YOUR GUIDE TO THE LOCAL OUTDOOR ADVENTURE SCENE
SAILING ON OTTAWA’S RIVERS
Biking for Bass FISHING NOOKS AROUND THE CITY
SECRETS TO MT. BIKING UPHILL DOWNTOWN WALKING AND HIKING PATHS YOUR SERVE: TENNIS AS A LIFE-CHANGER BEST IN-LINE SKATING ROUTES IN THE CITY
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Lost and scared: wilderness Survival 101
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Casual footwear for the urban lifestyle GLEBE TROTTERS at 860 BANK STREET
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ARTICLES
MAKING MOLEHILLS OUT OF MOUNTAINS HOW TO BIKE UP THE HILLS PG 6
a stroll on 3 Take the urban trails of Ottawa-Gatineau
5 Ottawa Kids Triathlon 10 Murphy’s camping laws Spotlight: 19 Community Camp Smitty Tips: better 20 Golf pitch shots and more Rowing 24 Adaptive spotlight serve: tennis as a 32 Your life-changer skating trails 35 In-line around Ottawa racing 37 Adventure women go the distance 42 Ultimate City: Frisbee
COOL OUTDOOR GEAR PG 40
for athletes
43 COLUMNS
2 Publisher’s letter 8 The Book Nook 16 Health & Fitness 40 Cool Gear section 46 Upcoming Events 48 The Mountain Range 51 The Green Pages 52 The Last Biscuit COVER PHOTO
Paddling down the Rideau Canal enjoying the urban waterways. Photo by Ottawa Tourism
Disc Golf: take it up
FEATURE: LOST AND SCARED:
WILDERNESS SURVIVAL 101
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BIKING FOR BASS FISHING NOOKS FISHING AROUND THE CITY CITY
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The sound you hear is Ottawa’s urban outdoors
PUBLISHER AND EDITOR-IN-CHIEF Dave Brown
THE URBAN SIDE OF OTTAWA’S outdoor scene is a little more prevalent in this issue. We decided to pull together some in-thecity sports we think you might enjoy exploring. It’s been many years since I’ve sailed on the Ottawa River, but I have great memories of cutting the waves on my 420 craft Dave Brown as I zipped along the surface with the spray cooling my sunPublisher drenched skin. To further entice you into the local sailing world, Editor-in-chief we enlisted the writing style of John Bienko to relay the sailing experience and to ignite the sailor within. Away from the waters and onto the courts, we feature tennis in this issue – another outdoor pursuit enjoyed citywide. There are countless local clubs and free courts where couples and friends can play. Grab your racket and get out there. Next we pulled together a list of urban trails where you can enjoy local walks/hikes in or near the downtown core. And to further enhance your urban trail experience, we called on the in-line skating community to provide a detailed list of all the local routes you can enjoy. Next, you’ve no doubt heard of adventure racing and may very well have a family member, friend or co-worker who takes on this wild and wonderful over-the-top world. It combines several pursuits you enjoy – biking, running and paddling – into one race. In this issue we spotlight a local group of four women that tackled the Storm the Trent series as the Ottawa Outdoors Magazine Team. There’s a good chance you’ll be inspired, and perhaps form your own team for one of many local races. That sums up some of the main features for this summer-fall issue. As a bonus, we also introduce you to the mass appeal of the Ultimate Frisbee league in Ottawa. And if you’re a cyclist, a how-to article on tackling the uphill challenges. Lastly, we’ve even included some golf tips to improve your game. Be sure to read the weekend get-away features in this issue too. Sure we love to camp and cottage, but we also love the pampered escape to fine dinners, cosy hottubs and warm amenities. There are a few in this issue we’re sure you’ll enjoy. The summer and fall months are ahead and filled with fresh air, great sports and great fun. Get your partner, family and friend and bask in it. Happy trails, happy sidewalks and pathways too.
CONTRIBUTORS
Jo-Anne Mary Benson is a local writer and mother of four sons. She enjoys travelling with her husband, reading with her cats, and exploring nature through her walks, canoeing, and photography.
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John W. Bienko started sailing at age 13 after restoring a derelict sailboat. He sails Blue Eyes, a C&C 27 Mark III, on the Ottawa River, and spends part of the winter cruising and racing on the Pacific Ocean. He is the author of Retire Healthy, Wealthy and Wise … in Paradise (Blue Eyes Books, 2006).
Jesse Anderson Jesse is a marine sports photographer in Ottawa. His business, Curved Space Studios, produces race photography and commercial photography to the sailing community. He has covered many local regattas as well as world cups in many different classes.
OTTAWAOUTDOORS SUMMER/FALL 2006
Craig Law is a volunteer coach and the adaptive rowing coordinator for the Ottawa Rowing Club. He will be coaching at the Rowing World Championships this summer in England.
MANAGING EDITOR Allen Macartney EDITOR Roger Bird DESIGN AND LAYOUT Terry Terrade, Dave Brown GRAPHIC ILLUSTRATORS Keith Milne CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Chantal Macartney, Fraser Moffat, Colin Peden, Jo-Anne Mary Benson, Corina Milic, Gord Percy, Gary Harrison, Craig Law, Tim Allard, Camille Lewis, Charles Britney, Gavin Thulien, Sophia Tsouros, Danielle Fortin, Stephen Seabrook, Julie St. Jean, Allen Macartney
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Jesse Henderson Photography, Ottawa Tourism, Brendon Purdy, National Capital Commission, RF STOCK, Ryan Marks, Tim Allard, Ottawa Tennis and Lawn Bowling Club, Ottawa Inline Skating Club, Storm The Trent, Marc Jourdeuil Photography, Cory Berghout, Ottawa Disc Golf Club, Thomas Tarte
ADVERTISING INQUIRIES
Dave Brown Ottawa Outdoors Magazine is an independent publication published seasonally every four months. E-mail: Advertising@OttawaOutdoors.ca Tel: 613-860-8687 / 888-228-2918 Fax: 613-860-8687
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Send your subscription info and cheque to the address below or visit www.OttawaOutdoors.ca Ottawa Outdoors Magazine 2706 Alta Vista Drive, Suite #107 Ottawa, ON K1V 7T4 Tel: 613-860-8687 Fax: 613-860-8687 E-mail: Info@OttawaOutdoors.ca Internet: www.OttawaOutdoors.ca
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. CANADIAN POSTMASTER: Return undeliverable covers to 2706 Alta Vista Drive, Suite #107, Ottawa, ON, Canada, K1V 7T4. Return postage guaranteed. Indexed in the Canadian Periodical Index ISSN No. 1204-69556. © Copyright 2006. 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.
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an outdoor enthusiast who would like to contribute articles or photos? We’re game if you are! Editor@OttawaOutdoors.ca
Take a stroll on the urban trails of Ottawa-Gatineau BY CHANTAL MACARTNEY OTTAWA IS SUCH a beautiful city that many of the thousands of people who work downtown are lured outside to take walks over the lunch break. Others glide along tree-lined pathways on inline skates. Here are four outstanding routes to try this summer.
FIRST LOOP
This trail is 2.6 kilometres long and starts on the Sparks Street Mall. Walking west along Sparks Street, continue to the end until you reach the Garden of the Provinces with its two waterfalls, a perfect lunch spot on sunny days. Then continue walking to the north side of Wellington Street, turning left at the National Library. Follow the sidewalk almost to the Portage Bridge. Veer right and descend to the pathway that winds along the Ottawa River behind the National Library, Supreme Court and Parliament Buildings. It’s a beautiful outing beside the water for walking, cycling or skating. Continue downstream until you reach the locks beside the Chateau Laurier. Then turn right and climb up the roadway or stairs to Confederation Square. Turn right again to get back to Sparks Street and your starting point. If you don’t have time for all of this lovely walk, you’ll find sets of stairs leading from water level back to the top of the escarpment. This loop is five kilometres and starts on the Gatineau side of the Ottawa River, near the Portage III/IV office complex. The loop begins on the Voyageur Pathway at the Portage Bridge, and winds eastwards along the Ottawa River behind the Museum of Civilization. Here you’ll find many shaded spots for lunch beside the water. Continue walking to the 100-year-old Princess Alexandra Bridge spanning the Ottawa River. As you cross the bridge to
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SECOND LOOP
OTTAWAOUTDOORS SUMMER/FALL 2006
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THIRD LOOP
This route is approximately 5½ kilometres and starts at the Chateau Laurier. It goes south along the pathway parallel
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to Colonel By Drive beside the Rideau Canal, turning right across the Pretoria Bridge, and returns north along Queen Elizabeth Driveway. You’ll find shaded trees and park benches along the water for lunch or just to take a break.
FOURTH LOOP
This loop starts and ends at the government complex at Tunney’s Pasture beginning at the intersection of Parkdale and Columbine. Walk north to the Ottawa River pathway and turn right to the Lemieux Island water filtration plant or left to the Remic Rapids look-
out. Both loops are about 2½ kilometres. On either walk you’ll pass picturesque stretches of the rapids that forced the early voyageurs out of their canoes. But step carefully to avoid those flocks of nonchalant Canada Geese that got there earlier than you and think they own the place. Explore some walks alone or with coworkers this summer. Even 20 minutes gets you into the fresh air to blow away the cobwebs. You’ll notice it makes a difference to your afternoon, helps reduce stress, and can deepen a friendship with your walking companions.
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PHOTO BY NATIONAL CAPITAL COMMISSION
Ottawa, you’ll have a breathtaking view of both cities and the Rideau Locks. On the Ottawa side, turn right just before you reach the National Gallery of Canada and walk through Major’s Hill Park to Rideau Street where it joins Confederation Square. Turn right and continue past the Parliament Buildings to the Portage Bridge. Cross it back into Gatineau to your starting point.
Ottawa Kids Triathlon Healthy activity for “kids of steel”
It takes about 50-75 volunteers on race day to help out with the check-in, swim, bike and run segments, transition zones, postrace snacks and awards, first aid and announcements.
A GROUP OF VOLUNTEERS is making sure Ottawa children get a chance to have fun and test themselves in the Kids of Steel triathlons, duathlons (run, bike, run) and clinics this summer. The volunteers, who call themselves the Ottawa Kids Triathlon, have organized 19 tri races since 2001. The races – for children from six to 15 – are sanctioned by the Ontario Association of Triathletes. The group says it expects to have about 5,000 participations of children from six to 15 at races and skills clinics at its Westboro Beach Kids of Steel Triathlon and FunDu on August 19. The group received a $35,000 Trillium Foundation grant in 2004 to buy equipment; the Foundation relies on other cash and in-kind sponsors each year to keep entry costs (they range from $15 to $30) down to ensure that all kids who want to enter are able to do so. For more info check out www.triathlonontario.com and www.ottawakidstri.ca.
Volunteers supervise the bike mount area. The swim, bike and run distances vary for each age group.
On June 11 about 25 athletes aged five and under participated in a Fun Du (run-bike-run) at the Goulbourn Recreation Centre in Stittsville.
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OTTAWAOUTDOORS SUMMER/FALL 2006
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Making molehills out of mountains MOVE YOUR BUTT BY FRASER MOFFAT
TELL ME IF this sounds familiar: you’re riding your mountain bike along a nice stretch of dirt singletrack, and suddenly a steep and rocky hill appears in front of you. You take a deep breath and start pedaling hard to make the ascent. About half way up, you spin your rear tire out in the dirt and run out of steam. You get off and push the bike and yourself up the rest of the monstrous hill. Most mountain bikers have found PHOTO BY RF STOCK
themselves doing this time and time again until they finally figure out how to climb properly. Climbing hills on a mountain bike One way to learn how to climb on is difficult because the laws of physics a mountain bike involves riding with and trail surfaces are working against stronger riders – keeping close behind you. Your centre of gravity changes as them and trying to see how they do it. you move uphill and traction is lost if This works, but it takes time and can be you stay in the standard riding position. so frustrating and painful that you keep Add in loose dirt, gravel and rocks and the bike safe and dry in your basement whatever traction you have left becomes for a long time and don’t return your nothing but a fond memory. riding buddies’ phone calls. A more rewarding way to learn is to read the rest of this article, take “The bicycle is a curious your newfound knowledge with vehicle. Its passenger is you out on the trail, then practise, its engine.” practise, practise. Soon enough, ~John Howard you’ll be out front on your group You’ll need to apply “body English” rides instead of bringing up the rear. to overcome these forces of nature. Hill climbing on a mountain bike is Here’s how. not just about gear selection, although First, move your butt forwards on this is important: When approaching the seat so the nose of the seat is in the a hill, you need to select a gear that vicinity of your tailbone. You want to be will allow you to maintain a steady pedal stroke all the way up. Feel free to more “fore” than “aft,” so your centre of gravity stays in front of the rear axle of change gears in mid-climb, but use the rear derailleur instead of the front unless the bike. Second, lower your chest to the you want to pick pieces of your chain up handlebars as you move your butt from the trail.
