WHAT’S HAPPENING!

INVITATION: Wilderness First Aid & Medicine Workshop

You are invited to attend a 2 hour workshop presentation that is being hosted by our very own Alicia Smith. Details are as follows:

Speaker: Dr. Juliet Veens, Physician and ER Doctor. Juliet is currently completing her training in the Wilderness Medicine Fellowship Programme.
Date: Thursday, June 30 6-8:00 p.m.
Location:  250 Gage Ave, Kitchener, ON N2M 2C8
Presentation: Wilderness First Aid; injuries/illnesses encountered in back country camping; Planning for interior camping, high altitude first aid.
She will cover specific topics we are interested in if we send the topics to her in advance. If interested, she would like to know the goals we wish to achieve through attending this presentation in order to tailor it to our needs.
Workshop: no certification; a higher level thinking workshop
Cost: $10.00 per person (for charities only); cash or cheques made out to SJAmbulance Kitchener-Waterloo.
-there may be a small fee if materials are required
Participants: All welcome, but space is limited. Register ASAP to reserve your spot!  They are filling up fast!!  She provides her own materials/projector/screen/powerpoint presentation
Length of presentation: 2 hours in person
What to bring: the first aid kits you take on trips, backcountry trip first aid kits
Venue: Indoors

How to Register: 3 Ways

    1. Participants can contact Alicia with immediate payment (She will be at the shed on Monday for 9:10-9:30, Intermediate training,  or bring to my home)
    2. OR St. John Ambulance, Gage Street, Susie at Susie.Baranowicz@sja.ca or call 519-579-6285.
    3. OR  contact Alicia at 519-699-9260
519-699-9260
3294 Weimar LIne, Wellesley N0B 2T0

Tuesday, May 17th Trip Details (Winterbourn – Kaufman’s Flats)

In this blog post, you will find the trip details for Tuesday, May 17th.
Please read carefully.   If you are wondering how to sign up for this trip, please read: SO YOU WANT TO GO ON A CANOE TRIP? {Here’s How!}

Trip: Grand River – Winterbourn to Kaufman’s Flat 
Date: Tuesday, May 17th
Time:  Meet at the shed at 8:30 a.m. for a 8:45 a.m. departure
Trip Leader: Anne Woolner – annewoolner@hotmail.com. or 519-743-2277}
Tower: Frank Kuntz
Details: There are a few rapids to keep things interesting and you will go by 2 golf courses. You will see geese and their goslings and hopefully a few blue herons. The paddle will take about 2 1/2 hours. Bring snacks, water and a lunch. 
Skill Level:   Intermediate training required. Experienced paddlers only. If you have mobility issues, this is not a good trip for you as you have to go down a fairly steep slope at the put-in. There are also some shallow spots on the river where you may have to get out of the canoe to get the canoe into deeper water.
Shuttle: Yes.  It is about a 15 minute drive to Winterborne and the shuttle is 15 minutes each way. 
Trip Fee: $8 

Please contact Anne Woolner at  annewoolner@hotmail.com. or  call 519-741-6582 to save your spot for this trip. You will receive a confirmation email on Monday  to confirm your spot.

If you change your mind or are unable to make it for some reason, please let the Trip Leader know asap as this will affect number of canoes required, partners, etc. and won’t leave the rest of the group waiting for you.

  • When you come out on a canoe trip, please come prepared! (Read the above information carefully)
  • Dress for the weather (don’t wear jeans or cotton)
  • Make sure you bring a waterproof dry bag with a change of clothes (see here for more details on what to bring).  You will be thankful you did should you happen to get wet……and it does happen!
  • Help out where you can so we can all enjoy our day! (see here for what to do on canoe day)
  • If you are carpooling with someone, don’t forget to give the driver some gas money ($5 recommended)
  • Be considerate of your potential partner!  Review your strokes…what they are and what they do. (see here)
  • If you have a favourite trip, consider leading it. Check out the trip shedule. There are lots of trips that still need trip leaders. If you didn’t make it out to the training, see here for an overview on what is involved and/or contact Anne Woolner  at annewoolner@hotmail.com.  Trips will be cancelled if there is no one to lead them!
  • Remember: We are not in a hurry….this isn’t a race…..this is supposed to be fun!

