For those who went on the Elora – Westmontrose canoe trip, I’m sure you will agree that although the weather was on the chilly side, it was a fun trip none the less. The water was moving at a decent rate and we had the chance to practice our skills on small scale rapids. Below you will find some photos that were taken to remember the trip! Enjoy:)
Author: admin
EASY BREEZY-May 16th {Reminder}
Hello Old Salts!
Just a quick reminder about our first Easy Breezy of the season…..
To get an idea of numbers expected, please either call me at 519-575-8792 or email me at: ward_@netflash.net (or indicate in comments below) by 7:00 pm on Wednesday May 15th.
Al Dunn, Trip Organizer
REFRESHER TRAINING {Photos}
The May 8th Refresher training went very well. We all met our new trainer, Beth Jones and found her to be very knowledgeable, professional and engaging. I’m sure all of us learned something new, were able to correct bad habits or try a new maneuver, and hopefully have a “light bulb” moment. The training was a good start to the season! The Basic and Intermediate training is sure to be just as good:)
Though the weather was somewhat chilly, it was a lovely day and nice to be on the water. I’m happy to say that no one dumped!!
Here are some photos of our trip from Glen Morris to Birley Gates:
One thing that Beth talked about during her initial briefing was dressing for the weather. With this cooler weather, not many of us want to get our feet wet and be stuck with cold feet while in the canoe. Beth suggested neoprene socks that you can actually wear with your water sandals. Here are some places to check them out:
SAIL Canada – $27.99
MEC – $15.00
AMAZON.CA – $28.98
The price range is wide, so do your research if you decide to get a pair. Hopefully the weather will soon be warm enough where they won’t be needed!
GUELPH ROYAL CITY PARK – May 9th {Cancelled, but Rescheduled!}
Hello all!
Due to lack of response, our first Easy Breezy canoe trip has been cancelled for this week on Thursday, May 9th. However, I am rescheduling this trip for next Thursday, May 16th.
To get an idea of numbers expected, please either call me at 519-575-8792 or email me at: ward_@netflash.net (or indicate in comments below) by 7:00 pm on Wednesday May 15th. Â Easy Breezy trips are only scheduled once a month so it would be a shame to cancel any of them due to lack of interest! This is a nice, leisurely paddle for our new members as well as our experienced paddlers!
Meet at the shed at 9:00 am for a 9:15 am departure. Be prepared for possible rain so bring rain gear, dry bag with change of clothes, water and lunch.
Don’t forge your Emergency Contact Card! If you don’t have one, ask me for one when we meet at the shed.
I look forward to seeing you!
Al Dunn, Trip Organizer
519-575-8792
HESPELER POND-May 9th {Location Change}
Hello all!
Our first Easy Breezy canoe trip has been scheduled for this week on Thursday, May 9th at the Hespeler Pond. However, due to put in challenges, I have changed the location to Guelph Royal City Park. Â This is still a fun paddle and a good opportunity to practice skills. Everyone welcome!!
This trip will not be cancelled unless there is a lightning storm or there are not enough paddlers. To get an idea of numbers, please either call me at 519-575-8792 or email me at: ward_@netflash.net (or indicate in comments below)
Meet at the shed at 9:00 am for a 9:15 am departure. Be prepared for possible rain so bring rain gear, dry bag with change of clothes, water and lunch.
Don’t forge your Emergency Contact Card! If you don’t have one, ask me for one when we meet at the shed.
I look forward to seeing you!
Al Dunn, Trip Organizer
519-575-8792
In case you missed it…âŠ..
What to bring on a canoe excursion.
What you can do to make canoe days fun for everybody!
CANOE TRIP PROTOCOLS {Please read!!}
**Updated for 2019**
Hello All,
As we start our river training and canoe trips next week, this post is a gentle reminder about canoe trip protocols that need to be reiterated due to several incidents that happened last year…..
1. Unless otherwise stated, meeting times for our canoe trips are outlined on our web page under OSSCC Rules and in the OSSCC Handbook and Club Rules:
| Tuesdays:
8:30 am for shorter trips 8:00 am for longer trips Thursdays: 9:00 am |
 Details about trips will be provided by the Trip Organizers prior to each trip. They will be posted on the Blog.  Check the schedule to see who they are and contact them directly if you have any questions. Email addresses can be found on the membership list.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS posts outline trips and club events that are coming up and will be posted on a monthly basis so you can check your schedules and prepare accordingly. General trip info is on the schedule. |
2. Meet at the shed for canoe trips. This is important because:
3. Check the schedule/blog regularly in case there is a rescheduled or trip change!
4. Membership List. Everyone should have one by now. (refer to April 19th email which also included attachment and a special password to access updated versions on the Blog- it is NOT your login password!) Please check it out to make sure the info is correct, particularly your cell phone number. If you see a mistake, let us know at info@oldsaltsclub.com!
5. Please be on time! This is especially important for longer trips like the Beaver River, Saugeen River and Nottawasaga River trips. The sooner we can get organized at the shed ( sign in/pay, organize canoes, partners, transportation), the sooner we get to these locations and be on the river!
Should you anticipate being late for any trip due to unforeseen circumstances, please contact the Trip Organizers to let them know. (This happened last year when there was a big traffic jam on the expressway in which several of our members were stuck…..it happens!) Make sure you have the Trip Organizer’s phone number(s) on you just in case:)
5. When on the river, stay between the “Lead” and “Sweep” canoes! For safety’s sake, don’t rush down the river, keep some space between your canoe and the one in front of you, and don’t get so far ahead of the last (sweep) canoe that you can’t see them. (They have the first aid kit should it be required) Why not take the opportunity to practice some maneuvers learned during training?
Finally, have fun! There are some wonderful trips planned this season:) Pictures are also welcome!! Hope to see you there!!!