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forwards on the seat – another strategy to keep your centre of gravity forward. Third, bring your elbows close into your body. This allows you to maintain efficient control over your bike and keep it pointed in the right direction without much effort. Now practise these three techniques on a small incline. Choose an appropriate gear and exaggerate the body and arm positions. Move on to bigger and steeper hills, and keep on practising these techniques. For steeper hills, move your butt further forward on your seat, your chest closer to the handlebars and your arms closer into your body. With lots of practice, you’ll be able to change your position easily to adjust to different conditions and climb most hills with relative ease. At this point, you have become a Jedi master of mountain bike climbing with no need to avoid rides with your buddies. Happy trails.
≈ Fraser Moffat is an experienced cycling instructor who has explored many of Ottawa’s best trails.
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A WALK IN THE FOREST IS A NATURAL HIGH.
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THE BOOK NOOK – BY JO-ANNE MARY BENSON TENT AND CAR CAMPER’S HANDBOOK – ADVICE FOR FAMILIES AND FIRST-TIMERS.
Buck Tilton, with Kristin Hostetter (The Mountaineers Books), $19.50.
CAMPING WITH THE kids. Camping for the first time. Umm, yes, sounds fun, but wouldn’t it be nice if you knew what to expect, and what to do to keep things happy in and out of the tent? You don’t want to blow it and be condemned to a lifetime of motels. This book can help. Buck Tilton, a longtime contributing editor to Backpacker Magazine, has an extensive list of books and articles to his credit as well as 35 years of camping. Kirsten Hostetter, Backpacker’s gear editor, is a writer and mother of two. They deliver much more than the expected. They include topics like what to wear, how to build a memory collection, and how to organize the camp kitchen.
Cooking? Try a folding unit that provides storage, shelving, and counter space. Discover the versatility of a Dutch oven and the opportunities that come with using foil, spits or sticks. And they recommend a multipocket carpenter’s apron to store eating and cooking utensils. Parents could use the practical guidelines on what to expect from children in different age groups. For hiking, the authors recommend that five- to seven-year-olds can cover from three to six kilometres (depending on terrain) while 10- to 12-year-olds can tackle 12 to 16 kilometres at a moderate pace. There are tips on keeping children safe. Here are several: give them enough to drink, and slather them with sunblock and insect repellant. And cook up a strategy of what to do if they get separated from the group. No narrow focus here; the writers look at biking, fishing, canoeing and orienteering, as well as basic camping. The biggest hit of all could be the list of 50 “boredom busters” to reach for when your
ideas are going down the tank, and the kids are grating on each other and you. Besides the standard storytelling and card games, the book shows how children can create a nature collage by using glue, paper, and treasures from the trail, or try their hand at crafting miniature furniture from twigs to furnish a doll-sized log home. And then there are the natural wonders to be seen by inquisitive young eyes through a magnifying glass. The practical information includes the different types of U.S. campgrounds and Canada’s comparable offerings with their different national designations, making the book useful for campers on both sides of the border. Camping books abound, but this one offers not only its focus on families and novices, but combines it with something for seasoned campers too. For example, who would have thought of using an old garbage can lid as a grill? Or finding your way past the ultimate challenge – packing your vehicle effectively. Highly recommended. ≈ Ottawa area writer Jo-Anne Mary Benson specializes in travel literature, nature books and material about the outdoors.
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AVOID THE HIGH SEASON. YOU JUST MIGHT SEE SOMEONE ELSE.
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Murphy’s camping laws (and other stories) IT JUST TAKES INCENTIVE BY CHANTAL MACARTNEY JOKES AND COMICAL stories are great to hear or tell while trekking a hot dusty trail, or around the campfire after another great day. Here are some to keep everyone smiling – perhaps even Murphy!
DON’T BE TOO ANALYTICAL
Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson went camping. After a good meal and a bottle of wine, they lay down for the night and went to sleep. Hours later, Holmes awoke and nudged his friend. “Watson. Look up and tell me what you see.” Watson replied, “I see millions of stars.” “Yes, but what does that tell you?” Holmes asked. Watson pondered for a minute. “Astronomically, it tells me that there are millions of galaxies and potentially billions of planets. Astrologically, I observe that Saturn is in Leo. Horologically, I deduce that the time is approximately a quarter past three. Theologically, I can see that God is all powerful and that we are small and insignificant. Meteorologically, I suspect we will have a beautiful day tomorrow. “What does it tell you?” Holmes was silent for a minute, and then spoke. “You idiot! Someone stole our tent.”
MURPHY’S OUTDOOR STRATEGIES AND CAMPING LAWS
• Want to keep neighbours away in a public campsite? Put a tuba on your picnic table. • A potato baked in the coals for an hour makes a tasty, nutritious side dish. A potato forgotten in the coals for three hours makes an excellent hockey puck. • Bells provide some element of safety for hikers in bear country. Of course, it’s hard getting them on the bears. • Want to duplicate the warmth of a down-filled sleeping bag, but at half the price? Climb into a plastic garbage bag with several geese. • Any pebble that finds its way into your hiking boot will migrate to the point of maximum pressure and discomfort. • Your side of the tent is always the one that leaks. • The width of backpack straps decreases with the distance hiked, while backpack weight increases. • The sun sets 3 1/2 times faster than normal when you’re trying to set up camp. • When you are in a sleeping bag, the need to pee is inversely proportional to the amount of clothing worn.
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A loaded minivan pulled into the only remaining campsite. Four children leaped out and began feverishly unloading gear and setting up the tent. The boys rushed to gather firewood, while the girls and their mother set up the camp stove and cooking gear. A nearby camper marvelled to the youngsters’ father, “That’s some display of teamwork.” The father replied, “I have a system – no one goes to the bathroom until camp is set up.”
CAMPER COMMENTS
Following are real remarks on National Park comment cards, written by backpackers just in from wilderness trips: • Trails need to be reconstructed. Please avoid building trails that go uphill. • Too many bugs, leeches, spiders and spider webs. Please spray the wilderness to rid the area of these pests. • Consider paving the trails so they can be plowed in winter. • The coyotes made too much noise last night and kept me awake. Please get rid of these annoying animals. • The places where trails do not exist are not well marked.
CAMP COMMODITY
An elegant, delicate and proper lady was planning a camping trip to a new park. Before making reservations, she wanted to find out about the toilets. But, she mused, “How do you ask this question in a polite way?” She just couldn’t write the word “toilet” in her letter to the ranger. After much thought, she decided on the old-fashioned term “bathroom commode.” But seeing the word in print, she thought that even it looked rude. Finally, she rewrote the letter referring to the bathroom commode as the “BC.” “Does the campground have its own BC?” she asked politely. When the park ranger got the letter, the meaning of “BC” stumped him. After considerable thought, he decided that the lady must be asking about the local Baptist Church. So he wrote the following reply… Dear Madam: I regret very much the delay in answering your letter, but I now take pleasure in informing you that a BC is located 16 kilometres north of the campground, and is capable of seating 250 people at one time. I admit it is quite a distance if you are in the habit of going regularly, but you will be pleased to know that many park visitors take their lunches along and make a happy day of it. They usually arrive early and stay late. It is such a beautiful facility and the acoustics
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3200 LAKES. WATER YOU WAITING FOR?
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are marvellous! Even the smallest triumphant sound can be heard by all. The last time my wife and I attended, it was so crowded we had to stand up the whole time we were there. It may interest you to know that right now a supper is planned to raise money to buy more seats. It’s going to be held in the basement of the BC. It pains me not to be able to go more regularly, but it’s certainly not because
of a lack of desire on my part. As we grow old, it seems to take more effort. If you do decide to visit our park, perhaps I could go with you the first time, sit with you, and introduce you to all the other folks. Remember, this is a friendly community. Sincerely, Park Ranger
≈ Do you have a joke you’d like to share? E-mail it to MyJoke@OttawaOutdoors.ca. We’ll print the best ones in the next issue, and give you credit.
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Lost and scared: wilderness Survival 101 BY CHANTAL MACARTNEY WHERE’S THE TRAIL? It just seemed to disappear! You don’t want to be asking this question, but when you do, the adrenaline rushes through your body. Your eyes shoot around the forest looking for others in your group and you strain to hear them. But silence reigns, except for the thumping of your heart. The trees seem to close in. We’re not making this up. It’s happened to virtually every person associated with this magazine. Before you find yourself out on this limb, consider this: wilderness survival usually involves only five important elements. Five. Once you’ve got them down, not only will you be able to survive on your own almost anywhere for many days, but your confidence and enjoyment of the wilderness should soar. These five survival elements (in order of importance) are: • Attitude • Shelter • Water • Fire • Food. Let’s take a look at them.
A POSITIVE ATTITUDE
Nothing is more important for survival in the outdoors than a positive attitude. Pessimism will stop you dead. Panic and fear will close in, short-circuiting any creative thinking, making you act irrationally. But positive attitude involves more than a “can do” motto. “Can do” won’t do in most survival situations; however, a little preparation will keep you warm, comfortable and happy – even if lost for days. Preparation involves reading one or two books (or maybe just several articles) on survival, then thinking about what you read and how to apply it. Survival won’t be a mystery to you the more you read about it. This preparation will build a positive attitude based on the real strength that comes from knowledge
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– something that will keep you focused and calm. After you read about the subject, make a survival kit and keep it in a fanny pack that you take everywhere in the woods. Include a signalling whistle, waterproof matches and a lighter (two separate ways to start a fire), a candle, one or two or three large brightly coloured orange garbage bags, Band-Aids, a small space blanket, a pocket knife, fishing line and hooks (in a film canister), fire starter (in another film canister), 10 metres of thin cord, and an all-important tin of sardines (more on this later). But what happens if you do get lost? Sit down and wait for rescue. Don’t try to walk out even if you have a map and compass. Fear and confusion – constant companions of lost people – can degrade any abilities you have to find a trail with a compass. Alarm may be your first impulse after discovering the painful truth of your predicament. If you sense rising panic, break it immediately. Speak out loud – yell if you must – commanding yourself to stop and sit down. Then eat something. This combination of stopping and eating will halt any natural panic tendencies. You’ll gain control, and start to think rationally. And directed activity will improve your situation.
SHELTER
Seek temporary shelter from wind, rain or snow, but stay as visible as possible for rescuers. The simplest shelter is best. There are many natural shelters in the forest (e.g. blown over trees, rock overhangs). Look for them next time you’re taking a walk in the woods. Those large orange garbage bags have multiple uses if you get lost, and they’re highly visible too. Slit one lengthwise and across the top to make an improvised tarpaulin. Either sit under it, or let branches support it to make a makeshift tent. If it’s raining, then pull one over
your head, after making slits for head and arms for a raincoat. If it’s cold out, tie the bottom of your improvised raincoat closed with cord from your survival kit, then stuff the garbage bag with leaves until you look like the Pillsbury doughboy. You might look funny, but all those leaves will have the same effect as a warm down coat. If it’s raining and cold, stuff the leaves into your shirt and sleeves. Your space blanket – silvery-coloured and able to reflect body heat – will also provide excellent shelter. If it appears that you’re going to be stuck in the woods overnight, start working on a plan – steps to take that will make you comfortable and warm. The mere act of doing this will boost morale and increase your chances of getting found soon. Look for a natural shelter. If you can’t find one, make a lean-to with sticks and coniferous branches. Ensure the doorway faces south, for slightly added warmth. Also mark your shelter clearly visible for rescuers. Find rocks or green boughs, and spell out S-O-S in an open area.
