Issue #7 - Ottawa Outdoors Magazine by Ottawa Outdoors Magazine

Your guide to the local outdoor adventure scene

HIKING

Geocaching in Ottawa’s backyard

CAMPING

The ʻbear necessitiesʼ for staying safe

CANOEING

Get schooled on the Petawawa River

KAYAKING Master the backstroke

RUNNING

Meet Ottawa’s Hash House Harriers: a unique running club

BIKING

Ride to work and clear your head

SCUBA DIVING

Local excitement under the waves

SPRING 2004

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InsideOttawaOutdoors

Kayaking

Canoeing

Hiking

24 Sit-on-top kayaks are probably just right for you 32 Practice the unsung backstroke

25 Graduation day on the lower Petawawa River

Camping

3 7

Geocaching 101 Hike a 300-year-old growth on our doorstepâ&#x20AC;&#x201D; La Blanche Forest

15 Camping tips 16 Bears: rattle those pots and pans 19 Satellite phones 21 Dealing with poison ivy

2 Publisherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s letter 10 Profile 14 K-9 Common Scents 22 Ultimate Frisbee 31 The Bark 37 Survival kids 41 Photography tips 44 Health column 46 Urban Spice 47 Urban Grape 48 The Green Pages 50 Calendar of events 52 Bug Juice

Biking 12 Cycling to work: the clothing challenge you can win

Scuba Diving 34 The Carribean of the North: scuba diving around Ottawa

Running 29 The Hash House Harriers: a drinking club with a running problem

Adventure Racing 38 Adventure Racing strategies that work

PUBSLIHER’S LETTER

Imagine the potential. Imagine the potential of a magazine that unites outdoors enthusiasts with useful factoids, entertaining anecdotes, sporting gear appraisals and a touch of humour. It’s springtime and we’re feeling a little frisky. It’s pretty obvious from the lineup in this issue of Ottawa Outdoors. Like to hike? Check out our coverage on geocaching—the perfect marriage of old-fashioned adventure and new-fangled technology. Confused? Excellent—that means you’ll learn something from our geocaching coverage. Hikers can also tune into one of the best-kept secrets in our area – La Blanche Forest. Campers can get an edge on large, furry interlopers by reading what to do when bears decide to pay a visit. There’s also some good information on the important role that satellite phones can play when you’re up the creek without a proverbial paddle. This issue features an informative piece that challenges local workers to leave their keys on the hallway hook and make the trek to work by bicycle. And there’s no excuse for the pinstripe crowd. Check out the suggestions from a local government exec on how you can ride to work and dress to impress. Canoeists can read about a rough ride down the Petawawa River in Algonquin Park and kayakers can pick up some tips on perfecting their backstroke. Be sure to check out the feature on Headwaters Canoes made locally by some seriously dedicated craftspeople. Take a gander at our new approach to losing weight. And, try our time-tested ways for avoiding poison ivy when you’re far removed from the Sparks Street Mall. If you can’t avoid the itch, we’ll tell you how to fix it. We have a story on how myriad boat wrecks in the Ottawa region have made this a world-class scuba diving destination. As always, Ottawa Outdoors Magazine hopes that our pages will entice our readers to try a sport for the first time. We’ve already redesigned our web site at www.OttawaOutdoors.ca. Be sure to log in and post your special events and meeting schedules so we can help you spread the good word. Happy trails,

Dave Brown Publisher, Editor-in-Chief

CONTRIBUTORS

Heather Burke

Chuck Beatie

Mark McCann

Heather is an Ottawa-based freelance writer who loves sports that get her outdoors, and communing with nature. In this issue, she provides tips on staying safe in bear country. Look for her articles in future issues.

Chuck has been an internationally certified SCUBA instructor with the National Association of Underwater Instructors for the past 19 years. A member of the Canadian Forces, he has taught scuba in western Europe and Ontario.

Mark is Co-Founder, Race Director and Course Designer of OUTLAST Adventure Racing. Mark brings five years and thousands of kilometers of competing and organizing AR events to the Ottawa community.

Julie St. Jean Julie is a Freelance Chef specializing in prepared take-home meals, catering, recipe development, testing, and cooking demonstrations. After eight years of cooking in the kitchens of the renowned Chez Piggy she graduated from the Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts in B.C.

Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Dave Brown Managing Editor Allen Macartney Editor Brant Scott Contributing Editors Ken Parker, Jim Hargreaves, Dr. Geoff Outerbridge, M.Sc., D.C. Consulting Editors Scott Shailer, Stepen Seabrook Design and Layout Terrence Terrade, Dave Brown Graphic Illustrators William Jessup, Keith Milne, Paul Mason, Wah Phung-Lu Contributing Writers Brian Cooke, John McDonnell, Heather Cullen, Jim Clarke, Cathy Brown, Chantal Macartney, Heather Burke, Christie Hoskins, Dora Boersma, Jim Parinella, Kevin Callan, Thom Barker, Ken Whiting, Chuck Beattie, Mark McCann, Allen Macartney, Julie St. Jean, Joe Hatz, Jim Hargreaves Contributing Photographers Paul Chivers, Mike Beedell, Paul Villecourt, Chuck Beattie, Mark McCann, Wilderness Tours, Julie St. Jean, Brian Cooke, National Capital Commission, John McDonnell, Rudi Asseer ADVERTISING INQUIRIES Dave Brown Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Ottawa Outdoors Magazine is an independent publication published quarterly. Email: Advertising@OttawaOutdoors.ca Tel: 613-860-8687 / 888-228-2918 Fax: 613-860-8687 SUBSCRIPTIONS See attached sub.cards in this issue 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 Email: 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 emailed. 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. CANADIAN / U.S. 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 2004. 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.

ARE YOU AN OUTDOOR ENTHUSIAST WHO WOULD LIKE TO CONTRIBUTE? If you would like to submit photos or articles w wto w Ottawa . O t t a wOutdoors a O u t d omagazine, ors.ca please email us: Editor@OttawaOutdoors.ca

How to use billion-dollar U.S. military hardware to locate paltry prizes By Brian Cooke

So youʼve acquired a spiffy new gadget, a GPS. Wouldnʼt technology be fun if it wasnʼt so intimidating? The Global Positioning System (GPS) scared me in the beginning, too. Navigation plays to our natural fear of getting lost. The good news is GPS offers anxiety-free travel if you take the time to learn how it works— many dedicated compass users are switching over to this new system. Thereʼs even more good news. GPS units have come way down in price and now provide simple operating software. Once you figure out how the handset works, youʼre ready to play the game thatʼs sweeping at least 130 nations: geocaching. What is geocaching? Put simply, itʼs a game of skill that utilizes billions of dollars of U.S. military hardware to find containers bearing paltry prizes in the outdoors. Itʼs actually combines navigational problem-solving with the fun of a scavenger hunt. For new GPS users, itʼs also an excellent crash course in basic navigation using modern technology. It covers all the bases, including understanding grid coordinates, entering a waypoint into the GPS, and using it to navigate though the woods to find lady luck. If “geo” refers to geography, what is a “cache?” Itʼs the elusive object of the game—usually a small tin box containing a visitorsʼ logbook and www.OttawaOutdoors.ca

Photo by Brian Cooke.

HIKING

Geocaching is catching on

a token novelty prize. The box is buried somewhere off the beaten path by the “cacher,” who records its location coordinates using a small, civilian model GPS. It marks the cacheʼs position in latitude and longitude, the grid numbering system that works relative to the Prime Meridian in Greenwich, England and the equator. When the cacheʼs hideout is posted on a geocache-associated web site, contestants simply enter that coordinate and, in “GPS speak,” they perform a GOTO. When you enter a coordinate into the GPS and press the GOTO button, the GPS automatically shows you where to travel to that position, or at least to within a few metres of it. If youʼre lucky enough to find the hidden cache, youʼll be rewarded with a prize left by the previous player and you can add your name into the logbook. Ah, immortality. Geocaching prizes are one of the strangest appeals to the game. At a recent visit to a particularly tough cache in Gatineau Park, I was rewarded with a book of matches from a Las Vegas casino. I replaced it with a piece of shrapnel I brought back from a World War I battlefield in France. Zartimus—a local “cache builder”—describes most caches as

a straight drop. “You go out to the posted coordinates, and lo and behold, after a little searching you find the cache.” To up the ante, a few creative cachers have taken the game to a new level. Locations are becoming more scenic and remote, and some cache coordinates only take you half way, leaving you to use your compass, map and ability to solve riddles. For elite players seeking challenges, straight drops are a thing of the past. Most sympathetic cachers will include clues on the web site posting to help narrow the search area, but many maniacal cachers wonʼt make it so easy. Some diehards build in multiple-encoded clues and red herrings designed to really test your navigational skills. These tough, graduate school caches provide a greater sense of accomplishment when the prize is uncovered. Zartimus admits to being in league with the diehards—he once hid a cache that required the help of the German WW II Enigma device, the famous message encoder. Operational virtual Enigma mockups are posted on several web sites. I was a professional GPS teacher for years before I took the plunge into geocaching. It slowly dawned on me

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that the activity encompasses some of my favorite pastimes—hiking, navigation and all things geeky. After all, how often do you get to use the Enigma machine? My friend, Penny, and I decided to start at the beginning by checking out the official web site at www.geocache.com. If geocaching were a religion, then this site would be Mecca. Itʼs a one-stop location for everything GPS. Its web pages contain hidden geocaches located all over the world, including one on Greenlandʼs remote northwestern shore. To find caches in the Ottawa area, we entered our postal code into the web site search engine and landed on a cache that looked relatively easy to find. When I say easy, I mean it. One local cacheʼs coordinate required decryption. Its latitude and longitude required decoding with the help of a Japanese celestial chart. No thanks— weʼve got day jobs! Besides, we rationalized, itʼs important not to be humiliated on your first time out.

The cache we chose was aptly called the “Hill Mill Ruin.” We liked it because it was close to downtown Ottawa within walking distance of Parliament Hill. We would also have to be clever—the cache was within sight of the countryʼs seat of power and the area is well patrolled. The covert nature of this hunt was irresistible and it was listed as accessible in winter. The true location of our quarry listed among the thousands of entries on the Geocache web site was: Latitude N 458 25.587ʼ and Longitude W 0758 41.926ʼ. Those who arenʼt familiar with the coordinates might recognize the old steam mill ruins at the foot of the cliff below the Library of Parliament. Coordinates in hand, we grabbed our GPSs, a local topographical map and our walkie-talkies to claim our prize. We figured the best way to approach the cache site was along the bike path that snakes along the Ottawa River at the base of the Parliament Hill cliffs. Penny took out her GPS and entered the coordinates as I read them out. According to the GPS, we had a short 250-metre stroll to the cache. We tried to practice our “casual” walk to avoid looking too Captain Kirk and Mr. Spock consulting their tricorder. We were instructed to look out for the old millʼs stone foundation and the steel pipes that jutted out of its base. This would be the clue that we were close. While Penny kept a close eye out for suspicious townfolk, I headed into the bushes that camouflaged the ruins, but I didnʼt get far. Apparently, suspicious behaviour attracts company.

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Pennyʼs voice crackled over my walkie- talkie. “Alpha 1, there is a bogey entering your ground range.” “Roger that,” I answered. “Going silent.” I was a character in some John le Carre cold war novel, skulking around a top security compound (okay, public recreation area) with a two-way radio in my hand. If the Hill police showed up, Iʼd probably have some explaining to do. After the dog walker passed, I warily ventured on. I could feel I was close. The secrets that would end decades of Communist nuclear blackmail would soon be in the hands of the West. Then I saw it, sitting under an old wooden plank—the cache I was searching for. I reached down and opened up the container. And there were the contents, just as pretty as you please. I lifted the logbook and held close the souvenir key chain from New York City. Wow. I felt ready for the next challenge. Now, where is my Japanese astrology chart? —Brian Cooke is a GPS and Mapping Software Consultant who teaches GPS to beginners in his spare time.

WHAT YOU NEED TO GET STARTED A GPS Any GPS will do. A cache location is really only a waypoint and all GPSs can find waypoints.

A waterproof container The most popular receptacle is a simple Tupperware container or Nalgene food storage container.

A log book Keep it simple and with enough pages to accommodate lots of visitors.

A prize Novelties are popular, such as exotic key chains and souvenirs.

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Using your GPS with the Gatineau Park trail map One of Ottawaʼs favorite GPS stomping grounds is just across the river in Gatineau Park. The park has lots of trails and scenic points that are fun to explore using GPS. The trouble is, the best trail map of the area—the Gatineau Park Summer and Winter Trails guide—is causing grief for some GPS users. If you try to punch in a GPS waypoint with grid coordinates taken from this map and your GPS is not set up properly, youʼll be in trouble. Since a waypoint is a grid coordinate, Canadian outdoor enthusiasts set up their GPS to display waypoint locations in Universal Transverse Mercator (UTM), the grid system printed on all Canadian government 50.000 scale topographical maps. As GPS users have learned, different maps have different grid systems on them. U.S. maps and international coastal charts have latitude and longitude grid lines. Canadian topographical maps have three different systems printed on them: latitude and longitude, Military Grid Reference System (MGRS), and the ever-popular UTM. Since the UTM system is the predominant grid system in the country, it makes sense to use it with your GPS. Here is the problem. The Gatineau Park Summer and Winter Trails map does not have UTM lines printed on it. It does have latitude and longitude grid lines, but these are rectangular and itʼs an awkward and difficult formula to calculate. It does have a second set of square grid lines, fainter in colour and running north-south and east-west, just like UTM. At first glance, the grid numbers that correspond with the lines look like UTM grid numbers and a lot of hikers think these grid Photo by National Capital Commission.

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lines are UTMs—they sure look similar! Donʼt be deceived. The Gatineau Park map is using a very similar system called Modified Transverse Mercator (MTM), a grid system that many GPS users are unaware of and are struggling to figure out for the first time. This problem is not restricted to Gatineau Park—all Ontario and Quebec provincial 20.000 scale maps and most provincial park trail maps are projected in MTM as well. You can imagine the confusion. Donʼt worry; this has a happy ending. Remember that if you create a GPS waypoint using the Gatineau trail mapʼs grid coordinate system, but your GPS is set to understand UTM, your GPS will

take you to a very different location. Or, your handset might not accept the numbers at all. If you are using your GPSʼs location display to find your location on the trail map, youʼll be out of luck. Itʼs like calling a friend on the phone using the wrong area code. Here is an example. This is the location in UTM for the Shilly Sally Lodge in Gatineau Park, a popular hangout for hikers and cross-country skiers. Itʼs taken from the Wakefield 50.000 scale topographical map: (18T) 0430769 m. E, 5039714 m. N. This is the same location in MTM: 0352758 m E, 5041027 m N. These locations are about 80 kilometres apart. Fortunately, all GPSs have the ability to handle this problem, but you have to know what to do; it just takes a few seconds. Turn on your GPS and go straight to its setup menu. Then use the GPS curser to highlight the GPS Position Format (the grid system you are presently using). Change the format displayed (probably likely UTM/UPS or hddd8 mm.mmmʼ) to USER GRID. A new page will pop-up that asks for a few pieces of information. These are the settings that are

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necessary for your GPS to understand the MTM system in Canada. LONGITUDE ORIGIN–768 30.000 SCALE–0.9999000 FALSE E–3048400.0 FALSE N–0.0 Once you have entered this data into your GPS you will be ready to safely explore Gatineau Park with its trail map.

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Awesome year-round hiking at an ecological forest reser ve 300-year-old growth on our doorstep By John McDonnell

La Blanche Forest can be our little secret.

No, itʼs not a conspiracy, but very few people appear to realize there is an ecological gold mine just an hour from Ottawa. Sh-sh-sh. Donʼt tell. La Blanche Forest is a 2,000-hectare ecological reserve with one of the oldest forests in the province of Quebec – some trees are estimated at 300 years of age, or older. Unlike most ecological reserves in Quebec, La Blanche Forest is open to the public. The network of trails caters to all ages and abilities, so itʼs a perfect destination for year-round family outings.

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The status of “ecological reserve” is the highest level of protection allocated to Quebec real estate. In most cases, the only activities permitted within its boundaries are educational or scientific in nature. While La Blanche Forest does offer educational programs for school and other groups, the trails are accessible for hiking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Mountain biking is not permitted. A visit to La Blanche Forest is like taking a trip back in time, filled with adventure and discovery. Your first stop at the La Blanche Forest Interpretation Centre for mandatory registration provides a chance to pick up requisite

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maps and brochures. Friendly and helpful staff can answer questions and suggest a trail that coincides with your ambition. The centre houses washrooms, a snack bar and a little museum on the forest environment. There are several picnic tables located near the main building for relaxing over lunch. During the spring, summer and fall, the La Blanche Forest offers some great hiking opportunities. While the 15-kilometre summer trail network may appear small compared to Gatineau Parkʼs offerings, the unspoiled local beauty and absence of crowds make up for it. One of the most popular trails is “Le Ouaouaron,”

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meaning bullfrog, and takes visitors on a 2.4-km journey through the forest. It starts in a hardwood forest that gives way to hemlock and cedar as it descends to the first of a series of two little lakes. It is commonplace to see ducks, beavers, otters and moose on the far shore of the lake. Farther along, a charming boardwalk passes over a swampy area that is teeming with life. Children love this trail for the abundance of critters that include turtles, frogs, crawfish and many insects. Adults accompanying the children may appreciate the striking cardinal flowers growing near the waterʼs edge. These beautiful red flowers are in bloom almost all summer and offer great photo opportunities, flanked by yellow and white water lilies. Hikers soon arrive at a beaver dam and tranquil stream before coming to another lake. Another boardwalk follows the shore for about 200 metres, but this one has a special treat—a family of beavers built their lodge right under it. The discoveries continue to escalate as the meandering brook turns into a thunderous waterfall. Thereʼs a pleasant lookout nearby with a picnic table where hikers can pause to enjoy the waterʼs music. In the final kilometre, the trail climbs slightly through an ancient stand of eastern hemlock and some fascinating cavity trees. Cavity trees are dead or dying trees 8

with several holes in their trunks or main branches. They attract droves of birds and small mammals that are either looking for a place to escape predators or find food. All along the trail, a series of interpretive panels offer interesting tidbits of information on the local plants and animals. It is definitely worthwhile taking the time to read them. This trail can take about an hour and a half to complete with the little one tagging along. Another interesting hiking trail for families is “Le Cendré,” which translates as butternut. This 2.1-km interpretation trail offers a series of panels on the flora and fauna of the region. Like the other trails, it is located entirely within the forest. There are no houses, cottages or signs

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of human intervention in any of the hiking areas. Near the beginning of Le Centré, thereʼs a large beech tree with deep bear claw marks from a hungry bruin that climbed to the top to feast on tasty beech nuts. A little farther, thereʼs a delightful little lookout beside a beaver swamp. From there, itʼs possible to see wood ducks, turtles, frogs and great blue heron. Down the trail are the “big stairs,” comprised of 120 steps that lead down to Blanche Lake, which is one of the biggest lakes in the region. At the foot of the stairs, you will notice a change in the vegetation, where the maple, beech and oak transform into cedar and hemlock. The hemlock stand that follows the lake-

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shore contains some of the oldest trees in the reserve, and is considered to be an exceptional forestry ecosystem. The trail follows the lake for about 100 metres before culminating at a nice lakefront lookout with a bench and a picnic table. Visitors can see out across the lake, where the odd farm dots a landscape otherwise dominated by forest. The lookout marks the halfway point where the trail starts gradually climbing again on the way back to the Interpretation Centre. On the way, you will see the junction of “La Prucheraie,” a shorter trail that links Le Cendré and Le Ouaouaron by way of another small lake. A few hundred metres from this junction, watch for the massive, 300 -year-old yellow birch growing beside the trail. In winter, the interpretation trails including Le Ouaouaron and Le Cendré become snowshoe trails. The 8-km trail “Lac Vert,” and 6-km trail “Lac Howard”

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are opened to cross-country skiers. The wide, backcountry Lac Vert trail is by far the most interesting and challenging, especially when the snow becomes deep, and the beautiful scenery is worth every bit of the effort. Wintertime at La Blanche Forest also features a skating rink and sledding area for children. To preserve the ecological integrity of the area, visitors are asked to remain on the trails at all times. Dogs are not permitted even on leashes, and visitors are reminded to “take only pictures and leave only footprints.” Admission is $3 for adults, $2 for kids or $10 per family (two adults and children). Annual passes are available and much more economical if you intend to visit several times. La Blanche Forest is located 15 minutes north of Buckingham. Take Highway 50 to Buckingham, go right on Highway 309 and go right again on Highway 315. Watch for a large, brown sign bearing

“Forêt La Blanche Forest” and turn right. The Interpretation Centre and parking lot are at the end of the gravel road. The trails and facilities are open to the public on Saturdays and Sundays only from September to May, and then seven days a week from mid-May to Labour Day. Call (819) 281-6700 or visit www.lablanche.ca for more information on hours and trail conditions.

