admin – Page 54 – OSSCC Blog

BEWARE OF GIANT HOGWEED!

As we get further into our canoe season, it seems prudent to ask our members to watch out for and be able to recognize a plant that has made it to the top of Ontario’s noxious plant list. That would be the Giant Hogweed. This would definitely be one of those “look but don’t touch” plants we want to avoid.

If you happen to see this plant on any of our canoe trips, please call the Invading Species Hotline at 1-800-563-7711 or visit EDDMapS Ontario to report a sighting. You will be asked to send in photos for identification. Do not collect parts of the plant for identification.

For more information, including how to distinguish from similar looking plants, see: invading species.com

SAUGEEN RIVER -PART 1 {TUES. MAY 21ST}

The Old Salts trip on Tuesday, May 21st will be to the Saugeen River, with put in at Lobie’s Park, in downtown Walkerton and paddling to Concession 10, in the Paisley direction. This trip has picturesque meandering sections, high sand cliffs as well as some invigorating rapids. It is only for more experienced paddlers in our group who have taken Intermediate training.

The flow rate as of Sunday night is approximately 38 cm/s. This is very doable. In discussion with the staff at Cowen Canoe and Kayak Livery in Paisley today, they say their clients have very much enjoyed the volume and speed of the river.

The weather at this point for Tuesday, is calling for sunny conditions, with a high of 14. No rain is in the forecast at this point. I will be monitoring the weather situation at different times on Monday in case there is any change.

The trip will be an all day event with a cost of $9.00. Remember to bring a PFD, hat, good wind-rain proof jacket, a snack, your lunch, water, sun protection, insect repellant and change of clothes. We meet at the shed between 7:30 and 8 and leave at 8 sharp, with driving time of close to two hours. Our time on the river will be four hours.

MARK YOUR CALENDARS! {JUNE}

june 4th – Conestoga River

- St. Jacob’s to Kaufman’s Flats (Grand River).
- Picturesque scenery with a significant rise in water depth as we join the Grand River.
- Cost: $6.
- Meet at the shed at 8:30 am with departure time at 8:45 am.
- Trip Organizer(s): Volunteer(s) required!
- Tower: TBD.

June 11th – Beaver River**

- Epping Sideroad 19 (River Access #2) through Heathcote to Slabtown (River Access #4).
- Lower section contains a delightful series of moderate rapids.
- Nature at its best, ending with the dam and rapids at Slabtown.
- Excellent habitat for wildlife with birds, egrets, great blue herons, great horned owls and beavers!
- Meet at the shed at 8:00 am with departure time at 8:15 am.
- Cost: $9.
- Trip Organizers: Pam Krokoszynski 519-577-8524 and Betty Dyck 519-669-8314.
- Towers: Evan Jenkins, Armand Martin.

june 13th- Mountsberg Reservoir

- 2259 Milburough Line, Campbellville, ON L0P 1P0.
- Easy Breezy paddle.
- New experience–share the water with the ducks, turtles and frogs!
- Meet at the shed at 9:00am with departure time at 9:15 am.
- Cost: $6.
- Trip Organizer: Al Dunn 519-575-8792.
- Tower: Al Dunn.

june 18th – fun day at paradise lake

- A fun day of water sports, games and paddling.
- Bring PFD and water.
- Snack and lunch provided.
- Cost: $20.
- Organizers: Pam Krokoszynski 519-577-8524 & Marguerite Cardinal 519-886-7111.
- Open to all! Come join the fun.

june 25th – speed river

- Niska Rd. Guelph to Hespeler Pond Cambridge.
- Meet at the shed at 8:30 am with departure time at 8:45 am.
- Trip Organizer(s): Volunteers required!
- Tower(s): Volunteers required.
- Cost: $6.

June 27th – Guelph, royal city park

- Easy Breezy paddle.
- Where the Speed and Eramosa rivers meet.
- Open to all members.
- One of our all time favourite paddles!
- Followed by ice-cream at a riverside outlet:)
- Meet at the shed at 9:00am with departure time at 9:15 am.
- Cost:$6.
- Trip Organizers: Pina Tenti 519-893-9249 and Marilynn Fisher 519-743-9365.

For times and other trip information see here!

“EMERGENCY CONTACT” Cards – Do you have one?

Please check back often should there be a change in the trip schedule or for more trip details! Use the comments section below if you have any questions:)

do not plan any other activities 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.

Please note: this post can change if there is a change in the schedule. check back often!!

In case you missed it…….

Canoe Trip Protocols!

What to bring on a canoe excursion.

What you can do to make canoe days fun for everybody!

Safety on the Water!

Canoe Terminology!

ELORA-WESTMONTROSE {photos}

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:)

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

SPORTCHECK – $20.97 OR $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. 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. 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……..

Canoe Trip Protocols

What to bring on a canoe excursion.

What you can do to make canoe days fun for everybody!

Safety on the Water!

Canoe Terminology!

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:)