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One of the first things people worry about before and after they get lost is food. Yet water is far more important. Water makes up about 85 per cent of our bodies; we can’t survive long without it. Luckily, Canada is awash in water with hundreds of thousands of rivers, lakes, streams and marshes. In the Ottawa area, walk one kilometre in any direction and you’ll probably find some form of water. Of course, running water (e.g. a stream or river) is better than still-lying water. Movement keeps it cleaner and fresher. What if you can’t find water, but you’re near an open meadow? Then you can “harvest” the morning dew. Take off your shirt and rub it on the grass. Wring it out and collect it where you can (e.g. a garbage bag or an extra water bottle). Ration your water, and fill your water bottle at every opportunity.
FIRE
Fire will keep you warm, signal your position to rescuers, and lift your spirits. If there is enough wood to burn, keep a fire going at all times. With your survival
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FOOD
Although it seems like the most important element of survival, food is actually the last thing you should think about if you get lost. The human body can last a surprisingly long time without food – in fact many weeks. Remember the tin of sardines in your survival kit? Sardines are not something that most people would snack on. That means (unlike a chocolate bar or delicious nuts), three or four years after you put sardines into your survival kit, you’re likely to still find them there – guaranteed! High in protein and soaked in oil, sardines will give your body the necessary nutrients to boost energy levels when most needed. They also make great fishing bait. Of course, you’ll also probably have granola bars, raisins and perhaps even
a sandwich in your pack. Ration these carefully, unless you’re in a highly traveled area. Food gives you energy and a sense of well-being. If you get anxious or fearful, your energy can drain very quickly leaving you tired and irritated, and much more susceptible to making foolish decisions. Before you reach this point, have a snack. If you think you might be in the forest for some days, eat nothing the first day. Conserve what you have. Take an inventory of your food, dividing it into small, equal parts. Then, decide when you will eat each, spacing it out evenly. And eat slowly. That will not only fool your body into thinking it’s getting more food, but also satisfy your hunger.
PASSING THOUGHTS
Survival. Usually it all comes down to these five elements. The more you know about them, the less mysterious outdoor survival becomes. Before heading out on a trip, research the area where you’ll be. Visitor’s Centres have lots of information including maps, pamphlets on wildlife, and trails. You can also find information on the Internet or by asking people who have already traveled in the area. Go prepared. That way, you’ll enjoy the trip more and minimize the possibility of getting lost. It can happen to anyone: hikers, cyclists, canoeists and skiers. Even someone with lots of outdoors experience can make a careless decision and end up lost. If it happens to you, don’t be too impatient to get back home. Impatience leads to carelessness, which in turn leads to risks and accidents. Sit down, stay calm and wait for rescue. Then repeat these five words: attitude, shelter, water, fire, food. Clear thinking and a prepared attitude are the most important factors to survival. Good luck!
≈ Chantal Macartney is a regular contributor to Ottawa Outdoors Magazine, and an avid canoeist, cyclist and hiker.
OTTAWAOUTDOORS SUMMER/FALL 2006
PHOTO BY RF STOCK
PHOTO BY RF STOCK
WATER
kit, you have two different ways of starting a fire: waterproof matches and a lighter. If one doesn’t work because of a broken flint or crushed match heads, you’ll have a backup ready. Even during wet weather you’ll find material to start a fire under thick trees. Use pinecones, dry leaves or evergreen needles to get the fire going. These will burn fast, but will help ignite dry branches that you use to feed the flames. Flames will ignite much faster if you use the candle in your survival kit. Simply break off a tiny stub of it and place it under your fire-starter. If your lighter and matches somehow won’t work, and the sun is shining brightly, use an eyeglass lens (or one from a set of binoculars) to focus the sun’s energy on a tiny dot of dry, burnable material. It works. Reflect the heat from your fire back to you by building up a small (30 centimetres high) rock or log wall beside the fire. Or set up a space blanket well clear of the flames – not too close or it could ignite from wind-blown sparks.
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HEALTH&FITNESS
WHEN VISITING CHATEAU MONTEBELLO, ENJOY FINE DINING AT RESTAURANT LE BELLAGIO
Staying fit, bit by bit BY COLIN PEDEN
AT HOME:
• Make household chores count; work at a fast pace to get your heart pumping. • Go for a walk after dinner rather than collapsing in front of the TV with a full belly. • Try working in the garden or mowing the lawn. Gardening burns up to 300 calories an hour, and builds strength. • Enlist the dog. Instead of just letting your pet out, take him or her for a brisk walk.
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OTTAWAOUTDOORS SUMMER/FALL 2006
AT WORK:
• If you ride the bus, get off a few blocks before your workplace. • If you drive, park further away from the office. • Take the stairs rather than the elevator, or get off a couple of floors early. • Take a walk rather than a coffee break. • Start a lunchtime walking group (see the article in this issue about four downtown walking routes on page 3), or team up with a friend to squeeze a walk in. By including a few of these brief activities in your day, those 30 minutes of activity may not be as tough as you thought to achieve. Look at your day, be creative with opportunities as they present themselves, and be as active as you can. (And try for some weekly structured exercise as well to reinforce the daily bits.) You’ll be pleasantly surprised at how you look, and more importantly, how you feel. ≈ Colin Peden, B.Sc. has been involved in health and wellness counselling for many years. He currently is a managing partner with Executive Fitness Leaders.
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PHOTOS BY RF STOCK
OUR LIVES ARE dominated by speed, our communication is instantaneous, and our ability to take a moment for ourselves is squeezed; there never seems to be enough time. With 1,440 minutes in each day, it shouldn’t be hard to find the 30 minutes of daily physical activity recommended by fitness experts. But for most people, this half hour falls by the wayside in a life dominated by family, work, errands and our daily routines. Does this mean that people with busiest schedules are doomed in their quest for a healthy lifestyle? Here’s the good news: There’s hope, even for those under the most pressure. The key is to make staying fit as convenient as possible. One of the biggest reasons why people slide into inactivity is that we assume exercise is successful only when we commits hours and hours to it. When such ample time is not available, many people consider fitness a lost cause, and abandon exercise. But what alternatives – other than hours at the gym – could someone include in a daily routine? Here are a few easy ways to include physical activity during your day.
OUTDOOR GETAWAY ONLY A SHORT DRIVE FROM OTTAWA, BEAUTIFUL QUEBEC CITY AWAITS YOU.
W
In the heart of Quebec City lies Château Frontenac.
elcome to Fairmont Le Château Frontenac.
Standing high on a bluff overlooking the mighty St. Lawrence River, Fairmont Le Château Frontenac is not merely a hotel located
in the heart of Old Québec – it is the heart of Old Québec. Offering exquisite dining opportunities, superior meeting facilities and a distinctive European charm, this stately hotel stands above historic Old Québec, a United Nations World Heritage Site. • A stay at the château permits you easy walking access to all of the wonderful sites and facinating historical areas that Old Québec has to offer. • A visit at this restored 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.
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OTTAWAOUTDOORS SUMMER/FALL 2006
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COMMUNITY SPOTLIGHT: CAMP SMITTY
Still going strong KIDS CAMP HAS WELCOMED ALL COMERS FOR MORE THAN 80 YEARS OFF MINK LAKE Road near Eganville, Ontario, a tree-lined lane meanders until it opens into a huge green field. If you listen, you’ll hear children laughing. Welcome to Camp Smitty. Keep going down the road and you’ll find “The Rock”; it’s huge (about 4½ metres by nine metres). Perch on top of it and you can see Mink Lake in all directions. When evening comes, follow the sounds of singing to the campfire. Back in 1924, a social worker named Fred C. McCann started Camp Smitty as Camp Minwassin. “Minwassin” has long been rumoured (but never confirmed) to mean “driven by a steady breeze” in a First Nations language. In 2001, the camp changed the original name when the Brian Smith Foundation stepped in with major financial assistance. (Smith had been a camper and counsellor at Minwassin, and had loved it.) In its first year, 66 boys from the brand new Ottawa Boys Club – as it was then called; now girls are part of it – arrived for their allotted 10 fun-filled days. Local businesses supported the camp. By 1937 electricity arrived, and in the 1950s the camp moved from tents to permanent cabins. In 1979 it became co-ed. “This place has a real history,” says director Tom Patrick. “Every original piece of Camp Minwassin we could gather is still on display – much of it in the “Spirit of Minwassin” dining hall. “There’s a beautiful birch bark canoe, all the signs, logos, flags and plaques.” Patrick attended the camp in the early 1980s, then became a counsellor at 14. He says he learned a lot from those early experiences. “Some of the toughest kids turn out to be our biggest success stories,” says
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Patrick. “They’ll give you grief for the whole 10 days, and drive you crazy. Then on the last night, they’ll sit right beside you saying that you are the best friend they’ve ever had.” Camp Smitty offers four sessions for youths aged eight to 15 years old. Campers vary widely in their ethnic, economic and educational backgrounds, as well as life experience. Patrick claims that this kind of diversity improves the camp, making it really beautiful. “Who goes to camp? Kids who need it,” says guidance counsellor Hartt Danford. “Some are coming for the first time, others have been coming forever. Many kids come who don’t have the same benefits and opportunities of others in the city. Here, we’re all equal.” Camp Smitty is tied together by traditions. One of its most honoured, as well as oldest, is the Canadian Pioneer Council. Near the end of each session, eight or 10 campers are chosen to participate in a series of challenging tests. Only those who adhere to the camp’s code – help your fellow campers, give everyone a chance, stay safe, respect others, try hard – are picked for these tests. “For people going to camp for the first or second time, it’s a huge deal,” says counsellor Daniel Rodriguez. “They get to do all these things they just wouldn’t have been able to try in the city. It’s really seen as an honour.” It’s also a lot of fun. Among other things, the tests include good deed challenges, a marathon and an attempt to not speak for two days. “First, they wear this piece of wood around their neck,” says Rodriguez. “And it gets a notch every time you speak. It’s a very tough test. You fail after seven notches.”
This all comes to a very messy conclusion just before everyone returns to the city. “It used to be the cocoa and lard fight. Campers on one side of the field would have Crisco in their hands, while campers on the other side would have cocoa powder. And the kids would just go at it. Great fun! I guess it got too expensive because now the campers ‘fight’ with mud.” Canadian Pioneer Council members go first and then boys against girls, starting with the youngest campers. Patrick says camp gives the youth a taste of independence, but also it gives them a chance to learn about leadership and co-operation. “If you’re a kid, this place can be a paradise.” Camp sessions begin in early July and end in late August. Application forms are available online or at any Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa location. How much does it cost? Whatever a family can afford, thanks to subsidies available when needed. The most even a wealthier family pays is $795. All campers speak English, although some only barely. You’ll hear kids speaking languages ranging from Russian, Serbian or Somali, to French, Arabic or Cree – a beautiful mix. For more information please visit their website at www.campsmitty.com.
PHOTO BY RF STOCK
BY CORINA MILIC
≈ Corina Milic is a volunteer with the Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa.
OTTAWAOUTDOORS SUMMER/FALL 2006
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GOLFTIPS
TREMBLANT FINE CUSINE RESTAURANTS
Better pitch shots AND A DRILL TO HELP GET THERE BY GORD PERCY THE SHORT PITCH is one of the most feared shots in golf, for almost no reason. There are two fundamentals in hitting pitch shots. First, to hit solid pitch shots you must make certain the club is working on the correct path/plane just like a full swing. Second, shorter shots require shorter swings, and longer shots require longer swings. 1. With pitch shots you are trying to attain accuracy in terms of distance and direction. The only way to achieve this consistently is to keep your club on plane. This will keep the ball on line and will allow you to have solid contact with each shot – essential when developing distance control. 2. Once you’ve corrected your path, you can then work on refining distance control. Most golfers take too long a backswing when pitching, and then decelerate on the downswing. Decelerating, especially out of the rough, leads to short, fat shots or overly powerful shots that require another pitch shot coming back. First concentrate on developing the correct plane with consistency, and then work on different length swings to develop distance control. Here is a great drill to develop the correct shape to your pitch shots.