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PROFILE

Headwaters Canoes pay homage to history Rugged cedar and canvas craft built for punishment By Heather Cullen

ugh Stewart makes canoes that look like the world-famous Chestnuts: fluid lines, warm wood, classic forms. He says heʼs “just getting the hang of it now,” having either built from scratch or repaired some 370 canoes. The proprietor and guiding spirit of Headwaters Canoes tells visitors that his arenʼt the glossy, high-art craft destined to become museum pieces. These boats are built for paddling. From “A-grade” to “Bush models,” the 12 types of cedar-canvas canoe produced here are built for running rapids and long-distance flatwater trips. Serious buyers from as far away as Calgary, Whitehorse and Vancouver Island recognize the expertise in each craft. Headwaters packs and ships canoes the old way: in burlap and straw for the train. Visitors to the workshop located in the rolling, forested Gatineau hills are in for a real treat. Each winter, Hugh Stewart and employees work full time on orders for an average of 14 new canoes, as well as doing recanvassing and repairs. The workshop and sheds bulge with boats: hanging in slings, prone on sawhorses, and tucked under a snow-covered roof outdoors. The resident “dépanneur dog,” Skookum, greets visitors with interest, especially those with food in hand. This is a place for boat lovers: woodsmoke and the sharp tang of cedar shavings linger in the air. Woodworkers can scan the neat array of woodworking miscellany, tacks, cutting jigs, and bolts of canvas. The walls are hung with photos of northern canoe trips, sepia pages from 10

historical canoe catalogues, outdoor quotations, and salty jokes. Woven cane and babiche (rawhide) canoe seats hang from the rafters. With so much to see and so many hands on deck, it is a bustling place. Stewart values the contribution of every worker at Headwaters: “These people can handle a job, not necessarily because of formal training, but because of their character, and their skills. I provide the tools and let them get on with it.” While Stewart prefers a team approach, he clearly sets the tone and the pace. Paddlers who get to know Stewart will soon realize they are dealing with an outdoorsman of encyclopedic memory from a lifetime of practical experience. What they may not detect is his education from Oxford and Sussex universities, because Stewart emphasises that his “real education” came from the bush. That wilderness training makes him an invaluable resource to paddlers, historians, and foresters alike. Headwaters craft are a reflection of Stewartʼs need for canoes that can stand up to serious use: “I paddle a lot, so Iʼve learned what works,” he explains. Every summer for 40 years,

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Stewart has plied the waterways of the north with names like Wind, Peel, Attawapiskat, Thlewiaza, Kazan, Yukon, Nahanni, George, Winisk, and Petit Mécatina. His clear recollection of routes and portages is second to none. Inspired by childhood experiences at Algonquin Park and Camp Temagami, Stewart has carved his career out of canoeing. Basing his Headwaters canoe trip camp in the Temagami district, he also worked to protect the white pine forests of what became the Lady Evelyn-Smoothwater Wilderness Park. From the 1970s to his arrival in Wakefield in 1985, Stewart hosted about 100 paddlers each year on “no-nonsense trips.” Canoe-making followed naturally after maintaining a fleet of 30 woodcanvas canoes. Canoe construction starts at small lumber mills, searching for a reliable source of eastern white cedar. Stewart says the supply is sporadic at best. Cedar is notorious for its curving growth, and significant sand uptake through its roots. The sand quickly dulls both the blade and the millʼs desire to trade in cedar: “The mill operator says he sometimes www.OttawaOutdoors.ca

notices sparks flying off the saw when it hits sand particles,” Stewart says. It falls to the canoe maker to detect and weed out weak wood at every step, so thereʼs always lots of kindling for the shop stove. Despite its challenges, cedarʼs longlasting and lightweight properties are ideal for boat construction. Boat builders have prized its superior flexibility, fungus-resistance and strength for centuries. Stewart builds canoes the same way the Chestnut Canoe Company of Oromocto, New Brunswick did throughout the early 1900s – upside down and inside out. Planed, bevelled and labelled cedar ribs are steamed in a propane-fuelled steam box. Steamed ribs are bent around one of three original Chestnut forms—which are of interest to canoe historians—or wrapped around one of Headwatersʼ own reproductions. The most frequently requested models at Headwaters are the 16- and 17-foot Prospectors and Cruisers. Thinly planed, four-inch cedar straps are tacked lengthways across the ribs to form the canoeʼs floor. Employee Rod Crawley works at this step quickly, “almost as fast as Hugh,” he quips, his bottom lip bulging with brass tacks. Under the influence of steam, sponge and a household iron, the hull assumes the shape of the mould, because as Crawley muses, “wood has memory.” A canoe emerges, true to the Chestnut style paddlers have sought out for more than 100 years: flare in the beam for legroom and a load, the gentle curves of sheer and rocker lines. The growing canoe invites touch, even though there are many hours of rasping and sanding ahead before canvas can be applied. It will be stretched over the cedar hull, waterproofed, and left to cure for several weeks. Babiche seats and thwarts are bolted to the gunwales. Thwarts and gunwales are often crafted from richly grained hardwoods such as cherry, walnut, or white ash to customize the canoe. The canvas hull will be painted with multiple coats of high-gloss exterior enamel, usually in green, grey, or red. Finally, the canoe is turned up to coat the cedar interior with varnish or paint, depending on its grade. Repair work on treasured canoes is delivered to the workbench of Dave McBurney, a fine furniture maker and neighbour who walks to work. www.OttawaOutdoors.ca

McBurney nimbly replaces rotten stems, inserts neat splines in broken gunwales, and retrofits white ash into bow and stern decks. It is subtle piecework using concealed tacks and screws. “We try to avoid using glue, so everything we do is reparable years down the line,” he explains. Laminates and glue make it impossible to remove deteriorating parts. The crew avoids cedar strip models, or “strippers ” for this reason. The final result is both solid and graceful. Artist and filmmaker Bill Mason, during his lifetime at nearby Meech Lake, shared Headwatersʼ affinity for this design. As his many films attest, Masonʼs favourite canoes were a Pal and a Fort, both made by Chestnut. Resisting pressure to modernize, Mason complained that new fibreglass and Kevlar canoes

lacked style. He shared that view in his legendary film, Waterwalker: “Iʼve seen bathtubs with better lines.” The finished cedar-canvas canoe makes no apologies to ABS, Kevlar or aluminium models. Canoes at Headwaters are the antithesis of factory knock-offs: they emanate respect and love for the outdoors lifestyle. By virtue of their buoyant wood and canvas construction, they are responsive, reparable, and resilient tripping canoes. The sense of tradition, attention to detail, and practicality is a tip of the hat to Headwatersʼ heroes: outdoorsmen who listen much and talk little. Their patience brings style and grace to waterways across the continent. —Heather Cullen is a Manitoba transplant who is finishing an M.A. in French and teaching English at Algonquin College. Her spare time is spent on skis, snowshoes, and in canoes.

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BIKING

Take on the great clothing challenge Cycling to work By Jim Clarke Illustration: William Jessup

“I canʼt ride my bike to work because I have to wear a suit.” “I love cycling, but I donʼt want to arrive at the office all sweaty.” “Iʼll be too tired for my morning meeting.” Care to order some nice, aged cheddar with that whine? The time is ripe to forget the excuses and take the bike by the handlebars. Thereʼs no need to be a car potato if you reside within a reasonable distance from your workplace. Iʼm an executive with a federal government agency who feels compelled to don the pinstripes during working hours. Does wearing a suit have to put the kibosh on twowheeled freedom? No way. I manage to cycle to work about fours days a week from April to November. You donʼt have to be Superman or Wonder Woman to hang up that well-dressed excuse in favour of pedal power. Youʼll be glad you did.

Make the most of your time I live in Gatineau and work in downtown Ottawa, so my commute is a comfortable 10 kilometres each 12

way. I find that riding a bike can often save me time. Anyone who lives in Gatineau and works in Ottawa knows all about traffic. Gatineau has a lot going for it, but urban transportation planning isnʼt prominent in its tourism brochure. I can bike to work in the same time, or faster, than I can drive to work.

Exercise and get where you’re going Saving time is great, but itʼs not my primary motivation. I inherited from my mother a love for exercise on a daily basis. Biking to work both ways gives me my fix when Iʼd be loafing in my car otherwise (and probably cursing). When I arrive home at the end of the day, my exercise is over, instead of just starting. So, those biking days buy me an extra half-hour playtime with my young son. How good is that?

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Energize your day It is no secret that exercise creates energy. When I ride the roads and paths in the fresh morning air, Iʼm ready to tackle even the biggest problems. I arrive at my desk with less stress, clear lungs and pistons pumping. And remember, bikes have gears that allow you to work as much or as little as you want. Cycling to work neednʼt be an endurance race – you have the option to take it easy without any guilt.

Contribute to cleaner air If enough people cycled to work, the local contribution to smog cessation during the summer would be noticeable. Itʼs simply counter-intuitive to create pollution that forces us to stay indoors because the air is so bad. Break the pollution cycle with your cycle.

Reduce stress Itʼs downright peaceful to watch the sun rise and ducks play on my route alongside the Gatineau River. Eliminating oneself from the Worldʼs Slowest Car Race on Highway 50 is some hardship. You can start your day with less stress and a fresh perspective. And during the return trip at the end of the day, the stress from those eight hours of work is literally in your rearview mirror. Speaking of which… a good mirror helps reduce stress by showing you traffic approaching from behind – no surprises! www.OttawaOutdoors.ca

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How to cycle to work and wear a suit every day MOST OF US ARE aware of why we should cycle to work, but the “how” part can be more elusive. How can you bike to work and still look like Harry Rosenʼs best customer? Here are a few tips on getting started: 1. Scout out places in advance to lock your bike during working hours. Many progressive workplaces provide bike cages for their employees to encourage cycling to work. If your employer doesnʼt have a locking facility, ask for one. If you get fired for asking, it wasnʼt a good place to work anyway. 2. Find out if your workplace has shower facilities. If not, donʼt use this as another lame excuse to avoid riding. In most weather, toweling down and deodorant are an effective combination. And, have a good chat with your body and sign a mutual agreement to avoid sweating. Besides, most sweating occurs on the way home when temperatures are higher – go jump in your neighbourʼs pool. 3. Find a place to change at work if you donʼt have a closed-in office. Bathroom stalls work just fine. If you do have the luxury of a closed-in office, check out the visibility that nearby office workers have when your lights are on; you donʼt want to see yourself toweling down on the Internet. 4. Itʼs Sunday night, and youʼre winding down from a fun weekend. Drag the ironing board in front of the TV and iron five shirts (guys) or five outfits (girls) while you watch Americaʼs Funniest Videos.

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�� 5. On Monday, take the car or bus to work and bring three suits and the five ironed shirts (guys) or your five outfits (girls) with you. This can be a bit of a haul if you are bussing, but lots of people do it. Alternatively, some people take fresh clothes in each day by carefully rolling them up in their saddlebags – it works nicely for some womenʼs outfits and most menʼs “working casual” attire. Harry Rosen would probably advise you donʼt roll up his suits. 6. On Monday night, pack a knapsack or your saddlebags with seven items: tie, belt, socks, the easy-to-forget underwear, cell phone, patch kit and bike pump. (Women will vary this list slightly according to their needs.) Biking with a backpack causes heat build-up and sore shoulders. Saddlebags make cycling way more fun. The cell phone can be handy for calling work in the morning or home in the evening if you have a flat tire. No, donʼt use this prospect as another excuse to give cycling a pass; cars and buses get flat tires, too. Besides, studies show youʼll only get a flat if you donʼt pack a cell phone.

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7. Tuesday morning and good times are here. Have a good breakfast, put those biking shorts on, transplant your important papers from the briefcase to pre-packed saddlebags, and away you go. You are now on target to enjoy the exhilaration of waving at your car-bound neighbours as you pass them. Youʼre taking in copious cubic metres of sweet air, working those muscles, and saving the environment, all in one fell swoop. 8. Once you arrive at work, resist the temptation to throw your slightly moist biking clothes into the corner. I have learned they wonʼt dry even after eight hours when theyʼre left in a heap. Makeup and hair challenges might exist for women, but my wife has proven time and again that this too can be overcome. Cycling helmets arenʼt as hard on a hairstyle as you think, so everyone should wear one. 9. In about two weeks, repeat Steps 1-8. This assumes you wear each clothing item twice, which should allow you to remain safely under the international body odour limit.

Cycling to work can be done easily; lots of people do it. But realistically, it isnʼt for everybody. Some folks will be hamstrung by child and daycare arrangements, proximity problems, and personal health limitations. If you live farther than 25 kilometres from work and are not directly related to Hercules, you may not want to ride every day. There are some hardy souls who commute downtown from Kanata and Orleans, but thereʼs no shame in limiting longer treks to Fridays, because every ride is a good ride. Some people wonʼt be able to bike to work for good reason. But, donʼt avoid it because youʼre afraid to take the Great Clothing Challenge. Fill the water bottle, slap it on the bike and go for it. Youʼll soon have your own list of reasons for pushing those pedals all over town. —Jim Clarke is Executive Director, Office of Regulatory Affairs with the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission. When heʼs not riding his bike, heʼs chasing pucks and tennis balls, or swimming at his beloved cottage.

Spring is the time for puppy love By Cathy Brown and Wanda Purton YOUʼRE STANDING with eyes closed, face turned up towards the brilliant sun. Breathe deep and smell the musty grass peeking out from winterʼs opaque remains. You are exuberant with the thrill of being alive. Itʼs natural to want to share our contentment with someone. Who better than that eight-week-old puppy in the window youʼve been dreaming about? K-9 Common Scents counsels many people seeking advice on how to adopt or purchase a puppy. There are many factors to consider. If youʼre an apartment-dweller whose idea of outdoor activity is a tour of the Byward Market, you should probably leave that blue-eyed husky on the farm. Or, if you enjoy plying the Ottawa Valley landscape in your hiking boots, perhaps that border collie is just right for you. While deciding which breed is appropriate for your lifestyle and family, common sense is your best friend. The library and Internet contain lots of information about specific breeds and their attributes. Itʼs best to choose your pet with both eyes open, so letʼs suppose the day has come to pick your puppy. That adorable, little, pot-bellied cutie with the unconditional love is going to be your raison dʼetre for hitting Ottawaʼs outdoors – sometimes at 4 a.m.! 1. Letʼs start with what you need before you bring your new puppy home. Buy a crate. It provides your pet with a safe, secure, and happy place to be. You need to choose the correct size of crate with an area small enough that your puppy will not want to soil it. Check out local pet stores, and ask them to explain the benefits of each. 2. Use a crate pad or mattress to mimic the comfort and warmth of the puppyʼs mother. It gives you peace of mind when you put puppy to bed, too. If the puppy is soiling the crate repeatedly, the bedding may have to be removed. 3. Get a leash, collar, identification tag and microchip when your puppy has its shot. The collar should be removed at bedtime because collars and tags can get caught on crates. 4. If you have small children, keep their stuffed toys away from the puppy. Choose latex toys that are easier on the puppyʼs intestinal tract. Socks and shoes should be stored out of reach

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because nothing smells more appealing to your newest family member than you. 5. What about munchies? Talk to your vet about the most appropriate type of food for your puppyʼs needs. Some dog owners boast about microwaving their puppyʼs food, but watch out! Donʼt start something youʼre not prepared to continue for the next 15 years or so. 6. Enrol in a basic obedience course to increase the understanding between puppy and you. Socializing your puppy in the world is a must. K-9 Common Scents believes in introducing everything in your world to your puppy within the first six months of his life. When your pet associates food and comfort with your environment and interests, you can do anything together. —Cathy Brown and Wanda Purton are professional dog trainers who offer a series of courses that focus primarily on scent work. They offer private and group consultations in both obedience and scent work. Check out their website at www.Findem.ca.

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Camping tips for novices and experts By Chantal Macartney

Do you suffer from bad-smelling camping gear? Are your clothes always cold in the morning? Do sore feet take the fun out of hiking?

Sweet-smelling equipment If your sleeping bag exudes a pungent odour after storage, try storing a sheet of fabric softener inside. When camping, rip the sheet and place each half inside your boots. Voila! You’ll have fresh-smelling boots and a sleeping bag that even a mother could love. To prevent unpleasant smells developing in hiking backpacks, toss a bar of hotel soap into your pack before storing it. The soap will add a pleasant aroma and purge the bag of any unwanted smells. Canteens can be kept springtime fresh by slipping in a wrapped stick of gum. Mint-flavoured gum works well, but remember to remove it before you fill your canteen up again!

Ensure pleasant dreams A flat sleeping bag isn’t much more than just a blanket. Sleeping bags that have been rolled up or stuffed into a bag are all compacted and don’t provide much warmth. Body heat warms the air in the bag walls, not the insulation itself. About 15 minutes before you climb into you sleeping bag, puff it up so the insulation makes the air pockets bigger to retain the heat. Before it gets dark, place your night clothes in your sleeping bag. When it comes time for bed, you won’t have to play Quest for Pyjamas – they’ll be right there, waiting for you. Trying to travel light and don’t want to pack extra camping clothes for cold nights? Your daytime sweat pants and a hooded sweatshirt make great pyjamas. They are lightweight to carry and warm to sleep in. Add a toque to your sleeping gear and you’re all set for a warm night when the temperature dips. Another way to minimize heat loss at night is to eat a good meal, have a warm drink like tea or hot chocolate, and go for a short walk. Climbing into a sleeping bag cold, tired and hungry will make you wakeful and minimize your ability to get warm. When spring and fall camping, fend off next-morning chills by putting tomorrow’s clothes in your sleeping bag the night before. www.OttawaOutdoors.ca

By keeping them close to you all night, your body warmth will keep them nice and warm for putting on the next morning.

Take a hike at home

The boots you choose for hiking are important. Make sure that you wear them lots of times to break them in before heading out on the trail. As well, softer boots help prevent hiking blisters. When buying hiking boots, choose boots that are comfortable and light on your feet. Some specialists say that one kilogram hiking boots feel like you’re carrying five kilograms on your back. In addition to good footwear, it’s important to maintain good foot care and sanitation. Wear the right socks and examine your feet regularly. To lessen the chances of getting blisters during a hike, go for walks around your neighbourhood to strengthen your feet and build up calluses. Before going on a hike in cold weather, put on two pairs of socks: synthetic ones against your skin, and wool socks over these. The synthetic socks will pass sweat to the thicker socks that provide soft padding for your feet. Remember not to over-layer your feet because sweat can induce blisters. During hiking breaks, at least once a day take socks off to allow your feet to dry out and rest. For hygiene, clean you feet every day. Make sure to dry them thoroughly before rubbing on foot talc. Giving them a massage will ease them further and relax muscles. If you detect a budding problem like blisters, take care of it right away. Waiting will make it worse and cause more damage. Use adhesive bandages or moleskin to gently cover the hotspot so it won’t develop into a serious blister. In a pinch, duct tape works well as a substitute. Remember to keep your feet dry! Camping is great fun for friends and family. By following these simple tips, you can make sure you don’t have to head for home any sooner than planned. —Chantal Macartney is a regular columnist for Ottawa Outdoors Magazine.

