Issue #17 - Ottawa Outdoors Magazine by Ottawa Outdoors Magazine

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IN THIS ISSUE >> Nearby travel destinations

SUMMER/FALL 2007

Ottawa

YOUR GUIDE TO THE LOCAL OUTDOOR ADVENTURE SCENE

canoe rescue how-to

TRAIL RUNNING IN KILLARNEY STYLIN’ SPORT-SPECIFIC SUMMER OUTFITS TANDEM BIKING NO EASY RIDE

tarp of the morning canoe fishing basics

DETOXIFY YOUR WAY TO HEALTH FEATURE: PIONEERS OF OTTAWA ADVENTURE

10ITEMSESSENTIAL GEAR FOR THE SUMMER

Now on FSC certified paper

INSIDE Trail running in Killarney Frontenac Provincial Park spotlight Sweating out the pain Hiking menu for four, please Environmentally aware with N2N Trading That first solo canoe-camping trip Clock your cycling stroke Detoxify your way to health Getting the bugs to bug off Golf tips Canoe over Canoe rescue techniques Angling adventures abound Canoe fishing basics Tarp of the morning Pioneers of Ottawa (Round 1)

COLUMNS

4 Publisher’s letter 8 The Book Nook 14 Cool Gear / Hot Clothing 24 Calendar of Events 28 Baby Gear Essentials 30 Home Improvements 37 The Mountain Range 46 The Green Pages COVER Doing an ender in a yak in whitewater on the 47 The Last Biscuit Ottawa River. (photo courtesy of Wilderness Tours)

ARTICLES

Now get Ottawa Outdoors Ezine direct to your inbox every week. Just like the print magazine, the e-mailed Ezine is filled with current outdoor news! It’s FREE too! And there’s loads of information about the local outdoor adventure scene every week. When you’re back at your computer, just go to www.OttawaOutdoors.ca and sign-up.

SALES

OUTDOOR CLUBS EVE

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LEN

OTTAWAOUTDOORSMAGAZINE – SUMMER/FALL’07

PHOTO BY HENRY GEORGI.

5 6 9 10 16 17 20 32 34 36 38 40 42 43 44

“Ottawa creates great adventurers.”

PUBLISHER AND EDITOR-IN-CHIEF DAVE BROWN EDITOR ROGER BIRD

WALLY SCHABER of Trailhead said it best during our interview for our Ottawa Pioneers featured on page 44, so that’s him talking in the heading for my column this issue. He went on to say that what he also loves about Ottawa is that “there are hundreds of adventures within a four-hour drive.” We couldn’t agree more. Drawing on the wisdom and energy of these devoted men and women who’ve put their heart and soul into businesses and events for the outdoors, I’d like to devote some lines to their parting thoughts. You can read their reflections in their entirety toward the back of the magazine.

MANAGING EDITOR ALLEN MACARTNEY DESIGN AND LAYOUT TERRY TERRADE, DAVE BROWN GRAPHIC ILLUSTRATORS KEITH MILNE, GORD COULTHART, WILLIAM JESSUP

“Step outside the box and go sit on a rock, a beach, a park bench, somewhere ‘green.’ Chill out, take a big breath and evaluate your life...” – Dominique Larocque, Creative Wheel

Dave Brown Publisher Editor-in-chief

“Just do it. You can make a difference by being passionate about sport.” – Ken Parker, National Capital Marathon

“Give the Ottawa River a day and it will give you memories to last a lifetime!” – Joe Kowalski, Wilderness Tours “As I have passed the 60-year mark, I have become increasingly interested in helping adults get and stay fit...” – Terry McKinty, Somersault Events

CONTRIBUTIONS Ottawa Outdoors Magazine welcomes story and photo contributions. All photos should ideally be shot with colour slides or high resolution digital camera, but otherwise scanned at 300dpi resolution and burned onto a CD-ROM or e-mailed. No unsolicited contributions will be returned unless accompanied by a self-addressed stamped envelope. Publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited manuscripts, photographs or artwork. Publisher may publish any and all communications with Ottawa Outdoors magazine, and may edit for clarity and style. Indexed in the Canadian Periodical Index ISSN No. 1204-69556. © Copyright 2007. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any materials published in Ottawa Outdoors Magazine is expressly forbidden without consent of the publisher unless otherwise agreed between partners. Printed in Canada.

“If you can’t participate in an event at least help out at one. It will be very rewarding.” – Joe Du Vall, Run for Reach “Enjoy everything about the journey. Allow the wild to leave its mark on your soul.” – Wally Schaber, Trailhead

Could anyone say it better? As well in this issue, there’s definitely a commitment to bettering our environment, and working together to achieve it. To get further involved, check out page 16 and the beginnings of a large neighbour-to-neighbor (N2N) blog that provides the wherewithal to unite us on one common forum. Here’s to your dreams of a green summer.

ENVIRONMENTAL PARTNERSHIPS OTTAWA OUTDOORS MAGAZINE ALIGNS WITH LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL ENVIRONMENTAL GROUPS

Sara Montgomery and Derrick Spafford are members of the La Sportiva Mountain Running Team and race in trail, ultra, mountain and snowshoe races. They live in Yarker, Ontario.

In addition to switching our paper and printing process to one which is substantially more environmentally friendly, we have also joined and support the following groups. We encourage you to do the same. Our printing partnership with the Lowe-Martin Group’s environmental program ensures we comply with regular requirements and achieve results that minimize risk to the environment through a continual improvement process. Further, they are certified by the Forest Stewardship Council of Canada (FSC) an international, membershipbased, non-profit organization that supports environmentally appropriate, socially beneficial, and economically viable management of the world’s forests. www.fsccanada.org

Andrew Westwood is a wilderness adventurer, whitewater paddler and high school teacher living in Ottawa. Passionate about canoeing he has taught extensively in Canada and the United States for more than 15 years.

Following a career as a physiotherapist, Sheila Howe now works as a freelance writer focused on the people, places and events in outdoor Eastern Ontario.

Leave No Trace Canada is a national non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and inspiring responsible outdoor recreation through education, research and partnerships. Leave No Trace builds awareness, appreciation and respect for our wilderness areas. www.leavenotrace.ca Mark Scriver is one of the most respected and accomplished paddlers in the world. He has taught whitewater canoeing, sea kayaking and other paddling and outdoor skills, and recently authored Canoe Camping – An Essential Guide.

Friends of the O-Train is a group of volunteers whose goal is to raise awareness of workable transit options in Ottawa. We’re comprised of transit experts, rail enthusiasts and regular individuals like you. www.friendsoftheotrain.org

ARE YOU AN OUTDOOR ENTHUSIAST WHO WOULD LIKE TO CONTRIBUTE? To submit articles or photos, all you have to do is to e-mail us at this address: Editor@OttawaOutdoors.ca

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS RF Photos, Henry Georgi, Wilderness Tours, Kevin Haime Golf, Paul Villecourt, Julie St. Jean ADVERTISING INQUIRIES Dave Brown, Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Ottawa Outdoors Magazine is an independent publication published seasonally every four months and distributed FREE at various locations. E-mail: Advertising@OttawaOutdoors.ca Tel: 613-860-8687 / 888-228-2918 Fax: 613-860-8687

“The Valley and the community spirit is a wonderful place for children and grandchildren to live.” – Margaret Maloney, River Run

CONTRIBUTORS

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Tim Allard, Jo-Anne Mary Benson, Kevin Haime, Andrew Westwood, Julie St. Jean, Sara Montgomery, Derrick Spafford, Mark Scriver, Wendy Grater, Joanna Baker, Sheila Howe, Martin Zollinger, Natasha Kyssa, Frances Manlucu, Chantal Macartney, Michael Bluejay, Roger Bird

OTTAWAOUTDOORSMAGAZINE – SUMMER/FALL’07

One Per Cent for the Planet is a rapidly growing network of companies that give at least one per cent of their annual sales to environmental causes. Their commitment provides vital resources and awareness to organizations that work to keep us on a sustainable path. 1%FTP provides members with a straightforward and powerful way to become part of the solution. We are proud supporters of 1%FTP as a movement as well as their members which include Mountain Equipment Co-op and more than 20 other businesses across Canada. www.onepercentfortheplanet.org

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Fastpacking lets you get away and stay longer Killarney trail worth three days BY SARA MONTGOMERY AND DERRICK SPAFFORD THE DESIRE TO see around the bend, over the next hill, or through the forest is such a powerful force that trail runners often don’t want to turn around. Fastpacking means they can indulge this urge with a light pack and camping along the way. It’s a simple concept, but planning for it can involve endless hours as you factor in gear, weather, season, food, water, and terrain. But it’s worth it when you get to stretch the running over many days. Our latest fastpacking adventure took us to the white quartzite ridges of Killarney Provincial Park’s La Cloche Silhouette Trail near Sudbury. It was a backcountry fastpack with no corner store for extra food, so we had to rely on what we brought, though there was water aplenty to filter from the lakes along the way. The day before we hit the trail, we stayed in nearby Killarney, on the shores of Georgian Bay, in the luxury of Killarney Mountain Lodge.

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Departure day dawned clear and warm. After force-feeding a giant breakfast, we hoisted our packs, confident that meticulous planning, plus previous trial and error, would get us safely through the next three days. Aside from the weight of our food, we kept gear as light as possible thanks to the huge advances in slimming down on the part of outdoor gear companies. We each had a 30-litre backpack by GoLite, extremely comfortable and designed to accommodate our two-litre water bladders. Then the other essentials – a light sleeping bag, tent, camp stove, water filter, headlamp, cooking supplies, and first aid kit. Since our goal was to complete the 78-kilometre loop in three days, we had bare minimum running clothing that we could rinse out at the end of each day. Outer layers doubled as foul weather gear and something to wear at night.

Lightweight, calorie-dense food is crucial for fastpack exertion. We had instant oatmeal for breakfast, soft wraps with peanut butter for lunch and instant camp meals for dinner. To keep energy levels high, we snacked all day on energy bars, gels and nuts. Macadamia nuts are ideal because of their light weight and sky-high calories and fat. As with all trail running, the most important equipment is shoes. Despite the rule about saving weight, we didn’t go light with our La Sportiva Pikes Peaks and Rajas shoes. They had to handle the rugged Killarney terrain, so they had good support and an aggressive outsole for traction, a forefoot rockplate in the midsole to prevent bruising from rocks and roots, and unparalleled traction over wet rock. Our backpacks firmly in place, we were finally on our way from the trailhead. We were running the trail clockwise, a choice that meant Day 1 of running would be relatively flat, with few steep scrambles. This helped to equalize the daily efforts, as we were carrying the most weight this day, at about nine kilograms. By the time we hit the more challenging legs of the trip we had eaten away at our food and lightened the burden on our tiring bodies. The first sections of trail passed through an immense bog, but we managed to keep our feet dry. We breathed in the perfume of pine needles baking in the sun and caught glimpses of white hills in the distance, then finished off the day with an evening of swimming in our own private lake, and a hot meal by the fire. When we crawled into our tent, the bed of leaves and needles under our backs was luxurious enough for a prince; we slept soundly.

OTTAWAOUTDOORSMAGAZINE – SUMMER/FALL’07

In the morning we ventured far into the backcountry, committing ourselves to the entire loop with no easy return within a day. We felt vulnerable, especially as the hills got steeper, but they were taking us to the trail’s famous views, so we kept at it. We negotiated tricky descents over precarious rocks, but footing on the ascents was easier. And the scenery proved spectacular. Winding rivers and aqua lakes appeared constantly. Late in the day, thick clouds and rain squalls blanketed the area. We were hiking a side trail to the top of Silver Peak – the highest point in the park. After a cursory look around at the top, the wind and rain drove us back down the trail toward camp – an hour away. After reaching camp, we were wet and chilled for hours before we were able to warm up. Our planning had taken place with a perfect (and perfectly wrong) weather forecast in mind. Incredibly, we had thought about leaving our tent fly behind to save weight. Luckily, we didn’t. We had also packed a light space blanket, which became a dry groundsheet that radiated body heat back into the tent. As we broke camp the final morning, the sun returned to warm our bodies and dry the rocks. From Silver Lake we climbed over ridges of blinding white quartzite – stunningly beautiful territory. This landscape inspired the Group of Seven, and no wonder! It certainly lifted our spirits and eased the weight of our packs. About 10 kilometres from the finish we dropped down from the ridges to flatter terrain. After a few scrambles over granite outcrops, sore feet delivered us back to the George Lake campground, a quick photo, and a jump in the lake. Fastpacking the trail left us tired and sore, but soon all that remained were good memories and the lessons Killarney taught us. We all yearn to return.

Frontenac Provincial Park offers pristine outdoor adventure – no drive-in sites, almost no motorboats – two hours from Ottawa, just north of Kingston. The Park has 48 campsites that provide backwoods basics (tent pads, picnic tables, fire pits and an outhouse); these sites are only available to hikers, canoeists, or kayakers. All sites are within easy reach of 22 lakes, 160 kilometres of hiking trails and over 5,200 hectares of Canadian Shield landscape. The only possible mechanical sound you’ll encounter will be from Big Salmon Lake (the park’s largest), where electric motors up to two-horsepower are allowed. Otherwise it’s a no-go zone for motorboats. Most of the Park’s lakes are deep, clear and cold, with speckled trout, large and smallmouth bass, northern pike, crappy and pan fish. Ashore, you might find up to 25 species of animals including the occasional black bear or moose. For those who want to explore on foot, the Rideau Trail loops through the park on its route between Ottawa and Kingston. Park information gives a strong sense of the history of the place: the Mississauga Indians who hunted and fished here, the Loyalist settlers who built homesteads in the late 1700s after fleeing the American Revolution, the loggers, miners and failed farms that came later. Check it out or book a site by phoning 1-613-376-3489 or 1-888-668-7275. Or go to http://www.ontarioparks.com/English/fron.html.

