Adventura - Spring 2009

CROSSING PATHS INTIMATE STORIES BEHIND AMAZING EXPEDITIONS

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(UN)HAPPY HOMECOMING Post-trip blues are more common than you think DECATRIATHLON The Highs and Lows of an Ironman

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Contents // Spring 2009 / No. 1

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[10] DAYTRIPPER Running on the

[4] EDITOR’S NOTE

Toronto Island • Kayaking in Hawkesbury • Mountain biking in Bromont • Hiking at the Scarborough Bluffs Take the express lane to outdoor adventure and fun. Here are four quick ideas to keep you active in your own city – or within a 60-minute drive.

[5] FIELD REPORT

The Highs and Lows of an Ironman Spin Your Wheels with GoldSprint 3 questions for Jason Lewis Innovative travel mattress hits the road Sailing the Vendée Globe with Derek Hatfield Hey, Roxy Lady New DVDs and books Glamping, The Haute Outdoors

[12] WEEKEND GETAWAY Algonquin Park

The driver told our writer, “If you want to stock up on supplies, this is your last chance at civilization!” It was only later that she fully understood what he meant.

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[24] GEAR Spring Fever

[14] LIVING LARGE Prince Edward County •

Niagara • Eastern Townships Need to spoil yourself? Take a few days and give your mind, body and soul a well-deserved treat.

[16] FEATURE Crossing Paths

A number of modern-day explorers at home and abroad share a passion for great crossings. Here are the intimate stories behind five amazing expeditions.

[20] MIND & BODY (un)happy Homecoming

Hot ideas for keeping your cool this season Lighten Your Load Six products that help shed the weight

[26] POWER TRIP French Connection

Experience the tropics in Karukera, Guadeloupe – a piece of France in the Caribbean.

[28] Ask an EXPERT Be your own personal

Culture shocked in your own city? Homesick in your own house? The case of post-trip blues probably happens more than you think.

trainer If you can’t afford to hire a pro, you’re not alone. Two kinesiologists give us the basic tools for successful at-home training.

[30] Last call Adventura _ Spring 2009 _ www.adventuramag.ca _ 3

Waiting for the bus in Jalcomulco

EDITOR’S NOTE

Going

Spring 2009 :: Vol. 1 :: No. 1

Publisher: Stéphane Corbeil (stephane.corbeil@adventuramag.ca)

Editor: Christian Lévesque (christian.levesque@adventuramag.ca)

Senior Editor: Patricia Gajo

For It

(patricia.gajo@adventuramag.ca)

Contributors: Elsa Burette, Luc Camilleri, Adeline Charvet, Alison Lawler-Dean, Serge Ferrand, Mélanie Lamontagne, Austin Macdonald, Chantal Martineau, Jean-Sébastien Massicotte, Daniel Paré, Julia Pyper, Louis St-Jean, Jennifer Semet, Matthew Talbot, Paul Villecourt, and Doug Wallace.

Translator: Terry Scott Cover Photo: Women jumping over a stream, South Africa. © Vincent Skoglund / Aurora Photos

Advertising: Jonathan Marcil, Sales Manager jonathan.marcil@adventuramag.ca / 514-277-3477 ext. 28

Marie-Christine Hallé, Sales Consultant mc.halle@adventuramag.ca / 514-277-3577 ext. 27

Distribution: Isamie Dufour, isamie.dufour@adventuramag.ca / 514-277-3477, ext. 30 Subscription: Marie-Michèle Gobeil, mm.gobeil@adventuramag.ca / 514-277-3477, ext. 21

_ We were at the end of the route’s first pitch. My friend was teaching me how to rappel. I don’t know how long we stayed there. Ten minutes.

Maybe more. It was my first rock-climbing trip and I didn’t have a lot of confidence in my technique. Even worse, I began to wonder if this was really for me. I was scared. Risking my life this way suddenly felt so irresponsible. But there was no other way down.

off the beaten path is just the beginning. ADVENTURA’s mission is to lure you outside, try different activities, discover unknown destinations, meet interesting people, run new trails, bike like crazy or learn about the latest trends. Above all, we want this magazine to represent everything that is right and true about getting out there.

The process of producing this issue felt a little bit like my first rappel descent. The fear of the unknown brought on feelings of uncertainty.

But we took the plunge and made things happen. You can spend a lot of time dreaming of things to do before you die– like learning to kitesurf in Cabarete, scuba this magazine to diving in the pristine waters of the Bahamas, This endorphin-fueled feeling somewhere between represent everything even rappelling down a cliff–but it’s in doing fear and excitement came to confront me again that is right and them that you really learn and live. Ask any as I was sitting in a conference room with the true about getting mountaineer: the process of doing an expedition publisher of this magazine. After 13 successful out there. is always superior to the preparation. It’s not years with ESPACES in Quebec, an outdoor the destination; it’s the journey that counts. magazine in French, he wanted to spread our savoir-faire to everyone in Canada’s other national language. In spite of the economic crisis, These days, I no longer fear rappelling. In fact, I rather enjoy it. It takes we couldn’t have been more ready to extend our reach. To move us time to know what you really want to do. But once you’ve figured it out, in the right direction, we enlisted several new writers from different stop thinking and just go for it! If you’ve never done it before, I suggest backgrounds, passions and area codes. And there it is. You’re now holding taking a climbing lesson. Once the fear disappears, I guarantee you’ll be hooked on the thrill—and will be looking for the next issue of this the premiere issue of ADVENTURA. magazine. In the meantime, enjoy number one.

The language barrier was the easiest thing to surpass. Whether it is in Christian Lévesque, Editor French, English, Mandarin or Italian, more important to us was keeping christian.levesque@adventuramag.ca the passion for the outdoors alive. Getting you to take that first step The way you respond to situations like these reflects the way you live your life. I knew this was one of those times. Dangling in my harness, this moment could change my life for better or we want worse. I needed to do it right.

Subscription / Home Delivery Rates : 1 year / 4 issues: $18 • 2 years / 8 issues: $32 (taxes, handling and mailing costs included) Please make cheque payable to Groupe Espaces Inc and send to the address listed below.

Design: Sève création, www.seve.ca Website: www.adventuramag.ca Editorial Department: 514-277-3477 | info@adventuramag.ca Mailing Address: Groupe Espaces Inc 911 Jean Talon St. E., Suite 205 Montreal (Quebec) | H2R 1V5 Editorial submissions and press releases must be sent solely by e-mail. Circulation: 60,000 copies distributed to outdoor enthusiasts everywhere. ADVENTURA is published four times a year by Groupe Espaces Inc.

Article Submissions ADVENTURA welcomes and acknowledges all article and photograph submissions. Contact the Editor to discuss. ADVENTURA is not responsible for articles, photographs or any other material sent to its attention. If you do not keep a copy of ADVENTURA magazine for your personal archives, please send it to a friend or recycle it. The opinions expressed are by the author, and are not necessarily shared by Groupe Espaces Inc. Some of the activities reported on in ADVENTURA could entail injury risks for anyone trying to do such activities. ADVENTURA and its reporters, contributors, photographers and other staff members do not recommend the practice of these activities by anyone that does not have the required skills and technique.

ADVENTURA is not responsible for the information contained in the advertisements.

Any reproduction of material published in ADVENTURA is prohibited without the expressed consent of Groupe Espaces Inc.

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Field Report

Yves Beauchamp

© Photos: Courtesy Yves Beauchamp

The Highs and Lows of an Ironman

by Serge Ferrand

ves Beauchamp was born with pleurisy, a disease that affects the lungs, making it difficult and painful to breath. He was barely four months old when he was placed in an oxygen tent at Montreal’s Sacré-Cœur Hospital. In the emergency room, the doctor told his father, “If he can make it through the night, he’ll have a 25 per cent chance of survival.”

Almost 42 years later, Beauchamp defeated the odds, not only becoming an Ironman, but also completing France’s Vidauban decatriathlon (a triathlon multiplied by 10! ) – which he did in 11 days, 15 hours and 57 minutes – a feat that only 80 people have accomplished since its inception in 1992. Last December, Beauchamp finished tenth at the Monterrey event in Mexico in 11 days and six hours. Granted, it was three days behind the winner, but only 19 athletes have ever completed two decatriathlons.

Beauchamp caught the triathlon bug in 1982 while watching NBC’s broadcast of the Ironman competition in Hawaii. “The competitors were crawling on the ground to get to the finish line,” he recalls. “That ignited a flame inside me to go beyond my limits, and exercise my mental strength and self-sacrifice in the face of physical hardship.” After competing in a few marathons, in 2000, Beauchamp – who works as a porter at the Sacré-Cœur Hospital – decided to enter the double Ironman in Lévis (7.6 km swim, 360 km cycle and 84.4 km run); and then the triple Ironman (11.4 km swim, 540 km cycle and 126.6 km run), Le Défi Mondial de l’Endurance in France, in which he placed 14th.

Despite these achievements, Beauchamp still craved more and signed up for his first decatriathlon in 2002 in Monterrey, northern Mexico. At this time in his life, however, he wasn’t adequately prepared for the event: “I had more in my head than in my body,” he explains. “I got numb and I was only able to run 285 km.”

Decatriathlon 38 km swim (the equivalent of crossing Saint-Jean Lake), followed by 1,800 km cycle (more than half of the Tour de France) and 422 km run (just under the distance between Toronto and Ottawa).

This setback led to a low period in Beauchamp’s life: for three straight years he failed to finish the double Ironman in Lévis. Although, in Repentigny, 2005, he set the Guinness record for riding a stationary bike: “I dedicated this record to my daughter Audrey-Anne by stopping at 77 hours because she weighed seven pounds, seven ounces when she was born; and 22 minutes because she was born at 2:22 in the morning. But I could have kept going.”

With restored motivation, the 5-foot-10, 170 lbs Beauchamp became a vegetarian, didn’t touch a drop of alcohol and began training intensively.

