Open as PDF - the Beaver Canoe Club

Transcription

Beaver Tales
Page 1
Tales from Deep Inside the Den
Volume 30, No. 1
Inside:
February 2006
Next Meeting: February 8, 2006 7:45, Featuring:
New Editor Cleans House 2
Winter Paddling
5
Wildlife on the Seymour 5
30th Anniversary Plans 3
Gossip & Humour
4
...and more!
________________
THRILLING
ANNOUNCEMENTS:
The Beaver website has
been updated! Check it
out. We think you’ll dig it.
Your feedback and contributions are welcome.
AND, the website now accepts online membership
registration for renewals
and new member sign-ups,
including the option of secure online payment. Sign
up without leaving your
chair. Got a free 6 minutes? Do it right now!
www.beavercanoeclub.org
under “membership”. If
you prefer the old paper
system, the mail-in forms
are available as well.
TIME TO RENEW YOUR
CLUB MEMBERSHIP!
Meet Your New Executive:
President
Chris Kovach
Vice President
Leigh Burton
Entertainment Director Brian Otter
Training Director
Carey Robson
Trips Director
Madeline Waring
Newsletter Editor
Dan Burnett
Treasurer
Linda Eng
Membership Director Jim Slade
Secretary
Dave Kilpatrick
604-575-0365
604-583-2246
604-241-4535
604-437-1140
604-888-5814
604-943-2341
604-876-3506
604-322-1979
604-434-5921
After an exciting, though not very nail-biting, election, all of our
executive positions for 2005 have been filled. Many thanks to the
executive for stepping up and contributing to the club. And a loud
tail slap to the executive members who are taking a break after serving in 2005: Karen Lippincott, Cheryl Lewis, Kathleen & Mike Pitt,
Julie Wright, and Margaret Wells!
Beaver Tales is published monthly 11 times a year with a joint Dec/Jan issue. Send submissions by the 15th of the month to:
[email protected] or Beaver Tales, 1152 Skana Drive, Delta, B.C., V4M 2L4
Other mail can be sent to the Club’s official address:
The Beaver Canoe Club, PO Box 72072, RPO Old Orchard Road, Burnaby, BC V5H 4P9
Editor: Dan Burnett
Beaver Tales
President’s Report
Hello Beavers! I was saying
at the meeting that it’s amazing
how quickly we go from winding
down to winding up. I know its
only February but you should be
thinking about River’s week and
about any trips you want to do this
year (give Madeline a call, as she
is looking for input).
We also should thank everyone
who volunteered to fill the vacant
executive positions. It’s easy to be
a member but it’s a commitment to
be a member of the executive and
give back, and that is what deserves our thanks. It is also this
commitment that makes the club
one of the best in the Province.
This reminds me, I was hoping that
this year we could spend even
more time with the Dogwood canoe club. Our numbers have been
dropping, as interest in the sport
seems to be declining and I thought
it might be beneficial if we
“widened our circle” by including
the Dogwoods more. I’ll be sure to
keep you informed as to how I plan
to do this.
Anyways, it is still pretty early in
the year and there is still lots of
time to hone your summer paddling skills with winter paddling
trips so be sure to give me an email
if you want to canoe.
Chris Kovach, President
Page 2
New Editor Cleans House
Within hours of the Beaver Canoe Club elections on
January 11, the newly acclaimed editor, Dan Burnett,
sent the entire Beaver Tales staff packing and hired
all new staff, many of which are rumoured to be family
members. "It's full bore journalism from here on in"
quipped Burnett.
This may not be good news for those with secrets to
hide. The paper has re-hired the notorious muckraking gossip columnist Heddy Wright who has vowed
to find all the buried
skeletons "and that
includes the whole
Chris/Julie thing” says
Heddy.
The Beaver Tales has
also negotiated a contract award winning
investigative reporter
J.J. Strocht, who has
been assigned to go
after "hard news" feature stories. He could
not be reached for
comment, and is apparently already on
assignment.
According to Burnett, the paper is planning to feature
a revolving series of guest editorialists ranging from
grumpy critics of the latest paddling innovations
to controversial industry mavericks.
Burnett may make more enemies than
friends. "The past editors did a great job” commented
Burnett, “but they were a little, um, nice if you ask
me. Kathleen told me she never wanted the Beaver
Tales to stoop to the level of being a scandal rag. I
just chuckled and waved as door behind her swung
shut."
Beaver Tales
Page 3
Social Director’s Report
It takes 2 years to properly function in any executive position: one to figure out what you are supposed to do, then the
second year to actually do it. After my first year as your social director, I now have some ideas about what our social
events should look like. Below, is an agenda for the coming year. I invite your input and participation, and especially
your help.
2005 End of Year Party:
Over 50 of us roared into the night at the 2005 End of Year Party. As with many of Beaver functions, we did not just
attend the event, but we were the event. In trying to recall all the people who helped to make it a success, I had only to
look at the list of attendees, as everyone helped, some in small ways, and some in very big ways. We also received
generous donations from several corporate entities. These are: Western Canoeing, who donated a paddle, a throw bag,
and Canoe Trips of British Columbia by Jack Wainwright; Northwater Rescue Equipment, who donated 5 throw bags;
and Dave Middleton Specialty Boats, who donated a canoe paddle and allowed us to use his
This year will be Beavers’ 30th Annivercompany account for ticket sales.
sary and time for a celebration. Not just a
Snacks for Meetings
big celebration, but a big extravaganza
Those of us who came to the January meeting
might remember enjoying the cookies that Julie
brought in, and being able to wash them down with John and Pat’s wine. I was reminded of years past, when we took
turns bringing a treat, and snacks were a regular part of the break. I am hoping we can bring those days back. At the
February Meeting, I will be seeking a volunteer to bring a small snack for March, and in March, a volunteer to provide
for the April meeting.
Kids Day and Family and Friends BBQ
Our club picnic will be sometime late in the spring. There will be children’s activities, and members will be encouraged to bring their friends. Hot dogs will be provided. We may even get to paddle.
Pig Roast
The pig roast was originally organized by the Kelowna Canoe Club as the concluding event to a mid May weekend of
racing down the flooding Similkameen River. While this race has not been held for a few years, the Beavers have carried on the tradition by having our own pig roast during Rivers Week. This year will be no exception. Somewhere in
the Interior, we will be roasting, carving and serving up a pig at a grand get together. Diners will contribute both a
small fee to cover costs, and a pot luck dish to make the Pig Roast truly worthy of its name.
Adams River Corn Roast
The Corn Roast is another tradition we have been sharing with the
BCRCA and the larger paddling community. If you are planning to
paddle the Adams River on the Labour Day weekend, you’re likely
to be spending one evening trading stories around a pot of boiled
corn. Past years have seen the likes of throw bag contests, door
prizes, movies and slide shows. This year, who knows?
2006 End of Year 30th Anniversary Party
This year will be Beavers’ 30th Anniversary and time for a celebration. Not just a big celebration, but a big extravaganza unrivalled
since our 25th anniversary bash 5 years ago. What kind of party will
we have? Where will we have it? What do we want to see and hear?
What do we want to do? The end of the year may now seem distant,
but plans, reservations, and preparations have a way of creeping up.
Bring your ideas to a meeting. Talk to one of the executive. Call
me. Give your input. Volunteer.
David Westell
Beaver Tales
RUMOURS & SECRETS
By Heddy Wright
A new year can mean only one thing! A fresh, clean notebook for
all the whispers out there!
I mean, what is with this whole Monica thing, anyways? I asked
Claude and he claimed he knew nothing. Right!
I think I can hear the pitter-patter already.
Which brings me to the
question of pending nuptials. Is 2006 the year, you
two? You know who you
are!
And did you notice that look
on Pat’s face on the Seymour? That boy just can’t
keep a secret. I was just
saying to Chris the other day that the big day can’t be far off. The
way he acted, like he didn’t know what I was talking about, told
me everything I needed to know!
Whew! That’s the scoop from Heddy this month. Remember, you
heard it here first!
Page 4
Man's Romantic Advice Same as
His Paddling Tips
Langley, BC -- Friends report that local welder
Kelly Hinds has markedly
similar advice on both relationships and canoeing.
"You need to start with a
good line, but you need to
always be prepared with a
Plan B" said Hinds to his
friends at a local pub.
"But you can't go into it
scared or tentative.
That'll get you dumped for
sure. You've got to get a
confident attitude.".
Hind's friends noted that
he hasn't had a date or
made it down a river in
six years.
Beaver Tales
Page 5
Lower Seymour River
The raindrops decided to take a long enough
break to allow the Lower Seymour to come
down to a reasonable level on January 15th.
So, I made the long awaited trek to the put in
to meet up with a few other Beavers. It
seemed ages since I had last got my canoe
wet. And amazingly enough, the sun even
sent a few rays to shine upon Pat, Chris,
Julie, Dave Middleton and I as we paddled
this bouncy run. Part way down the river we
had a rare wildlife sighting – we spotted an
Otter! Was it a river otter or sea otter???
Hmm…. It was a Brian Otter! who was accompanied by Karyn. What a pleasant surprise! After a brief hello, we carried on to a
takeout I had not used before - the Kayak business had graciously allowed us to use their place today. It
was wonderful getting my boat wet again and the river was a perfect level. Both the rock and bridge gauges
were at a “3”. I am looking forward to my next paddle.
Madeline
Winterth paddling – 15 January 2006
It is the 15 of January and rain has fallen every day since December 19th - 27 straight days – but it is not raining now.
Today there are two separate trips for intrepid winter river paddlers and although the air is balmy the river is cold and
wet.
Karyn and I are up at the crack of dawn and off to the Coquitlam River rendezvous to meet three other boats After 45
minutes sitting in a muddy parking lot at the twin bridges we acknowledge that we are waiting at the wrong spot. We
then sit in traffic for half an hour waiting
for a CN train to move.
The Seymour trip has a group of five
solo boats and where the Coquitlam was
at a pushy level, high and running into
the trees, the Seymour is a ‘3’ and offers
lots of rocks and features for comfortable playing.
Having missed two river options for the
day we head home to the Fraser where
we launch our playboat into the peaceful
river and quietly explore beached logs
and eagles nests on Steveston Island as
giant freighters slip quietly down the
river toward the sea.
That makes three winter paddling events
on a beautiful Sunday and with no rain
the day is especially fine and we do not
break the long standing record of 28
days of rain set back in 1952.
Brian Otter
Beaver Tales
Page 6
Congratulations to
Cheryl Lewis and Jim
Slade on successfully
completing the Lakewater Instructors'
course!
Lakewater Instructor Courses
(Includes Lakewater Paddler levels 1 - 4)
Prerequisites: Participants should have taken a basic paddling Canoe course
and be able to competently solo paddle around a small lake doing the J-stroke.
Course fee includes a one year membership in RCABC, Instructor's Manual and
other course materials.
$385 (add $95 if you require a canoe) Each person requires a canoe every day.
10 % discount for registrations received by February 12, 2006 10 % additional
discount for Beaver Canoe Club members that register by February 12.
Class size: min/max, 5/9
Taught by Master Instructor Carey Robson (604-437-1140)
DATES: Friday March 24 and 31, April 7; 7:30 - 9:30 PM Sat./Sun. March 25, 26,
April 1, 2 & 9; 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM
SAME COURSE OFFERED ON THESE DATES: Wednesday March 22; 9:30 - noon; Theory;
Wednesdays March 29 to May 24; 9:30 AM - 2:30 PM
UPCOMING EVENTS
February 8 Club Meeting: Madeline, John, Donna and Don will
present their pictures and stories of the Lower Stikine River trip
March 8 Club Meeting, Neal Iverson will take us on a two week canoe trip down the enigmatic Nahanni River.
Trip Highlights for 2006—Mark your calendar now!
April 14, 15 & 16
Easter Weekend Campout
April 26, 29, May 6
Basic Paddlers
May 20, 21, 22
Nicola Campout
May 27 & 27
Introduction to Moving Water
June 11
Club BBQ and Kid’s Day
June 24 – July 3
Rivers Week Campout
July 4, 5, 6 & 7
Kettle River Family Trip
August 5, 6 & 7
Wenatchee Campout
September 2, 3 & 4
Adams River Campout
October 7, 8 & 9
Thanksgiving Campout
December
Year-end Party
January 1, 2007
New Year's Polar Bear Paddle
Beaver Tales
Page 1
Let Springtime Paddling Begin!
Volume 30, No. 2
Inside:
2
Postcard from Costa Rica 2
Budget Proposal
3
2006 Training Dates
4
Gossip & Humour
4
Running the Cows! A
Report and Invitation
5
...and more!
Notice Board
6
Trips & Events
7
________________
This is the month when
the club calendar really
gets rolling. Take advantage and get a fast
start on your paddling
and plans for 2006.
Be sure to renew and
encourage new members! They can check
us out & register at
Beaver Canoe Club Executive:
President
Vice President
Entertainment
Training Director
Trips Director
Newsletter Editor
Treasurer
Membership
Secretary
Chris Kovach
Leigh Burton
Brian Otter
Carey Robson
Madeline Waring
Dan Burnett
Linda Eng
Jim Slade
Dave Kilpatrick
604-575-0365
604-583-2246
604-241-4535
604-437-1140
604-888-5814
604-943-2341
604-876-3506
604-322-1979
604-434-5921
Renew Your Membership!
www.beavercanoeclub.org/membership.htm
March 2006
Beaver Tales
Page 2
Hi Beavers, this is Chris again. March is upon us and already controversy has reared its
ugly head! This time it involves the pig and whether we are going to eat it or not? Someone
(Jerry) had suggested that it might be nice (and easier) to barbecue something else instead. So if
you have any strong opinions be sure to let Dave Westell know.
