tuna!I arrived at the Rotorura airport with a reasonable walk a head of me to my friend Ollie and Quinton's house. Bottom line I was very excited to be back at the Tuna. Over the Next few days I got in several laps a day, really dialing in my lines. Then the rain came. Well the long and short of it was that I was a bit off my line on the waterfall. I ended up behind the curtain and swam, the next day I headed out and my skirt brook, the rand at the front had fallen off. some afternoon sewing ensued and the next day, two days after the swim, REDEMPTION!!!!! nailed it. The next week was spent running laps on laps of open gates kaituna, so much fun. I am no in an airport heading back to Nepal, Stoked to be heading back, but already missing the kaituna.
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Warwick and fraser's most EXCELLENT adventureRight so first of all I decided to leave my camera on the grass (luckily it was returned to me) so I could not take any photos of a very beautiful trip. Would I do the trip again? Definitely! Next time I would love to hike in for 2 days and start at the source lake, this would add another day or two of paddling. Also a wee bit extra water would be nice. Mauria FallsThe last time I was in the south island I was not able to paddle Mauria Falls, unfortunately the fates did not line up. This time however I was super keen on paddling it. After to botched lines (one skirt implosion) I started having nice lines. Karamea riverBlack Robins everywhere, wind rustling through the beach trees and the sound of the river close by. We had just flown 20 minutes into Karhurungi National park, two days paddle out down the Karamea River. First things first; breakfast, deliriously created by Warwick and served with a smile on the front deck. As we ate we soaked up the sun, chatting about the day ahead. After a slow start (lots of photos) we left at the crack of 11 from Venus Hut. Most of the next few hours consisted of very shallow rapids, however very scenic. Warwick was feeling rather under the weather (his health would slowly decrease throughout the trip) so we stopped at convenient hut to soak in more rays. 20 minutes later we paddling down, it would be another two hours till lunch. Through this section we saw the hills rise up and it was a very scenic float. Lunch was eaten at Karamea bend hut, and consisted of Salome, cheese and smoked salmon sandwiches, plus salad and lots of cookies. So I did not become sick it was decided that I would handle the food from now on and Warwick could rest. After lunch we encountered two G4 rapids the first we ran the second we walked due to time and the fact that I had no interest in scraping over rocks (rental boat) or going through trees. We paddled the next few kilometers marveling at the outstanding Scenery. We pulled up at Roaring Lion River, to start the treasure hunt for Roaring Lion hut. For the next hour he hunted throughout the surrounding bush. We found it, and boy what a view. Beers were cracked and a resoto was started, then eaten. As the sun dipped and it grew dark we hit the hay excited for another great day. So we had initially said we where going to get an early start, but due to Warwick's deterring health we were off by 11. Paddling through clear water with a perfect reflection of the surrounding hills and sandflys. Roaring Lion took about an hour to complete; an 800 meter long grade 4+, an excellent wake up. The rest of the day was pack full of great bolder gardens and lots of fun moves Lunch was had near Ugly creek (it was not ugly) same lunch as before, but we demolished the cookies. Warwick fished, wile I napped. The highlight of lunch was throwing chicken into the water and watch the eels devour it. Once again it was getting late so we headed out. Ugly Rapids was the last major rapid of the river, unfortunately Warwick took a bad line, and ended up in a hole on some rocks. Due to his deteriorating health he decided to exit from his boat. Clean up was easy. And after it was a short float to the takeout. Such an amazing couple of days, on an amazing river. I can see why the guide book calls it one of the best multiday kayak trips in New Zealand. I am now heading to Rotorura to meet up with Ollie and Quinton to paddle in that neck of the woods. a rainy trip down the Upper Ohinepango, |
TaxisWe will start with the easiest and work our way to the more challenging. When traveling in developing countries assume that you are going to pay extra for your kayak, that way if you don’t it will be a pleasant surprise. Many times they will give you a very unreasonable price, this is normal. Many times walking away or saying no will get them to lower their price. If you know the approximate cost of the cab ride to the location you are going to, this is very helpful. Remember always agree upon the price before you start loading the car, and make sure all of your stuff is out of the car before paying the taxi driver. If the cab driver, or shuttle driver is unsure of how to put the boats on the car, and is hesitant about giving you a ride, smile a lot and help the cab driver with the boats. Pickup trucks are easy; just remember not to smash the back window. The safest way is two people per kayak when lifting in and out of the trunk. |
Buses
Many times you have to go long distances in between locations; this is when buses come in handy. As with taxis and shuttle vans, many times bus drivers will try and rip you off. They may also not be aware that kayaks can fit inside the bottom. Smile often and show them that they fit, you can fit up to four (maybe 5) creekboats in a large bus storage area.
