked on pancakes, scrambled eggs and bacon, the girls ran off together. Hunting for frogs? Goofing off on a favourite rock together?

Nope, they were picking wild blueberries for everyone’s pancakes.

Meals included grilled veggies on kaiser buns, pan-fried chocolate www.ottawaoutdoors.ca

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Athlete: Alex Gilbert

YOUR DESTINATION FOR AN ACTIVE LIFESTYLE.

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cake and my favourite, cold pizza: Take one can of pizza sauce, another of black olives, throw in peppers, chives, pepperoni and grated mozzarella, and serve on Greek-style pita. An overturned canoe served as a buffet table for the toppings.

Four days later I could look back on good talk, searching for petroglyphs, watching the girls swim in lily pads together and hike to a waterfall. I watched a confirmed urbanite learn to paddle, portage and light a fire. And it was so satisfying to pool our resources

Going high-tech on the Klondike Trail

By Allen Macartney Camping has changed a lot in the 115 years since the 1898 Klondike gold rush and I’m benefitting from these changes as I retrace its route down the Yukon River.

When 30,000 gold stampeders landed on Alaska’s Pacific coast at the foot of the Chilkoot and White Passes, each miner hauled about a ton of gear and food.

Old-fashioned canvas tents, boxes of candles, stoves, fuel and basic foodstuffs were heavy, bulky and often unreliable.

Today’s high-tech gear tucked into my Klondike-bound canoe reduces that weight probably by 75 per cent.

My Alpinelite tent makes me pity the Klondike miner who had to wrestle a seven to nine kilogram canvas tent over the Chilkoot Pass, when mine weights less than three.

And it’s built for all seasons, including high winds howling through mountain passes. Rip-stop nylon is a miracle fibre compared to cottonbased Klondike canvas.

Food is another modern wonder.

The freeze-dried Mountain House meals packed in my food barrel are brimming with healthy calories. Yet basic food for six weeks will tip the scales at less than nine kilograms and fit into a medium-sized pack.

Klondike miners packed boxes of 10 ottawa

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beeswax candles to provide light, and many old-fashioned gallons of kerosene for cooking and purifying water. All this went on their bruised backs as they staggered over the Chilkoot Pass then paddled down the Yukon River.

My light comes from powerful LEDs that last for weeks on two tiny batteries – charged by a lightweight Goal Zero notebooksized solar panel which also charges my satellite phone and video cameras.

This stuff would have turned those long-ago miners green with envy.

Only a few years ago, most of the fuel I portaged over bad trails linking wilderness lakes was used to purify water. Today my banana-sized ultraviolet Steri-Pen water purifier cleans a litre of water in 60 seconds – also powered by my solar panel.

Not a single heavy wool blanket or reindeer hide is stashed in my pack.

A small, micro-fleece sleeping bag

successfully during a coffee emergency – a missing filter. Turns out a bandana does the trick.

But best of all was sharing a boat with my daughter. ~Kathleen Wilker is editor of the Kitchissippi Times and iRun Magazine; she writes extensively about bringing children to the outdoors and vice versa.

keeps my toes snug even in biting temperatures.

Even my paddle is high-tech. Unlike the clumsy block of heavy rough wood from years past, my Grey Owl paddle is computer-designed like an aircraft wing to slice easily through the water. It feels and works the water like a finely tuned Stradivarius.

So what will my partly empty canoe hold as it noses into the current that will take me to the Arctic Circle?

Chocolate. Just over 100 grams for every day of my 60-day trek. I can almost feel the buzz already. Three cheers for the 21st century! ~ Allen Macartney is a long-time writer with Ottawa Outdoors and is in the middle of an eight-week solo canoe trip in the Yukon tracing the Klondike Gold Rush.

www.ottawaoutdoors.ca

Timmins.

A breath of fresh air.

Located in northeastern Ontario in one of the richest mineral producing areas in the western hemisphere, the City of Timmins, nestled along the Mattagami River, is the largest community in Ontario’s Wilderness Region.

Fine resorts, hotels and restaurants, endless outdoor recreation opportunities, and fascinating tourist attractions make Timmins a must see destination all year round. Visit the Shania Twain Centre, tour an underground gold mine, enjoy local art galleries and visit the Timmins Museum. Or get “up close and personal” with Canadian wildlife, including the majestic moose, on a nature tour at Cedar Meadows Resort.

With over 500 lakes and rivers, pursuits such as fishing, boating, camping, canoeing and kayaking continue to grow in popularity in the area. And you can warm up the winter with outdoor activities including cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, downhill skiing, snowboarding, ice fishing and dog sledding. For snowmobilers, Timmins offers an extensive network of groomed, interconnecting trails.

No matter what time of year you find yourself in Timmins, you’ll savour its beauty and history—and our legendary northern hospitality.

4 | tourismtimmins.com

The 4th Annual

Great Canadian Kayak Challenge & Festival Do you have what it takes?

August 25-26, 2012 Timmins, Ontario

Up to $15,000 in cash prizes!

Join us for the 4th annual Great Canadian Kayak Challenge & Festival, August 25-26, 2012.

Taking place at the Mountjoy Historical Conservation Park, in Timmins, Ontario.

Paddling categories for all ages, from novice to expert, youth to seniors, and a chance to win fantastic cash prizes.

• 10 Paddling Divisions • Kayak Clinics • “Kayak for the Heart of it” Sprint Race • Children Activities • Art in the Park • Free Evening Concert Early Bird Registration is August 3rd, 2012 To register or for additional information, please contact Guy Lamarche at 705.360.2640 or email guy.lamarche@timmins.ca

www.thegreatcanadiankayakchallenge.com the great outdoors and more! | 29

Glamping is luxury camping for almost any budget And the range of choice is vast

By Allen Macartney If you’ve had enough bugs, enough failed campfires or stoves, too many nights in a damp sleeping bag watching rain dribble down the inside of your tent, you may be ready for “glamping.”

Glamping (short for “glamour camping”) is a tourist industry buzz word for a hotly promoted niche market – campers who want a break from such hardships. Hundreds of resorts and smaller operators worldwide offer it.

Glamping as we now know it originated in Africa more than 150 years ago when wealthy European patrons wanted to sample “roughing it” in the jungle, while maintaining their dignity and comfort. Decades later, Ottoman Empire sultans refined the practice into real luxury.

The hardest part of glamping is sorting through the bewildering range of choices. Choosing from this vast array could drive any diva into gnawing on a her manicured nails.

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Ontario and Quebec provincial parks (e.g.

Bon Echo, Algonquin and Gatineau parks) offer some level of glamping experience even in winter (book early because provincial park glamping sites are few), and more privately owned glamping establishments are appearing. Provincial parks usually offer a Tibetan yurt with stove, floor, beds, porch and other conveniences. Privately operations go as far as butler service! For more information see: www.sepaq.com or www.ontarioparks.com.

Five-star adventure beckons.

There are Swiss Family Robinson tree house get-aways, or sites with a Victorian or Edwardian flavour. You can pick a Huck Finn, Arctic trapper or African safari theme. Genghis Khan might find the Mongolian mountain yurt theme an amusing diversion.

The most expensive vacation packages treat guests to a climatecontrolled designer tent in an oldgrowth forest, high alpine meadow or Pacific island beach, with opulent rugs, antique china and heated floors. Original watercolour paintings and a myriad of candles around the queen- or king-sized bed add elegance. Loft bedrooms are another option.

Totally relax in your soundsurround stereo cocoon, complete with fine linens, Siberian goose down duvets, hot tubs, spa

treatments and rainforest showers in your ensuite bathroom. Should you tire of such trivia, step out on your private sun deck and take in a 360-degree panorama of postcardperfect vistas.

No need to rise from your overstuffed deck chair and work up a sweat on a cycling or backpacking trail; a two-minute hike to the spa will exorcise any sense of guilt.

If you do venture into the outdoors you’ll carry only a day pack. Everything else is provided and carried by porters. Explore wellcrafted trails with exotic, planted wildflowers and friendly wildlife.

Many such “camping” locales offer a smorgasbord of rafting, kayaking, ziplines, hiking, riding, golfing, tennis, rappelling, skeet shooting,

www.ottawaoutdoors.ca

Generally the farther from Canada you get (the average glamping retreat here is $500 per night), the more expensive the camping. So, at the low end of the spectrum is a spot called “Northern Edge Algonquin” inside Algonquin Park that offers an economy $120 per night package (www. northernedgealgonquin.com/ glamping.html). You get a tiled floor outhouse (I’ve always dreamed of this!), organic meals, complete access to wide range of facilities, and much more.

If you’ve just won the lottery, you might consider Patagonia Camp, Lake Toro, Chile, which offers spectacular luxury yurts, handcrafted furniture, raised walking paths, king-sized beds, fabulous meals provided, and a stunning lake-front view. All this for a starting price of $1,425 per night. www.goglamping.net/americas/ patagonia-camp-lake-toro/ Glamping is worth a try, at least once. Beyond that, it’s perfect for the disillusioned newbie camper who’s heard all the good stories about the outdoors, but has experienced only the bad. A little luxury could get her or him back into the mood.

Photos by northernedgealgonquin

cycling and more. Others offer tent-door-to-bush-aircraft service to nearby lakes for fly-fishing suited to the rich.