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CAMPING

Playing for keeps in black bear country Rattle those pots and pans By Heather Burke

On May 13, 1978, three teenagers were killed by a black bear in Algonquin Park. First one boy was killed, then the bear attacked the two friends who were searching for him. The three bodies were found, partly covered with brush, with a male bear standing guard. Itʼs difficult not to think of similar horrific stories when youʼre in the wilderness. What can you do to prevent an attack? Weʼre plagued by so much conflicting information. Play dead or fight back? Climb a tree or run downhill? Itʼs best to make these decisions before youʼre confronted by a charging bear. Conventional wisdom seems to be in conflict because black bears and grizzlies require different

responses. But, advice on dealing with them has been generalized across both species. The good news is we only have black bears in this part of the country, and theyʼre generally timid. When threatened, they usually run away or climb a tree. The bad news is, in rare cases, a rogue black bear becomes predatory – and its prey is us.

Avoiding a hiking encounter “Your best defence in bear country is still your brain,” says Stephen Herrero in his book, Bear Attacks: Their Causes and Avoidance. The best way to avoid an attack is to avoid the encounter. Look for bear signs along the trail, like shredded logs and turned rocks where bears have been hunting for insects. Rubbings and claw marks on trees may show youʼre on a regular route. You can even play forensic scientist and examine bear scat for age. If the vegetation is still green underneath, Teddy has been by recently. If you find yourself on a well-trodden trail, take a hike! Black bears choose their food according to season. If you know where the food is, you know the places to avoid. In spring, they dine on green shoots – the fresher, the

better. In summer, they graduate to berries and mountain ash. In the fall, the hunt is on for nuts and acorns. All year-round they love to feast on ants, larvae, bees and honey. Bears also feed on carrion. They can be protective of such a bonanza, too, so extra care is required if you come across a large carcass. Look for circling vultures or crows and if the wind is right (or wrong, depending on your perspective) you might even catch a whiff. Keep dogs on a leash. Rover may help scare off an aggressive bear, but he is just as likely to antagonize it and run back to you for protection. Guess who could tag along? Make noise while youʼre hiking. If a bear hears you at a comfortable distance, it will usually run away, saving its defensive posturing for someone who stumbles too close. Bear bells arenʼt loud enough—talking, shouting, singing or clapping is better. When you are hiking through dense bush with limited visibility, you need to announce your presence. A rushing stream or high wind can drown out your voice. If the breeze is blowing in or across your face, bears canʼt smell you coming, so make even more noise. Of course, youʼll also ruin your chances to see much wildlife with that racket youʼre making. Try www.OttawaOutdoors.ca

turning up the volume at least in the bear hot spots listed above. Travel in large groups. Youʼll be noisier and appear more threatening if you do run across a bear.

Camping Backcountry camping requires special care. If a campsite has been left a mess by previous campers, move on. It may already be on a bearʼs regular route. Bears, like humans, are inefficient omnivores. We have learned to cook our food to a nice, soft texture to make it easily digestible. Bears that are familiar with humans know that itʼs the most glorious food in all of nature. Remember that the next time you pull into camp late and consider cutting corners by not stowing the grub. Set up cooking, eating and food storage areas at least 100 metres from your tent, preferably downwind. Change your clothes after cooking and eating. Wash out dishes immediately after use, and dump dishwater at least 100 metres from your tent.

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Melon scented hand lotion? Eau de deer musk deodorant? Leave them at home. You donʼt want to go to bed smelling like a buffet. After dinner everything gets hung up high: food, cooking clothes, toiletries, and garbage. String a rope between two trees, at least six metres apart and five metres above the ground. Throw a second rope over the first one and haul up the packs so they hang in the middle, at least four metres above the ground. A carabineer or a pulley attached to the first rope will make this job easier. If youʼre car camping, store everything in the trunk. Black bears have been known to peel open car doors like sardine cans to get at food inside. If youʼre in a truck or van or other vehicle without a trunk, cover up all dry groceries and coolers so bears canʼt recognize them by sight.

If you meet a bear Stay calm. Thousands of injuryfree bear encounters occur every year. Chances are, yours will be too. Predatory attacks by black bears are extremely rare. And defensive attacks can almost always be avoided if you know what to do. Donʼt run. This may elicit a chase response in a bear that otherwise wouldnʼt have considered you prey. And you wonʼt win the race. Bears can run over 50 km/h for short distances. And yes, bears can run downhill, so ignore all rumours to the contrary. Donʼt climb a tree. Black bears are excellent climbers; attempting it might encourage them to climb after you. Face the bear and slowly back away. Give it an escape route. Donʼt put it in the position where it feels the need to attack defensively. Bears often rear up on their hind legs to sniff the air. This isnʼt necessarily an aggressive gesture. Itʼs trying to identify you. Speak firmly to the bear so it can identify you as human, not prey. If it starts to approach, gather in a group and pick up small children. Yell, bang pots, wave your arms and look big. And what if the bear is going for your food, instead of you? “Stand up to it,” says Herrero, “but if this isnʼt working, O T TAWA O U T D O O R S S P R I N G 2 0 0 4

Vital statistics Name: Ursus americanus Height: 75-90 cm at the shoulder Weight: 50-180 kg average Population: Approx. 600,000 There are an estimated 100,000 in Ontario – about 80 of them reside in Gatineau Park.

Bear spray

at some point you should try diverting it with your food.” This can give you time to leave. And keep in mind that once a bear starts eating, they are difficult to disuade. If the bear is making any vocalizations or swatting the ground with its forepaws, itʼs in defensive mode. Keep backing away. Be prepared for the bear to “bluff” charge you. Again, this is simply a defensive gesture. As scary as a bluff charge may appear, it is important not to turn and run screaming into the bush with the bear right behind you. If the bear isnʼt making vocalizations, and is circling you as if looking for an opening, you could be facing a predatory bear. Predatory attacks have been responsible for almost all black bear-related deaths. The key in a predatory attack is to avoid any resemblance with easy prey. Make all the same threatening gestures you would make for a defensive approaching bear. If youʼre wearing a pack, donʼt drop it. It can provide

protection. Try dropping something else if you have it. That could give you a few extra seconds while the bear investigates. In this case, climbing a tree or running to a nearby building or car might be your best chance. If a predatory bear attacks, FIGHT BACK. Donʼt play dead with these guys. Theyʼll just keep munching away on you. Rocks, sticks, paddles and frying pans can all be used as weapons. Aim for the face. Now is a good time to wish you had pepper spray. Freaked out yet? Do remember that bear attacks are extremely rare. For every person killed by a bear, 67 have been killed by dogs. And closer to home, National Capital Commission officials say there has never been a bear attack in Gatineau Park. Take the proper precautions, but donʼt let Teddy keep you from enjoying the bush. Heʼs almost always a timid sort who spends his waking hours looking for something to eat. Relax and have fun and maybe even sing a little song. —Heather Burke is a freelance writer and avid outdoor enthusiast. She sleeps with a paddle nearby when camping in bear country.

Check the expiry date before you purchase. Replace used cans every three years and use the old one for target practice. Don’t practice on a windy day! Goggles and a face mask are a good idea way to avoid repelling yourself.

Parks Canada now recommends carrying pepper spray as a bear deterrent. Made of capsicum – the stuff that makes cayenne peppers hot – it will be painful for the bear but won’t injure it. Previous use on aggressive bears has provided good results. But, black bears often returned to nose around, so prepare to leave the area after an incident. Pepper spray isn’t meant to eliminate other precautions. Use it only as a last resort on an attacking or aggressive bear. You won’t need it for bears just snooping around your campsite.

Ensure the spray is accessible at all times—a hip holster is recommended. Remove the safety clip and give a brief squirt when the bear is 17 metres away and wait for it to walk through the spray cloud. If it keeps coming, aim at the bear’s face (trying to adjust for crosswind) and squirt again at eight metres. You want to get the bear in the eyes and nose.

The problem with mountain biking and bears is the riders are quiet and fast. It’s easy to zip around a corner and run into the back end of a bruin before it even hears you coming.

Purchase

How not to use

• Keep watching well ahead on the trail

When shopping for bear spray, don’t buy the smaller can for deterring dogs. It won’t have the range or volume you need. The canister should be at least 225 grams with six seconds of spray time. The spray needs to come out in a cloud, with a range of at least eight metres. 18

How to use

Bears actually do find pepper spray to be a spicy condiment in lower concentrations. Spraying it on camping equipment as a bear repellent is a big mistake. The bears will put on their sombreros and have a fiesta night all over your stuff.

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Mountain biking in bear country

• Watch for signs of recent bear activity— riding through a patch of ripe blueberries may be a bad idea • Slow down through dense bush, down hills, and around corners • Travel in groups • Make noise – ever considered taking up singing while you cycle?

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Lost and found with satellite technology Look up, look way up By Christie Hoskins

eʼve come a long way in 50 years.

An article by R.K. Gordon in the June 1953 issue of The Beaver tells it all. “Travelling Through the Canadian Wilderness by Paddle Canoe Holds Many Joys for the Adventurous,” chronicles how campers kept in touch with the outside world. Gordonʼs party met some fellow canoeists headed in the opposite direction: “We grasped each otherʼs gunwales. Where were they headed for? Temagami. Would they take a letter for us? Yes. It was quickly scribbled and handed over. A nod, a wave of the hand, and the swift current whisked them out of sight.” More than 50 years later, itʼs intriguing to ponder the contents of that letter. It might have been something mundane; perhaps a necessary matter of resupply. I prefer to imagine that it was addressed to anxious loved ones with a few words to reassure them that the trip is going well, but the return home might be delayed by a day or two. I can relate to this version of the hand-carried message. As the adoring wife of a true “nature boy,” I understand the attempt at causing minimal worry on the home front. I am most comfortable in an urban environment, although I have taken the bow seat on a couple of easy day trips. Itʼs never going to be on my “Really fun stuff to do” list, but I can appreciate the desire for more challenging expeditions to pristine, off-the-beaten-track settings. This logical pursuit usually means longer trips farther away from civilization. Most people can only take the same evening stroll or Sunday drive so many times before they need to break a new trail. For some, this could mean finding new rapids to run, new cliffs to climb, or new vistas to call oneʼs own for a night or two. www.OttawaOutdoors.ca

New turf can mean new problems— the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) Emergency Response Teams handled 172 Search and Rescue (SAR) calls last year. Most of the cases involved people who were lost or overdue at a checkpoint. Sergeant Don Webster, OPP Provincial SAR Coordinator, has dealt with people who were fortunate enough (a relative term) to be lost where there was some cell phone coverage. In one case as the cell battery was fading, Sgt. Webster was able to confirm that the caller was not injured and equipped for a night in the woods. The information was invaluable to the authorities—the SAR team narrowed its search area and tailored its response by putting precious public resources to their best use. Cell phone service providers may be of some help to outdoors enthusiasts, but their service footprint tends to cover established highway corridors and urban areas. Cell phone reception depends upon the location of towers and the terrain, so there is a better solution in the outback. O T TAWA O U T D O O R S S P R I N G 2 0 0 4

The Satellite Phone Solution

VENTURING OUT? What to take (at a minimum): q water q food, like energy bars q a means to keep warm (i.e. a space blanket)

q a small flashlight q waterproof matches or a lighter q a whistle q a tested communications device

What to leave behind: q an itinerary and/or maps q a description of your vehicle and licence plates

q an agreed-upon date and time for contact with someone you trust

q a plan of action to be implemented if you fail to make contact

The Telehealth website is searchable for info on dehydration, frostbite and hypothermia: www.HealthyOntario.com For detailed info on satellite phones and beacons—how they work, where to rent them: www.truenorthsatcomm.ca

Info of Interest: Because satellite phones work by beaming or bouncing the signal up to an orbiting satellite and down to their specific network ground terminals, the usual emergency contact numbers, such as 911 or 1-800 telephone numbers may not work. Satellite phone users need to research, and pre-identify, the local authority numbers for the area they will be travelling in. For instance, on the Missinaibi trip mentioned in the article, in order to engage a quicker response if it had been required, planning included locating the number for the OPP detachment in Moosonee. Ottawa Police Service from a satellite Phone is 613.230.6211.

SAR Global 1 is an incorporated, charitable organization of trained civilians who provide services to local police forces on both sides of the Ontario-Quebec border, including Gatineau Park. Since its inception in 1996, the group has extended its search capabilities with dogs, fixed wing aircraft support and coordination efforts. SAR Global 1 has discovered that communications can be a challenge, even this close to home. “We have had to use satellite phones on a number of searches, in some cases only 25 minutes from downtown Ottawa,” says Nicolas de Breyne, Search Manager in Command. “Paddlers, hikers, winter sports enthusiasts, hunters… when you get into an accident is NOT the time to find out that your cell phone receives no signal, and you donʼt have any other options in mind.” De Breyne also likes the Globalstar networkʼs ability to determine roughly where a call originates according to longitude and latitude. Satellite communications can be invaluable even in local areas like Larose Forest, Marlborough Forest or the Mer Bleu Bog. “The quicker we can locate a missing person from both the perspective of safety and health, the better,” explains Ottawa Police Service Staff Sergeant Larry Colotelo. “The longer a search goes on, the more likely it will be that we have to take weather and resource issues into consideration.” Ontario Search and Rescue Volunteer Association (OSARVA) vice-president Horace Webb says finding a satellite phone for recreational use was tough until recently. “We had inquiries on the use of sat-phones from groups venturing out into the wilderness. Most asked if and where they could be rented. A few years ago, our research came up blank. The OSARVA does think these devices are an important component for outdoor enthusiasts and that they sure would help in a lost person(s) situation.” The Personal Locator Beacon (PLB) is another device that is currently a hot topic of conversation. While it is a plausible alternative to a satellite phone, it is limited to one-way communication and cannot pinpoint the nature of the emergency.

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It must be used with discretion because PLB activation prompts a full and immediate SAR response. New models can be programmed to transmit detailed information about a group using a particular beacon. My husband, Michael, headed off by canoe along the remote Missinaibi River toward James Bay in 2000, after a year of detailed planning. The area has been responsible for more than 20 drowning deaths in 15 years and boasts site names like “Hellʼs Gate Canyon” and “Thunderhouse Falls.” With that kind of writing on the wall, you want to pack along a reliable communications device (otherwise you could return home two weeks later to find the locks have been changed by an anxious spouse who hasnʼt had a phone call!). When the trip took place almost four years ago, satellite phones were difficult to find, prohibitively expensive and somewhat bulky. So, my husband packed his only option: a PLB. It is no coincidence that Michael returned to start a business renting sat-phones and beacons. Nowadays, both devices are smaller and much more affordable. Sgt. Webster is enthusiastic about the interest people have in taking these tools into the outdoors: “Iʼm impressed with the queries weʼre getting about this additional layer of safety. It demonstrates a proactive measure on the part of the public to try to assist with their own rescue, should the need arise.” Some of us comprise the “sandwich generation”—we have simultaneous responsibilities to both our children and aging parents. Itʼs not surprising then, that more of us are seeking self-renewal in the great outdoors. Now we can meet the challenge of keeping this commitment to ourselves, as well as offer peace of mind to those we leave behind at home. —Christie Hoskins is a local researcher and freelance writer with a background in communications. As a former Girl Guide, her favourite motto is “Be Prepared.” Her husband, Mike Disley, owns True North Satellite Communications, (613-796-3874) which rents equipment to niche markets that include outdoor enthusiasts.

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Itching to get into the outback?

Beware the chameleon of forest flora: poison ivy By Dora Boersma

ROM OUR CANOE, we spotted the campsite we’d dreamed about all winter. A sandy beach at the mouth of a gurgling river. Dig out the hammock! The same moment our canoe hissed to a stop on the wet sand, our three-year-old son hopped out and checked out every corner of the campsite. As we pulled our sleek craft farther up the beach, we noticed small clumps of plants all over the place. After a closer look, we remembered: “leaves of three, let them be.” Could this be poison ivy? And what’s it doing on a sandy beach? Stow that hammock and let’s push off. The poison ivy leaf usually has three leaflets, but it can fool the unwary by sometimes having leaves in groups of five to nine. It can grow in a vine-like form or as a shrub. The leaves can change colors seasonally and may appear yellow-green in the spring, green in the summer, and red or yellow in the early fall. The leaflets can be serrated with a few or many coarse teeth, or they can even be lobed. It is important not to touch the plant in order to avoid the oil called urushiol, which can travel on anything that brushes against it. Urushiol is a colorless or pale yellow oil that oozes from any cut or crushed part of the roots, stems, and leaves. The oil can stick to shoes, clothes, hands and pet fur, so it’s possible for your skin to come in contact long after your excursion has ended. About 85 percent of people react to the oil with varying degrees of sensitivity. There can be severe itching, redness, and swelling, followed by blisters within 12 to 48 hours of exposure. The rash often has a spread pattern that reveals where the person brushed against the plant. Blisters become crusted in a few days and can take 10 days or longer to heal. In general, people are less sensitive to poison ivy as they get older, so there

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may finally be a benefit to putting a few birthdays behind you! Poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac are closely related species that can be found in various locations in Canada and the United States. Poison ivy grows east of the Rocky Mountains and poison oak grows in the west and the east. Poison sumac graces the landscape in southern Canada and the eastern United States. The flowers, fruits and twigs of poison ivy and poison oak look similar, and both species can climb tree trunks. Western poison oak needs a lot of water and eastern poison oak likes sandy soil, but occasionally grows near lakes. Poison ivy tends to thrive in well-drained, fertile soil. If you wish to remove poison ivy from an area, don’t burn it—the urushiol can go airborne and may irritate your lungs. And remember, the oil still present in dead poison ivy plants can cause a rash for several years after the plant has died.

Effective first aid

What should you do when you think you have been in contact with poison ivy? The sooner you can rinse off the oil the better. Immediately use lots of cold running water, and follow with plenty of

soap. The oil can be easily transferred from hands to face and elsewhere, so pay close attention to any location that could be affected. Contaminated clothing can be dry-cleaned or cleansed in the washing machine with detergent. Alcohol and water will remove the oil from shoes, tools and other items very effectively. Make sure you wear gloves during clean-up. What about the dreaded itch? Various first-aid remedies are available. Some folks prefer a cool shower followed by calamine lotion. Others enjoy a lukewarm bath with oatmeal or baking soda in it to dry oozing blisters. The blisters do not contain the oil and they don’t play a role in spreading poison ivy to other parts of the body. Oral antihistamines can also relieve the itching. Your local pharmacist might have other remedies if the shower and bath leave you cold. Before your next outdoor adventure, learn how to distinguish familiar varieties of poison ivy from more benign plants. When in doubt, don’t be an optimist. Also, bring along a good bar of soap on all camping adventures. Then, if you do set up your hammock in a lush patch of poison ivy, you can get right into preventative first-aid. —Dora Boersma is a biologist with Environment Canada, and an avid canoeist.

Myth

Fact

If I’m away from home and I am exposed to poison ivy, there is nothing I can do

Not so. Find some water and wash the affected areas, followed by soap—don’t use soap first because the urushiol oil can spread in soap drippings.

Poison ivy rash is contagious

Only the urushiol oil that causes the rash can spread poison ivy. Be careful what you touch and wash as soon as possible.

I can pull out dead poison ivy

The urushiol can stay active for several years after the plant dies.