Paying
In Canada and the United States Greyhound will charge an arm and a leg for shipping your kayak.
But they will ship, it and it dose fit, simply don’t take no as an answer. It may help if your kayak is wrapped in a bag (see further down for instructions). In developing countries the rules change person to person but. If you have purchased your ticket and the driver wants more money it is going into his pocket so, you have several options. Option 1 'play the dumb gringo': act as if you do not understand what he is saying show him your wallet or pocket that is empty. If in a Spanish speaking country say words like: lo Siento (pronounce 'lo si endo' when speaking gringo) and 'no intendo por favor' (pronounce each syllable). A big smile always helps your case. Usually the driver will understand that you don’t have any money and move on. Option 2 'haggle': at some point you will pay for your boat, here are a few things to remember. Never pay more than the price for your ticket, even half is a lot. Lastly if you know you are getting seriously ripped off don’t be afraid to cause a seen or talk to the police. The police are usually on your side because you are a tourist
Paying
In Canada and the United States Greyhound will charge an arm and a leg for shipping your kayak.
But they will ship, it and it dose fit, simply don’t take no as an answer. It may help if your kayak is wrapped in a bag (see further down for instructions). In developing countries the rules change person to person but. If you have purchased your ticket and the driver wants more money it is going into his pocket so, you have several options. Option 1 'play the dumb gringo': act as if you do not understand what he is saying show him your wallet or pocket that is empty. If in a Spanish speaking country say words like: lo Siento (pronounce 'lo si endo' when speaking gringo) and 'no intendo por favor' (pronounce each syllable). A big smile always helps your case. Usually the driver will understand that you don’t have any money and move on. Option 2 'haggle': at some point you will pay for your boat, here are a few things to remember. Never pay more than the price for your ticket, even half is a lot. Lastly if you know you are getting seriously ripped off don’t be afraid to cause a seen or talk to the police. The police are usually on your side because you are a tourist
Airplanes
Now for the tricky bit, at some point in my life I would love to show up in a country without massive bags and paddles. I think it would be a lot of fun to just have a small knapsack. But then I wouldn’t be kayaking, and where is the fun in that. At this point there are no North American airlines (to my knowledge) that carry kayaks. So you will have to lie and say whatever possible to get your boat on the plane. Don’t fret everything is going to be ok, it is usually then you think. The most important thing is not to mention that your 'kayak' is a 'kayak', say it is windsurfing equipment or a wave ski. Second have all of your information handy, which is: the rules for your 'wave ski', 'windsurfer' ext, your passport and your credit card.
It usually goes something like this:
Attendant: My God what is that thing?
Me: It is a wave ski, here are the rules and regulations
Attendant: OK, I am afraid it will cost extra
Me: No problem here is my credit card and passport
Bing, Bang, Boom, easy...
Remember if you have any problems (while staying polite) say whatever you have to, to get it on the plane. Say that you have put it in helicopters, a Cessna or Beaver, whatever. It may be a bit awkward but it will fit. Say that you were in (name of country) and brought it there and it was not a problem.
But most importantly remember that you like kayaking, and that it is so much fun.
It usually goes something like this:
Attendant: My God what is that thing?
Me: It is a wave ski, here are the rules and regulations
Attendant: OK, I am afraid it will cost extra
Me: No problem here is my credit card and passport
Bing, Bang, Boom, easy...
Remember if you have any problems (while staying polite) say whatever you have to, to get it on the plane. Say that you have put it in helicopters, a Cessna or Beaver, whatever. It may be a bit awkward but it will fit. Say that you were in (name of country) and brought it there and it was not a problem.
But most importantly remember that you like kayaking, and that it is so much fun.