POND TRAINING FUN! {Photos}
Many thanks to Lynn Warmington for all her efforts in planning, organizing and executing our canoe training thus far. Your time and expertise is greatly appreciated. Many thanks are also extended to her helpers who assisted and lent their time either by mentoring, coaching, towing the canoe trailers or taking photos.
The weather may not have been the greatest, but it was fun! Before we begin training on the river, here are some photos taken at the Pond Training! Enjoy:)
CANCELLED: Pond Training April 26th
Due to weather conditions and safety concerns, pond training is cancelled for today. However, do come out on Tuesday, April 30th.
See you there!
POND TRAINING {April 23rd, 26th, 30th}
Time to brush off the winter cobwebs and get ready for this upcoming canoe season. You have 3 opportunities to practice your canoe skills before we get on the rivers and lakes. These sessions are open to everyone and cost nothing but your time and energy!
Mark these dates on your calendar:
-
-
- April 23
- April 26
- April 30
-
Meet at the canoe shed at 1:00 pm.
Bring a PFD, hat, water, and snack. Also bring rain gear should it start to drizzle.
This is the perfect opportunity to practice/learn the basic canoe strokes, ask questions from our more experienced paddlers and get to know other members. Are you a bow or stern paddler? Maybe you are a bow paddler and want to try stern…⊅or vice versa.
In case you missed it…âŠ..
MARK YOUR CALENDARS! {MAY} – see what’s coming up in May!
ARE YOU READY? {Training Spots Filling up Fast}
KNOW YOUR STROKES – A Review
SEASON 2019-2020 {Announcements}
MARK YOUR CALENDARS! {MAY}
May 6 – refresher skills training
- Rain Date: May 8th
- Glen Morris to Birley Gates
- meet at the canoe shed: 9:00 am
- See here for more training details
may 7 – Eramosa river
- Eden Mills to Stone Rd.
- Experienced moving water paddlers only (cold water)–must have intermediate training
- Revival of a delightful, long-overlooked day trip
- Trip Co-Ordinators: Lynn Warmington 519-846-9243, Dianne Wagner 519-698-2724
- Tower(s): Eugene Marion, Evan Jenkins
- Cost: $6
may 9 – Hespeler Pond
- Easy-Breezy outing
- Great chance to practice strokes and skills learned in training
- Open to all members
- Meet at the shed: 9:00 a.m.
- Trip Co-Ordinator: Al Dunn
- Tower(s): Al Dunn
- Cost: $6
MAY 13 – BASIC RIVER TRAINING – calm water (Day 1)
- Rain Date: May 17th
- River Bluffs Park, Cambridge
- Meet at the canoe shed: 9:30 am
- See here for more training details
may 14 – Grand River
- Elora Gorge Conservation Area (Low Bridge) to West Montrose
- Excellent views of the countryside. Lots of islands!
- Experienced paddles only! (must have Intermediate training)
- Pass junction of Carroll Creek and then Swan Creek between Elora and Inverhaugh.
- Take out at the West Montrose covered bridge.
- A few challenging turns!
- Trip Co-Ordinator: TBD (Volunteer Required)
- Tower(s): TBD (Volunteer Required)
- Cost: $6
may 15 – basic river training – moving water (day 2)
- Rain Date: May 22nd
- Grand River (Galt to Footbridge)
- Meet at the canoe shed: 9:00 am
- See here for more training details
mAY 21 – Saugeen RIVER
- Walkerton (Lobie’s Park – Access #5) to Conc. 10 ( Access #7)
- Some moderate rapids
- Spectacular scenery as we meander north viewing high cliffs and observing the flora and fauna
- Experienced paddlers only
- Trip Co-Ordinator: Chris Sheppard, Alicia Smith
- Tower(s): Chris Sheppard, Eugene Marion
- Cost: $9
May 24 – Intermediate training (day 1)
- Rain Date:Â May 29th
- Galt to Glen Morris
- Meet at the canoe shed: 9:00 am
- See here for more training details
may 27 – intermediate training (day 2)
- Rain date: May 31st
- Glen Morris to Birley Gates
- Meet at the canoe shed: 9:00 am
- See here for more training details
may 28 – grand river
- Freeport to Pioneer Sportsman Club (Pat & Murray’s)
- Social Event (Open to all members)
- Potluck lunch to welcome new members
- More info to come via Blog
- Trip Co-Ordinator: TBD
- Tower(s): Eugene Marion
- Cost: $6
may 30 – floradale dam (woolwich reservoir)
- Easy-Breezy outing
- Open to all members
- Great outing….usually followed by lunch at Bonnie Lou’s CafĂ© in Floradale
- Trip Co-Ordinator: TBD (Volunteer Required
- Tower(s): Al Dunn
- Cost: $6
For times and other trip information see here!
Please check back often should there be a change in the trip schedule , times, or other trip details! Use the comments section below if you have any questions:)
do not plan any other activities or appointments on canoe trip days. we cannot guarantee when we’ll be back!
Please be on time for scheduled departures so there is time to sign in, pay trip fee, organize number of canoes required, arrange transportation/car pools, etc. The sooner we can get to our destination, the sooner we can get on the water!  You won’t want to end up having to car top a canoe or be left behind!! (Please leave enough time to get to the shed, but if you get caught up in traffic, please let the trip coordinator know as this will make a difference in how many canoes are required and if we need another tower)
If you have any questions about the canoe trips, please contact the trip coordinators listed with the trips on the schedule.
If you are towing for any of the above trips, please keep track of your mileage from the time you leave the shed to the time you return to the shed after the trip. Remember to either pick up a towing reimbursement form from  the “blue binder” in the shed or download it from here.
In case you missed it…….
What to bring on a canoe excursion.
What you can do to make canoe days fun for everybody!