This brings something else to mind. I was speaking with Heddy Wright the other day and
she informed me that, the same Jerry, had claimed he could outsurf anyone in the club! Of course
I was flabbergasted! I reminded her he had to be almost 100, and his boat- wasn’t it used by the
voyageurs (it sure is long enough)? Heddy thought we could settle it at the Nicola on the July
long weekend. I agreed, adding that it might be better to do it at the 3rd annual surfest. So if Jerry
is man enough to respond and accept, be sure to come out and cheer on the good guys (where
ever it happens). Incidentally, I’m a little bit suspicious of that Heddy as she has already started a
marriage rumour that has caused lots of trouble!
As far as official club business goes, not much is happening yet. The books are being
looked at, as is this year trips list. So be sure to stay tuned and come to the meeting.
Chris Kovach
You want gossip about Jerry? How about being the only man who ever actually set up water skis in the Adams Canyon! But rumour has it that Maytag and M.B. both have his number! - Heddy
POSTCARD FROM COSTA RICA!
Having a great
time! Wish you
were all here paddling in t-shirts
and shorts in February! Love,
Brian, Karyn,
Vince, Don, Jean,
Claude, Leigh,
Heather, Liz,
Bruce, William,
Phil, Dave, Guides
Danny and Bettina,
and Tom Foster .
Beaver Tales
Page 3
Beaver Canoe Club
Treasurer’s Budget Proposal 2006
For Discussion and Motion at the March 8 Club Meeting
by Linda Eng
Income
Memberships
Crest & decals
EPIRB
Misc
Canoe id /saddles/ donations
touque revenue
books
Christmas
training
projector revenue
pig roast
Budget 2005 Actual 2005
Variance
Proposed Budget
$ 4,180.00
$ 3,958.72 $ 221.28
$
4,000.00
$
25.00
$
33.00 $
(8.00)
$
30.00
$
-- $
-- - $
—$
—$
50.00
$
241.78 $ (191.78)
$
50.00
$
—- $
—- $
—$
-- $
15.00 $
—- $
15.00
$
-- $
--- $
—- $
—$
-- $ 1,500.00
$ 1,606.00 $ (106.00)
$
1,500.00
$
— - $
—- $
—$
-- $
—$
200.00 $ (200.00)
$
200.00
$
750.00
$
590.00 $ 160.00
$
750.00
$
6,520.00
$
6,629.50
$
109.50
$
6,530.00
$
$
$
$
$
80.00
350.00
1,500.00
50.00
100.00
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
200.00
500.00
150.00
50.00
80.00
100.00
258.00
1,380.00
300.00
750.00
300.00
125.00
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
180.04
34.99
1,897.91
48.71
800.00
—30.00
481.50
60.00
60.13
111.28
142.71
—1,247.48
330.02
251.27
55.26
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
100.04
(315.01)
397.91
(1.29)
700.00
—(170.00)
(18.50)
(90.00)
10.13
31.28
42.71
(258.00)
(132.52)
30.02
(498.73)
(244.74)
(125.00)
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
$
80.00
50.00
2,000.00
50.00
100.00
—100.00
500.00
150.00
50.00
110.00
100.00
25.00
1,250.00
300.00
500.00
300.00
125.00
Total Expenses
$
6,273.00
$
5,731.30 $ (541.70)
$
5,790.00
Surplas/ (Deficit)
$
247.00
$
$
740.00
Total Income
Expenses
Bank charges
Beaver Tales
Christmas dance (net)
club BBQ
club equipment
books
entertainment (social)
meeting hall rental
instructor certification/ recertification
misc. operating costs
P.O. box rental
photo contest/ wine and cheese
RCA membership - dues
Insurance
club promotion (membership)
pig roast
training
web page expenses
Cash Position
898.20
$
651.20
Beaver Tales
Page 4
2006 Beaver Canoe Club Training Events & Dates
March 19; Pool Session
Try out your pfd or a canoe rescue. For those that wish to bring boats, they must be completely clean – inside and
out. 11:00 AM to 1:30 PM Greentree Village Pool, (4295 Garden Grove Dr. Burnaby). Boats may be washed out
one block away from the pool starting at 10:00 AM. If you wish to bring a boat, you must contact Carey one
week ahead. Please note that the pool had some skylights blown in during a recent windstorm and is under renovation – it may not be open.
April 26, 29 & May 6; Basic Paddler Lessons
Taught by RCABC certified Instructors. Registration starts April 1.
Attention Instructors
Please contact Carey if you are willing to teach this year. In particular if you are willing to teach 10 to 13 year
old children.
May 24 &27; Intro Moving Water
A clinic with experienced moving Water Paddlers, (not necessarily certified instructors) Registration begins at
the April club meeting. You must have taken Basic Paddlers or have equivalent skills to attend.
Training Director: Carey Robson, 604 437-1140, [email protected]
THIS MONTH’S HOROSCOPE
If you are
By Heddy Wright
a Pisces
Imagine my snickering when there I was, manicuring my nails
(20
Feband trying to mind my own business sitting in Vancouver Crimiruary-20
nal Courtroom 307, when I hear a familiar name! “Your HonMarch)
our” says an enthusiastic young lad, “I am appearing for the accused on behalf of Phil Rankin, who is unavailable today.” The the stars
judge, suspecting nothing, says “very well counsel, go ahead”. I say this
wanted to jump up and holler “Wait a minute buster!” I knew
year you
very well where Phil Rankin was, and it wasn’t preparing an
will beemergency Habeus Corpus come a paddling God and surf
motion! That Rankin
Maytag like it has never been
dumped the perp on somesurfed before!.
one else so he could enjoy
Then again, the stars are
some warm Costa Rican
generally full of it.
rivers, not to mention a
RUMOURS & SECRETS
few big plates of Gayo
Pinto!
It’s just plain scary what
people would get away
with if it wasn’t for Heddy’s watchful peepers and big ears!
Speaking of which, a certain well loved but Old Town H2Pro
seems to be decorating the carport of a Basic Paddler’s grad from
last year. And the Burnett household is lighter by one boat—I
think that takes them down to 3, the poor dears! Sometimes life
is so rough!
Support the Club &
Spread the Word. The
Beavers will have a
display set up at
Mountain Equipment
Co-op from March
31st - Apr 14th.
Drop by!
Beaver Tales
Page 5
Vancouver Island, 2005 – “THE RUNNING OF THE COWS”
2006 Trip May 6-7 VISITORS WELCOME
By Alan Thompson, VCKC
(Edited and submitted by Pat Yarnell)
Several years ago, after a lot of discussion, a
few members of the Victoria Canoe & Kayak
Club (VCKC) canoe program ran the 47 kms
of the Cowichan River from Cowichan Lake
right down to Cowichan Bay in one day. It
was fun, and we have repeated the exercise
each year since. Last year, after some replanning due to water levels, April 30th saw
us up at Cowichan Lake ready to go again.
The flow, 45cm3/s at Duncan, was right in
the middle of the runnable range (25-65cm3/
s). The first year, there were 3 tandem boats;
this year there were 9, so it is a proving to be
a popular trip.
Take off was @ 9.30am and we had an easy 2-hour ride down to Skutz Falls. The anticipated problems with logjams did
not materialise, although care needed to be taken on a number of bends. We saw many herons, more common mergansers
and a treat when a young bald-headed eagle screeched at us and flew from his tree, with a 6-8” fish still in its talons. The
dogwoods (the flowers, not the canoe club) were out in full bloom, and there were trilliums in many places – mainly
white, but pink at Skutz.
The portage round Skutz Falls and sorting out the boats took 45 minutes, then off down the Canyon! Two parties opted
not to run this section, so they shuttled some vehicles down from the Lake to the Stoltz Pool -- they also took pictures of
the 7 boats going down the Canyon. All went well until the end of the section, when Craig and Kathryn swam almost all
of Double Whammy; and then Jean and Ellie swam from Last Drop for about 500 metres down stream. Kudos to Tim
Marks, who, paddling with his 2 daughters Laurel and Cara, went through the main channel at Double Whammy (most of
us sneaked by on the left) and ran Last Drop successfully. On the other hand, this 300 meter section of river – above
Double Whammy to below Last Drop – claimed one punctured and two ripped up hulls. Even success has a price.
Due to these rescues and other entertainments, we reached Stoltz Pool a little after 1.30pm. There we lunched and the
weather got a little colder; so, joined by the other two boats we headed off to Vimy about 2pm, reaching there at 3.30. No
other canoeists were on the river; three floatboats; probably about 10 fishermen in 4 or 5 pools, and a squadron of learning kayakers in the Canyon. No portages at a couple of tight spots where logs have blocked most of the river: we found
safe routes – although with 2 ferocious dogs barking at us from the bank, the logs began to look like the better option!
Beyond Vimy, through the little canyon, past the site of the fish fence, and so to the White or Silver Bridge, the traditional
take-out spot for many years, and on to the last section from the highway at Duncan down to the final bridge on Tzouhalem Road. Tom and I knew there was a river-wide logjam near the last bridge, so we weren’t surprised when we had to
line a short section where Somas Creek enters the Cow. And below that, there was another jam, 100 m or so upstream
from the older one. While the water could get past the big logs at surface levels, canoes could not. After some scouting,
we decided we had to portage the boats over both obstructions.
The pictures of loggers walking on log booms is of them striding from one large tree trunk to another, but the reality of a
natural logjam is different. So, we moved with great care and finally had all the 9 canoes and 19 paddlers safely over the
obstacles. All rather frustrating, because the take-out was only another 200 metres downstream. So, we reached the takeout after 6pm, and with shuttles up to the lake, home was still hours away. All were happy to have completed a trip with
a sting in its tail.
Rumour has it that the VCKC is planning the Running of the Cows 2006 as a 2-day trip on the weekend of May 6-7th.
Visitors are welcome.
Any interested members should contact Pat Yarnell [email protected]—It would be great Beaver roadtrip!
Beaver Tales
Page 6
Paddling Events Outside Vancouver
March 10-11th – Cedar River Races
Class II+ - III Slalom and Downriver,
SE of Seattle
http://www.nwwhitewater.org/2006/
Races/Cedar06.htm
March 10-11th – Reel Paddling Film
Festival, Ocean River Sports, Victoria
March 18-19th – Rich Weiss Memorial Cup Slalom Tamihi, Chilliwack
New Canoe Sales & Rentals
Flatwater touring & Outfitted Whitewater
Clipper *Esquif * Hellman * Mad River * Scott
Visit our shop at 1851 Welch St, North Van, just east of Capilano Rd
Middleton’s Specialty Boats. 604-240-0503 Open 11am to 6pm daily
except Tuesdays & Sundays (until summer).
Esquif factory reps will present a demo day April 9th at Deer Lake, Burnaby.
Take time to try a different canoe! The new 12ft Spark is outfitted!
Renew Your Membership!
Trip Highlights for 2006—Mark your calendar!
April 14, 15 & 16
April 26, 29, May 6
May 20, 21, 22
May 24 & 27
June 11
June 24 – July 3
July 4, 5, 6 & 7
August 5, 6 & 7
September 2, 3 & 4
October 7, 8 & 9
December
January 1, 2007
Paddle
Easter Campout
Basic Paddlers
Nicola Campout
Intro to Moving Water
Club BBQ and Kid’s Day
Rivers Week Campout
Wenatchee Campout
Adams River Campout
Year-end Party
New Year's Polar Bear
Upcoming Entertainment—April 12 slide and
video presentation will be 'Costa Rica is
more than paddling' for 13 Beavers for 13
days.
For your next gathering...
The BCC InFocus LP540 LCD projector is available for rent to club members for a fee of $45.00 plus $10.00
per hour lamp fee. The rental rate for
our giant screen is $10.00 per use.
A rental agreement must be signed
which establishes responsibility for
loss or damage, a damage deposit
must be paid, and familiarity with the
equipment demonstrated prior to
rental.
The XGA1024x768 projector can be
used for PowerPoint shows, slide
shows, DVD viewing and video presentations from most sources. A DVD
player, computer or video source is
required.
Contact: Brian Otter, 604-241-4353
Beaver Tales
Page 7
March Trips
Date: March 12
Place: Widgeon Creek
Grade: Flat water
Contact: Margaret Wells
Phone: 604-454-0280
Date: March 19
Place: Pool Session
Time: 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.
Contact: Carey Robson
Phone: 604-437-1140
Date: March 26
Place: Lower Chilliwack River
Grade: I - II
Contact: Anne and Alain
Phone: 604-737-0631
After paddling across the Pitt River (at the outlet
of Pitt Lake) we meander up Widgeon Creek enjoying the beautiful surroundings. This trip usually includes a short hike up to Widgeon Falls for
lunch so bring your sturdy walking shoes and a
day pack with your lunch goodies.
The Canoe Club has rented a pool so we can
take turns practicing our skills and rescues. Certain equipment restrictions apply so contact Carey
for details.
This section of the Chilliwack usually has some
fun spots to practice on and is a good opportunity
to warm up those rusty river paddling muscles.
Intermediate river skills are needed as last year
we encountered several woody sections that required careful manoeuvring.
April Trips
Date: April 2
Place: Upper Chilliwack River
Grade: II - III
Contact: Claude Gauvin
Phone: 604-530-3380
Date: April 9
Place: Deer Lake
Special Event: Esquif Canoe Demo
Contact: David @ Middleton Specialty
Boats
Phone: 604-984-8020
Now that you’ve warmed up on the Lower Chilliwack, it’s time to challenge yourself on this
bouncy section of the river. This trip is for the
more experienced river paddlers.
