Curb Your Enthusiasm

Whoa!!! You guys are signing up faster than I can record your names! Please, consider curbing your seemingly unbridled enthusiam!

Beausoleil Island in WINTER!!!

I am interested in snowshoeing over to Beausoleil Island this winter to do some CAMPING! This will be a three-day trip (two nights), probably in February. Yes, this involves carrying most of your gear on your back and/or pulling a sled. Our days will be spent snowshoeing the trails on Beausoleil and beyond!

In order to participate in this event you MUST HAVE a good winter-rated sleeping bag and a 4-season tent. But for your selection of clothing your gear necessities mirror those you use for kayak-camping minus the kayak gear and any liquids/food items that freeze. For more information on how to survive, I mean enjoy, this trip please email me or contribute to this thread.

So, who's in???

Ciao!
Carla

Sensory Overload

This is not so much an invitation as much as reflection on my part and possibly inspiration to those of you who might not do as much winter kayaking as you would like.

Yesterday morning I ventured out to the Niagara River for a tour around Navy Island. The shore ice extended a mere foot or two out from shore, a far cry from the half-foot thick, 20 foot long field of ice I was chopping through at this time last year.

After bedecking my kayak with safety and self-rescue gear and stowing delicious baked goods that were surreptitiously bestowed upon me in the middle of the night (another story) I made my way to the island.

Within 10 seconds of my arrival I was welcomed by the sweeping majesty of the resident bald eagle in flight. Watching him until he was no longer in sight I progressed to the most northern tip of the island where I am forever wowed by the mist of the falls and the towering skyline that seemingly appeared overnight.

Venturing further along I am serenaded by the tinkle of paper-thin sheet ice as the ripples created from my kayak swim underneath. For me, that is a sound that makes winter kayaking irresistible. Pure motivation. Before long Kingfishers provide competition for the ice. Their exuberant chatter is reminiscent of children tearing the wrapping paper off of their presents on Christmas morning.

Now heading south along the east shore I am where, if there is wildlife to be viewed, it shall be there. I am not disappointed. I happen upon a deer sipping at the water’s edge. My presence would typically send the deer running for cover but this time she stayed and eyed me with curiosity and interest that paralleled my own for her.

Paddling on, sheet ice still making it’s crystal chandelier-in-the-wind tinkles, I am within view of swans making their way upstream and various other waterfowl going about their business.

Reaching the south end of the island I stop to indulge on the goodies tucked below deck. With the full glory of the warm winter sun on my face under windless, blue skies I am aware of sights, sounds, tastes, the serenity and I am more than aware of how lucky I am.

From where I moored for lunch to my takeout across the river is facilitated by the flow of the river. It is most appealing to cut almost straight across the river yet still end up at the car almost a kilometer downstream.

For me, the highlight of kayaking this area comes when the ice boom in Fort Erie is removed and the pack ice that often covers the entire surface of Lake Erie makes its progression down the river, over the brink of the falls and into Lake Ontario. Perfection comes when the sky and water are jet-black and the sun, at a low angle, illuminates the ice floes like white strobes, and there I am, in heaven paddling in between them.

-Carla

Thunder Storms

Hi everyone. Thank you for your correspondences. I am waiting for a forecast that does not include T-storms. Niagara is under a t-storm watch this entire week! Hopefully you are all finding that two or three-hour window each day to get out on the water closer to where you live.

Stay in touch.
Carla

Hi Dorothy

Hi Dorothy. Would see you there but I am off on a GLSKA trip this Friday. Will definitely catch up with you and the rest of your merry band of kayakers on future Friday outings! Have fun!
-Carla

How to Contact One Another

Obviously no one wants to post personal contact data so how about we just check this web page regularly for posted weekday paddles. Let me know if you have a better solution.
-Carla

Hi Mike

Hi Mike. How can I contact you other than on the Learn To Kayak web page?
-Carla

Weekday Kayaking

I am wondering if there are retirees or those with flexible schedules looking for paddling partners on weekDAYS. I would like to compile a list of names of those who would like to be part of a contact list. If interested, please respond to this post.
-Carla

FOOD... I'M THERE

Hi BoB. Yup! I'm in!!! Will lend a hand with the BBQ and setup. See ya there!
-CArLA

SPONSONS

Okay, after over 15 years of kayaking I STILL don't have a bombproof roll. I am determined (seriously thinking about it) to master this skill (okay, get a few good YIPPEES in there) if only to avoid a time-consuming and chilly self or assisted rescue. Oh, and it would be nice to have the confidence to go on "advanced" excursions without being a risk to myself or a nuisance to others.