Unassisted at a double Ironman competition in Austria, he ended up in the hospital with an extremely low potassium count. But the urge to go beyond

For Beauchamp, suffering became a veritable drug. “In the 50-m pool, you see the water line for 700 lengths (38 km). You become one with this surface you are penetrating with your hands. It’s the same in cycling or running: you go around in circles on a 2 km loop with the same trees and houses, but you see every lap differently. It brings on hallucinations.

After 18 hours of swimming, I started seeing rocks in the water. In 2006, when I was on my bike, I saw Hawaiian dancers in the trees!”

Strange visions aside, Yves Beauchamp stresses how sports have played a prominent role in helping him become a better person: “There are people who cry out for help in thousands of ways to fight injustice,”

Training is always the same for me: two hours of running every day, to which I add three or four 45-to-90 minute swimming sessions per week, and the equivalent of this on the bike.

The important thing is to always make your body familiar to the same actions and movements, and perform a lot of endurance activities on different surfaces. You have to set a distance and make sure you do it. Don’t let anything stop you. his limits returned: “I didn’t finish Monterrey and I almost died in Austria, but then in 2006 I was invited to compete in the Vidauban decatriathlon amongst the cream of the crop of ultra-triathletes. Of course, I accepted!”

he says. “Sports are my way of coping with the problems life throws at you. When I speak at conferences to young people, I tell them to be active in sports every day. It can help you deal with the daily problems in your lives.”

This time, his brother Benoît, his cousin Carles and a nurse from the Sacré-Cœur Hospital gave him the necessary assistance. “In this type of event, you’re practically like a machine,” he remarks. “You’re there to swim, pedal and run. The distance you have to cover is so huge that the only thing you have to think about is moving forward. The people that help you do the thinking for you; they see that you eat and you stay hydrated. They also look after your equipment when you go from swimming to cycling and then on to running. The only thing you have to do is keep moving forward.”

In the Vidauban decatriathlon, Yves finished eighth after a week and a half of racing, interspersed with a few breaks to get some sleep. “I slept for four hours, but some of the Europeans were able to get by with two hours of sleep and take the pain more than I could. And they were able to distinguish between the cerebral and the mental aspect,” says Beauchamp.

Adventura _ Spring 2009 _ www.adventuramag.ca _ 5

For more yvesbeauchamp.ca

LEWIS

A TRIP AROUND THE WORLD… in 13 years, 74,408 km and just as many adventures!

1

How did you manage to circumnavigate the globe?

Steve Smith, my traveling companion for six years, and I had this idea to do a trip around the globe solely powered by man – and add other dimensions to the trip, such as introducing educational programs or a ‘participatory’ aspect. A number of times we involved people in our adventure that had never pedaled farther than the corner store. Before we left, we spent five years raising funds (which we had to continue doing throughout the trip) and getting Moksha, our pedal-operated boat, ready for the trip. We didn’t know what to expect, and that’s really the reason we decided to give it a try. It isn’t a coincidence that we chose the cartoon character Hagar the Horrible, the adventuresome Viking, as our mascot. If we had thought about the final objective and all the difficulties that were in store, we would have abandoned the project before we began. In the end, it wasn’t the destination that mattered the most, but the journey itself.

like an outsider there. By the time I arrived in London in October 2007, I had come to the end of an incredible personal quest. But the way that you look at me now, it doesn’t seem that I have much going on. Other than my family, I have no relationships and no career plan. When I got back from the trip, I received several offers, such as hosting a TV reality show or publishing my autobiography – written by someone else. Despite the state of my finances, I declined.

I wanted to experience an adventure that made sense and I couldn’t just leave it to the highest bidder. Especially since I realized that the trip has yet to come to an end. I have to be the one to write the book. It represents a lot of things to me. It’s a step – or a challenge, depending on the day – that I still have to take. Going over the entries in my notebook was like opening a locked chest. Re-reading what I had written revived all of the traumatic incidents I

What were your toughest challenges?

Pedaling for months across an ocean was simply unbearable. The tedium and isolation were incredibly difficult. On the ocean, even the most frivolous subjects ended up in argument because there was absolutely nothing else to do. After pedaling for a few hours, we would reward ourselves with a cup of tea, chocolate bar or beautiful sunset. When we got to Hawaii after six years and a near fatal wreck, Steve decided to stop. I continued and soon discovered that life alone on the ocean was worse than it was with two people. I was going crazy pedaling against the tide and making up in the evening all the time I had lost during the day. I had different ways of looking at things depending on my state of mind.

To make matters worse, I got blood poisoning. There were some tough times over the 13 years: a car collision in which I broke both legs, a 14-hour interrogation in Egypt where I was suspected of being a Sudanese spy, and a battle with a crocodile. But the most important thing for me wasn’t the difficulty or the end result, but the spiritual and emotional aspects of the trip.

“Re-reading what I had written revived all of the traumatic incidents I had mentally suppressed in order to go on.”

2 3

What are your feelings at the end of such an expedition?

On the ocean or in the Australia bush, you realize who you really are. It’s the world, surprising and wild, that allowed me to discover myself and open up to others. England has never been a place where I felt comfortable; I always felt

had mentally suppressed in order to go on. About four months ago, I was diagnosed as having post-traumatic shock and I went through a major depression. But it is this inner process of development that I want to convey in my book.

From childhood, we learn how to tame our emotions, we shape our minds, and we foster illusions. But there are a thousand ways to understand and learn about the world around us, and to feel at peace with it. I believe it was this firm conviction that enabled me to never give up and discover whom I really am.

For more expedition360.com ///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

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© Mark Stay

Since Magellan’s first trip around the world in 1522, the world has become a familiar place. Wherever you go, chances are someone has already been there before you. What has changed, however, are the ways to travel the planet. On July 12, 1994, British explorer Jason Lewis sold his laundromat to undertake the first human-powered voyage around the world. He completed the circumnavigation after 13 years, 74,408 kilometres and just as many adventures! by Elsa Burette

© Expedition 360 Productions LLC

FR

3 questions for...JASON

the

Vendée Globe

with Derek Hatfield

© Courtesy Vendée Globe

SAILING

Derek Hatfield was unable to tame the powerful waves of the Pacific. His first appearance in the Vendée Globe (the famous sailing race that circumnavigates the world – participants go solo, unaided and without stopovers) ended after 45 days at sea due to a broken mast on his boat, Spirit of Canada. Alternating between joy for having competed in sailing’s most celebrated course and utter disappointment in not finishing the race, the Canadian navigator remains confident that he’ll be back in 2012.

by Luc Camilleri

What prompted you to compete in the Vendée Globe?

I wanted to make a trip around the world and it had been my goal for a few years now to compete in this legendary race. My experience proves the Vendée Globe is still a fantastic race, even though my trip didn’t turn out well in the end. That’s just part of the race’s legend. When the race starts, you expect a lot of boats to stop along the way. I was hoping mine would not be one of them.

But that’s the sport.

What happened?

A lot of bad luck. A huge wave came up on the boat and I could sense something was breaking. The mast broke and was no longer very mobile, although it was still holding up. I was just south of Australia at the time and I tried in vain

later. Then I had electrical problems on the boat, which I managed to fix while I was navigating. Once I had solved all the problems, I started going a lot faster.

Sailing is a sport that costs a lot of money, but isn’t well recognized in Canada.

I had spent a lot of time getting sponsors and raising money, instead of properly navigating and training for the race. As a result, we weren’t fully prepared.

What are your plans now?

The boat is in relatively good shape. Algimouss Spirit of Canada performs extremely well, in my opinion. But I’m still going to make a few changes, mainly on the electronics, which really caused a lot of problems. Short-term, we also have to find other sponsors to run in more races. I’m going back to France to get some things – I also want to be able to tell myself that

“A huge wave came up on the boat and I could sense something was breaking!”

SPIN Your Wheels GoldSprint both entertains and tests its players Since its introduction by a messenger from Zurich, Switzerland, in the late 1990s, GoldSprint has developed a fan base in Europe and the United States. Part bike race and part rollicking party, the aim of the game is to out-cycle your fellow GoldSprinters.

In front of a cheering crowd, participants pedal like crazy on a stationary bike, which is linked to a computer for recording time and speed, and see their progress on giant screen. Evan Farrar, programmer of the related OpenSprints website and an avid fan, shares his enthusiasm.

How did GoldSprint come about?

The first stationary bike races in North America were organized by GoldSprints NYC after a demonstration given at the Messenger World Championships in Zurich, 1999. GoldSprint existed well before this, but it had more or less disappeared. I think the revival of interest came from messengers that adapted their bikes to their everyday lives. Like me, they

pedal to work, or for fun, to have a beer. So, why leave the bikes at the door of the party?

What is the mindset of GoldSprint?

It’s a social form of bike racing. It’s a challenge among friends that is transformed into a show, one where you are able to see the cyclists in action from a fantastic vantage point. Gene, of the One on One Cycle Shop in Minneapolis, has said of GoldSprint, “It’s like staging the cyclist Lambada in a real rock concert!”

How did you discover this sport?

I attended my first GoldSprint race two years ago on the closing night of the 2006 VeloCity event. I was taken immediately by the interaction between bikes and computers.

And I really liked the show aspect – like a velodrome but in a more relaxed setting.

Right away, my friend and I started thinking about plans on how we could build the proper equipment to launch GoldSprint in Chicago.

And that is where everything really started.

I actually managed to finish the trip around the world, even though it no longer counts in the standings. I’m hoping to finish the Transat Jacques Vabre, the trans-Atlantic race between le Havre in France and South America that is taking place next November. Then, next year, there is the Five Oceans Race, the oldest race around the world. It’s done in five stages and crosses all of the world’s oceans. After that, it’s the next Vendée Globe in 2012, which isn’t that far off. I plan to compete – and this time I’m going to make it all the way!

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How does a race unfold?

Usually, you have two bikes on blocks with the front wheel secured. The distance to travel ranges from 200 to 333 mi, the equivalent of a sprint in a velodrome. The distance is recorded with the help of a computer, which also gives the start and finish signal. The distance travelled is shown in real time on a giant screen placed behind the cyclists. The first one to ‘cross the finish line’ is the winner.