How to build your own kayak bag
Step by step instruction on how to build a kayak (wave ski) bag. It can be as simple as wrapping a sheet around your kayak, or a little more professional looking like what I am going to show you.
Materials
Kayak
Material- moving blanket, sheet, regular blanket ext.
scissors (sharp enough to cleanly cut the material you are using)
Needles or a sewing machine
-one big fatty needle
-lots of extra needles
-an awl
Pins (or extra needles)
gloves or thimble
thick thread (I used cotton string)
measuring tape
large clear work space (I used my living room)
Material- moving blanket, sheet, regular blanket ext.
scissors (sharp enough to cleanly cut the material you are using)
Needles or a sewing machine
-one big fatty needle
-lots of extra needles
-an awl
Pins (or extra needles)
gloves or thimble
thick thread (I used cotton string)
measuring tape
large clear work space (I used my living room)
Method
1) Start by measuring your kayak, take the length and circumference of you boat
2) Add at least 2 to 3 feet of wiggle room on you length and width. I had a peace of matterial that was 10 feet long and 8 feet wide. for a boat that was 8 feet long and 6 feet in circumference at the cockpit.
3) Purchase your material- I used two moving blankets sown together in order to give me the right dimensions. I chose moving blankets because they are durable, big and cheep. As an added bonus they were insulated so I could have used my 'Wave ski' bag as a sleeping bag. However, you can use any material you want -blankets, and sheets are commonly used.
4) Lye your kayak downs on the material, fold the material around the kayak to create a tube (figure 1). Make sure you have at least an inch to 2 inches minimum of overlap, so your seam will be as strong as possible. Pin in place.
2) Add at least 2 to 3 feet of wiggle room on you length and width. I had a peace of matterial that was 10 feet long and 8 feet wide. for a boat that was 8 feet long and 6 feet in circumference at the cockpit.
3) Purchase your material- I used two moving blankets sown together in order to give me the right dimensions. I chose moving blankets because they are durable, big and cheep. As an added bonus they were insulated so I could have used my 'Wave ski' bag as a sleeping bag. However, you can use any material you want -blankets, and sheets are commonly used.
4) Lye your kayak downs on the material, fold the material around the kayak to create a tube (figure 1). Make sure you have at least an inch to 2 inches minimum of overlap, so your seam will be as strong as possible. Pin in place.
5) Sew both sides together. I used a double stich and doubled line for extra strength.
6) Stitch one end shut (figure 2)
7) Place kayak in bag. It should be tight and very form fitting
8) Pin darts in to the end of the kayak bag, removing the excess material at the end of the bag. To do this, fold the material under itself. Pin in place (figure 3 and figure 4)
9) Repeat on both sides of the 'wave ski' bag (figure 5)
6) Stitch one end shut (figure 2)
7) Place kayak in bag. It should be tight and very form fitting
8) Pin darts in to the end of the kayak bag, removing the excess material at the end of the bag. To do this, fold the material under itself. Pin in place (figure 3 and figure 4)
9) Repeat on both sides of the 'wave ski' bag (figure 5)
10) Measure and remove any excess material, making sure you leave a foot of material after the length of your boat. Example, 8 foot kayak 9 foot bag
11) Fold a 6 inch collar around the open end of the kayak. Pin in place (figure 6)
12) Insert a string (rope, shoe lace ext.) inside the collar. This will become the draw string to close the bag.
13) Add two holes on the inside of the bag for your draw strings to come out. Reinforce these holes with stitching (figure 7)
14) Tie her up pack your bags and board the next flight to a kayak destination of your choosing (figure 8)
11) Fold a 6 inch collar around the open end of the kayak. Pin in place (figure 6)
12) Insert a string (rope, shoe lace ext.) inside the collar. This will become the draw string to close the bag.
13) Add two holes on the inside of the bag for your draw strings to come out. Reinforce these holes with stitching (figure 7)
14) Tie her up pack your bags and board the next flight to a kayak destination of your choosing (figure 8)
the last few months in short
So In true fashion I have neglected to write any sort of blog post. I will summarise the events since my last post.