Calling all ‘Northern Adventure Canoeists’!! …{Bondi Update}

 

There will be an important meeting outside of our club shed on Friday,  May 20th, at 10:30am  to discuss our upcoming fall trip to Bondi Lodge (- located just minutes outside of Algonquin Provincial Park’s west gate).  This trip will take place September 19th to 23rd. 
Because Friday leads into the Long “Victoria Day” Weekend, the meeting will be kept as brief as possible; hopefully 30 – 40 minutes.
 There are several organizational matters to discuss and trip details to consider before individuals commit to participating on this trip.

 

Who should attend this meeting? … 
 
      1. Any member who signed up at the March Membership Drive presentation, with  the intention of going on this trip;
      2.  Any member who has been placed on the trip ‘Waiting List’, or would like to be placed onto the ‘Waiting List’;
      3. Anyone wishing to learn more about the Fall Bondi Trip, with the intention of participating next year
* Note:  Any member who contacted Mark (Trip Organizer)after the March Membership Meeting was placed on the trip ‘Waiting List’.

 

A commitment to participate in the Bondi Trip will be necessary. 

 

This commitment includes a non-refundable  down payment of $120  to guarantee a spot in the group that’s going. (The down payment is by cheque only, and should be made out to “Old Salts Seniors Canoe Club”.)  Cheques will be accepted only after this May 20th meeting, and must be received, by Mark, no later than Wed. June 1st.

 

After June 1st, members on the ‘Waiting List’ will be offered the opportunity to fill any vacant spaces.

 

Please, bring a camp chair/lawn chair to the meeting to be held outside of the canoe shed.

 

Anyone planning to attend this meeting is asked to R.S.V.P.  to Mark Zelinka  ASAP at :    Email:   zelinkamd@gmail.com     Phone:  519-651-3186

 

If you have any questions before the May 20th meeting, contact  Mark Zelinka

 

Mark Zelinka
zelinkamd@gmail.com
519-651-3186

 

Tuesday, May 10th Trip Details

In this blog post, you will find the trip details for Tuesday, May 10th.
Please read carefully.   If you are wondering how to sign up for this trip, please read: SO YOU WANT TO GO ON A CANOE TRIP? {Here’s How!}

Trip: Grand River – Inverhaugh to West Montrose
Date: Tuesday, May 10th
Time:  Meet at the shed at 8:30 a.m. for a 8:45 a.m. departure
Trip Leader: Anne Woolner – annewoolner@hotmail.com. or 519-741-6582}
Tower: Frank Kuntz
Details: This is an interesting paddle with a few challenging turns and a lovely pastoral setting. Bring snacks, water and a lunch. 
Skill Level: Intermediate training required.
Shuttle: Yes
Trip Fee: $8 

Please contact Anne Woolner at  annewoolner@hotmail.com. or  call 519-741-6582 to save your spot for this trip. You will receive a confirmation email on Monday  to confirm your spot.

If you change your mind or are unable to make it for some reason, please let the Trip Leader know asap as this will affect number of canoes required, partners, etc. and won’t leave the rest of the group waiting for you.

PLEASE NOTE: The trip scheduled for Thursday, May 12th has been CANCELLED! (no Trip Leader)

  • When you come out on a canoe trip, please come prepared! (Read this email carefully)
  • Dress for the weather (don’t wear jeans or cotton)
  • Make sure you bring a waterproof dry bag with a change of clothes (see here for more details on what to bring).  You will be thankful you did should you happen to get wet……and it does happen!
  • Help out where you can so we can all enjoy our day! (see here for what to do on canoe day)
  • If you are carpooling with someone, don’t forget to give the driver some gas money ($5 recommended)
  • Review your strokes…what they are and what they do (see here)
  • If you have a favourite trip, consider leading it. Check out the trip shedule. There are lots of trips that still need trip leaders. If you didn’t make it out to the training, see here for an overview on what is involved and/or contact Anne Woolner  at annewoolner@hotmail.com.  Trips will be cancelled if there is no one to lead them!
  • Remember: We are not in a hurry….this isn’t a race…..this is supposed to be fun!

Mark Your Calender! {May}

The month of May is a very busy month for our Club! Please mark your calenders.  There are many trips that still require trip leaders and towers. Check the trip schedule and let Anne Woolner which trip you would like to lead or tow for: annewoolner@hotmail.com

Monday, May 2nd
Refresher Training- Group 1
For more information, see here.

Tuesday, May 3rd
Grand River, Eramosa River
Cancelled!

Wednesday, May 4th
Refresher Training – Group 2
For more information, see here.

Friday, May 6th
Refresher Training
Rain date (if required)
For more information, see here.