In the mean time, and even IF I get the roll down, I am curious about SPONSONS. I am wondering why they are not part of what we consider rescue arsenal for the fatigued, dizzy or sick paddling partner particularly when waves increase the risk of capsize (singular and plural) during a tow.

I have only found Harmony brand sponsons online. Are there others?

Are there sponsons that can be attached to the kayak that WON'T add drag when not inflated?

Are there sponsons that can be inflated via a CO2 cartridge instead of puffs of air?

Are you familiar with homemade sponsons that work as well or better than Harmony?

GRAND ISLAND...POSSIBLE DATES

I am posting several dates and I need you to throw your hat into the ring for ALL dates that are doable for you. I am posting multiple dates in order to
A) accommodate the majority and
B) have agreed upon dates in case the wind makes our first paddle date undoable. I am willing to paddle rain or shine. Only wind above 10 km/hr will cause me to postpone.

POSSIBLE DATES:

April 23 (my personal selection!!!)
May 21, May 22, May 28 for those not attending the Flowerpot trip, May 29 for those not attending MEC's Paddlefest in Milton (there is another MEC Paddlefest in T.O. June 11-12)
I am willing to head out on Good Friday (April 22) if there is interest.

We will park across from Navy Island and paddle out to the northernmost point of Grand Island and paddle south along Grand's western shore.

I would like to be on the water at 8:00 a.m. to take advantage of what is usually the calmest part of the day.

Bring plenty to drink and eat. Rest stops will be made on a need-be basis.

Hi Tom

Tom, your plan and mine are not lining up very well. I still prefer to start at the northernmost tip of Grand. I do not want to have 5 miles of paddling against the current left for the last leg.

I have been paddling extensively in the past several weeks and today was no exception. I paddled 8 kms against the current in 1 1/2 hours. I paddled back to my car against a headwind of approximately 10 kms/hr in 50 minutes while employing a very athletic and unsustainable (over a longer distance) cadence. With this in mind, I have zero doubt in my mind that getting around Grand Island will most definitely take longer than 6 hours especially given that we will need rest and fuel stops along the way.

Also of consideration is the wind. I won't do this trip in wind greater than 10 km/hr. There simply is no point given that we already have distance and current to deal with. So, "planning for the worst" as you say isn't going to work for me. I will require a reasonably stellar forecast.

All those who are considering this tour please add your two cents. It matters not to me who comprises my team. It only matters that we are compatible where fitness and logistics are concerned.
-Carla

SPF for my kayak

What is the best SPF product for my fibreglass kayak, can it be used on the rubber hatch covers, and who sells it?
-Carla

MY GRRRL, sniffle, IS, sniffle, GOING...SNIFFLE

"Seems we just get started and before we know it, comes the time we have to say so long!" -Carol Burnett

Alas, it's NOT part of a 5-part madrigal but it DID end the show every night AND I just might sing it for ya!!!

I'll be there!!!
-Carla

How To Heat Rubber Cable Connector Sleeves

One of my kayaks has a rubber cable connector that failed. I need to cut it off and install a new one. What is the best way to heat the new rubber sleeve given that it is in a hard-to-reach area inside the cockpit where it attaches to the foot peg slider?

Burlington Beach...Saturday, March 26, 2011 CANCELLED

Location: Burlington Beach adjacent to pavillion washrooms

Launch Time: 10:30 a.m.

Beach Lunch

Due to an underwhelming response to this posting the tour is cancelled. See y'all out on the water soon!
-Carla

Mid May

Hi Tom. One can tell you are a "Niagara Boy". You know how sweltering the area can be. It's the humidity that can be oppressive. Mid May sounds about right although for my own benefit I would push it closer to the END of May. Let's try to work out details as the time approaches.

I am impressed with how quickly you previously got around the island. I know that the current fluctuates and that the first leg can be deadly slow and challenging. Hopefully the Great Lakes have already dealt with all of the spring melt by then!!!

BoB!!!

BoB!!! Say it isn't so! Kristine is gonna carve my eyes out! You have not painted the bathroom yet!!!!!!!! You KNOW she said you could not come out to play UNTIL you got your job list done!!!

CIRCUMNAVIGATION of GRAND ISLAND

I am looking for a team to paddle around Grand Island. I have never done it before but would really like to get it done.

I suggest we start early in the morning at the northern tip and get the hardest part of the tour under our belts first as we paddle against the current along the western shore. Once our kayaks start heading north we will have a long ride back with the assistance of the current.