They are as follows:
-Kayaking in the south island, including a helicopter trip on the Perth River
-Kayaking in Nepal, Including raft supported descents of: The Karnali, Marshyangdi, and Kali Gandaki
-Tree planting
-Worked at Camp Wanapitie; maintenance and canoe instructing during July and leading a 20 day trip in August
-Completed the last required course for completing the Outdoor Adventure Program at Algonquin College.
As I write this I am gearing up for my next adventure, a 21 day raft supported trip down the Grand Canyon of the Colorado. I then fly to Ecuador to kayak and sites see for two months. I hope to be more diligent and deliver a detailed trip report from the Grand Canyon trip.
Until next time,
Fraser
They are as follows:
-Kayaking in the south island, including a helicopter trip on the Perth River
-Kayaking in Nepal, Including raft supported descents of: The Karnali, Marshyangdi, and Kali Gandaki
-Tree planting
-Worked at Camp Wanapitie; maintenance and canoe instructing during July and leading a 20 day trip in August
-Completed the last required course for completing the Outdoor Adventure Program at Algonquin College.
As I write this I am gearing up for my next adventure, a 21 day raft supported trip down the Grand Canyon of the Colorado. I then fly to Ecuador to kayak and sites see for two months. I hope to be more diligent and deliver a detailed trip report from the Grand Canyon trip.
Until next time,
Fraser
Merry chrismaqunzahanukkah
Well it has been a wile since my last post; be that as it may I will try and cover everything and include as many pictures as possible.
last you heard from me I was gearing up for the on slot of school children (age 14,15). As part of their education many New Zealand schools require them to go on camps. These camps range from surfing and tramping (hiking) to canoeing down the Whanganui River. Introduce Fraser, the river guide who not only teaches the kids (and teachers and parents) how to canoe but also guides them through, sometimes, a life changing experience. For many of these kids it is there first time away from computers and cell phones. This can be tough at first, however many kids soon overcome this challenge (among others) and really grow over the course of 3-5 days.
last you heard from me I was gearing up for the on slot of school children (age 14,15). As part of their education many New Zealand schools require them to go on camps. These camps range from surfing and tramping (hiking) to canoeing down the Whanganui River. Introduce Fraser, the river guide who not only teaches the kids (and teachers and parents) how to canoe but also guides them through, sometimes, a life changing experience. For many of these kids it is there first time away from computers and cell phones. This can be tough at first, however many kids soon overcome this challenge (among others) and really grow over the course of 3-5 days.
After the initial culture shock most of the kids loose there “school personalities” and become who they really are. In many cases new friends are made because social barriers that would otherwise prevent kids from hanging out are broken, and good friendships are made. It’s too bad that the camps are at the end of the year because it is unlikely that the kids will maintain contact with their new friends over the summer. Then again hopefully I am wrong.
At the end of each of the trips it was clear that the kids had gone through a very special experience, even the most hardened city dweller felt a little bit in awe at the experience he, or she had gone through. Several times at the end of the trip the students preformed a Haka (Maori war dance). These War dances are used to intimidate their opponents and very powerful to watch.
At the end of each of the trips it was clear that the kids had gone through a very special experience, even the most hardened city dweller felt a little bit in awe at the experience he, or she had gone through. Several times at the end of the trip the students preformed a Haka (Maori war dance). These War dances are used to intimidate their opponents and very powerful to watch.
Fun on the river
As a guides we often get caught in the regurgitate information eddy, and we forget that we are in fact human and although the clients have paid for a guide they often want a human as well. It can be a lot of fun (with the right guests) to be a little bit silly, do hand stands (in the canoe?), crack jokes, create food that not only tastes good but looks good (and if the clients want to help cook dinner, go for it).
Merry Christmas
On the 24th of December Eric Besselman and I hoped in the car and headed to the Kaituna River. After a late get away we arrived at the river a bit late, but there was still time for a couple of laps before heading to bed. Christmas morning, we got up really early, ate a light breakfast for granola and fruit and hit the river with over 60 other people. After a couple more laps a siesta was needed and more food was eaten. Then it was off to the beach were much swimming and body surfing was had. We then toured around the bay of plenty looking for a camp ground, it was found perhaps a bit late (9ish). For dinner we enjoyed lamb, bubbly and a fruit salad.