Middleton Specialty Boats will bring 6 – 8 Esquif
canoes, including their all new solo boat “Spark”,
to Deer Lake for us to try out. Come talk to the
Esquif representative and decide which will be the
next canoe you buy!
Coming In the April Newsletter
Date: April 14 - 16
Event: Easter Canoe Camping Trip
Place: Similkameen River
Contact: Dan Burnett, 604-943-2341
Date: April 26, 29, & May 6
Place: Deer Lake
Event: Basic Paddlers Lessons
Date: May 6 & 7
Place: Cowichan River
Contact: In March Newsletter
We did this trip several years ago and it was
great. We will put in at Princeton & take out near
Cawston. River skills are needed. Plan to paddle
loaded boats, camp and hunt for Easter eggs!
Each year the Beaver Canoe Club provides excellent basic paddling lessons to our members.
The Victoria Canoe Club has invited us to join
them for 2 days of paddling on this pretty, 47 km
river that is mainly grade 1 & 2
Editor: Dan Burnett
Beaver Tales
Page 1
Take Me To The River
Volume 30, No. 3
Inside:
Basic Paddlers Info
Gossip & Humour
Trip Reports
Notice Board
2006 Trips Calendar
April/May Trips & Events
2
2
3
4&5
5
7
8
________________
April 2006
COSTA RICAN ENJOYMENT
from the Karyn Lippincott collection
(recipe below)
This exotic dish can be sampled
on Wed 12 April at 7:45pm in
Burnaby Lake Clubhouse..
From the Dream Dictionary:
“Seeing a canoe in your dream,
represents serenity, simplicity,
and independence. It is also a
reflection of your emotional balance. You are moving ahead via
your own power and determination.”
Ingredients:
13 canoeists, mixed gender
4 guides, steeped in experience
4,000 cfs water
1,000,000 assorted rocks
Boats to taste
Splash of sunscreen
Greens
Serves a large group and when stored
carefully the Enjoyment will last a
lifetime. Karyn
Preparation:
Peel off the outer layers of drysuit and
wetsuit from the paddlers. Rinse under
running water. Rub gently with sunscreen
and pack one or two per boat. Add water
and rocks.
Place in a warm valley lined with jungle
greens. Stir vigorously for five hours.
Remix daily for two weeks. Avoid bruising. When the grins are firmly set, remove paddlers. Return to cool in Canada.
BASIC PADDLERS!
REGISTRATION IS NOW! SIGN UP AND GET YOUR FRIENDS TO
SIGN UP FOR THE BEST BARGAIN ANYWHERE ON SUPERB CANOE
TRAINING. SEE PAGE 2 FOR FULL DETAILS.
Renew Your Membership! www.beavercanoeclub.org/membership.htm
Editor: Dan Burnett
Beaver Tales
Page 2
April President’s Report
April President’s Report
Summer is almost here! Have you booked your time off yet for River’s Week? Are you
thinking about roasted pig (or steak)? Are you going to the Island to paddle with the Victoria
club? How about the Easter Similkameen Trip? Boy, there sure is a lot being planned. The
snow pack is looking pretty good too! Its shaping up to be a great year, and a special one given
that this the club’s 30th anniversary.
Administration affairs are also going well. Financially, the club is very strong and we
have allocated some of our surplus budget towards subsidizing the end of year party, so be sure to
go. Anyways, I have to go get my canoe ready and start stretching so I’ll see you on the water.
Chris
Training Report
April 26, 29 & May 6; Basic Paddler Lessons
Taught by RCABC certified Instructors. Registration starts April 1. Send an email or sign up at
the April meeting. To receive a certificate you must attend the Wednesday theory session, take
part in the second Saturday’s rescue and dumping session and successfully pass a paddling test.
This usually means attending both Saturdays. The Saturday sessions are from 9:00 AM to 4:00
PM with a forty minute lunch break. Bring a lunch, change of clothes, rain gear, sun screen, a
water bottle, sunglasses. The Wednesday April 26 session starts at 7:30, (7:15 PM if you haven’t
filled out the registration form or joined the club). You must be a member of the club to participate.
Attention Instructors
Please contact Carey if you are willing to teach this year. In particular if you are willing to teach
10 to 13 year old children.
May 24 &27; Intro Moving Water
A clinic with experienced moving Water Paddlers, (not necessarily certified instructors) Registration begins at the April club meeting. You must have taken Basic Paddlers or have equivalent
skills to attend.
Sad, Sad Reminder
If you don’t renew your membership, this is your last issue
of the Beaver Tales. Run, don’t walk, to:
Beaver Tales
Page 3
They Haven't Built a Canoe That Can Keep Me Dry!
By Mr. Clumsy
Looking for a relaxing canoe trip? Well, you'd better call someone else
to join you. Because when I get in a canoe, there's going to be trouble.
They have yet to build a canoe that can hold me. No matter the
make — Grumman, Clipper, Mad River, I'll find a way to fall out.
Whether I'm recklessly standing up to scout ahead, or throwing all my weight unexpectedly to one side for no reason, I’ll tip any canoe out there.
Not even the mighty Old Town can hold me. I've been known to decide I'm feeling
a little "seasick," and need, urgently, to switch places in the canoe. I will then
lurch toward the bow toppling us both into the freezing river below. You won't know
what hit you, although if past experience is any indication, it will probably be my
paddle.
You can put me in a canoe all right, but you can't keep me upright. I will escape,
most likely after dropping my paddle in the water and reaching to retrieve it. And
when I do, believe you me, everything you hold dear—camping supplies, fishing
poles, cooler—will get what's coming to them.
Yes. I'm that good. The life-jacket industry would crumble without me.
Think I'm lying? Why don't you try asking the picnic basket my wife
packed for our anniversary outing last year? It has an answer for you—100 feet below the surface of Harrison Lake!
Canoe builders, listen closely: If you want any chance of holding me upright, you're
going to have to try a lot harder.
RUMOURS & SECRETS
By Heddy Wright
OK, OK, for the dozens out there who have been dying to know, the answer is yes, yes, yes! I
am Hedda Rockhopper of historic Beaver fame. Silly me,
thinking I could fool you all with another alias after my rehab!
And that isn’t the only bombshell this month. I’ve been
working my best sources for a scoop since last month’s episode and I finally hit pay dirt: the REAL reason the Club’s
projector wasn’t working at the March meeting. Clue #1—
it wasn’t the projector. Clue #2— it wasn’t the cable. Clue
#3 it wasn’t the computer or disk. Could that leave plain ol’
human error? You certainly didn’t hear me say so! Thankfully, our pal Neil Iverson has agreed
to come back and brave it again at the May 10 meeting.
Beaver Tales
Page 4
Widgeon Creek — By Shadoe Beattie
It was the 12th of March and the Beaver Canoe Club planned a trip to Widgeon Creek. I was glad I was able to return.
When we started the sun was as bright as can be. Everyone noticed something on the trail and the falls there was
snow and ice! When we were coming back something happened the wind picked up.
The water at Widgeon Creek was frightfully cold and also really
clear. In some places the water was actually emerald. It got
really shallow when it got shallow it made islands, sometimes
you got stuck on these.
The long hike was three km. The first part seemed longer than
last part because you are paying more attention to your surroundings. In the middle of hiking there was a middle-sized hill.
In the end there was a huge hill completely covered with snow.
Just when we were about there I noticed the wooden steps was
starting to disinter grate away. I was half way to the falls when I
heard a pecking sound. I thought it was pistons on an airplane.
Later on Uncle Carey asked me if I heard the woodpecker I
stared at him blankly then I remembered and I told him yes. At
the end of the endless day our muscles started to hurt. It was a
long day. We had to switch paddles and even switch canoes.
The canoe was hard to line up with the dock because the wind
was blowing with all its force and the tide was out making us turn uncontrollably.
I liked this trip because it was a challenge and it was my first time being in the stern on Widgeon Creek. Also it was
exciting to see snow and ice by the falls. I can’t believe that we started out with a bright sunny day and suddenly it
becomes extremely windy at the end. I liked when the water was emerald. The thing I hated most was at the end of
the day my muscles hurt.
Lower Chilliwack River—March 26/06
Overcast weather brought 6 paddlers out to see what winter had done to the lower Chilliwack. Anne & Alain led this
trip consisting of themselves, Dave Westell, David Middleton, Madeline Waring and Leigh Burton. Although overcast,
views of the surrounding mountains afforded wonderful vistas of new snow.
The Hydrometric Service were “down” so the river levels weren’t officially known. The put in was low. Rocks were
seen that are normally buried. Low water is as technical a description as it gets! There were lots of play spots, so winter muscles were able to get a workout without much push to the water. There were lots of surfing waves. Anne &
Alain wisely selected the routes where the water was. More shallow spots than usual, but enough to float a boat.
There was lots of fun to be had at the “V” rock. Never knowing if this was an actual “V” shape or two rocks side-byside, it was interesting to see most of it out of the water. It is, indeed, a “V”. Due to the low water levels, the surfing
was there to be had for those determined enough!
The trip was relatively uneventful until the very bottom. Last year, a new channel was formed which resembles “Log
Jam Alley” on the Adams River. This year, the beaver have been busy felling trees all winter. Some wood entirely
blocks the river. A portage around a narrow section (hard corner to the left) made narrower by a known log-jam was
no surprise as it was there last year, but the trees across the river were a surprise! Evidence of the beaver’s diligence
was plentiful on this section, and more care must be taken by paddlers on this section than in the past. If you can’t get
off the river when you need to, you could be at risk of a spill, and a rescue boat might have difficulty getting to you.
It was a good day, and the rain held off until the drive home. Thanks to Anne & Alain for leading a successful trip.
-Leigh Burton
Beaver Tales
Page 5
WET AGAIN on the WIDGEON
There seems to be two sure things about the first trip of the year to Widgeon Creek and Widgeon Falls: Leigh
Burton will be the trip leader and Don Reid will get wet!
Somehow I can get through a summer of paddling when the water is warm, with a minimum number of dumps, but continue to find
new ways to test the water temperature in mid
March. Although tempted to wear my wet suit
in case of an incident on this gentle flat water
family paddle, I thought that I had better not
be a wimp, especially as my four year old
grandson would be aboard – and he doesn’t
have such gear.
Leigh kept us clear of beaver ponds on the upstream journey, thus eliminating the risk of
repeating the beaver dam dump of a couple of
years ago. After using all of the paddling skills acquired through the Beaver Club in negotiating the fierce
canyons and mighty rapids of Widgeon Slough, I
thought, upon reaching our destination at the campground take out, .that my worries about getting wet
were over.
Donna and I, son Steve, daughter-in law, Trudy and
Grandsons, Cam and Dawson set out for the falls
with Dave Westell. We took the trail, of course, as
walking the logging road both ways can be a little
boring. All was well until we reached a swampy section of trail and Grandpa decided that it would be
wise to lift and carry Dawson through this wet stretch
to keep the young fellow’s feet dry. Alas, a few moments later we were both wet to the waist having
slipped in slow motion into a cool pool of water
when a hummock gave way under our weight as we
were about to make the last step to Dave’s helping hands. I believe that we self rescued, but please, Dave, let
us know if you figure that we owe you a beer.
I am happy to report that ours was the only dunking of the day.
About a dozen boats enjoyed a gorgeous sunny spring day on
the water with lunch at the falls. The clear green tinted pools
below the falls were exceptionally scenic. Thank you Leigh, as
always, we had a great day.
P.S: We took the logging road back from the falls.
There are many good reasons for bringing a change of
clothes, even on a flat water paddle. Dawson has survived his dunking and hopefully one day soon he will
accompany Grandpa on another hiking and paddling
expedition.
Beaver Tales
Page 6
Takaya Tours Inc., which offers
guided, interpretive paddles in
kayaks and canoes, and which is
based in North Vancouver, has
two seasonal positions available
beginning this May.
For more details, check out
www.takayatours.com
President
Chris Kovach
Vice President
Leigh Burton
Entertainment
Brian Otter
Training Director Carey Robson
Trips Director
Madeline Waring
Newsletter Editor Dan Burnett
Treasurer
Linda Eng
Membership
Jim Slade
Secretary
Dave Kilpatrick
604-575-0365
604-583-2246
604-241-4535
604-437-1140
604-888-5814
604-943-2341
604-876-3506
604-322-1979
604-434-5921
April 2006 Regional Non-club
Races and Festivals
Wednesdays – all summer
Slalom Practices at Seymour Gates,
6pm—Mostly slalom boats?
April 21-23, Cultus Lake
RCABC AGM, Events and Festivities
http://www.bccanoe.com/index.cfm
Canoe Instruction
April 8 – Lakewater Instructor Recertification Clinic. $45. If
you taught Basic Paddlers in the past two years, you may deduct $10 for each year.
April 21, 22 & 23; Rescue Techniques For River Canoers.
$165 - Beaver Member Discounts:
5% each year a Beaver Member
10% each year a Beaver Executive Member
5 % each Beaver Lakewater trip led in 2005
10 % each full Basic Paddlers taught in last three years.
June 1, 3 & 4; Tandem Moving Water. $185
June 13; Moving Water Instructor’s Course $450—Beaver
Member discount
For above courses see: www.learn2canoe.ca
or contact Carey Robson at 437-1140, [email protected]
Support the Club &
Spread the Word. The
Beavers will have a
display set up at
Mountain Equipment
Co-op from March
31st - Apr 14th.
Drop by!