An elimination tournament determines the ultimate winner of the evening’s activities.

Describe a GoldSprint evening?

The ambiance is almost always like that of a party or a dimly lit, crowded and noisy bar. The spectators are often young amateur cyclists who are big fans and enthusiastic supporters.

The competitors spend only a moment or so as competitors. They spend the rest of their time partying with new people they meet, cheering on their friends and trash-talking their enemies.

It’s a completely different ambiance from the

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© Sam Chen

© Courtesy Vendée Globe

to repair it. At that point, I had to abandon the race and get back to shore at Hobart, a southern Australia island. It took me six days to get there. I was upset at the time because my race had ended so abruptly. When I saw that I couldn’t repair the damages without help, I knew it was over. I kept telling myself, «If this is a nightmare, I want to wake up!». As the days went on I felt even sadder for the team on land and the sponsors than I did for myself. It’s a shame because when it happened I was gaining on the other competitors after my catastrophic beginning. Right at the start, I had to go back to the departure point, the Sables d’Olonne, for repairs. I started out again four days

stationary bike races organized by clubs, for example. This type of gathering, organized in gyms or workout facilities, is where everyone wears Spandex suits and comes with their own bike. For us, GoldSprint allows people like you and me to climb on stage for a moment and pedal like a fool!

For more opensprints.com

BOOKS

by Doug Wallace

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Photo: Dan Campbell

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Glamping

The Haute Outdoors

Add a dose of luxe to your next camping adventure

© SEPAQ / Steve Deschênes / Parc national du Bic

by Adeline Charvet

city folk and sensitive indoor types can now get a taste of the great outdoors. Imagine sleeping under starry skies and waking up in the vast expanse of wilderness without having to actually rough it. If hammering in tent stakes doesn’t ring your bell, glamping just might be for you.

Arctic char with dill-and-tarragon sauce) similar accommodations in a yurt, not far from the river where wolves come by to howl in unison with the dog sledding teams. In the province of Quebec, outdoor organization Sépaq (Société des établissements de plein air du Québec) is riding the same glamping wave. A number of their “ready-to-camp” packages are thriving.

A fusion of glamour and camping, glamping is a growing trend that combines luxury living with rustic charms. Around for some time now, but still gaining in popularity, the concept replaces conventional hotel rooms with big walk-in tents or yurts (named so after the felt-covered dwellings traditionally used

by Mongolian nomads) furnished with a floor, wood stove, bed, table, windows and dishes. Inspired by Africa, where hotel companies wanted to attract safari enthusiasts without exposing them to danger, the movement is now all the rage in the U.S. and Europe.

Ed Jager, from Parks Canada’s Exterior Relations and Visitor Experience Department, says that they are also using glamping to attract visitors to their national

Interested in knowing more? Think of being in a spacious, fully-equipped tent in a remote area of the Swiss Alps, looking out over an absolutely stunning countryside, then going for a run in the mountains, relaxing in a nearby sauna and finally drifting into dreamland cradled in a soft, cushiony bed. (This is a real glampsite called Whitepod). Get the idea?

“With glamping, we hope to attract more visitors in our national parks” - Ed Jager, Parks Canada parks, including bsaggage transportation with their accommodations. “Regular camping is drawing fewer and fewer campers,” Jager says. “With glamping, we hope to reverse this trend.”

On this side of the pond, an outfitter in Whitehorse, Yukon, offers its guests (after a meal of smoked

For more • wildretreat.com • costanoa.com

sepaq.com • pc.gc.ca •

///////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////////

Innovative travel mattress

hits the road

by Louis St-Jean

Yearning for a deeper sleep, but in need of a lighter load? The new mattress by Therm-a-Rest may be the answer. Compact and ultra-light, the Neo Air is no bigger than a 1-L bottle when folded and weighs a mere 410 g (regular size). Not bad for a portable bed that measures 51 x 183 cm. According to its manufacturer it’s three times warmer than other noninsulated mattresses on the market. And with a thickness of 6.3 cm, it won’t feel like you’re sleeping on a swimming pool mattress. “You can use it in the spring and fall,” says company rep Dave Martineau. “Along with a sheet of laminated aluminum on the top and bottom to cut heat loss to the ground, the mattress also has a sheet inserted into the centre by a revolutionary micro-cell system.” This advanced technology, which took seven years to develop, is what gives the light mattress its superior insulating properties, and, apparently, its heavy price tag. But definitely worth every minute of sweet slumber!

Therm-a-Rest Neo Air | from $120 | thermarest.com

Adventura _ Spring 2009 _ www.adventuramag.ca _ 9

DAYTRIPPER

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by Julia Pyper

The hiking path begins and ends in Bluffers Park and runs just over 5 km along the top of the Bluffs. The trail takes you on a tour of the beautiful landscape along the cliffs, the highest point rising 65 m above water, and although it is not as well-known or far-reaching as the Bruce Trail and Waterfront walkway, it allows you to visit a unique natural attraction that may one day become inaccessible due to accelerated erosion.

The Scarborough Bluffs start at the beaches in Rouge Beach Park and stretch approximately 14 km to Victoria Park. This area includes a number of other recreation areas, such as East Point, Guildwood and South Marine Drive where after your hike you can relax with your toes in the sand or go for a dip in the water. (We told you to bring a bathing suit!) For a casual meal with a magniďŹ cent waterfront view, hungry hikers can also make a stop at Bluffers Park Marina. Š Doug Cannell

TThe Scarborough Bluffs are a gift from Mother Nature created by glacial deposits left during the last ice age.

Today, these impressive cliffs along Lake Ontario jut out dramatically from the water, with many rocks smoothed and sanded into interesting shapes by wind and water.

Activity: Hiking Level: Moderate Trail: 5 km Cost: Free Getting there: To Bluffers Park from the west, take Hwy 401 to Blimey Rd. S. exit. Go right and continue south directly to the park. From the east, follow Hwy 401 to Kingston Rd., exit and continue to Blimey Rd. S. Turn left and proceed straight to the park.

Parking: Yes Contact: Ĺ&#x201D; UPSPOUP DB QBSLT

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by Alison Lawler-Dean

TWhile many Torontonians regard Centreville solely as an amusement park for families, â&#x20AC;&#x153;the Island,â&#x20AC;? as it is known by its 700-plus year-round inhabitants, is for many locals still an undiscovered gem. A short ferry ride will transport you there in under 10 minutes, but youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll feel like you are miles away from the city. This scenic, car-free course loops right around the entire island and is almost a perfect 10K.

Š Peter Spiro

As you ride the ferry toward Wards Island, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget to admire the city skyline behind you. Stop and stretch on the landing dock before heading south toward the beach. From the boardwalk, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll hit a road that will eventually take you past the Centre Island pier (on a clear day you can see New York in the distance) and ďŹ nally to the most western point of the island, Hanlans. Depending on the time and day, you may ďŹ nd yourself alone. (If this is your goal, choose early morning or after work and avoid weekends). Run back to the starting point along the swan-ďŹ lled inner lagoons, passing Far Enough Farm, St. Andrew By-The-Lake (a quaint church dating back to 1884), and two posh yacht clubs.

During the summer you can stop at the Gravity CafĂŠ for an ice cream cone or chilidog. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve earned it.

Activity: Running Level: Intermediate to advanced intermediate Distance: 10 km. For a shorter course, take the ferry home from Hanlans Point instead of circling back.

Access: Ferries leave the dock at Bay St. and Queens Quay. Get off at Wards Island.

Hours: Ferries run all year from morning to night with higher frequency in summer and on weekends.

Cost: $6.50 each for return trip on the ferry Prep: Arrive at the ferry dressed in your gear, as there are few places to lock up clothes and bags.

Food: Snack bars are open at Ward Island, Centre Island and Hanlon point.

Contact: toronto.ca/parks/island

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ACTIVITY: KAYAKING

by Matthew Talbot

TThe Town of Hawkesbury is home to roughly 10,000 French and English-speaking residents on the south shore of the Ottawa River, almost exactly midway between Ottawa and Montreal. A quaint area with a charming Main Street, this year the town is celebrating their 150th anniversary.

Still slightly under the radar, Hawkesbury offers kayakers from nearby cities a quiet water route to paddle in peace.

Kayak rentals are available from local supplier Venten-fete, whose knowledgeable owner Jean-François Levaque is usually on hand to answer all your watersport questions. Wider kayaks that offer a platform for ďŹ shing are available, as well as specialized crafts with cargo space to carry camping gearâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;in case you feel like spending a night on one of the islands.

Here, you will also ďŹ nd bikes for cycling the 8 km route back along Route des Outaouais.

Activity: Kayaking Level: Advanced beginner Location: On the Ottawa River starting from Hawkesbury Hours: Vent-en-fete is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. every day. Call ahead for kayak availability.

Getting there: From Ottawa, head east on Hwy 417. Take exit 27 on Hwy 34 North toward Hawkesbury. Continue on McGill St. after crossing Hwy 17. Go through the lights at Main St. and turn left on John St. Youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll see a blue and white lighthouse at 87 John St. Cost: Kayak rentals, $10 per hour, $25 per day Contact: Ĺ&#x201D; WFOUFOGFUF DB

Š Oksana Perkins

The Ottawa River, which ďŹ&#x201A;ows quickly around the interprovincial Long-Sault Bridge and more calmly around public beaches on the Quebec side, is home to undeveloped islands and interesting wildlife, such as large turtles and massive muskellunge

(the biggest member of the pike family). This waterway also offers access to the Rouge River that ďŹ&#x201A;ows rapidly from the scenic Laurentian Mountains to the north. Photographers will want to bring their cameras!

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7 JEF IFEJ <EH 7BB#J;HH7?D 9O9B?D= ACTIVITY: MOUNTAIN BIKING

by Chantal Martineau

TBromont is one of Quebecâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top ski destinations, boasting 129 trails spread over seven hillsides. But in the summertime, a different breed of thrill seeker takes to the mountain to make his or her way down at white-knuckle speeds. The area is considered by many mountain bikers to be the premier place to practice their sport in all of North America.