I can burn the poison ivy on my cottage property

No, the urushiol will become airborne and it can irritate your lungs.

Leaves of three, let them be

A good rule of thumb, but there can be up to nine leaves in a group. Study the plant variations carefully and seasonal colour changes.

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ULTIMATE

Rethinking the stack By Jim Parinella [A note from the publisher: Caution—this article contains jargon. It is intended to appeal to readers who already play this terrific sport. It is also incentive to those who donʼt! Thanks.]

THE STACK IS the starting point for most offensive Ultimate strategies. The prototypical stack begins with a handler 15 to 20 yards away from the disc and spaces the remaining players at five-yard intervals, and the order of cuts is determined by placement in the stack. With the proliferation of defenses that do anything but play straight personto-person, however, more teams are finding it in their best interest to shorten their stack length. The short stack, although requiring a bit more discipline and practice, sets up almost every square foot on the field as a viable cutting place. A short stack opens up more options and a good offense must be able to take what is available. A player

with the stack, so players can go deep easily or come back for another 20 yards if the deep cut is overplayed. Most good deep cuts originate only 10-20 yards from the disc, since a deeper-starting cut might outrun the throw. Since the disc has moved downfield from its starting point, the deepest player on the field is now only a few yards further, and there is no defender far enough downfield to poach deep. There is even an option to go deep on the first pass, since the last person in the stack is only 20-30 yards away. If his defender poaches, then the last player moves immedi-

“Try putting the handlers toward the back of the stack for the first cut.” 45 yards away at the back of the stack is not a viable threat. If the closest player is still 20 yards away, only cutbacks to the disc are available. If the stack is short, then everybody is starting from about the same point on the field, and all players are realistic threats. If the stack is long, then the only available cuts are all straight-line, hard-running cuts with a fake at the beginning. The offense doesn’t really have many options, unless the throwers are very good and creative and can put the disc anywhere on the field with whatever arc is required. My team, Death or Glory, uses a short stack, and we are most dangerous when we get a 10-20 yard pass to the sideline. The disc is then even 22

ately to the open area and is close enough that the thrower can get it there right away before the other defenders have time to switch. If the stack is long and the last defender poaches, and the poachedoff offensive player starts to move to the open area, the other defenders will have time to react to it. This means another offensive player is open and can move to the open area. Perhaps someone else is poaching, or it’s no longer clear what the open area is any more, or the thrower has stopped looking for the yardage pass and is focusing on the dump. The long stack does have its benefits, though. When everyone is spread out more, there is less risk of picks or two people making the

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same cut at the same time. With a short stack, you need to have a better defined hierarchy of who cuts first by calling a specific play or using the team’s one or two best cutters. The other players must be ready to cut if a poach happens or the main cut is stopped. If players are spread out like in a long stack, then typically only one or two players will be in a good position to cut, and it is easier for each player to determine whether someone else is cutting. If you are in a short stack, there are eight or 10 other players in your peripheral vision, and it can be hard to tell what each of them is doing and whether any are cutting. If there is only one other offensive player and his defender that you can see, any motion you detect is likely to be a cut. The long stack is better suited to a rigid or almost rigid sequential offense. Many teams are fairly strict about having plays go from handler to handler to middle to deep. Also, sometimes teams have “triplets” where a handler, a middle, and a deep are a unit, and each unit cuts for others in the same unit. The short stack requires a little more concentration, familiarity and discipline, but it’s better for an established team that doesn’t change much from year to year. The long stack is easier to learn, better for a sequential offense, and an individual’s role is defined pretty much by their assigned position. In the short stack, the role for each player depends more on ability and the called four-person play, rather than where he lines up in the stack. www.OttawaOutdoors.ca

�� Attention Ultimate teams!!!

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�� The typical stack with begin with �� a handler 15-20 yards from the disc, followed by the other handler, the �� middles, and finally the deeps, with everyone four or five yards from the �� nearest neighbour. �� Typically, the first player in the stack cuts�� first. If this cut is unsuccessful, the � �� second player cuts. If either of these �� players gets it, one of the middles cuts to �� the same side of the field,�� then the deeps �� cut from the middle. This gets predict�� able rapidly, however, so the beginning team should look at mixing up the order �� a bit. Try putting the handlers toward the �� back of the stack for the first cut. Keep �� the order in the stack the same, but let �� a deep �� or middle make the first cut, and �� have a handler cutting away as the sec�� ond option. Specify a four-person play �� before the point, and allow the players to �� CANADA'S ONLY STORE �� set up anywhere that will enable them to �� FOR THE DISC ENTHUSIAST �� get open. ��

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�� INTERMEDIATES: �� Shorten the stack by placing the �� first player closer to the disc and by

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decreasing the space between players. This opens up the “away” cut from the first player in the disc, either a curving forehand or backhand or a hammer over the defenders so the receiver is run�� ning away from the thrower at a �� 45-degree angle. Specify alternatives �� to the four-person play, so that if a cut�� ter gets shut�� down, there is a designated �� short fill or long fill to continue the flow. �� Sketch out specific plays designed for � �� particular players. ��

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Experiment with drastically alternative stacks, such as with one �� ™ player always behind the disc, or two �� players even with the disc at the side. �� Move the stack toward one side of �� the field and play one receiver out by �� himself and give him plenty of room �� to manoeuvre. Introduce the concept of �� audibles, �� so that with a simple call by a �� No kidding, this is for real. �� player, the play is changed.�� An example �� This is a regular-sized disc and it really �� of this would be “two one,” which would �� glows! It uses a battery L.E.D. & Fiber Optic �� indicate that the first and second cutters �� Technology. An excellent gift for that disc�� playing friend with everything! should exchange�� roles. Another possible �� Check’em out at the Ultimate Disc �� Golf �� audible would be a code word that means �� 613-241-9876. Store, 142 Rideau Street., �� the cutter should go long. ��

�� Play disc (Frisbee) �� at night!? ��

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�� O T TAWA O U T D O O R S ��

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SPRING 2004

SIT-ON-TOP KAYAKS 20 reasons why it might be the one for you IF YOU’RE OUT at a cottage or nearby lake you’ll probably see more of these floating around than anything else these days. Welcome to the popular new kayaks, the sit-on-top (SOT). We at Ottawa Outdoors are pretty stoked about this popular newer type of kayak for one main reason—they’re fun. Pure and simple. We’ve compiled a list of the top 20 reasons why an SOT is probably the kayak for you this spring and summer. Read on. 1. They’re stable. 2. They’re forgiving. 3. They’re easy to paddle. 4. They’re at home in a wide variety of water. 5. They’re great for fishing, picnics and snorkeling. 6. They’re not claustrophobic, and you’ll have more room to wriggle your legs and be comfortable. 7. If you fall out, you just jump back on. You’re no longer afraid of it turning upside down–you’re not strapped in and forced to do an eskimo roll. 8. You can catch some rays and feel the cool breeze across your entire body. 9. They’re great for all ages, from young children to seniors. Everyone can do it.

10. There’s a lower skill requirement so it’s perfect for the occasional kayaker. 11. Self rescue: simple and reliable. Just slide back on top, and you’re back in the saddle, paddling to your next adventure. 12. They’re suitable for cold water too; just wear the correct outer gear. 13. They have self-draining cockpits. 14. They’re easy to get out of, and easy to hop onto. 16. They’re less costly than equivalent sit-inside kayaks. 17. There’s lots of accessible storage space, depending on the model you buy. 18. They’re great for paddling at lakes and cottages, but also great around the beach, or local in-city waterways. (Think the Rideau Canal, Mooney’s Bay, etc.) 19. You can go out on your own anytime you’d like and get away from the crowd. 20. Like we said in the beginning– they’re simply fun. If you want to learn more, you can go to any of the local retailers, or visit www.DimensionKayak.com, Go to the Dealer Locator and then punch in your postal code. They’ll point you to your nearest retailer. Have fun!

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Graduation day on the lower Petawawa River All aboard nature’s rollercoaster By Kevin Callan Photos by Paul Chivers

CANOEING

DON’T TRIFLE with the Petawawa River. The ferocity of the lower Petawawa is the stuff of legend on Algonquin Parkʼs only major whitewater canoe route. Dave, Peter, Scott and I cut our whitewater teeth on lesser rivers before we felt our skills were sufficient for the river the Algonkian tribe called “a noise heard from far away.” The Petawawa originates in the western reaches of the 7,725 squarekilometres that is majestic Algonquin Park. The renowned lower stretch separating Cedar and McManus Lakes by about a weekʼs paddle boasts the most intimidating whitewater on the river. As intermediate paddlers, our group elects to limit ourselves to the shorter route between Lake Traverse and McManus Lake. The car shuttle is less time-consuming, the rapids are less technical, and most portages can be avoided with moderate whitewater experience. Beware the river in the www.OttawaOutdoors.ca

spring, however, when itʼs gorged with Algonquinʼs abundant snowmelt – the water may bring to bear too much volume and speed to be safe. And itʼs cold until mid-May. At the Lake Traverse put-in, we take advantage of the frothy water at the base of the rapids to practise our paddle strokes. Most whitewater enthusiasts find the 90-minute flatwater trip across the expanse of Lake Traverse a bit monotonous. It has every bit of the splendour of an Algonquin postcard, but all we can think about are the hammering rapids ahead of us. We finally see where

Traverse narrows and the flat water is pinched between the steep-sided, V-shaped valley. The water slides faster under our craft as we approach the first run at Big Thompson Rapids, but itʼs rather anti-climactic. Some years the water level is low during the summer and autumn from lack of rain. We lift the canoe around the first drop and walk ahead with the gear to scout the lower portion of the rapid. Convinced we can take the canoe through, we return to our craft to find a pair of paddlers dressed to the hilt in purple PFDs, blaze-orange dry suits and metallic helmets. They stand high atop a rock, pointing and planning their route through the churning water below.

INTO THE FAST WATER

Uneasy with an audience on our first run, Scott and I push off and back ferry across to the opposite bank.

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We eddy in behind a boulder, twist around, shoot down a narrow channel and sideslip to the right, just missing the bottom ledge by half a paddle length. We shout urgent, terse commands as Scott pries with his paddle at the bow and I brace mine in to shift the canoe sideways. The teamwork pays off as weʼre spit out the far end right side up. The two canoeists in the other party arenʼt as successful. They bounce down the centre of the run like a steel ball launched in a pinball machine. By the time they reach calmer water beyond the rapid, theyʼre in the drink and gripping the gunwales of their overturned canoe. Their weekend has officially begun. About five minutes downstream, our foursome disembarks once again to survey Little Thompson Rapids and carry our packs over the steep, 165-metre portage to the left. Since we walk alongside the larger rapids to scope out our route anyway, we take the packs with us and leave the canoes behind. It makes it easier if we do capsize because our equipment doesnʼt need to be rescued. And an empty canoe has more buoyancy, which can help when the river is squeezed into a raging torrent. The low water level works against us at Little Thompson, too, so we attach lining ropes to the bow and stern and walk the canoe down the left bank like a dog on a leash. Below the Thompson Rapid series, the current slows down for 26

about six kilometres, interrupted only by a small swift and the level one Grillade Rapids. Both areas are easily run, but they do have portages of 130 metres and 425 metres marked to the right. Soon, the Crooked Chute appears to tear down the confidence weʼve slowly been building. Itʼs a dangerous piece of work regardless of the water level. Thereʼs a boneyard of battered canoes scattered at its base that attests to its cranky character. Paddlers without a great deal of whitewater acumen should watch for the take-out marking the 1,580-metre portage on the right bank. Skilled canoeists have the option to paddle through the upper stretch and use a second take-out 400 metres downstream, or even a third take-out at a campsite just prior to the chute itself. Donʼt shoot the chute. Once youʼre on the trail, the remaining 600 metres splits soon after the campsite. The main trail is to the right, and leads away from the river up a steep knoll. Our foursome is planning to stay near the base of Crooked Chute at the old rangerʼs cabin, built in the early 1920s and probably the oldest cabin left standing in the park. Somehow, the metallic helmet fanatics beat us to it. All the other campsites at Crooked Chute are occupied as well, so we head downstream and run a short swift with a 120-metre portage marked to the right. Tired and sore, we pitch our tents at an inferior campsite near the take-out for Rollway Rapids. This is one of the most technical rapids on the river, and the low water levels make the run a shallow, sloppy mess

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littered with unseen rocks. We decide to carry the canoes through the 840-metre portage before dinner. There is still enough evening light to search for the side-trail that leads to the Blair Fraser memorial. The bronze cross set into cement commemorates the journalist and member of “the Voyageurs” who drowned here during a springtime trip in 1968 when he missed the landing and capsized. The Ottawa press corps coined the groupʼs name after wellknown paddler, Eric Morse, founded it in 1951. Fraserʼs comrades on his ill-fated journey, which included former Prime Minister Pierre Elliot Trudeau, erected the cross in his memory.

BILL MASON’S FAVOURITE SPOTS

With Rollway at our backs next morning, we come to a double set of rapids called the Natch. Both sections have portages of 275 metres and 250 metres marked on the left bank; the first one is more rugged. The campsite close to the take-out of the first portage was a favorite filming location of the late Bill Mason. The artist, canoeist, and filmmaker banked lots of footage at the Natch for his contributions to the National Film Board. And it was here, under the overhanging cedars opposite the impressive cliff, that Masonʼs cover photograph for Song of the Paddle was taken by his son, Paul. Masonʼs first book of the series, Path of the Paddle, provides a horrific account of an accidental drowning on the Petawawa:

“As I was scooping a pail of water from the river I looked up and saw a bright orange object at the base of the rapids. I groaned aloud and said to Ken (his cameraman), ʻThereʼs a packsack out there that some poor guyʼs lost. I better go out and get it before it sinks.ʼ As I neared the object, my heart nearly stopped. The orange packsack took on the shape of a life jacket and the purple

water. The river quickly sweeps the victim into the centre and the avalanche of whitewater below sucks them under. Our fate, however, is much more fortuitous—downstream from the Natch is pure bliss! Even where the water appears flat, it is slowly and surely propelling us toward the finish. A four-kilometre section of flat water features two small swifts, the first with a 135-metre por-

The Petawawa is for experienced canoeists only. shape within it became a manʼs face. For a split second, all the energy drained out of me.” Mason and some new arrivals at the scene spent hours trying to revive him. He recounts the ghastly story to emphasize proper landing procedures at a portage at the top of a rapid. Drowning can occur when paddlers try to avoid running the rapids by pulling up bow-first at the portage. When the stern swings out hard into the current, the rear paddler can lose his balance and dump into the cold www.OttawaOutdoors.ca

tage to the right and the second with a 160-metre portage to the left. Next is Schooner Rapids and Five Mile Rapids. Schooner has two portages of 2,305 metres and 1,400 metres on the left bank separated by a calm section just past a bridge and under a hydro line. The Five Mile Rapids portage of 3,400 metres is on the right, with the put-in on the southwest end of Coveo Lake. Not to worry—the lengthy portage trails are used most by hardy canoeists who shirk convention by making their way up-river.

The beauty of this eight-kilometre stretch of whitewater and occasional swifts is the level one and two rating over the entire section; they are easily negotiated during both high and low water conditions. During low-water years, however, some sections may come to resemble rock gardens and force paddlers to become waders. It is generally known that large portions of the Petawawa can be unforgiving, so we are amazed to meet people on the river who are canoeing novices. It quickly becomes apparent they are taking on too much too fast. Our most memorable encounter with neophyte paddlers occurred during our second evening on the river. Settled in at the first site marked along the Five Mile portage just before dusk, four bedraggled canoeists strolled into our camp. They had misjudged the ominous haystack waves during the first 300 metres of the rapid. All four were catapulted from their 17-foot aluminum Gruman canoe. While they were still airborne, a pile of jagged, widow-maker rocks punched holes through the aluminum like cannonballs.

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When they found us, they had left their canoe for dead and were sharing a bottle of dark rum on their walk back to the nearest road about 10 kilometres downstream. Dave, who is a veritable duct tape artist, helped repair their smashed canoe and we offered them room to pitch their tents. Come morning, our neighbors were still in high spirits as they set out in the wallowing Gruman. Much of our last day on the river is spent wading in the cold river. Overnight, the water level dropped to almost drought conditions and weʼre forced to haul our craft along grassy banks and over gravel riffles where rapids should be. Eventually, the river empties into Whitson Lake, where the Petawawaʼs northern rugged charm is softened by stands of silver maple and basswood, which are usually more at home further south. We paddle south through Smith Lake and McManus Lake and easily run the two swifts on the way. We ignore the first 500-metre portage marked to the left and the second 90metre portage to the right.

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www.Jenda.com 826-0922 By mid-afternoon, we reach the takeout at the southwestern end of McManus Lake. By the time we returned from Lake Traverse with the second vehicle, we are treated to a final spectacle. Itʼs the “the fab four” heading down McManus Lake in their leaky aluminum canoe, filled with humility now, rather than the juice of the sugar cane. — Kevin Callan has paddled many of the wild rivers in Ontario and Quebec. Look for his books everywhere you shop.

Getting there The Lake Traverse to McManus Lake route works nicely into a three-day weekend. Before putting in at Lake Traverse, you must first drive a second vehicle to the route’s end. From Highway 17, turn left on County Road 26, about nine kilometres west of Pembroke. Proceed 300 metres and take the first right at the Achray Road. Proceed 26 kilometres to Sand Lake Gate at the park boundary. After you pick up your interior camping permit, continue along the north road for 6.4 kilometres and turn right onto the McManus Access Road. Drive a good eight kilometres down the bumpy, dirt road and leave your pick-up vehicle Look for Kevin’s books on shelves in the designated parking lot. everywhere around the city. Now head back to Achray Road and to the access point by turning right and driving 47 kilometres to the Algonquin Radio Observatory area. Soon after passing the observatory gate, turn right onto the side-road that leads to Lake Traverse. The put-in is downstream from an iron bridge, directly below Poplar Rapids. TIME: 3 to 4 days DIFFICULTY: Most rapids can be run, but whitewater paddling and river tripping experience is mandatory—check water levels before heading out. PORTAGES: 15 LONGEST PORTAGE: 3,400 metres (but unnecessary because the rapid is easily negotiated)

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RUNNING

Ottawa Hash House Harriers combine exercise with the bizarre By Thom Barker

Ottawa. Winter. Enough said. With a wicked, skin-chiselling wind whistling through Westboro, itʼs no wonder nobody is venturing far from home. But wait! Whatʼs with the congregation of intrepid souls in running gear and a wacky assortment of reindeer horns, elf hats and other bizarre attire? Must be Monday. Itʼs the Ottawa Hash House Harriers, the “drinking club with a running problem.” Neither rain, nor sleet, nor alien abduction shall stay these hashers from the swift consumption of their precious beer. Roger “Delhi Belly” Barliszen— the Religious Advisor (RA)—calls the huddled pack to disorder so one of todayʼs “hares” can explain the trail markings to the “hounds” who will follow in pursuit of beer. Irreverent and lewd comments drown out instructions provided by Larry “Wong Way” Wong. Amid shouts of “On On!” and a cacophony of horns, whistles and sundry noisemakers, the “pack” is off looking for the trail marked in red paint and yellow chalk. Todayʼs pack is 25 strong, fairly typical for an Ottawa hash. Every level of running expertise from marathoners to walkers is represented, as well as a couple of people already well on their way to tomorrowʼs hangover. www.OttawaOutdoors.ca

We havenʼt gone more than half a block when we find our first checkpoint in the trail where action is required. A regular check, marked by a circle, means the trail could go in any direction. We wind through the neighbourhood, criss-crossing Churchill Avenue, sidling down the loading bays at Hampton Park Plaza and end up in someoneʼs backyard with the best kind of check of all—a beer check. Our other erstwhile hare, Sarah Buyers, is there with a freshly tapped keg. After a quick drink, weʼre back on trail with another chorus of “On On!”, the internationally recognized clarion call for being on trail. It allows the slower hounds to follow the faster ones without worrying about finding all the marks or solving the checks. It is very bad trail etiquette to call “On On!” when youʼre not, and transgressors will be duly noted by the RA and subjected to “punishment” later. Even a group that flagrantly defies most societal niceties has its standards. Clever hares will keep the pack together by laying false trails that trick the front-runners into doubling back and allowing the lagging walkers to catch up. When we reach Island Park Drive, we find another check designed for keeping the pack together—a circle with an

“H” inside it. This is a “hash hold,” known in some hashes as a “turtle check.” Completely unknown in many hashes, it is used frequently in kinder, gentler Ottawa. The hash winds through city streets and parks, a couple of ravines and through urban forests along the Ottawa River Parkway. There is a liquor check at a hasher’s home for shots of schnapps and a subsequent beer check at a Richmond Road pub. Then the trail circles back to another hasher’s house for the “on-after” or “on-on-on.” Trails are not always so innocuous. In my own hashing career, Iʼve almost stepped on an alligator in a swamp near Houston, stowed away on a Boston subway, negotiated a treacherous cliff face off the coast of Washington state, and got lost in some seedy New Orleans back alleys. Injuries are also not uncommon. Iʼve seen a broken ankle, a dislocated shoulder and plenty of nasty gashes. Every couple of years, news circulates through the hashing community of things far worse— including hashing-related deaths. Hashing may not be for the faint of heart. And itʼs not for the easily offended! Coarse language, lewd songs, sacrilege, even nudity are not out of place at a hash. Nothing is sacred.