I expect this trip to be an all-day affair so bring plenty to drink as well as lots of high caloric food.

Grand Island belongs to the U.S.A. Bring your passport or NEXUS card. I will contact a Customs office soon for clarification on landing procedures. I suspect that if we land for lunch or a leg stretch we will have to phone Customs and report in. I don't think we can call in advance but I will find out.

I prefer to get this tour done before the high heat and humidity, typical of the Niagara Region, settles in.

Please respond if interested and I will carve a date in stone. As always, the tour will be cancelled if the weather does not cooperate.

-Carla

Social Paddler Butterflies????

OMG!!! Dympna, NEVER STOP calling me a "social paddler butterfly"!!! It sooooo works for me!!!

Oh, and James, brilliantly said!

Paddle 'n Sushi

DATE: Saturday, March 19, 2011...WEATHER PERMITTING

PADDLE LOCATION: Navy Island, just south of the falls ...launch directly
across from Navy Island on the Niagara River
Parkway...Plenty of parking available at boat launch

LAUNCH TIME: 10:00 a.m.

SUSHI RESTAURANT: Sushi Jade, Lundy's Lane...all you can eat $13.00...
Lunch prices apply until 3:30 p.m.

Join me for just the paddle, just for lunch or for BOTH!

I am not a registered diner so eat at my table at your own risk.

Re: New Transport Canada Regs for Guided or club trips

I am firmly against it. A registered kayaker is NOT necessarily a safer kayaker. Registration does not make one certified in CPR, first aid, wilderness first aid or capable of addressing cervical spine injuries and the like. It does not make a paddler more able to perform rescues and it does not make a paddler more intuitive or armed with a heightened capacity for common sense. It does not make the tour leader more capable of dragging a lifeless body out of strong surf nor does it suppose that the tour leader is a skilled map and compass/GPS navigator or skilled predictor of weather changes. The truth is, registration is nothing more than a cash grab disguised as due diligence and safety. What's next? Registering the boots of Bruce Trail leaders or the bikes of bike tour leaders? Are they too going to have to carry a first aid kit with mandatory equipment inside? This is the beginning of a very slippery slope and I am extremely alarmed by it. I am in favor of the adherence to many of the protocols for safe kayaking as outlined in the Transport Canada web page. I am, however, most definitely not in favor of paying money to do what I should be doing anyway. You cannot legislate common sense or safety. If this is NOT about money then why is it that enforcing common sense always ends up costing Joe Public money? Why can the police or Coast Guard not sidle up to my boat and pay ME $50 if I DO have all of the safety and first aid equipment, a float plan and notes indicating I discussed fuel, hydration and signals on shore prior to departure? It would require the same personnel on the water, the same number of motor boats, etc. All they'd need is a hefty cheque book and an ability to give me a sound scolding if I fail to be adequately prepared (by their standards) to lead a tour. Common sense, and perhaps the ability to predict or prevent disaster, cannot be taught and therefore it cannot, and should not, be legislated via registration. That's my two cents worth.

As for Dorothy's comments, she makes some extremely relevant and important remarks that most definitely need to be given due consideration by Transport Canada, paddling clubs, outdoors clubs and even solo kayakers who assume the same responsibilites as tour leaders.

I'm In (exclamation mark, exclamation mark, exclamation mark)

Yup! I'll be there! I might actually KNOW a couple of polar bears this year so I really want to be there to support them. Might we puff a few breaths of air into our drysuits again this year and float around in solidarity and frivolity???
-Carla

TOUR CANCELLED

Due to the overwhelming popularity of this tour I have cancelled it. I'm going to paddle out to a different area this morning to see if I can find my resident eagle. Have a great day folks, whatever it is you are doing!!
-Carla

SATURDAY, DECEMBER 4, 2010

Anyone interested in a paddle up Black Creek off of the upper Niagara River; closest intersection: Netherby Road and Niagara River Parkway? There is a paved parking lot and boat ramp on the Niagara River very close to the mouth of Black Creek.

I can typically paddle as far as Stevensville before encountering fallen tree debris and water too shallow to navigate further. Round trip is approximately 5 hours.

There is nowhere for a group lunch because the shoreline is too mucky so pack a lunch and keep it within reach in or on your kayak.

The creek is reasonably sheltered and therefore navigable even on blustery days.

If the trip is a go we shall launch at 11:00 a.m. to give out of towners time to have a good breakfast, pack a lunch and make the drive in.

Consider this a winter paddle so make sure you have full immersion gear and a drybag with a change of clothes.