OTTAWAOUTDOORSMAGAZINE – SUMMER/FALL’07

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PHOTOS BY RF PHOTOS

Canoe and camp in this pristine oasis

Welcome to Frontenac Outfitters. Test drive, before you buy.

Here are (8) reasons to visit us when you’re looking to purchase your next canoe or kayak: 1. WE ARE PADDLERS TOO. Married these 20 years, our love for paddlesports has taken us around the globe. We’d be pleased to share our expertise with you. 2. YOU’LL HAVE A CHOICE from Ontario’s Best Selection of 150-300 new canoes and kayaks from 15 leading-edge manufacturers. 3. OUR PADDLESPORTS CENTRE and on-site lake will let you paddle your boat so you can find the one that you absolutely love and fits you perfectly. 4. PRICE AND SATISFACTION GUARANTEED. As we don’t have the same in-city rental expenses, are prices are lower than anywhere in Ontario. Guaranteed! Plus, your selection is unlimited. 5. YOU’LL BE DEALING WITH EXPERTS as we have 23 years experience introducing people to this wonderful world. 6. WE WILL SELL YOUR USED CANOES & KAYAKS for you when you upgrade; and we charge no fees and no commission. We have new and used boats on site for you as well. 7. TEST PADDLE ANYTIME, NO APPOINTMENTS NEEDED. When you’re serious about getting the right canoe or kayak, just hop in your vehicle and visit us. We are conveniently located only 1/2 hour north of Kingston beside Frontenac Provincial Park. We’re here for you. Come and stay and camp on our site if you like. Shopping for your new canoe or kayak has never been this much fun. 8. KAYAK COURSES & CLINICS are on-site as well. Whether you’re getting started, wish to learn the roll, or looking to upgrade your skills...we’ll get you set-up.

Frontenac Outfitters The natural choice. 23rd YEAR I NB

TOLL FREE in ONTARIO: 1-800-250-3174 Phone: (613) 376-6220 USINESS

showler@frontenac-outfitters.com

www.frontenac-outfitters.com

THE BOOK NOOK BY JO-ANNE MARY BENSON PREPAREDNESS IS KEY for any outdoor undertaking, especially if someone plans to spend time on the trail or living Adventure Racing in the Ottawa River Valley outdoors. While many books focus on the intricacies of particular sporting activities, why not supplement your reading with titles that offer a broad range of topics to polish your outdoor expertise? Hugh McManners provides an excellent overview of outdoor skills in The Complete Wilderness Training Manual (2nd edition, Dorling Kindersley, $l8). Coverage of equipment, shelter, food, water Esprit Rafting Fort Coulonge, QC and travel give readers the basics for different environments and July 27-29 seasons. The publisher’s strong Raid the North visual presentation is its forte, and 36 hrs, teams of 4 that’s the story here with high-quality photography, illustrations, and July 28 diagrams. Adventure Challenge 8 hrs, teams of 3 or solo Step-by-step photographic instructions help explain such things as the construction of a lean-to, or how to make a comfortable bed from natural materials. www.far.on.ca 416.783.4464 You’ll also learn how to extract water from soil, make a bow drill, or improve your angling techniques. McManners has compiled an excellent resource that will prove indispensable for novices, and provide a good supplement to those with more experience in the outdoors. Duct tape, who can get by without it? Even faithful users can learn a lot more to do with this great invention. Kristen Hostetter (gear editor for Backpacker Magazine) introduces its many uses in Don’t Forget the Duct Tape – Tips and Tricks for Maintaining Outdoor and Travel Gear (Mountaineers Books, $9.50). Learn how to patch clothes, prevent blisters or mend the soles of your boots, repair a tent pole or patch a tarpaulin, seal seams, reinforce backpacks, or mend a leaky cooler. Pack this book in your knapsack; it’s worth its weight in avoided exasperations! Other reading time well spent, includes the following two reference works – one by Robert Beattie and the other by Sam Martin and Christian Casucci. Beattie’s The Campsite Companion – All You Need to Know for Life in the Great Outdoors (Running Press, $24) covers equipment, cuisine, camping activities, troubleshooting and much more. This is an ideal reference book thoughtfully enclosed in a handy waterproof and zippered covering. Martin and Casucci’s How to Live in the Woods (Key Porter, $19.95) offers lots of outdoor topics, and handles them in a straightforward and concise manner. This book is compact enough to pack on a trip. For armchair travel, Rocks, roots, tree stumps & logs, mud puddles, snow... there’s The Best Travel Writing 2007 – True Stories from Around the World, and The Best Women’s Travel Writing 2007 – True Stories from Around the World (Traveler’ Looking for a New Challenge? This is it…Canada’s only national trail running series! Offering an exciting Tales, $20.95 each). atmosphere, a challenging course, a competitive ﬁeld, and Travelers’ Tales continues an amazing off-road experience. Positive impact on you, no impact on the environment! to release collections of Eastern Ontario Ottawa/Gatineau stories that are both “off South Eastern Ontario Race Date Race Venue Race Date Race Venue the wall” and/or “off the July 28 Camp Fortune Apr 28 Albion Hills Sept 08 A.R.K June 09 Durham Forest beaten track.” They not only July 14 Rattlesnake Point entertain the reader, but Aug 11 Mono Cliffs Sept 22 Horseshoe Resort serve to introduce unusual Sponsors places and situations worldwide. They’re perfect for a quiet read on a hot summer’s day RACE HOTLINE 604.988.2320 WWW.5PEAKS.COM for anyone with a touch of wanderlust.

Real Wilderness Real Navigation Real Adventure

GET OFF THE ROAD & ONTO THE TRAILS!

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Sweating out the pain Professional athletes bask in low-heat saunas and so can you AS HEAD ATHLETIC THERAPIST for the Sens, Gerry Townend has to make sure the strained, sprained and bruised Ottawa Senators recover every night and get back on the ice for the next game. In this year’s race to the Stanley Cup, he pulled out all the stops and placed a new piece of experimental physio equipment in the Scotiabank arena – a portable low-heat sauna. “The NHL is all about how fast you can recover and perform the next night,” says Townend. “My biggest thing is recovery from injury, and we needed to use everything available for that side of the game.” Instead of the super-hot Finnish-style sauna many people have tried – and likely

escaped after five minutes because the air is almost 100°C – these new saunas operate in the 35°C to 45°C range, right around body temperature. It’s so easy to breathe inside the sauna that athletes can expose an injury, a tired muscle or an aching joint to the gentle heat for an hour or more without feeling faint. The result is faster healing and even injury prevention. “All the research I’ve done and the science and proof I’ve read pointed us in this direction for injury recovery,” says Townend. The low-heat saunas go by different names such as ceramic-heat or far-infrared heat, and have been used for about 10 years by doctors detoxifying chronically ill patients in Canada and the United States. As well, an increasing number of physio experts are using them to lengthen the careers of tired or aging athletes. The way was paved for the Senators by fitness researchers such as Rod Macdonald, vice president of Can-Fit-Pro, a Canadian fitness certification organization. Macdonald used a low-heat sauna while training for an Iron Man competition in 2006. The Ottawa For the uninitiated, an Iron Senators’ head Man requires each participant athletic therapist, to first swim 3.8 kilometres, Garry Townend, stands

by low-heat saunas as a performance-boosting approach to injury recovery.

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Rod Macdonald, 37, realizes a dream by crossing the Iron Man finish line.

then immediately cycle 180 kilometres, then drop the bike and run a full marathon, all in less than 17 hours. Power bars just aren’t enough. “I got this sauna because I need to train for up to 40 hours a week. And at 37 years of age I wanted to avoid getting a stress injury. I used the sauna after every workout for 20 minutes, and it was the first time I didn’t sustain a stress injury while training for an endurance event,” says Macdonald. It all paid off when he crossed the finish line in just under 16 hours. Athletes and physiotherapists are taking their cue from chiropractors and massage therapists who are turning to low-heat saunas. Both Macdonald and Townend got theirs from an Ontario company called SaunaRay which builds them by hand in Collingwood. “They use all the right materials,” says Townend, “including the non-toxic wood and the medical grade heaters.” Low-heat saunas have been shown to mobilize lactic acid, which prevents muscle cramping after a long workout. They also help to speed soft tissue injury repair, and loosen creaking joints. Townend was so convinced the Senators needed one that he bought it before he had anywhere to put it, and shoved it into a corner of the players’ lounge. “I’d love to have a few more of them in here,” he says. “But right now space is at a premium.” With the Senators already starting to train for the 2007-08 season, Townend is hoping his new equipment is going to help them go the distance one more time.

OTTAWAOUTDOORSMAGAZINE – SUMMER/FALL’07

Exclusively available at: • JMB Showroom at Bougie Doozy Candle Factory 181 Old Chelsea Rd, Chelsea 819-827-1636 • Runway at 358 Richmond Road, Ottawa • Glebe Trotters at 860 Bank Street, Ottawa

DESIGNED AND HANDMADE IN CHELSEA, QC

www.JMBCANADA.com BY: MARK SCRIVER WENDY GRATER JOANNA BAKER By: Thump Media

Eat well in the wild

This trio of writers have been feeding groups of all sizes, on all kinds of outdoor trips, for years. In this excerpt from their new book, Camp Cooking: The Black Feather Guide (Heliconia Press, 2007, $19.95), they share their extensive knowledge, favourite recipes, and proven methods so you too can make successful on-trip meals.

Menus for camping trips of all kinds FOUR-DAY HIKING MENU EXAMPLE

To help get you started, we’ve provided an example menu and staples list for a four-day hiking trip for six people. Quantities in the menu are approximate and are provided just to demonstrate how you might work out required amounts when you’re planning a menu. Note: in a hiking-oriented menu, most food should be dried to save weight. Day 1

Breakfast

Day 2

Day 3

Day 4

• 2 cups (500 mL) yogurt • 3 cups (750 mL) dried berries • 6 cups (1.5 L) granola

• 2 cups (500 mL) quick oats • 3 cups (750 mL) dried fruit • brown sugar • cinnamon • milk powder

• 3 cups (750 mL) granola • 1 package dried apple sauce • 3 cups (750 mL) muffin mix

Egg frittata • 6 English muffins Lunch

• 6 whole wheat buns • 9 oz (250 g) cold cuts • 2 tomatoes • lettuce • 11-14 oz (300-400 g) sliced cheese • 6 granola bars • 6 apples

• 6 bagels • 2 x 9 oz (250 g) cream cheese • 1 tube olive paste • 1 package alfalfa sprouts • 1 bag fig newtons

• 1 loaf dense rye bread • 11-14 oz. (300-400 g) cold cuts • 11-14 oz. (300-400 g) cheese • 6 power bars

• 2 pkg dense whole-grain crackers • 11-14 oz (300-400 g) cheese • 1 package dried hummus • olive oil • garlic • 6 granola bars

Appetizer

• 1 package rice crackers • 1 brie • 1 tin smoked oysters

• 1 package crackers • 1/2 lb (250 g) cheddar cheese • red & green • grapes

• fruit leather

• 2 cups (500 mL) mixed nuts

Dinner

Pesto-pine nut pasta

• Chicken stirfry • 3 cups rice (750 mL) uncooked • 4 boneless chicken breasts, dried or fresh; or 1 cup (250 mL) firm tofu • 1 onion • 2 garlic • ginger • 1 dried zucchini • 1/2 dried broccoli, cauliflower • 1 dried green pepper • 1 dried red pepper • 10 dried mushrooms • 2 dried carrots, almonds, cashews, sesame seeds

Spaghetti

Burritos

• Whole wheat spaghetti noodles • 2 packages dried parma-rosa sauce • 2 cups (500 mL) sundried tomatoes • 1 c. dried mushrooms • 1 onion • fresh garlic • 2 c. parmesan

• 12 large whole wheat tortillas • 2 packages dried refried beans • 1 can tomato paste, dried • 1 cup (250 mL) each dried mushrooms, peppers • 1 pkg taco spices • 9 oz (250 g) cheddar, grated • 3 cups (750 mL) white basmati

• spiral noodles • 1 onion, garlic • 1/2 dried broccoli, cauliflower • 1 dried green pepper • 1 dried red pepper • 10 dried mushrooms • dried pesto mix • 1 cup (250 mL) pine nuts • 1 cup (250 mL) parmesan cheese Salad • lettuce, tomato, cucumber, feta Vanilla pudding with brandy

Chocolate mousse • 1/2 c popcorn

Unbaked chocolate drop cookies

Pears Helène

OTTAWAOUTDOORSMAGAZINE – SUMMER/FALL’07

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Choose your own adventure! Are you single and tired of the bar scene? Do you have a hard time meeting people in Ottawa? If so, Meet Market Adventures has the solution! We are the adventures company that gets thousands of singles out socializing and trying new things, all while putting zero emphasis on all those dating woes. We pride ourselves in being the only singles company in Ottawa that focuses on creating the ultimate environment for singles to come have fun and socialize in. Here is what some of our members have to say: Most of my friends are married and have kids; MMA opened my eyes to a whole new social world that I desperately needed. Sondra. W I am extremely introverted and shy when meeting new people, but MMA created such a relaxing environment that I felt I was actually with close friends! Louise. P MMA’s events make me feel motivated again and excited to get out and meet new people! Rob. K Our service is for active singles that don’t have the time to play as hard as they work. We don’t log you down with lengthy membership signups or costly membership fees. This why we’ve developed our slogan “Pay as you Play”, which gives you all the control with no financial commitment. Meet Market Adventures is the most active singles sports, social and outdoor company in North America. We hope to see you soon!

