Tuesday, July 26th Trip Details (Beaver River)

**Please read carefully**

In this blog post, you will find the trip details for Tuesday, July 26th.  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!} [Link]

Trip:  Beaver River [access #2 (sideroad 19) to Heathcote]
Date:  Tuesday, July 26, 2022
Time:  Please meet at the shed by 8:00 a.m.
Trip Leader(s):Bruce Williams and Doug Arthur
Tower: Armand Martin
Details:  Lower section contains a delightful series of rapids ending with a dam and rapids at Slabtown. This is a longer trip that requires stamina and endurance.  The water levels may be lower than normal, so be prepared to get out of your canoe.
Skill Level: Intermediate training required. 
Shuttle: Yes.  
Trip Fee: $12. Exact amount please!

Please contact Bruce Williams 519-501-1990 brucewms@yahoo.com
Doug Arthur 519-741-8641 djarthur29@gmail.com if you plan on joining us 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 don’t receive an email by Monday night, call Bruce or Doug to confirm you that you are on the list.

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,  assigning partners, etc. and won’t leave the rest of the group waiting for you.

    • If you want to arrange partners a head of time, check out the membership list for contact information.
    • When you come out on a canoe trip, please come prepared! (Read this post carefully) Bring hat, sunscreen and snack or lunch.
    • 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 a few 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, July 19th Trip Details

**Please read carefully**

In this blog post, you will find the trip details for Tuesday, July 19th.  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!} [Link]

Trip:  Grand River:  Petrocan to Birley Gates
Date:  Tuesday, July 19, 2022
Time:  Please meet at the shed by 8:30 a.m.
Trip Leader(s): Michael De Andrade
Tower: Michael De Andrade
Details:  This is a club favourite that is a longer paddle with lots of adventure along the river where we can practice river reading and other maneuvers learned in our lessons. You need to have stamina for this trip. (This is the section where we did our intermediate training.) The water may be lower than  when we did the training, so be prepared to get out of your canoe.
Skill Level: Intermediate training required. 
Shuttle: Yes.  
Trip Fee: $8. Exact amount please!

Please contact Michael De Andrade at 519-716-5067 or mdeanrade@hotmail.com if you plan on joining us 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 don’t receive an email by Monday night, call Michael to confirm you that you are on the list.

Michael  also needs help with checking people in and collecting trip fees. Please let him know if you can assist when you sign up. This is Michael’s first time organizing and leading so many thanks!

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,  assigning partners, etc. and won’t leave the rest of the group waiting for you.

 

    • If you want to arrange partners a head of time, check out the membership list for contact information.
    • When you come out on a canoe trip, please come prepared! (Read this post carefully) Bring hat, sunscreen and snack or lunch.
    • 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, July 12th Trip Details (Bean Park-Brant Conservation Park)

**Please read carefully**

In this blog post, you will find the trip details for Tuesday, July 12th.  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!} [Link]

Trip:  Grand River:  Bean Park, Paris to Brant Conservation Park, Brantford
Date:  Tuesday, July 12, 2022
Time:  Please meet at the shed by 8:30 a.m.
Trip Leader(s): Dianne Wagner and Lynn Warmington
Tower: TBD
Details:  This is about a 2 hour paddle with some gentle rapids and fun spots.  The water level is low, so be prepared to get out of your canoe and wade through some possible low spots.  We have to pay to leave our trailer at the take-out ($7.50), so if you have a pass to the Grand River Conservation Parks, please let us know ahead of time and bring your pass with you.  
Skill Level: Intermediate training required. 
Shuttle: Yes.  Approximately 14 minutes (12 km) one way
Trip Fee: $8. Exact amount please!
Things to Note: Most of the cars will be parked outside the Conservation Area (to save us the park fee).  There is adequate parking, but carpooling is encouraged.  We will arrange the shuttle to get the paddlers back and forth.  Please remember your face mask.
Driving Instructions:  Please print off the directions found here [link].  There are two pages.  (we no longer have access to a photocopier)

Please contact Dianne Wagner at ladydiwagner@hotmail.com or 519-635-9369 and/or Lynn Warmington at lynnwarmington1@gmail.com or 519-400-0388 if you plan on joining us 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 don’t receive an email, call Lynn or Dianne to confirm you are on the list.

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,  assigning partners, etc. and won’t leave the rest of the group waiting for you.

 

    • If you want to arrange partners a head of time, check out the membership list for contact information.
    • When you come out on a canoe trip, please come prepared! (Read this post carefully) Bring hat, sunscreen and snack or lunch.
    • 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, June 28th Trip Details

**Please read carefully**

In this blog post, you will find the trip details for Tuesday, June 28th.  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!} [Link]

Trip:  Saugeen #1 -Lobie’s Park, Walkerton to Access #10
Date:  Tuesday, June 28th
Time:  Everyone to meet at the shed for 8:00 a.m. We will leave promptly at 8:15 a.m. 
Trip Leader(s): Eugene & Carol Marion
Tower: Eugene Marion & TBA
Details:  Some moderate rapids and spectacular scenery as we meander north viewing high cliffs, sand banks and observing flora and fauna. We stop for lunch at a lovely bend in the river where some practise rope throwing while others swim and surf in the river. If you plan on swimming, you may want to wear or bring a bathing suit. This is an all day trip that is longer than our previous trips. There will be lots of paddling, but the trip ends with an ice-cream cone as our reward! The paddling time is guestimated at around 3 hrs, not including water breaks and lunch.
Skill Level: Intermediate training required. There will be lots of opportunity to practise river reading and other skills learned in training!
Shuttle: Yes…. 25 min
Trip Fee: $12 (This trip is further than 100 km). Exact amount please!
Things to Note: It takes approximately 2 hours to get to put-in in Walkerton (Lobies Park). We will stop  about half-way there for a Tim Horton’s/washroom break and continue on to Lobies Park. There are washroom facilities there as well. This is an all day trip so don’t plan anything else for this day as we can’t guarantee our return time. After the trip, we always stop for ice cream at Megan & Rob’s Burger Box in Mildmay, although they do have food if you want an early supper, so bring extra money.
Carpooling: This is a longer trip, so you may want to carpool with someone so the drive there and back isn’t so lonely. You can find the membership list here.
Driving Instructions: Directions to Walkerton, Map [links] Please print if you are planning on driving and need directions (we no longer have access to a photocopier)