The next morning we woke to a blue bird sky and the sound of a tour bus departing…glorious. After pancakes, whip cream and REAL MAPLE SYRUP. We left at the crack of noon to enjoy a leisurely drive back to Ohakune, not before a stop at Taupo for their famous kebabs (shawarma).
The next morning we woke to a blue bird sky and the sound of a tour bus departing…glorious. After pancakes, whip cream and REAL MAPLE SYRUP. We left at the crack of noon to enjoy a leisurely drive back to Ohakune, not before a stop at Taupo for their famous kebabs (shawarma).
Tongariro crossing
On January 19th I hoped into the car of some guest from my previous trip and headed toward national park to hike the Tongariro crossing. The Tongariro Crossing starts beside the Mangatepopo stream, and winds its way up the valley towards mount Tongariro. There you begin the devils stair case, this stair winds its way up the side of Tongariro and up beside the base of Ngauruahoe. From the top of the stair the temperature gets noticeably cooler, and significantly windier.
from there I hiked across the Red Crater and on towards the summit. After a watch check I decided that going towards the the other car park would not be desirable, so I headed back down the mountain to the car park.
I was quickly picked up by a couple from Madrid who kindly dropped my off at the highway, saving me from a 7 km walk out. from the highway it was easy thumbing back towards Ohakune.
I was quickly picked up by a couple from Madrid who kindly dropped my off at the highway, saving me from a 7 km walk out. from the highway it was easy thumbing back towards Ohakune.
Well That was a wordy one, I have some time off now so I am excited to finally explore the surrounding area. Until next time...
Fraser
Fraser
On November 2nd I Ieft the home country and flew 30 hrs and 15 min to Kiwi-a-gogo land. The adventure started quite quickly whilst waiting for a delayed United Flight. For those that have not flown with United I suggest taking a pass on this airline, myself and the rest of the cargo (passengers?) where squeezed into a small plane for the 1.5 hour flight to Washington D.C. Since we were late the rest of the cattle and I had to run to the next Terminal to catch the next flight to Los Angeles. The plot thickened as we sat on the plane for another hour and half to technical difficulties. At this point myself and the rest of the cattle, that where headed down under realized we would be missing our connecting flight. Upon arriving at LAX with 20min to spare and with my flight four terminals over (reached by bus) I knew I was not going to make the flight. When I arrived at the QANTAS desk, they were very understanding and re-booked my flight. If you ever fly over seas I highly recommend QANTAS, the food was delicious, the leg room copious, and the movie selection substantial. After dinner I settled in for the relaxing 14hr flight to Sydney. Arriving in Sydney it was an 8hr layover till my next flight, so caught up on some much needed sleep. After another 4.5 hour flight, I arrived in Wellington on November 4th effectively skipping Monday, and short my luggage. But who cares no one likes Monday anyway. For the next 2 days I stayed at the Rosemere Backpackers hostel, a lovely old building in the heart of windy Wellington.
After a 2 day wait I headed out bright and early for the 4hr bus to Ohakune. Along the way I had my eyes glued to the window at the beautiful, yet rainy scenery shooting past me. In Ohakune I was picked up by Phil and Niam and driven to the Canoe Safaris Base. There I met Simon the owner, Grant, and Laura both head guides. After a short meet and great I moved into my temporary living accommodation. But it was only a short rest because the next day would be my first river trip...
The Whanganui river
The Whanganui (pronounced Fonganui) is very important to the Maui. It was created when the mountain Taranaki left his brothers in the central North Island and travelled to the sea. His traveling caused a massive rift to open and water to fill that rift, thus the Whanganui River was born. The River was first explored by Tomatea, who travelled up the river and on into the central plateau
My first trip was a gas! It was hot and sunny most of the time, and the river stayed flowing fast. The rapids are numerous but easy class 1. The scenery however is 5 stars. Right off the bat on our 3 day trip the river drops into the famous Whanganui River Gorge with high walls and steep sides reaching several hundred meters above the river floor. There are plenty of birds: Kiwi, Tui, KuKoo, King Fisher and hawks to name a few. As well as a variety of fish: Rainbow, and Brown trout and eels.
