Category: Canoeing Skills

{UPDATE} Tues, Aug 23rd & Thurs, Aug 25 Trip Information

**Please read carefully**

There was an error in the email link in the original trip notification for Aug. 23rd that has been corrected. 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. For trip details, please see the previous blog post.

The trip scheduled for Aug. 25th is on the Grand River from West Montrose to Kaufman’s Flats.  Robin Heaver has volunteered to lead this trip. However, for this trip to happen we need a tower. Contact Robin @905-220-6301 or rgrheaver@gmail.com  if you can assist.

Canoe Trip Times and Pre-Trip Measures
What to Bring on a Canoe Excursion
What to do on Canoe Day

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tues, Aug 23rd Trip Information {Petrocan-Birley Gates}

**Please read carefully**

In this blog post, you will find the trip details for Tuesday, Aug 23rd.  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, Aug 23rd, 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. (This is the section where we did our intermediate training.) 
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. (Please indicate in your email whether you are bow of stern or both.) You will receive a confirmation email  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.

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.

Please note:  Construction has started for the next 7 weeks at Weber and Albert Street and continues further on Weber Street near St. David’s school. The ONLY way to enter Dutton Drive is by turning off of Parkside on to Weber Street. The signs says ‘local traffic only! Albert and Weber Street is closed and you cannot drive either way on Weber Street ~  from King Street to Dutton Drive.

 

Canoe Trip Times and Pre-Trip Measures
What to Bring on a Canoe Excursion
What to do on Canoe Day

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tuesday, Aug 16th Trip Details (Saugeen #3)

**Please read carefully**

In this blog post, you will find the trip details for Tuesday, Aug. 16th.  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 River:  Access 10 – 13)
Date:  Tuesday, Aug 16th, 2022
Time:  Please meet at the Wing 404 shed by 8:00 a.m.
Trip Leader(s): Anne Woolner
Tower: TBD
Details:  This is a favourite paddle with lots of interesting adventures along the way. We follow this with a swim at Port Elgin  and then supper at the Queens Hotel. Bring lunch, water, hat, sunscreen, PFD, bathing suit and towel and money for supper (if you are staying).
Notes:  Please make car pooling arrangements before we meet on Tuesday morning. The membership list can be found here if you need contact information. In light the increasing price of gas, we highly encourage people to carpool and share gas costs. If you carpool, please remember to contribute gas money to your driver. A  $7 minimum to $10+ would be appropriate for this trip (270k there and back).
Skill Level: Intermediate training required. Lots of opportunity to practice river reading skills.
Shuttle: Yes. This is a 2 hour and 135 k. drive each way. Shuttle is 15 k. and 15 minutes each way.
Trip Fee: $12. Exact amount please! No envelopes necessary!

Please contact Anne Woolner 519-743-2277 annewoolner@hotmail.com if you plan on joining us to save your spot for this trip. You will receive a confirmation email  from the trip leader to confirm your spot. If you don’t receive an email by Monday night, call Anne to confirm you that you are on the list as sometimes emails go into “junk mail“.

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 the number of canoes required and assigning partners, which could result in odd numbers!

UPCOMING TRIPS {Mark Your Calendars}:

Royal City Park, Speed River (Easy Breezy) – Thur. Aug 18th (this is being added to the schedule from a previous cancellation)
Petrocan to Birley Gates, Grand River – Tues. Aug 23rd (this is rescheduled from a previous cancellation)

Please read carefully :

Tuesday, Aug 9th Trip Details (Grand River – Brantford)

**Please read carefully**

In this blog post, you will find the trip details for Tuesday, Aug. 9th.  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:  Brant Park to Erie (Brantford)
Date:  Tuesday, Aug 9th, 2022
Time:  Please meet at the Wing 404 shed by 8:30 a.m.
Trip Leader(s): Anne Woolner
Tower: Frank Kuntz
Details:  This is a very interesting trip down the Grand through Brantford with some challenges along the way. Come prepared with sunscreen, a hat, PFD, lunch, water and an adventuresome attitude.
Skill Level: Intermediate training required. 
Shuttle: Yes. It is less than an hour drive to Put-in with a 12 minute (each way) shuttle. 
Trip Fee: $8. Exact amount please!

Please contact Anne Woolner 519-743-2277 annewoolner@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 Anne to confirm you that you are on the list as sometimes emails go into “junk mail”.

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 the number of canoes required and assigning partners, which could result in odd numbers!

UPCOMING TRIPS {Mark Your Calendars}:

Saugeen #3 – Tues. Aug 16th
Moonlight Paddle on the Nith (Easy Breezy)- Thurs. Aug 11th 
Royal City Park, Speed River (Easy Breezy) – Thur. Aug 18th (this is being added to the schedule from a previous cancellation)
Petrocan to Birley Gates, Grand River – Tues. Aug 23rd (this is rescheduled from a previous cancellation)

Please read carefully :

Trip Cancellations Info.

There have been some grumblings about how many trips have been cancelled this season. This has been an unusual season so far, so to address this, please note that:

      1. Lack of participants – if not enough people sign up, (<8), it is not feasible to take the trailer. By the same token,  if people aren’t willing or able to car top the canoes, there can be no trip.  Also, if people suddenly bow out at the last minute, it affects the number of participants, how many canoes are required and could create problems with setting up partners especially if it creates an odd number………..someone will have to be in the kayak!
      2. Water levels/River Flow – Unfortunately, this has been a very dry summer and water levels/river flows have been affected in all the rivers we canoe. We, as a club, have no control over this as it becomes a safety issue if people have to constantly get out of their canoes. Hopefully, this will be corrected after a few good rains as we advance into August!
      3. Trip Leaders – Many thanks to the members who have volunteered to lead trips this year, including two new members. Although leading a trip is not a difficult task, it does take time to organize. Not all members who have volunteered to lead trips, are able to or have the experience to plan alternative trips at the last minute, especially if they don’t know the river or lake. As well, with the water levels/river flows the way they currently are, there aren’t too many alternative choices available. Please note that trip leaders are in short supply, especially for EASY BREEZY trips. 
      4. Towers – We have a shortage of towers who are available to tow at a moment’s notice. If a leader can’t find someone to tow for a particular trip, there is a problem, particularly for EASY BREEZY trips. If no one can car top, there is a problem. If you are able to tow, please check to see if you are on the list. If you aren’t and are able to tow, please contact Anne Woolner 519-743-2277 annewoolner@hotmail.com  to have your name added to the towing list.[link]. If you are on the list and can’t tow anymore, please also contact Anne to remove your name from the list.

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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