On your return, there’s an array of gourmet teas, coffees and other beverages delivered to your personal retreat.

As to dining, forget the burnt hot dogs and beans; that’s so old school.

A cordon bleu chef will prepare six-course meals fit for a Moroccan prince. Your hosts will even suggest rare vintages to tickle your palate.

It’s Club Med camping with no unpredictable outdoor nasties.

If you crave s’mores after a gourmet meal, the request will not offend the sensitivities of your English butler. Just expect the chocolate to be imported from Belgium.

Does it all sound too decadent or too pricey? Yes, glamping is designed for harried, high-achieving, rich multi-taskers who lack the time or inclination to plan a more rustic outdoor vacation. But it’s not just geared to double-income, no kids couples with bloated stock portfolios. Less extravagant packages aim at family budgets, and the range of cost is vast.

www.ottawaoutdoors.ca

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Kayaking the Ottawa River Beaches and Mountains, Cliffs and forests, history and Wilderness

by Alastair Baird The Ottawa River has been a route of First Nations traders, then European explorers, voyageurs and log drivers and today it’s popular for tour kayaking.

Modern day canoe trippers following their wake encounter the Rocher Fendu whitewater section west of Grand Calumet island, a mecca for whitewater kayakers and rafters.

The Ottawa stretches 1,271 kilometres from its source in Lake Capimitchigama, Que. south and east to where it joins the St. Lawrence above Montreal. It drains a watershed of 146,300 square kilometres, an area almost the size of Mongolia.

Another attractive and accessible section of the river is from Pembroke upstream west to Rapides des Joachims, one of the few stretches still in a natural state unconstrained by hydroelectric dams, so the water levels and shorelines paddlers see are as they have been for millennia.

From Pembroke upstream and west are dozens of islands with rocky shores and gorgeous small beaches. While some of the islands and much of the shoreline is privately owned here, many areas of Crown land are open to the public.

Not to be missed are the beaches on the southern or Ontario shoreline at Petawawa Point – where the Petawawa River takes the waters of Algonquin Park into the Ottawa – and five kilometres of beach at Canadian Forces Base Petawawa, recently opened to the public.

The Fort William hotel in Sheenboro, on the Quebec side north of Petawawa is open in summer and has the best covered deck and cold refreshments along the river. In bygone decades, paddling friends have slung their hammocks on the deck to spend the night.

As you round the big bend at Deep River Islet paddlers enter the Rivière Cruz or Deep River reach.

Here the Laurentian Mountains loom closer on the Quebec shore and there are long runs of sandy beach

interspersed with rocky points and towering cliffs.

Most spectacular is Oiseau Rock, 150-metres high, looking like a dome sliced in half. It remains a sacred site to Algonkins of Pikwakanagan First Nation near Golden Lake, Ont. and of the Kitigan Zibi Anishinabeg First Nation in Maniwaki, Que. It plunges straight down into the cool river waters on the Ontario side. They’re hard to find, but 5,000-year-old pictographs are at water level along the cliff face.

Peregrine falcons patrol the cliff and nearby forests and barred owls hoot through the night. Hike an easy 20 minutes from Oiseau Beach to a little lake with crystal clear water at the top of the mountain for a refreshing swim before you take in the view from the cliff top.

Across the river from Oiseau Rock and just upstream is Pointe au Baptème, the site of the baptism or welcoming into the brotherhood of voyageurs for the fur trade’s novice paddlers.

On this reach, most of the Quebec shoreline is Crown land except for a few obvious private sites and the camping is almost unlimited. Miles of beach, massive pine forests, sandbars which remind you of the Bahamas, and rivers tumbling down from the mountains make for a memorable quick day trip or, even better, an extended weekend of paddling. You can do a loop trip or set up a shuttle in Deep River or Rapides des Joachims (also known as “da Swisha”).

More info about paddling the Ottawa and other rivers and lakes in the Ottawa Valley is at www. ottawavalley.travel/Info_Centre/ Travel_Resources/Paddle_Roots_ of_the_Ottawa_Valley***2421.html.

Or call the Ottawa Valley Tourist Association at 1-800-757-6580. ~ Alastair Baird was born and raised on the Ottawa River and kayaks and canoes it every chance he gets.

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Whitewater Village Climbing Centre

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ntain Bike, Tent, Hiking Boots...!

Naturalist Sites Home to a wide variety of flora, fauna and scenic splendour, the Ottawa Valley is the ideal destination to connect with nature and view the wildlife in a pristine setting. Be sure to pack your camera, binoculars and picnic basket and check out these top 10 naturalist viewing sites in the Upper Ottawa Valley.

Driftwood Provincial Park Deep River Pembroke Westmeath Provincial Park Arnprior Renfrew Lake Dore, Shaw Woods Deacon Bonnechere Provincial Park Conroys Marsh

1. Driftwood Provincial Park: Towering pines and woodland plants and a good mix of birds and waterfowl with a wonderful trail system.

2. Deep River Area- Four Seasons Conservancy; Birds, plants and dragonflies; wetlands, creeks and beavers.

3. Pembroke Marina and Boardwalk: Carolina Wren, American Goldfinch, Loons and massive Cottonwood and Butternut trees.

4. Westmeath Provincial Park: Dune habitat and wetlands; birding and botany opportunities abound.

5. Arnprior- Gillies Grove and Macnamara Trail: Old Growth Forest and Showy Lady’s-slipper.

6. Renfrew Area-Bonnechere River, Centennial Trail, McConnell Park: Dragonflies galore.

7. Lake Dore and Shaw Woods: Migratory birds and Old Growth Forest.

8. Deacon Escarpment: Stunning views of the Bonnechere River valley, blueberries, soaring birds and mammals of all sizes.

9. Round Lake- Bonnechere and Foy Provincial Parks: Woodpecker, Broad-winged Hawk, Hermit Thrush to name but a few.

10.Conroys’ Marsh: Canoe or boat access;2000 hectares of wetlands, waterfowl and amphibians.

Enjoy your explorations of our naturalist sites from wilderness to urban parks where you may see a variety of mammals (big and small), myriad of raptors and songbirds, unusual insects and amphibians. Visit www.ottawavalley.travel/naturalist-guide for detailed maps and lists of the 308 bird species, 83 butterflies, over 100 species of odonates and almost 1,300 species of plants.

Discover the wild residents of the beautiful Ottawa Valley!

www.ottawavalley.travel/naturalist-guide www.ottawaoutdoors.ca

ottawa outdoors 19

Spotlight Athlete – Stephanie Shoobert My name is Stephanie Shoobert and I have been selected to represent Ottawa as a National Rider, on a team of cyclists for the Sears National Kids Cancer Ride.

The Sears National Kids Cancer Ride is one of the biggest and most ambitious charity cycling events on behalf of childhood cancer in the world. Now in its fifth year, the 2012 event will be an emotional and inspirational adventure beginning in Vancouver on September 5 and finishing in Halifax 17 memorable days later on September 21.

Riding the relay style, the selected national riders will each cycle approximately 200 kilometre per day joined along the way by thousands of other caring cyclists who will cycle shorter, “stage ride” distances in major cities across Canada.

At the start and end of each day they will participate in community events and visit many of Canada’s 17 pediatric oncology centres and hos-

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pitals where the cancer community will share inspiring stories of strength and hope with cyclists and the media.

Each National Rider has committed to raising $25,000 and 100 per cent of the money raised goes directly to fund research and support programs for kids’ cancer in each and every one of the pediatric oncology centres across Canada.

I'll share the road with a crowd of athletes, united in our commitment to the childhood cancer community.

Your support is welcome and needed.

Please join me in this powerful and inspiring experience by helping to fund important childhood cancer charities across Canada and striving for a Destination beyond cancer!!!

4,600km, 17 days, Nine provinces, 1 Country, 1 TEAM, 1 Purpose!

Stephanie is riding for many people,

young and old, and she is riding for a cure for all.

You can make a donation to support her ride by following these simple directions. Thanks in advance!

Make A Donation To Support her Ride At Www.Snkcr.Com • click on donate • click pledge a national ride • type in Stephanie Shoobert • click on link to her personal donation page. . . . or contact Stephanie Shoobert by email or phone at: (613) 298-9469 sshoober@connect.carleton.ca

www.ottawaoutdoors.ca

Finding the rush: a tribute to whitewater kayaking Claudia Kerckhoffvan Wijk The most exhilarating fun I’ve ever had is whitewater kayaking.

Shooting a rapid, pointing my boat between two boulders, accelerating through the gap, and dropping into an eddy below with spray hitting my face so hard I have to close my eyes, and smile.

This is the adrenaline rush every time I go paddling.

It’s a skill to be learned – using the power of the water to do the work for you in this gravity-assisted sport. For me, learning started at age three when I shot the rapids of the ~ Claudia Kerckhoff-van Wijk, is a 10x Canadian kayak champion, the broadcast voice for the sport of whitewater slalom, and co-director of Madawaska Kanu Centre (MKC) and OWL Rafting on the Ottawa River. MKC runs beginner to advanced weekend and five-day programs on the Madawaska and Ottawa rivers.

Lower Madawaska River in the bow of a folding kayak with my dad.

Back in those days, well before lifejackets and helmets were the norm, river trips were normally organized through clubs.

My sisters and I were dragged along from river to river, event to event by our parents.