April 22/23 – Cowichan River S-bend
Slalom
http://www.surfkayak.org/trips.html
April 29-30, Vancouver
C-1 Flatwater Playboating Clinic
Scott Rookes & Leonard Thor
May 10 Meeting Entertainment:
The Nahanni Revisited
Neil Iverson will show his slides
of his trip down this amazing
river.
New Canoe Sales & Rentals
Clipper *Esquif * Hellman * Mad River * Scott
Visit our shop at 1851 Welch St, North Van, just east of Capilano Rd
Middleton’s Specialty Boats. 604-240-0503 Open 11am to 6pm daily
except Tuesdays & Sundays (until summer).
Esquif factory reps will present a demo day April 9th at Deer Lake , Burnaby.
Take time to try a different canoe! The new 12ft Spark is outfitted!
Also bring your old or used canoe to sell or swap. Need advice on outfitting
Come and talk to the people with experience, Sunday April 9th. 10:30am
Beaver Tales
Page 7
Beaver Canoe Club Trip Schedule 2006
(Subject to Change – Check your Newsletter Monthly)
Date
March 12
March 19
March 26
April 2
April 9
April 14 – 16
April 23
April 26
April 29
April 30
May 6
May 7
May 14
May 20 – 22
May 24
May 27
May 28
June 4
June 11
June 18
June 25
June 24 – 30
June 30/July 3
July 4 – 7
July 9
July 16
July 23
July 30
August 5 – 7
August 5 - 12
August 13
August 20
August 27
Sept. 2 - 4
September 10
September 17
September 24
October 1
October 7 - 9
October 15
Nov. or Dec.
Jan. 1, 2007
Flat Water Trips
Widgeon Creek
Moving Water Trips
Special Events
Pool Session
Lower Chilliwack
Upper Chilliwack
Deer Lk. Paddle & Canoe Demo
Canoe Demo
Similkameen River Easter Canoe
Camping
Lower Seymour River
Basic Paddlers
Basic Paddlers
Burnaby Lake
Upper Chilliwack
Cowichan River with Victoria Club Basic Paddlers
Alouette Lake
Bunzen Lake to Belcarra
Nicola River Campout
Intro to Moving Water
Upper Seymour River
Salmon River
Club BBQ and Children’s Day
Cheakamus River
Pitt Lake to Raven Creek
Rivers Week
Nicola Campout & Summer BBQ
Lower Fraser River
Cheakamus River
Any suggestions?
Blaney Creek to Deboughville
Slough
Wenatchee Campout
Kootenay River Week
Any suggestions?
Barnston Island
False Creek
Chilliwack River
Adams River Campout
Lower Squamish
Chilliwack River
Harrison River
Upper Squamish
Widgeon Creek
Year-End Party
Polar BearPaddle
Beaver Tales
Date: April 2
Grade: II - III
Phone: 604-530-3380
Date: April 9
Place: Deer Lake Paddle & Canoe Demo
& Boat Swap Meet
Time: 10:30 to 2:30
Contact: David Middleton
Phone: 604-984-8020
Date: April 14 - 16
Place: Similkameen River
Grade: I - II
Contact: Dan & Monica Burnett
Phone: 604-943-2341
Date: April 23
Place: Lower Seymour River
Grade: II
Contact: Phil Rankin
Phone: 604-254-7643
Date: April 26 & 29 & May 6
Place: Deer lake
Event: Basic Paddlers
Phone: 604-437-1140
Date: April 30
Place: Burnaby Lake
Grade: Lake
Contact: Greg Gerke/Cheryl Lewis
Phone: 604-526-5640
Date: April 30
Grade: II - III
Contact: Gerry Hayne
Phone: 604-530-8827
Date: May 6 & 7
Grade: I - II
Contact: Pat Yarnell
Phone: 604-215-2215
Date: May 7
Place: Alouette Lake
Grade: Flat Water
Contact: Don Hack
Phone: 604-542-0177
Date: May 20 – 22 The Nicola River
Campout
Date: May 24 & 27 Introduction to Moving
Water
Page 8
In March you had an opportunity to warm up those rusty muscles on the Lower Chilliwack, so now it’s time to run this more
challenging stretch. This trip is for the more experienced river
paddlers. Check with the contact if you’re not sure whether
this run is for you.
Come to this new event to: try out various Esquif canoes
(including their new solo boat), learn about outfitting canoes,
hear white water tips from Shane Volners (Esquiff rep), &
paddle around the lake among lily pads looking for ducklings.
Bring any canoes you want to sell or come shop if you want to
buy a used boat. Call David for event times.
This is the first canoe camping trip of 2006. We’ll be paddling
loaded boats from Princeton to Cawston and camping along
route. The river should be low at this time of year. Don’t forget
your Easter Bonnet and your basket to collect the eggs the
Easter Bunny leaves. Call the contact for details.
Keep your fingers crossed that the water level will be right for
this nearby river. Try surfing in the “toilet bowl”, eddy turns,
ferries, and bolder bashing as you bounce down this pretty
river. Afterwards paddlers can stop for a hot drink or brew at
the local pub.
BC Recreational Canoeing certified instructors volunteer their
time to teach Beaver members paddling skills and techniques.
You must contact Carey in advance of the lessons.
Paddle around Burnaby Lake among the lily pads and explore
the creeks looking for beavers and birds. This is a great
chance to practice the skills you learned in basic paddlers and
enjoy nature. It’ll be a later start than most our trips as it is so
close to home.
The Upper Chilliwack should still be at a good level for a fun
paddle. The plan is to paddle from Thurston Meadows to
Tamahi Rapids and challenge ourselves in Trailer Park Rapids. River experience required.
The Victoria Canoe Club has invited us to paddle the
Cowichan River with them this weekend. An article in the
March newsletter describes this fun weekend. We’ll paddle
different sections of this beautiful river on Saturday & Sunday.
Car camp nearby or stay in a local motel.
We will put-in at the boat ramp for Alouette Lake & paddle
along the shoreline. Please bring a lunch & water to drink.
After lunch, we will return to the put-in, no shuttle required.
For logistic details, questions, and sign-up, please contact
Don Hack by phone or e-mail at [email protected]
Beaver Tales
Page 1
Take Basic Paddlers and Canoe For Life
Volume 30, No. 4
May 2006
Inside:
Our May 10 entertainment is
the return of
Neal Iverson to
present his trip
________________
on the South
I press my face against the Nahanni. The
watery place
Nahanni is a
I push off from the shore
Unesco World
My sweet dog and you
Heritage site.
I paddle my canoe across
the water and home to you. Don’t miss it!
Reports
Gossip
Trip Reports
Notice Board
April/May Trips & Events
-Jane Siberry
2
3
4&5
6
7
At right, Pulpit
Rock on the South
Nahanni (copyright
Parks Canada)
7:45 pm
Free CD of all
2003-2005
newsletters to
whoever can
solves the hidden code in this
issue!
President
Chris Kovach
Vice President
Leigh Burton
Entertainment
Brian Otter
Trips Director
Madeline Waring
Treasurer
Linda Eng
Membership
Jim Slade
Secretary
Dave Kilpatrick
604-575-0365
604-583-2246
604-241-4535
604-437-1140
604-888-5814
604-943-2341
604-876-3506
604-322-1979
604-434-5921
Help us promote the club! Please pass on this newsletter and our web address to
friends and family.
www.beavercanoeclub.org www.beavercanoeclub.org www.beavercanoeclub.org
Editor: Dan Burnett
Beaver Tales
Page 2
MAY PRESIDENT’S REPORT
The snow pack is still fabulous and it looks like the May
long weekend will be perfect. So be sure to make your
plans as soon as possible and attend. The Dogwoods are
planning to go up again this year, as are many from
RCABC.
I know, you’re probably saying to yourself, “ We don’t paddle moving water! What are we going to do?” Don’t worry,
there is plenty of lake paddling and there are river runs that
are perfect for even introductory (flat water) paddlers. I’ll
be doing some of them, and every one is welcome to come
along. This is also a good way to introduce yourself to the
spectacle that is River’s Week- the May long weekend is
kind of like a mini-rivers week. So, if you’ve always wondered, “could I paddle that?” then come and find out.
But where are
their pfd’s?
Chris Kovach
Training Report
May 24 &27; Intro To Moving Water
A clinic with experienced moving Water Paddlers, (not necessarily certified instructors) Registration begins at the April club meeting or by
email.
May 24 starts at 7:30 PM at the Burnaby Lake
Rugby Clubhouse. Saturday May 27 is from 8:45
AM to 3:00 PM. The location will be decided on
the 24th.
You must have taken Basic Paddlers or have
equivalent skills to attend.
Training Director: Carey Robson, 604 437-1140,
[email protected]
Best wishes to all of you taking Basic
Paddlers right now! And many thanks
to the instructor volunteers!
“Easter on the Similkameen” by Hannah Burnett
Can you spot the eggs? See p. 5 for the full story
Beaver Tales
Page 3
RUMOURS & SECRETS
By Hedda Rockhopper
Springtime can only mean one thing—that’s right, love
in the air. So how could THAT tie in with recent gossip? Well, word is that a couple named A & A (tres
mysterious, n’est ce pas?) have had an addition to their
family. Early reports are hinting at a name starting with
C, ending with N, with APTIO in the middle. Rouge has
always been their colour!
But it doesn’t end
there - in fact that was
just the appetizer for
real news. One of the
most eligible
stud muffins
in the club has
become engaged to wed one of the most eligible super
babes, leaving ALL of the singles crying and
lonely! But what a dynamite couple. Congratulations Pat Yarnell and Tanis Knowles! Look
for a wedding date in the Fall.
And who said I just made everything up?
“finder please respond to
[email protected]. Return ball
to river to continue the journey”
What’s the story with the Mystery Ball?
Find out on p. 5
Hedda
Mark your calendars
for the
Beaver Canoe Club
End of Year Party
on
Saturday November 25th
At the Hart House Restaurant on Deer Lake
Beaver Tales
Page 4
How the Upper Chilliwack Became the Lower Seymour
After learning about last week's boat dragging fest on the
Lower Chilliwack, the new snow in the hills that wasn't melting,
dropping water levels, some complainers calling to point out
the lack of water, the miserable cold weather in the forecast
and also the fact that I did not want to scratch the paint on the
underside of my boat, the decision was made to paddle the
Lower Seymour instead of the Chilliwack as planned. On Saturday evening I called all committed paddlers to advise of the
change of venue and even called a few prospects and left messages.
The meeting place was the take-out on the Lower Seymour
with the original idea being that if the Capilano had enough water in the morning we could still go up the hill and paddle it. After mentioning this idea to a few people who showed lukewarm
enthusiasm, I got to Alain who told me there was no way Ann
would do it. (She must have heard some horror story about
Alain swimming on the Cap last November). Now that our
choices had been slimmed down, we left a couple of vehicles
at the take out and proceeded up Riverside Drive. At the top of
the hill the boats were lowered into the cold, crystal clear water
of the Seymour River.
With Carey and Madeline leading, Pat, Leigh, Heather, Dave
Westell, Ann & Alain and myself as sweep we had ourselves a
trip. Dave Westell gets honourable mention for the best and
longest surf at the toilet bowl just up stream from the put in,
where we stayed and played for almost an hour. With the
sunlight reflecting off the waves, everyone was in play mode.
I'm sure someone caught every eddy behind every rock, tried
surfing any little wave, and there were lots of each as the water
level was quite low for this time of year. In spite of the low water everyone seemed quite happy to be on the water on such a
warm spring day.
Apres paddlee most of us gathered at the Maplewood Pub conveniently located only a block away from the take out. Here
friends caught up with each other's exploits over the winter
months, with even a few tales from Costa Rica told. A good end
to a great day on the river. Thank you to everyone who turned
out!
Claude
“It is difficult to find in life any event which so effectually condenses nervous sensation into the shortest possible
space of time as does the work of shooting, or running an immense rapid.” - Sir William Francis Butler
Beaver Tales
Page 5
EASTER SIMILKAMEEN EXPEDITION
Easter weekend has always been a tough one to plan. The weather might be beautiful, or it might be freezing. This
year it was both. We began our adventure on the
Similkameen at Princeton, where the town has kindly
installed a new put-in right beside the tourist office.
River levels had come up well, and three days of rain
which had been predicted earlier in the week had
changed to ‘chance of rain’.
Our intrepid group consisted of Dave Westell paddling solo, Carey paddling with Shadoe, Dave
Kilpatrick paddling with Sierra, and the entire Burnett
clan of Monica, Dan, Maddie and Hannah all packed
into their Mad River Explorer.
Off we went—destination forestry camp, 18km downriver, just before Bromley Rock. A nice, easy float
with a few corners to warm up. We arrived in time for
dinner with only one sprinkle of rain. A couple of tarps, mostly for the
wind, and a great big Kilpatrick fire later, we were all cozy and happy.
Day two—Bromley to Stemwinder. It’s a fun Grade II trip in the summer, so with loaded boats, children and freezing cold water, we took it
carefully. There was more challenge to this section that I’d remembered! As it turned out, everyone paddled everything, except that the
Burnett girls were walked around Golden Dawn to watch from the
safety of shore while Monica and I paddled the loaded canoe. We
came through fine, but the girls declared we were boring. That night
we stayed at the forestry camp by Stemwinder, complete with the outhouse “donated by paddlers” . We arrived early enough for arts and
crafts, so Shadoe and Maddie each wove twig baskets for collecting
Easter Eggs.
Kids enjoying the Kilpatrick inferno
Easter Sunday morning I
awoke and noticed two things:
first, the dew drops I tried to wipe off the tent were hard—ice! Second, I
couldn’t help but spot shiny, colourful eggs here and there in the forest and on
the beach. The early rising grown-ups let the kids do the finding (mostly).