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PHOTOS BY FLAGSTICK MAGAZINE
SHAFT/UMBRELLA DRILL First, lay a club/shaft on the ground off your back foot at the end of your shoelaces that is parallel to your target line (like a railway track). Second, stick an umbrella or broken shaft on the same line about two feet away from you. Do some practice swings checking to make sure that when the club is at waist height it is over the shaft on the ground and outside but close to the umbrella. (Note: also make sure the toe of the club is pointing upwards.) Hit some shots going to this waist height position trying to achieve consistent solid contact. Later work on different length swings to practise distance control. www.OttawaOutdoors.ca
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Discover all the shades of the blues for 10 days with performances by international artists of various styles, including Santana’s Gregg Rolie, John Lee Hooker Jr., Joe Louis Walker, Colin James, Jeff Healey Blues Band and Bob Walsh From July 7 - 16, the 13th edition of Tremblant International Blues Festival will bring together the greatest blues artists. This year, the blues unveil it’s true nature, with blues legends, more musicians than ever, performers from all over the world and styles of blues as numerous as they are varied. For ten days, free concerts will be presented on outdoor stages throughout Tremblant’s site. The magic of music will vibrate through the throngs at Quebec’s top blues festival. Featured countries will include Norway, Cuba, Spain, France, the United States and Canada. In all, close to 400 performers, on five outdoor and nine indoor stages, will perform during the 10 days of the Festival. Tremblant’s magnificent site, at the base of the mountain, will be teeming with music buffs, blues lovers, and those looking to discover the new talents that burst onto the scene every year at the festival. Every day, from noon till 10 p.m., there will be non-stop shows on indoor and outdoor stages, and the party will go on into the wee hours of the morning in the Tremblant-circuit bars. A cover charge may be required at some participating bars. Once again this year, guests can visit “L’Aire du Blues,” a meeting place where performers reveal their inspirations and where blues connoisseurs and blues buffs can meet and chat. Also on site will be an Archambault boutique, offering the best blues recordings. Listening stations, compliments of Archambault stores, will allow festivalgoers to tune their ears to the many recordings of the festival’s numerous performers.
Summer in Tremblant: 1, 2, 3, PLAY! SUMMER MAGIC - TIMES 10! In the heart of the beautiful Laurentians, Tremblant is offering its TOP 10 activities that are sure to delight vacationers and hikers. In the morning, while the temperature is ideal, take on the highest peak in the Laurentians by foot and explore the many hiking trails, or ride up on the panoramic gondola to acces the trails located at the summit of the mountain. The trailsʼ difficulty level ranges from easy to strenuous, so itʼs accessible and challenging to all. For an easy hike, the Bon Vivant is a 4,5km trail that goes along the ridge at the summit, from White peek, where the ski lodge is, to Johannsen peek, the higest of the ridge at 930m, with lookout points on Edge and Pangman peeks. Another interesting excursion is the Grand Brûlé trail. This one rallies the South base to the summit via the Versant Soleil. It offers great views over the surrounding areas and nearby Lake Ouimet. If you start from the base and hike up, be prepared for the last stretch that goes along a black diamond ski trail! Thanks to the gondola, its also possible to ride up the mountain and then walk down. You can also head out in the evening to enjoy a spectacular sunset over Lake Tremblant.
In the late afternoon, feel Tremblantʼs heart beat as you meander through the streets of the pedestrian village that come alive at this time of day. Discover the countless restaurants and boutiques that bring a unique charm to the village, and stop to enjoy refreshments on one of the many terraces. What better time to plan the following dayʼs activities. Choose from a wide range available through the Activity Centre: rafting, mountain climbing, canoeing, cycling, horseback riding, ATVs, Acrobranche and much more!
TREMBLANT’S TOP 10: 1. The PANORAMIC GONDOLA 2. The finest GOLF in Quebec 3. Tremblantʼs INTERNATIONAL BLUES FESTIVAL 4. Riding down the ALPINE LUGE 5. Splashing around at the AQUACLUB LA SOURCE 6. A huge variety of BOUTIQUES, BARS and RESTAURANTS 7. Renowned SPAS 8. Thirteen TENNIS COURTS on the shores of beautiful BEACHES 9. MINI-GOLF fun for all 10. Outstanding TRAILS
MORE INFO : Activity Package including 2 nights, 1 activity card (panoramic gondola and 4 activities) starting at $79 per person /per night, double occupation. 1-866-274-7731 IF YOU GO : From Ottawa, follow highway 50, then merge onto road 148 . Then, take road 323 North until you reach road 117. Take exit 119 of the 117 North. Tremblant is 150 km from Ottawa, a 2h drive.
TIPS TO STRAIGHTEN YOU OUT HOW TO CURE YOUR SLICE • Keep left arm straight and rotate it before impact. • Line up ball on heel of club at address to promote inside-out swingpath. • Use a strong grip, light grip pressure and relaxed forearms. (This helps square the clubface at impact.)
• Grip club in fingers. This also adds distance. • Take club straight back on backswing, and change the swing plane to inside-out on downswing. • To get proper swing feel, pretend that an elastic cord connects your right elbow to your right hip and your left elbow to your left hip.
• On takeaway through downswing, keep your left wrist straight and your right wrist cupped. • Don’t let your body get ahead of your arms and hands on downswing. Try to hold your body back. • Square shoulder alignment is critical. • On downswing, pull down with both arms, as if you’re ringing a bell. • Flatten your swing plane.
a natural setting a pleasant challenge Enjoy our scenic 27 holes of golf • 18 Hole Course – Par 72 – Includes our newest nine holes (opened Aug 2004). Challenging for golfers of all abilities • 9 Hole Course – Par 36 – Well suited for new golfers, juniors, seniors & family outings • Be sure to visit Hickories Restaurant for fantastic cuisine and great service
1956 – 8th Line Road Metcalfe, ON
[15 minutes from Bank & Hunt Club or 20 minutes from Nicholas & the Queensway)
info@metcalfegolf.com www.metcalfegolf.com
(613) 821-2701
Mont Tremblant’s Finest Chalets Chalets and condos — ranging from one bedroom to five bedrooms. . . starting from $400 weekly. • Mt. Tremblant and five championship golf courses • Hiking, biking, swimming, Parc Tremblant, nature trails and much more! • Just 2 hours from Ottawa! Contact Nicole Owen and John Usher for more information today!
Men ad antion this 15% d save on stay! your
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OTTAWAOUTDOORS SUMMER/FALL 2006
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Get better contact on your chip shots BY GARY HARRISON
The final piece of the puzzle is to choose a club based on the location of the pin. If the pin is on the far side of the green, select a club with less loft such as a six or seven iron to allow the ball to run. A pin position close to you would require a lofted club like a nine or pitching wedge that will reduce the roll of the ball with a soft backspin at contact. Try this straightforward method to improve your consistency and lower your scores.
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IN ORDER TO ensure a crisper, more consistent chip shot try these changes: • Open your stance to the target line with your feet closer together than a regular shot. • Play the ball back in your stance just inside your back foot (right foot for right handers) • Place your hands ahead of the ball position with your weight on your left foot (for righthanded golfer) gripping down on the shaft. • Keep your wrists firm during the stroke (do not allow the right hand to pass the left) • Keep the body quiet; use more arm and shoulder motion. This combination of factors will ensure a steeper swing thereby getting the club out of the grass on the backswing and producing cleaner contact on the follow-through.
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OTTAWAOUTDOORS SUMMER/FALL 2006
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PHOTO BY RYAN MARKS (RYANTMARKS@YAHOO.CA)
SPORT SPOTLIGHT
n ADAPTIVE ROWING – Peter Morel and Chelsea Larivière demonstrate adaptive rowing, which uses modified equipment for people with physical or intellectual challenges. It opens the sport to anyone with hearing and visual impairment, paraplegia, quadriplegia, Down Syndrome, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, or spina bifida. Both the Ottawa Rowing Club and the Ottawa New Edinburgh Club offer adaptive programs running very early most mornings on the Ottawa River. For more information go to www.OttawaRowingClub.com or www.onec.ca. – Craig Law
Book a Houseboat trip this summer! • Tour Big Rideau Lake or the Ottawa River • Rates start as low as $900 / 3-day wknd
• Rideau Lakes and Rideau Canal System • Travel the historic Rideau Canal west to Kingston and Lake Ontario and the Thousand Islands • Absolutely 100’s of miles of waterway with wonderful fishing and swimming, shopping and sleeping in the sun! • Tour the Upper Ottawa River with over 75 miles of pristine wilderness await you on the Upper Ottawa • Go West from our Marina to Mattawa for dinner For more • Travel the route of the Voyageurs and information sample the beauty of the Laurentian • Toll Free at 1-800-280-9390 Mountain chain tumbling from their heights to water’s edge • Email – antlerslodge@netscape.net
www.WaterwayGetaway.com 24
OTTAWAOUTDOORS SUMMER/FALL 2006
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On the wings of sail The answer is blowin’ in the wind BY JOHN W. BIENKO PHOTOS BY JESSE HENDERSON
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OTTAWAOUTDOORS SUMMER/FALL 2006
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TO BEGIN … a proper sailboat is a lovely thing in itself. The thrusting bow, the slender mast and delicate rigging, the magic and mystery of the tiller. Few works of the human hand create that perfect picture which becomes a still greater marvel when the boat is released from its mooring. With the sail taking the breeze, the boat begins a powerful, passionate interplay between sails and wind, hull and water. Sailing sharpens the senses and heightens the appetites. No tonic compares with the sensation of flying with the wind over the sparkling waters, away from the stresses of the modern world. Learning the art and skills of sailing can be an esthetic experience of the highest order, in communion with the natural but complex world of wind and water. It takes cunning and skill to trick the wind to move the boat, and more of the same to get it to go where you wish. To set out for a sail always fills me with a surge of well-being, partly relief to leave behind the problems of the shorebound masses and partly
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anticipation of excitement still to come. It is always a day like no other, the best day of the rest of your life. There is also a deeper undercurrent of some primordial lust for the sea, the strange sensation of being home at last, full circle after an evolution from the single-celled life in the sea eons ago. The citizens of Ottawa and Gatineau are lucky indeed, having three rivers cutting through the very heart of the cities. The Ottawa River (including Lac Deschênes) is the most popular because of its length and navigational opportunities. The Rideau River (and the associated Rideau Lakes) is the next choice, offering sheltered boating in shallower, narrower waters and wonderful sailing scenery. The rambling Gatineau River, historically used for rafting lumber down to the mills in Bytown, is now a boater’s dream. If you want to join the adventure, the Nepean Sailing Club and the Britannia Yacht Club conduct sailing schools each summer taught by Canadian Yachting Association certified instructors. The programs are designed
for children as young as eight, on up through all sailing levels from the beginner White Sail 1 to Gold Sail VIII. Their training fleet includes boats like Bytes, Optimum Class, 420s and Lasers. The Britannia Club has a high performance team sailing program using state-of-the-art 29ers. As well as instruction, the clubs offer worldwide sail chartering services and “ladies only” courses. Bytown Brigantine Inc. invites young people aboard the tall ship Black Jack, usually moored at the Britannia Yacht Club on the Ottawa River. This charitable foundation aims to provide adventure, education, training and a demanding environment for young people to develop character, leadership and self-reliance aboard sailing vessels. Many novice sailors begin the sport for the pleasure it seems to promise, but soon find it develops into hard work mixed with small doses of fear when the high winds start blowing. Some give up. But cautious and experienced coaching can temper the fear and turn the hard work into fun. From then on, the rewards
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SAILING SCHOOLS AND CLUBS IN OTTAWA • The Britannia Yacht Club, www.byc.ca 613-828-5167 • The Nepean Sailing Club, www.nsc.ca 613-828-4636 • The Kanata Sailing Club, www.kanatasailing.com 613-832-2762 • Chats Lake Community Boat Club, www.sailarnprior.com • Gatineau River Yacht Club, www.gryc.ca • Lac Deschênes Sailing Club, www.ldsc.ca 613-828-4697 / 613-599-0961 • Ottawa New Edinburgh Club, www.onec.ca 613-746-8540 • The RA Sailing Association, www.sailra.ca 613-733-5100 • The Ottawa Sailing School, www.boattraining.com 613-721-8683 • Bytown Brigantine Inc., www.tallshipsadventure.org 613-596-6258
of sailing – patience, philosophical reflection, self respect, and the mastery of one’s destiny – become evident. Your sailing instructor can teach you something of history, when the rivers and waterways were the highways, the trade routes, freight routes and communication links. People lived on or close to the water, and children dreamed of running away to sea. There is much to learn – the theory, the terms, the rightof-way rules, the racing rules, coastal
navigation, celestial navigation, weather. You will certainly never be bored. Soon you will discover there is more to sailing than, well, just sailing. By its very nature sailing is complex and demands hard thought. It’s a long way from a video game. You can’t just press a button and go when and wherever you like; you have to respect the weather and water conditions. Sailing for pleasure is popular, but the spirit of competitive racing is also available, with its colourful language filling the air, much of it tinted blue. When the wind kicks in at 20k you will be thrilled seeing the men and women sailing across the water on their magnificent racing machines. All clubs offer organized racing, long distance upriver races and regattas, all at the Britannia Yacht Club. Cruise Week begins July 9; the Easter Seal Regatta is held July 14 and 15 (also at the Nepean Sailing Club); the National Capital Regatta is scheduled for August 11-13; Club Championships are scheduled for September 30-October 1. Awards presentations are scheduled for November. Check with other clubs listed above on left to see which race events they have ahead as well. Those who have heard the call of the sea can appreciate The Dictionary for Landlubbers, which defines “sailing” as “the fine art of getting wet and becoming ill while slowly going nowhere at great expense.”
