Night Hike 3 Amigos

I was saying to my daughter Erin earlier in the day that we need a snow storm--8 hours of blinding heavy snow--lots of wind.  The winter has been tame and I was missing the snowstorms that as a kid kept me in awe and sometimes out of school.

In the evening when the wind picked-up I suggested a snow shoe hike.  John and his two friends Connor and Keenan were up for the adventure.  We headed to my favourite in town snow shoe hike just south of Duchesnay Falls.

I wasn't sure how dark it would be on the trail.  The terrain is in a ravine and I didn't think that there would be any light source on the trip.  However the city lights illuminating the cloud cover created a perfect low level light condition for us.  We brought a headlap and flashlights but they were not needed.  Our eyes adjusted quickly to the low level light conditions and we are able to enjoy the hike with our own natural night vision.

The moonlight helps illuminate the bridge in the distance.

The way the weather has been this year I wasn't really expecting deep snow, in fact we thought about not bringing our snowshoes.  Good thing we did.  The snow was deep, fluffy, and slippery.

The girders of a mysterious bridge.

A view of the Regioanl Health Centre from across the highway.

 The picture below was taken underneath the bridge (there are three) closest to Lake Nipissing.  The boys all commented on the view.  It was a scene from somewhere else (imaginations ran wild)--the arctic maybe--a dark mysterious place.

The boys worked up an appetite during the hike, so on the way home we picked-up a large pizza--it lasted about 6 minutes.

We passed a couple of snowplows on the way home--the most dangerous things we saw all trip.

First ski of 2012

Jumping in with both feet is good advice when you are on a cliff and the water is below.  Skiing however, and this is advice for me and me only, is a little different.

This morning my son John and I decided to go skiing.  I realized immediately that I could not explain how to ski.  Could not put it into words, so I surfed to youtube and found a few how-to videos.  This was good.  Got it--now I remember.  Time to head to the hill.   We are so fortunate to have a ski hill within the city. 

Off we go to the the ski hill.  Specifically the bunny hill for starters.  A few runs and we were good to go to the big side of things.

The weather was perfect -6, and there has hardly anyone on the hill.

The view from the chairlift was awesome.

A great day of skiing, and home in time to catch the NFL playoffs.

It was great to get out and onto the hill.  Looking forward to our next adventure.

Inspired Walk

I never can tell when or where or what will insprire me. Usually happens out-of-the-blue. I was sitting in a dentist's office--waiting for my daughter. The waiting room was filled with books from local authors. In one by Cliff Alger, I read about my late Uncle Walter--too cool. In another by Chris Mayne and Paul Chivers"Northern Shores" http://gulliversbookstore.com/book-launch-northern-shores-nov-25/ I perused a number of breath-taking photos. Some of them were winter scenes near water. I needed to go for a hike. My son John and his friend Nathan were nearby and keen for adventure. So we headed to a local spot where the hiking trail meets the water.

John and Nathan explore the low-lands.

The view south-west from the creek to Lake Nipissing.

Pimisi to Champlain

I sometimes think that the sole purpose of the weatherman is to keep us glued to the tv set so we watch advertisements.  If there is nothing funky happening in the weather, he'll remind you of what allergy symptoms you should be having.  Yesterday was a good example.

The weather was to be cold and windy.  It was--initially.

I'm fortunate to be able to team-teach the Outdoor Education course at Nipissing University with my friends Bill Steer and Laura Kielpinski.  Today was the day to take our students down the Mattawa River.

The day started off with a strong cold wind that forced us back into the parking lot away from the lake.  One of the students pointed out that a few people were voicing concerns about the trip.  That was important.  We needed to talk further as a group.  Get it out there about what are the risks.  Be ready.  Everyone fought their way around the first point.  For some it was a difficult struggle.  I'm sure their muscles were aching.  We could have had a dump in the first 5 minutes of the trip.  Not a tragic end to the trip--but an uncomfortable one.  Lots to learn either way.

The paddle up to Talon Chutes is my favourite tiny little paddle route.  Twenty-five minutes of heaven.  It is a place I have been to many times.  I never get tired of it.  I was amazed at how well everyone caught on or remembered how to keep a canoe going straight.  Well done everyone!

This route has several portages.  Sometimes when the water is running high you can shoot some of them and save yourself the trouble of a portage.  For such a large group (32 people), we rocked the Casbah on the portages.

Pariseau Falls is a beautiful half-way point to have lunch and enjoy the view and sound of the falls.  In the summer it is a fine place to cool off with a swim.  I remember years ago snorkeling up near the falls with my good friends.

The creek that flows out on Elm Point marks the spot where you can join the trail that runs along the north side of the river.  Bill led us to a special spot--just off the trail.  Few people know of this spot.  A special place for me as I said a prayer for my good friend Bernie Zweerman and his family.  Thank you for sharing in that moment.  The wind stopped.

Day-trips are great ways to get students out of the classroom and into Mother Nature.  Where the learning is constant, deep, and memorable.

While waiting to pull my boat out I couldn't resist taking this shot of my bent-shaft paddle.  Lots to say about this paddle and none of it has anything to do with paddling.  It's a metaphor--two-beer story for sure.