Tucked away in the Eastern Townships, some 75 km from Montreal, Bromont ďŹ rst opened its mountain biking trails in the 1980s, when the sport was just beginning to take off in Canada. It has hosted not only provincial and national competitions, but will also play host the World Cup of mountain biking for the second year in a row this August.

Not that the slopes are reserved for two-wheeled daredevils. Its 14 downhill trails spread over more than 100 km include La Grande Douce (The Big Easy), a 20-km

ride designed for beginners on any type of bike. Mountain biking lessons are also available to teach beginners basic downhill techniques. Rent a bike or bring your own â&#x20AC;&#x201C; just donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t forget your helmet.

Activity: Mountain biking Level: Beginner to expert Season: May to Oct., open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Getting there: From Montreal, take autoroute 10 east toward Sherbrooke, turn off at exit 78.

Cost: $10 for trails access, $40 for trails and chair lift Contact: Ĺ&#x201D; TLJCSPNPOU DPN Other info: Bike School lessons from $75

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WEEKEND GETAWAY

ALGONQUIN PARK

Wilderness T

by Jennifer Semet

After a three-hour drive

from our starting point in Toronto, I arrive at the tiny village of South River.

The driver warns me. “If you want to stock up on supplies, this is your last chance at civilization!” It’s only later, once the car had travelled beyond the roads of the park, that I understood what he meant. At first glance, the area seems flat and there’s nothing outlined on the horizon other than the treetops, the harbinger of a tranquil trek. The massive maples and the spruce-laden hills are the very essence of Algonquin Park.

“Welcome. Help yourself!,” says Blair Baldwin, our guide. There is a buffet of sub sandwiches and cookies on the table. This is the spot where two groups start to form: the gung-hoers (heading out for three days of canoeing and camping) to the left, and then me and a Dutch family (leaving for some hiking, canoeing and a fabulous chalet) to the right.

On either side of our trail, there are countless tracks that offer a clear hint of the recent passing of fawns, moose and beavers. Seven kilometres farther, we reach the edge of what was once a body of water. I step into a wet marsh, the remnants of a lake taken back by nature. We are in awe of the

“The setting sun adds warm splashes of colour in this tiny nook of paradise.” huge variety of wild mushrooms and the towering rise of the pine trees.

Blair, our young guide, has walked through this park numerous times since his childhood years. With a reassuring step, he takes us along through the woods until we get to Surprise Lake.

© Ontario Tourism

We hop into a canoe to cross the lake. From the outset, everyone paddles at his or her own pace, which tends to slow down our progress. The setting sun adds warm splashes of colour in this tiny nook of paradise.

Upon reaching our destination, we get out of the canoe, excited by the discovery of “our” island.

12 _ Adventura _ Spring 2009 _

www.adventuramag.ca

Trek

Parcs Québec

This summer, experience

comfort in the heart of nature

Impressed by the idyllic setting, nobody dares to set foot in the chalet.

Encouraged by Blair, we carefully slip off our shoes and take in the quaint ambience. I go into the living room made of perfectly shaped log walls, in it a bank of comfy seats surround the chimney. We sit down and have couscous, raspberry pie and other gourmet offerings meticulously prepared by our chef.

Once our stomachs are full, we gather on the covered terrace to appreciate the sounds of silence and the surrounding trees. After this magnificent day, everyone goes to his or her respective rooms, which are simply furnished but compatible with the rest of the setting. Nestled in my cosy bed with a giant mosquito net hanging over me, I’ve already started dreaming about tomorrow, bounding down the stairs and eating a hearty breakfast, then boarding the canoe once more to discover other islands and even more beautiful scenery.

Sleep Instead of making a detour to towns around the park, you’re better off staying in the park, which has yurts, chalets and camping areas.

Eat Sorry, no drive-through windows here. All provisions must be obtained before you go.

Play Hiking – The park’s wildlife area has more than 140 km of backpacking trails with designated camping spots.

Canoeing – Enjoy a network of more than 2,100 km of canoe routes.

Snowshoeing and cross-country skiing – In the winter, Hwy 60 is ploughed and sanded. A valid permit, available at the East and West gates, is required.

Biking – Check out the Minnesing Mountain bike trail (four loops with distances of 4.7, 10, 17 and 23 km) or the Old Railway bike path (an easy 10-km trail along an abandoned track).

Getting there From Toronto, take Route 400 heading north, then Route 11 and turn off on Hwy 60. (264 km, about 3 hr.)

From Montreal, take autoroute 417 to the end and continue on Hwy 60 to the park (487 km, about 5.5 hr.)

Photos: Pub Photo

Discover the joys of camping without having to bring along all the equipment.

Huttopia tent Your stay includes:

• One night in a Huttopia tent (2 adults and their children) • Electric or gas heating • A 2-burner campstove and a small fridge • Everything you need to make meals

$

Starting at

102*

/night

* Additional $5.25 Taxes and entry fee not included

All rates are subject to change without notice Offered in the following national parks: • Aiguebelle • Bic • Frontenac • Gaspésie • Grands-Jardins • Hautes-Gorges-dela-Rivière-Malbaie • Jacques-Cartier

1 800 665-6527 • ParcsQuebec.com

Adventura _ Spring 2009 _ www.adventuramag.ca _ 13

• Mont-Orford • Mont-Tremblant • Oka • Plaisance • Pointe-Taillon • Saguenay • Yamaska

Mjwjoh!Mbshf NIAGARA

by Austin Macdonald

" #JLFSµT 1BSBEJTF The Niagara region is an idyllic setting for big-city folk to unwind, reconnect with the earth, and set out by bike to discover the various treasures along the narrow swath of land between the Niagara Escarpment and the water that makes up Ontario’s wine country. Wine tastings – don’t forget to spit if you’re on the road – are the best way for touring cyclists to experience the grape varietals at the different vineyards.

© Liv Friis-Larsen

© Tomasz Trojanowski

NEED TO SPOIL YOURSELF? TAKE A FEW DAYS AND GIVE YOUR MIND, BODY AND SOUL A WELL-DESERVED TREAT. BREATHE IN FRESH AIR AND BE ACTIVE, BUT ALSO INDULGE IN GOURMET MEALS, RELAXING SPA TREATMENTS AND COZY OVERNIGHT ACCOMMODATIONS. ALL YOU HAVE TO DO NOW IS MAKE A RESERVATION!

EASTERN TOWNSHIPS

by Louis St-Jean

$PVOUSZTJEF $IBSN After a rugged mountain-biking trek in the Gorge-de-Coaticook Park, chances are you’ll have tired, aching calf muscles and skinned elbows to tend to. Surely, a natural boost of endorphins will help you feel better, but an overnight stay in a lovely B&B will lift your spirits even more.

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Designed by American Avon Dolloff, Auberge Georgeville opened in 1889 and is the oldest operating hotel in Canada. This pink and white, Victorianstyle inn overlooks the splendid Memphrémagog Lake and is considered to be one of the most romantic getaways in Quebec. Says Steven Beyrouty, the owner and resident chef since 1996, “We wanted to preserve and maintain the wonderful history of the inn”. In a warm setting of wood-panelling and antiques, the English-style cottage is an inviting place to relax after an activity-filled day outdoors with a glass of sherry in one hand and a book in the other. There are nine exquisitely decorated rooms and suites. A one-night stay includes a five-course supper, gourmet country breakfast, tea, complimentary sherry, and access to activities, such as the lake, badminton, snowshoeing, croquet, and more. , ÃÊvÀ ÊfÓÈxÊUÊ£ nnn n{Î nÈnÈÊUÊ aubergegeorgeville.com

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Across the field of vines sits the newly-built faux-French chateau housing the Peller Estates Winery Restaurant, reputed to be the best in all the land.

Chef Jason Parsons concocts evolving, seasonal menus for lunch, dinner and weekend brunches. The main attraction, however, is the eight-course Wine Tasting Menu ($80), where a sommelier pairs each dish with a Peller wine. > ÃÊvÀ ÊfÎÎÊUÊ£ nnn ÈÇÎ xxÎÇÊUÊ«i iÀ°V ÊÊÊ

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Hiking – There are trails of 3 to 20 km that lead you past an observation tower, grotto, and dam. You can literally walk across the Coaticook gorge at a height of 50 m from where you can admire the cascades breaking into the river. } À}i`iV >Ì V °µV°V>Ê Biking – The Gorge-de-Coaticook park also has 17 km of trails for mountainbiking enthusiasts. The course, marked by some devilish climbs and descents, will appeal to those in intermediate to advanced categories. For less adventurous cyclists there is a nature path that practically runs past the doorstep of the inn.

Wine-tasting – In June, 30 of the region’s wineries participate in the Niagara New Vintage Festival. Later in the season during harvest, go for the Niagara Wine Festival. äx Ènn äÓ£ÓÊUÊ >}>À>Ü iviÃÌ Û> °V Ê

Site-seeing – The Capelton Mines are full of discoveries for the entire family.

Discover an old copper mine and 4 km of ecological trails. Youngsters, aged four to 13, will get a kick out of the obstacle course set in the forest. iÃV>«i Ì °V Ê

Horseback-riding – Enjoy leisurely rides are along the wooded trails of the Niagara Escarpment with a local guide from Niagara Riding Stables. fÎxÊv ÀÊ iÊ ÕÀÊUÊ äx ÓÈÓ x£ä£ÊUÊ >}>À>À ` }°V Ê

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Labyrinth – Fifteen minutes from the inn, go on an adventure tour of the Memphrémagog Labyrinth by foot or rollerblades. Solve all of the riddles and try to get out of the maze in less than an hour and a half. It’s a challenge!

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Auberge Georgeville’s on-site restaurant knows how to please even the most discerning taste buds: Lake Brome duck, Warwick trout and Lambston veal are among the house specialties, all of which are seasoned with fresh herbs

The Riverbend Inn and Vineyard is Ontario’s only inn situated on a working vineyard. The recently refurbished, 1860s, Georgian mansion on a 17-acre, riverside estate is less than 3 km south of the historic and picturesque town of Niagara-on-the-Lake and about 20 km north of roaring Niagara Falls.