It seemed to be an adultonly activity. Not until my parents started Madawaska Kanu Centre (MKC) and

other kids arrived with their parents did I get bitten by the bug. Now 40 years later, I’m at the helm of this facility along the middle Madawaska where water releases from Bark Lake’s Ontario Power Generation dam are a daily occurrence, and thousands have come to learn as I did about this whitewater addiction.

Known for being one of the best rivers for first encountering and then perfecting this great sport, the Madawaska’s currents have clean, easy-to-see lines, calm eddies and warm water – challenging, but not overwhelming.

And that’s not all. Anther whitewater adventure is just one valley away, on the Ottawa River. Here the currents funnelled through the narrow rock channels of the Rocher Fendu section provide large, friendly, yet powerful waves and features. An extensive whitewater rafting industry on this section attracts paddlers from around the world to ride waves with names like “garborator,” “bus-eater” and “gladiator.”

Not for the beginner, but the Ottawa is definitely a river to aspire to.

Be prepared The wilderness will welcome you if you’ve done your homework

By Craig Macartney

Many people dream of an outdoors expedition adventure, but how do you plan it? Where do you start? Are there ways to minimize the risks when you’re out there far from a cellphone tower?

Ottawa Outdoors Magazine’s Craig Macartney interviewed Wally Schaber, founder of wilderness adventure company Black Feather, and co-founder of Trailhead, a man with more than 40 years of guiding and outfitting experience.

Ottawa Outdoors Magazine (OOM): What sorts of trips you have led?

Wally Schaber (WS): Everywhere, including the North Pole. Most trips were two to four weeks in the Northwest Territories, the McKenzie mountains, the Barren Lands rivers, and hiking Baffin Island. As a guide in the ’90s, I led trips on the Nahanni River up to six times a year.

OOM: Where do you start planning?

WS: Thoroughly research your route. The further from your comfort zone you go, the more planning is needed. For extreme trips, preparations should start a year in advance or more.

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Knowledge is key, so talk to veterans of your route. Identify the route highlights, the anticipated length, where to camp, hazards, and where to get supplies. Find out park or provincial rules and if permits are required.

There are four categories of planning you need to consider: personal fitness, equipment, transportation to and from the expedition, and route details. Overlooking any category increases your risks.

Once you have researched your route, plan your equipment accordingly. Pack lots of lightweight, non-perishable food. Never rely on catching fish or picking berries for dinner – it’s not guaranteed.

Bring all your meals, and if you catch something, it’s a bonus.

Prepare yourself physically and mentally for the trip’s challenges. Don’t be overzealous and don’t assume you can learn on the job. If there are portages, throw a canoe on your back and try carrying it their estimated distance. Finally, head out

with a good attitude. You’re on holidays, so have fun.

OOM: How do you prepare for the unexpected?

WS: Proper planning helps avoid bad surprises. The unexpected ranges from encounters with animals, personal injury, equipment problems, or natural disasters such as flooding or forest fires. Analyze the specific risks of your expedition and have a contingency plan.

En route, keeping your site clean and orderly, changing sites regularly, and avoiding popular sites greatly decreases the risk of unexpected encounters with wild animals.

Bring equipment that meets your route’s demands. For lake canoe trips, with lots of portaging, take a lightweight Kevlar canoe. Trips with rapids require stronger canoes: Bring a Royalex.

Expeditions require both physical and mental training. Do you need canoeing lessons, navigating or orienteering lessons, before heading into the wild? Insufficient training risks injury, as well as physical and emotional stress, and you won’t fully enjoy your time.

Another key is health. Do you need to see a dentist? Do you have any prescriptions? Identify an emergency contact and make sure they know where you’re going, when, and what you’re doing. When travelwww.ottawaoutdoors.ca

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ling with a group, make sure they are aware of your health concerns and contact, in case of emergency.

In 40 years of travel, I really haven’t seen the extreme circumstances Hollywood depicts, but modern technology, like satellite phones and GPS, prove an asset for extreme expeditions.

OOM: What advice would you give to someone planning a group expedition?

WS: For group expeditions, you need to balance the team’s skill set; if travelling with a novice, bring an expert as well.

Knowing your partners ahead of time helps, but it’s not always possible, especially on commercial trips. In those situations, establish clear team guidelines. What are each member’s responsibilities?

Fortunately, most people on wilderness trips enjoy the outdoors, and travelling together is more enjoyable with a common “joie de vivre.”

OOM: What advice would you give someone planning their first big trip?

WS: Be conservative in choosing your route.

It’s easier to kill time than push yourself trying to reach a campsite.

As a rule of thumb, plan

one third of your time for sleep, one third for travel, and one third for eating and relaxing.

Finally, invest in good equipment, like a warm sleeping bag and a tent that doesn’t leak.

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• Cabins, camping, BBQ, beaches and beach games, canoes and kayaks

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© Photos: P. Canali, P. Macias, M. Loiselle, M. Dupuis/Sépaq

A MARITIME REGION OF QUÉBEC TO DISCOVER

The sea, lakes and forests of Bas-Saint-Laurent offer many opportunities for activities: rock climbing, whale-watching excursions, sea kayaking, zip lining, hiking and more! The Route Verte cycling trail, which is well established in this region, is ideal for cyclists of all levels. At the end of the day, relax and enjoy the many good restaurants and charming inns in the region.

Plan your vacation online!

quebecmaritime.ca/GoToBSL

COOL gear

Sof-flex Sleeve: Sport – $11.99 • Sport style offers pocket and hand strap • Standard style offers sleek insulation • 100% Recyclable, compact, machine washable and carabineer included.

Look for it at local outdoor stores.

New Balance Road Running Shoes – $135 Breeze along your route with these nimble road runners. New Balance® Revlite midsoles make them 30% lighter than shoes that use EVA foam. Just because they’re lighter, doesn’t make them any less durable, they still offer a stable and comfortable ride.

Look for it at Mountain Equipment Co-op.

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Backroad GPS Maps for Ontario – $150 These Garmin GPS compatible topographic maps reveal Ontario like never before!

Expanding on the success of the best-selling Backroad Mapbook series they feature 1:10,000 and 1:20,000 scale maps with nearly 100,000 searchable Points Of Interest.

Highlights like over 17,000 named and searchable water bodies, crown land areas and over 300 paddling route locations with descriptions offer you the most up-to-date backroad, trail and recreation data available.

Look for it at local outdoor stores as Trailhead, World of Maps, Ottawa Scout Shop, SAIL and others!

Moso Natural Air Purifying Bag – $10-$22 Moso Natural air purifying bags absorb and filter out odors, harmful pollutants, allergens and bacteria and dehumidify to prevent mildew, mold and moisture.

Made from 100% bamboo charcoal, Moso Bags are fragrance free, non-toxic, and eco-friendly air purifiers which work to remove impurities in the air for up to two years before needing to be replaced.

Once the life of the Moso bag has run its course, spread the bamboo over plants or garden to help them grow bigger and stronger. The Moso Bag is available in 2 sizes, perfect for every room in the home including the 200g bag (MSRP $9.95) and the 500g bag (MSRP $22.95).

Look for it at www.MosoNatural.com/.

Magellan’s Switch Series – $229-279 The Switch GPS watch is a powerful fitness training device packed with innovative features that include nine customizable sport profiles, easy-to-read high resolution display, eight hours of battery life, a high sensitivity GPS receiver, 50 meter water resistance, and compatibility with ANT+™ sensors. Designed primarily for runners, it is also a crossover watch that is convertible for multisport needs.

Look for it at www.magellangps.com

FRONTENAC OUTFITTERS’ Delta Kayaks 16 skeg – $2,495 Delta kayaks 16’s Sexy, Hot Looks, sleek, narrow lines and Shallow Vee hull design make the 16’s the Ferrari Sports Car of the Delta Kayak Line! Don’t let the boats sleek lines deceive you... this is a definitely an advanced, big water, sea kayak for a wide range of paddler sizes seeking to improve their skills tong term. Look for it at www.FrontenacOutfitters.com

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HOT CLOTHING

FRONTENAC OUTFITTERS’ Tahoe Zephyr SUP – $1,899 Tahoe’s best selling SUP board, the Zephyr 12/6 is practical enough for everyday outings but really shines when you want to open it up and have adventurous fun.

The Zephyr achieves an optimum balance between performance and functionality and its extensive fit satisfies a wide range of paddlers. A highbred composite displacement hull and slender race profile ensure efficient touring on flatwater, while the recessed standing platform reduces volume and increases stability.

Look for it at www.FrontenacOutfitters.com Timbuk2 Harriet – $65 This generously sized shoulder bag gets even generous-er with a handy zipper expansion that doubles its carrying capacity. A slew of internal and external pockets keep you super organized, while a printed liner makes you smile every time you go for your keys.

Timbuk2 D-Lux Messenger – $129 The D-Lux Messenger is a laptop messenger that works with and without your machine. The upgraded features mean safer, more comfortable portage for daily rides on and off the interweb. Features include a vastly improved cam buckle, side-entry Napoleon pocket, color-coordinated, three-zipper front organizer, and slim, crater laptop sleeve for your computer’s protection. The D-Lux is a machine for your machine.

Timbuk2 Amnesia Pack – $109 Your technology enjoys smooth sailing in the comfort of this slender laptop backpack. No wrestling is necessary to free your 15-inch laptop from its cozy paneled pocket and Swing Around access makes it ridiculously easy. And cinching your helmet to the front loops? Also ridiculously easy.

