Be prepared Careful planning needed for enjoyable canoe trip Winnipeg Free Press Saturday, June 14 2003 By RoseAnna Schick Winnipeg writer and outdoorswoman RoseAnna Schick begins a two-part primer on canoeing in Manitoba. This week, Schick offers tips on planning your canoe trip and what you will need to take to make the outing safe and enjoyable. IS the ringing of cell phones distracting you from the singing of birds? Can't see the forest through the boardrooms and business deals? If you'd love to get back to nature but don't have time for it, consider a short paddling trip. Spending a few days witnessing the world from the seat of a canoe is a well-deserved break from daily routine. Not only will it leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated, but will also go a long way to slow your hectic lifestyle and satiate that craving for the outdoors. There are more than 100,000 lakes and rivers in Manitoba, which means endless opportunities for canoeing. According to Catherine Senecal at Travel Manitoba, there is something in the province for every paddling enthusiast. "Compared to the rest of Canada and the US, we still have many rivers and lakes here that are essentially undeveloped and pristine, so you can have a very remote wilderness experience if that's what you're looking for," says Senecal. "With thousands of kilometres of diverse waterways, you'll find everything from quiet flat-water lakes to wet and wild rivers. So you have plenty of choice, whether you want to go on a day trip with your family, or embark on a multi-week journey." Canoe trips don't have to be lengthy to provide a satisfying wilderness experience. There are dozens of recreation and wilderness routes that can be done in just a few days, and easily accessible within a short drive from Winnipeg. With a little advance planning and preparation, the rewards to be reaped are well worth the effort. Manitoba's canoeing season typically runs from May to September. The adventure begins with selecting your route. This depends on many factors including the skill-level of participants, degree of difficulty on the waterways, ease of route access and egress, and the amount of time you have available. Considering an average travel distance might be 15 to 20 kilometre a day -- less depending on portages and other obstacles, more depending on speed of current and strength of paddlers -- you'll want to find a route that can be completed within your allotted timeframe. Other things to consider when choosing a route are the presence of natural attractions, and cultural and historical significance. Manitoba Conservation sells illustrated canoe route maps, hand-drawn by award-winning artist Real Berard. These maps offer detailed sketches of waterways and a wealth of information including notes on interesting places, and cultural and historical references and anecdotes. They also sell topographical maps, which are needed for scale and navigational purposes. If you are venturing out into the wild, it's important to have an accurate map showing the complete route. It's also a good idea to leave copies of your maps and trip itinerary behind, so someone knows where you are. Since there is currently no formal structure for backcountry permits and fees, and no registration system in place, canoe trippers are pretty much on their own. There are a few places to get useful information to help with choosing a route and trip planning. Travel Manitoba has a variety of booklets, handouts and guides available, including the Great Outdoor Adventure Guide. Through the Parks and Natural Areas branch, Manitoba Conservation distributes a free prep kit as a resource for those planning their own canoe trip. "We put together each package individually, depending on the kind of information people are requesting," says spokeswoman Jocelyne Ouimet. "We try to provide resources that are relevant, with important things people need to be aware of." The prep kit packages offer a variety of relevant materials referencing specific routes and regional characteristics, along with more general information about things like food and water, insects and wildlife, outdoor survival, emergency situations and what to bring. If you are prepared to expect the unexpected, you'll be better apt to deal with unpredictable elements and the stresses of a difficult day. This means having appropriate gear. If at all possible, your packs should be waterproof. Whether they contain clothing/personal items, food, or other supplies, you'll want things to remain dry for the duration of the trip. If your packs are not waterproof, line them with waterproof pack liners -- good old garbage bags work well for this. Your tent should also be water resistant, with a fly that covers over the top. A vestibule is also handy, as a place to store shoes and other items in case of overnight