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Huck Finn campfires you’ve got to try
By Sheila Ascroft
PADDLES not running shoes are what’s needed for the rugged Muskoka River X race in Huntsville Sept. 16–18. There are limited spots available, so register now.
Considered the world’s longest singleday expedition paddling race, it features an 80-kilometre sprint, a 130-kilometre classic course, or the 220-kilometre Coureur des Bois. Non-stop, unmarked and self-supported, racers get a marathon paddle by way of lakes, river systems a nd rugged portages.
THE SPRINT
New this year, sprint teams paddle a 80-kilometre course over Stages 1 and 2 of the Muskoka River X Classic (see below) before ending their journey in Bracebridge.
THE CLASSIC
Teams paddle two river systems, three lakes and make 20 portages for 130 kilometres in less than 24 hours. The Classic is completely self-supported. There is no outside assistance, no support teams and no resupplies. Considered the world’s toughest singleday canoe race — in four stages — the Classic is not your traditional marathonpaddling event.
THE COUREUR DES BOIS
The River X crew created this expanded course in 2015. Building on the heritage of the canal expeditions of the 1800s (see sidebar on page xx), Coureur des Bois will challenge even experienced expedition and marathon paddlers. Teams travel along the expedition routes of early explorers as they traverse Algonquin Park east to west from Whitney to Oxtongue Lake. After an overnight layover, these teams then merge with the MRX Classic on Lake of Bays on day two. Paddling the full northsouth length of Lake of Bays, the Coureur des Bois will complete stages 1, 2, 3, and 4 of the MRX Classic before returning to Huntsville. At approximately 220 kilometres in 48 hours or less, the Coureur des Bois is entirely selfsupported with no re-supplies.
For details: www.muskokariverx.com Φ
Beach Days and
Nights
Playing on the beach, splashing in the water and snuggling in front of a crackling fire; camping with your kids makes for a pretty perfect memory. Book your, “Mom, that was so AWESOME,” camping trip at one of The Parks of the St. Lawrence riverside campgrounds.