Timbuk2 Full Cycle Classic Messenger $99 We took the philosophy of ‘Reduce-Reuse-Recycle’ and created a completely new line of eco-conscious bags designed for everyone’s green heart. Created from 100% recycled material, these bags and accessories are bluesign®* certified.

Look for them at Mountain Equipment Co-op.

Thule 611 Boxter – $1,119.99 The premium two-tone Boxter combines European-inspired design with a stronger, more convenient box structure giving you the perfect combination of style, protection and security.

• Two-tone, high-gloss automotive finish combines style and durability • Reinforced base increases durability and rigidity for maximum cargo protection • Easy one-handed opening and closing with raised outer and integrated interior handles • Dual-Side opening for easier loading and unloading from either side of the vehicle • Fits 6-8 pairs of skis (max length 215 cm) or 4-6 snowboards Look for it at Auto Racks at 2249 Gladwin Crescent.

www.ottawaoutdoors.ca

ostrom outdoors’ Ouimet Internal Frame Backpack – $595 The Ouimet Internal Frame is larger than the Alpamayo and has a tear drop shape. It is suitable for long expeditions, mountaineering, winter camping and those with bulky gear. Our suspension system, and the ability to fine tune the fit to your body shape, make our backpacks unique, and ultimately very comfortable.

Look for it at www.ostromoutdoors.com

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Avoid the pain!

Stretch before you paddle or hike

By Allen Macartney Spending a weekend paddling or hiking in the woods doesn’t mean you have to suffer muscle aches and sore shoulders afterwards. As little as five to 10 minutes of gentle stretching before you lift your pack or start dipping your paddle will help you avoid this kind of discomfort, or even injury.

Gentle stretching before strenuous exercises warms up your muscles, makes them more flexible, promotes circulation and blood supply, and ends up improving your quality of life drastically. You’ll have increased range of motion, and higher energy because unstretched

muscles tighten up and become shorter with age. Every muscle in your body has an opposite and as some of them shorten, their opposite has to work harder to compensate for the tightness.

So when it comes to a stretch, what’s not to like? Here’s five examples of paddling stretches: Arm windmills – Start by gently swinging your arms in circles, 10 times forward and backward.

Don’t try to force them back hard in any direction, just let them move easily. This stretch will limber them up and shake out any stiffness.

Shoulder shrug – In a slow rhythmic action, shift your

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shoulders in a circular shrugging motion for 10 circuits forward, then 10 circuits backwards. Try moving them as far forward, up, back, and down, as comfortably possible.

Arm grasp behind your back – Now, grasp your hands behind your back and slowly raise them until you feel a slight tightness in your shoulder blades. Keep your back and arms straight and hold this position for at least 30 seconds. If shoulder tightness eases as your muscles get used to the stretch, try raising your arms a little higher and hold that position for 30 seconds.

Finger stretch – Extend your right arm out straight in front of you, with fingers pointed vertically upward. Gently pull back these fingers with your left hand until you can feel the muscles gently stretching. Hold the position for 30

seconds. Then stretch the fingers in your other hand.

Upper arm muscle stretch – Point your right arm straight ahead of you, then swing it toward your left shoulder by gently pulling it with your left hand. Hold this position for 30 seconds before stretching your other arm.

And for hiking? Well, before setting out on a vigorous hike, do the five stretches suggested for paddling (most of the same muscles are involved). Then add these three: Leg swings – This one gets the blood moving in your hamstrings and quads. Stand beside a tree with hips level, holding the trunk with one hand. Balance on your leg closest to the tree, lock your other leg and gently swing it forward as far as comfort permits.

Then swing it backwards. Repeat

this rhythmic motion 10 to 15 times per leg.

Calf stretch – Put your hands on a wall, then step backwards from it with your left leg, stretching your calf in the process.

Hold this position for 30 seconds, then switch legs and stretch your other calf.

Hip stretch – Sit on the ground with your legs stretched out in front. Pull your left leg back gently, and cross it over your right leg until your foot rests on the ground.

You should feel gently pulling in your hip. Hold the stretch for 30 seconds, then try it with your other leg.

After your paddle or hike are over, repeat these exercises for five or 10 minutes to loosen up tense muscles. Your body will feel great because of it! ~ Allen Macartney is an avid paddler, hiker, skier and snowshoer.

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How to get the bugs to bug off Or what to do if they don’t

By Frances Manlucu If you find that mosquitoes bug you too much, here are some tips for maintaining sanity: • Mosquitoes are out in force from sunset to sunrise.

• Avoid perfume and darkcoloured clothing; these attract mosquitoes.

• Place netting over infant carriers when outdoors with a baby.

• Mosquitoes love standing water.

So at least once a week, empty water from flowerpots, pet food and water dishes, birdbaths, rain gutters, swimming pool covers, buckets, barrels and cans.

• Contrary to common belief, vitamin B, garlic, thiamine, and ultrasonic devices are not effective in preventing mosquito bites.

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Blackflies, also known as buffalo gnats and turkey gnats, are small bloodsucking insects slightly less than 1/4 inch long with a stout body and humpbacked appearance. They are most common along rivers and streams during late spring and early summer.

Like mosquitoes, only female black flies are bloodsuckers, and their venom causes intense itching, swelling and soreness. These small insects love to bite around your head, neck and ears, leaving behind red, itchy wounds and welts.

Bees and wasps have stingers at the posterior end of their abdomens.

Most stings will result in temporary pain, swelling and reddish skin around the sting.

You’ll know that you’ve been bitten by a bee or wasp right away.

You’ll feel a sharp pain, followed by a burning sensation that soon develops into a major itch and a red ring or bump. In its haste to get away, a bee will tear its barbed stinger and its attached poison sac out of its abdomen, killing itself in the process. Wasps lack these barbs so they can attack again and again.

Remember, most bees and wasps will not sting unless they are startled or attacked. Do not swat at them or make fast movements. Let them fly away when they are ready. If you must, walk away slowly, or gently “blow” them away.

If you do get stung, and the insect abandons its stinger, remove it fast. Gently scrape away the stinger with a blunt-edged object like a credit card or a dull knife. Then wash the area with soap and water two to three times a day until the skin is healed.

After a bite, a cold pack helps, or look to purchase and use Benadryl’s “Itch Relief Stick”. They’ll both help.

www.ottawaoutdoors.ca

Canoe-over-canoe rescue How to do it right

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By Andrew Westwood Photos by paul villecourt Flat water canoeing is often enjoyed in small groups with friends who, like yourself, also appreciate the outdoors as experienced from a watery vantage point. Of course paddling in groups offers a safety advantage because assistance, in the event of a boat overturning, is close at hand. The canoe-over-canoe rescue can be performed by fellow boaters paddling either canoe or kayak. With the assistance offered by a second boat, the capsized canoe can be turned upright and emptied, and the swimming paddlers can be helped back into their boat. With practice, this rescue technique takes only a few minutes.

Begin a canoe-over-canoe rescue by first confirming that the swimming paddlers are safe and accounted for. Next, position the rescue boat perpendicular to the overturned boat and have the swimmers grasp the ends of the rescue boat. Having the swimmers holding the bow and stern of your canoe adds stability while keeping them in a safe location throughout the rescue. Have the swimmers store their paddles in the rescue canoe for safekeeping.

The overturned canoe is grasped near its end, lifted, then pulled across your gunwales.

Sometimes, tipping the overturned canoe slightly to one side while lifting it helps to break the suction created by the air caught under a capsized canoe. Pull the canoe over your gunwales till it is balanced

evenly end to end. Once emptied, the canoe can be flipped upright, slipped back into the water, and held parallel to your canoe.

By firmly holding the gunwales of the two canoes together, the rescued canoe can be stabilized to allow the re-entry of the swimming paddlers. It is easiest if the paddlers attempt to climb in mid-ship where the gunwale is closer to the water and the canoe is more stable. As the swimmer attempts to climb into the canoe, allow the far gunwale to drop to water level to reduce the climbing height necessary to get back into the boat. As a swimmer, grab the gunwale

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with both hands and let your feet float to the surface behind you. With a powerful kick of the legs and pull up with your arms, draw yourself onto the canoe. Keep your body (and centre of gravity) low as you wiggle back into your canoe to maximize your stability.

Continue holding the canoes together until the rescued paddlers have re-established a stable kneeling position in the canoe and have their paddles at the ready for their first strokes.

Look to buy Canoeing – The Essential Skills and Safety (soft cover, 144 pages) available for approximately $14.95.

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Angling adventures abound in our area Same old, same old?

Not in Ottawa-Gatineau

By Tim Allard Looking for some fishing fun around the Ottawa-Gatineau area?

These activities will get you going in the right direction some excellent angling adventures.

1. Take a fly-casting course The rhythmic cadence of fly casting is relaxing and graceful to watch, and actually doing it can be something close to addictive. And it doesn’t take a lot of skill to learn the fundamentals. There are a slew of books on the subject; two favourites are The Gilly: A Flyfisher’s Guide by Alfred G. Davy, and Morris & Chan on Fly Fishing Trout Lakes by Skip Morris and Brian Chan. Or you could take a course though a fly-fishing shop like Ottawa’s Green Drake Outfitters www.greendrake.com.