Monday, May 9th
Beginner/Basic River training – Group 1
Day 1 of 2 days
For more information, see here.

Tuesday, May 10th
Grand River – Inverhaugh to West Montrose
Trip Leader: Anne Woolner – annewoolner@hotmail.com
Tower: Frank Kuntz
Details will be posted May 6th

Wednesday, May 11th
Beginner/Basic River training – Group 1
Day 2 of 2 days
For more information, see here.

Thursday, May 12th
Wayne’s Choice
Trip Leader: Wayne Bean – wbean1224@gmail.com
Details will follow

Friday, May 13th
Beginner/Basic River training – Group 1
Rain date (if required)
For more information, see here.

Monday, May 16th
Beginner/Basic River training – Group 2
Day 1 of 2 days
For more information, see here.

Tuesday, May 17th
Grand River – Riverview to Colbeck
Trip Leader(s) required
Details to follow

Wednesday, May 18th
Beginner/Basic River training – Group 2
Day 2 of 2 days
For more information, see here.

Thursday, May 19th
Beginner/Basic River training – Group 2
Rain date (if required)
For more information, see here.

Tuesday, May 24th
Grand River – Waldemar to Belwood
Trip Leader(s) required
Details to follow

Wednesday, May 25th
Intermediate Skills training – Group 1
Day 1 of 2 days
For more information, see here.

Thursday, May 26th
Easy Breezy
Christie Conservation Area
Trip Leader(s) required
Details to follow

Friday, May 27th
Intermediate Skills training – Group 1
Day 2 of 2 days
For more information, see here.

Monday, May 30th
Intermediate Skills training – Group 1
Rain date (if required)
For more information, see here.

Tuesday, May 31st
Speed River to Niska Bridge (Hespeler Pond)
Trip Leader(s) required
Details to follow

Training in June:

Wednesday, June 1st
Intermediate Skills training – Group 2
Day 1 of 2 days
For more information, see here.

Friday, June 3rd
Intermediate Skills training – Group 2
Day 2 of 2 days
For more information, see here.

Monday, June 6th
Intermediate Skills training – Group 2
Rain date (if required)
For more information, see here.

Paradise Lake Fun Day…….if you missed the details in the last newsletter, check your emails or download it here.

 

 

In case you missed it: How to Sign up for a Canoe Trip 2022

SO YOU WANT TO GO ON A CANOE TRIP? {Here’s how!)

If you missed any of our recent meetings ( Spring Registration Meeting, Orientation/Dryland Training), or haven’t canoed with us in a while, please read this post carefully….there have been some changes you need to know about if you plan on canoeing this season! (Best viewed on the Blog to see diagrams & illustrations)

What Has Changed?

Information will go out to the membership in the form of a blog post/email notification. Make sure that you read and follow  the instructions carefully. Respond to the person listed in the email. DO NOT REPLY to the email notification…..it will go to an unmonitored email box!

Once the canoe season starts, emails will be sent out regularly for both Tuesday and Thursday trips.  They will be headed by different logos so you will see the difference (illustrated below).   Information will be included that will tell you what you need to know (as seen in diagram below):

Diagram #1 – Information that will be included in blog posts/email notifications including different trip images as indicated in diagram

Our protocols have changed where you are now asked to call or email the Trip Leader to register for your chosen trip rather than just show up at the shed.  This helps the Trip Leader know who is expected so they can organize accordingly in advance of the trip. E.g. confirming towers, car-toppers, etc.

Make sure you have the skill level, training and stamina required for the trip you register for. ( If you don’t have intermediate training, don’t sign up for a Tuesday trip that requires intermediate training)

All members are still expected to meet at the shed on canoe day at the designated time to check in, pay fees, choose partners and arrange shuttles.

If you end up not being able to make the trip or are going to be late, let the Trip Leader know asap so the group doesn’t end up waiting for you or is left wondering where you are on trip day.

Show up for the trip with the exact amount for the trip fee (there will be no change available).

DO NOT make other plans for canoe day. We do not guarantee our return time and will not make alternative plans to accommodate you!

So What Happens Next?

Names of members who register for a trip are noted on a Trip sheet. When you arrive at the shed, you will check in and pay your trip fee.

Trip fees are $8<100 km and $12>100 km. The amount will be noted on the email notification.