When the kids did get up, after a fueling of hot chocolate, they were off on a
mad dash for eggs and other chocolate treats. Nice to know the Easter bunny
can find us even in the wilderness.
Last day—there were more rapids than I remembered, including a couple of
challenging rock garden corners that took some genuine maneuvering in heavy
boats. But all went well for the 16 km before the takeout before Keremeos.
Dave K, ever watchful for treasures along the river, found a bouncy ball,
which turned out to be a “Princeton to Pacific” project launched 2 years earlier. A message on the ball asked us to return it to the river and email the people who sent it. We did both.
Shadoe-made basket full of treasures
A fine way to spend an Easter weekend!
Dan Burnett
Beaver Tales
Page 6
Caught on the net: what an excellent place
to be paddling on the same side with no
helmets!
May 2006 Regional events
The Victoria Club has booked
the Stoltz Pool Group Campground Fri & Sat nights, and
they are expecting us. Put-in
Sat 9:30am at Lake Cowichan
(so you could take an early
ferry on Sat).
Put-in Sun 9:30am Stoltz Pool,
4hr run, and catch an evening
ferry (5pm?) home on Sunday.
Class I-III.
required.
Wooden Canoe Heritage Association—Rendezvous
Manning Park—May 26-28, 2006
The Rendezvous is open to all members of the public who
have an interest in wooden canoes, whether they own one or
not! The activities go from the evening of Friday May 26 to
the morning of Sunday May 28. You can find registration,
campsite and other information at the Chapter’s website,
http://www.geocities.com/nwwoodencanoe/
If you only want to make it a day trip to enjoy the main activities on Saturday, just show up! There are educational clinics
and an evening presentation on trans-Canada canoe expedition
at 7:30
River experience
Canoe Courses
Call Pat (215-2215) for
further details and car
pooling.
Interested in checking out a new
circuit? Come and join the Sayward Circuit Trip in either May 22
or June 18th for a 4-5 day trip.
Sayward circuit is near Campbell
river, starting point Morton Lake
Prov. Park. For more info:
wlapwww.gov.bc.ca/bcparks/
I am an experienced canoeist and
tripper. Please call or email me if
interested.
Nancy Hay 604-876-7644,
[email protected]
June 1 (7:30 – 9:30 PM), 3 & 4; Tandem Moving
Water. $185
June 13; Moving Water Instructor’s Course $450
Beaver Member discount.
For above courses see: www.learn2canoe.ca
or contact Carey Robson at 437-1140,
[email protected]
June entertainment will be our famous Annual
BCC Gear Swap PLUS a video of the Saskatchewan Centennial Voyageur Canoe Race in 2005.
See the big boats turn turtle in the rapids! See six
swimmers at a time attempt self rescue! See 30 x 6
= 360 sweaty paddlers in one place at one time.
Beaver Tales
Page 7
May Trips and Events
Date: May 6 & 7
Grade: I - II
Phone: 604-215-2215
Date: May 7
Place: Alouette Lake
Grade: Flat Water
Contact: Don Hack
Phone: 604-542-0177
Date: May 14
Place: Bunzen Lake to Belcarra
Grade: Lake, Ocean, & Portage
Contact: Dave Westell
Phone:604-467-8623
Date: May 20 – 22
Place: Nicola River Campout
Grade: I to III
Contact: Chris Kovach
Phone: 604-575-0365
Date: May 24 & 27
Introduction to Moving Water
Phone: 604 437-1140
Date: May 28
Place: Upper Seymour River
Grade: I - III
Phone: 604 437-1140
June Trips and Events
Date: June 4
Place: Salmon River
Grade: Flatwater with a little current
(Grade 1 if we paddle on the Fraser)
Contact: Madeline Waring
Phone: 604-888-5814
Coming in the June Newsletter
June 11 Club BBQ & Children’s
Day
June 18 Cheakamus River
June 24 River Week Begins
The Victoria Canoe Club has invited us to paddle the
Cowichan River with them this weekend. An article in the
March newsletter describes this fun weekend. We’ll paddle
different sections of this beautiful river on Saturday & Sunday. Car camp nearby or stay in a local motel.
We will put-in at the boat ramp for Alouette Lake & paddle
along the shoreline. Please bring a lunch & water to drink.
After lunch, we will return to the put-in, no shuttle required.
For logistic details, questions, and sign-up, please contact
Don Hack by phone or e-mail at [email protected]
On this adventure trip, we will be exploring these two familiar
places with a fresh perspective, connecting them along a little known back route. On the main feature, a 1.5 km overland descent, we will be reviving the forgotten art of the portage. If you have wheels, bring them. If you don’t, call anyway and we’ll see what we can do.
We’re returning to N’kwala Forest Recreation Site (near Merrit) this Victoria Day long weekend for paddling, socializing
and camping. The Coldwater River, Nicola River and nearby
lakes offer a variety of paddling. The day trips will depend
on the water levels, weather and participant’s skills.
Come and find out that ferry’s aren’t the cute creatures in the
garden, that Eddy isn’t the guy down the street, and that
peel outs aren’t about putting orange peel in the compost.
This is a great opportunity to try river paddling.
This river starts out as a gentle grade I, then progresses to
grade II and finally becomes a challenging grade III run including 3 significant drops! If you have limited river experience, we can arrange an early take-out before the difficult
sections begin.
This picturesque paddle starts where there was a historic
Hudson’s Bay farm, then flows under the freeway through
huge culverts and meanders through farmland, below a real
castle, and by a couple golf courses before it joins up with
the Fraser River. It’s a fun family trip. There will be an option
for an early take-out if little paddlers come.
Beaver Tales
Page 1
Roaring into Rivers Week
Volume 30, No. 5
SASKATCHEWAN July 2005 – The Movie
Inside:
Reports and greetings
Basic Paddlers Photos
Event Announcements
Trip Reports
Rivers Week Info
Notice Board
June/July Trips & Events
June 2006
2
3
4
5&6
7
8
9
Thirty - one voyageur canoe teams of
six paddlers each participate in a
one thousand eighteen (1,018) kilometer unaided wilderness race and pageant across northern Saskatchewan's historical Voyageur Highway too celebrate the
Province’s centennial.
The biggest paddling event of our year
is about to begin! If you can make it to
all or part of the week, it is a fantastic
opportunity to camp with great people
and paddle great rivers with those who
Burnaby Lake Clubhouse
know them well.
7:45 PM Wednesday 14 June
See details on page 7 and even more de- for this and the annual GEAR SWAP
tail at www.beavercanoeclub.org under
“trips”. See you there!
NOTE: June 14 is the last meeting at the Clubhouse
until September—July and August meetings are held
‘on the water’ and the TBD locations will be pub7:45 pm
lished in the July Beaver Tales.
Gear Swap, Wed 14 June
RULES
Outdoor equipment only
Keep your stuff limited to outdoor equipment intended for self-propelled (nonmotorized) wilderness adventure. (No cars,
BBQ's or rental property please. )
Individuals only
No commercial enterprises allowed.
(Except , of course, Middleton’s )
No bad language
Avoid nasty language, or we'll remove
your stuff.
Editor: Dan Burnett
Beaver Tales
Page 2
JUNE PRESIDENT’S REPORT
Hi Beavers! I trust that everyone is getting ready for rivers week. The May long
weekend was certainly exciting! The water levels were above anything I’ve ever
experienced, although I’ve heard that
they have been higher during club events.
What surprised me most was that many
of our usual runs actually became easier.
The canyon was completely washed out,
as was the lunch play spot. However
there was a gigantic wave train running
through it all, and lots of wood. Run
Nicola River—May Long Weekend
times were easily cut in half and eddy
photo by Brian Otter
lines were very strong. The weekend was
shared with lots of Dogwoods, and as
Greetings From the Yukon
usual they were very friendly. It was
good to see them again. I hope that
Hi Dan and Monica,
we will be able to see them at the Ad- Another great issue of Beaver Tales. The
Easter trip sounds like fun. You had a
ams river in the fall. Anyways,
things in the executive are going well, little 'hard dew' on Easter morning?! We
awoke to minus 19C!! Had a good Easter
and our insurance is in the midst of
though - We walked 5 kms (each way) along
being paid. So stay tuned and we’ll
the Yukon River to our nearest neighbour's
for a great Easter
see you at River’s week.
Chris Kovach
Junior Beavers & Dogwoods on the May
long weekend at the Nicola River
Dinner, complete with wine.
We have been at a cabin on the frozen Yukon
River (11 kms downstream of Dawson City)
since March 30, waiting for break-up. The
river 'went-out' Tuesday (May 9) from our
location. We walked into Dawson yesterday,
just in time to be awakened at 1:30am with
fire alarms as the Yukon broke here. We now
have a river of ice chunks, but it is a
flowing river!!
We are looking after 29 sled dogs for a
musher who works in town and can't get back
and forth to the dogs while the river is
breaking up.
We expect to remain at the cabin until about
the 20th when they predict the ice from up
river will have moved through and the ice
jams on the shore at the cabin will be gone
to allow boat traffic.
Have a great May 24 Nicola weekend.
Kathleen and Michael Pitt
Beaver Tales
Page 3
CONGRATULATIONS TO THE STUDENTS & MANY THANKS TO THE INSTRUCTORS!
PHOTOS BY BRIAN OTTER AND
JUERG BOSCHUNG
Beaver Tales
Page 4
2006 P*g Roast – Canada Day Weekend, Nicola Campsite
As part of the Rivers Week wrap up, we’ll be grilling some meat
and serving it up. Bring one item to share to make it a gargantuan meal. There will be a small charge to cover costs.
End of Year Party
Celebrate 30 Years of Canoeing
at
Hart House on Deer Lake
November 25th. 2006
Mark Your Calendars—Tickets on Sale Soon
Nicola Lake to Merritt – May
22.2006
Although the weekend’s cresting water
level made us all cautious about paddling the lower Nicola, it proved to be an
advantage in the upper reaches. After
exploring it last year with Leigh, I was
joined this time by Rose, and by Bob and
Doreen from the Dogwood Club.
To bypass the rapids and logjams at the
dam, we used a new put in, by Hwy 5A,
2.5 km south of the lake.
Here, high above the valley, it
looked like we could carry our
canoes down into gulley
gulch, launch into slimy
slough, and make our way to
the river. The slough was
impractical to paddle, so we
used the pull-rushes, to move
ourselves along. We thrashed
about, hearing the river gurgling tantalizingly close, but
not able to reach it. We tried
various channels, to no avail.
Finally, we carried over a bit
of dry land, then lined into a
bit of current.
The discharge from the lake
was 25 m3/s, and the river
pushed along assertively.
(continued page 6)
Beaver Tales
Page 5
A FRESH AND SALTY TALE
“The Adventure”: a paddle from Buntzen Lake to Belcarra, lake
to ocean. My trepidation was caused by an unmentionable word
that starts with “P” (and is never uttered by Michael Pitt). Dave
calmed me with “We only have to go 1.5 km” and “It’s all downhill” and the clincher “I have wheels for everyone.” He had envisioned this Beaver Club First Descent for years, and made
wheeled trolleys from scavenged parts.
So on Sunday, May 14th, five canoes met at Buntzen’s sandy
beach on the prettiest day this spring: Rose and Dave; Jennifer
and Peter; Susan, Jim, Cody and Lia; Karyn and Brian; and new
members Dawn and Kyle (whose wheels & canoe came from
Middleton’s).
We headed down the lake hugging the sunnier shore. Several
eagles, geese and fisher lines later we made landfall. It was
only 11:30am but it made perfect sense to eat now, lightening
our load for the portage.
The Adventure, Part Two: At the dam we packed away paddles and pulled out
wheels. We started
down the access road
with Lia and Rose
trailing behind, colourful pfds held aloft to alert any drivers to our winding convoy. We
did get passed--by three beautiful horses with riders and a tiny dog.
The switchbacks turned to dirt and then to loose gravel on the final
ski-slope-steep drop. This was a Hot Wheels downhill run. It was
on the first turn that I lost it. Brian had created a perfect set of
wheels for portaging the Dumoine. Our paddles double as pulling
handles. I lost my grip, the canoe flipped; the first dump of the day.
When it happened a second time, I earned me the right to write.
The Adventure, Part Three: We carefully launched our canoes from the barnacle-encrusted point. (Peter
walked into the spine-chilling waters to keep his Kevlar scratch-free.) The headwinds, combined with the
fetch of Indian Arm, gave us rolling waves which increased as an occasional uncaring motorboat blasted by.
Everyone pulled their weight including the kids: Lia with her great tandem stroke, Cody imitating Dave’s
horizontal wind-reducing paddling posture, and Kyle maneuvering
the boat with his prys and draws. We hugged the shore then did a
quick crossing to Twin Islands. An oyster-catcher entertained us
while Dave checked the map. We opted to paddle into Belcarra
town site (at the end of a bay) rather than run the exposed shore to
Belcarra Park. The seals approved, popping up here and there to
ensure we stayed on the right path.
And then the amazing Adventure was over. It was a wonderful day
of paddling both fresh and saltwater. Dave, thanks for letting us
share your vision of a novel trip; keep on dreaming!
Karyn Lippincott
Beaver Tales
Cowichan River Trip Report
From the Beavers, there were myself, Trish,
Leonard and Kerry-Anne. Stephen and Kim,
were there too, familiar from Rivers Weeks
gone by.
Over the weekend, we paddled the whole
Cowichan River from the Lake of the same
name down to the Ocean. Our hosts are apparently accustomed to doing it all in one
day, but I can’t imagine how. Half of the
river per day still made for two long days.
On Saturday, we paddled the upper stretch.