2. Rent a cottage on a lake It’s an iconic Canadian setting, and fortunately there are plenty of cottages to rent within a short drive of Ottawa-Gatineau. Spending a string of days fishing the same waters is a great way to learn a lot about your favourite species, and it’s a great way to introduce your family to fishing, whether you pile the kids into a boat for a short outing each day, or whether they feel more at ease fishing from the dock.

3. Fish with a guide This is a serious step on your road to becoming a better angler. Good fishing guides will put you onto fish in most cases, and give you 32 ottawa

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plenty of on-thewater instruction while they’re at it.

A Google search on fishing guides in Ottawa will display several multi-species charters. Or, skip the Internet and just ask around at tackle shops.

Multi-species charters are run by guides who specialize in more than one kind of fish. If keen on largemouth bass, they’ll work to put you on these green brutes. Alternatively, if you’re not picky they might shift species throughout the day, depending on time of year and weather patterns. Perhaps you’d start early for walleye (low-light feeders), then switch to pike by late morning. Most guides offer half- or full-day outings. Prices range from $150 to $300 though these rates may change depending on the number in your fishing party.

4. Catch a muskie If you’ve never caught a muskie (another Canadian icon) but are serious about hooking this “fish of a thousand casts,” your best bet is to hire a guide. Muskies are elusive, and catching them requires the right gear and a good understanding of their daily movements. This is where guides come in; he or she will have

the latest catch-and-release tools to ensure these big but fragile fish are handled properly. Two I’ve fished with are Muskie Stalker Fishing Charters and The Ottawa River Musky Factory www.ottawarivermuskyfactory.com.

5. Fish a private lake Fishing a private lake is a step out of the ordinary into wilderness seclusion, with the water often surrounded by private land. You pay to get in, but it’s a good option when you want to treat yourself. A couple of spots within a one- to two-hour drive from Parliament Hill provide good trout fishing along with the serenity – the Bing Retreat www. bingretreat.com near Westport, and Fairmont Kenauk at Le Chateau Montebello www.fairmont.com/kenauk. www.ottawaoutdoors.ca

6. Take a kid fishing or volunteer at a derby Kids’ fishing derbies happen summer-long, often hosted by recreational lake associations.

Taking your child or volunteering to help is time well spent.

Be prepared to spend a lot of time baiting hooks, untangling line, and removing fish, but your effort will be worth it. It’s pretty cool watching children catch their first fish.

7. Try urban shore fishing The Ottawa and Rideau rivers offer great shoreline angling.

Consider grabbing your fishing rod (and licence) and wetting a line near the shore on weeknights. Fishing after a hectic day at work can be a great way to unwind, and to reconnect with the waters running through our urban centres.

8. Catch a carp The Ottawa, Rideau and St. Lawrence rivers are home to a lot of carp. Introduced to North American waters in the 1880s, these fish are slowly gaining popularity among Ontario anglers. In Europe, carp fishing is a huge phenomenon and on par with bass fishing in the United States. Carp fishing tackle can range from basic to complex. Check out the whole deal on Shimano’s Catch Carp interactive CD-Rom available at some local tackle shops.

9. Fish a tournament or attend a weigh-in Fishing tournaments boost your angling skills. There are several in the Ottawa-Gatineau area where you can fish a one-day tournament.

Get a feel for the tournament scene at a weigh-in. That’s when anglers bring in their catch at the end of the tournament to see which boat

has the biggest weight, to determine the winner. Renegade Bass, a non profit tournament association, has some of the best bass anglers in the area so you’ll see a few big fish at its weigh-ins. For details visit www.renegadebass.com.

10. Climb into a canoe and go fishing in Gatineau Park Gatineau Park is teeming with fishing opportunities. Perhaps the easiest spots to park and fish are Meech Lake, Lac Phillipe, and Lac la Pêche. Fishing regulations fall under la Société de la faune et des parcs du Québec, so you’ll need a permit from this ministry. Tackle shops and most Canadian Tire stores in Quebec sell fishing permits. You’ll find more information at www.canadascapital.gc.ca/ gatineau under “Other Activities.”

Give some of these options a try and enjoy great angling in the national capital region.

Escape to Ferneigh Lodge

...and create lifelong memories one vacation at a time • Four season resort • Family Fun • Bon fires • Swings and playground • Rec-room leisure • Satellite TV (dining area) • Horseshoe pit • Wheelchair accessible • Hiking • Camping • Water Recreation • Motor boats • Boat tours and parties • Canoeing • Paddle boating • Water Skiing • Swimming

From $725/wk

Contact: Kevin & Melissa Phillips fernleighl@aol.com (613) 479-5566 / (866) 459-9099 Cloyne, Ontario

www.fernleigh.on.ca www.ottawaoutdoors.ca

ottawa outdoors 33

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www.ottawaoutdoors.ca

Hit the trails!

A guide to transition from road to trail and Heads up – they’re a different world

By Kyle den Bak In warmer seasons the great outdoors pulls hard on runners, and that often means they hit one of the many trails in the OttawaGatineau area. Trail running satisfies a primordial urge to get in touch with nature while challenging body and mind.

Road running allows us to tune out and get lost in thought, but the trail runner is present and mindful, constantly aware of rocks and roots as well as the traction and footing of the trail surface. Road runners are connected to their watch, TIPS FOR THE TRAILS • Wear trail shoes. They provide protection from rocks and their treads have good traction on mud, dirt and stones.

• Be light and quick on your feet.

Keeping your strides short and quick allows you to adjust to terrain and control your speed on descents.

• Be proactive. Look ahead on the trail. You’ll be surprised at how well you adjust to obstacles when your give your brain a little extra time to process visual cues.

• Be prepared. You may be miles away from help. Plan your route, bring a map, take water and energy bars. Have your cellphone handy. Let others know where you are going and when you expect to be back.

• Let go. Get away from the city, from work, from the stress. Not even a day at the spa can offer the rejuvenation and mental clarity that a good trail run affords. You’ll be glad you did.

www.ottawaoutdoors.ca

constantly aware of pace, but I’m always amazed at how fast time passes on the trail, with the constant shifting of gears in the face of long climbs and steep descents.

What feels like a five-kilometre race effort on a tough trail might only be easy jog pace on the road. Unplugged and tuned in, it is not pace, but perceived exertion that guides the trail runner.

Runners accustomed to treadmill work-outs in the cold months may not be conditioned to run outdoors, let alone the terrain challenges of a technical trail. In my buildup to the 2011 Boston Marathon I did about 50 per cent of my training on treadmill. It improved my aerobic fitness, but the treadmill’s forgiving non-terrain led to disuse of my lower leg muscles and a foot injury when I returned to outdoor running.

However fit you may be, be alert to the physical demands new terrain will place on the body.

The body can adapt to new stresses, but it takes time. Start slowly. Replace one of your shorter weekly runs with a trail run. Take note of how your body feels after. You will have asked more of the muscles of your lower legs, hips and core. If you are not too sore, add more trail running to your schedule.

As a personal trainer, I know trail runners need a high degree of core strength and balance.

Hills and descents require more strength and resilience in the lower limbs than most runners have. Exercises like planks and single leg balance squats can build the strength, co-ordination and skill that trail running involves.

And there are mental adaptations too, like foot-eye co-ordination and the ability to look ahead and quickly plan your steps. Research local trains and choose one you can handle. Is the trail rocky and rooty? What’s its elevation profile? Is it packed earth or rock? Is it clearly marked?

These are all questions you should answer before setting out.

Armed with answers, you will be ready a great summer and fall of trail running. ~ Kyle den Bak is a fitness trainer at Executive Fitness Leaders and an outdoor enthusiast.

ottawa outdoors 35

Put a little woof in the wild Take your puppy camping

By Sheila Ascroft My mini schnauzer was just four months old when he first tried tent camping. It certainly was an experience – both for dog and owner!

We deliberately went in the post-Labour Day season to a nearby provincial park – in case Spencer proved to be a camp barker, we wouldn’t annoy a lot of other campers. Also in the early fall park staff tend to have a more relaxed attitude towards puppies escaping for a run on the beach, not to mention fewer insects to bite canines and humans. Ontario provincial parks including some campsites in Algonquin Park welcome pets in most parks (see sidebar).

As a first-time puppy camper, accept that you will be paying attention to his needs almost

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24/7. He will have to adjust to the “wilds” and look to you for confidence and direction. So don’t expect this trip to be a relaxing escape, and save the adventure hikes or canoe trips for another likely dogless time.

Before you go Even though we weren’t heading south towards Lyme disease territory, I still checked with the vet to see whether Spencer needed to be vaccinated (he didn’t). Hold off on puppy camping until he has had at least three sets of vaccinations so his immune system is protected.

Bring along his rabies certificate or tag, especially if you’re crossing the U.S. border.

You have to think for your dog when he’s still a kid, so make sure he always wears a collar with current contact information on it.

Consider making an extra collar tag with the campground name and phone number on it in case he does wander off and get lost. He won’t know how to phone you, but some human might. If you camp in remote areas, consider a “blaze orange” dog collar for better visibility in the woods.

Bring your puppy’s favourite toy, his bed and blanket. Yes, they will probably get filthy, but such familiar items can comfort your pup.

Camping for any dog is an overdose of stimulating scents, sights and sounds, but even more so for a puppy. How he adapts will tell you whether he will become your camping companion.