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Hashing is not only about drinking beer and wacky antics–exercise plays an integral role, too. The chief goal in the charter of the first hash is “to promote physical fitness among our members.” Doing trail, regardless of how you execute it, is part of the camaraderie. The regular Ottawa Monday hash usually averages five to 10 kilometres. The more serious runners often engage in “roaming,” which allows them to get a better workout. On the longer runs, walkers are often provided with shortcutting opportunities. At very large hash events, many trails are planned in numerous categories that range from “ball-busters” (20-25 km) to “fat boys” (pub crawls). Many hashers are serious athletes. The Ottawa Hash regularly sends competitors to various marathons, triathlons,

ultras and other events, including the 298-km Cabot Trail Relay. Hashers who cannot compete often participate as marshals, pace skeletons and volunteers. In more liberal jurisdictions, the local hash often sets up a beer check near a marathon finish line. Perhaps surprisingly, it is often the elite front-runners who take advantage of it, touting the advantages of liquid and carbs. Hashing is a global phenomenon with thousands of groups in dozens of countries. But itʼs more of a disorganization than an organization, a “bizarro world” of opposites, a foil for polite society. There is no central authority, not that it would have any regulatory control, because there is only one real rule of hashing: there are no rules. 30

Despite the lack of rules or formal governance, the traditions of the hash are upheld with amazing consistency wherever you go. This is largely because the hash is more like a family than a club. New hashes are born because hashers tend to move from place to place. When a transplanted hasher finds a new home where no hash exists, he or she often founds a new one. For this reason, travelling hashers can almost be assured to be welcomed like lost siblings almost anywhere they go. Family ties are important and the genealogy is carefully tracked by Malaysian hasher “Tumbling Bill” Panton. The first hash was founded in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in 1938 and is known the world over simply as the “Mother Hash.” The Father of the hash was Albert “G” Gispert. The original meeting place of Gʼs group was the Royal Selangor Club. It was known locally simply as “the hash house” after the style of food that was served there. The format of the hash was based on the old English schoolboy game of “hares and hounds,” hence Hash House Harriers. All hashes can be traced back to the Mother Hash. The family tree for Ottawa (b.1985) includes Khartoum (b. 1980), Surabaya (b. 1975) and Jakarta (b. 1971). Back at our recent Westboro hash, the beer is flowing freely when Delhi Belly yells “circle up!” This is the ritual portion of the hash. The pack gathers around and “G” is toasted. The RA produces the ceremonial drinking vessel—a bedpan. In turn, various people are brought into the centre for their “down down” – chugging beer from the hallowed hospital accessory. The drinking is accompanied by a vast repertoire of denigrating songs. There can be any number of reasons for receiving a “down down,” including your mere proximity to the festivities. Standard “down downs” include the hare(s), visitors from other hashes, new boots, and people celebrating either hash or “civilian” anniversaries. The ceremony also recognizes trail offences like finishing first, finishing last, stupid behaviour and complaining. One of the most heralded “down downs” is the naming of a new hasher. Names are very important in the hash. In the early days, when the activity was

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primarily an offshoot of the military, nicknames replaced ranks to put all hashers on an equal footing. The circle ends as it does most everywhere with the “Hash Hymn.” Unlike most hash songs that feature original or rewritten lyrics, we sing “Swing Low Sweet Chariot” with the original lyrics, but accompanied by gestures that allude to comedic interpretation. Ottawa will celebrate its 1,000th hash run over the Canada Day weekend in July. Traditionally, 1,000th runs are large events planned for months and sometimes years in advance. They may involve hashers travelling from other cities and sometimes other countries. Registration takes place well in advance and usually includes all the beer you can drink, all the food you can eat, entertainment, t-shirts, souvenir name tags, pub crawls and hangover runs. Although larger than your average hash, these events pale in comparison to regional and world “interhashes” that are normally held bi-annually and subject to a bidding process for potential host cities like the Olympics. In Costa Rica this past year, the Hogtown Hash won the bid to host the 2005 InterAmerica’s Hash. In September 2005, well over 1,000 hashers will descend on the Inn On The Park in Toronto for four days of running, drinking and debauchery. As of February, with almost two years still to go, about 500 hashers from as far away as Beijing had already registered. So, how do you become a member of the hash? You donʼt, really. There is no formal membership. If you show up for a single hash youʼre a hasher for life. If you donʼt show up, more beer for the rest. Hashers come from all walks of life. Iʼve hashed with judges and dishwashers, artists and bankers, CEOs and public servants, rich and poor, male and female, transgendered, all races, and probably some extraterrestrials. One hasher put it this way: “The hash is the great leveller. No matter who you are, what you do, how much money you make, everyone runs the same trail and is equally subject to the wrath of the RA and their fellow sinners afterward.” On On! ––Thom “Nickname Withheld by the Editor” Barker is an Ottawa freelance writer and former Religious Advisor of the Austin Hash House Harriers.

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THE BARK

DRUGS IN SPORTS – a primer By Ken Parker DRAW A STRAIGHT line between the podium and the lab. Once upon a time, athletes determined who would go higher and faster – now it’s in the hands of scientists. In today’s sporting context, “doping” refers to athletes using banned substances or methods to enhance performance. The term first appeared in an English dictionary in 1879, but drugs have managed to wend their way through sports history. 100 AD — Chariot racers fed their horses a potent mixture to make them run faster, and many gladiators were doped-up to make their fights sufficiently vigourous for the blood-thirsty paying public. 1886 — The first recorded drug-induced death occurred when cyclist Linton died from an overdose of trimethyl. 1904 — The first near-death in modern Olympics occurred when marathon runner Thomas Hicks used a mixture of brandy and strychnine. No specific date—Most drugs involved alcohol and strychnine. Caffeine, heroin and cocaine were also widely used until the latter two became available only by prescription. 1930s — Amphetamines were produced and quickly became the athlete’s choice over strychnine. 1950s — The Soviet team used male hormones to increase power and strength, and the Americans developed steroids in response. 1952 — One of the first noticeable doping cases involving amphetamines occurred at the Winter Olympics. Several speed skaters became ill and needed medical attention. Drug use was reportedly rife at the 1952 Helsinki Games, and to a lesser extent at the 1956 Melbourne Olympics. 1960 — At the Olympics, Danish cyclist Kurt Jensen collapsed and died from an amphetamine overdose.

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1967 — The International Olympic Committee (IOC) took action when Tommy Simpson died during the Tour de France from taking illegal amphetamines. 1968 — The IOC arrived at a definition for “doping” and developed a banned list of substances. Testing began at the Olympic games. 1976 — The German Democratic Republic (GDR) shocks the world with its performance at the Montreal Olympic Games. History shows that doping was endemic within the GDR sports system— steroids and other drugs were provided to athletes as young as 11 years old. It resulted in long-term medical and psychological problems and occasional premature death. East German shotput champion Heidi Krieger eventually changed sexes to become Andreas Krieger. No GDR athletes ever tested positive at any international competitions.

1988 — At the Seoul Olympics, Ben Johnson tested positive for a banned anabolic steroid, and was stripped of his gold medal and suspended for two years. 2003 — The use of the steroid TGH is discovered and several high-profile athletes test positive. A cyclist admits that he used the performance-enhancing drug erythropoietin (EPO) and suggests up to 90 percent of cyclists also use it.

So crime doesn’t pay? Read on. A look at the future is even more depressing. University of Pennsylvania researchers have used gene therapy on mice to produce increased levels of a protein that promotes muscle growth and repair. The mice show greater than normal muscle size and strength, and do not lose it as they age. Rats altered

in the same fashion and then put into physical training have experienced 35 percent more strength and do not lose any of it “detraining,” as humans do when they abandon exercise. Officials admit that they have received numerous communications from coaches and athletes about this program. One of the major issues with eradicating the use of drugs in sports has been the system itself – the athletes, coaches and officials. Ben Johnson’s coach, Charlie Francis, was on the payroll of the Canadian Athletics Federation while he directed a major doping program with his athletes. The federation looked the other way because, in the words of one senior official, “We need Ben.” Canadian officials have continually set qualification standards based on international rankings set by athletes from countries that tolerate – and encourage – drug use. What kind of signal is this to give to our athletes? Doctors who worked at the Los Angeles Olympics later testified they were aware of drug cover-ups by Olympic officials. It is questionable whether the IOC would have announced Ben Johnson’s positive test if a Korean newspaper had not already broken the story. The United States Track and Field Association (USATF) is currently involved in a major dispute with the IOC over their handling of drug testing of American athletes. At the 1984 Los Angeles games, the U.S. Cycling Association decided to try blood doping as a way to get an advantage on the competition. The results were a huge success. The team brought home a U.S. cycling team record nine medals. Dr. Charles Yesalis is an epidemiologist at The Pennsylvania State University and one of America’s foremost experts on performance-enhancing substances in sports. He has spent 25 years as a primary sports doping researcher. Although he’s losing faith that doping can be solved, he favours funding urinalysis testing to “substantially close” the loopholes. “And if that doesn’t work, the hell with it,” he says. “The guy or gal with the best chemist wins.” —Ken Parker is a long-time runner, coach and champion of amateur athlete issues.

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KAYAKING

practise the unsung backstroke Backwards is a step in the right direction By Ken Whiting Photos by Paul Villecourt

ost kayak paddlers develop a forward stroke powerful enough to get them where they need to go, but very few paddlers ever reach that same level of comfort with their backstroke. Taking the time to practise back-paddling will go a long way to improving overall paddling. The practice will make your stroke more effective and youʼll have an increased awareness when you find yourself backward on the river. Working on the backstroke is also a great way to help prevent shoulder injuries. For anatomical reasons, the shoulder dislocates forward more than 90 percent of the time. Backstroking strengthens front shoulder muscles that forward stroking misses. This wonʼt prevent a dislocation from happening, but it can certainly lower the odds. Letʼs take a look at a few things to keep in mind when practising your backward paddling. First of all, it is absolutely critical that you watch where youʼre going while youʼre

Backstroke action: Backstroke is an important stroke for advanced playboating moves as well.

Back paddling with a forward body position helps keep the stern edges of your kayak out of the water. Keeping the top hand around shoulder level gives you the most power. Don’t forget to take quick glances behind you to avoid running into anything.

backing up. As obvious as this might seem, youʼd be amazed at how often kayakers get caught up with the simple task of paddling in a straight line and plow right into something or someone. Choose one shoulder to look over, and do so every few strokes. Youʼll find itʼs easiest to look over that shoulder as you reach to take a stroke on that same side since your body will be partly turned in that direction. When you know youʼre not going to run into anything, you can use landmarks in front of you to stay straight. You might choose a tree in the distance to help keep you on track. As whitewater kayaks have been getting smaller and edgier, it has become more and more important to back-paddle with your body forward, in an “aggressive position.” This forward leaning position gives you the most control over your kayak, but more importantly, it helps keep your stern edges from catching water. Sometimes paddling in an aggressive position isnʼt

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enough to keep your stern edges from diving underwater, especially when youʼre paddling against current or crossing an eddy line. There is another technique you can use. By tilting your boat slightly and very briefly into each backstroke that you take, you can slice your bow slightly under water, which keeps your stern on top. How much you actually pull your bow underwater will depend on the particular situation, but remember that your backstroke is most efficient when your boat is flat, so be careful not to overuse this boat tilt technique. As for the back stroke itself, the stroke begins just behind your hip and ends at your toes. At first youʼll find yourself doing lots of back sweepstrokes to correct your angle, but as you get more comfortable going backward, think about keeping your top hand around shoulder level to get the most push from your stroke. Another way to make the stroke more effective is to use the power of your www.OttawaOutdoors.ca

whole upper body. Turning your chest to face your knee when you plant each stroke will help wind your body up and get your large torso muscles working for you. Iʼll be the first to admit that the backstroke isnʼt very exciting to practise, but it will lead to a dramatic improvement in your paddling. Make it a habit to include 30 or 40 backstrokes in your warm-up routine. As it becomes more comfortable, start messing around with it in the whitewater. The rewards for practicing your backstroke are truly worth the small investment in time thatʼs required. —Ken Whiting is a World Champion Kayaker, and the author and producer of an award-winning series of instructional kayaking books and videos. He teaches at the Liquid Skills Kayak School on the Ottawa River and leads kayaking trips to Chile in the winter. More information is available at www.playboat.com

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the Caribbean of the North Scuba diving in the Ottawa area

By Chuck Beattie Photos by: Rudi Asseer

SCUBA DIVING

Sunken plane in Morrison’s Quarry, Wakefield, QC.

he rocking boat makes it hard to put on my diving equipment. It’s heavy, and in the summer’s heat, my wet-suit is hot. But the moment I step off the boat and plunge into the cool water, all is forgotten. My wet-suit fills with water, cooling my body. I feel ecstatic. The weight of the equipment becomes negligible, and I start swimming along the surface toward the float, supporting a line that reaches down to a wreck on the river’s bottom. The surface current fights my movement, but with an extra push I reach the float. My dive buddy follows right behind. At the float, we exchange a quick glance, then a thumbs-down hand signal indicates it’s time to descend below the surface. My breath quickens slightly. Once underwater I relax; my focus changes. I can feel and hear the bubbles from my exhaust. My buddy moves down the line before me. His bubbles race past me towards the surface. My eyes start adjusting to changes in the light. Slowly, images 34

on the bottom come into view. In moments, the wreck appears, sitting where it has for the past century. Did you know that within a few hours drive of Ottawa close to 300 shipwrecks are just waiting for someone to explore? Scuba (self contained underwater breathing apparatus) divers discover more shipwrecks in the St. Lawrence and Lake Ontario every year. For hundreds of years our local waterways have been used as major trade routes and recreational areas. The wrecks lining our river and lake bottoms have become a world-class

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scuba diving playground. And it’s all in our own backyard. Divers from around the world flock to this area, called by some, “Caribbean of the North.” Thirtymetre visibility and warm water temperatures (23 degrees C) are only part of the draw. You’ll find 200-year-old schooners and ships of all descriptions resting on our river and lake bottoms; most are in terrific condition. Some are in almost as good shape as the day they met their watery fate. Although you’ll find interesting dive sites here in Ottawa, most of the larger shipwrecks lie along the St. Lawrence River and in Lake Ontario. Still, these are close enough for Ottawa divers to make an easy day trip. The King’s Horn is an excellent example. A wooden vessel almost 50 metres long, she sank near Rockport (20 minutes west of Brockville) in 1897. The King’s Horn was one of seven barges under tow when a furious storm caught the boats in the open. Foundering, she went down in 28 metres of water. www.OttawaOutdoors.ca

Safety considerations: don’t take risks

Unlike participants in other adventure sports, scuba divers need certification before they can buy or rent tanks. In fact, a diver can’t even get air tanks filled before proving he or she is a certified diver. This safety measure ensures a degree of safety for those taking part in the sport. At one time diving was strictly a macho activity, but changes in attitude and equipment have made this sport accessible to virtually everyone, including the physically challenged. No one should go diving without first receiving training from a certified instructor. Don’t let a friend who dives take you on a scuba adventure; it’s just not safe. Most dive shops in the Ottawa area offer “come and try” nights when you can dive under the supervision of an instructor. These nights are usually free and give you a feel for the sport before you pay for a full course. Entry-level courses provide a fun introduction. They cover the range of topics you and your dive buddies need to know before exploring shipwreck graveyards in the Ottawa area. Courses include both classroom and confined water (pool) components, as well as several open water sessions. Most new students love the open water sessions, after spending so much practice time in the pool. Open water sessions introduce some local dive sites, and allow instructors to observe a new diver’s skills in a realistic environment. Following your entry-level training (approximately six to eight sessions), the real adventure begins when you take more specialized courses on your specific interests. These may include: • Underwater archeology • Wrecks • Deep dives • Rescue diving, and others. For relaxation, the weightless sensation of gliding almost effortlessly through water can’t be beat. There’s nothing quite like descending onto a wreck, gliding down to see what most other people will never visit.

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Fascinating dive sites

A locally owned quarry near Wakefield offers a great place for a picnic, and an interesting place to scuba dive. Here, the quarry owner sank a small plane and a boat for your diving pleasure. The owner charges a small fee, but it’s worth it. Most Ottawa divers flock to either the St. Lawrence River or Lake Ontario to satisfy their diving appetites. Both areas offer a variety of dive challenges and sites; skill levels range from novice to very advanced. Usually, novice divers seek places to dive directly from the shore, or charter trips offered through a club or commercial operation. Shore dives are the least expensive choice; a great variety of dive site are accessible from shore. The shipwrecked Conestoga at Cardinal, Ontario, or the many wrecks around Brockville, offer novice divers many excellent dive sites on which to practise their new skills. Whether you’re interested in underwater ecology or in bottle collecting, scuba diving offers something for everyone. The City of Brockville has built two entry points designed specifically for divers exploring the St. Lawrence River bottom. Several years ago I found a 200year-old, clay ginger beer bottle with writing pressed into its clay. There’s a lot to see underwater, including a diverse array of freshwater fish. Visit local dive shops or clubs to learn the latest details about interesting sites.

Ottawa river diving

What about the Ottawa River? It offers a variety of challenges. High mineral content causes the Ottawa River’s tea-like colour, and limits underwater visibility. Although it varies, average visibility in the Ottawa is three to three and a half metres – about as far as your light can shine. Waters in the St. Lawrence and Lake Ontario are much clearer. A strong current tugs constantly at divers in the Ottawa River. This discourages beginners, but attracts divers with advanced skills and experience. Thinking about scouring the waters off the Royal Canadian Mint in the Ottawa River? Are visions of gold coins and sacks of precious ingots exciting your imagination? Many others have shared your dream, but have found nothing. A dredging company worked the area for several years and failed to unearth any significant treasure. But hopes that buried treasure hides below the water surface draw many divers to the site. Several shipwrecks exist in the Ottawa River near the entrance to the Rideau locks. The constant boat traffic here, as vessels approach and leave the lock systems, poses a serious hazard to divers. These sites are not safe to dive on. The “Bruce” wreck is another site worth visiting. Built in 1862, this 87-tonne, 30-metre long, wooden paddlewheeler sits in about nine metres of water slightly downstream from

Technical divers assisting in a search for a young clown fish.

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When should you start?