The Riverbend’s 21 rooms are large, individually appointed, each with a gas fireplace. The interior is a feast for the eyes with oriental rugs, a grand staircase, glass chandeliers, antique-style furniture and oil paintings in ornate frames. The ambience is at once eclectic and homey. Guests looking for a place to relax can choose from both the piano bar or back patio, which overlooks a charming garden. , ÃÊvÀ ÊfÓÈäÊUÊ£ nnn xx xxxÎÊUÊÀ ÛiÀLi ` °V>Ê

Cycling – This is the raison d’être of the well-paved paths along Lake Ontario, the Niagara River, Lake Erie and the Welland Canal. Local tourism authorities devised a 140-km Greater Niagara Circle Routes Trail System. And they’ve teamed up with Via Rail to create the Toronto-Niagara Bike Train, allowing you to leave your car keys at home altogether. {£È ÎÎn ä{ ÊUÊL iÌÀ> °V>Ê

© Sebastian Santa

from the garden. You’ll also want to complement your meal with one of the wonderful Californian wines from the inn’s notable private cellar. Ûi V ÕÀÃiÊ` iÀÊ ÃÊ V Õ`i`Ê ÊÀ ÊÀ>Ìi°Ê ÀÊ i> Ê Þ]Ê i ÕÊÃÌ>ÀÌÃÊ>ÌÊfxÎ

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Relaxing – The Shaw Spa offers a vinotherapy treatment where therapists harness the powerful antioxidants found in grapes and wine to soothe skin and slow the aging process. f££äÊv ÀÊxxÊ °ÊUÊ£ nää x££ ÇäÇäÊUÊà >Üë>°V Hiking – Visit the stone cairn in Queenston Heights Park on the southernmost tip of the Bruce Trail, Canada’s oldest and longest footpath and a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. £ nää ÈÈx {{xÎÊUÊLÀÕViÌÀ> ° À}Ê

© huffestates.com

PRINCE EDWARD COUNTY

by Alison Lawler-Dean

-BLFTJEF -VYVSZ This lush lakefront region just south of Belleville on the eastern end of Lake Ontario offers a multitude of activities for those wanting to take advantage of the natural landscape. With over 800 km of waterfront, Prince Edward County (PEC) excels in water sports, such as sailing, kayaking, diving and swimming. The terrain is also perfect for horseback riding and cycling.

PEC is also home to one of the most beautiful beaches in Ontario, Sandbanks National Park. At the end of your day, dip into the local farmers’ markets, artisanal cheese shops and stellar wineries, then enjoy a quiet dinner at one of County’s epicurean restaurants.

4MFFQ Tuck yourself into one of the 20 gorgeous rooms at the Huff Estates Inn. This inviting spot is located on the grounds of the eponymous winery in Bloomfield, Ontario. The Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired design features natural materials such as wood and stone. Each modern room comes with a fireplace and private patio with pergola. Some suites feature a whirlpool bath and views of the vineyard. Start your day off right with the complimentary gourmet breakfast buffet and finish it off with a wine tasting. Huff has won Favourite Winery at the local People’s Choice Awards four years in a row. , ÃÊvÀ Êf xÊUÊ£ nÈÈ {n{ {ÈÈÇÊUÊ ÕvviÃÌ>ÌiðV

&BU In the place that top Toronto chef and terroir proponent Jamie Kennedy grows his food, there can be no shortage of tasty treats.

The low-lying land and mild climate are ideal for growing organic produce and grapes. Many of the area’s restaurants, including Picton’s much-celebrated Harvest Restaurant, offer fresh, seasonal fare. After running the adorable 28-seat Milford Bistro for two seasons, Chef Michael Potter opened the larger Harvest a few kilometers away while keeping with the same principles of quality ingredients and classic technique. Potter works closely with local farmers to source the freshest and most unique foods, proudly naming these collaborators on the menu. And don’t leave Picton without stopping by Buddha Dog for what has been called the “Best hot dog in Canada.” > ÃÊvÀ Êf£nÊUÊȣΠ{ÇÈ ÈÇÈÎÊUÊ >ÀÛiÃÌÀiÃÌ>ÕÀ> Ì°V> ÌÊ` }ÃÊvÀ Êf£°xäÊUÊȣΠ{ÇÈ În£{ÊUÊLÕ`` >v ` >°V

1MBZ Sailing – With dozens of sheltered harbours, marinas and yacht clubs, PEC is a fabulous place to anchor ship. Learn the ropes aboard the 32-foot Beneteau Wind Chaser that accommodates up to eight people for private cruising or lessons. £ nÇÇ {ÇÈ n ΣÊUÊ«iV° °V>ÉÃ> Ê Kayaking – Explore the area’s rivers, channels, lakes and bays up close by taking a kayak. Kayak Touring of Quinte Isle offers day or overnight tours along the beaches, onto the Black River or out into Lake Ontario. ȣΠΠxÇÇÇÊUÊ >Þ> Ì ÕÀ }°V>Ê Cycling – Relatively traffic-free roads with bike lanes run throughout the County. You can cycle the 215 km perimeter almost entirely along the waterfront. For a shorter ride, cruise down County 13, south of Milford from the Mariner’s Park Museum along Long Point to the abandoned lighthouse at the southernmost point. If you didn’t bring your own bike there are several rental shops nearby. Check out Ideal Bike for great deals and service. £ nää Îä£ Î n£ÊUÊ `i> L i°V Ê Horseback riding – Picton’s Diamond J Ranch offers unique trails including the Beach Ride, which winds through the woods, past an Indian burial ground and ends up on the shores of Lake Ontario. f{xÊ«iÀÊ«iÀà ÊUÊȣΠ{ÇÈ È{Ç{ÊUÊ«V° °V>ÉÌÀ> ÃÊ Relaxing – Situated in a colonial manor overlooking the harbour, Picton’s Claramount Inn & Spa offers a relaxing stone massage that can help release your built-up tension. f£äxÊv ÀÊÈäÊ °ÊUÊȣΠ{ÇÈ ÓÇä ÊUÊV >À> Õ Ì °V

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Globetrotter

CROSSING PATHS

Š TenSoloTenere

by Elsa Burette

A number of modern-day explorers at home and abroad share a passion for great crossings. To get a feel for what this kind of adventure is like, here are the intimate stories behind five amazing expeditions.

16 _ Adventura _ Spring 2009 _

www.adventuramag.ca

Kayaking across Quebec

Frédéric Dion | 30 years old | Founder of Pures Productions

© Courtesy Frederic Dion

For me, there are three major stages in life: dependence, independence and interdependence. This adventure symbolizes my independence.

It was my first big project and I left with a mind full of questions: Would solitude be a prison? What was I going to discover about Quebec? About myself?

During this solo crossing, I was master of my time – and for the first time master of my life. I stopped to fish or talk with people. I felt totally free. With me, I had a satellite telephone, but it was very costly so conversations with my friends and loved ones were rare and short. I would get letters from them at every stopover, which made me both happy and unmotivated at the same time. Separation was the toughest part of this expedition.

A boatswain, rafting guide, alpinist, marathoner, kayaker and currently a lecturer, Frédéric Dion has made his passion for adventure his profession.

In the summer of 2002, he made his first big expedition: crossing the province of Quebec in a kayak. fredericdion.com

On the 100th day, I was in the airplane going back to Quebec and I was anxious to see my girlfriend, my friends, sleep in the comfort of my bed, and eat ice cream! I had left to fulfil my passion for adventure, but this trip nurtured a lot of other dreams. It was a unique experience that expanded my horizons and made me see just how broad a scope there is to realizing your dreams. When you set your mind to it, you achieve your objectives— or you surpass them.

Windsurfing across the Indian Ocean

Raphaëla le Gouvello | 48 years old | Sustainable Development Activist

I started thinking about the Indian Ocean when I was on my sailboard in the middle of crossing the Pacific! I felt myself being swept up by an incredible force and I knew I had no time to lose to pursue this final endeavour. Crossing the Indian Ocean was not done alone: it was the culmination of more than two years of outstanding teamwork.

I had the opportunity of having sponsorship support, and I was able to devote more time to the pedagogical aspect that I wanted to give to this adventure, and to my physical and mental preparation.

Caught in storms, I was sometimes closed inside the windsurfer for several days, with only a helmet on my head for protection. But I was better prepared for it as I had brought along computer equipment that enabled me to anticipate these types of weather conditions.

© Courtesy Marcel Mochet

On the ocean, solitude is self-managed. Alone on board, I was almost consumed by the demands of navigation. My mind and body were active. But when the wind dies down and there is nothing else to do but wait, that’s when you might start getting the blues. With an adventure like this one, you just keep saying, ‘You have to do it,’ for yourself and your loved ones. There were so many people that were rooting for me on this crossing that I had to see it through to the end. I think the most agonizing thing for me was thinking about what would happen if there was a problem with the telephone. The morning and evening contacts were invaluable to me. Without this liaison, I would not have gone.

A woman of heart and conviction, le Gouvello has four unassisted windsurfing crossings to her credit: the Atlantic Ocean (2000), Mediterranean (2002), Pacific Ocean (2003), and Indian Ocean (2006). raphaela-legouvello.com

I knew it was my last crossing, and I left in a different state of mind: I had more self-confidence that had come with experience and I wanted to savour every minute.

Some navigators had talked to me about a certain harmony with the elements, a sense of osmosis and fulfilment that I felt many times. I enjoyed them as if they were treasures. Because of this crossing, I was able to tie an eight-year loop with an intense feeling of accomplishment, and now I’m ready to enjoy other earthly pleasures and adventures.

Adventura _ Spring 2009 _ www.adventuramag.ca _ 17

Walking across the Sahara

Pierre Schmitt | 47 years old | Explorer

There is a Tuareg saying that goes: “Instead of hearing about it, you better go and see it.”