Please contact Carol Marion at caroline.milla4@gmail.com or 519-570-6250 to save your spot for this trip. Please indicate in your email whether you are a bow or a stern paddler for planning purposes. You will receive a confirmation email on Monday morning  from the trip leader to confirm your spot. If you don’t receive an email, call Carol to confirm you are on the list.

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.

 

    • If you want to arrange partners a head of time, check out the membership list for contact information.
    • When you come out on a canoe trip, please come prepared! (Read this post carefully) Bring hat, sunscreen and snack or lunch.
    • 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!

Warning: Giant Hogweed is Sprouting!

In the past, we printed a warning about “Giant Hogweed” at the start of our canoeing season.  See here.   So far this season, we have seen some along the banks of the Nith River.

This year, for those of you who are hiking in rural areas, possibly near rivers and lakes, there is a good reason to watch out for these plants as they start their growing season. This may also be helpful for those of you who have cottages or like to camp near rivers or lakes.

The following warning is being sent out via email to other groups. Since we make many stops along the shoreline on both rivers and lakes during our canoe trips and we may encounter giant hogweed, it seems like a good time to share:

The giant hogweed plants have sprouted. They are presently a good contrast against the background of winter-dead and they a are larger than the other plants around.

Please check your riverside properties from the water edge to a place just above the high water lines from the last seven years.

If you find any, they can be dug with a shovel and turned over so the sun can scorch them. It is only necessary to cut the root off at 4” to 6” below the soil.

Please report any new findings with GPS coordinates and a photo to gianthogweed@rogers.com so that we can map the spread.

More info is available at the Facebook group Giant Hogweed Mitigation Project.

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Tuesday, June 14th Trip Details (Ayr – Silver Bridge)

In this blog post, you will find the trip details for Tuesday, June 14th.  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:  Nith River – Ayr to Wolverton
Date:  Tuesday, June 14th
Time:  Meet at the shed at 8:30 a.m. for a 8:45 a.m. departure
Trip Leader(s): Pam Krokoszynski and Betty Dyck
Tower: Eugene Marion
Details:   This is a great 2 1/2 paddle down the meandering Nith River. There are some nice drops in the water with some small rapids.  Good river reading needed.  Note: The take out is challenging as the canoes need to be carried up a small, narrow, rocky hill.
Skill Level: Intermediate training required
Shuttle: Yes. 22 min.
Trip Fee: $8 (exact amount please)

Please contact Betty Dyck  519 669 8314 (home)  519 588 1756 (cell)   rbydyck@rogers.com  or  Pam Krokoszynski     519 577 8524 (cell)      pamkrok@rogers.com  ASAP 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.

    • If you want to arrange partners a head of time, check out the membership list for contact information.
    • When you come out on a canoe trip, please come prepared! (Read this post carefully) Bring hat, sunscreen and snack or lunch.
    • 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!

 

UPDATE: September Bondi Trip

BONDI  MEETING  this coming  WEDNESDAY, June 8th, at 10:30am! 

The important Organizational and Information Meeting for our Club’s September trip to the Bondi Lodge, in the Algonquin Park area, (previously postponed from May 20th) will be held this Wednesday at 10:30 am.  Those members who 1) signed up in March,  2) the (few) individuals on the ‘Waiting List’, and 3) anyone who wishes to be placed on the ‘Waiting List’ are strongly encouraged to attend.

We will meet outside the canoe shed.  Please, bring a folding/camp chair for this meeting.  Also, a rain jacket or umbrella is suggested,  if rain is threatening that morning.

Your committment and a downpayment cheque of $120/individual, made out to Old Salts Seniors Canoe Club, are required to reserve the Bondi Lodge for our group.  This will guarantee your spot on the trip but will only be accepted after this meeting  until Wednesday June 22nd.  After that date, members on the ‘Waiting List’ will be given the opportunity to fill in any opening(s).

Please, R.S.V.P. the Trip Organizer, Mark Zelinka asap, if planning to attend zelinkamd@gmail.com    or      519-651-3186.

Mark Zelinka, Bondi Trip Organizer

Direct any questions or concerns to Mark directly!

Tuesday May 31st Trip Details

In this blog post, you will find the trip details for Tuesday, May 31st.  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-  Shirley Drive to Freeport**
Date:  Tuesday, May 31st
Time:  Meet at the shed at 8:30 a.m. for a 8:45 a.m. departure
Trip Leader(s): Anne Woolner
Tower: Need someone to volunteer!
Details:   This is an easy  2 1/2 hour paddle, meandering through Kitchener and going under the highway 7 and Freeport bridges.  Note: There is a bit of a walk from the parking area to the put-in point. Let Anne know if this is an issue for you so you can be accommodated.
Skill Level: Easy Breezy. Basic training required.
Shuttle: Yes. 20 min.
Trip Fee: $8 

**Please note that this trip was substituted for the Niska Bridge to Hespeler Pond (Speed River) 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) Bring hat, sunscreen and snack or lunch.
    • 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!

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