It also offers “zephyr”: “A warm, pleasant breeze named after the mythical Greek god of wishful thinking, false hopes, and unreliable forecasts.”
≈ John W. Bienko started sailing at age 13 after restoring a derelict sailboat. He sails Blue Eyes, a C&C 27 Mark III, on the Ottawa River, and spends part of the winter cruising and racing on the Pacific Ocean. He is the author of Retire Healthy, Wealthy and Wise … in Paradise (Blue Eyes Books, 2006).
Biking for bass LOCAL TRAILS LEAD THE WAY TO FISHING NOOKS AROUNG THE CITY BY TIM ALLARD PHOTOS TIM ALLARD THE WORK DAY had been bad enough that I wanted to unwind outside and be near water. With too little time to take my boat, I opted for the next best thing – I grabbed a few lures, strapped my rod to my bike, and peddled to some shoreline fishing spots along the western Ottawa River bike path. I stopped at a small bay, locked the bike and walked a well-worn path to the water’s edge. In a few casts, I hooked a smallmouth bass that put up a scrappy fight before being released. It was that simple. After two more fish, I biked to a sandy flat for some topwater action at dusk. I got a few more bass that smashed my floating lure as the sun hung low in the sky. By now it was time to head home. Setting off at a steady pace, I breathed the cool evening air and watched the warm light bathe the cityscape. The pleasure was enhanced knowing I had spent an evening fishing within an hour’s bike ride from my city home.
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THE SIMPLE APPROACH
I love my boat, but at the end of a long day it’s sometimes not worth the hassle of towing it in traffic, putting in at a busy launch, and unloading gear. Cycling a pathway and fishing from shore is a simple alternative with many benefits. A bike lets you cover greater distances than walking. With wheels you can
quickly fish several spots in a short time. It’s a versatile activity you can do solo or with your family. With my bike it’s always easy to squeeze some fishing into my schedule, not to mention the exercise you get from this environmentally friendly transportation.
GETTING STARTED
Outfitting your bike for fishing is easy. Although I cycle to work and use panniers, I prefer a backpack when fishing. This way all my equipment (lures, camera, snacks, etc.) is on my back and easily accessible. And a backpack is more functional when walking on uneven, rocky shoreline. I own MEC’s Spirit Velo 25 Daypack, but any brand will do if it’s the right size for your fishing tackle and some extra gear. I like packs with side zippers, so I can quickly get at gear. Cycling backpacks can be
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handy, especially ones with shock cord systems for storing a helmet, and mesh side pockets for water bottles. With a backpack you can carry all your gear and you won’t need to leave any behind with your bike. To transport my fishing rod, I use the same system I have used since I started biking and fishing from shore. I secure both pieces of a two-piece rod with Velcro rod wraps along the top tube of the bike frame, with the rod is positioned between the two brake cables below the handlebars. This way it won’t interfere with your steering.
CHOOSING A ROUTE
The route you choose is dependent on what paths and water are close to your home. Or, if you’re willing to load your bike onto your vehicle, or on one of OC Transpo’s Rack and Roll buses. You’ll find dozens of pathways in the Ottawa area worth exploring. The Ottawa River pathway provides great access to fishing its shoreline. Starting in the west, Dick Bell Park to the Champlain Bridge is a productive
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stretch, as is the Lemieux Island shoreline. East of Parliament Hill the pathway meets the river just below Rockcliffe. From the Rockcliffe Yacht Club to Orleans, the shore provides dozens of fishing spots. When fishing the Ottawa River pathway, try features like points, bays, rocky shorelines and the creeks emptying into the river. The Rideau River and Rideau Canal pathways are also great angling routes. Some well-known angling spots along these paths include the areas around New Edinburgh Park, Riverrain Park, Dow’s Lake and across from Billings Bridge Plaza, to name a few. Gatineau also has something for the fishing enthusiast. Voyagers Pathway (from Deschênes Rapids east to Mousette Park) has good shore areas, with others east of the Alexandra Bridge as well.
CYCLING AND URBAN ANGLING CAUTIONS Here are a few things to keep in mind. Even when fishing from shore, be cautious about currents, as some
OTTAWAOUTDOORS SUMMER/FALL 2006
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FORTH
fast-water sections on the Ottawa River are deceiving calm. It’s also important to tread lightly on fragile shorelines, and use established paths. Keep an eye out for natural and urban hazards, like poison ivy or broken glass. When fishing from shore and along pathways, heed “No Fishing” signs around bridges or private property. You’ll also want to ensure your bike is outfitted with proper safety gear, including a bell and reflectors. Carry lights if you intend to fish til dark. Bring a quality lock and use it. And don’t forget your fishing licence. TOP LURES FOR SHORELINE FISHING You want a variety of lures for fishing from shore for different conditions and the different moods of fish. Here are some favourites. o Spinnerbaits cover water quickly and are relatively snag-free. o Shallow-running crankbaits have a tempting wiggle and are an alternative to cover water fast. o Topwater baits – another snag-free option – float on the surface, and are excellent in calm conditions and at dusk.
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5:00–8:00PM
o Jigs are great when fishing a steep bank or fast moving water, and you need to get to fish feeding on the bottom.
MAY 18 s JULY 13 SEPT 7 s NOV 2
o Soft-plasticjerk baits are designed to look like a minnow, and can be rigged to not snag in weeds, making them a great bait to throw in heavy vegetation.
Group Classes - Wunda Chair, Spine Corrector, Mat and Reformer s Personal Practice studio time with teacher s Private and Semi-Private Lessons s Workplace Pilates s Osteo Classes - myofascial stretching and muscle strengthening s Private Sessions in Osteopathy
CYCLING MAPS For bike paths in Ottawa and Gatineau visit: http://apps101.ottawa.ca/travelwise/ map/english/cycling_map_e.asp NCC’s info on the Capital Pathway and a link to an interactive map is at: www.canadascapital.gc.ca/biking
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Keep your summer evenings cozy and warm with environmental soy candles
OTTAWAOUTDOORS SUMMER/FALL 2006
239-3855
315 Somerset St. W. 2nd Fl. info@forthpilates.com
www. ForthPilates.com www.OttawaOutdoors.ca
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The Bing Retreat THE PERFECT OUTDOORS GETAWAY FOR FISHING, GOLF AND MUCH MORE THE MAIN PURPOSE of “The Bing” Retreat is to provide the best possible outdoor experience with easy access right here in Eastern Ontario at an affordable price. It is located a 1½–hour drive southwest of the Nation’s Capital
The Bing Retreat
During the winter, they offer skating, ice fishing, and crosscountry skiing on the property. Or how about just relaxing by the cozy fire and reading a book? Weekend get-togethers with family and friends at Christmas,
Truly a slice of heaven right here in Eastern Ontario.
and 37 kilometres due north of Kingston near the north edge of Frontenac Provincial Park. Horseshoe Lake is privately owned and brimming with wild grown speckled and rainbow trout. The facility also features excellent swimming with each cottage having its own beach. Several kilometres of challenging hiking and mountainbiking trails can be found on the property as well. There are three golf courses within a 20-minute drive from “The Bing.” The bustling town of Westport is just 10 minutes away offering small town hospitality, great dining and unique shopping opportunities.
New Years, March break, or any occasion for that matter are always memorable at “The Bing” Retreat. For the avid fly or spin-cast fisherman, “The Bing” offers trout fishing at its best combined with easy access and luxurious lakeside accomodations all at an affordable price. Rental facilities are all done tastefully in a rustic atmosphere but fully equipped with modern conveniences featuring satellite TV, DVD, CD players, and gas barbeques. The main lakeshore lodge can sleep up to 14. The stone cabin can accomodate eight, and the ever popular log cabin can sleep four. Each cottage is private with its own dock, beach and swim raft. All facilities have hardwood floors and are quality constructed. So come with your family or friends and take in a great vacation where you will forever build wonderful memories.
≈ For more information, please contact Chris Fisher at The Bing Retreat, 1-(613)-273-3106, e-mail BingGuy1@yahoo.com or visit their website at www.BingRetreat.com for more information.
www.OttawaOutdoors.ca
Get-Away Weekends
• modern conveniences in a rustic setting • satellite tv, dvd, cd player
Fishing
• enjoy picturesque Horseshoe Lake • wild-grown speckled and rainbow trout • flyfish or traditional spin-casting TO BOOK YOUR STAY
The Bing Retreat Telephone
613-273-3106 Email: BingGuy1@yahoo.com
www.BingRetreat.com OTTAWAOUTDOORS SUMMER/FALL 2006
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YOUR SERVE PHOTOS BY OTTAWA TENNIS & LAWN BOWLING CLUB
TENNIS AS A LIFE-CHANGER BY CAMILLE LEWIS
Canadians have picked up a racquet at least once in the past year, according to the association’s website. The Ontario Tennis Association (OTA) has over 220 member clubs, helping more than 50,000 adult and child tennis players enjoy and improve their game. In Ottawa, we have the National Capital Tennis Association, with 21 member clubs. Having moved here from Toronto, I can attest to the awesome choice of clubs within 10 or 15 short minutes of everyone’s home or work.
• It’s a cheap therapy. Smashing a ball as hard as you can makes you forget your worries. • Tennis is not time-bound, and is often available daily from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. • Tennis travels easily. Many places you visit worldwide will offer the chance to play. • Programs like mini-tennis for kids or adult clinics make learning fun, fast and simple.
WHY TENNIS?
A few years ago, the Ontario Tennis Association introduced the “Try, Learn, Play” concept. “Try” means just showing up and getting used to the equipment. To “try,” do this: • Pass the ball back and forth between your racquet and a friend’s. • Then bounce the ball on the racquet and on the ground. • Get used to hitting the ball in one direction, for a specified distance and in a target area. • Bounce the ball back and forth between partners many times, and then try doing it over an obstacle. • Then use a brick wall, like at your local school. Hit the ball so it strikes the wall in a precise spot, then target various heights, then angle the bounce off the wall to a partner. When new players do get on an actual tennis court, many become addicted after their first long rally (say, 10 times over the net without breaking), so clubs and programs are available in abundance to really “learn” to play, the second of
• People of all ages and abilities can play, as either a competitive sport or recreation. Or both. • It is affordable and accessible. All you need is a racquet, balls, tennis shoes and a friend (or even a wall). • It’s good for your health. Tennis is a low-impact and low-injury sport, and is good for your muscles and your heart. It improves co-ordination, strength, balance and endurance. • It is the sport of a full lifetime. Tennis programs start at pre-school and continue all the way to teams for those aged 80 and up. • It can be played outdoors for three seasons and indoors year-round. • Tennis is good for kids. It teaches hand-eye co-ordination, agility, flexibility and balance. It also promotes fair play and problem solving. • Tennis is social. Join a club and meet new people with similar ideas and an active lifestyle.