OUR SCHEDULE July 21st Intro to Cave Exploration July 21st Pub Crawl July 24th Outdoor Rock Climbing July 24th Intro to Salsa Dancing July 26th A Night of Chocolate Making July 27th White Water Rafting Weekend July 28th Horseback Riding July 29th Movie Night August 7th Dog Day Afternoon August 11th Go Zipping August 12th Pub Trivia Night August 18th Intro to Sailing

OTTAWAOUTDOORSMAGAZINE – SUMMER/FALL’07

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PHOTO BY XCZONE

COOLGEAR

DELTA KAYAKS 12.10 – $1,550 This is one amazing little craft but how do we classify it? Do we call it a SUPER Rec (Recreational) kayak due to its rare combination of inherent ability, dry storage and stability? OR, do we refer to it as the Ultimate Sea Kayak Trainer as it rollsandedgeseasily,and has all the features one normally finds only on moreexpensiveseakayaks?The12.10performed incrediblywell when wesimulated re-entries andassistedrescuesduringourpaddle. On water:thefull-bodieddesignandmoderaterockerofthe12.10providedgreatliftforsurprisingefficiencyinbigwatersandsurfandtheboatofferedmoredrystoragethankayaksmuchlonger.AshallowV'hullandmulti-chinedsides ensured a super stable performance and predictability in rough waters. Paddle it at Frontenac Outfitters On-Water Canoe & Kayak Centre. PUP PORTABLE PRIVACY TENT AND PORTABLE DRY TOILET – $350 Truly portable and easy to use, the PUP is a specially designed tall privacy tent foruseasaportableouthouse,change room,orshowerroom.ThePUPsets up in seconds with all poles and connectorsattached.Groundstakes are included for extra stability – no external support is needed. Meshwindowsareprovidedon threesideswithinterioropenclose flaps and a new shower flap.The extra-tall zip-close door makes entering and exiting simple. When packaged with the PETT three-legged,portabletoilet (whichfoldsintobriefcase sizeandweighsonly3kg) itmakesforaconvenient overall package for MOUNTAIN BUGGY (URBAN, SING.) $609 your next camping The hottest baby stroller to hit Ottawa in the outing. Look for it at popular new store (Fab Baby Gear), this local retail outlets or carrier is sure to be a hit. It's loaded with various websites. thefollowinggreatfeatures:aswivellingfrontwheel

SIGG, "THE ORIGINAL SWISS BOTTLE" $19.99 is extruded from a single sheet of high grade aluminum. Non-toxicwater-basedbaked-on inner lining that does not impart odours or tastes. Safe forfruitjuiceandcarbonated drinks,withnometallictaste. The lining flexes with the bottle, so even if the bottle is dented, no break or crack appears on the inner surface. Best of all, unlikeLexanplastic water bottles (Polycarbonate #7) that leaches harmfulchemicals, SIGG bottles have been thoroughly tested to ensure 0.0 per cent leachingsotheyare 100 per cent safe. Availableinvarious sizes from $19.99. Look for it at Fab Baby Gear.

isexcellentonbusystreetsandindoorsbecause you can turn it with just one finger; easily lock the front wheel to handle walks in the park; light jogging and moderate off-road conditions withease;ergonomicadjustablehandlebarwhich is adjustable to ensure optimum comfort while pushing;expandabilityandconvertibilitytobeable to turn the Urban into a pram with an optional Carrycot, or drop an infant carseat in with the optionalcarseatadapter.Seeaccessoriesfor more. Look for it only at Fab Baby Gear.

NAME: Keith Oliver, age 34 SCHOOL: Carleton University, engineering graduate student FAVOURITE FOODS: Italian (what else!) HOBBIES: mountain treking, soccer FLY FISHING: The beautiful natural environmentandlocalavailabilitymake fly fishing a fun and intriguing way to unwind and enjoy the outdoors. NAME: Jason D'Amour, age 21 SCHOOL: La Cite Collegial FAVOURITE FOOD: Chicken Parmesan HOBBIES: Paddling, flying, socializing KAYAKING: Loves paddling and instructing to experience the outdoors, meet great people, and get away from the stress of everyday work and city life.

ON PADDLER: Level Six Willie Hat $24.99 NRS Hydrosilk short sleeve rash guard $49.99 Immersion Research Hooded Zephyr Paddling Jacket $199.99 Helly Hansen Blackfeather PFD $99.99 Beluga Modulus Tow Belt $59.99 Snapdragon Glacier Breathable Skirt $169.99 Level Six Lunchbox Neoprene Shorts $79.99 Werner Kalliste Carbon Paddle $449.99 ON KAYAK: Aquabound Bilgemaster Pump $34.99 Trailhead 50 ft throw bag $24.99 NeckyManitou14 $1179.99 TRAILHEAD

THE GEAR: Battenkill Wading Brogue felt Lined Boots $165 Pro Guide Breathable Waders $399.99 Otter Creek Premium Tech Vest $179.99 Ex Officio Air Strip Shirt $99.99 Battenkill Bar Stock III reel $159.99 TLS Power Matrix 8’6” 5wt. $319 Collapsible Carbide tipped folding staff $159.99 HVO Highwire polarized sunglasses $189.99 Fishing Advice FREE GREEN DRAKE OUTFITTERS

HOTCLOTHING

KEEN WASATCH CREST WP – $190 Unlikeotherbreathablewaterproofingtechnologies,whichneedyoursweat to condense before it can pass through your jacket or boots, eVENT Fabrics' dry venting system allows your sweat to pass directly thorugh the fabric as vapor – it never condenses and never soaks you in sweat. After all, what's the point of keeping the water out of the shoe if the sweat stays in? Features: eVENT waterproof barrier, S3 heel support structure, asymmetrical flex lace system, integrated arch and forefoot stablization plate. Look for it at local retailers.

HYDROCYCLE JACKET – $135 For men and women it’s an ideal lightweight, simple and sleek jacket designed specifically for commuter cyclists. Full waterproofing, moderate breathability, and reflectivetrimcontributeto maximumcomfortandsafety. Lightweightandeasytostash in a pack or pannier. Available in several colours. Look for it at Mountain Equipment Co-op.

PRANA / NEMESIS KNICKER – $69.99 prAna's most technical and rugged knicker, theNemesisisdefinedbyaggressivelinesandintelligent details for climbing. Look for it at local retailers. KATADYN VARIO MICROFILTER – $94 TheVariocombinesindividualefficiencywith thesimplestpossiblehandling.Thetechnology it uses consists of three filter levels: a high performance glass filter; a ceramic pre-filterthatcanbeadjustedaccordingtothe cloudinessofthewater;andanactivecharcoal for eliminating odours. Anyone who needs up to two litres of drinking water per minute can use the glass fibre and active charcoal filter.It'salsocompatiblewithmoststandard outdoorbottleandhydrationbladders.Look for it at Bushtukah.

PRANA / LOLA SPORT TOP – $49.99 This best selling active-wear top is available in a wide selection of colorful prints and solids. Look for it at local retailers.

NAME: GillianMadden,age27 SCHOOL: James Cook University, Australia. FAVOURITE FOODS: Vietnamese, stoned fruit HOBBIES: hiking, wakeboarding,cycling,back countrysnowboarding,tennis HIKING: Being one with nature and getting away from the hustle and bustle of city life. THE GEAR: Kota Light Hiking Shoes Vasque $115 ORVeniciaCasualSandal Keen $125 Smartwool Socks $16 Arete Tank Mountain Hardwear $55 Yuma convertible pant Mountain Hardwear $95 SolarIs 50 upf hat Outdoor Research $23 Arreba daypack Gregory $12 BUSHTUKAH GREAT OUTDOOR GEAR

NAME: Ying Liu, age 27 with daughter Lok Fé Lau SCHOOL: Université de la Mediteranée FAVOURITE FOODS: lobster HOBBIES: travelling JOGGING: jogging along the canal with her daughter

BARBOUR BEAUFORT – $489 The most popular waxed cotton coat in the world. Constructed of the classic, waterproof wax 100 per cent cotton outer to keep you dry in the worst conditions.Moleskin lined handwarmer pockets, adjustable storm gusset sleeves. Accented with Tartan lining, a corduroy collar and studded and zippered for an optional hood and vest. Wear classic British country style fit for royalty. Get it at Orvis Green Drake Outfitters.

THE GEAR: BOBRevolutionjoggingstrollerinchocolatepink$404.99 Hip Seat child carrier $89.99 GlamourMom nursing tanktop red, $57.99 BornFree bisphenol-A free plastic trainer cup $14.99 SIGG aluminum water bottle $28.99 FAB BABY GEAR

NAME: Dave Rayner, age 35 SCHOOL: Queen's graduate FAVOURITE FOODS: bananas, pasta, and ice cream! HOBBIES: cycling, trail running and x-country skiing ROAD RIDING: I love it because the Ottawa Valley is one of the best areas around for riding. It's a great workout, and you can ride on your own or with friends. THE GEAR: Alpina Morano helmet $89 M.E.C. draft sunglasses $39 M.E.C. pro-X cycling glove $19 DeFeet Un-D-Shurt $25 DescenteSpiritjersey $100 M.E.C. Rapide short $52 Pearl Izumi Attack socks $10 Sidi Genius shoes $229 MOUNTAIN EQUIPMENT CO-OP

Fairtrade, organic, environmental social network launched An interview with George Brown of N2N Trading OO: Let’s start with the phrase “N2N Trading.” What does it stand for? GB: Neighbour to Neighbor trading. We’re a social network made up of people interested in learning more about certified fairtrade, organic and clean-tech environmental products, and how we can “change the world” through the use of them in our daily lives. We like to think of ourselves as a social enterprise. OO: Social enterprise … what is that? GB: Well, there are several different definitions, but the best way I can describe it is a business that makes money or profit, and makes the world a better place at the same time. By facilitating the retailing of certified fairtrade, organic and clean-tech products, our members contribute to a more just, healthy and green community both here and abroad. OO: I’ve heard of free trade. What is fairtrade? GB: Fairtrade certified products help build economic independence and empowerment for small farmer organizations and their members. Being paid a fair price for their produce helps producers to build necessary social infrastructure such as better health care and education, technical training and so forth. It promotes a win-win trading relationship between producers and consumers. OO: You mention “certified.” Certified by whom? GB: That depends. When you’re talking about fairtrade it is pretty straightforward. There are established internationally recognized standards for the labeling of Fairtrade products. Fairtrade Labeling Organization International (FLO) is the leading standard-setting and certification

organization worldwide. Its certification mark assures consumers that the producers of these products are getting a just return. OO: How about organic and clean-tech certification? GB: Different countries have their own certification programs, some more regulated than others. In Canada, the government has published a national organic standard, but there is no legislation to date, while in the U.S., there is federal organic legislation that defines three levels of organic. Eco-labeling, such as Canada’s Environmental Choice Eco-logo program is becoming more common. OO: Why are labeling and certification so important? GB: It’s all about trust. Consumers buy these products because they want to “change the world”. They want to make a difference in the lives of the people who produce these goods. They also want to ensure that the products they purchase have been produced in a sustainable way. It’s the label, not the colour, that can change the world! OO: Colour? GB: I’m referring to the Red Campaign that we see advertised. If you buy a Red product, i.e., cellphone, clothing, watch, etc., a company that is participating in

the Red campaign will donate some of its profits to buy and distribute antiretro viral medicine to people dying of AIDS in Africa. A great idea, but … OO: But what? GB: We at N2N Trading agree with the (Red) Manifesto that “As First World consumers, we have tremendous power. What we collectively choose to buy, or not to buy, can change the course of life and history of this planet.” But, we feel that Red does not go far enough. Purchasing certified fairtrade, organic and clean-tech products can make a bigger difference in the lives of developing world producers and their families. N2N Trading’s mission is to make it easier for consumers to learn about and purchase these types of products. OO: What next? GB: We have launched a social network blog at www.N2NTrading.com. We want to create a place for people to talk about issues like the ones we just discussed, as well as have access to the most current information in this area. We are also anxious to hear about people’s favourite fair trade, organic and clean-tech products. The more we share, the more people learn about how they can use their power as informed consumers to “change the world.”

N2N Trading

“Neighbour to Neighbor...we change the world.” Visit our blog at www.N2NTrading.com and tell us about any fairtrade, organic, and clean-tTech products you presently use. Is certification important? Talk to other people who are interested in changing the world through their use of these products.

OTTAWAOUTDOORSMAGAZINE – SUMMER/FALL’07

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THE CLIMB OF YOUR LIFE!

GEAR UP FOR SUMMER! at BUSHTUKAH!