If I have been crossing the Sahara for 25 years, it is to explore these exceedingly arid places and to try to understand why the nomads don’t leave them. To be at one with such an environment, you have to be like a sponge—always ready to absorb everything. That is why I went alone, by foot, with no one to turn to but myself.

Urban adventures

An experience such as this one is, above all, a mental exercise, which also encourages better selfunderstanding. It is also a discovering-the-land experience. You need to have a sense of curiosity to discover this desert and really love it to accept all that it makes us endure. Thirst, for instance, is always there. You have to assume this. But it is interesting to see that the simple fear of being thirsty increases the consumption of an unprepared person twice and threefold. The route of this crossing was determined in relation to the rare existing water areas in le Ténéré and le Massif de l’Aïr: four stages of about 200 km, with a 40-L water capacity per stage.

When you are alone in the middle of something so immense, you feel miniscule. When there is a sandstorm that defies imagination, the only way to exist and resist is through humour and selfmockery. Such detachment enabled me to be ‘taken by the Djinns,’ evil spirits that are manifestations of our own fears. After all, in these extreme conditions, the biggest danger is yourself. When dehydration thickens the blood and cannot supply enough of it to the brain, the mind can drift and lose consciousness of things.

On foot, towing my sled, it was impossible to stay in a straight line and not fall into an impassable sandstorm zone. To keep my mind busy during all these hours spent zigzagging, I calculated the distance I had travelled using Pythagoras’s theorems. To boost my morale, I visualized the classes that were following my trek: an educational adventure I was attempting for the first time. Another mental exercise to take my mind off the 50°C temperature (in the shade) was transforming the sand into snow and imagining myself walking on a glacier—and it worked!

During the last stage in l’Aïr, I met a few ‘Little Princes’ who were minding their goats, and nomads that welcomed me warmly into their camps. One of my main motivations in doing these desert immersions was to understand them, to really get close to them and also to alert my mind to this rebellion that no one talks about, this life force, a freedom of choice of one’s destiny. There were so many emotions I felt during this crossing. This might be what keeps the nomads in these inhospitable regions.

Great outdoor adventures

Escape to H2O Island on the Rouge River!

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- White water and sea kayaking courses and outings (beginner and intermediate) - Camp on our private island with access to beach volleyball, hammacks and a sandy beach - Hike to the Seven Sisters waterfalls

For more information, please consult our extensive website or call us at:

514-842-1306

www.aventuresh2o.com

© Courtesy Pierre Schmitt

Come join us on our island paradise with all your friends, or come make new ones!

18 _ Adventura _ Spring 2009 _

www.adventuramag.ca

• The leader in bicycle travel !

• Over 60 destinations in Quebec and around the world

© Courtesy Pierre Schmitt

• 6,000 travellers every year

After the challenge of ice cascades, Pierre Schmitt swapped a vertical snowy world for one that was horizontal and arid. One of his solo crossings, Ténéré à l’Aïr, brought him on the trail of the fascinating Tuareg peoples. pierreschmitt.com

Photos : Didier Bertrand, Jacques Sennechael

Route, reservations, baggage transportation, meal planning, mechanical assistance: we take care of all that so you can remain as free as the air !

514-521-8356 • 1-800-567-8356, ext. 506

www.explorebybike.com

Biking across the Americas

Martine Hubert | 46 years old | Architecture Professor A word of advice: don’t put off your trip because you are waiting to find the right travel companion. I did that for a long time, until I decided to make the trip solo, which was really a revelation. To me, biking is the best way to meet people and get a sense of the area. You are regarded as a special visitor, rather than an ordinary tourist. You experience cherished, memorable moments, and you are rarely alone. Elderly ladies came to chat with me when I stopped in one of the villages. They probably would not have had this same rapport with a guy or a couple of travellers.

There were a bit more logistics involved in this trip, such as certain medications or spare parts that I wasn’t sure I could get in all of the countries on the crossing. But 80 per cent of my preparation came down to a state of mind.

Ever since I started going on solo expeditions, I realized it isn’t muscles but a fully working mind that can get you out of tough situations. I tried to anticipate what I might face; in case I was robbed, I had a plan B, a crate with another bike ready to be sent. But there is always the unexpected.

© Courtesy Martine Huber

After an attack in Ecuador, I had to learn to manage fear, stress and doubts.

My itinerary forced me to ride alone along isolated routes. When I reached Peru, I still had feelings of insecurity. I had never felt this type of fear, this sense of weakness. But it enabled me to see that I had the strength to go on, in spite of everything. Being given the time to come to grips with my emotions during the hours I spent pedalling the bike, I think that gave me a certain resilience.

Many cyclists that go on a long trip leave everything behind, with no thought about the return. I love what I do in life, and I know what’s waiting for me every time I return home. It is never the ultimate trip; I know that there will be others. Meeting people, leaving, sharing simple moments, and experiencing an everyday life that has meaning: this is my vision of a trip.

Crossing of the three Americas was a dream. I would never have gone when I was in my 20s. But this time, I felt I had enough confidence and experience to go. Apart from a few bad incidents, it was a marvellous part of my life.

For 13 months, through the people I met everywhere I went, I was able to strike up a relationship with the local communities. It was an enriching experience, a time of discovery. The trip also brought me face-to-face with my own limitations.

I know that I will go again somewhere far away for a long time on my bike.

There are very few things that are unachievable.

© Courtesy Martine Huber

Martine Hubert is an avid enthusiast of long canoe, skiing and biking trips.

Her last such solo crossing, which she called, “One girl, two wheels, three Americas” took her to Alaska and the Land of Fire glacier, from July 7 to mid-Aug. 2008. sortiepleinair.com/123

20 _ Adventura _ Spring 2009 _

www.adventuramag.ca

Walking across the Pyrenees

Frédéric Jullien | 36 years old | Mountain Guide

The appeal of discovery is what motivated me to explore the obscure trails of the Pyrenees. I went alone because it wasn’t easy to find a travel companion that wanted to walk in the mountains for two months. As the trip went along, I came to realize how enriching it was going solo. Alone, you become as free as the air. I planned for my solo trip using topographical maps, tracing an itinerary I thought I would follow. But definitely the adventure itself is what traces the route, taking into consideration the vagaries of weather, the situation at hand, and the advice of the sheepherders.

© Courtesy Éditions Le Fournelte

Solo, you can go to the end of the earth, but only if you have a good feeling about yourself. And that’s exactly the reason for making such a trip: learning to rely only on yourself and to gain self-confidence. At no time was this trip ever a constraint for me. I held up and got through the days by only thinking about tomorrow’s discoveries. You get acclimated to the altitude; you just have to refrain from doing too much at the start of the journey. The storms weren’t a problem. Just the opposite, in fact. The landscape changes; the lights take on unique hues. This is when the photos are the nicest. Then there was the solitude. This was something I did not overcome. I liked it and I regret it.

I think you have to give yourself some time to handle solitude. When I first got there, I missed everything: friends and loved ones, music, nice meals and the comfort of a canapé. Then I started talking with my inner self, with whom I had become a very close friend. I listened to the noises made by nature, animals, and the music of silence. My stomach shrank, and so did my needs. By the time I had been there for two weeks, I felt as though I had been cleansed of the artificiality of our sedentary lives.

A lover of freedom and open spaces, Jullien made the trek across the Pyrenees and the Atlas (Morocco) before travelling through the heart of the Mauritania Sahara.

The last night I was there, I remember camping by the ocean. I rediscovered its odours and the noises of humanity, an infernal racket to my ears that had become accustomed to the silence of the altitudes. A deep sense of bitterness came over me that last evening because I could not go on any longer: there were no more mountains, nothing but waves as far as the eye could see. For a fleeting moment, the temptation was there: What if I set out in the other direction to prolong this state of grace? But the trip had to end there. My family was waiting for me and I was happy to get back to them after 55 days of solitude. This solo trek remains a unique experience for me.

On my other trips, I never rediscovered this incredible harmony, this magical balance that only the solitude of the high altitudes can offer.

MIND & BODY

(UN)HAPPY HOMECOMING

Š Andrew Penner

Culture shocked in your own city? Homesick in your own house?

THE CASE OF POST-TRIP BLUES IS PROBABLY MORE COMMON THAN YOU THINK. Learn how it happens and how to cope.

by Elsa Burette

22 _ Adventura _ Spring 2009 _

www.adventuramag.ca

“We use the term shock because, first and foremost, it is managing a crisis,” explains Madeleine Hallé, a psychologist with Cirque du Soleil. “Reintegrating ourselves into the usual routines, which we figured would come naturally, creates some very intense emotion reactions.”

Claude Bérubé and Diane Saint-Hilaire spent eight years sailing their boat from the coasts of South America to the Antilles. They did this until the expiration of their insurance forced them to return to Canada. “When we got back, we weren’t familiar with anything,” remarks Bérubé. “The television shows, music, clothes—not even the cars. Cell phones and the Internet were everywhere.

It was a bigger cultural shock here than it was landing on an island in the Caribbean! I felt like I didn’t even know my own community anymore.”

Psychologist Marc Doucet says, “The longer you spend in a different cultural environment, and especially if you’ve involved yourself strongly in your home away from home, the bigger the shock is when you return home.”

As the traveller tirelessly relives his or her adventures, the weeks following the arrival are euphoric with the joys of catching up with friends and family.

The end of this idyllic period coincides with the shock of the return. It’s the return to reality, so to speak.

“You have to know how to put a springboard between the trip and the return to daily life,” says Hallé. “The important thing is to fill the void from the trip with things that make you happy.” Keeping up your blog or journal after you come back is a way of sharing your emotions, while continuing to cast a curious eye on the world. Whether you are here or there, the adventure continues. © Joshua Blake

travel is associated with change and discovery (we tend to mentally prepare for cultural shock when heading to another city or country), the return is too often regarded as something that’s easy to do. After being abroad for months, sometimes even years, travellers sometimes experience a kind of shock after coming home that is characterized by a loss of one’s bearings, combined with feelings of negativity.