GETTING STARTED
CONTIN U E D O N P G . 3 4 - - - >
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PHOTOS BY RF STOCK
“HOW’S THE WORLD of corporate tax?” a familiar face asked in the grocery store. “Well, no doubt it is fine and robust, but I left a couple of years ago.” The obvious follow-up question was, what could possibly lure me away from a comfortable, professional services career? The answer: a tennis club. It happened like this. Thirteen years with even a good company in the public accounting and corporate tax world was enough. I quit, mulled my future for a year and a half, and played tennis for recreation. Then the club where I played offered me the job of general manager. I thought back to my first summer playing there when I first arrived in Ottawa. One mid-week, 6 p.m. game stuck in my mind. Summers before that at 6 p.m. midweek, I would have been at best just starting home from the office and at worst could be heading into or out of a meeting. The tennis job was almost a no-brainer. A lot of Canadians seem to agree. Except for the Yukon and Nunavut, all provinces and territories have their own tennis association. These associations and Tennis Canada (around since 1890!) must be doing something right because more than four million
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The Millcroft Inn & Spa – THE Definitive Country Retreat LOCATED LESS THAN an hour Northwest of Toronto and Pearson International Airport, The Millcroft Inn & Spa offers a getaway experience steeped in over 160 years of history. Beginning in the 1840s, Shaw’s Creek (a tributary of The Credit River) was the site of a number of frame mills that harnessed the power of the flowing water to produce yarn and blankets. In the late 1800s an impressive four-storey stone knitting-mill was built, which has since been converted into The Millcroft Inn. This knitting mill continued to operate under various owners until 1965. Over the next decade, the natural beauty and the ruggedly handsome stone buildings of the site became a focus for tourism development in the area. In the late 1970s it reemerged as The Millcroft Inn and was granted the “National Heritage Award of Honour for Heritage Preservation” by Heritage Canada in 1978. Today, The Millcroft Inn & Spa offers 52 relaxing and beautifully appointed guest rooms – some of which include private patios, Jacuzzis or private outdoor hot tubs – award-winning ‘Four Diamond’ accommodations and cuisine, utterly unbelievable culinary experiences under the leadership of Executive Chef Roberto Fracchioni, 100 trail-lined forested acres nestled amid the breathtaking Caledon Hills, and a stateof-the-art 9,000 square foot full-service European-inspired Centre for Well-Being. The Spa features indoor and outdoor pools and hot-tubs, steam rooms, a relaxing lounge area, a broad range of services and treatments, and 17 separate treatment areas - including three private Hydrotherapy rooms: Japanese Ofuro, Vichy Shower and Swiss Shower with Blitz Guss. The Millcroft’s Swiss Shower treatments all follow the procedures developed in Germany by Dr. Kneipp – known as the ‘Grandfather of Hydrotherapy’ – who embraced the healing powers of water, using its properties of fluidity and temperature retention to develop the special treatment method which bears his name. Guests may choose from a broad array of accommodations packages,
some of which include golf at a choice of championship-calibre courses minutes away, special dining events such as Winemaker’s Dinners, or spa treatments. The Millcroft also boasts a beautiful Conference Centre making it a popular venue for weddings and corporate retreats. The Millcroft property features beautifully landscaped grounds, a network of trails - for both hiking and crosscountry skiing - that connect with the Bruce Trail System, and a shimmering waterfall that was once the source of power for the mill. The surrounding area is renowned for its natural beauty, historic towns and villages, antique shops and artist’s studios. Whether you are looking for a relaxing escape from the stresses of daily life, a romantic getaway with your special someone, or an opportunity for you and your corporate team to recharge and re-focus, a few moments at The Millcroft will will leave little doubt that it is THE Definitive Country Retreat. For more information visit www.millcroft.com, E-mail millcroft@millcroft.com or call 1-800-383-3976. The Millcroft Inn & Spa 55 John Street Village of Alton – Caledon, Ontario L7K 0C4 Canada.
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PHOTOS BY OTTAWA TENNIS & LAWN BOWLING CLUB
THEN THE RULES:
the OTA stages. Like all games, tennis requires learning the basic rules, code of conduct and etiquette. First, here’s what the court looks like.
• The ball may be hit before it bounces or after one bounce. • When receiving a serve, there must be one bounce. • A ball landing on any part of the line is “in.” • A player (or doubles team) must score four points to win a game. You score when your opponent fails to return the ball. The first player (or doubles team) to win six games by a margin of two points wins the set. A match is usually the best two out of three sets. Hence the phrase, “game, set, match.”
TENNIS ETIQUETTE:
• Make line calls promptly and clearly. • If your racquet touches the net, you lose the point. • You must walk onto “your” court without disturbing adjacent courts. Wait for the other court’s point to finish, and then quickly cross the back of their court to get to your own. You will want to develop good basic strokes: • Forehand. If you are right- or lefthanded, you hit a shot on the right (left) side of your body. • Backhand. A shot hit on the opposite side of your “handedness.” • Overhead. A shot hit over your head while you are at the net. • Volley. A shot hit before the ball bounces, usually at the net. • Drop shot. A very soft shot hit just barely over the net. • Lob. A shot hit with any stroke high and deep into your opponent’s court. The “play” component (third in the “try, learn, play” trio) is putting your skills to test in a fun yet competitive environment. Your nearest tennis club usually offers club leagues, ladders, challenge match events, round robin tournaments, social mixers and doubles competitions. Use these opportunities to improve your tennis game and make new friends.
OTAWA TENNIS UP AND COMER
GABRIELA DABROWSKI
Age
14
Home
Ottawa, Ontario
Coaching Tony Milo – Ottawa, Canada Sonya Jeyaseelan – (touring coach) Academy Saddlebrook, Florida, USA School
Sawmill Creek Elementary
Team
Member of National Tennis Team
Tennis “To play among the best.” ambition Top Award to Date
Winning the Les Petits in France in February 2006. This tournament is extremely prestigious and is considered the top tournament in the world for players Under-14. Previously, no Canadian had won until Ottawa’s Gabriela.
Favorite players
“Martina Hingis because I always wanted to play like her.”
Hobbies Sports; swimming, table tennis, volleyball. Computers; housedesign. Other Events and Awards
Exhibition mixed doubles match with J.McEnroe, J.Courier, A.Kournikova, J.Novotna.
Local Award
Ottawa Tennis Player of the Year 2004
Next steps
Aggressive tounament schedule including key tournaments such as: representing Canada at the U14 World Junior Fed Cup finals in Czech Republic in August, the U18 Canadian Nationals; numerous International Tennis Federation (ITF) tourneys.
≈ Camille Lewis is the general manager of the Ottawa Lawn Tennis and Bowling Club. She remembers her late grandfather who introduced her to the game when she was a girl and served to her with his “wrong” hand to challenge himself and give her a chance.
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OTTAWAOUTDOORS SUMMER/FALL 2006
For more info please contact wanda.dabrowski@sympatico.ca
Opportunities for in-line skaters abound in Ottawa BY CHARLES BRITNEY AND GAVIN THULIEN THE NATIONAL CAPITAL Region has an extensive network of off-road multi-use paths, open to pedestrians, cyclists and inline skaters alike. In addition, the National Capital Commission offers the Alcatel Sunday Bike Day every Sunday morning from Victoria Day to Labour Day weekend. More than 50 kilometres of roadways are closed to motor vehicles throughout the region. Four popular Alcatel routes include: OTTAWA RIVER PARKWAY: a 5.5-kilometre stretch from Island Park Drive to the end of Carling Avenue deep in the west end. COLONEL BY DRIVE: eight kilometres on the east side of the Rideau Canal from Laurier Bridge to Hog’s Back Bridge. ROCKCLIFFE PARKWAY: eight kilometres along the Ottawa River downstream from Parliament Hill along the Aviation Parkway to St. Joseph Boulevard in Orleans. For the inline skater who would like to skate throughout the week, following are four of the best pathways, providing a contrasting view of the region, with distances, recommended parking and starting points. OTTAWA RIVER WEST: Stretching approximately 14 kilometres from the foot of the Rideau Locks below Parliament Hill to Andrew Haydon Park, the Ottawa River Parkway path offers a flat surface with mostly new pavement. Parking is available at the Champlain Bridge, Westboro Beach and at both Britannia and Andrew Haydon Parks. I prefer parking at Champlain Bridge; it’s approximately midpoint on the path and has a water fountain. From Confederation Square, access is down the hill on the west side of the locks past the Bytown Museum to the river. This trail offers fantastic views of the river and its wildlife, picnic stops and breathtaking sunsets.
PHOTO BY OTTAWA INLINE SKATING CLUB
Pick an in-line path, any path
Rideau Locks to Portage Bridge Portage Bridge to Scott Street Scott Street to Champlain Bridge Champlain Bridge to Britannia Junction Britannia Junction to Britannia Park Britannia Park to Andrew Haydon Park
1.4km 0.7km 3.9km 4.9km 1.3km 1.8km
RIDEAU CANAL: This route provides a 12-kilometre loop of the downtown section of canal with paved paths on both sides. Pick up the path on the western side of the canal at the Pretoria Bridge and head south past the Bank Street Bridge to Dow’s Lake. Continue around Dow’s Lake Pavilion to Hartwell locks. At Hartwell cross to the eastern side of the canal and return to Pretoria Bridge. Parking is available on most side streets on both sides of the canal. Washrooms and water fountains are available at the locks, and there’s a drinking fountain between the Bronson and Bank Street bridges on the eastern side. Catch the boating on Dow’s Lake, watch vessels using the locks at Hartwell’s, and take in the flowers on both sides of the canal in all their glory. You can eat at the Royal Oak at the Pretoria Bridge, or Mexicali’s at Dow’s Lake. Pretoria to Bank Street bridge Bank Street to Dow’s Lake Pavilion Dows Lake Pavilion to Hartwell Locks
3km 2km 1.6km
RIDEAU RIVER: If you want to see the Rideau River in all its variety, this is the path for you. The 12-kilometre path starts at Rideau Falls and runs right to Hogs Back along the river’s east shoreline. There are significant hills towards Hogs Back, but the rest is flat or gently sloping. Sights include Rideau Falls itself (the feature that gave its name – meaning “curtain” – to the river) where the Rideau drops into the Ottawa River, wooded areas offering birdlife (though the swans are quarantined this year for fear of avian flu), beaver, muskrat and raccoon, Vincent Massey Park and the spectacular geological formation of Hogs Back falls. There is parking at Hogs Back, on Riverside Drive west of Bank Street, on Sussex Drive near the falls, and along Beechwood – home of the New Edinburgh Pub. AYLMER PATH: On the Quebec side between the Aylmer Marina and Parc Mousette, this 15kilometre path offers a fine perspective on the Ottawa River. This trail runs through swamps, over rivers on wooden bridges, right beside rapids and through the town of Aylmer. You can park at Parc Mousette, at the Deschênes Rapids and in Aylmer itself. Drinking water is available at the rapids. Much of the path is deep in woods and includes a long wooden bridge over a swamp.
The Ultra-Lite The Absolute lightest weight canoe on the market! Come see this canoe, and many other boats at our store. Serving Ottawa for 30 years! Hurst is proud to be the new Ottawa area retailer for Langford Canoes, Old Town and Ocean Kayaks.
YOUR LOCAL BOAT, CANOE AND KAYAK STORE!
HURST MARINA 2726 River Road Manotick, Ontario
613-692-1234 www.OttawaOutdoors.ca
www.hurstmarina.com
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PATHWAY ROUTES
36
KMs
DESCRIPTION
Rideau Canal, west side
KM
Condition
Hartwell Locks to Dow’s Lake Pavilion
1.6 KM
Moderate hill at the locks; mostly new pavement; use caution entering wooden bridge
Dow’s Lake Pavilion to Bank Street overpass
2 KM
Pavement worn with cracks; surface has pebbles from Bronson to Bank
Bank Street Bridge to Pretoria Bridge
3 KM
New pavement
Pretoria Pridge to NAC
1.2 KM
New pavement
Total Distance
7.8 KM
Rideau Canal, west side
KM
Condition
Hogs Back to Hartwell’s Locks
1.6 KM
Good pavement
Hartwell’s Locks to Bank Street Bridge
2.3 KM
Moderate hill at Hartwell Locks; very good pavement
Bank Street Bridge to Pretoria Bridge
2.2 KM
Very good pavement
Pretoria Bridge to Laurier Bridge
1.6 KM
Rough at Pretoria if crossing bridge; good pavement to Laurier
Total Distance
7.7 KM
Ottawa River Western Pathway
KM
Condition
Canal to Portage Bridge
1.4 KM
Significant hill, and some construction remaining
Portage Bridge to Scott Street
0.7 KM
Some detours at construction; rough pavement and gravel; road crossing at Scott
Scott Street to to Champlain Bridge
3.9 KM
Mostly good; watch for gravel near War Museum
Champlain Bridge to Britannia Junction
4.9 KM
Mostly new pavement
Britannia Junction to Britannia Park
1.3 KM
Good pavement; road crossing
Britannia Park to Andrew Haydon Park
1.8 KM
Older pavement
Total Distance
14 KM
Ottawa River Eastern pathway
KM
Condition
Rideau Falls to Rockcliffe Park
1.2 KM
New designated bike lane
Rockcliffe Park to Ottawa-New Edinburgh Boat House
2.3 KM
New pavement; some construction still underway; use caution.