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(613) 792-1170

OTTAWAOUTDOORSMAGAZINE – SUMMER/FALL’07

Two-seat exhilaration But no free rides on a tandem bike

TAKE THE LIMESTONE shores of Lake Ontario, follow the rolling terrain along the St. Lawrence River valley or the Rideau Canal, and then into this scene drop a woman (who is new to country living) riding a tandem bicycle. The result: travel adventure without fuss, fumes or frivolous expense. My partner and I were looking for a way to spend time together in summer away from the demands of 80 hectares, a dog, two cats and four teenagers. Swimming and canoeing were fun of course, but by the time we packed a picnic, tied the boat onto the roof and climbed into the car, we were looking at an eight-hour adventure. We couldn’t afford to be gone from the house all day and the kids weren’t interested in our heroic efforts on the water. We wanted outdoor exercise and exhilaration, and we found it hundreds of times over – to the point of total addiction – on a tandem bike. It all started when my brother sent us an article about tandem bicycle riding. It intrigued us. We spent the winter searching every Internet site we could find for information about tandems. We weren’t cyclists, and would both be celebrating a significant birthday before the bike arrived. Obvious questions assailed us: Take up cycling in our 50s? On a tandem no less? Could we handle it physically? Were we crazy? The riding instructions were specific: “The captain must be sensitive and the stoker must relinquish all control,” we read. It sounded more like a setting for “Mutiny on the Tandem.” But we decided to order a bicycle anyway and that decision changed our life – so much so, that we have barely strapped on cross-country skis since, and have had time for only a few paddles in the summer. We can’t think of a single ride that we’ve regretted, despite hectic work schedules, wind, rain and even sleet, no matter the terrain or time of day. Our bike weighs only 17 kilograms. It offers an outstanding aerobic workout in a two-person fun package. Tandem cycling is the ultimate couple exercise. Imagine an intricate machine that requires two people to work in harmony to propel themselves together as one. A tandem bicycle makes

it possible for two people to go farther and faster than a single person could manage alone. To do this, the two riders have distinct roles. The larger rider generally takes the front position as “captain.” It’s not a matter of sexism, but good physics. The captain needs good upper body strength to shift through 27 gears, manipulate the brakes and pilot the big bike. A heavier body up front means the bike handles better and flexes less. As the “stoker” in back, I didn’t appreciate how limited my vision of the road ahead would be. Keeping my eye on the mirror, I was designated to call out traffic warnings and hand-signal the turns. For long descents, optional rear disc brakes are available that operate on the wheel hub rather than the rims to prevent overheating and blowouts on a heavily loaded tandem. But an occasional scream will do nicely when things get beyond the stoker’s comfort range. I had thought cycling was simple: place feet on pedals and push. But on tandems, your cycling shoes are literally attached to the bike, so getting on and off takes practice. We caught on fast, and clocked 25 kilometres on our first attempt. We cycled every day that week, and then the next and the next. Experienced tandem riders develop an almost telepathic knowledge of what their partners are about to do. You learn to appreciate a captain who announces everything – from shifting, to a bump in the road, to his intention to stand. When riders master leaning into the turns as one, standing on the hills and pumping out the power in unison, they become a tandem team and move their

OTTAWAOUTDOORSMAGAZINE – SUMMER/FALL’07

cycling to a higher but more relaxed level. Remaining relaxed is important, especially for the stoker. Even if you can’t see what’s coming, you have to go with the flow. Otherwise, the stoker and the captain are pulling in opposite directions, and you fall. But being overly relaxed isn’t a good idea either. More than once my partner had to ask that I stop singing as we pedalled up a steep grade; it took me a month before I admitted to eating an apple behind his back.

PHOTO BY RF PHOTOS

BY SHEILA HOWE

Bicycle Saftey Tips BY MICHAEL BLUEJAY

THE REAR END

You innocently move a little to the left to go around a parked car or some other obstruction in the road, and you get nailed by a car coming up from behind. How to avoid this collision: 1. Never, ever move left without looking behind you first. Some motorists like to pass cyclists within mere inches, so moving even a tiny bit to the left unexpectedly could put you in the path of a car. Practice holding a straight line while looking over your shoulder until you can do it perfectly. Most new cyclists tend to move left when they look behind them, which of course can be disastrous.

affix to car visor

2. Don’t swerve in and out of the parking lane if it contains any parked cars. You might be tempted to ride in the parking lane where there are no parked cars, dipping back into the traffic lane when you encounter a parked car. This puts you at risk for getting hit from behind. Instead, ride a steady, straight line in the traffic lane. 3. Use a mirror. If you don’t have one, go to a bike shop and get one now. There are models that fit on your handlebars, helmet, or glasses, as you prefer.

There is no such thing as a free ride. Though many a driver has shouted, “She’s not pedalling,” it isn’t possible to “fake” the action. Why? A timing chain connects the cranks of the captain and stoker. Several times, my partner has told me to push harder when beautiful scenery or a barking dog distracted me. On the road, I discovered a preference for hills and even more for speed and soon forgot about the varicose veins below my spandex shorts while flying down a hill at 80 km/h. Tandems range from just over $2,000 for a relatively simple model, to the Calfee carbon-fibre beauty we saw at a tandem rally that sells for over $14,000. A new bike would have to make us fly before I’d consider parting with our entry-level KHS model which cost about $3,000, and has stood the test of time. But tandems do have an expensive accessory – a van to make transporting it a breeze. At the time, buying a tandem seemed like a luxury, but it has turned into a bargain. Every

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366 Richmond Road | car racks | bike carriers | kayak cradles | straps

ride is an adventure and a perfect date. the Christmas of mild DOCKET # 3318E #1 INSERTION Springholidays 2007 (courtesy 3318E_Clearance_Ottawa_ad.indd 1 3/22/07 12:43:02 PM We’ve taken our tandem to -Ireland, France, REPEATS DecemberNone weather). PROJECT Brand Ad Clearance Florida, Georgia, the Carolinas, Virginia, DESIGNERAnd there’s more ahead in the road atlas PUBLICATION Ottawa Outdoors Kristine ksederholm@mec.ca Vermont and through warm days of summer are SIZE 5.25"New x 5"York State from PROOFnow DATEthat the March 22, 2007 # COLOURS Lake Champlain, CMYK along the southern shore PROOFhere. Isn’t1it time you considered a tandem of Lake Ontario and down to the Finger bicycle too? Lakes district. Last season we racked up ≈≈ When not on the bike, Sheila Howe keeps busy in 604.707.3315 149 West 4th Avenue, Vancouver BC, V5Y 4A6 the gym or in the garden and at work managing rental over 7,000 kilometres from April through property and writing. And she finally got that Calfee carbon-fibre beauty.

OTTAWAOUTDOORSMAGAZINE – SUMMER/FALL’07

Clock your cycling stroke: great advice for cyclers BY MARTIN ZOLLINGER

IT’S DIFFICULT FOR cyclists to agree on the most efficient pedal stroke. Bikers can argue about it forever. During my © Sébastien Larose

nine years of amateur and professional road and mountain bike racing (and ironman distance triathlons), I received a lot of advice on how to pedal. So here’s my best bet for pedalling

For outdoor adventurers, Québec maritime is where it’s at!

means you’re looking at the bike from the side; the 12 o’clock position is at the top of the sprocket. 1. As your foot starts coming close to the 12 o’clock position (i.e. 11:30-ish) begin pushing it forward over the top of the stroke. This will give your quads a wake-up call, and also give you a little power at an otherwise quiet time of the pedal stroke. (See picture 1) 2. As soon as you reach the 12 o’clock position, start dropping the heel down. At 12 o’clock the quadricep group of muscles is mechanically disadvantaged. By dropping the heel, you straighten the leg a little to position it to power the downstroke better. You will also add a small stretch to the calf muscles which should help their circulation, and help when you get off and run during a triathlon. (See picture 2) 3. Quadriceps power shines from the 12 o’clock to 4:30 positions, so focus on pushing down through the pedal axle with these muscles. (See picture 3) 4. When you reach the 4:30 to 5 position, your leg will be almost straight; the quadriceps force is declining. Here, energy is better used in pulling back across the bottom until about the 7 o’clock

Why not kayak down a solitary river or paddle among Mingan’s mysterious monoliths? Explore the deep caves in the Îles de la Madeleine’s rusty red cliffs or try sky surfing with a kite or zooming along the shore in a kite buggy. Scuba divers can explore the hulk of the Empress of Ireland and marvel at the sea anemones, urchins and corals in the waters around Les Escoumins. Hikers can scale the Chic-Chocs or trek on the rugged northern arm of the International Appalachian Trail, while climbers tackle sheer rock faces and cyclists take to the quiet country roads.

in a normal race or triathlon. The clock analogy used here

Visit www.quebecmaritime.ca/freedom





For more information, visit: quebecmaritime.ca/freedom or call

1 877 BONJOUR (1 877 266-5687)

OTTAWAOUTDOORSMAGAZINE – SUMMER/FALL’07

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 position. This activates the hamstrings and gastrocnemius groups (both knee flexors), and lets them put some weight in the pedal stroke. By pulling back, you will also try to balance tiring leg muscles, since cycling is usually a quadriceps-dominant sport. (Has anybody ever got quadriceps cramps in the first part of the run?) (See picture 4) 5. From the 7 to 11 o’clock positions don’t pull up, for at least two reasons. First, the hip flexors and hamstrings are short, so they cannot exert much force on the pedal upstroke. Second, the more mental energy you put into pulling up on one side, the less mental energy goes into the opposite quad downstroke; if you want to maximize the strongest pedalling muscles, focus more on it. (See picture 5) There is no textbook perfect stroke, but by playing around with some of these ideas you may find some things that work for you. ≈≈ Martin Zollinger is a graduate of the Canadian Memorial Chiropractic College and practises at Bank and Riverside in Ottawa. Reach him at www.holisticclinic.ca.

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

New Website Gives Voice to Victims of Bicycle Theft Theystolemybike.com gives victims and police a new tool in the fight against equipment theft Theystolemybike.com allows victims of bicycle theft to report their loss, as well as map the location of the theft. Photos and descriptions of the bike can be uploaded as well. This free service helps police compile very detailed crime statistics for their area, allows bike purchasers to check to ensure they are not buying stolen goods and increases the likelihood of a stolen bike being recognized and returned to the rightful owner.

3 200

With lakes, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be surprised if one of them shares your name.

3 200 lakes 4 major rivers 800 km of canoe courses 1 km of zip-lines 900 km of 4 season vtt trails

80 km of bike trail 550 meters of Aerial Trek 900 km of snowmobile trails

The VallĂŠe-de-la-Gatineau, a play-ground up to your expectations. Order now, 2007 stay planner and the bike map of VallĂŠe-de-la-Gatineau region. promo@3200lacs.com

JULY mon

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SPOTLIGHT:

AUG fri

Owl Rafting & MKC Kayaking lessons are sure to get you ready for fun this summer. Look to MKC in the City for kayaking lessons nearby. There are evening and weekend courses for all ages. Go to www.owl-mkc.ca.

sun

MIKE COLLINGWOOD MEMORIAL TRIATHLON

mon

Learn to Kayak (Pool) (7:30 PM - 10:00 PM) www.mkc.ca

Learn to Kayak (Pool) www.mkc.ca

tue

wed

If you want to take kayaking lessons and stay in the city, look to MKC in the City or Liquid Skills Kayaking for lessons. See their ads in this issue of the magazine.

CycleFit - Bike Maintnnce Clinics

Want to sea kayak, 12 whitewater kayak or improve your canoeing this summer? Look to these companies:

13 Green Drinks Ottawa Meeting

• MKC whitewater kayak lessons Opening of “On The Labrador: Photographs By Arnold Zageris” http://nature.ca

sat

FOR GREAT ADVENTURE, GET OUT WITH THE CLUBS THIS SUMMER! Many evenings and pretty much every weekend you can meet members of these clubs as they head out on a great hike, walk or bike ride. Be sure to look at the clubs listed below and visit their websites to see what they have planned in their event calendar. Enjoy!

• Liquid skills whitewater kayak lessons • Frontenac Outfitters sea kayak lessons and excursions • Esprit Whitewater • Becky Mason classic solo canoe lessons

Learn to Kayak (Pool) www.mkc.ca

CycleFit - Bike Maintnnce Clinics PROVINCIAL CRITERIUM CHAMPIONSHIP www.bikeraceottawa.com

RAID PULSE ADVENTURE RACE STAGE RACE www.raidpulse.com

CARLETON PLACE HERITAGE 5KM RUN www.somersault.ca

Learn to Kayak (Pool) www.mkc.ca

RAID T www.fa

MITSUBISHI CITY CHASE www.mitsubishicitychase.com

RAID THE NORTH www.far.on.ca

Wilderness First Aid www.siriusmed.com

THE CANADIAN www.somersault

BALA FALLS TRIATHLON www.multisportcanada.com

5 PEAKS TRAIL RUN Ottawa, ON www.5peaks.com

OCTOBER – OCTOBER 6-7, 2007 OTTAWA FALL COLOURS DUATHLON

Ottawa, ON www.5peaks.com

– OCTOBER 6, 2007 RUN THE RACE

– OCTOBER 13, 2007 TRANSCANADA RUN WITH THE CHAMPIONS

Ottawa, ON www.transcanada10km.ca

Ottawa, ON www.runtherace.ca

– OCTOBER 20, 2007 2H AND 8H ROGAINE – OTTAWA ORIENTEERTING CLUB

Ottawa, ON www.ottawaoc.ca

July 21

July 27-29

Mitsubishi City Chase

Raid the North Ottawa River Valley

WHITEWATER RAFTING COMPANIES

OUTDOOR ADVENTU

Wilderness Tours

www.wildernesstours.com

In addition to rafting they offer kayak lessons and adventure camps.+

Owl Rafting

www.owl-mkc.ca

Rafting, sea-kayaking, lessons, plus adventure programs.

Esprit Rafting

www.espritrafting.com

Rafting, canoeing and several training and certification courses.

River Run Rafting

www.riverrunners.com

Rafting, family trips, kayaking, cabins and more.