While camping We picked a site bordered tightly by cedar trees so Spencer would see it as his territory and not be interested in the beyond: nice idea, but a puppy’s curiosity knows no bounds, so we tied a six-metre lead to the picnic table and hooked it to his collar to give him roaming room while keeping him well within

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•• Vast Over 4,000 4,000 lakes lakes to to explore explore •• Over 2,000 km km of of routes routes to to paddle paddle •• 2,000

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our site and sight. Yes, he managed to tangle the lead amongst the table legs, tent poles and nearby tree, but no damage was done. He instinctively stayed away from the campfire. Sleeping in the tent was no problem after a day of sensory delights and fresh air put him out for the count. I covered him with the blanket as the night air chilled.

We put out a fresh bowl of water every few hours as blowing pine needles, leaf litter and sand/dirt from my schnauzer’s beard often dirtied the water. Spencer had his usual kibble for meals, but refused to eat from his bowl. Rather he seemed determined to eat al fresco, knocking over the bowl and eating the kibble off the sandy ground.

Perhaps some wild canine instinct?

Or maybe it was just a puppy thing as he also tasted pine needles and cones, rocks, twigs, and anything else within reach contrary to commands to “leave it.” After three days of this natural diet, Spencer was pooping mini-sand castles and we decided to head home.

We kept Spencer on a two-metre leash – not our standard retractable city leash – when walking in a campground. It’s basic courtesy

to other campers, and ensured my pup was safe from other dogs and under control. Being on leash also prevents a dog from chasing chipmunks, squirrels, skunks (!) or running deer, which could lead to injury to either animal. The campground can also have poison ivy, burrs, foxtails, ticks, frogs, etc., so a dog under close control is best for everyone’s well-being.

Ideally, you don’t want to have a barking dog, but depending on the breed, he may do so anyway.

We’re still working on the “quiet” command. However, distractions, lots of exercise, and silly games with a stick work with Spencer.

Always, let me repeat that, always: Always clean up after your dog. No excuses. We carry extra baggies attached to his leash and use them. No one wants to step in dog poop. Any kind of irresponsible behaviour by dog owners gives non-dog people more reason to demand trails and campsites be closed to our fourfooted companions.

For other suggestions: www.title-3.com/DoggieCamping. htm and www.angelfire.com/ia3/ camping/dogs.htm

Pets in parks • Ontario provincial parks allow pets in the parks below – with the exception of designated campgrounds in Achray, Canisbay, Mew Lake and Pog Lake in Algonquin Park.

• Pets must be on a leash not exceeding two metres (six feet) in length and are banned from swimming areas, beaches or roofed accommodation sites. Pet owners should not leave pets unattended, keep them properly leashed, prevent excessive noise and clean up any waste.

• Many parks now offer pet exercise areas either on the beach or in another designated area. In the northeast region there are exercise areas at Agawa Bay, Chutes, Driftwood, Esker Lakes, Fairbank, Halfway Lake, Lake Superior and Samuel de Champlain provincial parks. Dogs can exercise on the beach at Ivanhoe Lake, Killarney, Wakami and Windy Beach. There’s a combined exercise and beach area at Kettle Lakes, Obatanga, Pancake Bay and White Lake.

• In the southeast region there is an exercise area at Sharbot Lake, and exercise is allowed on the beach at Sandbanks, Charleston Lake and Murphys Point. There’s a combined exercise and beach area at Bon Echo.

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www.ottawaoutdoors.ca

Choose from more than 350 models of canoes and kayaks!

A wide selection of models and all types of:

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Come out for test paddles every Thursday on the Rideau River.

Try before you buy! just 20 minutes south of ottawa • kids gear from clothing to kayaks • Join the jenda club for added perks • kayak, canoe and SUP Lessons Jenda Paddlesports 5426 Dalmeny Rd. Osgoode (20 min. south of Ottawa)

Tel: 613-826-0922

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Exploring the Bonnechere Caves and learn while having fun

By Dave Brown At the Bonnechere Caves, you’ll see incredible rock formations, fossils, flowing water and perhaps even bats.

If you’ve always wanted to utter the words “oooh” and “aaah” when looking at something truly amazing, then it’s time to head to the Bonne­ chere Caves.

Near Eganville in the heart of the Ottawa Valley, it’s the perfect day trip to keep you cool during these scorching hot days in the region.

It’s truly a feast for the senses.

You can hear sounds from the roar of the Fourth Chute falls, the trickling of underground springs, and dripping of water of seven-thousandyear-old stalactites, to the laughter of visitors as they tour with the Cave Guides.

You’ll see incredible rock formations, fossils, flowing water and perhaps even bats.

You’ll also feel the dampness and cold, so be sure you’re comfortable.

As the underground temperature is always 10C, bring a light sweater or jacket and wear shoes similar to hiking footwear as your feet may get wet.

And while they do have electric lights through the cave, it’s suggested you bring along a flashlight to get an extra close look at the scalloping patterns and fossils in the walls.

HISTORY Look to meet Chris Hinsperger, the owner of the Bonne­chere Caves, and listen as he welcomes you and explains the history.

It’s really something to hear about the Caves’ founder, Tom Woodward, who explored these caves when they were often filled with water. Then in 1955 Woodward bought the land, blocked off some of the river entrances 40 ottawa

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with concrete, and pumped out most of the rest of the water to make it the fantastic tourist attraction it is today.

Under a hill of limestone which was at the bottom of a tropical sea 500 million years ago, the Caves’ stalactites formed at the rate of 2.54cm in 150 years. Entombed in the rock and preserved forever can be seen fossils of coral and sea creatures alive long before the age of the dinosaurs. Millions of years in the making, the Bonnechere Caves are a thrill for the sightseer.

It’ll also be an educational experience (and the kids thought school was out). You and they will learn about the landscape and wildlife. The guides will tell you about the different types of rocks; the process of fossilization; the impact of glaciers on the landscape; the formation of caves and how stalactites grow.

You’ll also learn about the hibernation practices of the small brown bats, some local history, how the caves were discovered and explored and about the fossils of the Ordovician time period.

Afterwards when you come to the surface, you can grab some nourishment from their concession stand offering drinks, snacks and ice cream. You can and even head home with some souvenirs and science-related products.

Guided tours leave every 20 minutes and last approximately 45 -minutes to one hour except for weekdays in September when the tours are at 11 a.m. and 1-3 p.m.

The Bonnechere Caves have been attracting thousands of visitors from all around the world for the last 70 years. They’ve hosted weddings, anni­versaries, dinner parties and busloads of school children anxious to try spelunking and cave exploring. One couple came 25 years after they first visited

during their honeymoon. It’s a truly magical location.

You should know too, that every visitor enthusiastically speaks of the informative and witty guides. So when you go, expect to laugh as well as learn. ~ Originally published in Dave’s Outdoor Life column in the Ottawa Citizen.

CONTACT INFORMATION The Bonnechere Caves are open until Labour Day with the first tour beginning at 10 a.m., and the last at 4:30 p.m. Fees vary from $12 to $16, and children under the age of four are free. All prices include applicable taxes and parking. For more information, contact them at: www.bonnecherecaves.com, or email/ telephone at: cavemanchris@ bonnecherecaves.com (1-800-469-2283) DIRECTIONS Always watch for the blue and white Ontario Tourism signs to ensure you’re headed in the right direction. Avoid using your GPS as it may misdirect you when you’re near the mountains. But these directions will get you there: From Ott­awa, take Highway 17 west to Renfrew. From Renfrew take Highway 60 to Douglas. In Douglas, watch for the blue and white Ontario tourism signage that tells you to turn left off the main street in Douglas. Hint: Highway 60 takes a sharp right onto the main street but still remains 60. When you see the farm supply store on your right, you turn left. You will also see the Top O’ the Morning Café on your left, a great place for a snack or meal on the way to the caves or on your return trip. www.ottawaoutdoors.ca

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Dream and reality on the Appalachian Trail A hiker’s birthday wish comes up against an old injury

By Judy Scott The Dream I had a dream: to hike 1,026 kilometres in 60 days on the Appalachian Trail before I turned 73 this July.

After buying some gear, I began lifting weights at the gym, hiking longer and longer distances with an increasing load in my backpack, and buying food for the mail drops to the towns along the Trail where I’d stop for a shower, a bed and to re-supply.

As the days went by, body and soul felt more than ready for the hike, but there was one unknown: could my right foot – crushed and almost severed when I was hit by a van while on a run in 2006, withstand the day-to-day rigours of the Trail.

Always the optimist, I stuffed the foot uncertainty in the recesses of my mind and headed for Salisbury, Conn. with the intention of arriving in Waynesboro, Va. in two months.

The Reality My Day One on the Appalachian Trail dawned bright, clear and crisp on a late April morning. I was dropped off at the Trail parking lot in Salisbury and took my first steps up the hill with my bursting-at-theseams, 11-kilo pack. Fifteen minutes later I realized I was going north rather than south. Chuckling to myself, I hiked back down the hill, crossed Route 44 and headed south at last.

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Very soon I found myself staring in disbelief at a straight-up climb of close to 40 metres. To get to the top I’d have to use tree roots for footing and grabs for my hands. “Surely that’s not the Trail,” I thought. But the white blazes told me it was. So, after sweating and crawling on hands and knees, I gained the summit and felt a rush of exhilaration when I stood on top of that first of many climbs and looked down to where it had begun.