It started with an easy section to a portage
around waterfall and optional takeout. The
more difficult Marie Canyon followed. This
is composed of narrow chutes and saw tooth
rocks. After stalling in a hole at a place
called Bernie’s Negligee, I distinguished myself as the first person to dump. Trish distinguished herself by helping me get back into
my boat.
Leonard’s claim to fame was his impromptu
poling session, waltzing through the rock
gardens whilst others struggled just to hit the
eddies.
The Marie Canyon ends with an optional
portage, aptly called the Last Drop. Most of
us walked it. Then there is an easy float to
the takeout at the campsite. The second day
was less challenging, but required more effort. There were several walks around logjams, and a brutal paddle into a headwind,
across Cowichan Bay, to the takeout.
I took no pictures, but one of the Victoria
paddlers, Wayne Barson, is a professional
photographer. He has uploaded pictures of
the weekend to http://www.waynebarson.
com/trips.html
Special thanks to Al and Tom of the Victoria
Canoe Club, who guided us through the
River and made sure we felt welcome.
David Westell
Page 6
The May long weekend at the Nicola was yet another
wonderful weekend of camping and paddling fun. There
were twenty or so Beavers and about thirty Dogwoods at
this combined club event and some mixing of boats on the
river and around the campfires.
Higher than usual water levels added a touch of adventure
to familiar runs and although it was not on the slate this
week, the canyon, or more properly, the ccccccanyon. had
only one feature showing - the concrete block at the entrance. Sunday saw 22 boats split into two mixed groups
with tandems, solos, Beavers and Dogwoods run from
Camp to Dot .
No body would say that the water level was 'perfect' but
the weekend was wonderful.
Brian Otter
Nicola Lake to Merritt (continued from p. 4)
At the turns, we had to paddle to stay out of the trees and to avoid logjams, but in between, we could relax and watch the world go by.
Tracing the oxbows, we could often peer to the side, and see the opposing current through the bushes, where would be in 5 minutes time,
or where we had been 5 minutes before.
Much like the
coulees of the
prairies, this
valley contained its own
world, separate
from the goings
on up above, a
peaceful world
of wildflowers
and aromatic
plants, beavers,
and all sorts of
birds: from
nesting hawks,
to swarms of
cliff swallows, to goslings that made a plopping sound as they dove to
avoid us.
In all, we travelled 23 km, and were off the water after 5 hours. Finding a good put in on this stretch continues to be problematic. For now
the upper Nicola remains a hidden treasure that rewards those who put
forth the effort to find it. David Westell
Beaver Tales
Page 7
This year, Rivers Week will start at the Manning Park Restaurant at 10:00 AM
(departure time) on Saturday June 24. The
first day's trips will be a choice of the Pasaytan, (II) or Similkameen from Princeton to
Bromley rock (I) depending on participants
interest. Our first campsite will likely be at
Granite City.
Please email or call Carey Robson 604-4371140 / [email protected]) to say you are
coming and for any last minute changes. We
will likely move to the Nicola (N’Kwala)
campsite the following Thursday June 29.
Saturday July 1 at 5:00 PM is the ultimate
"Happy Hour" and Sunday July 2 we will
have a pig roast. Bring salads or desert for
the latter. cost for the pig roast will be $10 or
less.
KEY RIVERS WEEK INFORMATION &
MAPS —go to www.beavercanoeclub.org
under “trips”
-Directions to Granite City Campground
(B on the Map): Traveling east on Highway
3, turn left through Princeton City Centre
(just before the bridge over the Similkameen River); cross the single lane bridge and turn left
(west) towards Coalmont. 18.7 km turn left into Coalmont, then left on Hope Street (in Coalmont),
then right over the bridge. Turn left after the bridge onto Blakeburn Road (19.4 km), then continue
straight onto Rice Road (19.7 km),
cross over the bridge and into
Granite City campground.
-Directions to N’Kwala campground (A on the Map): Head 22
km west of Merritt on Hwy 8
(towards Spences Bridge) and
turn left into the dirt road entrance
to the campground. The campsite
is on the river side of the highway.
[For those wanting to extend their
Rivers Week, consider the Kettle
River canoe camping trip July 57 (see Trips List p. 9)]
Nicola River—departing from camp—Trish McLeod Photo
Beaver Tales
Page 8
Canoe Trip: A New Adventure
Novel for Young Adults by
David Beasley
June 2006 Races and Festivals
June 3, Bowen Island, BC—7th Annual ‘Round Bowen Kayak Race
http://www.roundbowenrace.org/register.php
nd
June 3-4, Courtenay, BC—2 Annual Puntledge
River Festival
http://www.surfkayak.org/puntledge.html
June 3-4, Roslyn, WA
44th “Bottom’s Up Regatta,” Salmon La Sac River
League of NW Whitewater Racers, Slalom and
Downriver Races
http://www.nwwhitewater.org/2006/Races/
SalmonLaSac06.htm
June 9-11, Cashmere, WA
Wenatchee River Festival
http://www.wenatcheeriver.com/
June 16-17, Prince George, BC
Willow River Paddle Festival
http://www.mag-net.com/~paddle/
President
Chris Kovach
Vice President
Leigh Burton
Entertainment
Brian Otter
Trips Director
Madeline Waring
Treasurer
Linda Eng
Membership
Jim Slade
Secretary
Dave Kilpatrick
604-575-0365
604-583-2246
604-241-4535
604-437-1140
604-888-5814
604-943-2341
604-876-3506
604-322-1979
604-434-5921
Tim persuades his brother Chuck to
go on a canoe trip down the Saugeen
River. They paddle through rapids
and overcome dangers. Whether they
are chased by moose, trapped by
bears, mistakenly jailed, frustrated by
a madman in a motorboat, overturned
in dangerous rapids, or entranced by
the stories of an Indian chief, the boys
cannot be deterred from their goal of
pursuing the river to its mouth.
Through it all, they learn to respect
nature and each other.
David Beasley's previous book
Sarah's Journey, an historical novel,
won a literary award. See his web site
at www.kwic.com/davus.
ISBN: 0-915317-21-4 PRICE: $15
Hi Beaver Canoe Club:
I am a former member, not actively
canoeing and therefore not needing two canoes. I would like to sell
my Dumoine canoe by Swift. It
is red Royalex with wood trim and
mesh seats. It comes with air bags
and tri and knee straps. No skid
plates yet. I used it very little on
the rivers. It is virtually new. I
would like to see $1300 for it. Yes,
I do miss the club !
cheers,
Brian & Sandy Wyndham
3133 147 St Surrey, B.C. V4P 3E7
604 536 9498 Cell: 778 828 9010
Beaver Tales
Page 9
June Trips and Events
Date: June 4
Place: Salmon River
Grade: Flat water – Grade 1
Contact: Madeline Waring
Phone: 604 888-5814
This picturesque paddle starts where there was a historic Hudson’s
Bay farm, then flows under the freeway through huge culverts and
meanders through farmland, below a real castle, and by a couple
golf courses before it joins up with the Fraser River. It’s a fun family trip. There will be an option for an early take-out if little paddlers
come.
Date: June 11
This is your chance to bring your neighbours coworkers, friends
Place: Buntzen Lake
and family to Bunzen Lake and show off how you squander enjoy
Annual Family & Friends BBQ your spare time. Expect canoe marking, a kid’s activity, and a padGrade: Flat water
dle around the lake. Bring your own lunch, and we will supply the
hot dogs to get you started. Dave needs to know how many hot
Phone: 604-467-8623
dogs to bring, so call before June 7.
Date: June 18
This bouncy paddle north of Squamish includes chute-like bends,
Place: Cheakamus River
beautiful pools, surfing waves, and lots of fast water. River experiGrade: II - III
ence is required. Bring your lunch, snacks, drinks and a change of
clothes.
Phone:604-575-0365
Date: June 24 – June 30
We will depart the Manning Park Restaurant at 10:00 AM on SaturPlace: Rivers Week
day June 24th for a paddle on either the Pasaytan, (Grade II) or
Similkameen (Grade I - Princeton to Bromley Rock) depending on parGrade: I to III
ticipants’ interest. Our first campsite will likely be at Granite City.
Phone: 604-437-1140
The rest of the week we’ll run sections of the Similkameen, TuOr: [email protected]
lameen, and Coldwater Rivers. Otter lake is near-by for those who
email or call Carey to say you
want a flat water day. We will likely be at the Nicola campsite the
are coming and for any changes. following Thursday. Check the newsletter for more information.
Date: June 25 (8-10:30pm)
We have been invited to participate in the Lanterns for Peace
Peace Lantern Ceremony
Ceremony as part of the World Peace Forum. Volunteers are
Grade: Flat Water (Sunset
needed to pick up floating paper lanterns from English Bay at the
Beach or Jericho Park)
end of this free, family event. Enjoy the beautiful ceremony from
Contact: Teresa Gagne
your vantage point on the water while promoting peace and underPhone: 604-437-4453
standing. check www.members.shaw.ca for more info. & photos.
July Events
Date: June 30 – July 3
The Nicola River Weekend is the grand finale to the 2006 River
Place: Nicola River Week- Week. We can paddle stretches of the Nicola or Coldwater Rivers,
and Spius Creek if there is enough water. There are also nearby
end & Pig Roast
lakes that can be explored. Saturday July 1st at 5:00 PM is the ultiGrade: I - III
Contact: Carey Robson or
mate "Happy Hour" and Sunday July 2nd we will have a pig roast.
Bring salads or desert for the latter. Cost for the pig roast will be
Janice Power
$10 or less. Check this newsletter for more details.
Phone: 604-437-1140
Date: July 5-7
This popular trip is a 3 day, 2 night float down the Kettle River near
Kettle River Canoe Camping Rock Creek B.C. with loaded canoes. It is an easy river but it is a
river, so some moving water experience is required, especially if
Grade 1-1+
you have children aboard. Call before Rivers Week.
Dan Burnett 604-943-2341
Date: July 9
Come explore the lower sections of the Fraser River. Details about
Place: Lower Fraser River
the exact location of the trip will be in the next months newsletter.
Grade: I
Brian Otter 604-241-4535
Beaver Tales
Page 1
Summertime...When the Livin’ is Easy
Volume 30, No. 6
July 2006
Photo of Nicola Lake by Brian Wyndham (former member and continuing friend of the club)
Remember: The July and August meetings are on the water. July
12th evening will be on Burnaby Lake with a free hot dog dinner.
David Westell is the contact, leader and chef. 604-467-8623
Inside:
Humour—Too Dam Funny!
Buntzen Lake BBQ Photos
Trip Report—Puntledge Festival
Trip Report—Cheakamus River
July/August Trips & Events
________________
2
3
4
5
6
President
Vice President
Entertainment
Training Director
Trips Director
Newsletter Editor
Treasurer
Membership
Secretary
Chris Kovach
Leigh Burton
Brian Otter
Carey Robson
Madeline Waring
Dan Burnett
Linda Eng
Jim Slade
Dave Kilpatrick
604-575-0365
604-583-2246
604-241-4535
604-437-1140
604-888-5814
604-943-2341
604-876-3506
604-322-1979
604-434-5921
Editor: Dan Burnett
Beaver Tales
Page 2
TOO DAM FUNNY (BUT TRUE!)
sent in by Leigh Burton
The Government Action: In July 1997, one of Stephen Tvedten's neighbors noticed flooding
on his property and traced it back to a dam on Tvedten's stream. He complained to the Michigan
Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) on July 28. Five months later, the agency responded
with a letter to the offending land owner. The letter, from David Price, a local Michigan DEQ official, was blunt. The "construction and maintenance of two wood debris dams across the outlet
stream of Spring Pond" was "unauthorized" because "a permit must be issued prior to the start of
this type of activity." The letter ordered Stephen Tvedten, the land owner, to "cease and desist" under penalty of "elevated enforcement action."
The Response (slightly edited for space)
Dear Mr. Price:
Your certified letter dated 12/17/97 has been handed to me to respond to.
I
am the legal owner and a couple of beavers are in the (State unauthorized)
process of constructing and maintaining two wood "debris" dams across the outlet stream of my Spring Pond. While I did not pay for, nor authorize, their dam
project, I think they would be highly offended you call their skillful use of
natural building materials "debris." I would like to challenge you to attempt
to emulate their dam project any dam time and/or any dam place you choose. I
believe I can safely state there is no dam way you could ever match their dam
skills, their dam resourcefulness, their dam ingenuity, their dam persistence,
their dam determination and/or their dam work ethic.
As to your dam request the beavers first must fill out a dam permit prior to
the start of this type of dam activity, my first dam question to you is: are
you trying to discriminate against my Spring Pond Beavers or do you require all
dam beavers throughout this State to conform to said dam request? If you are
not discriminating against these particular beavers, please send me completed
copies of all those other applicable beaver dam permits.
My first concern is - aren't the dam beavers entitled to dam legal representation? The Spring Pond Beavers are financially destitute and are unable to pay
for said dam representation - so the State will have to provide them with a dam
lawyer. If you want the dam stream "restored" to a dam free-flow condition contact the dam beavers - but if you are going to arrest them (they obviously
did not pay any dam attention to your dam letter-being unable to read English) - be sure you read them their dam Miranda rights first.
In my humble opinion, the Spring Pond Beavers have a right to build their dam
unauthorized dams as long as the sky is blue, the grass is green, and water
flows downstream. They have more dam right than I to live and enjoy Spring
Pond. In conclusion, I would like to bring to your attention a real environmental quality (health) problem: bears are actually defecating in our woods. I
definitely believe you should be persecuting the defecating bears and leave the
dam beavers alone. If you are going to investigate the beaver dam, watch your
step!