FITNESS / HEALTH / TRAINING

Executive Fitness Leaders

www.fitnessleaders.com

Executive fitness training, registered massage therapy and more.

Creative Wheel

www.creative-wheel.com

A nature-based consultancy aimed to teach, inspire and motivate through coaching.

Holistic Clinic

www.holisticclinic.ca

Professionals committed to providing the highest quality of individualized health care.

Ottawa Athletic Club

www.ottawaathleticclub.com

Leaders in health and fitness, join to enjoy tennis, golf, aquatics, fitness and more.

RA Centre

www.racentre.com

The RA Centre is the largest recreation, sport, fitness and leisure centre of its kind.

La RoccaXC Mt.Bike School

www.mountainbikeschool.ca

Great camp for boys and girls, teenagers and women keen to enjoy mountain biking.

OTTAWAOUTDOORSMAGAZINE – SUMMER/FALL’07

Ottawa Orienteering Club Ottawa Hostel Outdoor Club Rideau Trail Association Ottawa Rambling Club Oxygène Ottawa Triathlon Club Ottawa Bicycle Club Kanata Mt. Bike Community Citizens for Safe Cycling Ottawa-Carleton Ultimate Ass Ottawa Disc Golf Club Ottawa Sport and Social Club Ottawa New Edinburgh Club Ottawa Rowing Club Liquid Skills Paddling Centre Madawaska Kanu Centre Assoc. Kitesurf Windsurf Aylm YMCA-YWCA Canoe Campin Nepean Sailing Club

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GUST

hur

SEPTEMBER fri

sat

2 NATIONAL CAPITAL

sun 4

5KM RUN www.somersault.ca

RONA MS BIKE TOUR www.msbiketours.com

thur

fri

Learn to Kayak (Pool) www.mkc.ca

GREAT RAISING RIVER FOOTRACE www.runningroom.com www.Williamstownfair.com

WASAGA BEACH TRIATHLON DUATHLON & GIVE IT A TRI www.multisportcanada.com

Y-FEST CANOE CAMPING EXTRAVAGANZA! www.yccc.ca

BROCKVILLE DOWNTOWN 5KM RUN www.somersault.ca

www.eventsonline.ca Learn to Kayak (Pool) www.mkc.ca

OTTAWA INTERNATIONAL 24-HOUR SELFTRANSCENDENCE RACE www.ouser.org

5 PEAKS TRAIL RUN Ottawa, ON www.5peaks.com

THOUSAND ISLANDS TRIATHLON & DUATHLON www.somersault.ca

sun 1

OTTAWA INLINE SKATING FESTIVAL www.inlineottawa.com

CORNWALL TRANSIT TRI (KIDS DAY + ADULTS)

sat

THE CANADIAN IRON, HALF IRON, SPRINT & TRY A TRI TRIATHLON & DUATHLON www.somersault.ca

CycleFit - Bike Maintnnce Clinics

multisportcanada.com

wed

SHARBOT LAKE TRIATHLON www.zone3sports.com

TORONTO ISLAND 16 17 TRIATHLON AND DUATHLON

THE NORTH ar.on.ca

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CycleFit - Bike Maintnnce Clinics

NATIONAL CAPITAL TRIATHLON & DUATHLON www.somersault.ca

9 COBOURG TRIATHLON10 WEEKEND & KOS www.multisportcanada.com

mon

Learn to Kayak (Pool) (7:30 PM - 10:00 PM) www.mkc.ca

16 GREAT STRIDES www.runningroom.com

CFB BORDEN DUATHLON www.multisportcanada.com

CycleFit - Bike Maintnnce Clinics CALABOGIE PEAKS MULTIMAN AND SOLOMAN www.far.on.ca

CALABOGIE PEAKS TRIATHLON / DUATHLON AND OFF-ROAD RACES www.far.on.ca

N 5 KM RUN t.ca

FALL CLASSIC ADVENTURE CHALLENGE www.far.on.ca

July 28

August 4

August 11-12

August 26-27

September 1

September 8

5 Peaks Race Series

National Captial Tri/Duathlon

Rona MS Bike Tour

Calabogie Peaks Triathlon

Canadian Iron 226 Triathlon

5 Peaks Race Series

URE CLUBS

sociation

mer ng Club

www.ottawaoc.ca http://ohoc.ncf.ca www.rideautrail.org www.geocities.com/orchike www.cluboxygene.qc.ca www.ottawatriathlonclub.com www.ottawabicycleclub.ca www.mtbkanata.com www.safecycling.ca www.ocua.ca www.odgc.ca www.ossc.ca www.onec.ca www.ottawarowingclub.com www.liquidskills.com www.owl-mkc.ca www.akwa.ca www.yccc.ca www.nsc.ca

We organize and take part in orienteering events in the Ottawa area. A rec club with hiking, cycling, canoeing, skiing, and snowshoeing. A hiking club dedicated to maintaining the trail from Kingston to Ottawa. A Club for the adventurous with activities every season. A Gatineau-based outdoors club. Their website is in French only. A recreational organization dedicated to teaching the enjoyment of tris. Offers a range of cycling programs from novice to expert. We ride our bikes, then do something related to bikes. The CfSC is a voluntary assoc. who work for better, safer cycling. The largest Ultimate (Frisbee) league in the world. Dedicated to promoting this great sport to and for the public to enjoy. A co-ed, rec sport league, with tourneys and social events for adults. A popular rowing, tennis and sailing club for the region. Come see what rowing is like on the picturesque Ottawa River. Programs and clinics, kayak lessons, expeditions and teen camps. Kayak lessons in-city and on-site. Weekend clinics for the whole family. A group of volunteers dedicated to participating in this great sport. A volunteer-driven canoe tripping and training club since 1952. A volunteer-based group dedicated to sailing and recreational boating.

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PICK UP OTTAWA OUTDOORS AT THESE LOCATIONS Mountain Equipment Coop

613-729-2792

Full Cycle

613-741-2443

Play it Again Sports

613-731-6006

Green Drake Outfitters

613-828-1915

Trailhead

613-722-4229

Valiquette Sports

613-725-5352

Bushtukah Outdoor Gear

613-792-1170

Foster’s Sports

613-236-9611

Riders Village

613-591-1800

Kunstadt Sports

613-831-2059

The Cyclery

613-730-2856

Glebe Trotters

613-231-6331

Brio Bodywear

613-567-9291

Lacroix Sports

613-824-5196

Power Bikes & Boards

613-722-2453

Macdonald’s Sports

613-257-1951

Cycle Logik

613-722-2345

Cycle Fit

613-237-4589

Expedition Shoppe

613-722-0166

Mountain Masters

613-692-4553

Southend Cycle & Sport

613-821-1660

Pecco’s

613-562-9602

Figure 8 Boutique

613-731-4007

Motionware Source Sports

613-729-3380

Ottawa Paddle/Hockey Shack

613-725-5259

The North Face

613-728-6678

Sport Chek

613-225-6674

Award Cycle & Sports

613-596-6665

Fitness Depot

613-247-8888

RA Centre

613-733-5100

Tommy & Lefebvre

613-236-9731

Cycos

613-567-8180

OTTAWAOUTDOORSMAGAZINE – SUMMER/FALL’07

OUTDOOR GETAWAY THE SHORTEST DRIVE TO LONG LASTING GREAT MEMORIES. QUEBEC CITY AWAITS YOU.

In the heart of Québec City lies Fairmont Le Château Frontenac.

Experience timeless, refined hospitality that comes with staying in a landmark château. Fairmont Le Château Frontenac provides travelers with gourmet cuisine in the three excellent restaurants. Unwind and swim a few laps in the indoor pool or work out in the state-of-the-art health club. n Fairmont Le Château Frontenac’s location in the centre of the Old City puts you in the middle of the action. n A few steps outside of the doors, you can enjoy a European charm, the romantic cobblestone streets and the delights of the summer festivals. A visit at this heritage hotel will guarantee you a memorable and inspiring experience in one of the most beautiful cities in the world. To book your weekend escape, please visit www.Fairmont.com, telephone 1(800) 441-1414, or email ChateauFrontenac@Fairmont.com.

OTTAWAOUTDOORSMAGAZINE – SUMMER/FALL’07

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Bonaventure Island and Percé Rock National Park

FREEDOM Find adventure, find yourself! Discover 9 national parks: www.NationalParksQuebec.com Climb Eastern Canada’s highest peaks. Sea kayak with the whales or paddle among the islands of the St. Lawrence. Québec maritime is where it’s at! Bas-Saint-Laurent, Gaspésie, Îles de la Madeleine, Côte-Nord www.quebecmaritime.ca/freedom

bonjourquebec.com 1-877-BONJOUR oper. 202

E NG LE RA ILAB W NE AVA W NO

Jack be nimble, Jack be quick, Mountain Buggies do the trick.

It’s amazing how such a little person can inspire and motivate you. You want to show your baby to the world, but more importantly you want to show the world to your baby. Mountain Buggymakes it simple. So much to look forward to. So many new experiences.Together.

The only way to go... anywhere. www. mountainbug g y .ca

OTTAWAOUTDOORSMAGAZINE – SUMMER/FALL’07

Baby Bjorn Baby Carrier Active $199.99

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Attention Parents! Start with cotton cloth diapers instead of disposable ones and you will...

Save money Save time Save the environment We know you care for your child’s future, and you want changing diapers to be easy too. But regular disposable diapers are very costly and hurt our environment. Now you can have the best of both worlds at about half the price!

•

One baby will need over 6,000 disposable diapers for a 2 1/2 year diapering period. • It takes 500 years for one disposable diaper to decompose. • Reusable cloth diapers now come with velcro fasteners. • Save about 50% of the cost of using disposable diapers. • But when still needed or preferred, use some of our environmentally good disposable diapers. • Cloth diapers much more comfortable for your baby.

• Free in-home consultations • Wide range of nursing and baby products • Disposable environmental diapers available too • Free product delivery to your home every week

• Weekly Cotton Diaper delivery service right to your door. Serving Ottawa, Gatineau and the entire Ottawa Valley. • Inquire about our Walk&Talk Stroller Groups too!

The Eddie Bauer Montecito Collection The entire collection keeps your baby comfortable and secure in your home, in your vehicle, and on your stroll to the park. Look for these products where Eddie Bauer baby products are sold.

Ask for Sarah The Diaper Service Co.

1-877-806-9892

www.thediaperservice.ca

Eddie Bauer Deluxe 3-in-1 Convertible Car Seat

Eddie Bauer Solid Wood High Chair

Eddie Bauer Travel System

Eddie Bauer Playard

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OTTAWAOUTDOORSMAGAZINE – SUMMER/FALL’07

Looking for quality Western Red Cedar? Then come to the Source–the WoodSource, your destination for Ottawa’s finest selection of Western Red Cedar. We have all you’ll need to make your gazebo, deck, fence or trellis project an exciting new addition to your home. The beauty of Western Red Cedar, along with its legendary durability make it the natural choice for all your garden projects. The WoodSource is Ottawa’s premier specialty wood store with over half a century of experience serving the region’s wood and milling needs. Ask us about our vast array of woods, including a range of soft and hardwoods, as well as a variety of exotic woods for that special project. We also specialize in custom mouldings, and can duplicate any profile you could think of. If it’s related to wood, there’s a good chance you’ll find it at the Source...the WoodSource!

6178 Mitch Owen Road Manotick, Ontario (613) 822-6800

www.wood-source.com E-mail: info@wood-source.com

GardenStructure .com

PLANS & ARCHITECTURAL GARDEN WOODWORK

Ottawa’s GardenStructure.com is now booking installations for Pergolas, Decks and Fences in the Ottawa area. “As a professional carpenter with more than 20 years experience, Sean Murray has been building decks and fences in the Ottawa area to the satisfaction of hundreds of home owners.”

Look to him for the following projects:  custom decks built to your needs and specifications  pergolas for sun shade  garden arbors FREE ESTIMATE  privacy screens S  elaborate trelliswork  gazebos

Sean Murray Builder/Designer Inside/Out Carpentry Questions? Please call me at 613-293-0735 www.GardenStructure.com

Detoxify your way to health BY NATASHA KYSSA

Blundstone Ottawa Outdoors

≈≈ Natasha Kyssa is the director of SimplyRaw, www.simplyraw.ca/detox.php

OTTAWAOUTDOORSMAGAZINE – SUMMER/FALL’07

11/21/06

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Where tonext? The Original Available in Brown or Black

The Chunk 2 Available in Brown or Black

They’ve been to the outback, the backcountry, the bush, the ballet, camping, hiking, trekking, paddling, dancing, drinking, dining. They’ve been downtown, uptown, on the town, around and around the playground, at the dog pound, in Motown. They’ve been on the ice,on Newfie rocks, on city blocks. And, after 136 laceless years, they’re just getting started.