The remainder of that first hike took me by stunning views, up and down Prospect Mountain (142 metres up, 221 metres down), by the Iron Bridge over the Housatonic River and the hydro plant near Falls Village, Conn., along Mohawk Trail, over Housatonic River Bridge at U.S. 7, and a last 76-metre climb to Belter’s Campsite. There I joined two hikers who had parked nearby and hiked in, and a Boy Scout Troop.

The temperature that night plummeted to -5C and the winds rose to 80 km/h. I pitched my tent fast, cooked my Mac & Cheese,

shivered while I brushed my teeth, got long johns out and put them on, pulled on two more layers of clothes over my daytime outfit, donned a wool cap, pulled my hoodie hood up, and crawled into my tent and sleeping bag.

I was toasty warm and happily tired, enough to ward off trepidation about what I had gotten myself into.

I had hiked 17 kilometres.

Day Two: Bbbbbrrrrrrrrrrr. Up at 6:30, I shivered as I went for water at a spring, boiled it for my first cup of instant coffee and oats on the Trail. Both were delicious. I was the last to leave the campsite which meant I could use the privy (a toilet seat over a hole in the ground) in privacy. My destination was Caesar Brook Campsite.

Ascents and descents that day were on rocks jagged or smooth, and when I reached the top of Sharon Mountain I stared in wonder at the Giant’s Thumb, a rock formation with a flat “palm” and an oval top that thrusts its metre of girth upward for 2½ metres or so.

After pausing to admire the Thumb, I hiked on, a smidgen more light-footed, until I arrived at the first of several Lemon Squeezers (narrow passages through boulders; hikers squeeze through). After I studied the situation, I took off my pack, lowered myself to the next stepdown and somehow pulled my pack down after me.

I lost count of step-downs, but happily the pack, trekking poles, and I, eventually emerged from the last one at the lower side of the Squeezer, which pissed off a local turkey vulture – it hissed and fanned the feathers around its neck as I www.ottawaoutdoors.ca

Outdoor Clubs GROUP NAME

WEBSITE

DESCRIPTION

Ottawa Orienteering Club

www.ottawaoc.ca

We organize and take part in orienteering events in the Ottawa area.

The Ottawa Outdoor Club

www.ottawaoutdoorclub.ca

A rec club with hiking, cycling, canoeing, skiing, and snowshoeing.

Rideau Trail Association

www.rideautrail.org

A hiking club dedicated to maintaining the trail from Kingston to Ottawa.

Ottawa Triathlon Club

www.ottawatriathlonclub.com

A recreational organization dedicated to teaching the enjoyment of tris.

Ottawa Bicycle Club

www.ottawabicycleclub.ca

Offers a range of cycling programs from novice to expert.

Ottawa Mountain Bike Assoc.

www.ottawamba.org

Advocacy with local land owners + weekly rides in Kanata + trail maintenance.

Ottawa-Carleton Ultimate Assoc.

www.ocua.ca

The largest Ultimate (Frisbee) league in the world.

Ottawa Sport and Social Club

www.ossc.ca

A co-ed, rec sport league, with tourneys and social events for adults.

Ottawa Rowing Club

www.ottawarowingclub.com

Come see what rowing is like on the picturesque Ottawa River.

Liquid Skills Paddling Centre

www.liquidskills.com

Programs and clinics, kayak lessons, expeditions and teen camps.

Madawaska Kanu Centre

www.owl-mkc.ca

Kayak lessons in-city and on-site. Weekend clinics for the whole family.

Ottawa Sailing School

www.boattraining.com

They offer the highest quality sailing programs and on-the-water adventure.

Somersault Events

www.somersault.ca

Triathlons, duathlons, and running events for you or the entire family.

The Running Room

www.runningroom.com

Ottawa’s running and walking club for team fitness.

TriRudy

www.trirudy.com

Website and resource for duathlons and triathlons.

La RoccaXC Mt.Bike School

www.creativewheel.ca

Camp for boys and girls, women and men keen to enjoy mountain biking.

Wilderness Tours

www.wildernesstours.com

In addition to rafting they offer kayak lessons and adventure camps.

Owl Rafting

www.owl-mkc.ca

Rafting, sea-kayaking, lessons, plus adventure programs.

Esprit Rafting

www.espritrafting.com

Rafting, canoeing and several training and certification courses.

River Run Rafting

www.riverrunners.com

Rafting, family trips, kayaking, cabins and more.

Ottawa New Edinburgh Club

www.onec.ca

Ottawa rowing club for all levels or for fun and fitness.

Natural Fitness Lab

www.naturalfitnesslab.com

Adult trail running program in Chelsea/Gatineau Park.

Upcoming Events Run/Walk 15 July

Carleton Place 5 or 10 km Heritage Run

18 July

No Frills 10 Mile Road Race and Cowpattie Relay

19 July

Wildcat Running Series

14 August

Beaver Chase Running Series IV

04 August

National Capital 5 or 10 km Run

19 August

Brockville 1, 5, or 10 km Run

19 August

Brockville Downtown Kids 1 km Run

23 August

Wildcat Running Series

26 August

Ontario Provincial Time Trial Championship

30 August

Glen Tay Block Race

Adventure Racing 18 July

Rockstar Adventure Race

21 July

Mitsubishi City Chase

Duathlon/Triathlon 15 July

Graham Beasley Triathlon, Duathlon & Relays

04 August

National Capital Triathlon, Duathlon and Relays

04 August

Wylie Ryan National Capital Kids Surf ‘n Turf

19 August

Thousand Islands Triathlon, Duathlon and Relays

Hiking 18 August

5 Peaks Trail Run Camp Fortune

Bike 08-13 July

The Voyageur Route

21 July

Granfondo Ottawa

26 August

Share the Road

Paddle 03-06 August

www.ottawaoutdoors.ca

Rideau Canal Festival

ottawa outdoors 43

apologetically got my pack back on and continued on my way.

I made it to the campsite by 4 p.m. and was happy when the Scouts arrived a short time later. Total kilometres hiked: 13.8.

And so the days went, though no two days and no two sections of the Trail were the same. On Day 3 I forded the rushing Guinea Brook (a re-route was there for anyone not wanting to risk it); on Day 4 I climbed the 98-metre vertical of St. John’s Ledges; on Day 5 I stumbled into Kent, Conn. to replace my

broken hiking shoes; on Day 7 I hiked through swamps, over stiles, and skirted the Pawling Nature Reserve to take advantage of an offer from the owner of the Native Landscaping and Garden Center near Wingdale, N.Y. of a free hot shower and free camping.

Two days later, with another 12.6 kilometres under my belt, I couldn’t ignore my right foot because it was swollen and sore. I “iced” it with cold water soaked into my bandana, and exercised and stretched it. In the morning I repeated the treatment and went on my way.

Day 10, at more than 16 kilometres was doable but I was compensating for an increasingly swollen and sore right foot – sprain, strain or over-use, I didn’t know and it didn’t matter. What I did know the next day, Day 11, was that I had to leave the Trail.

So, my dream of hiking 60 days was not realized. But, I’ll take the 127 kilometres I did cover for its challenges, the chance to meet fellow hikers and hear their tall tales, and to experience those too few days of the colours, smells and sounds of the woods – which felt like home to me.

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Pamper yourself by renting any of our luxury fleet of vehicles. Whether for two or 26, you can travel to your destination in style and comfort. Perfect for a dinner night out, concerts, Senators games or any other social activity. Contact us to book your limousine today!

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GETAWAY ADVENTURE – IN OLD MONTREAL AT BONAPARTE INN & RESTAURANT - BOOK IT TODAY! 447, rue Saint-François-Xavier Montreal (Quebec) Inn: 514 844-1448 Restaurant: 514 844-4368 info@bonaparte.ca www.bonaparte.ca

The Auberge Bonaparte is one of the jewels of Old Montreal’s hotel scene. A four-star classification with 30 rooms and a magnificent suite, all imbued with the charm of the historic building and beautifully appointed with LouisPhilippe style furnishings. The cachet of old stone, the warmth of intricate woodwork, the perfumes of history, every detail contributes to the refinement of the experience in which we invite you to immerse yourself.

SERVICES AVAILABLE INCLUDE: • Room service (for a slight supplement) • Complete breakfast included in the room price if served at the restaurant • Continental breakfast included if served at the guests’ room.

• Dry-cleaning service • Luggage service • Restaurant reservations • Theatre • Museums and expositions • Events • Flower shop • Aesthetician (manicure, hairdresser, etc.)

• Massage therapy • Local taxi service for the airport • Guided visits • Calèche tour (horse-drawn carriage) • Coach ride • Private chauffeur • Child daycare service ROOMS Oak doors, shiny wooden floors, bronze lamps, large French dormer windows and high ceilings. The rooms have a view on the streets or on the gardens side of Notre-Dame Basilica. As well, all rooms are soundproofed, with warm or fresh air discretely pulsed into each, with big televisions screen cabled with movie channels included. Computers are also connected with high speed Internet access available.

Prices range from $150 to $355 for double occupancy, according to seasons and corporative rates with breakfast included and served in the restaurant.

A delightful stay, thoughtful service, a feeling of well-being. Come for a personal getaway!