Sincerely,
Stephen L. Tvedten
Beaver Tales
Photos by Brian Otter and
Karyn Lippincott
Page 3
Beaver Tales
Page 4
Different Creatures and Big Features—The Puntledge River Festival
Hoping the Whitewater Ferry would be good to us, Heather Matthews, Karen Gorecki and I
went to the island for the Puntledge River Festival. If you enjoy whitewater canoeing because
it’s unique and not everybody does it, you should go to a river festival – there, among all the
little kayaks, you can really feel like the proverbial square peg.
But, square pegs shouldn’t go into big, gnarly holes. As part of its negotiated water-use plan,
BC Hydro releases (lots of) water into the Puntledge for the festival – providing “ideal play levels” (flood) for the “paddlers” (kayakers). What’s fun for the kayakin’ playboaters would be a
quick flip and a long swim for the open boaters – there weren’t many waves that canoes could
(or should) catch!
Before the river came up too high on Saturday, we open boaters (the 3 of us, plus several gracious hosts/leaders from the island) accessed a festival-only put-in through a BC Hydro gate.
The siren sounded as Hydro threw open the valves upstream. As we nervously fiddled with our
gear and got ready to launch, we knew that the little waves were turning into big and big waves
into nasty holes. Successfully skirting a series of holes - the Three Little Pigs - right below the
put-in helped get the nerves out. We were used to the big water by the time we had to be on
our game for the advisable line through a drop called River Wide
With River Wide (and a portage around a nasty, nasty dam) behind us there was a little more
playing, but the waves were big and fast. Despite repeated efforts and a few exciting attempts,
none of the solo boats were really able to control a respectable surf - if you managed to get on
or near a wave, you had a split second to get things perfect, or you were already jetted off fast
& hard, and were a long way downstream. Luckily, since the river was flooding the neighbouring park at popular wave, it was pretty easy to drag/slosh your canoe back up another halfsecond of shame.
The ‘yakers were nice enough, and even expressed lots of interest in canoeing, or at least enjoyed sizing up our “weird” boats and outfitting. Some even kneeled in the boats and rocked in
the thigh straps, but I didn’t see any of the kayakers actually take any of Esquif’s demo boats
near the river. I suspect some of the boys just wanted to visit with Heather and Karen! People
didn’t seem as interested in my boat.
With a few more canoeists and a little more effort, kayak festivals seem like a ripe place to convert a few kayakers into canoeing! We’ll try again at the Ashlu Festival in the end of August!
Thanks to Wayne Barson for being mother duck and sharing lots of laughs! Look here for
Wayne’s photos of this and other events: http://waynebarson.com/homepage.html .
Pat Yarnell.
Beaver Tales
Page 5
LLAMAPAEDIA
The one-l lama,
He's a priest.
The two-l llama,
He's a beast…….Ogden Nash
On the bridge there were two, two-l llama.
‘Eddy out at the llama(s) !!’
We pulled in on the gravel bar and watched
as two people pushed, pulled and prodded
a white llama into the middle of the suspension that crosses the Cheakamus upstream of Sun Wolf.
They tethered the beast and then walked
back to the start in order to push, pull and
prod a second, black llama to join the first
one.
The woman behind pressed against the animal’s butt and the man at the front hauled
on the …. painter? bow rope? The llama
locked its four legs and leaned in the opposite direction with equal determination.
Leigh shouted up to them, “Use a blindfold!” and the woman said, “No” because
she wanted to keep her eye on the llamas.
They both carried red packs. My guess is
that they were smugglers.
Where would you rather be on a sunny
Sunday than paddling in British Columbia?
Llamas are very quiet animals. Humming is their primary means of vocal
expression. A llama's hum sounds
similar to a person's hum. Depending
upon the situation, llamas may also
cluck, orgle or make an alarm call.
(Orgle, the llama’s mating sound, is
reminiscent of gargling, but with a more
forceful, buzzing edge.)
Archaeological evidence indicates that
the llama were domesticated in Peru
about 6,000 years ago. The llama was
bred for use as a beast of burden in
addition to their fine fibre.
Beaver Tales
Page 6
July Trips and Events
Date: July 1-3, 2006
Place: Nicola River Weekend and Pig
Roast
Grade: I - III
Contact: Janice Power
Phone: 604-437-1140
Date: July 9, 2006
Place: Lower Fraser River
Grade: Flat water
Contact: Brian Otter
Phone: 604 241-4353
Date: July 16
Place: Cheakamus River
Grade: II - III
Phone: 604-215-2215
Date: July 23, 2006
Place: Fraser River Matsqui to Derby
Reach (Langley)
Grade: I
Contact: Peter Hiebert
Phone: 604-941-1572
Date: July 26th (Weather permitting)
Place: Deer Lake – Helping our Community
Grade: Flat water
Phone: 604 241-4353
Date: July 30, 2006
Place: Blaney Creek to Deboughville
Slough
Grade: Flat - 1
Phone: 604-467-8623
Date: Aug. 5 – 7, 2006
Place: Wenatchee River
Grade: I - III
Contact: Dave Kilpatrick
Phone: 604 – 434-5921
Date: Aug. 5 - 12
Place: Kootenay River Week
Grade: II -III
Contact: Eric White
Phone: 250-825-4392
The Nicola River Weekend is the grand finale to the 2006 River
Week. We can paddle stretches of the Nicola or Coldwater Rivers,
and Spius Creek if there is enough water. There are also nearby
lakes that can be explored. Saturday July 1st at 5:00 PM is the ultimate "Happy Hour" and Sunday July 2nd we will have a pig roast.
Bring salads or desert for the latter. Cost for the pig roast will be $10
or less. Check June newsletter for more details.
This Fraser River Adventure is suitable for everyone.
With tides in our favour we will see Ladner float homes, deserted
sand beaches, ice cream on the beach, as well as the waterfront
development and fishing boats in Steveston.
The Cheakmus is usually at a good water level at this time of year.
Come have a bouncy paddle on this pretty river north of Squamish.
The river offers chute-like bends, beautiful pools, surfing waves, and
lots of fast water. River experience is required. Bring your lunch,
snacks, drinks and a change of clothes.
Come explore a different section of the Fraser River with Peter and
Jennifer. This section should have a good current to carry the canoes along. If you haven’t paddled a BIG river before this is a good
opportunity to see what it is like. Bring your lunch, water bottles,
sunhat, sunscreen, and a change of clothes.
An annual community service volunteer opportunity for competent
tandem paddlers. Vancouver Parks offer an opportunity for physically and mentally handicapped youth and adults to paddle a canoe
or to be paddled on Deer Lake with our help. For the past three
years the Beaver Canoe Club has helped to make this day long
program possible with volunteer paddlers.
This is the cross-town trip, along 5 rivers in 3 municipalities. We’ll
be taking a boat tour of newsworthy Blaney Bog and Codd Island,
then eating lunch near nostalgic Bordertown. The many varieties of
birds will have great canoe watching opportunities.
The Wenatchee is another favourite of the Beaver’s. This hot sunny
area offers several challenging river trips. There is also the nearby
fascinating town of Levenworth to explore.
The Columbia Canoe Club has invited the Beavers to join them on
the East Kootenay River Week. It is similar to the Beaver river week
where we car camp and enjoy day trips on various rivers. Come
paddle rivers such as the Kootenay, Elk, White and others. And
come soak in nearby hotsprings. Call Eric for details.
Beaver Tales
Page 1
Welcoming Our New Canoe Addicts
Volume 30, No. 7
Inside:
Rpresidents Report
Gerry Haynes is a madman
“Our First Time”
Brent and the Nudists
A Baptism by Fire
A 44 Beaver, 3 day Trip
The Tulameen & The Sumallo
Rivers Week in Pictures and Words
Notice Board
August Trips and Events
August 2006
Wednesday August 9 meeting
2
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
Not to Be Missed:
-Wenatchee River Weekend—Aug 5-8
-Kootenay Rivers Week — Aug 5-12
-Adams River—Sept 2-4
-Year End Party—Nov. 25
This meeting is 'on the water' - while the weather is still fine.
Call Brian Otter at 604 241-4353 for details.
We will meet at Gary Point, the west end of Steveston in
Richmond, at 6:45 PM for Pajo's 'fish and chips 'weather
permitting or at the beach for a 7:30 PM launch. Birds,
boats and beaches are the attraction on this paddle in an urBeaver Canoe Club Executive:
President
Vice President
Entertainment
Training Director
Trips Director
Newsletter Editor
Treasurer
Membership
Secretary
Social
Chris Kovach
Leigh Burton
Brian Otter
Carey Robson
Madeline Waring
Dan Burnett
Linda Eng
Jim Slade
Dave Kilpatrick
David Westell
604-575-0365
604-583-2246
604-241-4535
604-437-1140
604-888-5814
604-943-2341
604-876-3506
604-322-1979
604-434-5921
604-467-8623
Editor: Dan Burnett
Beaver Tales
Page 2
PRESIDENT’S REPORT
Gerry Haynes Does it Again
Wow, what a Rivers week! Everyone had a good
time and I think its safe to say that the pig turned out
really well, as did the pancake breakfast. A big
thanks to Carey for organizing the event and to Dave
and Rose for doing so much of the grunt work. Water levels were perfect and allowed us to do some of
the rivers that we don’t often get to do. We even introduced a new theme to the whole surfin concept of
canoeing- the plywood long board. Jerry designed
and constructed a surfboard that entertained everyone
for at least two days. However, its time to move onyes, more trips are coming up. The Wenatchee at the
beginning of August, and then the Adams on the labour day weekend. There is going to be a large paddling contingent from around the province at the Adams, as well as a corn roast. Both promise to be fabulous. So if you can make it out, be sure to come, and
if you’re not in to the adrenaline, then don’t forget
about the regularly scheduled flatwater trips. Come
out to the club meeting on the Fraser, and see what it
is like to paddle mid-week. It sure is a nice way to
wind down your work day.
Just when the legends of the walking in to
the Nahanni and the water skis in the Adams Canyon were getting lost in the mists
of Beaver History, at Rivers Week 2006,
Gerry has again proven he is truly mad.
From a simple bit of plywood and rope
Gerry devised a primitive “Beaverboard”
that had every member watching or waiting for turns. Demand was so heavy that
Gerry eventually constructed a “Long
Board” out of bigger plywood. Particularly outstanding surf performances were
observed by Gerry (of course), Alain,
Chris, & Gary. The kids got into it too!
Chris
“Kettle River” by Alexandra Fraser
see p. 6
Beaver Tales
Page 3
Rivers Week by First Timers
First times are unique. There can only be one first. First kiss, first day..., first impression, first win, first loss, first
canoe dumping. Sometimes after the first time, there will be no second time! Other times, the first is such an overwhelming experience, there has to be a repeat performance just to discover what you missed the first time. Occasionally you find the first as unpleasant as the 50th (Grouse Grind for example), but for some perverse reason you
keep repeating the experience. Yes, this was our first river trip and now we have those unforgettable first impressions. Though we all share the same waters, our visions are as different as our experience and training.
Overall first impressions:
1. We were always in good, no, expert hands. Though we might previously have tried drifting downstream by ourselves, we were impressed and comforted by the experience and safety in numbers a club provides.
2. As a stern paddler, I realize that I can't control everything and maybe should have listened to the screaming voice
from the bow just before hitting the rock (ouch! Sorry Dave Middleton).
3. Rivers: When riding a motorcycle, even an experienced rider will sometimes be surprised by a decreasing radius
turn and lose their line. Rivers can also fool us. We can get lulled into a rhythm while enjoying the river, the shoreline, scenery and the comfort of improving skills. That is when the river bit me, spun us around and spit us out.
This is what we felt and experienced (a battle between newbies and the river). What we saw was very different.... a
relaxed co-operative effort between the river and more experienced paddlers, both solo and tandem. They could
seamlessly be either ahead or behind us, their motions just as fluid as the water itself..... We're not sure how to get
there, but that's where we're going! Though bitten, spun and spit out, it's a rush and deserves an encore!
4. People: We join teams and clubs for the activity and perhaps free coaching or lessons. We all stay or leave because of the people. In a martial arts dojo, you can tell the health of the club by the number and quality of the white
belts (lowest belt) and not by the coloured or higher belts. The white belts are the future of the club. Many traditional activities are under pressure with ever decreasing numbers, some to the point of extinction. There are just so
many exciting things for people to do. We had a glimpse into the future by camping beside the Ullstrom clan. This
is a family that is very capable between the gunwales and Garry and Catherine are passing down a wealth of canoeing experience. We very much enjoyed talking with Wesley Kilpatrick while waiting for other paddlers to arrive.
Wesley was confident, friendly and a pleasure to meet. He is at a very exciting stage in life. After watching Wesley
handle the solo boat, I can say he is already where we want to go. During rivers week, we only experienced a small
cross-section of club members, but if there are more of these people, the future of the Beaver Canoe Club is good.
Though first timers with the club, we have done time for other organizations, so we thoroughly appreciate the effort
that people are giving to make this all happen. We understand the burden of responsibility for the club and any trip
leader to ensure that all participants return safely (and enjoy themselves) and we thank all who lead those trips.
Special thanks to Dave and Rose for the pancake breakfast and for driving us back and forth.
Can’t wait for our second Rivers Week!
Gary McDonald
PS: Claire’s bruises under her arms have finally faded away – but not the memories! She recounts the rescues with
much animation – thanks to everyone
Canoes on the Pasayten River—Brian Otter photo
Beaver Tales
Page 4
The Canada Day Nicola River trip report. By Brent Coutts
It was a 35 degree day at the Nicola River and everyone was so hot, that the only way to cool
down was to jump in the river. So that's exactly what I did!