The Chisel Toe Available in Brown or Black

Glebe Trotters

860 Bank Street 613-231-6331 www.blundstone.ca

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PHOTO BY RF PHOTOS

DETOX” IS BECOMING one of the latest buzz words in health. And no wonder. It’s a polluted environment out there with poisons, heavy metals, pesticides, cleaning solvents and smog in food, air and water – a threat to anyone’s well-being. They’re absorbed unwittingly into our bodies through contact with clothing, furniture, carpets, air, the entire living environment. For some people’s bodies it’s too much, and their health breaks down. The human liver, kidneys, lungs, intestines, skin and lymphatic systems are naturally equipped to eliminate these threats, but when they can’t keep up, people suffer fatigue, headaches, aches and pains, coughs, congestion and digestive trouble. Long-term exposure sometimes increases susceptibility to infection and can even lead to chronic illness. The respected lobby group Environmental Defence argues this is a widespread, serious problem. Its Polluted Children, Toxic Nation is the first Canadian study to test for harmful chemicals in children’s bodies, and the results show that “Canadians young and old are polluted regardless of where they live, work, play or go to school.” To thrive in our environment and to reverse illness, some bodies need extra support through detoxification. The term means cleansing the kidneys, lungs, liver, blood or colon, since these are the organs in the front line of anti-toxin work. You help out by eliminating processed and acid-forming foods to reduce stress on the digestive system, allowing the body to focus on healing. When the body is cleansed, it becomes more efficient with digestion, assimilation and elimination, and gains a stronger immune system, greater energy and less inflammation. Some people even get slimmer. Some detox programs involve fasting on fresh juices, water, or lemon juice with water and cayenne to release toxins and allow the digestive system to rest. Other popular programs use fibre or selected herbs for cleansing and strengthening specific organs such as the liver, gallbladder, kidneys or colon. Saunas, light exercise and yoga help sweat toxins out through the skin, our largest eliminative organ. The SimplyRaw Detox Program works through nutrition. For four weeks participants eat only fresh, easily digestible raw plant foods which not only detoxify the body but supply it with nutrients for optimum health. There are five weekly face-to-face meetings backed up with an ongoing e-mail discussion to help with support – a key element to any detox program. In my work I have seen lives transformed through detoxification. Fresh alkaline foods not only detoxify the body but nourish the cells. The high fibre content helps with elimination, as well as binds with many toxins and cholesterol before being removed from the body. “This experience has changed my life,” said one person quoted on www.movementtohealth.com. “I am full of energy, my digestion has improved 100 per cent, my mind is clear, I am even more organized. I am a long distance runner and power yoga teacher and have never had more endurance.” Many others have experienced similar transformations. Based on 25 years’ experience with cleansing and living foods, I believe that detox programs are crucial for both treating and preventing illness and disease.

How to get the bugs to bug off Or what to do if they don’t BY FRANCES MANLUCU DID YOU KNOW that 74 different types of mosquitoes have been identified in Canada? These biting bugs can be found in every part of the country (except for a few small Arctic islands), and they can show up day and night from early spring all the way through to autumn. If you find that mosquitoes bug you too much, here are some tips for maintaining sanity: • Mosquitoes are out in force from sunset to sunrise. • Avoid perfume and dark-coloured clothing; these attract mosquitoes. • Place netting over infant carriers when you are outdoors with a baby. • Mosquitoes love standing water. So at least once a week, empty water from flowerpots, pet food and water dishes, birdbaths, rain gutters, swimming pool covers, buckets, barrels and cans. • Contrary to common belief, vitamin B, garlic, thiamine, and ultrasonic devices are not effective in preventing mosquito bites,

according to www.gov.mb.ca/health/wnv/ docs/bite.pdf. Blackflies, also known as buffalo gnats and turkey gnats, are small bloodsucking insects slightly less than 1/4 inch long with a stout body and humpbacked appearance. They are most common along rivers and streams during late spring and early summer. For more information, see www.ipm.iastate. edu/ipm/iiin/blackfl.html. Like mosquitoes, only female black flies are bloodsuckers. Their bite can be painful, and the venom causes intense itching, local swelling and soreness. These small insects love to bite around your head, neck and ears, leaving behind red, itchy wounds and welts. Bees and wasps have stingers at the posterior end of their abdomens. Most stings will result in temporary pain, swelling and reddish skin around the sting. You’ll know that you’ve been bitten by a bee or wasp right away. You’ll feel a sharp pain, followed by a burning sensation that soon develops into a major itch and a red ring or bump. In its haste to get away, a bee will tear its barbed stinger and its attached poison sac out of its abdomen, killing itself in the process. Wasps lack these barbs so they can attack again and again.

OTTAWAOUTDOORSMAGAZINE – SUMMER/FALL’07

Remember, most bees and wasps will not sting unless they are startled or attacked. Do not swat at them or make fast movements. Let them fly away when they are ready. If you must, walk away slowly, or gently “blow” them away. If you do get stung, and the insect abandons its stinger, remove it fast. Gently scrape away the stinger with a blunt-edged object like a credit card or a dull knife. Then wash the area with soap and water two to three times a day until the skin is healed. After a bite, a cold pack helps. Or use an ice pack wrapped in a cloth, or even place a cold, wet washcloth on the bite area for a few minutes. Have you seen those anti-itch sticks in stores? Companies are constantly improving and fine-tuning the technology. Benadryl is coming out with a new “Itch Relief Stick” this summer along with all the others. Why not try one?

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It’s time to draw a line in the sand BY KEVIN HAIME WHEN IT COMES to which shot is the toughest in golf for the average player, it’s no contest. You can talk all you want about long irons and driving the ball being tough, but they’re not even close to the sand shot. Most golfers are happy just to get out of the sand in one shot let alone trying to get their ball close to the hole. But interestingly

enough, the shot is considered pretty easy for the better player. Tour pros will actually prefer their ball in a bunker than in the long rough around the green. So where’s the disconnect between the two levels of golfers? Why does the sand shot cause absolute terror in the newer player and a sigh of relief for the game’s best?

Photo #3 – To hit a sand shot properly you’ll need to aim your feet and shoulders slightly open to the target and open the clubface of your sand wedge slightly. Swing your golf club along your shoulder line. In this photo I’ve drawn two parallel lines to help me with my foot placement and my preferred swing path. The line that runs behind the golf ball is my preferred impact point. All of my attention is on that orange line. I try to not even look at the ball.

There are four main reasons why most golfers are so poor out of the sand and three of them have nothing to do with talent. The first reason has to do with equipment. More than half of the players I work with either try to use a pitching wedge out of the sand or they don’t understand how to set up with their sand wedge and how it should enter the sand. The second reason is a lack of practice. How many of you have ever dumped a bucket of balls into the sand and spent an hour or two working on your technique and touch? Most players hate practising in the sand because it’s hot, dusty and demoralizing. You’ll definitely need to take a lesson before your practice to make it worth your while, but believe me, bunker practice is pretty fun and rewarding once you start to get results. The third easy fix is to warm up with a few bunker shots before every round. Sand and its playability characteristics vary drastically from course to course and day to day. Without hitting a few practice shots it’s virtually impossible to know how hard to swing and how your ball is likely to react on any given day. Now we come to the fourth reason golfers struggle in the sand. Frankly, almost everyone I see try to hit this shot has poor technique, so take a lesson before you waste your time practising the wrong thing. Then be aware the biggest common denominator is fear. It

Photo #1 – You’ll need a sand wedge to splash through it properly. I like to open my clubface slightly to ensure that the back edge of the bottom of the club enters the sand before the leading edge. If your leading edge enters the sand first it will dig in, not slide through.

paralyzes players so that they can’t repeat their motion over and over. Simply put, almost no

a natural setting

a pleasant challenge

enjoy our scenic 27 holes of golf

Both 9 & 18 Hole Courses Ar e In Gr eat Shape Are Great We Offer Green Fees, Memberships, Game Packages, Weekly Promotions & Tournaments

The best food you have ever had at a golf course Open to the Public, Weddings, Banquets & Holiday Parties

(613) 821-FORE (3673) info@metcalfegolf .com info@metcalfegolf.com www.metcalfegolf.com 1956 8th Line Road, Metcalfe, ON K0A 2P0

Par 3 Golf Course • 18 holes featuring exclusively par 3 holes with the longest measuring in at 202 yds. • Great course to play to sharpen up your short game • Perfect for those learning to play golf • You can complete 18 holes (2,500 yds) within 2 to 3 hours instead of the 4 to 6 hours on full size par 72 courses

Miniature Golf Photo #2 – A little quality time spent hitting practice shots in the sand is something few golfers ever do. Like with every part of the game, practice will give you confidence and improve your ability.

Photo #4 – During my backswing I try to maintain my knee flex and keep my excess motion to a minimum so that I can return my golf club to my orange practice line every time. Notice how quiet my hips and legs are.

www.CapitalGolf.ca 521-2612 4 km south of Bank & Hunt Club 7 days advance tee time booking 3798 Bank Street

OTTAWAOUTDOORSMAGAZINE – SUMMER/FALL’07

• Set on an acre of gardens and forests are 18 fun and challenging miniature golf holes • A favourite spot for birthday parties for the young and for the young at heart

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BY JULIE ST. JEAN

A taste of Thai THE SPICY and fragrant sauce with this seafood dish is meant to be thinner than most coconut milk curries. When time or ingredients aren’t available, commercial pastes, like Thai Kitchen, can be used. Garnishing with fresh mint, basil or cilantro helps cut the spicy finish, and keeps it lively. This dish goes well with the sweeter white wines of summer.

THAI RED CURRY SEAFOOD • • • • • • • • •

1 tbsp vegetable oil 1 small onion, diced 1 tbsp brown sugar 2 tbsp fish sauce 1 tbsp red curry paste 1 cup of stock 2 cups coconut milk 200 grams small sea scallops 200 grams medium shrimp, peeled and de-veined • Fresh cilantro • Optional vegetables include cooked potato, red pepper, shiitake mushroom, lemongrass, and diced fresh tomato.

Heat vegetable oil in a mediumsized pot over medium heat. Add diced onion, and cook until golden brown. Add brown sugar, fish sauce and curry paste. Cook two minutes until fragrant. Add stock and coconut milk. Bring to a boil. Just before serving, add scallops, shrimp and any vegetables that catch your fancy. Simmer five minutes. Serve with steaming jasmine, sticky or basmati rice. Makes four servings.

RED CURRY PASTE • 10 dried long red chilies, de-seeded, soaked and drained • ½ tsp salt • 1½ tbsp chopped galangal (or ginger) • 3 tablespoons chopped lemongrass • 2 tsp kaffir lime zest • 1 tbsp scraped and chopped coriander root • 1 tbsp chopped red shallot • 2 tbsp chopped garlic

Pound ingredients together using a pestle and mortar as you add them one by one, until smooth. Alternatively, pulse the ingredients in a coffee grinder or blender.

LONG-GRAIN JASMINE RICE Boiled

To prevent gluggy rice, wash jasmine in three changes of water, combing your hands through and gently rubbing the grains together. Drain and repeat until water is clear. In a heavy pot or rice cooker, cover rice with cold water, about an index finger joint above the level of the rice (for four servings, use 2½ cups rice to 3½ cups water). Cover with a tight-fitting lid, bring to a boil then turn heat down to low and cook 10 to 15 minutes. Remove from heat and let stand for 10 minutes Steamed-white sticky rice

Soak rice overnight. Drain and rinse rice, pile into a mound on a bamboo or metal steamer, over boiling water, cover and steam 20 to 25 minutes.

Relax this summer, let us do all the work

go_green_landscaping@hotmail.com

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OTTAWAOUTDOORSMAGAZINE – SUMMER/FALL’07

153726

• Spring Clean-ups • Core Aerations Serving Ottawa • Hedge Trimming fOr Over • Interlocking 10 YearS • Garden Services Installation, Refurbish • Fertilizing/Resodding Call for a FREE Estimate of Grass Core Aerations starting at $45 • All Grass Cutting and Spring Clean-ups starting at $55 Property Maintenance Lawn Cutting starting at $350/year (613) 558-LAWN (5296)

PHOTO BY JULIE ST. JEAN

one I’ve ever worked with can consistently get their club to enter the sand in the same spot every time. There are a few checkpoints you should work on in the sand – club face slightly open, stance and shoulders slightly open to your target, a touch extra flex in your knees, the ball placed about two inches forward in your stance more than with a regular pitch shot, nice quiet, flexed legs in the back swing, a downward arm swing splashing behind the ball, and a fairly full finish with an athletic weight transfer. But the real secret to this shot rests with your ability to get your club to enter the sand in the same spot behind the ball every time. To master this, you should focus all your vision and attention on the spot you want your club to enter the sand, not on the ball, which is what most golfers do. Pick a spot behind the ball and return your club to that spot at impact and your sand shots will improve dramatically. Draw a line, or even paint a line, in the sand, and then practise splashing your club repeatedly along the line. It’s the best sand drill in golf and will help you get over your fear of the shot.

Canoe-over-canoe rescue How to do it right BY ANDREW WESTWOOD PHOTOS BY PAUL VILLECOURT FLAT WATER CANOEING is often enjoyed in small groups with friends who, like yourself, also appreciate the outdoors as experienced from a watery vantage point. Of course paddling in groups offers a safety advantage because assistance, in the event of a boat overturning, is close at hand. The canoe-over-canoe rescue can be performed by fellow boaters paddling either canoe or kayak. With the assistance offered by a second boat, the capsized canoe can be turned upright and emptied, and the swimming paddlers can be helped back into their boat. With practice, this rescue technique takes only a few minutes. Begin a canoe-over-canoe rescue by first confirming that the swimming paddlers are safe and accounted for. Next, position the rescue boat perpendicular to the overturned boat and have the swimmers grasp the ends of the rescue boat. Having the swimmers holding the bow and stern of your canoe adds stability while keeping them in a safe location throughout the rescue. Have the swimmers store their paddles in the rescue canoe for safekeeping. The overturned canoe is grasped near its end, lifted, then pulled across your gunwales. Sometimes, tipping the overturned canoe slightly to one side while lifting it helps to break the suction created by the air caught under a capsized canoe. Pull the canoe over your gunwales till it is balanced evenly end to end. Once emptied, the canoe can be flipped upright, slipped back into the water, and held parallel to your canoe. By firmly holding the gunwales of the two canoes together, the rescued canoe can be stabilized to allow the re-entry of the swimming paddlers. It is easiest if the paddlers attempt to climb in mid-ship where the gunwale is closer to the water and the canoe is more stable. As the swimmer attempts to climb into the canoe, allow the far gunwale to drop to water level to reduce

the climbing height necessary to get back into the boat. As a swimmer, grab the gunwale with both hands and let your feet float to the surface behind you. With a powerful kick of the legs and pull up with your arms, draw yourself onto the canoe. Keep your body (and centre of gravity) low as you wiggle back into your canoe to maximize your stability. Continue holding the canoes together until the rescued paddlers have re-established a stable kneeling position in the canoe and have their paddles at the ready for their first strokes.