Spring is the best time, but summer and fall are also good times to learn. Some people may think scuba diving is beyond their grasp – too hard to tackle – but how hard can it be with the motto: “Never hold your breath”? Try it. You’ll be amazed at the adventure awaiting you underwater. —Chuck Beattie is a member of the Canadian Forces and is certified by the National Association of Underwater Instructors (NAUI). He has taught diving for 18 years.

Diver with scooter exploring a shipwreck.

the rowing club, off Sussex Drive in downtown Ottawa. The ship burned right down to the waterline, and sank at the foot of Entrance Bay in the Ottawa River. Later, it was moved to its current location by scuba enthusiasts. Two other wrecks lie on the bottom of the Ottawa in the same vicinity: the Ivy and the William King.

St. Lawrence diving

The St. Lawrence River served as a commercial waterway before Europeans arrived in Canada. It is hard to imagine that working sailboats and barges once plied the waters, moving goods and people throughout Upper and Lower Canada. Now, trucks speed their cargoes along Highway 401. In days gone by, navigating and choosing correct channels often proved too much for a vessel’s crew. Capricious weather also made these waters treacherous for boats. These factors produced the world’s best wreck diving. Vessels from the early 1800s to the 1970s wait for you to explore. Ships sunk in fresh water (like this part of the St. Lawrence River) don’t experience the type or level of microbial action that destroys wrecks in salt water. In fresh water vessels remain virtually untouched by decay. One of the most popular wrecks in the St. Lawrence is the Keystorm, near Mallorytown (just west of Brockville). Built in England in 1910, she sank just two years later after running aground at Scow Shoal. The wreck lies on an underwater incline in depths varying from nine to 35 metres. This large, steel freighter provides a home for a rich variety of aquatic life. You can even find fresh water sponges here, although

you have to know where to look. The Keystorm lies in U.S. waters, but many Canadian dive charter boats visit her. The wreck’s size and range of depth make it accessible to all skill levels of scuba divers: from beginner to more advanced. A number of wrecks around Brockville are accessible to more experienced divers. The Gaskin, a triplemasted, iron-rigged, wooden bark, was launched in 1863 and eventually rebuilt into a salvage vessel. She sank three times. In 1889, while the Gaskin attempted to salvage a train ferry, one of her salvage pontoons broke loose and punched a hole through the vessel, sending her to the bottom for the last time. Divers can even swim through that infamous, huge hole – I’ve done it many times.

Take your pick: local clubs

Most scuba shops have associated clubs, offering new divers a chance to meet people who share aquatic interests. Clubs organize trips and rent boats. Shops organize trips too, to warmer climates when winter ice covers our riverine playgrounds. Ottawa hosts a number of organization clubs, including the RCMP Beavers Scuba Club and the (Canadian) Forces Sub-Aqua Club “FSAC.” Such groups avoid the commercial trappings found in shop-based clubs. But store-based clubs usually offer members discounted prices – a real benefit in a sport rife with gadgets. Regardless of the club you choose, you’ll find challenge and adventure.

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Web information on local charter diving operations Interested in diving in the Ottawa area? Check out these two web sites: www.countrydivers.com and www.stlawrencecharters.com.

Scuba training in the Ottawa area Many facilities teach scuba diving in our area. Here’s a short list: • Adventures in Diving, Gloucester • Burton’s Dive Service, Ottawa • Dolphinos, Ottawa • The Dive Center, Stittsville • Diver’s Wearhouse, Nepean • Kanata Diving Supply, Kanata • Sharky’s Scuba Supply, Ottawa • Forces Sub Aqua Club • Ottawa Beavers SCUBA Club Before you decide where to learn, find out exactly what type of training you’re paying for. Make sure it involves more than simply watching a “how-to” video. The length of time you spend in pool instruction is also important–the more time, the better.

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Riverkeeper responds to threats on local waterway By Angie Brown & Ryan Brown Question: What is the name of one of the great rivers in the world? Need a hint? It is over 1,200 km long and it contains more fresh water than all the rivers of Britain combined. It was called the “TransCanada Highway” long before cars were invented. Ok, your last hint — we get our drinking water from it. Answer: The Ottawa River! We have one of the world’s great rivers right in our backyard. For hundreds, perhaps thousands, of years the Ottawa River was the main trading route for native people who travelled it in their canoes. The fur traders travelled the Ottawa into the interior of Canada as they pursued thicker and richer pelts. After fur came logging and hydro as our ancestors made the best use of the river at the time. Now there are more than a million residents along its shores, numerous sewage treatment plants and a lot of recreational use. Here’s the good news — we now have an Ottawa Riverkeeper to watch out for the Ottawa River. The Riverkeeper is a person who took a lot of science (like biology) in school and understands how the whole river watershed works. She knows that if you put fertilizers on your lawn, this can effect the health of the river. Rain can wash the fertilizer into the storm drains on your street, which can eventually empty into the river. It can cause the plants to grow too vigourously and rob oxygen from the fish. This summer, you might see the Riverkeeper patrolling up and down the Ottawa in a boat, on both sides of the river. You can learn more about this important job by visiting http://www.ottawariverkee per.ca. If you see something that you think is a threat to the river, you can call the hot line at 888-9-Keeper. Calls are logged and will receive a response.

MOONEY’S BAY June 26-27

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Regist. Deadline April 23rd For more information on teams, charities, volunteer opportunities, or being an exhibitor please visit www.dragonboat.net or call 238-7711.

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See you on the Ottawa! www.OttawaOutdoors.ca

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ADVENTURE RACING

Photo by Mark McCann.

Adventure racing strategies Pack the Snickers and learn to navigate By Mark McCann

he credo for adventure racers (AR) is this: If it can go wrong, it just did. After years of competition and organizing adventure races, I’ve faced the problems, adversities, challenges, injuries and politics of dealing with less-than-optimum teammates. I’ve begged, borrowed and invented some AR strategies that have acquired a proven track record. These valuable tips and tricks have helped me and others save valuable time and frustration in adventure race preparation and execution. Here are my top five adventure race strategies:

1. Be prepared With the high probability of things going wrong during a race, it is crucial to be prepared. Most AR aficionados agree that anything can happen during an adventure race. When things don’t go our way, we tend to say, “That’s adventure racing.” But, don’t bring misfortune on yourself by being ill-prepared. I have seen teams arriving at race registration with missing or inappropriate gear, and incomplete paperwork, and asking questions that were already answered in competitor updates. Don’t leave the packing to the night before the race. Pack your gear and your support vehicle at least two days in advance. You and your team should all get together at least two days prior to the event to ensure all your gear, food, hydration, support vehicle and lodging are in place. Practise this to save time at race registration and transition areas. This strategy will provide your team with enough time to make alterations and double-check gear before race day. 38

2. Managing and practising for transition areas To be successful in adventuring racing, transition areas (TAs) should be efficient and productive. Your team needs good strategy, practice and discipline to significantly increase the odds of leaving the TAs well fed, properly equipped, and as rested as possible. Strategy. Transition strategy should be discussed and agreed upon with your teammates prior to a race. Once the course is known, review your TA strategy and make adjustments based on the design. Before you enter the TA, reaffirm your initial strategy, make adjustments as necessary and stick to it as much as possible. Time goals. Plan how much time the team should spend in a TA. Individual roles. Roles and responsibilities should be well defined, including support people if available. Discuss this prior to arriving at the next TA. Equipment and food organization. Develop a system to organize and pack your equipment and food so any team member or support crew can find whatever they need in any gear container. Personalize your boxes so they are easily identified. Practise transitions. Do this before the race as much as you can. Practise bike-to-kayak or swimmingto-rappelling and others considering weather, daylight, food intake and all the possible factors you can imagine during the race. Pack before you sleep. Do not rest, sleep or eat before preparing your pack and gear for the next section of the race.

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Keep a spare equipment box. Why risk your race by not having backups of mandatory or crucial gear available at the TAs? Gear gets easily lost or damaged. Pack extra necessities (e.g. compass, map case, tire tubes, knife, bike pump, glowsticks, cyclometer, first aid supplies, rappelling device, water purifier, bladder and/or water bottles and bite valve, gloves, headlamp, et al).

3. Sleep management People ask me all the time, “How do I train for sleep deprivation?” I tell people what Ian Adamson told me: “Practice sleep management, not sleep deprivation. Don’t train for sleep deprivation; going without sleep is physically and mentally damaging. Instead, recognize when you need it in a race and make sure you don’t dig yourself into a sleep deprivation hole.” You can’t really train for sleep deprivation because you’ll never get better at it, but it’s important to know what it feels like and what it does to your body. The more practice you have making rational decisions on little sleep, the better. The best time to experience the effects is before you are involved in a race. It helps to know how you and your teammates handle sleep deprivation. People get cranky and difficult to deal with when they are exhausted. This is just another part of the race, and your team must learn to tame the discomfort, emotion and effect of sleep deprivation. www.OttawaOutdoors.ca

4. Nutrition and hydration There is no perfect formula for nutrition and hydration during adventure races. Due to the length of most events, food, drink and timing becomes a highly personal matter. The best recommendation is to eat and drink as much as possible at all times. The key is to know what you like to eat, what foods and drinks work for you and what timing works best for your body’s processes. My strategy is to eat something every 90 minutes. Energy bars, fruit bars, trail mix, peanut butter, chips, dried fruit and even a Snickers bar. You should ingest carbohydrates and easily digestible proteins and fats—but focus on carbs. If your body runs out of stores, it won’t be your fat or protein stores. Remember, you can only stockpile about 2,000-2,500 calories as glycogen (the storage form of carbs). Plus, if you eat enough carbs, you won’t need to use so much protein, which should be kept in reserve for necessary body repairs. For hydration, an electrolyte replacement is crucial. There are a number of ER powders on the market; Eload, Cytomax, Gatorade, and others. Find out through trial and error which one is best for you. I recommend Eload or Cytomax.

be able to recognize landmarks such as trails, roads and streams at all times. When navigating by map and compass, the most important lesson I’ve learned is to trust my compass and pace count – don’t second-guess yourself. Sometimes roads, trails, and streams may not appear on your map. Check when the map was last updated—some maps haven’t been updated for more than 20 years. At least two people on your team must be good navigators. If you aren’t one of them, your racing options will be limited because you will have to find people who can navigate for you. Ideally, everyone should have some navigation skills. Calculate distances between check points and transition areas on your map before the race. This is particularly true for the bike. With an odometer, you can quickly check yourself and avoid overshooting that hard-to-find trail. Practise. Practise. Practise. Get a topographic map and take a hike. Start with a familiar location so you can really

5. Navigation Always know where you are on the map. Never wait too long before looking at your map to familiarize yourself with the surroundings. It is very important to

www.OttawaOutdoors.ca

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see how the map and the real world are different. Then try some unfamiliar turf. Get used to traveling off roads and trails using your compass. There you have it: five key strategies that will get your team to the start line and beyond. Adventure racing is about overcoming adversity and self-reliance. It helps you learn to cope with the unknown and the harsh elements of nature. It’s also

about you, your team and what you can accomplish together. You are competing for a reason, whether it’s for fun, competition, or reaching personal goals. Adventure racing has changed my life on many levels, and it can change yours, too. —Mark McCann is the co-founder of OUTLAST Adventure Racing in Ottawa. They also organize adventure races in Eastern Ontario and Western Quebec. For more information surf over to www.outlast.ca.

��

�� June 6

OUTLAST Sprint > 6 hrs ��

OUTLAST Stamina > 12 hrs ��

August 21-22

OUTLAST Endurance > 24 hrs ��

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www.OttawaOutdoors.ca

Quick tips to improve your photography By Allen Macartney

nteresting and dramatic photographs almost never happen by accident. They take planning. But with a little effort, anyone can create stunning images, regardless of the quality of equipment they are using. How’s how: 1. Get close to your subject

Generally the closer you get to your subject, the better your photographs. Don’t stand back; get in there! Try to fill the entire viewfinder. Get so close that the image puts you right into the action. You want to be able to feel the cool spray of mist on your cheek as the kayak hammers through whitewater, or see the bright colours of that backpack. But beware of cameras with a minimum focusing distance. Some point-and-shoot cameras cannot focus closer than oneand-a-half metres.

2. Place an interesting object in the foreground

An interesting object placed strategically in the foreground of a photograph will give an unusually strong three-dimensional feel. Why? The viewer’s eyes will be drawn to it, and then wander deeper into the picture. The movement creates depth. The overall impact is greater from the three-dimensional effect. An opened gate, backpacker, gnarled tree or bright patch of wildflowers will grab attention and hold it long enough to create this vital sense of depth.

3. Look for interesting lines and patterns

Stand beside a railway track and you’ll find how difficult it is to avoid following the lines to the horizon. Lines

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Photo by Wilderness Tours.

starting at the corner of a photograph lead the eye into a scene. They’re irresistible. If you position the subject of the photograph at the end of a line, you will heighten its impact even more. For example, if you compose your photograph carefully, the lines of a spider web can lead your eye directly into the centre of the web where the spider lurks. The world is full of lines just waiting to be used in a keen-eyed photographer’s composition. Look for snaking paths, rolling hills or the angled gunnels of a canoe. Experiment with lines in your photographs to create different moods or feelings in your photographs. Straight, vertical or horizontal lines give a sense of stability to an image, while undulating lines impart movement – even romance – to a scene.

4. Keep the background uncluttered Have you ever received a photograph back from the developer and found that the perfect image you had anticipated had been ruined by a cluttered background? Perhaps a garbage can, or parked car in the image diverts attention away from the subject. Or, a tree limb appears to sprout from someone’s ear. A simple background focuses attention on the subject, and makes a

clear, strong picture. Before clicking the shutter, always check the background. Distracting elements (sunlight reflecting off a puddle, overhead wires, unwanted lines, etc.) seem to creep surreptitiously into a photograph. The background should complement your subject, not compete with it. You may also wish to soft-focus the background by narrowing your depth-of-field, but that’s an aperturesetting lesson for another column.

5. The vital rule of thirds For centuries, artists have used a method called “the rule of thirds” to locate the best spot for primary and secondary subjects. This method involves mentally dividing the viewfinder into thirds, both horizontally and vertically. When you position a subject at one of the four intersecting points, you’ll increase visual impact and create greater emotion. A canoe that’s nailed in the centre of a photo appears stagnant and boring. But, if you move the canoe to one side, suddenly it picks up speed and interest. Use this rule to decide where you want the horizon. Place the horizon in the upper third of the photograph to accentuate the beach, rolling hills or water. Place the horizon in the bottom third to emphasize the spaciousness of the sky. A low horizon gives an airy feel to your image.

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ESSENTIALLYCOOLGEAR

Parting shots

Follow these guidelines scrupulously until you’ve mastered them; then you’ll know when and how to break them for maximum visual impact. In upcoming issues, we’ll discuss ways to capture the beauty of waterfalls, how to shoot interesting sunsets, silhouettes, and night shots. We’ll also look at special software designed to add zest to your images. Happy shooting. —Ottawa Outdoors Magazine managing editor Allen Macartney is an accomplished photographer with images published in many books, calendars and magazines.

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6. Hold the fromage, please In a photograph, people who say “cheese” invariably look stiff and selfconscious. Their facial expressions are unnatural and posed. Instead, ask them to say something completely unexpected, like “Xenophobic xylophones,” or “Zillions of zany zebras.” Their expressions will come alive; their smiles will be spontaneous and authentic.

7. Look for dramatic angles Surprise – the unexpected – is an important ingredient in photographs. Try lying flat on the ground and shooting upwards. Low angles can exaggerate the height of people or buildings. How many times have you shot tulips by pointing down at them? One of the most dramatic and interesting tulip photos I’ve ever seen was taken with the camera resting on the ground pointing up. Suddenly the tulips appeared like trees towering 20 metres high. Stunning! A favourite photo I took was a worm’s eye view of grass blades covered in glistening morning dew. Discover nontraditional vantage points of your own.

Fodors’ tourist handbooks are worldclass, and so is the company’s photo tips web site. Surf to www.fodors.com/focus for an excellent resource that will teach you how to take better photos. Kodak maintains an excellent web site offering great photo tips, too. Surf to www.kodak.com, then click your way to “Taking Better Pictures.” Kodakʼs on-line tutorial course is excellent for amateur or professional photographer alike.

Men’s Merrell Pulse

Enter our photo contest before August 15! Have you sent us your best outdoor Ottawa photographs? There’s still time to take your place in the winner’s circle. You could win a digital camera from Ginn Photo. Send us as many outdoor pictures as possible (35 mm, prints, or digital images). Your chance of winning increases with the number of photos you enter, but take note… the deadline for submissions is August 15, 2004. Winning entries in our first annual photography contest will be announced in a future issue of Ottawa Outdoors Magazine. Canoes plunging through whitewater, rock-climbers clinging to the Eardley Escarpment, backpackers trekking along a Gatineau pathway, kayaks rocking in a quiet eddy, good friends gathered around a campfire: your photos can feature any activity within a six-hour drive of the Ottawa area. It’s easy to enter. Pick out your best shots, label each with your name and address (use a permanent marker) and mail them to Ottawa Outdoors Magazine. You can email digital images to: Photocontest@OttawaOutdoors.ca. Even if you don’t win, your images might be featured with a photo credit in future Ottawa Outdoors Magazine articles on winter camping adventures, rock climbing, mountain biking trips, backpacking, skydiving, scuba diving and others. Go ahead – take your best shots and send them to us. You could win a great camera from Ginn Photo!

