stretched to a month. Spreading my map in the canoe I narrowed my likely position to a rough 230-square-kilometre area. Decades of outdoor experience and a pack full of food and supplies kept the butterflies at bay. Though still lost, I slept well that night. The next day I was back on track. So how did my son and I find our way out? See above: We stopped, shared some chocolate from our packs, and joked about the pickle we were in. Food energy and banter cleared the log-jam in our thinking. We poked around and within minutes found a small trail – part of a network running off the main road. Had we pressed on we would have found it. Confidence renewed, we turned left down it, but it deadended on a lake. “Perfect!” my son said grinning and pointing at his map. “That puts us right here.” We backtracked up the trail and were soon standing on the main road. So carry a survival pack with stuff you’ll need for an unexpected night out – matches, lighter and fire-starters, knife, whistle, large plastic bag and food – and use the 70 per cent remainder of your IQ. Learn from your experience and the experiences of others. ~ Allen Macartney has been lost three times – twice this year – in 40 years of wilderness travel.
DID YOU KNOW?
The toque Anyone who’s sensible in Ottawa has a toque. It’s the common name for that winter staple which comes from the French word tuque. The Canadian English adaptation of the word for that woolly head warmer first appeared in writing around 1870. However, the word “toque” itself is actually Arabic for “round.” The word has been known in English since 1505 and apparently came in via French. But Canadians of either language are the only ones to use it in the winter context. www.ottawaoutdoors.ca
Keeping children warm in winter’s wonderland THEY’LL STAY OUT ALL DAY BY JULIE FINDLAY My kids are never cold. Or at least that’s what they tell me when it’s time to finally quit playing and come inside. Kids will rarely admit to being cold for fear it will put an end to their fun. But when the snow comes, and stays, they need the right clothes to stay out there and enjoy it. Dressing in layers is the key, and just like the three bears, the right gear is a triple – base layer, middle layer and outer layer. That base layer needs to be moisture-wicking to keep dampness away from the skin. Polyester or microfibre-blend long johns are great. Cotton it is too absorbent, tends to cling, and stays wet. Next, add an insulating middle layer of “fleece,” not the skin and wool off a sheep’s back these days, but a soft, stretchy, lightweight synthetic which feels great. A protective outer layer or shell keeps heat in and wind and snow out. Look for jackets and snow pants made of a tightly woven, water resistant fabric. Longer jackets with elastic cuffs are best; bib-style snow pants with elastic cuffs keep snow out. Look for these terms on the label: “wind resistant,” “water-repellent,” and “breathable.” Don’t forget those little heads, hands and feet. They’re the first to feel cold winds or a drop in
temperature. Hats with flaps are great because they cover ears too. Fleece linings mean a nonitchy hat, so impatient little snow engineers will be less likely to take it off. Don’t put fleece-lined hats in the dryer, or they’ll shrink. Mittens for kids are better than gloves because they allow warm air to circulate around their hands and fingers keep each other warm company. Look for elasticized wrists and long cuffs. I do love those old-fashioned knitted mittens, but waterproof fabrics are better for keeping kids warm and dry. Keeping little toes toasty starts with moisture-wicking socks, and a polyester wool blend works best. Then choose good quality waterproof boots with Velcro closures to make it easy for kids to manage by themselves. I love the new neoprene-style pull-on boots. If you’re planning a full day in the woods, ski slopes or trails, a skate on the canal or snow fort construction in the yard, extra mitts and socks can extend your family time with no complaints. A snack and hot drink are always welcome, along with sunscreen – even winter sun can burn children fast. Follow the same guidelines yourself so you aren’t the one that has to go inside and miss the fun! ~ Julie Findlay runs Mom in the Know, an online resource for active families at www.mitk.ca.
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