This is an excerpt from The Heliconia Press’ new release Canoeing – The Essential Skills and Safety (soft cover, 144 pages) available for $14.95 US at 888-582-2001 or www.helipress.com.

OTTAWAOUTDOORSMAGAZINE – SUMMER/FALL’07

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OTTAWAOUTDOORSMAGAZINE – SUMMER/FALL’07

Angling adventures abound in our area Same old, same old? Not in Ottawa-Gatineau BY TIM ALLARD LOOKING FOR SOME fishing fun around the Ottawa-Gatineau area? These activities will get you going in the right direction some excellent angling adventures.

1. TAKE A FLY-CASTING COURSE

The rhythmic cadence of fly casting is relaxing and graceful to watch, and actually doing it can be something close to addictive. And it doesn’t take a lot of skill to learn the fundamentals. There are a slew of books on the subject; two favourites are The Gilly: A Flyfisher’s Guide by Alfred G. Davy, and Morris & Chan on Fly Fishing Trout Lakes by Skip Morris and Brian Chan. Or you could take a course though a fly-fishing shop like Ottawa’s Green Drake Outfitters (www.greendrake.com).

2. RENT A COTTAGE ON A LAKE

It’s an iconic Canadian setting, and fortunately there are plenty of cottages to rent within a short drive of Ottawa-Gatineau. Spending a string of days fishing the same waters is a great way to learn a lot about your favourite species, and it’s a great way to introduce your family to fishing, whether you pile the kids into a boat for a short outing each day, or whether they feel more at ease fishing from the dock.

3. FISH WITH A GUIDE

This is a serious step on your road to becoming a better angler. Good fishing guides will put you onto fish in most cases, and give you plenty of on-the-water instruction while they’re at it. A Google search on fishing guides in Ottawa will display several multispecies charters. Or, skip the Internet and just ask around at tackle shops. Multi-species charters are run by guides who specialize

in more than one kind of fish. If keen on largemouth bass, they’ll work to put you on these green brutes. Alternatively, if you’re not picky they might shift species throughout the day, depending on time of year and weather patterns. Perhaps you’d start early for walleye (low-light feeders), then switch to pike by late morning. Most guides offer half- or full-day outings. Prices range from $150 to $300 though these rates may change depending on the number in your fishing party.

4. CATCH A MUSKIE

If you’ve never caught a muskie (another Canadian icon) but are serious about hooking this “fish of a thousand casts,” your best bet is to hire a guide. Muskies are elusive, and catching them requires the right gear and a good understanding of their daily movements. This is where guides come in; he or she will have the latest catch-and-release tools to ensure these big but fragile fish are handled properly. Two guides I’ve fished with are Kert Lavigne of Muskie Stalker Fishing Charters (www.muskiestalker.ca), and John Anderson of The Ottawa River Musky Factory (www.ottawarivermuskyfactory.com).

5. FISH A PRIVATE LAKE

Fishing a private lake is a step out of the ordinary into wilderness seclusion, with the water often surrounded by private land. You pay to get in, but it’s a good option when you want to treat yourself. A couple of spots within a one- to two-hour drive from Parliament Hill provide good trout fishing along with the serenity – the Bing Retreat (www.bingretreat.com) near Westport, and Fairmont Kenauk at Le Chateau Montebello (www.fairmont.com/kenauk).

6. TAKE A KID FISHING OR VOLUNTEER AT A DERBY

Kids’ fishing derbies happen summerlong, often hosted by recreational lake associations. Taking your child or volunteering to help is time well spent.

OTTAWAOUTDOORSMAGAZINE – SUMMER/FALL’07

Be prepared to spend a lot of time baiting hooks, untangling line, and removing fish, but your effort will be worth it. It’s pretty cool watching children catch their first fish.

7. TRY URBAN SHORE FISHING

The Ottawa and Rideau rivers offer great shoreline angling. Consider grabbing your fishing rod (and licence) and wetting a line near the shore on weeknights. Fishing after a hectic day at work can be a great way to unwind, and to reconnect with the waters running through our urban centres.

8. CATCH A CARP

The Ottawa, Rideau and St. Lawrence rivers are home to a lot of carp. Introduced to North American waters in the 1880s, these fish are slowly gaining popularity among Ontario anglers. In Europe, carp fishing is a huge phenomenon and on par with bass fishing in the United States. Carp fishing tackle can range from basic to complex. Check out the whole deal on Shimano’s Catch Carp interactive CD-Rom available at some local tackle shops.

9. FISH A TOURNAMENT OR ATTEND A WEIGH-IN

Fishing tournaments boost your angling skills. There are several in the OttawaGatineau area where you can fish a one-day tournament. Get a feel for the tournament scene at a weigh-in. That’s when anglers bring in their catch at the end of the tournament to see which boat has the biggest weight, to determine the winner. Renegade Bass, a non profit tournament association, has some of the best bass anglers in the area so you’ll see a few big fish at its weighins. This year’s events on the Ottawa River happen July 21 and 22 out of Rockland. For details visit www.renegadebass.com.

10. CLIMB INTO A CANOE AND GO FISHING IN GATINEAU PARK

Gatineau Park is teeming with fishing opportunities. Perhaps the easiest spots to park and fish are Meech Lake, Lac Phillipe, and Lac la Pêche. Fishing regulations fall under la Société de la faune et des parcs du Québec, so you’ll need a permit from this ministry. Tackle shops and most Canadian Tire stores in Quebec sell fishing permits. You’ll find more information at www.canadascapital.gc.ca/gatineau under “Other Activities.” Give some of these options a try and enjoy great angling in the national capital region.

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Landing a fish from a canoe BY TIM ALLARD FISHING FROM a canoe is a quiet way to sneak up on fish, giving you an advantage over powerboat anglers. Here’s the downside of canoe fishing: You could tip if you’re in a tippy boat. Despite the minor challenges, landing a fish from a canoe isn’t hard. Following are some tips to keep you dry while reeling in your catch. • If you have someone aboard, tell them to lean their weight gently in the opposite direction that you are tilting, as you lean over the side to grab a fish. • Your partner should keep his or her paddle in the water for added stability, and slowly feather the paddle back and forth. • Before leaning over the side, kneel down. This lowers your centre of gravity and makes it easier to reach the fish. • Keep a loose drag – the tension setting on the reel’s spool – because a fish will pull hard when it sees the canoe. Too tight a drag and the fish may throw you off kilter. • Keep catch-and-release tools within reach. A multi-tool in a belt pouch is handy. • Use a net to avoid reaching too far over the side; it will limit your chances of falling in.

OTTAWAOUTDOORSMAGAZINE – SUMMER/FALL’07

THE BOTTOM LINE: simply put, our area has a phenomenal amount of angling opportunity for most of North America’s top freshwater fish including: panfish (like bluegills, perch and crappie), smallmouth and largemouth bass, walleye, pike, muskie, carp, channel catfish, gar, and lake, rainbow and speckled trout.

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Tarp of the morning By Chantal Macartney / Illustrations William Jessup “WE’LL NEVER make it! The storm’s coming too fast!” Lightning flashed through the unnatural, afternoon gloom as we paddled hard for the sandy beach. Thunder echoed over the hills, like the booms of cannons signaling the start of a battle. Scrambling out of our canoes by our wilderness campsite, we struggled to locate our tarpaulin quickly before the rain caught us in the open. “Found it!” I yelled. “Let’s go!” Within minutes our tarpaulin was set up – time enough for our other friends to drag all the gear up under its protective canopy. It never did rain that day, but a tarp always offers a sense of security. “A tarpaulin?” some new camper might say, “Why do I need a tarp?” If you’re going to enjoy all varieties of weather that present themselves on a twoweek camping trip, a tarpaulin is essential. There’s no better place to relax in a hammock with a good book and a mug of hot chocolate, when the rain streams down so hard that even ducks shake their feathered heads in showers of disapproval. A tarp provides not only cover from rain, but also shade on a blistering hot day. A kitchen shelter, a campfire cover, and an improvised tent. Those are three main things for which most campers use tarps. If you’ve never used a tarpaulin before, practise putting it up in your backyard several times before heading out on a trip. Start by setting up a tarpaulin using a simple flat design, like the Kitchen Shelter setup (see above). When you’re confident making it, experiment with more elaborate setups, or devise your own. When tying down a tarp, you’ll need several types of rope. I like about 20 metres of polypropylene rope (1 cm thick) for my centre, tarpaulin-supporting rope that stretches between two trees. Parachute cord is excellent for tying down the corners; plan on five metres for each corner. You can never have too much rope. Now let’s look at a variety of methods for pitching a rectangular tarp.

Kitchen shelter setup (top right)

In years of camping, this tarp setup has become my favourite. It offers lots of headroom for cooking or reading in bad

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weather. But you’ll need a large tarp – at least three metres by five metres. Find two trees slightly wider apart than the width of your tarp. Tie a rope between these trees, at least two and a half metres above the ground. Make the rope as taut as possible; the weight of your tarp is sure to cause some sagging. Toss your tarpaulin over the rope and drape it down equally on both sides. Attach parachute cord to each of the four corners, and tie them to nearby trees or branches. Try to keep the corners up at least one and a half metres above the ground.

Wind-rain protection model (left)

If a stiff breeze is whipping in off the lake, driving pelting rain before it, adapt the kitchen shelter setup to make a wind and rain shield. Start by hanging your tarp over a centre rope strung about two and a half metres above the ground between two trees. Then, stake one side down almost vertically to the ground. Keep the other side almost horizontal so it forms a roof over your head. Be sure the lower end of your tarp faces the prevailing wind or rain, so you can sit behind your tarp in perfect, dry comfort, protected from wind-blown rain. With this setup, campfire smoke can escape easily.

Improvised “A” frame tent (below)

The improvised tent is like an “A” frame setup, with a slight modification. One end is higher to encourage water run-off. It makes a great tent if you’re trying to save some weight during a backpacking trip. But beware: never use it during the height of mosquito or blackfly season. This make-shift tent has no bug net; you’ll get eaten alive. Tie a rope around a tree about one and a half meters off the ground. Run your rope to the ground at about a 30 degree angle, and peg it down securely. After draping your tarp over the rope, secure one end of your tarp to the upper part of the taut rope, and the other end to where you’ve staked your rope into the ground. Pull the two tarp corners on the high side tightly outwards, staking them down to

make the shelter opening. At the low end, fold each corner under the tarp, and stake a point on each side to hold it taut.

Slant roof shelter

If you’re not looking for a tent-like structure, but something to keep the rain away from your campfire or picnic table, then a Slant Roof shelter is excellent. It’s simple to erect. Merely find four trees growing in a square pattern and tie each corner of your tarpaulin to a trunk. Tie the two highest corners approximately two and a half metres above the ground, and the two lower corners about two metres above the ground. The slanting angle provides excellent drainage.

Backpacking front porch cover

Sometimes a front porch on your tent makes a convenient addition, especially in soggy weather. A porch offers a camper a great place to shed wet rain clothes, or sort out your pack before heading down the trail. To make a porch, use a small, lightweight tarp (2 m x 3 m). Drape about one third of it over the front of your tent, staking it down to pegs on the side. At the front of your tent, pull the tarp out straight and tie straight branches or hiking poles at the corners to lift the tarp up. Finish by staking the poles down with parachute cord. If you’re camping with a group, have everyone set up their tents wagon-train-style facing inwards, with doors each about two metres away. Hang a larger tarp overhead so it covers the openings of everyone’s tents. Caution! Make sure the overhead tarp doesn’t direct water to drain into someone’s tent.

Parting shots

Whether you need a dry canopy over your picnic table or an improvised tent, a tarpaulin will add to your enjoyment of any outdoor adventure. Spend time learning the many ways a tarpaulin can make life better.

≈≈Chantal Macartney is a regular staff writer. On rainy camping days, you’ll find her under a tarpaulin, sipping tea while reading a book.

OTTAWAOUTDOORSMAGAZINE – SUMMER/FALL’07

Round 1

Ottawa’s Outdoor Pioneers Take a close look at these entrepreneurs who helped build and enhance our outdoor adventures HERE IN OUR Ottawa/Gatineau and Valley backyard are enough venues to enjoy a plethora of adventures, but they didn’t just happen. This feature will give you a chance to find out about the people who made these adventures possible, what makes them tick, and what inspired them to build what we enjoy today. Maybe their stories will motivate others to build new businesses promoting fitness and the outdoors. See future issues for the next round of pioneers; it’s a long list.