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HEALTH

Declaring a truce with weight loss A new approach to exercise and shedding those pounds By Dr. Geoff Outerbridge, M.Sc., D.C. THE IDEA OF WEIGHT loss seems to conjure up images of myriad fad diets and philosophies—cut out the carbs, go low fat, eat all the protein you want, or eat foods with a low glycemic index, whatever that means. If exercise is ever mentioned in the plan, it is usually described as a calorie-burning tool. The epic wars that take place in the battle to burn off excess calories through exercise are, like most wars, destructive, unnecessary, and fraught with propaganda. Unfortunately, the weight-conscious public tends to believe that the way to lose weight is to restrict caloric intake and/or burn it off through exercise. This has led to time and effort wasted as we weigh food, restrict portions, and fill our cupboards with “low cal” products. Exercise, that blessed relief from the sedentary epidemic, has been reduced to a necessary evil, performed grudgingly as we painfully watch the calorie stats mount. If we stop to examine the calorie counting strategy, it becomes obvious that the battle is lost from the start. It takes about 12 hours of walking to burn just one pound of fat. To actually maintain a negative calorie balance takes heroic dedication and effort. Most of us may be able to maintain this attrition for a short period, but when you resume regular exercise and eating after one of these bouts of insanity, your body will stock up on extra fat to prepare for the next round. Small wonder most people end up heavier after a temporary attempt at dieting and excessive 44

exercise. The body is retaliating against aggressive dieting and exercise strategies. Paradoxically, winning the fat war means forgetting there is a war at all. The best fat management lies in a more balanced approach to exercise. It can create a body that evolves as a partner in the weight-loss process, rather than an enemy to despise and deprive. It is important to realize that your body has a particular weight it tries to maintain, like a thermostat seeking a constant temperature. The set point of the “fat thermostat” can be moved up or down according to multiple factors. In particular, the fat thermostatʼs set point is influenced by genetics, sleep debt, biological rhythms, meal patterns, food choices (not just caloric intake), stress levels (emotional and physical), and exercise. By lowering your fat thermostatʼs set point, your body can become effective at controlling its weight for the rest of your life. Appropriate exercise is one of the primary sources of information to the fat thermostat for lowering the

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set point and it uses two strategies. First, it will increase the resting metabolic rate, which means that you will burn more calories when youʼre not active. Second, specific exercise will decrease appetite. This sounds counter intuitive, but itʼs important to get the appropriate amount and type of exercise. The old cliché “more is better” doesnʼt apply here. Inappropriate or excessive exercise can increase the fat thermostatʼs set point. And, that set point will be raised even more if caloric restriction is added to the equation. With regular and appropriate exercise, your fat thermostat gets the idea that carrying around all this weight is unnecessary and maybe some should be shed. The fat thermostat wonʼt just start dropping the set point with the first signs of exercise; it needs to know youʼre serious, so be patient and keep going. This is a lifetime habit that can be maintained. On average, you can expect to lose 1.5 to 5.5 ounces of fat per week. This doesnʼt seem like much, but it can continue for years and will control your weight as long as regular, appropriate exercise continues. Before you www.OttawaOutdoors.ca

conclude you have to spend the rest of your life on a treadmill, however, read on. You may be surprised at how easy it is. There are three important factors in using exercise for weight loss: How intensely you should exercise, how long, and how often. Intensity Exercise can be divided into low-, medium- and high-intensity exercise. Low-intensity exercise includes walking, yoga, Pilates, easy biking and so on. The threshold between low- and mediumintensity depends on whether your body can deliver enough oxygen to your muscles to meet demand. You can test for this so-called lactate threshold by using the “10-second breath” as a general guide. Breathe in for five seconds and out for five seconds through your nose. The breath should be continuous; donʼt hold it at the end of inhalation or exhalation. You donʼt have to breathe this way while you are exercising, but try it every once and a while. If you canʼt maintain this breathing pattern, then you have probably passed from low-intensity exercise to medium-intensity. The level of intensity at which this occurs is different for each person depending on health and fitness. The level increases as you exercise more regularly at low-intensity. Medium-intensity exercise includes anything that gets you breathing hard, including aerobics, jogging/running, spinning and so on. These types of exercises are good for cardiovascular conditioning, Paradoxically, improving winning the performance and other fat war means health benefits, forgetting but will not there is a war convince the fat thermoat all. stat to lower its set point. Conversely, medium-intensity exercise will convince the fat thermostat to increase the set point and try to store more fat. High-intensity exercise includes weight training and short bursts of near-maximum intensity, such as short sprints. This type of exercise increases www.OttawaOutdoors.ca

muscle mass, which helps to increase your metabolic rate when at rest. The ideal combination of exercise for weight loss includes low-intensity and highintensity exercise. Duration The best benefits for weight loss from low-intensity exercise occur if it’s performed at least an hour a day, but it doesn’t have to be continuous. Exercise can occur in shorter spurts, as long as they add up to an hour. So take the stairs, walk to the store, or get off the bus a few stops early—incorporate exercise into your daily routine. For high-intensity exercise, one repetition per set is all that is necessary to see gains in muscle strength if the set is done to fatigue. So, weight workouts don’t have to consume large portions of your leisure time. Each set should include eight to 12 repetitions with the last repetition achieving total fatigue. Consult a personal trainer to get set up with a strength program that is best suited to your goals and to ensure you’re lifting safely. It’s well worth the investment if you are going to make exercise a part of your daily life. Frequency Low-intensity exercise should be performed five to six days per week. High-intensity exercise should be performed a minimum of once per week for each major muscle group, with a minimum of 48 hours rest in between. Try to separate the time between highand low-intensity workouts because the cumulative effect can be counterproductive. The all too familiar stereotype of someone leaning on their calorie-burning machine, concentrating solely on the calorie tally, should be erased from the picture of what exercise should be. Focus instead on truly understanding how your body works to enjoy a healthy relationship with it for life. Put down your weapons, take a walk, savour yoga, and enjoy what your body can do. –– Dr. Geoff Outerbridge is a chiropractor, ergonomics consultant and personal trainer who also treats occupational and sports-related musculoskeletal problems. He lives an active outdoor life in the Ottawa area. You may contact him at 512-5355 or www.holisticclinic.ca.

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If you’re an outdoor enthusiast, nothing will complement your home better, than one of Bill’s reproductions.

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Urban Spice

Pasta for all occasions By Julie St. Jean

Spring is here and everyone is coming out of hibernation. So, whether you’re getting back into your game or starting a new routine, the extra activities require more food energy to keep you going. Try these inspiring, easy-to-prepare pastas: Cavatappi with roasted chicken, feta, and a honey peppercorn dressing This is an excellent way to use leftover roasted chicken. Enjoy hot or cold with fresh arugula or baby greens. It makes two generous servings as a main course. 1 whole chicken (1 to 1 1⁄2 kg) 1 small onion, quartered 1⁄2 head whole garlic cloves Salt and pepper 2 tbsp (30 mL) olive oil 2 cups (500 mL) dry noodles (cavatappi, penne or large shells) 1 cup (250 mL) feta cheese, diced 1 1⁄2 cup (325 mL) roasted chicken 1⁄4 cup (60 mL) olive oil 2 tbsp (30 mL) chopped garlic 2 tbsp (30 mL) honey 1 tbsp (15 mL) black pepper 1⁄4 cup (60 mL) red or white wine vinegar

1. Roast chicken 1 to 1 1⁄2 hours at 375 degrees F. Cool. Pick meat from bones. 2. Cook pasta in salted boiling water according to package directions. Drain. 3. Add diced feta and chicken meat to cooked and drained noodles. 4. Heat olive oil in heavy-bottomed fry pan over medium heat. Add garlic, honey and black pepper. Cook two minutes. Whisk in vinegar. Pour dressing over noodles; enjoy hot or cold. 46

Photo by Julie St. Jean.

COULD there ever be a more appropriate time to eat pasta? I think not.

Baked penne with caramelized onion cream sauce

Buckwheat noodles with wild mushroom jus

Take this comforting pasta over the top by adding half a cup of chevre (goat cheese) to the sauce. It makes 12 servings.

This recipe is a light dinner that combines simple Asian flavours. It makes a great mid-week pasta pick-up for two people. Serve it with a side of steamed baby bok choy for a boost in vitamins A, C, calcium fibre and iron.

2 cups (500 mL) sliced onions 1⁄4 cup (60 mL) butter 1⁄4 cup (60 mL) sherry 1 tbsp (15 mL) flour 3 cups (750 mL) whipping cream 6 cups (1500 mL) penne noodles 2 cups (500 mL) grated cheddar 1⁄2 cup (125 mL) parmesan cheese 2 cups (500 mL) fresh spinach

1. Over medium-low heat, cook onions, butter and sherry in a heavybottomed fry pan until onions are soft and golden. (approx. 1⁄2 hour) 2. Add flour. Cook for 2 minutes. Pour in cream and simmer until sauce coats the back of a spoon. (approx. 10 minutes) 3. Cook penne in a large pot of salted, boiling water according to package directions. Drain. 4. Add sauce and chopped fresh spinach to noodles. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Put pasta in a 9 x13 casserole dish. 5. Sprinkle top with cheddar cheese and parmesan. Cover with parchment paper and foil. Bake in 350 degree oven for 30 minutes. Uncover and brown the top for 10 more minutes.

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1⁄4 cup (60 mL) dried porcini mushrooms 1⁄4 cup (60 mL) dried shiitake mushrooms 1 cup (250 mL) water 1⁄2 cup (125 mL) of chicken stock or mushroom water 1 tbsp (15 mL) butter 1 tbsp (15 mL) chopped fresh ginger 1 tbsp (15 mL) chopped fresh garlic 2 tbsp (30 mL) soy 1 tbsp (15 mL) hoisin 1 tsp (5 mL) hot chili paste 1 cup (250 mL) dried buckwheat noodles

1. Bring water to a boil in a small saucepan. Add dried mushroom. Soak for 15 minutes. Strain. Reserve half a cup of mushroom water. 2. Over medium heat, cook mushrooms, garlic and ginger in butter in a small saucepan for 2 minutes. 3. Add soy stock/mushroom water. Bring to a boil and simmer 2 to 3 minutes. Add hoisin and hot sauce. Keep warm. 4. Cook buckwheat noodles in a large pot of salted boiling water for 2 to 3 minutes or according to package directions. Toss noodles in mushroom jus. See more about Urban Spice at www.UrbanSpice.ca www.OttawaOutdoors.ca

URBAN GRAPE

Tasting red wines – a talent that’s fun to acquire By Joe Hatz

ver wonder why wine lovers spend so much time tasting and talking about wine? Thatʼs because there is a difference between simply enjoying and fully appreciating a wine. Learning to taste wine makes life richer. Organizing a wine tasting with some friends is a fun way to learn more about wine. And while a wine tasting might sound a bit sedate, even serious wine tastings can morph into a party by the time the last few wines are sampled. Perhaps you are a bit nervous about taking up the challenge of tasting wines.Maybe you have tried too many wines that disappointed you. Or, perhaps someone enthusiastically described all the flavours in a wine, and all you can offer is, “Itʼs red.” There is no right answer when tasting wine. If you like a wine and someone else doesnʼt, thatʼs fine. People have different preferences. The best way to discover your own preferences is to taste a variety of wines. An organized wine tasting makes this discovery process easier because it can magnify the differences between wines. At a good tasting, youʼll probably find a few wines that you love, and a few that you donʼt. The beauty is in understanding why. Being good at tasting wine isnʼt a talent you are born with, but it is a skill that you can learn. The taste buds are only about five percent of

a wine tasterʼs arsenal. The other 95 percent is training, practice and memory. Training helps with basic wine knowledge and the proper way to taste wines. Practice develops tasting skills across a wide range of wines. And a good memory helps to compare new wines with the ones you have already tasted. Ready to get started with a wine tasting? You can pick wines for a tasting by relying on your local wine store. Explain that you are doing a wine tasting and ask for wines that are typical for the varietal (wine made principally from one type of grape and bearing its name). Ask for wines that are well made, fairly priced, and ready to drink. Or, get a group of friends together and ask them to bring their favourite wine. You donʼt need much equipment, just a corkscrew and some glasses. Try to get some suitable tasting glasses—they will have a larger bowl with a small mouth. The larger bowl releases more aromas when the wine is swirled and the small mouth concentrates the aromas making it easier to distinguish them. Try each of the wines and concentrate on the flavours, the body and the tannins, and you will be teaching yourself something about your wine preferences. End the tasting by serving some appetizing food matches. Some wines are delicious on their own, while others work best when paired with food.

Your first wine tasting could start by exploring three versatile red grape varieties, such as Gamay, Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. All three are grown in Ontario, as well as in vineyards around the world. Wines from these grape varieties are often a good match to heartier meals. Notice that each wine varietal has a distinctive flavour profile that is different from the other varietals. The body is how big the wine feels in your mouth. The general rule is that light-bodied wines pair with lightbodied foods, and full-bodied wines go well with heavier meals with richer sauces. Tannins give that feeling of something gripping your gums. Tannins are also found in tea where they add some grip and bitterness. They help to cut through the fat and protein in rich meals. Tannins evolve in the bottle; a young cabernet sauvignon might have rip-yourface-off aggressive tannins that mature into velvety soft tannins that deliciously coat the mouth. It might take 10 years, but the wait can be worth it. —Joe Hatz is a sommelier and teaches courses on better understanding and appreciating wine.

Varietal

Gamay (Beaujolais)

Merlot

Cabernet Sauvignon

Flavour profile

strawberries, raspberries, banana, cola, cotton candy

plums, cherries, blackberries, pepper, herbs

black currant, plums, cedar, spices

Body

light to medium

medium

full

On-premise winemaking and wine accessories.

Tannins

low

low to medium

full

CONTACT PAUL TO HELP YOU GET STARTED

Food match

duck, turkey, chicken, rabbit

beef, lamb, duck, BBQ

beef, lamb, smoked meats, venison

www.OttawaOutdoors.ca

203 Colonnade Rd., South Nepean Tel: 725-0498 Email:vinhaus@rogers.com

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GREEN PAGES

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The first annual Miramichi Lodge Foundation PADDLEQUEST is now well on its way to becoming an event that will bring more paddlers together on the Ottawa River than at any time since the days of the fur brigades. Visit our website and look for Paddlequest: www.TheDailyObserver.ca

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w w w. Wo r l d o f M a p s . c o m

LOOKING FOR SOME ADVENTURE THIS SUMMER?

Locally or a trip far away, we’ve got the trip for you.

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Hike&Bike • Ireland • Europe • Cuba

Hike&Bike &Paddle • Trails nearby to Ottawa

613-729-0507 Trips@OutingClub.com

www.OutingClub.com

LEARN TO KAYAK

on on your your weeknights weeknights or or weekends weekends right right HERE HERE in in the the city city •• locally, locally, at at the the Champlain Champlain Bridge Bridge •• kids kids lessons lessons or or adults adults •• flflatwater atwater or or whitewater whitewater •• private private or or group group lessons lessons

www.DownToEarthKayak.com (819) (819) 827-5905 827-5905 or or (613) (613) 298-9254 298-9254

Ecotourism and Adventure Tourism Management Join 10 years of competitive Program graduates.

Want to talk to one?

SIR SANDFORD FLEMING COLLEGE HALIBURTON CAMPUS Contact: Gail Woodard 705-457-1680 gwoodard@flemingc.on.ca www.flemingc.on.ca/ecotourism

Fleming College EXPERIENCE • SUCCESS

May 9 Mont St. Marie Rideau Trail Assoc., Infoline 860-2225 May 9 “Greenbelt, Shirley’s Bay area” Ottawa Hostel Outdoor Club (OHOC) OHOC Hotline – 230-6703 Denise M 241-5316 May 9 Discovery Trail and Mac Donald Bay Ottawa Hostel Outdoor Club (OHOC) OHOC Hotline – 230-6703 Inta C 234-3179 May 15 Gatineau Park Rideau Trail Assoc., Infoline 860-2225 May 15 Upper Canada Village Rideau Trail Assoc., Infoline 860-2225

Hey! Every week there are tons of outdoor activities planned that you probably didn’t know about! Take a look below and plan your SPRING outdoors!

April 18 Arnprior town & Gillies Grove. Ottawa Hostel Outdoor Club (OHOC) OHOC Hotline – 230-6703 Peter M 623-4814

Presentation

April 24 Gould Lake Rideau Trail Assoc., Infoline 860-2225

April 15 The Wildlife Festival will hold the 4th Annual Silent Auction again this year in conjunction with the presentation ceremony for the Awards for Excellence in Environmental Conservation. It will take place from 5:00 to 8:30 p.m. on Thursday, April 15, 2004, in the Salon at the Canadian Museum of Nature.

Hiking April 4 P12 to Huron Ottawa Hostel Outdoor Club (OHOC) OHOC Hotline – 230-6703 John B 835-3079 April 4 Luskville Falls Ottawa Hostel Outdoor Club (OHOC) OHOC Hotline – 230-6703 Aude E 274-3239

April 18 La Blanche Forest Ottawa Hostel Outdoor Club (OHOC) OHOC Hotline – 230-6703 Elizabeth G 789-6713 April 20 Urban Walk – Leamy Lake Rideau Trail Assoc., Infoline 860-2225 April 24 Greenbelt – Jackpine Trail Rideau Trail Assoc., Infoline 860-2225 April 24 Frontenac Park Rideau Trail Assoc., Infoline 860-2225

April 24 Gatineau Park Rideau Trail Assoc., Infoline 860-2225 April 25 P7 to King Mountain Ottawa Hostel Outdoor Club (OHOC) OHOC Hotline – 230-6703 Robert A 744-7985

May 16 Gatineau Park Rideau Trail Assoc., Infoline 860-2225

June 6 Eardley area Ottawa Hostel Outdoor Club (OHOC) OHOC Hotline – 230-6703 Greg G 747-6785

May 16 TBD Ottawa Hostel Outdoor Club (OHOC) OHOC Hotline – 230-6703 Teresa B 236-9307 May 21–24 White Mountains Outing Rideau Trail Assoc., Infoline 860-2225 May 22 Arnprior Rideau Trail Assoc., Infoline 860-2225

April 25 Lac Jumeaux area. Bushwacking. Ottawa Hostel Outdoor Club (OHOC) OHOC Hotline – 230-6703 John C 730-9851

May 22 K&P Trail Rideau Trail Assoc., Infoline 860-2225 May 23 “Village of Wakefield area, River Road” Ottawa Hostel Outdoor Club (OHOC) OHOC Hotline – 230-6703 Tony W 722-5944 May 23 P1 (Mont Bleu) to Pink Lake Ottawa Hostel Outdoor Club (OHOC) OHOC Hotline – 230-6703 Shaelah R 723-5342

May 1 Gatineau Park Rideau Trail Assoc., Infoline 860-2225

April 11 Marlborough Forest Ottawa Hostel Outdoor Club (OHOC) OHOC Hotline – 230-6703 Damita W 839-3058 & Mag C 722-3482

May 2 Gatineau Park. Wolfe Trail Ottawa Hostel Outdoor Club (OHOC) OHOC Hotline – 230-6703 Deborah L 233-1862

April 11 Gatineau Park Visitors Centre to Trail 1 Ottawa Hostel Outdoor Club (OHOC) OHOC Hotline – 230-6703 Sandrine K 234-1909

May 2 Gregheur Rd / Mountain Rd up Escarpment. Loop to Luskville area. Steep but not long. Ottawa Hostel Outdoor Club (OHOC) OHOC Hotline – 230-6703 John O 599-1304

May 29 Gatineau Park Rideau Trail Assoc., Infoline 860-2225

May 8 First Aid Training & Field Orientation Rideau Trail Assoc., Infoline 860-2225

May 30 Gatineau Park Ottawa Hostel Outdoor Club (OHOC) OHOC Hotline – 230-6703 Clive P 722-7998

O T TAWA O U T D O O R S S P R I N G 2 0 0 4

June 6 Ottawa River Rideau Trail Assoc., Infoline 860-2225

May 16 “Special hike at “”Forêt de l’aigle”” 100K from Ottawa near Gracefield. Interpretative signs, animals. Short trails which we can mix & match.” Ottawa Hostel Outdoor Club (OHOC) OHOC Hotline – 230-6703 Marie Reine F 749-1469

April 10 Farrelton Area Rideau Trail Assoc., Infoline 860-2225

June 6 Gatineau Park Rideau Trail Assoc., Infoline 860-2225

June 6 Luskville Falls plus... Ottawa Hostel Outdoor Club (OHOC) OHOC Hotline – 230-6703 Elaine T 745-3352

May 22 Gatineau Park Rideau Trail Assoc., Infoline 860-2225

May 9 Rideau Canal / Rideau River Rideau Trail Assoc., Infoline 860-2225

June 5 Frontenac Park Rideau Trail Assoc., Infoline 860-2225

May 16 P12 to Rampart Lookout Ottawa Hostel Outdoor Club (OHOC) OHOC Hotline – 230-6703 Richard H 521-0947

May 1 Dow’s Lake Rideau Trail Assoc., Infoline 860-2225

April 17 Gatineau Park – Champlain Lookouts Rideau Trail Assoc., Infoline 860-2225

June 5 Western Gatineau Park Lakes Tour II Rideau Trail Assoc., Infoline 860-2225

May 16 Rideau Canal Rideau Trail Assoc., Infoline 860-2225

April 6 Urban Walk Rideau Trail Assoc., Infoline 860-2225

April 13 Urban Walk – Britannia Rideau Trail Assoc., Infoline 860-2225

June 5 Carp Farmer’s Market Rideau Trail Assoc., Infoline 860-2225

June 6 Pine Rd to Herridge Ottawa Hostel Outdoor Club (OHOC) OHOC Hotline – 230-6703 Paul W-B 759-4460

April 25 Gatineau Park Rideau Trail Assoc., Infoline 860-2225

April 27 Moonlighters Hikes Rideau Trail Assoc., Infoline 860-2225

May 30 Wolfe Trail and area Ottawa Hostel Outdoor Club (OHOC) OHOC Hotline – 230-6703 Jennifer S 741-2824

