Recent content by Aslowhand

Besides canoeing, I have many other interests, often small projects like sharpening and refinishing axes or identifying as many different birds/insects/flowers etc. as possible in one day or some other idea I'm pursuing. I really enjoy playing the guitar, even though I'm not particularly good...

Yes, it was quite chilly at times, especially on days with north and northwest winds. Unfortunately, a fire ban had to be imposed on day nine, which made some evenings and mornings a bit frosty. Too cold for skinny dipping. I was very happy Friday, June 13th when the fire ban was revoked. All...

After 29 days out in the boreal forest of Wabakimi Provincial Park, Ontario I arrived at the pick up point June 19th around noon... André

May 22, 2025, Wabakimi, Ontario. At the start of a 4 week trip. (Just got picked up a few hours ago, a trip report might follow, in just a few months or so) André

Spring is here!

First of all, I'd like to express my admiration for Erica's courage and curiosity in visiting a country that certainly isn't at the top of canoeists' favorite destinations. She also had no idea beforehand whether I was a psychopath, an axe murderer, or something similar;). Sometimes, when two...

Since I cook over a fire whenever possible, I bring both... and yes, I've hurt myself before out on a trip, even though I consider myself skilled with an axe. Camp on Funger Lake, Wabakimi using a stick stove

Crown Land is the name for all land owned by the federal or provincial government. The name Crown Land is still used today, as Canada is part of the British Commonwealth. The term Crown Land in essence means Public Land. Crown Land in Canada represents about 89% of Canada's land area, almost 9...

August 1985, Savant River Northern Ontario Rookies having fun shooting a rapid... proud fisherman Pictures were taken by a friend of mine. André

Just to make sure: there's no train service from Thunder Bay to Wabakimi, you have to drive your car up to Armstrong Station, Sioux Lookout or Savant Lake to reach the train. Wabakimi is a real gem! I like it! André

The burlap sack serves only as a cover for a filled water jug. So the tandem canoe that I paddle from the bow seat is perfectly trimmed.

December 31, 2024 ... last paddle of the year... (cold and foggy): January 1, 2025 ... first paddle of the year.... (cold and sunny:)): I have access to soft water almost all year round. I usually paddle there twice a week. Compared to some participants in this forum, I am privileged, which...

Glenn I don't own a drysuit or wetsuit. I only use ordinary warm winter clothes. As I wrote before, I stay close to the shore, not just when it's foggy. If conditions are dicey I don't go. And I have a plan: A: don't tip over B: if I fall in, I'll try to get back into the canoe by self-rescue...

I am glad to still have access to ice free water despite the air temperature being below freezing Because of the fog I paddled mostly near the shore using landmarks for navigation For many people this is just a messy pile of wood for the local beaver family it is their home This morning I...

I started my paddling career in 1980 on the dark side, as some here call it. Back then, here in Switzerland, kayaks were used exclusively for whitewater, maneuvered by a double blade paddle. Only a few 'old farts' at the local canoe club paddled in open canoes on lakes. We laughed at them.*** On...