-CARLA

Answers to Dympna's Questions

Safety issues were not discussed regarding the details of the original paddle which was to explore the islands via the water. Our capacity to stay warm appeared to be a priority given the obvious windchill while preparing for our launch.

I did not have our team discuss issues like sufficient sleep the night before, aches or pains, fitness, nervousness, caloric preparation or hydration.

I did not have our team discuss signals in the event auditory signals failed.

I did not designate a sweep or a lead.

We did not discuss safety gear such as VHF radios, cell phones, tow ropes, blankets, a change of clothes or exchange cell phone numbers.

What we DID do was create a recipe for the very mishap that ensued.

Damn you all to hell...

My girlfriend just told me she is going to sell her Solstace GTS in favour of a paddle board/yoga!!!! And ANOTHER partner bites the dust!!!

Hmmm, difficult decision has been made...

Truth? I only log on to see Ralph's picture! It's soooo RALPH!!!

Alan, I am going to have to be a party pooper. My almost 3-hour drive from Niagara Falls is a bit much for me. I wish you blue skies, light winds and the most ruthless birthday barbs your birthday revellers can deliver!!!

Have a super day, dude!
Love,
Carla

NIAGARA RIVER COAST GUARD RESCUE

I was recently rescued by the Coast Guard on the upper Niagara River. Briefly, the scenario is as follows:

I was the tour organizer. We were a group of 7. The day was chilly with offshore winds approximately 15-20 km/hr when we set off. An offer of a local creek paddle to avoid the winds was rejected for the adherence of our original plan...Strawberry Island, Motor Island and Grand Island, in that order. After completing Grand Island we loosely rafted up to discuss our strategy for crossing the washing machine of a river to get back into Canada. Our stategy? "Let's stay close together." That lasted about 30 seconds after which we basically fell apart into distantly spread pairs. About 10% of the way across I found I was incapable of making forward progress while my partner toiled on. My attempt to hail him failed...wind in the ears can do that. I noticed that the wind was quickly carrying me past Strawberry Island and south towards the international rail crossing so I decided to abandon my team and provide for my own personal safety. I turned my kayak around and headed for the safest spot to land on Strawberry. Once secure I called 911 and established contact with the Coast Guard. I remained on a high rock platform where I could keep an eye on the rest the kayakers. If there were other's needing help I would have directed to the Coast Guard accordingly. Once my guys were safely back to Canada I hunkered down behind the rocks out of the cold wind and waited for further instruction from the Coast Guard. The rescue that ensued was bizarre and I will save the details for out future kayak outings.

I want to use my scenario as a discussion and learning tool. As it turns out, inspite of our best (or worst) laid plans, shit does happen. Let the discussion and learning begin.

TRIP CANCELLED

Heads up! The Algonquin trip has been cancelled.
-Carla

Oh, WELL SAID, Lise...exclamation mark and excessive hyperbole

Hi Alan. I too think the drive is a bit much for a day paddle. If there is a location closer I would definitely stay tuned to see what you have in mind.
-Carla

Looks Like It's a GO

The latest weather forecast is looking very good, albeit a bit cool, so for all intents and purpose the tour is a GO!!! Yup, the "3-hour tour" is a GO!!! Boo hoo ha haaaaaaa...hands rubbing together menacingly!!!

Will Post Updates

I will post updates as they become available such as ETA at the park and how to find me.
-Carla

Reservations

Yup, just as I suspected, Mew Lake has stopped taking reservations for the season. They have returned to "first come, first serve" with payments made at the little kiosk at Mew Lake. The park should be pretty empty in November so acquiring a site won't be a problem. What I cannot tell you, however, is what site we will be on so if you want to hook up with us get in touch and we shall look out for you upon your arrival.
-Carla

Directions, such as they are...

The boat launch is just north of the international railroad bridge in Fort Erie that spans the Niagara River. If you are heading south on the Niagara Parkway, cross over Frenchman's Creek. The parking area is just past the creek. If you go under the railroad bridge you have gone too far.

ALGONQUIN PADDLE and HIKE

Bob Casement and I are camping at Mew Lake in Algonquin Park from November 9-12. We intend to paddle (Opeongo?) and hike (Track and Tower?) while we are there. This trip will appeal to photography buffs as Bob is bringing his camera equipment. I intend to book a tent site today. If you are interested get back to me and I will provide an arrival time and tent site number. Any takers???
-Carla

Launch Site

Hi Tom. Thanks for the laugh!!! Ya gotta know the folks from Fort Erie to understand the joke! One trip into their Wal-Mart and it's like stepping into the Roseanne Barr show! A different world, isn't it????