rains. Bring a plastic tarp to put down underneath the floor of the tent. This will keep you dry should the ground become wet. You should also ensure your food is kept dry. All non-canned food items should be bagged (or double-bagged) in plastic baggies. Even when your food pack is waterproof, things happen -- packs get left open, packs leak. Prepare for the unexpected. Further to food. Plan menus in advance covering each meal. Add a few extra meals, in case bad weather or other obstacles slow you down. Choose foods with good nutritional value, since paddling and portaging demands a lot of physical activity, and also foods that are non-perishable and lightweight. Things like rice, pasta, beans, lentils, dried fruit, and freeze-dried meat and veggies are good options. For preparing meals, either bring a grill and cook over the campfire (providing there are no fire bans in the area -- check with Manitoba Conservation before you go), or use a portable camping stove. Either way, have enough matches (wrapped in baggies and stored in a waterproof container) and/or fuel with you, and other items needed for cooking and meals (pots, pans, utensils, plates, cups). Time is of the essence; consider planning lunches that can be eaten on the go, rather than stopping to cook in the middle of your day. Include things like crackers or rice cakes, peanut butter and jam, dried fruit, raisins, trail mix, and cheese. Chocolate is also a good treat, especially on days when your spirits might be down. Other things to take include a first aid kit, handsaw, toilet paper (make sure you burn it - do not leave it in the woods), biodegradable dish-soap, and water treatment supplies. It's important to stay hydrated by drinking a lot of water, without running the risk of becoming sick. Water treatment could be in the form of chemical drops, water filter systems, or boiling for at least three minutes. The 'unwritten rules' of any canoe trip are to stay safe and be comfortable. According to David Pancoe, certified canoe guide with Northern Soul Wilderness Adventures, choice of clothing can make or break your trip. "Your comfort is directly related to the clothing that you choose, so be prepared for the elements," says Pancoe. "Just about anything can happen - I've been on trips in September where it actually snowed - so insulating value is important." Wool or fleece garments are best for layering up on cold days, as they maintain insulating qualities even when wet. On the other hand, cotton does not. While warm when dry, cotton draws heat away from your body when wet or damp, so leave the cotton at home. Remember: denim, as in blue jeans, is made of cotton. "Good raingear is absolutely essential, and you'll also want to think about clothing that dries quickly when wet, like nylon," explains Pancoe. "Proper clothing will ensure that your vacation doesn't turn into a survival exercise." In addition to being prepared for too much rain, bring a hat and lightweight long-sleeve shirt to guard against too much sun. And don't forget proper footwear -- one pair of 'dry' shoes for around the campsite, and another pair of 'wet' shoes (water sandals and/or hiking boots) for daytime travels. Remember, you may need to portage, so make sure your shoes are sturdy and comfortable. Other clothing items include shorts, t-shirts, pants, long underwear, bathing suit, toque, mittens, and lots of wool socks. Again, leave those cotton socks at home. Personal items include toiletries (toothbrush, toothpaste, biodegradable soap, lip balm, moisturizer), insect repellent, sunscreen, sunglasses, pocketknife, flashlight or headlamp, and water bottle. For recreation, you might include a camera, binoculars, a journal, a good book, and a deck of cards. Musical instruments are also fun, provided you don't mind if they get wet. Finally, don't forget your sleeping bag and camping pad/mattress. Next week: So now that you're all packed and ready, where do you go? [email protected] Canoe facts * Always show respect for the wilderness. This means travelling and camping with as little impact as possible -- using deadfall for firewood as opposed to cutting down trees, completely extinguishing your campfires, and taking all of your garbage with you. Less impact today ensures our wilderness will be there for everyone to enjoy tomorrow. * The front seat of the canoe is called the bow, and the rear seat is called the stern. Paddlers should stroke on opposite sides, with the canoe steered from the stern. * Did you know you can comfortably travel with three people per canoe? If you put the gear/packs directly in front of the stern seat, a third person can sit on the floor of the canoe directly behind the bow seat. This position is sometimes called the 'duffer.' * When in unpredictable waters, always wear your lifejacket -- because it's better to be safe than sorry. |