NAME: MARGARET MALONEY Accomplishment? Starting RiverRun Rafting after a day on the Ottawa river with friends in July 1980. Reason you started? The incredible beauty of the Ottawa River and the possibility of starting a business that would be new, exciting and something that could involve my family. The search for equipment, land and staff took months, with many obstacles. Lending institutions had never heard of whitewater rafting and after being turned down by several banks I finally put together a business plan that intrigued them. With a song and a prayer, and our family home as collateral (and some savings from my mother), I was finally in the rafting business. Biggest accomplishment to date? It would be my Margare t Malone wonderful children and y that all three of them are currently involved in RiverRun along with my son-in-law. But I’m also proud of being an example of what a single mother with a head for business and a belief in herself can do. In the beginning I was the only woman outfitter on the Ottawa River, and perhaps in Canada, and was willing to offer the opportunity to young women to become river guides in a male-dominated business and sport. What do you love about the Ottawa region? The Valley and the community spirit. It’s a wonderful place for my children and my grandchildren to live.

Dominique Larocque

OCQUE NAME: DOMINIQUE LAR ing ed Creative Wheel Consult nch Lau t? Accomplishmen Mountain XC a occ LaR y pan com r Inc. in 1995 and its siste Bike School in 1997. ided to re-evaluate my life Reason you started? I dec e Wheel (originally a graphic ativ Cre and chose to evolve n -counselling business. The design company) into an eco to me d hire une Fort Camp in 1997, Peter Suderman of p for kids and teens. Peter design a mountain bike cam l as a retired two-time nationa believed that my experience ting) ska e inlin ed spe and g team athlete (mountain bikin utic nce in outdoor and therape combined with my experie me the right person e mak ld wou s ines bus recreation and camp. to design and direct such a t to date? Purchasing Biggest accomplishmen s in 2003 to give a tree and s rock of s 42 hectare el’s commitment to Whe e ativ Cre new direction to onsibility, ecopsychology resp tal sustainability, environmen eation, coaching recr oor and ecophilosophy in outd el to show that mod s ines bus a It’s . lling and counse can co-exist. on eati recr oor outd sustainability and rs the Ottawa region? Its rive What do you love about e hav I ory. hist wa’s Otta and lakes, green spaces and great grandmother was recently found out that my on was long home to First Algonquin. The Ottawa regi of the Algonquin, who part Nations peoples who were kichissippi, meaning the or sibi i kich the r rive the called “great river.” Our No Trace” in the outdoors. Parting message? “Leave es, hon cellp the k Par . n now society needs to slow dow Step es, park the consumerism. park the car, park the dish beach, a park a , rock a on sit go and outside the box Chill out, take a big breath bench, somewhere “green.” py what exactly makes you hap and evaluate your life and the spokes of your ” “true to time the e Tak in that life. wheel of life.

Parting message? In 27 years I have taken an abandoned dairy farm to a world class whitewater resort. It just doesn’t get any better. It’s been hard work made easier with some long-term staff and eager young people working together to give our guests a safe and memorable experience. I couldn’t be a luckier woman to live and work in the beautiful Valley with my family around me.

NAME: KEN PARKER Accomplishments? Beginning with distance running while in the RCAF in the late 1960s, I was one of the founders of the National Capital Marathon. Then … • First distance coach for the Ottawa Lions Track Club, • Race director for Avon International Marathon in 1981, then considered the unofficial world championship race for women, • Bringing the Bonne Bell Women’s Only 10K to Ottawa, • Founding the Ottawa Athletic Club Racing Team in 1981, • Receiving the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal for community service in 2003, • Being inducted into the Ottawa Sports Hall of Fame in 2005, • Founding the Runner’s Web as a not-for-profit resource site. All revenue from this site supports local and international athletes, clubs and events such as Emilie’s Run. • Through my former company Sirius Consulting, for seven years I sponsored triathlete Sharon Donnelly, three-time Canadian champion, Pan American Games gold medallist and Sydney Olympian. • Sirius also provided academic/athletic scholarships at Lisgar Collegiate.

Ken Parker Reason you started? The air force had implemented a yearly 1.5 mile fitness run and as a former sprinter, I needed to start training like a distance runner. I read a story on the Boston Marathon and decided that I would run it some day. Later I ran marathons for 13 years with a personal best time of 2:42 in the 1981 Ottawa Marathon. Biggest accomplishment to date? That I have made a difference by contributing to the development of athletes, events and teams as a coach, sponsor and race organizer. What do you love about the Ottawa region? Ottawa and the National Capital Region are excellent venues for active people. I love the green space, canal, rivers and parkways. Also recently we have seen the construction of the 400-metre indoor track at Louis Riel High School, which filled the void created by the City’s refusal to provide an indoor track. Parting message? Just do it. You can make a difference by being passionate about sport.

OTTAWAOUTDOORSMAGAZINE – SUMMER/FALL’07

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NAME: JOE KOWALSKI

NAME: TERRY MCKINTY

Accomplishment? Pioneered Wilderness Tours (WT) whitewater rafting and kayaking on the Ottawa River near Beachburg, Ontario in 1974 with commercial operations following a year later.

Accomplishment? Since the 1970s in Sudbury following up when I moved to Ottawa to work for Athletics Canada in 1985, I have helped organize more than 700 events. Recently, I have been pleased with our development of the Somersault Triathlon/ Duathlon event program in Eastern Ontario. We are particularly proud of our role in encouraging newcomers to the sport and to the world of active living.

Reason you started? I just liked to run rivers and that is all I ever wanted to do. To offer the same to others continues to be rewarding.

Reason you started? I organized track and field and running events in Sudbury because there weren’t any, and if we didn’t organize them there wouldn’t be any. As my coaching career was drawing to a close in the early 1980s, I graduated to adult fitness events, as I felt I could influence even more people than I could when I was coaching.

Biggest accomplishments to date? • Personally guided prime ministers Joe Kowalski Trudeau and Chretien down the Ottawa • WT is featured in the Canada Pavilion at Disney World’s EPCOT Center • Of 1,000 km of Ottawa River, only 10 km of wild river remain and WT has preserved 4,000 acres of it • WT was selected the International Canoe Federation, the governing body of Olympic paddle sports, to organize and host the 2007 World Freestyle Kayaking Championships. • WT’s famed Keener Program for teen kayakers had 10 Keeners compete in World’s with six advancing to the podium. • Recently partnered with Windmill Developments to create “Whitewater Village on the Ottawa River”. What do you love about the Ottawa region? A great city with Canada’s best whitewater only 90 minutes away. We’re truly fortunate.

Terry McKinty

What do you love about the Ottawa region? The enthusiasm of the race participants I see almost every weekend. That entire families take their health seriously, and realize they can have fun at the same time. With so much to do our city’s outstanding.

Parting message? Give the Ottawa a day and it will give you memories to last a lifetime! NAME: WALLACE SCHABER Accomplishment? Started a Quetico Wilderness Trip for staff and seniors in 1971. This program evolved into Black Feather Wilderness Adventures which still continues to introduce 1,000 people a year to adventures throughout Canada. Later, in 1976, I opened Trailhead for outdoor enthusiasts, with business partner Chris Harris. In 1976 Harris and I opened an outfitting store to equip Black Feather and all adventurers to get to their own trailhead. We had to outfit their skills, their gear and their Wallace Schaber logistical support. Since 1971 we have assisted more than 100,000 people from prime ministers to schoolkids to get out safely and successfully on their first trail. Reason you started? Originally it was to feed my passion to explore the north and do it as a summer job while in university, but it soon became obvious we were onto a public wave of enthusiasm for this type of service and we began Trailhead. Biggest accomplishment to date? That it’s still fun after 40 years, with friendships forged on the trail. Being able to make contributions to protect the Dumoine River. Being the first licensed canoe guide on the Nahanni River. Mostly though, just having a positive influence in peoples’ lives. What do you love about the Ottawa region? That there are hundreds of great trips within a four-hour drive. No matter where you go – up to the most remote river in the north – when you meet a group they likely have Ottawa roots (or they’re Europeans). Ottawa creates great adventurers. Parting message? Marked by the wild, I enjoy the challenges of extreme sport. It’s what motivated me in the beginning, but don’t forget the other challenge, to enjoy everything about the journey. Allow the wild to leave its mark on your soul.

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Biggest accomplishment to date? There are two of them. The first is my role as executive director for the 1988 World Championships in Athletics (track and field). This $10 million event attracted 1,500 athletes from around the world to Sudbury, and was a super experience. Secondly, our development of adult fitness/sport events through Somersault has been rewarding at the community level, and we are proud of that success.

Parting message? As I have passed the 60-year mark, I have become increasingly interested in helping adults get and stay fit by providing events that encourage and/or motivate them to get out there and do it. I am motivated to make everyone feel good about their abilities, whether they be slow or fast, or young or old. NAME: JO

E DU VALL Accomplis hment? Run ning. I started (with the help of others) several race s that are fa miliar fixtures on the local ev ent calendar: R ichmond Roa d Races, Run for Reach, Kanata Canada Day Road Races and other in itiat National Cap ives with the ital Runners Association. Year starte d? Richmond R oad Races, 19 Kanata Can ada Day Rac 83; es, 1987; Run for Reach, 1988 Reason yo u st Richmond an arted? The d Kanata ra ces were in conj unction with community Joe Du V festivals. Th all ere were no win ter races in th e Ottawa ar so Richmon ea at that tim dw e running com as initiated as we felt it would be munity. Kan wel ata had a fle wanted to be dgling Canad l received by the part of it. S a Day even o our runnin Association, t g club, the supported th National Cap and we is new even fundraising ital Runners t. The Run event for th for Reach ev e Reach (a quality of lif n or ent is a e for citizen s with disabi ganization set up to im educationa prove the lities by offe l services at ring lawyer the commun referral and ity level.) Biggest ac complishm ent to date over two de ? The events cades and continue to we stage ha personally, be popular ve endured as an avid with local ru runner sinc not to mentio nners. For e 1978 and n the severa me still keeping l hundred ra biggest acco at it regularly ces I’ve been mplishmen , t. in – that’s st ill my What do yo u love abou t the Ottaw terms of ve a region? Th nues and ev ents for spor e choices w levels of go e ts in all seas vernment co ons and that have in -operate to m the various ak Parting mes e them happ sa en. one. It will be ge? If you can’t partici pate in an ev very rewardi ent at least ng. help out at

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Competition at top of the food chain When hawk meets editor BY ROGER BIRD WEDNESDAY IS MY hiking day, but in mid-May the forecast was very hot, so I went alone up the Gatineau, early in the day to beat the heat. This meant doing without the normal cheerful (and noisy) horde of hiking companions, so I took my binoculars even though anyone who goes birding in Gatineau Park seriously needs to get a life. I was deep in the bush wearing a bug hat (welcome to blackfly season) on a faint trail between Curley Lake and Lac la Pêche and heard a very loud bird cry. Not a bluejay – this thing would make a bluejay sound like a funeral director by comparison. Then a very big bird flew into view at the top of a nearby hemlock and yelled at me. The bug hat came off fast so I could look better at a huge grey hawk, with a distinctive thick white eyebrow line and fluffy white bum feathers. It was a full adult northern goshawk – the first I’d ever seen in my life. What goshawks do for a living is hunt other birds among the trees and small animals on the ground. The whole accipiter family (ranging from the pigeon-sized sharp-shinned hawks up to the goshawk) is built to manoeuvre in thick woods, and kill. But

there’s nothing in the job description about people, and I was soon to learn this was a serious gap in my knowledge. I got a very good look at the bird over the next few minutes, and then started off down the trail again. Suddenly with no warning, THUMP! Something hit my head, hard and sharp, and I watched a swift grey shape twist down the trail ahead of me close to the ground. He had hit me with his body and talons about as hard as a dad in the bad old days would whack a kid on the head for stealing cookies. Cool, I thought. I’ve been attacked by a life bird (a life bird is what birders label a bird they’ve seen for the very first time). I continued on down the trail. WHACK! It hit me again, but harder. Realizing this was not a one-off situation, I put my sun hat over my bug hat, but too late – the talons had already ripped it. After the THIRD hit, I picked up two long straight branches and held one in each hand so they crossed above and behind my head. I looked like a person taking some kind of unusual pilgrimage. Seven other attacks followed, but the sticks prevented further hits. After posting this adventure on “Ontbirds,” e-mails poured in. Some birders said, “Lucky you!” Others were less enthusiastic. One guy reported being driven out of the woods “bloody and terrified.” Another wrote telling me how to go back and find the nest, wearing a safety helmet. I didn’t. You’re not supposed to stress birds while they’re defending nests. At least that’s what I told myself. ≈≈ Roger Bird is editor of Ottawa Outdoors Magazine, and a lifelong birder.

The Voyageur’s Journey Authentic voyageur canoe trip begins on the historic Rideau Canal IMAGINE PADDLING for two months as the original voyageurs did years ago. So it will be for Bob Abrames, who previously participated in a 100-day, 2,500-km expedition from Montréal to Winnipeg. “It’s an adventure. We wear the same clothes, eat the same food and travel in the same way as the voyageurs.”

The first leg of the journey will be along the Rideau Canal, which is celebrating its 175th anniversary throughout 2007. Once through the Rideau Canal system, the expedition then travels through Lake Ontario to the Trent-Severn system, to Georgian Bay, then up the French River, Lake Nipissing to the Mattawa River., then back down the Ottawa River to the city’s doorstep.

Happy 1 Anniver 75th Rideau sary Canal!!!

All the while, the participants will be paddling birchbark canoes, wearing period-appropriate clothing and dining on meals of peas, salt pork, cranberries, maple sugar, and green tea. The group plans to average 32 kilometres of paddling per day, and should return to Ottawa around the September Labour Day weekend. Visit Ottawa Tourism at www.ottawatourism.ca for more information. Good luck Mr. Abrames!

ILLUSTRATION BY KEITH MILNE & GORD COULTHART

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