Ottawa-New Edinburgh Boat House to Aviation Museum
3.2 KM
New paved path!
Aviation Museum to parts beyond
1.7 KM
Under construction.
Total Distance
8.4 KM
Pathway section – Pinecrest Creek pathway
KM
Condition
Britannia Junction to Queensway
2.3 KM
New pavement; some steep hills; use caution on wooden bridge; road crossing
Queensway to Woodroffe
1.2 KM
New pavement; road crossing
Total Distance
3.6 KM
Experimental Farm Pathway
KM
Condition
Woodroffe to Maitland
2.2 KM
Excellent pavement; road crossing
Maitland to Merivale
2 KM
Steep hill and curves near Maitland, road crossing, very good pavement
Merivale to Fisher
1.1 KM
Long gentle downhill; road crossing, very good pavement
Fisher to Ash Lane
0.8 KM
Very good pavement
Ash Lane to Prince of Wales
1.1 KM
Path becomes the road in the experimental farm; rough and broken pavement; watch for cracks
Prince of Wales to Hartwell Locks
0.5 KM
Pavement rough and broken; watch for cracks; one short hill into lock station
Total Distance
7.7 KM
Rideau River Eastern pathway
KM
Comments
Sussex to Montreal/Rideau
2.4 KM
New pavement; path follows road for a short piece
Montreal/Rideau to Bank
5.2 KM
New pavement; road crossing
Bank to Bronson overpass
1.2 KM
New pavement
Bronson overpass to Hogsback
2 KM
Older pavement with cracks from Bronson to Heron, steep hill after Heron and watch for broken pavement at top of the hill
Total Distance
10.8 KM
OTTAWAOUTDOORS SUMMER/FALL 2006
www.OttawaOutdoors.ca
ADVENTURE RACING WOMEN BIKE, PADDLE AND RUN
PHOTO BY STORM THE TRENT
BY SOPHIA TSOUROS “STAY TO THE RIGHT!” These were the last words spoken as our team bombed down a series of steep, rocky, trails on mountain bikes – jerseys covered in dust, team name barely legible. The name was “Team Ottawa Outdoors Magazine,” and we were competing in the Trek Elite two-day, Storm the Trent Adventure Race over the Mother’s Day weekend in May. Ahead lay 75 kilometres of mountain biking, 19 kilometres of running and trekking, and 36 kilometres of paddling. Some weekend. “We” were four women: Ann, Mary and Sophia, from the world of policy analysis and project management, and Gina, a banker. All of us were deskbound through the week, but shared a passion to do something physically demanding in the outdoors, and often. A four-woman team is not the usual combination one would expect to find. Adventure Race teams are usually coed, but all four of us had raced before on different teams and wanted to try it together; this was our first outing. Our support crew (spouses and friends transporting our gear) was an awesome, dedicated three-man operation. Adventure racing is all about the gear, and you need that backup. You’ve got
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bikes, clothing, canoes, paddles, packs, liquids, food, and the maps pencilled over with route choices and strategies. It had all started back at the west end of Rice Lake early that morning, when 42 paddles stabbed the water as solo kayakers and canoe teams shot off from shore. Racing in two canoes, we paddled hard against the waves and building wind on a 22-kilometre paddle up the lake. The kayaks ahead of us, with paddles beating in rhythm, looked like birds taking flight. The battle up Rice Lake ended as we paddled our way into the Trent RiverCanal system and its tangle of bays. With a few navigational detours, we found our way to our first transition area – from boats to bikes. We were wet and cold after 3½ hours, but still in good spirits. After a change of clothes and bite to eat, we hopped on our bikes and drove straight into our first major challenge. The speed sent our navigator into a full-fledged asthma attack, turning the route’s many hills into a nightmare. It’s times like these when team dynamics are crucial; a team-mate helped tow her up the hills, and we continued to pedal forward. After some road riding, we hit a stretch of the 400-kilometre long Ganaraska Trail, which connects Port Hope on the Lake Ontario shore, and winds through Barrie and Orillia to the Bruce Trail. Our section, site of many mountain bike events, lived up to its reputation as the place to ride a bike. We were required to find control points
that teams have to clock into on the way through, before heading out to our next transition area, with a 3 p.m. cutoff time. If you don’t make the cutoff, you get sidetracked into a shorter route for the “losers” – teams that aren’t allowed for safety reasons to continue the full route. We thought we had plenty of time, so we felt comfortable. But the bike trails were challenging, with tricky navigation, big hills, technical descents, and sand everywhere. We missed a crucial turn and had to double back, losing time. We had two controls to find and suddenly there was only a half hour left to get to the next checkpoint. We found the controls, put our heads down and rode like crazy. From a distance, we heard teams coming into the transition area, then rounded a corner and saw our support crew with minutes to spare. We congratulated each other, especially our navigator who had soldiered on through the asthma attack. The next leg consisted of running/ orienteering and a short section of bushwhacking, followed by another bike section over a series of rolling hills. We crossed paths with several teams. This kept us motivated as we came into the last transition – and a run to the finish – but not before doing community work. Surprise! At this final control point we had to fill a bag with mulch and lug it to a nearby swampy area – our small part in improving the trail system. Then a final run to the finish, but it wasn’t over. The last task consisted of slinging loonies at a target to raise money for charity.
OTTAWAOUTDOORS SUMMER/FALL 2006
PHOTO BY STORM THE TRENT
How to burn it off over the weekend
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PHOTO BY STORM THE TRENT
DAY 1 DONE, DAY 2 FOR TEAMWORK
After suffering a stormy night camped out, a sunny morning greeted us. Excited, we drove to the starting point for Day 2 on the Ganaraska Trails. We began an orienteering section on foot; good navigation got us to each checkpoint quickly. Soon we were on our bikes pedaling towards the boats tied up on the east side of Rice Lake. The paddling trip started out in relatively calm water, but within 20 minutes the wind picked up and so did the waves. It was fun to surf the smaller waves, but the cruise turned into a nerve-racking struggle through whitecaps. At the next transition, we jumped on our bikes and bombed down some very gnarly trails, learning a vital lesson – part of the fun involves accomplishing seemingly impossible goals. The final leg of the race consisted of another run through the swampy area hauling bags of mulch to the finish line.
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OTTAWAOUTDOORS SUMMER/FALL 2006
WHAT DID WE ACHIEVE?
We had pulled together as Team Ottawa Outdoors Magazine: all women, all tired, yet exhilarated. We didn’t satisfy that secret inner ambition to
come in ahead of some of the all-male teams, but wait til next year.
≈ Ottawa writer Sophia Tsouros is a project manager for the Institute of Musculoskeletal Health and Arthritis of the Canadian Institutes of Health Research. And she’s strong.
www.OttawaOutdoors.ca
TWO CONVENIENT LOCATIONS
Splash Pools & Spas 1143 Tighe, Manotick 613-692-1804
Arctic Spas 1843 Merivale Rd. 613-228-8827
REDEFINE YOUR STANDARDS
www.arcticottawa.com It’s going to be a great summer. Have a splash of a time!
COOLGEAR ALCHEMIST CANOE COMPANY LEGEND PROSPECTOR – PADDLE SHACK – $2,095 The newest canoe manufacturer on the block, Alchemist uses the infusion molding process to make the strongest, lightest and most striking canoes on the market. When the waterways of this country were first explored a seaworthy, efficient and maneuverable canoe was developed that could carry everything plus the kitchen sink. Used primarily by fur traders and prospectors (hence the name used by many builders), these canoes became the workhorse of Canadian lakes and rivers. While retaining the characteristics that made these canoes popular amongst backcountry trippers and day paddlers alike, The Legend has been modified to better suit today’s needs. Whether it’s an extended wilderness trip or a solo spin around the lake, The Legend is the perfect combination of beauty and science. This canoe is more than a prospector, it’s The Legend. LOOK FOR IT AT THE PADDLE SHACK ON 422-B RICHMOND RD.
Length - 16’ Beam - 36” Bow Height - 22” Centre Depth - 14” Capacity - 1000 lbs. Rocker - 2 3/4” MATERIAL Kevlar Carbon/Kevlar Carbon
WEIGHT 49 lbs. 46 lbs. 43 lbs.
NIKON COOLPIX S4 “THE TRAVELER’S COMPANION” $479.99 Slim compact design – goanywhere versatility. Features include: 10x optical Zoom, 6.0 Megapixels, 16 Scene Modes, Four Movie Modes, PictBridge compatible and 2.5’’ LCD Panel LOOK FOR IT AT GINN PHOTOGRAPHIC
ANTARES TENT – SIERRA DESIGNS $375 The Antares features DAC Featherlite NSL Poles and Reverse Combi Technology to increase interior living space. A true three-person, two-door tent that comes with an accessory pack, the Antares houses everyone and their toys in comfort. This three-season tent and each Antares comes equipped with $70 worth of free accessories, including a Fastpack Footprint, two Coffee Slings and a Portable Attic. LOOK FOR IT AT SELECTED LOCAL RETAILERS
ELEMENT HOODED SOFTSHELL $119.99 This will become your favourite jacket thanks to its soft inner fleece liner, slight stretch, windproofness and high water resistance. Add some style to the mix and it will be your first choice on your way out the door. • Sculpted, close-fitting hood • Shock corded bottom hem with one-handed adjustment • Microfleece-lined zip pockets with PVC zipper pulls LOOK FOR IT AT BUSHTUKAH AND MOUNTAIN EQUIPMENT CO-OP
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OTTAWAOUTDOORS SUMMER/FALL 2006
www.OttawaOutdoors.ca
COOLGEAR TERRALUXE – TEVA Possibly the ultimate all in one sandal.The Terraluxe melds an anatomically shaped footbed and strong structured upper with a leather outer to give a high-performance sports sandal. * Leather upper with synthetic wicking lining * Fast clip strapping with Velcro adjustments ensures a perfect fit * Dual density sole blends high grip with toughness * Continuous strap goes all the way through the sole * Impact insole with antibacterial treatment LOOK FOR THEM AT GLEBE TROTTERS AT 860 BANK STREET
NEW MEC BROOKS BAG DRY BAGS – $9.50/$28 Until now, dry bags other than the polyurethane-coated fabric models, contained PVC. More and more people are reluctant to buy PVC due to concern about the environmental and health effects of the chlorine residue left by PVC manufacturing. These bags deliver the look, feel and function of PVC without the associated environmental nastiness. Available in blue, mango and red in five sizes, 5L — 55L
PROSPECTOR 16.6 KEVLAR – LANGFORD CANOE $2,100
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www.OttawaOutdoors.ca
OTTAWAOUTDOORS SUMMER/FALL 2006
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The Ultimate City THE SPORT OTTAWANS PLAY THE FRISBEE™ – just 175 grams of molded plastic – has been around since the late 1940s, mostly as casual recreation, like playing catch at the beach with friends or giving the dog something to chase. But starting in the late 1960s, playing with the Frisbee morphed into one of the world’s fastestgrowing outdoor sports. Called “Ultimate” (for Ultimate Frisbee), high school students in New Jersey created it in 1968; soon the sport emerged as a cross between basketball (for its pivoting play and defensive positioning), soccer (for its field size and strategies) and football (for its running patterns). Ultimate is demanding. As you line up with your teammates, facing seven opponents 64 metres away, your palms are likely sweating. You get ready to run downfield as an opposing player raises an arm to signal readiness, and off you go as your teammate sails the disc at the other players. The game of Ultimate has begun. The trick is to score a point by catching the disc in the end zone. If you catch the disc on the field of play, you must plant a pivot foot and throw it to a teammate within 10 seconds. Lots of pressure; lots of fun. Players have a specified opponent to cover, and if the other team has the disc, your job is to deflect it from “your” player. If you do and it hits the ground, it’s your team’s turn to try to score. Today, hundreds of thousands of people in more than 50 countries
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worldwide play the sport, and Ottawa is one of the best places for it on the planet. The registered, non-profit corporation called the Ottawa Carleton Ultimate Association (OCUA) boasts the largest summer league in the world, with more than 5,000 members. Every night of the week, year round, players of all skill levels meet in parks or indoor sport spaces across the city to play the game they love. OCUA offers levels of play to suit everyone, from beginners to those who have played the sport for years. An unusual aspect of Ultimate – different from almost all team sports – is the absence of referees. Players take responsibility for calling their own infractions against other players, based on the rulebook. As described by the Ultimate Players Association, “Ultimate has traditionally relied upon a spirit of sportsmanship which places the responsibility for fair play on the player. Highly competitive play is encouraged, but never at the expense of the bond of mutual respect.…” Infractions can range from excessive body contact, walking or running with the disc in hand, or catching the disc out of bounds.