Trips can be cancelled due to: 1) excessive rain/thunder/lightning, 2) dangerous water/flow rates, 3) if there is no Trip Leader or no Tower, and 4) if not enough people sign up (<8) and no one wants to car top. This will be at the discretion of the Trip Leader. If a trip is cancelled, an email notification will go out either the evening before the trip or the morning of, so check your emails or the blog before you head out to the shed.

If there are odd numbers, someone will have to use the kayak.

If fewer than 20 people sign up (but more than 13), up to 3 vehicles will need to car top canoes. Anyone who car-tops an OSSCC canoe for this reason will get their trip fee refunded.

Diagram #2 – Newly updated Trip sheet for 2022

If more than 20 people sign up, both trailers will be used and 2 towers will be required.

Non-member guests will be allowed this year at the discretion of the Trip Leader, but it will depend on the skill level required for a particular trip.

Diagram #3 – Non-Members: Conditions and Waiver

 

Diagram #4 – Emergency Contact Card Sample

    • When you come out on a canoe trip, please come prepared! (Read email about the trip carefully)
    • Dress for the weather (don’t wear jeans or cotton)
    • Make sure you bring a waterproof dry bag with a change of clothes (see here for more details on what to bring).  You will be thankful you did should you happen to get wet!
    • Help out where you can so we can all enjoy our day! (see here for what to do on canoe day)
    • Review your strokes…what they are and what they do (see here)
    • If you have a favourite trip, consider leading it. Check out the trip shedule. There are lots of trips that still need trip leaders. If you didn’t make it out to the training, see here for an overview on what is involved and/or contact Anne Woolner  at annewoolner@hotmail.com.
    • Remember: We are not in a hurry….this isn’t a race…..this is supposed to be fun!

Helpful Links

Trip Schedule
What to Bring on a Canoe Trip
What to do on Canoe Day
Club Handbook & Rules – lots of good information in this book!
Towing/Mileage Expense Form – For the towers!
Past Trip Videos
Canoeing Terminology – Do you know what a painter is? {Hint: It’s not someone who paints}
Welcome Old Salts 2022 Newsletter – in case you missed it!

Trip Leader & Tower Workshop Reminder

Date: Wednesday, April 20th

Meet:  1:30 p.m. at shed at Wing 404 RCAFA Rotary Adult Centre, 510 Dutton Dr., Waterloo, ON

If you want to see what towing or leading a trip involves, this is a great time to see what it’s all about before committing!

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Anne Woolner at annewoolner@hotmail.com (this was rescheduled from April 14th which was cancelled)

Trip Organizing Resources can be found here

Dates to Remember: Week of April 18-22

Pond Training

Tuesday, April 19th
Thursday April 21st.

If you haven’t already, please sign up for these sessions by contacting Lynn Warmington  at lynnwarmington1@gmail.com or 519-400-0388 so we know how many canoes will be required and can arrange for towing.  We strongly encourage you to take advantage of these sessions to practice strokes and other skills before the lessons with Beth begin. This is especially important for our newer members.  All members are welcome, but please let Lynn know if you plan on coming.

Meet at the shed (Wing 404) at 1:00 p.m. Cost is $2 per day.
Next pond training dates are: Tuesday, April 26th and Thursday, April 28th
All members are welcome, but we ask that our new (2021 & 2022) members come out at least twice, (but all four times  would be great practice before the river training begins)

All training dates can be found here: Training Dates

Trip Leader & Tower Training Workshops

These workshops are for anyone who has signed up or is wondering what’s involved in leading a trip or towing the canoe trailers before they commit. We implemented some new processes during covid, some of which we are keeping, and we  want to make sure everyone is consistent on how things are done. These jobs are very important since we can’t have canoe trips without them. We hope you will join us. Please let Anne know if you are coming.

Meet at the shed (behind Wing 404) on April 20th at 1:30 p.m. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Anne Woolner at annewoolner@hotmail.com (this was rescheduled from April 14th which was cancelled)

Paradise Lake Fun Day!

The Paradise Lake Fun Day is something our membership really looks forward to and we are happy to announce that after a 2 year hiatus, the social commitee is planning this event for Tuesday, June 21st. More information will follow in the coming weeks. If you would like to sign up or are interested in attending, please contact Pam Krokoszynski at 519-577-8524 or at pamkrok@rogers.com

Bondi

After a 3 year break, Fall Bondi is back on the schedule for Sept. 19-24. There was a really positive response when presented at the Spring Registration Meeting, so if you are interested, make sure you get on the list asap. Spots are limited. Contact Mark Zelinka at 519-651-3186 or at zelinkamd@gmail.com