The Whanganui river has a few very important cultural sites. These sites often are to do with the river boats that used to take the wealthy and affluent on cruses. They also have to do with the old (and new farms) along the river. One of the more famous sites along the river is the Bridge to Nowhere. The Bridge to Nowhere was initially created to service the then growing farming community in the Mangapurua valley. However when the bridge was finally built in the mid-1930s no one was living in the Valley as the government had decided it was too costly to deliver goods up the river. The bridge sat in disrepair until the 80s when tourism in the area started up. The Bridge is now a center peace for summer tourism in the area.
Rangitikei River
The Rangitikei River or for you Lord of the Rings fans, the Anduin is probably in my top 5 ever canoed rivers. The River is at the bottom of a very deep canyon sometimes reaching as high as 500m and gets as low as 150m. The River has several sections ranging from class 4 to class 2.
Since it was a staff river trip we would be covering what we would normally do in 2 days in 1. The idea was that we should get to know the river as we had a trip on it in a few days’ time. The three of us; Grant, Eric and myself (1 canoe and 1 kayak) where dropped off at our put in by Simon, and immediately you sense another world-ness about the place.
As we dropped in to the Gorge it quickly became apparent that this section was way more fun to paddle in a canoe then a kayak. With hard eddy lines and tight rapids it was the most fun I had had paddling white water, in a canoe in a long time. In the kayak it was a little on the easy side, however the amazing scenery made up for that. We had a good 2 hours of sun until it passed on to the other side of the gorge, as the sun departed it brought rain but that didn’t dampen our spirits. Along the way we explored several ravines, where we saw blue ducks (a very rare bird in new Zealand), and water falls.
As we dropped in to the Gorge it quickly became apparent that this section was way more fun to paddle in a canoe then a kayak. With hard eddy lines and tight rapids it was the most fun I had had paddling white water, in a canoe in a long time. In the kayak it was a little on the easy side, however the amazing scenery made up for that. We had a good 2 hours of sun until it passed on to the other side of the gorge, as the sun departed it brought rain but that didn’t dampen our spirits. Along the way we explored several ravines, where we saw blue ducks (a very rare bird in new Zealand), and water falls.
Further down the river we stopped at the White Cliff Rocks. These rocks grew out of the Ground at a rate of 1 meter every thousand years. They are the largest collection of mud rocks in New Zealand and the second largest in the world.
Well I have a trip leaving soon so I had better go and pack my things, so long for now, and until next time.... | |
Well I have finally done it, I have stuck my thumb out and climbed abord the blog wagon.
For the last year I have slowly watched my friends succumb and start blogs for a verity of reasons. For my me, this blog serves as a way for family and friends to catch up on my adventures.
So buckle your seat belt, and tune in to the adventure...
For those that have not been in my immediate loop I will run through a quick recap of the last few months starting in the spring. Last spring I finished second year ODA, moved out of my Mackay St. house and began the emotional prep for planting (I had been training physically all year). However, before I left to stick dimes into the ground, and with the ice quickly melting I had to go paddling. As the ODA end of year party wound to a close myself, Tony A and Nick S. began the drive from Pembroke to Marmara ON. for MACK fest. In Marmara we stopped at a McDonald's and by chance met up with several friends, Jesse and Brittany and JayDay. Our convoy lengthened as we headed to the put in of the salmon. The Salmon is an easy classic highway 7 run, with several great C2+ rapids the day was sunny and we stopped frequently to play with Brittany's paddle board and to accommodate a first time paddler. At the take out, beers where enjoyed and we relaxed chatting with people at the takeout. We then made the hour long drive back to Marmara, not with out a stop at the LCBO, witch was closed. The next day arrived bright and early at the crack of noon, when we finally got to the crow. The water was way to high to run the upper dam section, but we put in to enjoy the great C3+ water bellow. The run is short enough to do multiple laps on, however, every time I have run this river it always takes the rest of the day. I was having back problems, after a poor nights sleep in the back of Nick's truck so I decided to take it easy and not play on the way down. After take out beers, at the takeout and helping a couple of prospectors clean up there beach we parted ways, Nick Tony and I would be heading back to Marmara to paddle the beaver the next day, the others would be heading back to Pembroke.