With eight competitive teams in Ottawa, there are opportunities for those looking to take their Ultimate play to the next level. Training and travelling across Canada, the United States and sometimes overseas, players on teams CO N T IN U ED O N PG . 4 4 - - ->
FIELDS OF DREAMS CITY COUNCILLORS: IF YOU BUILD IT, THEY WILL COME
ACCORDING to the City of Ottawa website, there are over 850 recreational parks in the city. Originally designed with soccer, football and baseball in mind, these fields are also used for Ultimate games but playing space is in high demand. No wonder. About 30 games of Ultimate are played every night of the summer. In 1998 OCUA tried to combat this problem by buying and developing land in Manotick to create the world’s first and only facility designed specifically for Ultimate. Now, eight years later, with still not enough fields, the City itself has developed the first four Ultimate fields off of West Hunt Club Road. Let’s keep it going so we can develop youth Ultimate in the city too.
www.OttawaOutdoors.ca
PHOTO BY MARC JOURDEUIL PHOTOGRAPHY
BY DANIELLE FORTIN
C O N T IN UE D FM P G . 4 2
PHOTO BY CORY BERGHOUT
with names like Phoenix, Firebird, Stella, Scarlett, Hammerhead, Big Fish, OJ, and O2, dedicate a large part of their non-work time to Ultimate. They get no grants and pay the shot for tournament fees, jerseys, equipment, and travel. In 2005, Ottawa’s top competitive women’s team, Stella, finished first in the four-day Canadian nationals tournament in Winnipeg. This year it happens in Halifax, and they’ll be going back to try to reclaim the award. As well, 10 players from Ottawa will be attending the World Junior Ultimate Championships this August in Boston. This reflects the recent increase in the number of children getting involved in the sport. Schools across Ottawa have added Ultimate as a sport for gym class and as an extra-curricular activity, and OCUA offers a youth league in winter and summer for league players to teach the basic skills of the sport. Want to play? Sign up for an Ultimate clinic, tournament or league team. You can join as an individual player or with a group of friends. And you can still throw the frisbee for the dog. Visit www.ocua.ca for more information.
Take up Disc Golf A WHOLE NEW WAY TO ENJOY OTTAWA OUTDOORS JUMPING RIGHT INTO IT, disc golf is similar to the traditional ball golf you know. You must complete the hole in the fewest strokes possible. But instead of whacking a little white ball and dropping it in a hole, you must throw a Frisbee and drop it in a basket. Even though it’s a great walk, disc golf still shares the same joys and frustrations of traditional golf. Whether it’s sinking a long putt or hitting a tree halfway down the fairway, you still have to deal with the hazards. You can play for the competitive aspect of the game and actually win big money or you can just play a round as an excuse to get outdoors for some exercise. The main course is at Jacques Cartier Park but there are also several other
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PHOTO BY OTTAWA DISC GOLF CLUB
BY STEPHEN SEABROOK
courses around the city including ones in Kanata, Camp Fortune and Orleans (see maps to these courses by going to the Ottawa Disc Golf Club website at www.odgc.ca). In Ottawa – and at most courses – disc golf rarely requires a greens fee and you never get stuck with a bad tee time. It is designed to be enjoyed by people of all ages, male and female, regardless
of economic status. You can get free rental discs (driver, mid-range, approach, putter) or you can outright purchase a set of discs to get you started. To get playing, contact Rob at The Ultimate Disc Golf Store located inside CD Exchange at 142 Rideau Street. Phone them at 613-241-9876, or visit his website at www.UltimateDiscGolfStore.ca. See you on the course!
www.OttawaOutdoors.ca
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THE MOUNTAINRANGE
Pick up sticks BY JULIE ST. JEAN IT JUST WOULDN’T be right to let summer slip by without a few words about the barbeque; shish kebabs is a popular dish for backyard cooking, and no wonder. Impaling small pieces of food on skewers can be challenging, but the effort (and a great marinade or sauce) is worth getting excited about. And for your guests, skewered meat, vegetables or fruit are an impressive way to serve hors d’oeuvres, a main course or dessert.
• Soak bamboo skewers ahead of time to avoid splintering and burnt handles. • Cut meat into equal sized strips instead of cubes for fast, easy skewering, and to promote even cooking. • Use tongs to rub an oil-dipped cloth over the hot grill, or spray it with oil before cooking. • Preheat the grill before cooking. • Keep a spray bottle of water at hand to dampen flare-ups. • Wipe off excess marinade to avoid steaming the meat. • Take meat out of the refrigerator ahead of time, and grill it at room temperature for faster, more even cooking. • Boil marinade that has come into contact with raw meat before using it as a sauce. DRUNKEN CHICKEN This marinade tastes great with seafood. • 2 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts • 3/4 cup (175mL) vodka • 1 tsp (5mL) pure vanilla extract • zest and juice of 1 lime • 1-2 cloves garlic, finely chopped • 2 tbsp (30mL) sugar • 1 tsp (5mL) hot red pepper flakes • 1 tbsp (15mL) cold butter • Kosher or sea salt • Freshly ground black pepper Cut each chicken breast into three even strips and thread onto six pre-soaked bamboo skewers. Combine vodka, lime zest, garlic, sugar and chili flakes. Marinate chicken for at least two hours in the refrigerator before taking it out. After it’s at room temperature, lift it from marinade. Reserve marinade. Preheat and oil grill. Grill chicken over medium-high heat for approximately four minutes on each side. Meanwhile, bring reserved marinade to a boil in a small saucepan. Simmer and reduce
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to 1/4 cup (60mL) for use as a glaze. Stir in butter, add lime juice, and season with salt and pepper. Drizzle vodka glaze over cooked chicken. Makes six skewers INDONESIAN PORK SATAY Serve with a spicy peanut sauce. • 12 bamboo skewers, soaked • 3lb (1.5kg) pork shoulder, cut into strips • 1/2 cup (125mL) unsweetened coconut milk • 1/4 cup (60mL) soy sauce • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice • 2 cloves garlic, minced • 1 tbsp (15mL) minced fresh ginger • 1 tsp (5mL) fresh pepper • 1 tbsp (15mL) curry powder • 1 tbsp (15mL) sea salt
and coconut milk. Bring to a simmer and cook for two minutes or until the peanut butter dissolves, and the sauce thickens. Season with rice wine vinegar. Serve warm with satays. ZESTY LAMB KEBABS The shoulder cut of lamb offers top flavour, but requires the most work when trimming. For an easier cut and less strong lamb taste, use the leg or tenderloin. • 1 small boneless lamb shoulder • zest and juice of 1 lemon • 3 cloves garlic, minced • 1 tsp (5mL) sea salt • 1 tsp (5mL) fresh black pepper • 1/2 cup (125mL) olive oil
Slice and skewer pork. Mix the other ingredients in a shallow pan. Add pork and marinate for at least three hours in the refrigerator. Remove pork skewers from marinade, then grill the meat over mediumhigh heat for three to four minutes, or until browned. Flip and grill the meat for five to six more minutes or until it’s well browned on both sides and cooked. Serve with peanut sauce.
Unroll lamb. Scrape meat from fat with a sharp knife, and trim sinew while trying to keep the meat in large chunks. Thread onto pre-soaked skewers. Combine lemon zest, garlic, salt, pepper and olive oil. Marinade lamb for at least two hours in the refrigerator. Preheat and oil grill. Cook skewers over medium-high heat for approximately four minutes on each side for medium rare. Squeeze lemon juice over cooked lamb. Makes about 12 skewers.
SPICY PEANUT SAUCE • 1 tbsp (15mL) vegetable oil • 1/2 cup (125mL) finely chopped onion • 2 cloves garlic, minced • 1 tbsp (15mL) hot chili paste • 1 tsp (5mL) curry powder • 2 tsp (10mL) sea salt • 2 tbsp (30mL) dark brown sugar • 3/4 cup (175mL) unsweetened coconut milk • 1/2 cup (125mL) natural peanut butter • 1 tbsp (15mL) rice wine vinegar
LIME CREAM WITH FRUIT KEBABS For the richest taste use full-fat yogurt. • 2 cups (500mL) natural yogurt • Grated zest of one lime • 1/4 cup (60mL) honey • 12 fresh or grilled fruit kebabs
Heat oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onions and cook until translucent. Add garlic, chili paste, curry powder, salt and brown sugar. Cook 1 minute. Stir in peanut butter
Pile yogurt in a cheesecloth-lined sieve, and stand it over a bowl. Place it in the refrigerator overnight to drain. The following day, warm up the mixture of honey and lime zest, and stir into thickened yogurt. Serve with fresh or grilled fruit kebabs. ≈ Julie St. Jean is a regular columnist of Ottawa Outdoors sharing her mouth-watering recipes. You may contact her at julie@themountainrange.ca or visit her website at www.themountainrange.ca.
www.OttawaOutdoors.ca
PHOTO BY THOMAS TARTE
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BY ALLEN MACARTNEY ILLUSTRATION BY KEITH MILNE
THE LAST BISCUIT
When you’re lost, don’t lose it LOST IN THE FOREST. For me it happened unbelievably fast. What saved me were two things: preparation, and a passion for creature comforts. Here’s the story… About half way up the steep Lusk Falls trail in Gatineau Park, I took a short bushwhacking detour through the forest to find a more secluded spot for lunch. It was a solo day trip, and picture-perfect: blue sky, warm temperatures, only a breath of a wind, few hikers. My heart was skipping with delight. As it skipped along heedlessly, my mind wandered off on its own trail, contemplating the utter tranquility and beauty of the panoramic scene before me. I was savouring every moment, and several minutes of inattention were all it took. When the realization that I was lost settled into my brain, the thought seemed utterly absurd. “There’s no way!” I snorted contemptuously, out loud. For years I had hiked, biked, skied and canoed over much of the area. But something was wrong, big time. I really didn’t know where I was. OK, no problem. I’ll fix this by a quick backtrack to the main trail. Minutes later, with still nothing looking familiar, a trace of fear crept into my world. Then, as if they had a mind of their own, my feet started to run. Immediately, alarm bells fired off. Running is bad. A sudden pain shot through my ankle as it rolled on a loose rock. Hollywood couldn’t have written a better B movie script. “STOP!” My commanding voice echoed through the trees, and the galloping legs obeyed. “Sit down and have lunch. Right here! Now!” Slipping the pack off my shoulders, I reached inside for a sandwich. Unlike most day hikers, I was carrying a 40-litre pack brimming over with comforts: a thermos of tea, a small Ensolite pad, camera, a good book,
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cookies, nuts, a quarter pound of chocolate (really!), a small fanny pack with survival gear, a generous chunk of sausage, and sandwiches. With the first bite, confidence started seeping back into my bones. A minute later I looked up and said aloud, “I don’t care if I am lost. I can live out here for days.” An image of turkey vultures picking over my carcass (which only minutes before appeared imminent), now seemed laughably remote. I wouldn’t die up here. I’d be lucky to get off this hill without gaining several pounds! All I had to remember, and put into practice, were the five survival essentials: attitude, shelter, water, fire, food – in that order of importance. (Read more about these essentials in “Lost and Scared: Wilderness Survival 101,” on page 14.) For half an hour I forced myself to stay sitting and munching food, including several large pieces of chocolate. By that time I had worked out my approximate position; soon I was back on the well-worn path. The adventure taught me several lessons: First, anyone can get lost. Second, read a survival book now and then; it will make you more confident and outdoor-wise. And stop whenever you get nervous and eat a snack. ≈ Allen Macartney is the Managing Editor of Ottawa Outdoors Magazine, and an avid hiker, cyclist and canoeist.
www.OttawaOutdoors.ca
Your Guide to the Local Outdoor Adventure Scene
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