Issue #11 - Ottawa Outdoors Magazine

Q. I’D LIKE TO TAKE UP TRAIL RUNNING. CAN YOU BRIEF ME ON TRAIL ETIQUETTE?

“Wheels yield to heels is the rule on multi-use trails.”

Stay on the right side of the path. Anyone going downhill has the right of way. But, it’s your responsibility to stay alert and make people aware you’re coming. “Yell ‘track or runner on your left,’” advises Paula Burchat, Race Director of Conquer the Canuck, Ottawa’s first trail ultra. As an ultrarunner, Burchat spends a lot of time training in the Gatineau Hills and is always surprised to see people trail running while they listen to music through headphones. “You need to hear other users, especially when turning corners, on hills and single track.”

To avoid widening trails or trampling fragile plants, stay on designated paths and don’t cut off switchbacks. Preserve the natural beauty of your favourite trail — if you see garbage on it, pick it up and pack it out. And for safety’s sake, don’t forget to let someone know where you’re going and how long you plan to be out.

Gatineau Park has a Volunteer Trail Patrol. Bilingual patrollers provide information to visitors on trails, promote park rules and park activities. They also provide first aid for people and their bikes. If you’re interested in volunteering for the trail patrol, call (613) 239-5373.

Q. HOW DO I TAKE MY BABY CANOEING FOR LONGER THAN 10 MINUTES?

Some children own a paddle before they can hold their heads up, but that much-anticipated first family canoe trip can be a disaster. Your baby’s age, mobility and temperament will determine which suggestions will work in your situation: 1. Get baby used to a personal flotation device (PFD) by wearing it around the house or at a swimming pool. Make sure the PFD fits snuggly without being unnecessarily tight around the neck. 2. Hug the shoreline to look for wildlife or any interesting features that will attract attention. 3. If baby can do so without trying to climb the gunwales, let him or her stand between your legs at the bow. Your baby will feel like the captain of the ship. 4. Treats! Feed them anything that will buy you time on the water. 5. Start small. A10-minute success beats a 30-minute disaster — it

also increases the ease of getting baby back in the canoe next time.

Q. SUMMER MAKES MY FEET AND MY SANDALS STINK — WHAT CAN I DO?

Don’t despair. There is help and you’re certainly not alone. In warm weather, especially when we’re active, our feet can produce up to a cup of sweat a day! Excessive perspiration leads to odour-causing bacteria taking up residence on our feet. No wonder your feet and sandals run afoul of the nose.

Washing your feet in warm water and mild soap helps get rid of smelly bacteria. If you need a more powerful odourfighting mixture, add a few drops of anti-bacterial tea tree essential oil to a bowl of warm water and treat your feet to a soak.

If you’re not afraid of the fashion police, try wearing socks made of natural fibres such as cotton and wool under your sandals to reduce summer stink.

To help eliminate sandal odours, use several pairs and rotate them so they can dry between outtings. Rotating pairs of sandals may not be an option when you’re packing light on a canoe trip or a backcountry camping adventure, but it would certainly help in the city.

For seriously stinky sandals, try commercial foot powders, sprays or gels. If your skin isn’t particularly sensitive, you may be able to get away with occasionally applying underarm deodorant to your feet. Kathleen Wilker loves cycling, skiing, running, swimming, canoeing, hiking, camping, traveling, visiting with family and friends, drinking coffee and writing.