Hike then Sail

Today started off overcast and 18 degrees.  Perfect for a hike.  John and I headed up to the Canadore trails.  I've done this hike many times but today I changed up the route and it made all the difference.  The goal was to check out a route for a group of students who will be joining me later in October.  We took the trail that led directly to the Lake Nipissing lookout.  Walking at an easy pace we reached the lookout in 12 minutes.  A light mist was falling and the leaves were bright green many were turning colours.  The forest glowed.  Everything was wet and the smell of the forest was invigorating.  From the lookout we took North South trail to the North Duschesnay trail and wound our way down and around to the creek.  At one point we crossed beneath a large tree that was completely bent over the trail.  An arch of discovery.

The upper bridge on the creek no longer exists so we stepped on stones and crossed to the other side.  We followed the trail on the other side up the embankment then turned left.  It eventually led us close to the creek and we crossed again about 30 meters above the first bridge.  We had to pick our route carefully and jump across the slippery rocks.  We followed the trail south and eventually cut back to the College along the Lower Duschesnay trail.  A beautiful hike.

Later in the afternoon the sun was setting on a placid Lake Nipissing.  I couldn't resist a sailboat trip.  Steve Glass joined me and we headed out for an evening sail.  There was just the slightest wind--so I put out the light wind jib.  Perfect.  Sweet.  Light wind and light conversation.  We sailed south for a while and eventually turned around and headed back to the marina.  The Chief Commanda approached us from behind.  We were barely moving, so the Chief crept up and slipped in between us and the shore.  For once we were the silhouette against the setting sun.  From the Chief I heard, "Smile," and about a dozen camera flashes lit up the night.  It was such a cool visual.

Back to School and Time for a Sail

This week the kids and I returned to school.  Kate to Ottawa U, Erin to SJSH, and John to Our Lady of Fatima.  It was not easy;  the summer was perfect. 

We had not been on the boat for over a week, so this evening--with perfect weather again--we decided to order a pizza and head down to the boat.

The kids have become great sailors.  With Kate in Ottawa, John and Erin crewed while Sharon and I relaxed.   We have had many sails this summer and I have been behind in updating my blog.  Too many adventures--which is a good thing.

The Chief Commanda passed by as the sun set.  Normally we would adjust course and intercept so that we could wave to Kate as she worked.  But (sob--tears of sadness--joy), she has returned to university.

We rarely take pictures or video while motoring back to the marina, but this evening was too beautiful.

Sailing is a peaceful activity.  Everyone relaxes and enjoys.

Project Dare -- 40th Anniversary

This weekend Wendigo Lake Expeditions (http://wendigolake.com), who run the program Project Dare, celebrated their 40th anniversary.  I got the invite and couldn't resist attending.  I headed down Friday night and settled in at Spirit Point, a camp just around the corner from Dare.  Larry the host met me at the gate and walked me to my quarters.  He and his wife Jenn are great hosts.  He was always up and always had a cup of coffee ready for you.  The facilities were beautiful.

I spent the evening with the extended Glass family.  Steve's mom Grace, his sister Julie, brother-in-law Albert, brother Jeff and wife Heather and their daughter Hannah.  Great converstation.

I've been to Dare many times but this was my first experience meeting people who were with Dare at the beginning.  Bob Davies the founder was honoured at a ceremony at the watefront.  Steve Glass, the current director and operator of the facility paid tribute not only to Bob but all the staff past and present who have contributed to the success of the program. Monique Smith our local MPP along with municipal representatives from Sundridge and South River acknowledged the contribution that the staff of Wendigo Lake have made to the region.  A ministry official (Wes) stated that the youth justice system in Ontario has been greatly affected by Project Dare.  Dare sets the standard and many ex-Dare staff work in positions at the ministry.

After an enjoyable breakfast I joined Vince Pawis for a native teaching ceremony.  Vince was impressive.  He gave us an introduction to native teachings.  He is of the Eagle Clan.  At one point he placed two eagle feet in my hands.  I looked at them and realized how they matched the impressions that John and I had found on the beach a day earlier.  Vince laughs easily and has a terrific sense of humour.  After lunch I was scheduled to do the "Flying Fox" zipline into the lake, but after listening to Vince in the morning--I changed plans and headed out to the sweat lodge.

This photo is from the internet, but our sweat lodge looked  just like it.

Vince and his helper Esra began making the sweat lodge the day before.  I arrived to find a low ribbed shelter.  It was no more than 4 feet high and about 12 feet across.  There was a hole in the centre for hot rocks.  We pulled a couple of tarps over top and fijve of us climbed in.  Albert, Julie, Vince, Karl and myself.  Vince guided us in the experience and poured cedar-water on the rocks that were delivered by Esra.  90 minutes later we emerged.  Not a moment too soon.  A very cool experience.

A delicious meal at the Wendigo Lake dining hall, including a  pig roast was the last event planned at Dare for the evening.  The evening social event took place back at Spirit Point.  I hung out with the Dare staff around a camp fire.  One gentleman from the 70's (Eugen...sp?) sang songs about sailing on Georgian Bay with Dare youth.  In the 70's Dare had a sailing program.  Friends rembered old stories and one ex-Dare client Chris, attended with his mother.  He is an impressive young man and is heading to chef school in October.

I eventually returned to the lodge and joined Steve and his family.  The highlight for me was Steve's daughter Sara playing guitar.  She played three of her original songs.  Rare and beautiful for sure.  A great evening.

In the morning I enjoyed a coffee with Steve and Larry.  As I was heading out I was greeted by Dudly the pet pig.  He wished me a safe journey.

I am always tired when I leave Dare but at the same time I find I an energized and renewed.