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Delta Kayaks 17 Expedition Review Rudder Version Delta Kayaks 17 Expedition Rudder Version, Sexy British Style lines and a radically unique hull design define the vibrant essence of Deltas 17 kayak. The 17 Expedition is an exceptional big water kayak choice for large intermediate to advanced level paddlers seeking a lifetime quality kayak to improve with.

$2575

Delta Catfish 12.5 Sit-on-top Kayaks Delta’s Catfish 12.5 SOT with its modified “Cat”amaran style hull (a World’s 1st) is a radical departure from other sit-on-top designs. A modified tunnel hull provides great stability without the excessive width found on most other SOT kayaks. The result is an easier paddling kayak with greater efficiency and enhanced tracking that lets you cruise to your destination.

$1550

Delta Cat 10.5 Sit-on-top Kayaks A breeze to paddle; whether on a lake, exploring narrow waterways or playing in waves at the beach. It’s also an excellent choice for fishing or tendering from a larger craft. The “Sea View” window allows you to explore the world below and above as you paddle. Four molded in handles, integrated footrests and generous mounting areas for angler accessories are just a few of its other standard features.

$1099

H20 Canoe Company Prospector 16/4 H20 Canoe Company’s Prospector 16/4’s traditional symmetrical shape combines with a semi-round keeless hull and moderate rocker for stable, but sensitive pivots or leans when carving turns. Sharp entry lines enhance but flare out quickly to increase buoyancy to float over large waves, rather than crash through them.

$1695+

Delta 12.10 Kayaks Delta Kayaks 12.10 is one amazing little craft but how do we classify it? Do we call Deltas 12.10 a SUPER Rec (Recreational) kayak due to its rare combination of inherent ability, dry storage and stability? OR, do we refer to it as the Ultimate Sea Kayak Trainer as it handles big water so comfortably, and has all the features one normally finds only on more expensive sea kayaks? It’s both. Best yet it weighs a mere 43 lbs.

$1495

Zephyr 12/6 SUP The Zephyr achieves an optimum balance between performance and functionality and its extensive fit satisfies a wide range of paddler’s. A highbred composite displacement hull and slender race profile ensure efficient touring on flatwater, while the recessed standing platform reduces volume and increases stability. Constructed with sustainable Bamboo veneer decking & Carbon fibre rails, 2- tone colours and amazing graphics.

The Tahoe Zephyr SUP is lightweight, tough and its esthetically pleasing looks will turn heads on & off the water.hyr 12/6 is an incredible flatwater touring SUP board designed for the Adventurous spirit in all of us.

$1899

H20 Canoe Company Canadian 16/6 H2O Canoes Canadian 16/6 Canoe is a close replica of an “early settler canoe” originally discovered in South Western Ontario in the early 1900’s. H2o’s design embodies the finest characteristics from this exceptional craft along with H2o’s own modern refinements... the resulting combination may just be the ultimate “Canadian” canoe.

$1695+

Delta 16 - Skeg Kayaks Delta kayaks 16’s Sexy, Hot Looks, sleek, narrow lines and Shallow Vee hull design make the 16’s the Ferrari Sports Car of the Delta Kayak Line! Don’t let the boats sleek lines deceive you... this is a definitely an advanced, big water, sea kayak for a wide range of paddler sizes seeking to improve their skills tong term.

$2495 Delta 10 Kayaks With its modified Catamaran style hull, the Delta 10 clips along with remarkable efficiency and agility while maintaining a very high degree of stability and maneuverability without the excessive width of most recreational kayaks. It excels as a platform for fishing and photography and its lightweight and compact size make it an ideal choice to store on the deck of larger pleasure craft.

$1099

H20 Canoe Company Bob Special 15 With some slight modifications to increase overall flatwater efficiency.

A shallow arch hull with slight rocker combines to provide the secure, nosurprises feeling that infrequent or entrylevel canoeists prefer. A shallow shoe keel aids tracking and provides a bang plate against grounding, while still retaining a lively nature for more aggressive paddlers.

$1695+

Must-have outdoor adventure gear from Mountain Equipment Co-op If you’ve gone beyond the grid, or the grid has gone down, the Etón FRX2 AM/FM/

$42

WB Radio will shine through for you. Recharge it via the solar panel, or the efficient hand turbine that gives you lots of power with a modest amount of cranking.

$51

Whether you’re scouting what’s ahead or getting a closer look at some wildlife, these Bushnell H2O 10x42 Binoculars will get the job done.

The Petzl Tikka XP 2 Headlamp shovels

Its rubber armour has a rippled, soft grip surface

aside darkness as you ski, climb, bike, or

that’s easy to hold when wet or slippery and the

hike and slips easily inside a shirt pocket,

H2O series is o-ring sealed for waterproofness and

or onto your head without neck strain. A

nitrogen purged for fog-free viewing.

second small red LED provides eye-catching signals or lets you consult a map without

$121

compromising your night vision.

Click on the images for more details!

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$23.50 When emergencies arise, the Gerber/Bear Grylls

$179

Sliding Saw can help you clear a path, gather firewood, or construct an improvised shelter.

It features a comfortable rubberized

When the elements threaten to put a damper on your adventure, the MEC SuperTarp shelters

handle, cross cut teeth for easy sawing

the whole crowd and provides room to cook

and includes a survival guide!

dinner or plan tomorrow’s escapades. The tough coated polyester is rugged and affordable.

A secure grip and single-handed opening ensure that the Gerber Swagger Clip Folding Knife is ready when you need it and features a serrated and fine straight combo blade for cutting versatility and a lanyard hole and removable pocket clip provide carrying options.

$28.75 After an energetic day, the Alite Designs Mantis Chair provides the comfort and back support you need to relax while you cook, write in your journal, or enjoy a refreshing beverage while watching the sunset. Its extended back and an extra supportive base provides

$27

an energy restoring lounger experience in a package light

Bring the Therm‑a‑Rest

and compact

Trekker Chair Kit on your

enough

trip and build a warm, comfy

to bring

chair wherever you are. Slip an

hiking,

inflatable sleeping pad into this

biking, paddling,

compact adapter and eat or

or daytripping.

relax in comfort next to the fire.

www.ottawaoutdoors.ca

$109 ottawa outdoors 53

Steppin’ Out in the Highlands hike any of 40 guided themed hikes this september 20-23, 2012

By Barrie Martin

Haliburton Highlanders are taking it in stride as they prepare for the 10th anniversary of the Hike Haliburton Festival. On September 20th to Sunday, 23rd, they are offering a one-of-akind event that features over 40 guided themed hikes, concerts, BBQs, and celebrity hike leaders.

Nestled just below Algonquin Park, the rugged landscape of the Haliburton Highlands and its 600 lakes is the perfect setting to take a hike. Throw in awesome autumn colours, the rich natural and cultural heritage of the area, and a vibrant arts community and you have some compelling reasons to make a trip to the area (3.5 hours west of Ottawa).

Guided hikes range from a half to over fifteen kilometres in length with some on public trails and others on private land. Proud and passionate landowners are only too happy to help you discover the scenic and cultural treasures on their properties. All guided hikes are led by knowledgeable engaging leaders and supported by hike volunteers to insure enjoyment and safety. Several hikes are opportunities to get a good workout; others offer experiences and insights into the art, nature and history of the Highlands. The nature of these hiking adventures is revealed in their names – Three Lakes Trek, Gems Beneath Your Boots, Circuit of Five Viewpoints, Dead Poet’s Walk, Finding Harburn Wells, A Trio of Trails, Curing Nature Deficit Disorder, Taste Trail, and Earth Walk. Some combine hiking 54 ottawa

outdoors

with other outdoor activities such as horseback riding, canoeing, mountain biking.

Given that not all people like to hike with a guide there are many kilometres of public hiking trails to explore on your own with friends and family.

This 10th anniversary is being celebrated with some special activities. The Festival gets underway on Thursday night with the Blast Off BBQ, registration and the official opening. An Adventure Film Night will debut a film called “The Land Between” and other hiking related films. There are three concerts featuring Whitehorse (Luke Doucet and Melissa McClelland), Cameo Blues Band, and several local performers. You can also kick your heels to the very danceable www.ottawaoutdoors.ca

music of the Wolfgang Bros. at the Blister Ball. The Festival wraps up on Sunday with a pig roast.

The Hike Haliburton Festival has a secret. A few celebrities have been invited to co-lead some of the hikes but you will not know in advance what hike they will be on. So watch for that famous face and the opportunity to rub shoulders with some very interesting people.

All hikes and festival activities are free except where indicated.

Donations are welcome.

Pre-registration for hikes and festival activities is required and

can be done through the following: www.hikehaliburton.com; by phone at 705-286-1777 or 1-800-461-7677; email tourism@county.haliburton.on.ca, or at the Tourism Information Centre in Minden and at information gateway kiosks as you enter the Haliburton Highlands. For more details see www.hikehalibuton.com.

www.ottawaoutdoors.ca

The fine folk in the Haliburton Highlands will welcome you with warm hospitality and great places to stray and eat. They claim that the Hike Haliburton Festival is good for body and sole. ~Barrie Martin coordinates the Hike Haliburton Festival on behalf of The County of Haliburton and operates Yours Outdoors (www. yoursoutdoors.ca ) an adventure company in the Haliburton Highlands.

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