WELCOME BACK 5 tips for a smoother return After three years living in Papua, New Guinea, Margie Warrell (who was seven months pregnant at the time) went through a shock syndrome after she returned to Melbourne. Today, she counsels people going through similar experiences.

1 2 3 4 5

Don’t criticize. People around you will not benefit by knowing you’ve had better life experiences elsewhere.

Reflect. Listen to your feelings, but don’t let yourself be consumed by them. Accept the fact you may not be the same person anymore.

Be positive. Instead of focusing on something that is beyond your reach, be grateful for this opportunity that life has offered you, and that you were able to take advantage of it.

Be prepared. After a couple of weeks, your trip will no longer be a topic of great conversation. If need be, find other places where you can express your feelings, such as Internet blogs, forums, etc.

Be patient. You need some time to readjust your life and integrate this new experience into it.

Adapted from Margie Warrell, Motivator and Author of Find Your Courage! (Synergy Books)

Adventura _ Spring 2009 _ www.adventuramag.ca _ 23

GEAR

SPRING FEVER

by Elsa Burette and Jean-Sébastien Massicotte

As the days grow longer and the sun gets more intense, here are some hot ideas for keeping your cool this season.

Toe Stopper Inspired by a rather funny idea, sock maker Injinji offers “gloves for the toes.” They say their innovative concept promotes the strengthening of the feet and leg muscles. To boot, by keeping the toes separated, chances are you won’t get as many blisters. The rainbow series features ecofabric made from partly recycled material.

Injinji CoolMax EcoTech socks | $19 | injinji.com

Chic Shirts In Horny Toad’s quest to create ecological products, the company launched the DynoSoar fabric, made of 85 per cent recycled polyester and 15 per cent organic cotton. Used in the Cayo shirt and Yanonali tank top, the eco-happy material feels just like cotton, but with faster-drying properties.

Horny Toad Caya t-shirt (men’s) : $67 Yanonali tank (women’s) : $60 hornytoad.com

Rain Warrior The Aegis rain jacket and the Strato use an innovative membrane (MemBrain Strata) to create a fully waterproof fabric that’s still lets you breathe. It also has a lined collar that is 100 per cent seam-taped, as well hand-warmer pockets and an adjustable hood. You’ll be singing in the rain.

Marmot Aegis (men’s) or Strato (women’s) rain jackets | $174 | marmot.com

Fancy Pants Developed with endurance sports enthusiasts in mind, these shorts won’t let you down on those long, hot summer outings. A stretch waistband never feels tight, while the secure back pockets keep energy essentials close at hand.

Unique feature: the integrated brief is treated with Chitosan, an odour-eliminating, anti-bacterial treatment derived from shrimps. Strange, but true.

Mountain Hardwear Refueler | $60 moutainhardwear.com

Short Order Known for its travel clothing, ExOfficio’s new athletic shorts are ready for land or water. Lightweight and flexible, they also provide 30-plus UV protection.

Exofficio Nio Amphi Skim’r shorts | $90 | exofficio.com

Material Girl The Escala Capri—designed for climbing, yoga, or a sprint to the grocery store—is made of a soft textile that wicks away moisture. With a low waist and oversized waistband, this three-quarter-length pant is made for action and style.

Arc’teryx Escala Capri pants | $70 | arcteryx.com

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Soft Touch Patagonia is extending its merino wool collection with the ultra-thin Wool 1 line. By bringing out a jersey knit blend of 63 per cent chlorine-free merino wool (the core of which is polyester), the California company aims to cut the bad and enhance the good of pure wool. The result? It’s lighter, sturdier, dries 50 per cent faster, and is odour-resistant.

You can wear the Wool 1 t-shirt and tank all year long. Yes, even in summer.

Patagonia Wool 1 t-shirt | $93 (men’s) | $81 (women’s) | patagonia.com

Skort Notice While the idea of combining a skirt and shorts isn’t new, female runners are embracing the ‘skort’ with much enthusiasm. This lightweight model is made of polyester and comes with a zippered security pocket for your keys or credit card.

Outdoor Research Expressa skort | $60 | outdoorresearch.com

© Potapov Alexander

d a o l r u o y n e t h g i l o t ways t-Jean

S

by Louis

Tent For Two Not only is this tent a three-season, mobile shelter for two people, it also boasts a reasonable space/weight ratio. Whereas most featherweight tents lack in resistance and durability, the Mirage is super-strong, as well as spacious and easy to set up. It’s only drawback is there’s only one door. But since this model is ingeniously designed on the side, you can step inside and take off your boots without disturbing your ‘roommate’.

Black Diamond Mirage tent | $370 | bdel.com

Sweet Dreams Marmot’s Ultralight sleeping bags are heavyweights when it comes to quality. You’ve got it all with non-tear nylon, 850-plus down, and a breathable, waterproof shell. You’ll sleep like a baby!

Marmot sleeping bags | Hydrogen, -1°C, $392 | Helium, -9°C, $453 | marmot.com

Watch Your Back Sure, at 2.52 kg per 70 L, you could find a lighter pack. But because of its ingenious suspension system, the Baltoro makes it seem as if you’re not wearing a backpack at all.

Other features include conveniently placed pockets with multiple access, a durable bottom panel, hideaway water bottle holder, dual hydration ports and sleeve, and waterresistant zippers. With this size, you’ll also be able to hold a whole week’s worth of stuff for your favourite trails.

Gregory Baltoro backpack | $354 | gregorypacks.com

Fancy Feet The backpacking shoes provide great comfort with bi-directional ankle support, Gore-Tex lining and a Comfort-Flex midsole. Your well-protected toes down to your happy heels will be grateful for the shockabsorbing, lightweight soles by Vibram. Each shoe weighs a mere 630 g.

Scarpa Kailash GTX shoes | $227 | scarpa.com

Stick To It Trekking with poles is known to burn more calories. Made of carbon, these 240 g, lightas-air poles are adjustable in three sections. Equipped with an anti-shock suspension, they feature, among other things, a positive angle, thermo compact grip.

Leki Carbonlite Antishock poles | $245 | leki.com

Drink Fast With its slender design, this hydration pack is ideal for adventure racing or intense cardiovascular outings. Despite weighing only 0.6 kg, it can hold 2 L of water. It also has an insulated reservoir pocket to lock in freshness. Well-designed stash pockets are strategically placed for easy access to that energy bar.

Camelbak Octane hydration pack | $74 | camelbak.com 7:L;DJKH7 T HEG>C< '%%. T lll#VYkZcijgVbV\#XV T 25

French connection

POWER TRIP

Experience the tropics in Karukera, Guadeloupe â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a piece of France in the Caribbean

by Elsa Burette

26 _ Adventura _ Spring 2009 _

www.adventuramag.ca

the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, the Guadeloupe archipelago is comprised of a string of French islands nestled in the heart of the tropics. Seen from above, the islands of Basse-Terre and Grande-Terre form the wings of a butterfly named Karukera, which means “the island with the beautiful waters.”

In the central part of Basse-Terre Island, Guadeloupe’s National Park can be explored the way you want: through an organized tour or completely autonomous.

To discover the nuances, we decided to go with Daniel, a guide well versed in nature, with calf muscles to prove he had considerable experience hiking over the Caribbean trails.

Mountain trails Guadeloupe National Park, which has existed since 1989, is covered by 17,300 ha of luxurious rainforest. Basse-Terre is the island’s most mountainous region, with the highest peak (the Soufriere volcano) reaching 1,467 m. To reach the mountaintop, we took a rugged trail that lasted about an hour. As sulphurous fumes from the still-active volcano billowed behind us, an opening in the clouds allowed us a unique overview of the main forest.

From the base of the volcano, we hiked to the Citerne, a perfectly formed crater that served as the starting point for our afternoon trek. In Guadeloupe, the trails are called ‘traces’. The one that Daniel chose for us was truly an adventure. The road was a veritable mudslide that plunged into a jungle of branches, vines and roots. The descent, he assured us, would be much easier than the ascent!

Upon reaching the Galion River, named in the 17th century by Spanish buccaneers that had come to trade with the Caribbean aboriginals, we transferred to a cascade using a rope embedded into the rock. Then it was on to the Bains Jaunes, a pool of geothermal water, where, after a three-hour walk, we dove right in.

In the middle of the park are the three Carbet Falls, which are among the most impressive in the Antilles. The second one is easily accessible by a completely renovated trail. While this spot is very touristy, the magnificence of seeing these falls in the middle of the rainforest (it receives up to 10 m of rain a year!) is well worth visit. More intrepid hikers tackle the first falls, accessible from the base of the second falls or from the top by the Col de l'Échelle; the cascade has a spectacular drop of 115 m. It may be tricky getting to the top, but the view is priceless.

Sensing our enthusiasm, Daniel had something special in store for us the day we went to the Moreau Falls, which has fewer visitors but is just as breathtaking.

Setting out from Goyave, we followed the Douville forest route to the Moreau trail.

THE BEST Hiking in the heart of the rainforest at the Moreau Falls THE WORST The legendary ‘island rhythm’ that makes every outing unique – and rich with improvisation!

THE WEIRDEST Crossing the Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin lagoon using the handlebars of a sea-bike

From there, the falls were just four kilometres away, “on the wings of a bird”, added our guide with a broad smile. In the rainforest, you should always be sure to wear waterproof clothing—and never rely on any distance as measured by our feathered friends! In the hot, steamy air, the ‘trace’ zigzagged along a tumultuous waterway (which we crossed eight times) in the middle of dense undergrowth.

Several cascades marked the route to the Racoon Ravine, a 100-m drop that plunged into a natural water pool. We got back to the car about five hours later, drenched, covered in mud and absolutely ecstatic!

BEFORE YOU GO

The coastal ‘traces’ Over the next few days, we left our ‘green oasis’ for the ‘big blue’. A major part of the coast is home to a trail dating back to the 17th century. Every stretch unveiled distinctive landscapes. This was also true of the trail linking La Mahaudière and

Length: At least 7 days!

“The ‘trace’ zigzagged along a tumultuous waterway.”