The next morning we headed out bright and early to enjoy the blue bird day and kayaking. The Beaver is an amazing C3+ river with lots of long beautiful canyon sections. mid way through the day Tony and I began to feel the effects of not drinking any water on a hot day. so with a short rest in the shade and the rest of Nicks water we recuperated. The end of the run arrived as always it was to soon,. there we parted ways, Tony and I heading back to Pembroke and Nick heading to Toronto. After MACK fest I packed up the rest of my things and headed back to Ottawa, not before enjoy prime Big Smoothly on the Ottawa river. Arriving in Ottawa I spent the next week waiting for plant to start, and surfing at baits island with Rory M.
So You want to go Tree plant eh?
For the last year I have slowly watched my friends succumb and start blogs for a verity of reasons. For my me, this blog serves as a way for family and friends to catch up on my adventures.
So buckle your seat belt, and tune in to the adventure...
For those that have not been in my immediate loop I will run through a quick recap of the last few months starting in the spring. Last spring I finished second year ODA, moved out of my Mackay St. house and began the emotional prep for planting (I had been training physically all year). However, before I left to stick dimes into the ground, and with the ice quickly melting I had to go paddling. As the ODA end of year party wound to a close myself, Tony A and Nick S. began the drive from Pembroke to Marmara ON. for MACK fest. In Marmara we stopped at a McDonald's and by chance met up with several friends, Jesse and Brittany and JayDay. Our convoy lengthened as we headed to the put in of the salmon. The Salmon is an easy classic highway 7 run, with several great C2+ rapids the day was sunny and we stopped frequently to play with Brittany's paddle board and to accommodate a first time paddler. At the take out, beers where enjoyed and we relaxed chatting with people at the takeout. We then made the hour long drive back to Marmara, not with out a stop at the LCBO, witch was closed. The next day arrived bright and early at the crack of noon, when we finally got to the crow. The water was way to high to run the upper dam section, but we put in to enjoy the great C3+ water bellow. The run is short enough to do multiple laps on, however, every time I have run this river it always takes the rest of the day. I was having back problems, after a poor nights sleep in the back of Nick's truck so I decided to take it easy and not play on the way down. After take out beers, at the takeout and helping a couple of prospectors clean up there beach we parted ways, Nick Tony and I would be heading back to Marmara to paddle the beaver the next day, the others would be heading back to Pembroke.
The next morning we headed out bright and early to enjoy the blue bird day and kayaking. The Beaver is an amazing C3+ river with lots of long beautiful canyon sections. mid way through the day Tony and I began to feel the effects of not drinking any water on a hot day. so with a short rest in the shade and the rest of Nicks water we recuperated. The end of the run arrived as always it was to soon,. there we parted ways, Tony and I heading back to Pembroke and Nick heading to Toronto. After MACK fest I packed up the rest of my things and headed back to Ottawa, not before enjoy prime Big Smoothly on the Ottawa river. Arriving in Ottawa I spent the next week waiting for plant to start, and surfing at baits island with Rory M.
So You want to go Tree plant eh?
I will attempt to keep this quick as there is not much to bending over two thousand times or more a day for dimes, however here is a quick snap shot. The ride up was considerably less uneventful in comparison to last year, I was however super stoke to meet up with Chris M at the buss terminal, I had not seen Chris in several years and I was excited to here his stories. We bused the 16 hours to Hearst On. Along the way we stopped in Timmins to pick up Harris F, another man I was very excited to see. The bus arrived in Hearst at 2 AM so we spent the night in the new company bus!
The next day we met some more planters, then drove to our camp and began to set up what would be or home for the next 4 weeks. As I said before I will keep it short, so here are the highs and lows of the season.
Highs: New PB!, convinced my brother and several of my friends to plant with me (there all rock stars). Lows: None its planting why would there be anything bad about it.
Camp life
I left early from plant this year, so I did not complete the contract. From plant I got on the 4 AM bus south after a sleepless night and much stress. Thanks Brian L and Harris for seeing my off. From Hearst it was a long and painful ride to Temagami On. Were my brother and I were getting picked up by the Millers, who would then drive us into camp. Arriving back to Camp was such an amazing feeling (those that have waked the Jackpine Trail and have emerged on to the Camp grounds). Those that haven't that's OK. Seeing people, some of whom I had not seen in almost a year or more was a very exciting and emotional time. After a much needed shave and trim I went to meet the rest of the gang at Camp. Over the next two weeks I learned lots of new things at precamp, However it would another 10 days of paddling before I got actual campers. Arriving back in the city, during a heat wave was a very unpleasant experience. So I pack up my paddling gear and hoped back on a bus headed for the valley. There I was picked up by Tony A, and so ensued a week of paddling on the Ottawa river. At the end of the week I Traded personal boating for teaching, and headed to MKC for a great weekend of teaching kayaking. From there it was back on a bus and back to the city for the three days. Then My brother and I were busing back up to camp.
