Category: Canoe Trips

Thursday, May 26th Trip Details

In this blog post, you will find the trip details for Thursday, May 26th.  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: Christie Conservation Area
Date:  Thursday, May 26th
Time:  Meet at Anne the shed at 8:45 a.m. for a 9:00 a.m. departure
Trip Leader(s): Robin Heaver, Anne Woolner
Tower: TBD
Details: A new area for the Old Salts as I understand it. Beautiful conservation area located only 40 minutes from Kitchener. The paddle starts on the lake, then a short portage/carry over a horse/bike path to continue up Spencer Creek where you can see Osprey, Geese, and all sorts of song birds. The trip should take about 2 1/4 hours. Beautiful picnic area with plenty of shaded tables at our put in point. Bring snacks, drink, and a lunch.
Skill Level: EASY BREEZY – Basic training required, but be aware a short portage is required.
Shuttle: No
Trip Fee: $8
Additional Costs: $15.50 per vehicle and maybe $5 per person (but not usually on weekdays-be prepared anyways). If unmanned, the machine takes cash or credit card.

Please contact Robin Heaver at rgrheaver@gmail.com or text Robin at 905 220-630 to save your spot for this trip. You will receive a confirmation email on Monday from the trip leader 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 this post 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!

Tuesday May 24th Trip Details

In this blog post, you will find the trip details for Tuesday, May 24th.  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- Kaufman’s Flats  to Shirley Drive**
Date:  Tuesday, May 24th
Time:  Meet at the shed at 8:30 a.m. for a 8:45 a.m. departure
Trip Leader(s): Anne Woolner
Tower: Frank Kuntz
Details:  A lovely paddle through Bridgeport with a little excitement passing under the Bridgeport  bridge. We will pass by Bingeman’s and can check out the trailer park and campgrounds as we paddle past. This is a 2 1/2 hr paddle. (See below on what to bring link).  Note: There is a bit of a walk from the parking area to the take-out point. Let Anne know if this is an issue for you so you can be accommodated.
Skill Level: Intermediate training prefered. Basic training required.
Shuttle: Yes.
Trip Fee: $8 

**Please note that this trip was substituted for the Waldemar-Belwood trip  because no one volunteered to lead it.

Please contact Anne Woolner (529-743-2277  annewoolner@hotmail.com) to save your spot for this trip. You will receive a confirmation email on Monday from the trip leader 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 this post 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!

Fall Bondi Trip Meeting POSTPONED until June 8th

Bondi Trip Enthusiasts,

This Friday’s (May 20th) Fall Bondi Trip information and organizational meeting is POSTPONED  until Wednesday June 8th (10:30am), after training courses have ended.   (This month has been a full, active month for our canoe club members, and many hoping to participate in the Fall Trip are unable to attend Friday’s important meeting.)

Consequently, down payment cheques will not be accepted at this time.  Check future e-mail and the club Blog for meeting updates.

Mark Zelinka

URGENT: Trip Leaders and Towers for Upcoming Trips Required!

This club operates on the strength of its volunteers. Bravo to Lynn and her team who are working hard to train our members to get on the water and enjoy the season ! And many thanks to  our Trip Planning Committe who have planned a great schedule to accommodate members of all skill levels. However………

We still require people to sign up to lead and tow on various upcoming trips. Don’t wait to be asked……just volunteer!  Please check out the trip schedule and see which trips you would like to lead or to tow for and contact Anne Woolner to get your name on the trip schedule asap. Trips that don’t have anyone to lead/organize them will be cancelled which would be a shame considering how long we waited for this season to start.

After today’s trip, there is no one on the schedule to lead trips until June 14th, (including our first Easy Breezy trip on Thursday, May 26th) . We have many experienced paddlers in this club who have been on most of the trips that are listed on the schedule. Please consider volunteering to lead a trip (and/or team up with someone to share responsibilities).  There are lots of resources available to help and Anne is just a phone call away!

If there is a trip that you would like to see, but is missing from the schedule, let Anne know. Any suggestions are most welcome.

Contact Info:
Anne Woolner, Trip Co-ordinator
annewoolner@hotmail.com
519-743-2277

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!

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!

Scouting Trip Reminder

When: Tuesday, Oct. 19th
Where:  Nith River – put in – just north of Plattsville
                                    Take out – Township Road 12 near Trussler Road
Time: 8:30 a.m. at Wing 404
Trip Co-ordinators:  Wayne Bean and Lynn Warmington
Tower:  Armand Martin
Bring:  lunch, snacks, water
Notes:  This is a scouting trip and new to all of us. Put in and takeout could be a bit rough.  There could also be some low spots on the river which will require constant vigilance. Experienced paddlers only!
If you are interested in being part of this scouting group, please contact Lynn Warmington at: lynnwarmington1@gmail.com.
Cell # 519-400-0388. Home # 519-846-9243

One More Scouting Trip!

Last week’s scouting trip was   very successful. There was enough interest that the group decided to explore another section of the Nith River for possible inclusion on the trip schedule for next year. Therefore, there will be another scouting trip next Tuesday. Canoe cleaning is being rescheduled for Thursday, October  21st. Details for the trip are as follows:

WHERE: Part of the Nith River. Exact section will depend on the flow rates over the next few days and will be determined on Sunday.
WHEN:  Tuesday, Oct. 19th
TIME: Meet at the shed at 8:30 a.m.
ORGANIZERS: Lynn Warmington & Wayne Bean
SKILL LEVEL: Experienced paddlers only since this is a scouting trip!
COST: $6

If you are interested in being part of this scouting group, please contact Lynn Warmington at: lynnwarmington1@gmail.com.
Cell # 519-400-0388. Home # 519-846-9243