As for the launch site, there is a boat ramp/small parking lot along the river just south of Strawberry Island. I will check out my map and get back to you with more specific directions.

-Carla

American Soil

Well, Alan, there is this entity called Customs and Immigration that you have to go through if you intend to land anywhere on American soil. As it is, merely paddling the shoreline of Grand Island can see you pepper sprayed with bullets as the helicopter coast guard sweeps by close enough to tussle your hair. All in all I call it an adrenaline-packed adventure...the graphic details of which I left out in my initial tour description, my preference being to leave some mystery and drama for your own personal discovery.

Strawberry and Motor Island Day-Paddle

www.niagarafrontier.com/cataract.html

Hey folks! If you are looking for something to do and the weather cooperates, how about joining me for a paddle around Strawberry and Motor Islands located just south Grand Island in the upper Niagara River on SATURDAY, OCTOBER 30. Launch time 10:30 a.m. Neither island take very much time to circumnavigate so from there we can explore either Beaver Island State Park (from the water) on the southwest side of Grand Island or we can paddle north on the east side of Grand.

There is an interesting history surrounding these islands. The remnants of their history are barely visible today. What you will find are white herons, blue herons, night herons, mallards, terns, gulls and of course, the very invasive and destructive cormorant.

Because the water is very shallow between the islands (one could probably WALK between them if the muck does not suck you down), the area is very popular for fishermen seeking muskie, pike and bass.

Anyway, I digress. If you have not been to this area before you might want to consider it. Strawberry Island is disappearing quite quickly in spite of efforts to preserve it. In the few years I have been visiting it I have noticed SEVERE erosion. My cynical side thinks it IS the efforts to preserve it that have sped up the erosion! (YES! Carla has a cynical side!!! Who knew??? smirk!)

Fingers are crossed for good weather. We can pub it after the paddle if there is interest so don't worry about packing a lunch. Maybe just bring energy bars.

-Carla
p.s. We have access to parking and a boat ramp at the launch site.

Thank you for a phenomenal day on and off the water

And the word of the day was......wait for it......SANDBAG!!!

The Stars Have Aligned

Hi Dorothy. My partner and I will be joining you. It looks like the weather god(dess) is cooperating!! Yippeee! See you tomorrow. By the way, I'm most agreeable to hit the Angel Inn afterwards. Always room for a good brew after a day on the water.
-Carla

Yup, this girl's gonna be there

Count me in! I just picked up Dympna's carbon fibre Necky yesterday and I am anxious to give it a test paddle. It's a gorgeous day and spending a portion of it on the water sounds like a great plan to me. See y'all soon.
-Carla

Count Me In

I'm in!
See y'all on Monday!
-Carla
p.s. Prepare to pay for parking.

Friday evening weather check

I am sorry but I am going to have to make an executive decision and cancel the Women's Paddle and reschedule it when T-storms are not in the equation. I am not worried about rain as much as gusts of wind and lightning. I am particularly concerned because I have not met most of you and therefore I have no idea what your skill levels are or what equipment you are bringing with you. The combination of beginner paddlers and bad weather is not cool. So, stay tuned for another attempt at getting this gig together.

Thank you to all of those who shared my enthusiasm. You rock! I look forward to meeting all of you.

-Carla

Women's Paddle UPDATE

Hi ladies. I am keeping a close eye on the weather. T-storms are forecast for both Saturday and Sunday. I have not cancelled the tour yet but please do check in on this web page for direction.
-Carla

M.I.A.

Yeah, I missed the fireworks paddle and I apologize for not getting a communication out in time.

I am not down for the count and I do look forward to future outings. I hope some of you took some great photos you can send to me at crienzo@sympatico.ca

Cheers!
Carla

Question for James

Is that a cell phone in your pocket?
-Carla

Belfast 'n Beer

Hi Dympna! Too late to ask you to bring me some Irish Stout or whisky???

Hope to see ya at the paddle. I wanna talk Adirondacks with you!

Later, girrrl!
-Carla

FROCKS and FRIENDS

David, don't forget your flowery, frilly frock!

Dorothy, it looks like I will soon have a face to go with the name! Must be "The Dympna Connection", forever known as "TDC". Everyone knows Dympna and sooner or later, everyone who knows her knows one another! Small world indeed. Fun.

-Carla

Sounds like a BLAST

Thanks for the posting. Sounds good to me. Do you wanna nail a launch time?
-Carla