May 29 Ottawa River Walk Rideau Trail Assoc., Infoline 860-2225 May 29 Rideau Trail Rideau Trail Assoc., Infoline 860-2225

May 30 Experimental Farm – Hike & Cycle Rideau Trail Assoc., Infoline 860-2225

June 12 Gatineau Park Rideau Trail Assoc., Infoline 860-2225 June 13 Rideau Trail – Rosedale to Dwyer Hill Road Rideau Trail Assoc., Infoline 860-2225 June 13 Brown lake area Ottawa Hostel Outdoor Club (OHOC) OHOC Hotline – 230-6703 Kate T 247-6508 June 13 TBD Ottawa Hostel Outdoor Club (OHOC) OHOC Hotline – 230-6703 Belinda B 231-4063 June 13 Up escarpment to North Window Ottawa Hostel Outdoor Club (OHOC) OHOC Hotline – 230-6703 Diane B 730-6419 June 18 Aylmer Rideau Trail Assoc., Infoline 860-2225 June 20 Lac la Peche area. Swimming. Ottawa Hostel Outdoor Club (OHOC) OHOC Hotline – 230-6703 Saif T 567-2552 June 20 Lac des Loups / Lac à la Loutre area Ottawa Hostel Outdoor Club (OHOC) OHOC Hotline – 230-6703 Bob R 562-3291 June 26 Midsummer Madness BBQ & Moonlight Canal Walk Rideau Trail Assoc., Infoline 860-2225 June 27 TBD Ottawa Hostel Outdoor Club (OHOC) OHOC Hotline – 230-6703 Kate T 247-6508 June 27 Lac Phillipe to Lusk Lake. Swimming & caving incl. Ottawa Hostel Outdoor Club (OHOC) OHOC Hotline – 230-6703 Mary-Anne O 523-2169

www.OttawaOutdoors.ca

June 27 From P13. Lunch at Western Ottawa Hostel Outdoor Club (OHOC) OHOC Hotline – 230-6703 Henry L 829-1849 & Sue B 237-6843

Canoeing Weekly, May to August Beginner Canoe Course Equinox Adventures & the Advanced Rescue Techniques School of Canada www.equinoxadventures.com May 30 Meech Lake Ottawa Hostel Outdoor Club (OHOC) OHOC Hotline – 230-6703 Diane V 669-7912 June 6 Carp River Ottawa Hostel Outdoor Club (OHOC) OHOC Hotline – 230-6703 Damita W 839-3068 & Teresa B 236-9307 June 7 to June 11 Intermediate Canoe Course Equinox Adventures & the Advanced Rescue Techniques School of Canada www.equinoxadventures.com Long Weekends (May) Three-Day Weekend Clinics Kayak or Canoe Equinox Adventures & the Advanced Rescue Techniques School of Canada www.equinoxadventures.com Weekends (May/June) Weekend Clinics Kayak or Canoe Equinox Adventures & the Advanced Rescue Techniques School of Canada www.equinoxadventures.com June 13 Mississippi River at Pakenham Ottawa Hostel Outdoor Club (OHOC) OHOC Hotline – 230-6703 Chris C 254-7002 June 19 Special Saturday Trip. OHOC Summer Solstice Social. Gatineau River / Farm Point to Wakefield Ottawa Hostel Outdoor Club (OHOC) OHOC Hotline – 230-6703 Kexing L 233-5485 & Jim B 827-0706 June 20 Ottawa River / Lac Leamy / Kettle Island Ottawa Hostel Outdoor Club (OHOC) OHOC Hotline – 230-6703 Kevin M 764-2943 June 27 St. Lawrence River. Limited spots, must register in advance. Combined canoe and bike trip. Meet up with cyclists for supper. Ottawa Hostel Outdoor Club (OHOC) OHOC Hotline – 230-6703 Jim B 827-0706

Weekend May 22-24 Ottawa Hostel Outdoor Club (OHOC) La Vérendrye, Max 12-13, Details: http: //opuspocus.ca/skyabove/trips/Trips2004.htm OHOC Hotline – 230-6703 Richard T 770-8575 June 11-14 Georgian Bay (Franklin - McCoy Islands), Max 9. Details: http://opuspocus.ca/skyabove/ trips/Trips2004.htm Ottawa Hostel Outdoor Club (OHOC) OHOC Hotline – 230-6703 Richard T 770-8575 Jul 9-10 Grand Lake, Algonquin Park Ottawa Hostel Outdoor Club (OHOC) OHOC Hotline – 230-6703 Jim F 234-4548

www.OttawaOutdoors.ca

Biking April 17 Mer Bleu & Navan 60K Ottawa Hostel Outdoor Club (OHOC) OHOC Hotline – 230-6703 Jim F 234-4548 April 24 Rockcliffe Parkway. 40 K. Ottawa Hostel Outdoor Club (OHOC) OHOC Hotline – 230-6703 Ken Z 228-8553 May 1 Aylmer Marina. Mostly flat on bike trail 40K. Ottawa Hostel Outdoor Club (OHOC) OHOC Hotline – 230-6703 Inta C 234-3179 May 1 Rideau Canal loop to Hogs Back for a picnic 20K. Ottawa Hostel Outdoor Club (OHOC) OHOC Hotline – 230-6703 Denise M 241-5316 May 8 10:15 a.m. Join L3 group at the Gatineau Park Vistors Centre in Old Chelsea. Cycle to Wakefield. 50k. Cars and bike racks required. Ottawa Hostel Outdoor Club (OHOC) OHOC Hotline – 230-6703 Ian B 761-6624 May 8 Gat. Pk. Info Kiosk (P3 – Gamelin & Prom. de la Gatineau) to Old Chelsea & Wakefield 75K. Cars and bike racks required. L2 group joining in Old Chelsea. Ottawa Hostel Outdoor Club (OHOC) OHOC Hotline – 230-6703 Ian B 761-6624 May 15 9:00 am. Andrew Hayden Park to Ashton along old rail line on the Trans Canada Trail 65K. Pub lunch. Cars and bike racks required. Ottawa Hostel Outdoor Club (OHOC) OHOC Hotline – 230-6703 Chris C 254-7002 May 22 Long weekend Ottawa Hostel Outdoor Club (OHOC) OHOC Hotline – 230-6703 Check hotline to see if there is a trip. May 29 Manotick to Osgoode 50K. Mostly flat. Cars and bike racks required. Ottawa Hostel Outdoor Club (OHOC) OHOC Hotline – 230-6703 John G 238-1468 June 5 Via Ottawa River Pkwy to Andrew Hayden Park 30K. Ottawa Hostel Outdoor Club (OHOC) OHOC Hotline – 230-6703 Mariann F 563-4519 June 5 9:00 a.m. Manotick to Merrickville 90K. Cars and bike racks required. Ottawa Hostel Outdoor Club (OHOC) OHOC Hotline – 230-6703 Gilles C 258-6636 June 6 Mystery Tour – Level 1 + Cycle Rideau Trail Assoc., Infoline 860-2225 June 6 Ottawa River – Level 1 + Cycle Rideau Trail Assoc., Infoline 860-2225 June 12 Via Pink Lake to Old Chelsea for lunch 45K. Ottawa Hostel Outdoor Club (OHOC) OHOC Hotline – 230-6703 Alex G 241-9339 June 19 Tour of Ottawa bike paths. Hogs Back, Experimental Farm & Ottawa River Parkway. Cars and bike racks required. Ottawa Hostel Outdoor Club (OHOC) OHOC Hotline – 230-6703 Moira 730-4040

June 19 Start at Jim Burgess’ for Summer Solstice Social and Wakefield Hike/Bike ride in late afternoon followed by pot luck supper and social. Details by email later. Cars and bike racks required. Ottawa Hostel Outdoor Club (OHOC) OHOC Hotline – 230-6703 Jim B 827-0706 June 20 Ottawa River East – Level 1 Cycle Rideau Trail Assoc., Infoline 860-2225 June 26 Western Greenbelt Rideau Trail Assoc., Infoline 860-2225 June 26 9:00 a.m. Poltimore to Val des Bois. Length depends on where you park. Details by email later. Cars and bike racks required. Ottawa Hostel Outdoor Club (OHOC) OHOC Hotline – 230-6703 Jim B 827-0706

June 5-6 Two-Day Adventure Racing Specialty Clinic - Ascending and Rappelling Equinox Adventures & the Advanced Rescue Techniques School of Canada www.equinoxadventures.com June 6 Camp Fortune / Gatineau Park 6hr Sprint Race Teams of 3 > open (male / female / coed) Outlast – www.outlast.ca June 6 Camp Fortune / Gatineau Park 12hr Stamina Race Teams of 3 > open (male / female / coed) Outlast – www.outlast.ca June 12-13 Two-Day Adventure Racing Specialty Clinic - Paddling and Navigation Equinox Adventures & the Advanced Rescue Techniques School of Canada www.equinoxadventures.com

June 27 9:00 a.m. Special Sunday Ride. Combined Canoe and Bike Trip! Bike the 1000 Islands from Brockville while the canoeists paddle the water. Then join them for supper & fun. Call to pre register. Cars and bike racks required. Ottawa Hostel Outdoor Club (OHOC) OHOC Hotline – 230-6703 Jim B 827-0706

August Mont St Marie (tentative) 24hr Endurance Race Teams of 4 > co-ed Outlast – www.outlast.ca

Weekend

Beginner Kayak Course Equinox Adventures & the Advanced Rescue Techniques School of Canada www.equinoxadventures.com

May 15-16 Peterborough. Picturesque ride along the water to Lindsay and beyond. Relatively flat route 50 to 60K Saturday. Shorter route on Sunday. Deposit by May 1. Ottawa Hostel Outdoor Club (OHOC) OHOC Hotline – 230-6703 Joan R 595-3634 Jul 9-10 Eastern Townships. Rolling Hills. Route to be determined. Deposit by June 30. Ottawa Hostel Outdoor Club (OHOC) OHOC Hotline – 230-6703 Joan R 595-3634

Adventure Racing May 17-23 White Water Rafting Guide School Equinox Adventures & the Advanced Rescue Techniques School of Canada www.equinoxadventures.com May 22-23 Basic Open & Swift Water Rescue Elora, Ontario or Ottawa River. Equinox Adventures & the Advanced Rescue Techniques School of Canada www.equinoxadventures.com May 22–24 Long Weekend Adventure Racing Training - Ottawa Area Includes camping and meals at our Ottawa River Base Camp. Equinox Adventures & the Advanced Rescue Techniques School of Canada www.equinoxadventures.com March 27–28 River Rescue Level I Elora, Ontario or Ottawa River. Equinox Adventures & the Advanced Rescue Techniques School of Canada www.equinoxadventures.com May 31-June 4 & June 14-18 Two Weekend Adventure Racing Training Includes camping and meals at our Ottawa River Base Camp Equinox Adventures & the Advanced Rescue Techniques School of Canada www.equinoxadventures.com May 29–June 5 River Rafting Guide Training Level II Equinox Adventures & the Advanced Rescue Techniques School of Canada www.equinoxadventures.com

Kayaking Weekly, May to August

May 31 to June 4 Intermediate Kayak Course Equinox Adventures & the Advanced Rescue Techniques School of Canada www.equinoxadventures.com / www.rescuetechniques.com Jun. 14 - 18 Five-Day Sea Kayaking Coastal Tour Equinox Adventures & the Advanced Rescue Techniques School of Canada www.equinoxadventures.com July & August Weekends Sea Kayaking Tour Equinox Adventures & the Advanced Rescue Techniques School of Canada www.equinoxadventures.com

Rock Climbing Saturdays One-Day Introductory Rock Climbing Course Equinox Adventures & the Advanced Rescue Techniques School of Canada www.equinoxadventures.com Weekends Two-Day Introductory Rock Climbing Course Equinox Adventures & the Advanced Rescue Techniques School of Canada www.equinoxadventures.com April 9–11 Three-Day Climbing Adventures Bon Echo, Ontario. Multi-pitch granite: 300’ Equinox Adventures & the Advanced Rescue Techniques School of Canada www.equinoxadventures.com May 15–17 Three-Day Climbing Adventures Bon Echo, Ontario. Multi-pitch granite: 300’ Equinox Adventures & the Advanced Rescue Techniques School of Canada www.equinoxadventures.com June 25–27 Three-Day Climbing Adventures Bon Echo, Ontario. Multi-pitch granite: 300’ Equinox Adventures & the Advanced Rescue Techniques School of Canada www.equinoxadventures.com June 21—25 Women’s Only Five-Day Climbing Adventures Equinox Adventures & the Advanced Rescue Techniques School of Canada www.equinoxadventures.com

O T TAWA O U T D O O R S S P R I N G 2 0 0 4

BuG Juice Tall (but true) tales from the woods by Jim Hargreaves

Around Cape Horn and back to Chelsea T

HE ENTRY IN the South American Pilot was grim: “....as inhospitable a land as is to be found anywhere on the globe. The terrain is mountainous, presenting an alternation of matted forest, bare rock and deep bogs which is intersected by many deep channels into peninsulas and islands. The scenery is magnificently stern; cloud and mist usually screen the high peaks and snowfields.” What were we thinking? I was one of four sea kayakers attempting to be the first team to paddle around Cape Horn, the most southerly tip of South America. Itʼs a gnarled finger of land pointing into the vastness of the Southern Ocean and steeped in legends of catastrophic shipping disasters, huge rogue waves and hurricane-force winds called Williwaws that descend from the mountain tops and flatten everything in their path. We stood on Herschel Island cliff in Southern Chile looking across at the four miles of storm-tossed sea that separated us from our goal. Weʼd spent 18 months preparing for one of the most ground-breaking sea kayak journeys ever attempted. It was a frenetic period of packing supplies, shipping kayaks, poring over maps and charts and preparing ourselves physically for a journey to the bottom of the world – in our minds, probably never to return. One of our biggest challenges was raising sufficient funds for the expedition. We stopped at nothing and stooped to everything in our attempts to raise cash. One of the most interesting initiatives was suggested to us by a philatelist friend who told us stamp collectors pay big money for first-day covers. These are special stamp issues that often come with a commemorative envelope to celebrate a special event, like landing on the moon or climbing Mount Everest. He convinced us to have a thousand special envelopes printed to honour our journey. Weʼd have them postmarked in the most southerly post office in the world at Puerto Williams, Chile. These would become valuable collectorʼs items that could be sold for huge profits. What a great idea! We signed all the envelopes, had them franked and sent them back to England for re-sale to fanatical stampies. We rubbed our hands with delight at the prospect of making an almost obscene amount of money. Then we set off on our voyage. We successfully rounded Cape Horn on December 22, 1977 after an eventful and exciting journey. After 22 days of paddling, we completed a 52

O T TAWA O U T D O O R S S P R I N G 2 0 0 4

225-mile circumnavigation of the entire Cape Horn archipelago. We arrived back in the U.K. to a heroʼs welcome. TV stations and the paparazzi hounded us for about two days and then it was all over. Yesterdayʼs news was wrapping todayʼs fish and chips. The team members drifted apart and got on with their lives. I moved to Canada. In December 2003, almost 26 years to the day since we rounded the cape, I was enjoying a pint in Chelseaʼs Pub in the Gatineau Hills. Conveniently situated in the middle of the Chelsea-Ottawa commuter corridor, the pub has a varied clientele ranging from village artisans to big city politicians. On this particular day I found myself seated next to Doug, a man who understands wood better than almost anyone. Doug knows a lot about almost everything. A wellspring of facts, figures and statistics, heʼs an unbeatable opponent in pub trivia competitions. He is also a very fine cabinet-maker, of the nonpolitical kind. So, it didnʼt come as too much of a surprise when Doug told me he was a keen philatelist. Then he told me that he had just ordered three first-day cover envelopes from a stamp catalogue in England. He noted that these envelopes were produced to celebrate the First British Kayak Expedition to Cape Horn in 1977. “I was on that,” I said casually. Given the crowd that hangs around this pub, sometimes the truth doesnʼt stand in the way of a good story. So, Doug could be forgiven for thinking that a few pints may have unhinged my contact with reality. Doug finally believed me, though, more out of decency than gullibility. A week later, I sat in the pub holding a 26-year-old envelope with my signature on it. It was one of the original envelopes posted by four young hopefuls who were convinced they were going to make their fortune. Doug sold me all three for fifteen bucks. Now I knew why it took us more than three years to pay off our expedition debt. We were good paddlers back then, but making money proved more elusive. Iʼve since learned itʼs wiser to invest in land, than postage. www.OttawaOutdoors.ca

SUBSCRIBEONLINE and get Ottawa Outdoors delivered to your door (4x) per year. See the following on our site: • Calendar of Events • Great local articles • Contests & Prizes • Tips and surveys • Sign up for our local outdoors e-newsletter and much, much more, all on the web!

GREEN PAGES Reference Guide Your contact listing for all your outdoor adventure needs

CANOES, KAYAKS, PADDLES • Trailhead – 722-4229 • Mountain Equipment Coop – 729-2700 • Bushtukah – 792-1170 • Dimension Kayak – 888-884-5925 • Langford Canoe & Kayak – 725-5259 • Wenonah Canoes – 507-454-5430 • Bruce Holland Paddle – 745-5182 • Jenda Paddlesports – 826-0922

MOUNTAIN & ROAD BIKES • Tommy & Lefebvre – 236-9731 • Kunstadt Sports – 831-2059

www.OttawaOutdoors.ca

• Bushtukah – 792-1170 • Mountain Equipment Coop – 729-2700 • Cycos – 567-8180

CANOE & KAYAK LESSONS • Liquid Skills Kayaking – 582-3340 • Down to Earth Kayaking – 827-5905 • Wilderness Tours – 800-267-9166 • Equinox Adventures – 800-785-8855

OUTDOOR CLOTHING AND GEAR • Tommy & Lefebvre – 236-9731 • Trailhead – 722-4229 • Mountain Equipment Coop – 729-2700 • Kunstadt Sports – 831-2059 • Bushtukah – 792-1170 • Ginn Photographic – 567-4686 • Expedition Shoppe – 722-0166 • Scouts Canada – 224-5131 • Glebetrotters Footwear – 231-6331 • World of Maps – 724-6776 • True North Satellite Phones – 796-3874

ADVENTURE RACING & TRAINING • Equinox Adventures – 800-785-8855 • Pulse – 819-669-9708 • Outlast – 728-0826 • Corpsynergy – 222-7943 • Quest for a Cure – 290-9481

HOME FURNISHINGS • The Last Canoe Co. – 296-0828 • Casa Luna Latin American furniture – 730-3561 • SleepTek Mattresses – 727-5337 • Bill Mason Productions – www.redcanoes.ca

WHITEWATER RAFTING • Wilderness Tours Resort – 800-267-9166 • Riverrun Whitewater Resort – 800-267-8504

ADVENTURE TRAVEL / GETAWAYS • Wakefield Mill Inn – 888-567-1838 • Calabogie Peaks Resort – 800-669-4861 • Sam Jakes Inn – 800-567-4667 • Outing Club – 729-3034 • Ecotourism Mngmt Program – 705-457-1680 • World Expedition Travel – 241-2700

OUTDOOR VEHICLES • Westboro Subaru – 728-5813 • Tony Graham Lexus Toyota – 225-1212

hat t r e t f .a .. e r e h We’ll get yyoouurt own. you’re on

2004 Toyota Tundra “Double Cab”

Toyota Truck Centre

1855 Merivale Road — 225-1212 www.TonyGraham.com

Photo by Yann Troutet

FINANCING AS LOW AS 1.9% ON 2004 TOYOTA SUV’S

Issue #7 - Ottawa Outdoors Magazine

Articles inside

Scuba Diving

Practice the unsung backstroke

Satellite phones

The Hash House Harriers: a drinking club with a running problem

Graduation day on the lower Petawawa River

Bears: rattle those pots and pans

Biking

Camping tips

Dealing with poison ivy