La Porte d'Enfer d’Anse Bertrand, which had sculpted capes and steep cliffs, against which the waves violently crashed. There were also geysers, sprouts of water formed by waves rushing into the sedimentary rock, and then exploding upward from the pressure. It felt as though there was a whale trapped underneath our feet.

The archaeological park Des Roches Gravées on the commune of Trois-Rivières, is another departure point when the park is open. In the midst of chaotic volcanic rock and tropical flowers, the Arawaks Indians, the island’s first inhabitants in the year 300, have stone-carved petroglyphs. The trail then extends through a dense forest before crossing the La Coulisse River.

On the ocean It’s impossible to explore the Guadeloupe National Park without enjoying into the water! While the waves that break on the Côte-au-Vent provide great surfing sites, Daniel had his own way of letting us discover the Grand Cul-de-Sac Marin natural reserve. Supplied with pontoons and powered by a propeller, the “sea bike” is a Guadeloupe invention. Seated on our crafts, we pedalled on the tranquil waters of the lagoon enclosed by mangroves and the longest coral reef in the Antilles (30 km long). The islets are a nesting place for turtles and assorted bird species, including balbuzard pêcheurs (fish hawks), sterns, frégates, pelicans and grey rails, the latter defined by their long, curved beaks, making it easier to find crabs and worms.

Afterward, we headed to Pigeon Island for a weekend of diving. The most popular sites, 800 m off the shores of Malendure Beach, have evocative names, such as La Piscine (where baptisms are performed), Le Jardin de Corail (less deep, but very rich in corals and tropical fish), and L’Aquarium (warm waters filled with crustaceans and turtles).

Our journey concluded at Port Louis where we were greeted by the welcoming beats of a steel band. On this final night, we treated ourselves to a feast of stuffed crab, ouassous (giant shrimp) and grilled daurades, washed down by rum punch made with cane syrup and a zest of lemon. (Here, you don’t have sugar shacks, you have rum shacks!) It was a perfect ending to a perfect trip.

Destination: Guadeloupe Activities: Trekking, swimming, sea-biking, nature discovery

When: During the dry season from November to May. The trade winds are refreshing and the temperatures are pleasant, around 24°C during the day and 19°C at night. You might run into some rain, particularly in the mountains.

Getting there: From Toronto, Air Canada has regular departures to Pointe-à-Pitre with a stopover in Montreal, from which the flight is 4 hr., 50 min.

Budget: There is no designated camping area, or any place of refuge on the island, but wild camping is allowed. Expect to pay between $70 and $150 per day, per person, depending on the accommodations you select (try the Creole cabins) and whether or not you rent a car.

Currency: Euro Official language: French. The Guadeloupians also speak Creole.

FYI: Tourist and hiking maps are sold on site. Find out information on the state of watercourses (floods, mudslides) by checking with the Club des Montagnards (clubdesmontagnards.com), the oldest hiking club in France.

For more: lesilesdeguadeloupe.com • guadeloupe-parcnational.com

Canot-camping La Vérendrye • Vast wilderness of 13,615 sq. km.

• 4,000 lakes to explore by canoe or sea kayak • 2,000 km of routes to paddle

Photo: Fanie Clavette

• 550 campsites accessible only by water • Rental of all canoe-camping and kayak-camping gear • Groups and families are welcome

Mid-may to mid-september (819) 435-2331 Mid-september to Mid-may (514) 252-3001 info@canot-camping.ca

www.canot-camping.ca

Ask an EXPERT

BE YOUR OWN

PERSONAL TRAINER If you can’t afford to hire a pro, you’re not alone.

But there are still ways to take charge of your fitness routine. Two kinesiologists give us the basic tools for successful at-home training. Here are their insider tips.

by Mélanie Lamontagne and Daniel Paré LEARN THE LINGO To properly define your needs, you must first understand the factors that determine physical conditioning.

Body condition Body mass index (BMI) is a measurement that compares a person’s weight and height; it does not require special equipment. BMI is based on the principle that a person’s weight must be proportional to their height. It does not, however, apply to certain people, such as children, the elderly, pregnant women, and so on. A BMI that is too high or too low is a known risk factor for a number of health problems.

Aerobic capacity This is the highest amount of oxygen your body can consume during sustained exercise. Good aerobic capacity shows that the heart-lungs system is functioning efficiently. Your heart rate is the key indicator of aerobic capacity.

BODY MASS INDEX

To calculate your BMI, divide your weight in kilos by your height in square metres. For example, the BMI of a person that weighs 59 kg and is 1.60 m tall is calculated like this: 59 / (160)2 = 23. To figure out your own BMI, go to numbersinaflash.com/bmi-calculator Muscular endurance When your muscles do continuous work over a long period of time (as in cross-country or downhill skiing) this tests your muscular endurance. This component allows a person to withstand the physical demands of daily activities and improve their overall performance. It is developed by intense exercise, repeated more than 15 times. You should devote at least 30 minutes per week to such activities.

Muscle strength This deals with the ability to generate maximum muscular tension. Choose exercises that will work your arms, legs and trunk. Then resume these exercises, this time targeting the opposite muscle groups, i.e. first the front, then the back of the arms. Each exercise must be done in two or three sets of at least 15 repetitions, twice a week.

© iStock

Flexibility Ideally, this is done after your warm-up and after performing a physical activity. From yoga to basic stretching exercises, the important thing is to hold stretching positions for at least 15 seconds. This should be done a minimum of three times a week.

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[ Basic Principles] Now that you’ve got the right moves, make sure you work them to the max. presents

Adaptation Select your activities according to your objectives. That is, adapt your specific exercises to meet your goals. For example, if you want to improve muscle strength in your arm, lift weights!

Overload Training sessions should have enough intensity to bring on fatigue, but you must also

4th edition

allow your body sufficient rest time to recover. Overload requires that you choose the intensity and duration of a physical activity, along with the frequency of doing it. For example, doing 30 minutes of jogging twice a week, plus maintaining a pulse rate between 160 and 180 beats per minute.

Progressive overload Over time, your body will begin to get used to its training load. To continuously respect the principle of overload, you have to gradually increase the duration, intensity and frequency of your workouts. This can be achieved, for example, by increasing the original length of your activity by five minutes each week.

Variety Feel free to mix up your training activities and coincide them with the seasons: go kayaking in the summer and skiing in the winter. Variety is good for the system because it forces the body to adapt to different stimuli.

Reversibility Be careful: being inactive can counteract any progress you’ve already made. Opt instead to maintain your level with a training program that is reduced in frequency and duration but similar in intensity. For example, go from four to two runs per week or reduce your total running time by 10 minutes but maintain the speed gained in previous training sessions.

Maintenance

A maintenance session prevents reversibility and sustains your degree of development. It is called for when the other areas of your life (work, family, etc.) do not allow you to put as much time as you had hoped into your physical conditioning program.

Individualization Everyone’s body is unique and responds differently to a specific training activity. So it is impossible to predict the results and efforts required to achieve results by comparing one person to another.

Balanced lifestyle

To maintain or develop your physical condition, training is just one element in a well-balanced program. Along with a physical stimulus, the human body needs quality nutrition and adequate rest periods. If one of these elements is lacking, your overall development could suffer as a result.

PRIVATE GYM 5 home essentials

may 2009

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SPRINT TRIATHLON SWIMMING [750 M] / CYCLING [20 KM] / RUNNING [5 KM] TRY-A-TRY SWIMMING [300 M] / CYCLING [8 KM] / RUNNING [3.3 KM] OLYMPIC DUATHLON RUNNING [10 KM] / CYCLING [40 KM] / RUNNING [5 KM] DO-A-DU RUNNING [3.3 KM] / CYCLING [8 KM] / RUNNING [1.6 KM]

Running on the Parc Jean-Drapeau trail Cycling on the Circuit Gilles-Villeneuve NEW! Swimming at the beach in Parc Jean-Drapeau

1 Logbook Use this as a tool for your long-term training.

2 Uncluttered space Set aside a special place in the house just for sports. The time and energy required to ‘set up’ can sometimes be an excuse to avoid training.

Race manager: Pierre Svartman

3 Mat, bench, chair or ball Many exercises are done on the floor. Avoid using a bed mattress, which is often too soft to provide adequate support. While a sturdy chair does the trick, an exercise ball offers many more options. Keep in mind though that the instability sometimes takes some getting used to.

4 Elastic bands and weights For muscle strength and endurance, your body has to put out a considerable amount of force. Since muscles can force against anything, elastic bands are a viable option for people that don’t have the space or are on a limited budget.

5 Outdoor space To rid yourself of anything that might hinder your training, take your workouts outdoors! In doing so, make sure you have the necessary clothing to do aerobic sports all year long, regardless of the weather conditions!

INFO AND REGISTRATION triathlondesiles.com • 514-277-3477 #34 Adventura _ Spring 2009 _ www.adventuramag.ca _ 29

© Paul Villecourt / outdoor-reporter.com

Last call

Andrew Holcomb is waiting for the bus in Jalcomulco, in the state of Veracruz, Mexico.

Every year, this professional kayaker from North Carolina spends a full month in this village on the shores of the Antigua River. ‘Jalco’ is the Mexican capital of water sports, with 25 rafting companies and 110 river guides. Whereas a typical Mexican barely earns 100 pesos a day ($9 Cdn), a river guide can make up to 1,200 pesos ($107 Cdn) with three descents daily. Anything to end the urge of illegal immigration to the United States! In Jalcomulco, the water-sports community also provides work for many other villagers: cooks, artisans, merchants, as well as the bus driver who is about to bring Andrew to the raging waters of the Antigua.

– Paul Villecourt, photographer

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free admission Over 100 exhibitors under the marquees Challenges of both the friendly and the competitive kind Unique dynamic structures Thematic zones Workshops and conferences Demonstrations and field trials And much more!

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EPIC vintage cap with leather backstrap

PANTHEON SPEED breathable low cut multi-sport

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STORM lightweightt waterproof hable shell breathable

MERIDIAN quick-dry hiking pants