The next day we met some more planters, then drove to our camp and began to set up what would be or home for the next 4 weeks. As I said before I will keep it short, so here are the highs and lows of the season.
Highs: New PB!, convinced my brother and several of my friends to plant with me (there all rock stars). Lows: None its planting why would there be anything bad about it.
Camp life
I left early from plant this year, so I did not complete the contract. From plant I got on the 4 AM bus south after a sleepless night and much stress. Thanks Brian L and Harris for seeing my off. From Hearst it was a long and painful ride to Temagami On. Were my brother and I were getting picked up by the Millers, who would then drive us into camp. Arriving back to Camp was such an amazing feeling (those that have waked the Jackpine Trail and have emerged on to the Camp grounds). Those that haven't that's OK. Seeing people, some of whom I had not seen in almost a year or more was a very exciting and emotional time. After a much needed shave and trim I went to meet the rest of the gang at Camp. Over the next two weeks I learned lots of new things at precamp, However it would another 10 days of paddling before I got actual campers. Arriving back in the city, during a heat wave was a very unpleasant experience. So I pack up my paddling gear and hoped back on a bus headed for the valley. There I was picked up by Tony A, and so ensued a week of paddling on the Ottawa river. At the end of the week I Traded personal boating for teaching, and headed to MKC for a great weekend of teaching kayaking. From there it was back on a bus and back to the city for the three days. Then My brother and I were busing back up to camp.
During the first two weeks of July I helped lead the wee folk, this was so much fun. I got to be a little kid again, we played games like grounders and tag, I also read aloud to the at night. Mid way through each section we went on a 2 night canoe trip.
The first two weeks of August I lead the next age group up. This was such a fantastic group to help lead. On our 5 day canoe trip touring around Temagami we had blue bird sky and I got a great tan (that's with sunscreen, no burns for me). great people, great food , great times. It was definitely sad to see the campers go.
The first two weeks of August I lead the next age group up. This was such a fantastic group to help lead. On our 5 day canoe trip touring around Temagami we had blue bird sky and I got a great tan (that's with sunscreen, no burns for me). great people, great food , great times. It was definitely sad to see the campers go.
Last two weeks of August I was the canoe instructor as well as on boat repair. I spent much of the my 2 weeks repairing boats. A time consuming yet very rewarding job, refining my canoe repair techniques was a lot of fun, each day I would add another tool to my tool box. Unfortunately the last few days I was unable to do major work as I had cut my thumb.
Between the end of camp and before officially leaving North Ontario for the summer Harris F and I decided to do a hike in the Temagami area. We had planed to go all the way to the town of Temagami from the Camp, however it took a day and a half to find the trail. By that time we had realized we had way to much gear so headed out to Red Squirrel road to try and Thumb our way into town. We quickly got a ride (just be for the rain hit) into town, were we feasted at a local greasy spoon. From Temagami we stuck out our Thumbs and got a ride from a lovely man to North Bay, where we stuffed our selves full of burgers and beer. From there we headed to North Bay's finest gentleman's club (not before leaving our gear at the North Bay bus terminal), unfortunately do to free cover and 2$ beer we missed or respective buses home.
This fall, starting in September I moved back to Pembroke, and into a house whose drama resembled a 90s sitcom. Aside from the sitcom I spent much of my time paddling the Ottawa and her respective tributaries. At the start of October I got the news that I would be traveling to live and work in New Zealand. Over the past month I have been busy planing and preparing for the trip.
I leave for New Zealand at the end of the month, until next time
-Fraser
I leave for New Zealand at the end of the month, until next time
-Fraser
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I'm Fraser, an International Outdoor Professional specializing in water, both liquid and frozen. Take a look at what I have been up to.
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