On Monday at 10 am there were 9 canoes heading down the river ready to have some cool
fun. Our leader Dan was in his solo canoe and my dad (Kevin) was also in a solo canoe. The
rest of the group were in tandem canoes.
My mom (Suzanne)and I thought that the
lunch rapid was the most fun. I was hungry,
so while I was eating, my mom and Dan
jumped into my red Caption and started to
head into the wave for a surf. But this time
my mom was in the bow instead of her usual
spot in the stern. I thought that my mom and
Dan (because they were new partners) might
have a swim, so I got out a throw bag just in
case they flipped. But they didn't. =(
A little while after lunch we were arrived at
Red Rock canyon. The water level was low, 12 Year Old Brent Trying His Hand at Solo Playboating
so we didn't scout, but the rapids were still bouncy. After the canyon we stopped at my favorite spot to cool off. The cliff. I did 2 jumps that felt really refreshing because it was so hot. We
had to go to catch the shuttle with Monica. Monica was so kind to drive all the drivers in her
camper back to the put in.
Cheakamus River & Nudist Beach, July 16
Since we saw the llamas crossing the bridge a few weeks ago, the river’s flow had dropped by
about half to around 40cms. So, there was a few more eddies and a nice variety of waves and routes,
and the river still had some good flow to it. But at a few places where the river filters from one channel
to another, I still managed to loose some paint off my freshly painted canoe.
Despite meeting at a relaxed time of 10:30, Carey, Gerry, Leigh & Gord were talking about doing
the extended version of this trip, so Meg, Duhane & Amber and I agreed that would be fun. The extended run bypasses the take-out bridge at the café and takes you into the biggest rapids as the
Cheakamus River reaches the floor of the Squamish Valley. It was noon when we launched and the run
into Brackendale took over 4.5 hours.
Having had no misadventures on the early part of the run, we scouted the drop above Culliton
Creek and some chose lines to the right of the rock. When that failed to produce any swimmers, Leigh
& Gord followed Carey’s lead and surfed in the main chute. The canoe-over-canoe in that boiling eddy
was our pre-lunch excitement.
After lunch (where a usual surf wave was nowhere to be found) we enjoyed the rapids, tolerated
the headwind on the flat stretch. Our post-lunch entertainment, aside from the rapids, was startling
some naked people who were hanging out by the river. Some turned their backs, some covered their
fronts, we just smiled and waved.
The first few rapids beyond the bridge are steeper and longer - a notch up from the rest of the
class II run - and to make ourselves more nervous, some of us scouted the first drop to get a good look
at the waves and holes. Everybody successfully skirted along the right of the wave train and avoided
the worst. Those rapids are a lot of fun!
After the last rock gardens the channels begin to braid and twist, and there is a few awkward corners with squirrelly eddies and the threat of wood. But Carey led a problem-free route onto the Squamish River.
In addition to the highlight rapids, paddling the lower bit of the Cheakamus on a nice day gives
some top notch views of the mountains around Squamish, even better than the views we had at the
Pat Yarnell.
sandbar. There’s always something to see on the Cheakamus!
Beaver Tales
Page 5
Wet Behind the Ears: Our First Trip as Beavers
By Ellen Hong and Paul Saini
Paul and I had never had any designs to become river paddlers, but here we were, launching
down the Grade II Plus Lower Nicola. “Keep your paddle in the water.” “Lean into the rock if
you’re stuck.” “Lean like you’re on a bicycle.” As the water flew past, I struggled to keep the
tips straight, communicate with Paul, and not fall out! I felt with amazement the shifting and
bending of the canoe with every wave and rock.
Feeling a little like young children hiding behind Mommy’s skirt, we never let more than 2 feet
separate us from the back of Brian and Karyn’s boat. As the day progressed, we realized that
not only were their experienced eyes watching us, so were about 20 other pairs! We felt safer
than joey in mama kangaroo’s pouch.
Thanks to Dan Burnett, the basics of eddying were demonstrated to us using highly technical
demonstration tools – twigs, a rock and a little running water. Putting theory into practice was
challenging, as we tried and missed eddying time and again. One valiant effort led to our only
dump of the day. The rapids must have been something, as Paul’s seat broke smack in the
middle! Dave Middleton graciously let us exchange our Mad River with an Esquif from his fleet.
What a treat!
That night’s Ultimate Happy Hour was impressive, and we retired to our tent, exhausted but
exhilarated.
Day 2 was a repeat of the Lower Nicola. Our many mentors coaxed us
to play a little more in the waves, to
pick our own lines through the rapids, and enjoy the scenery more
now that we had found our feet on
the water. Our heads must have
been swelling from all the heat and
praise that day because we followed
our usual course, apparently right
up a rock and promptly dumped
thereafter. We were spared the indignity of the ‘Miller Rule’ by being
towed to the banks rather than perform a precarious self rescue in the
river. We know that fancy beer ensures prompt rescues.
First Timers???
For a time, it seemed The Pig Roast would never get under way, with man, woman, and child
queuing to play on the jimmied wakeboard. When dinner was served, it was spectacular. Between the fruit kebabs and juicy pork, I was happier than the pig on the spit! We were determined to squeeze every last drop of enjoyment out of our last night and it was midnight when
we finally hit the sack.
The Canyon run on Monday drew nine boats. We made our way through the Rock Gardens,
past eagles, and glimpsed a bear curiously watching our troupe. Pat Yarnell and Tanis Knowles
graciously offered to switch canoes so we could get a feel for gemini seating. Thank goodness
we weren’t using their canoe when I was sure we were going to obliterate ourselves against
the Wall of Doom! Dave Middleton’s tumble into the water and subsequent ride down some big
rapids holding the front of the canoe was the feature of the trip. A very patient Monica Burnett
waited an hour at the pullout to take us back to our vehicles. She earned our gratitude.
They say it takes a village to raise a child. We say it takes one weekend with the Beavers to
become a whitewater canoeist. We’re hooked!
Beaver Tales
Page 6
Kettle River—July 5 to 7, 2006
This year marked the 7th run of the Kettle River family camping trip. It has provided many people their first
introduction to the great experience and opportunities of canoe camping. This year was the same with many
people taking on new challenges and
adventure!
Day 1: We put in approximately 50 km
north of Rock Creek on Hwy #33.
Shuttle service was provided by our
friend Ken who decided he was better
qualified to that task rather than risk
putting a paddle in his hands. There
were 14 boats and 44 people on the
trip. What a wonderful start! We were
encouraged by the great weather. And
the skill level of the group was looking
good as we headed down the river.
Everyone's gear stayed dry, except for
those caught in (or instigating) a water
fight! That night, we stayed on a gravel bar that we discovered a few years ago - Burnett Island. It had been
significantly re-shaped by the storms and floods of earlier in the season. Tents raised, bivy dug, children digging in the sand and Happy Hour began! Some folks relaxed, told tales and consumed while delicious dinners were prepared. Soon after dinner, the respite was interrupted by a rain storm. Most retreated to our
tents for an early night but the very rugged waited out the storm and had a late night campfire
Day 2: Early morning breakfast was enjoyed under sunny skies but before
some even finished packing up, clouds moved in and another downpour
delayed the start of the day's paddle. Tarps were ready and the hot chocolate by Don & Linda kept the crew happy. Before long, the skies cleared
and we were on our way. This stretch of the river holds the most challenges: we encountered log jams that had to be lined past (we noticed
more trees in the water than in past years), a couple of exciting turns and
chutes kept our paddlers on their toes. We arrived at a beautiful, sandy
beach for lunch and a swim. After lunch, we enjoyed sightings of exotic
creatures such as cows and Canadian Geese. And one of our group
bounced off a nice big rock on John's corner, just for old times' sake. Late
afternoon, we arrived at our favourite spot on the River - Bouwman Island.
A secret retreat that is known and cherished by those that paddle this way.
We quickly got into the routine: camp was established, children played,
some swam, happy hour, dinner and then... hail! What is this happening in
July?? Our intrepid guides had tarps ready and everyone huddled together
for shelter. Hot chocolate by Paul and liqueurs by Carin & Cathy kept everyone warm. Again, most retreated to bed but a few who were too excited to sleep stayed up for a fire and
dried off some wet gear
Day 3 : Again, we awoke to beautiful skies. Would there be more rain? Not this day. We lingered for lots of
playtime and enjoying the company of each other. Paddled past the Provincial Campground, rafted up and
enjoyed a relaxing float down river and arrived at Rock Creek in the early afternoon. Some of the group
started to go its own way but many of us enjoyed a last meal together at Osoyoos.
It was a fantastic time. Lots of time in the water and on the sand (some children in the sand also!). Good
spirits and teamwork prevailed against unusual weather. Thanks to those that assisted with sharing gear,
looking after each other's children and guiding down the river. See you next year!
James Fraser & Cathy Lew
Beaver Tales
Page 7
Tulameen Canyon, Sunday 25 June
Sumallo River: A walking tour
Rose’s fabulous pancake breakfast fuelled me for
the day. And after a dusty, hot drive to a class II
put-in, I found the river to be delightful – very lively
and wet. (There was bailing done by everyone and
obviously I dumped)
On June 21, 2006, Dave Kilpatrick and I met
for this pre-River’s week voyage of discovery on the
Sumallo River. When we left the campsite at Mule
Deer, it was so warm that I left my wet suit behind.
But when we got to he put in on the west slope, it had
got quite chilly.
We launched into a ditch beside Hwy 3 at the
east end of Paradise Valley. It started deceptively as
a gentle, unobstructed stream. But within minutes,
this ditch drained into the real Sumallo, a steep,
twisty, swiftly moving river. Then, not much later,
this river revealed the feature that would stay with us
the rest of the day: wood of all kinds - branches,
sweepers, strainers, deadheads, logjams, and those
hook shaped protrusions that try to grab you as you
paddle by.
Some obstacles could be overcome with imagination: duck here, lean there, brace, spin over yonder,
and pull the twigs back out of your hair. You could
get under one log in a pool by pushing up on it with
your back, and the canoe down into the water.
But at many of the log jams, there was nowhere on the bank to get out, and all we could do was
get out in the slowest current or shallowest water and
climb straight up and over the logs. It was in one of
these situations where Dave Kilpatrick can be credited with the only dump. He dropped his boat into a
pool and then attempted to drop himself into it from
above. The boat moved of course, and he dropped
into the pool beside the boat.
Although we did not count the times we had to
get out, we did note that at no time were we able to
paddle continuously for more than 1000 meters. As
the river distance is approximately 17 kilometers, we
had to have walked at least once for each kilometer,
or 17 times.
The Sumallo was a very pretty run, winding
through old growth Cedar, and treating us to a steep
rocky drop just before the end of the day. After about
7 hours, we took out at the Sumallo Grove picnic
area, about 200 meters upstream of the Skagit River.
There are several sections to this part of the Tulameen:
The Canyon occurs surprisingly quickly after the
put in. This is a play-and-lunch spot where the
more adventurous paddlers entertain the cheering
eaters with their surfing. Dave Westell stood ready
with his throw rope and was disappointed that
there were no takers.
The Mystery Channel which sounds ominous but
I am honour-bound not to reveal any details.
I recommend it as an experience but suggest you
don’t relax until well clear of the last riffle. (I patted
myself on the back for my brilliant run and then
promptly dumped – the price of arrogance.)
The Shoe Tree marks the end of the ‘upper’ section. This soleful tree stands lonely and leafless by
the water’s edge. Its branches, from ground to top
(forty feet up) (make that 10 meters for the
younger generation), are decorated with shoes.
Hundreds of them!
From here to Granite City camp is a delightful paddle through broad countryside. It is always possible
to lose your attention anywhere and thus Leigh became ‘she who dances with fallen trees’. There
was a coordinated and concerted effort to retrieve
the boat and its wounded pride. Fortunately both
Leigh and the tree came away unscathed.
The Beach is found at camp. As the day was hot,
our flotilla of nine boats arrived and took possession of the sandy backwater by beating back innocent children and dogs (who thought they were being invaded by black rubber-skinned aliens.)
Brian Otter
David Westell
Beaver Tales
Page 8
If you include the early starters who began paddling on June 27 Rivers “Week” is 13 days long. With two+
trips every day there are about 30 canoeing choices. Dave Kilpatrick had 12 runs in his 13 days plus a
night swim, chainsaw in hand, cutting down a tree which was making a dangerous spot even worse.
Most of us do not log so many outings but even so it is hard to remember specifics on any one trip and even
more difficult to remember who was with whom on what day.
Karyn and I dumped on one run as we approached the Canyon
on the Nicola. The day was hot and sunny. Very hot and
sunny. We correctly subverted hyperthermia by cooling off.
(At least that is the post-trip rationalization!) Apart from a
bumpy swim the day continued and the earth did not shift on
its axis. I did earn the coveted right to submit a story to Beaver Tales.
The day went pretty much the way of most RW days – get up
at 7 and have Karyn
prepare an athlete’s
breakfast: strong
black coffee, fresh
fruit compote, cheesy mushroom omelet.
While K cleans up, washes the dishes, and stows our campsite into
the tent, I stroll around the grounds mooching more coffee with an
ear out for a more interesting trip than the one we agreed to the
night before. After a visit to the outhouse I wander back to do the
man’s work of putting my paddle in the
car and helping K
load the canoe onto
the roof.
Drive to the put-in, shuttle the cars, and come back to the boat
that K has made river ready. We paddle past rocks and eagles
and a bear cub (or was that the next day?). K solos from time
to time so that I can relax, work on my tan, take a gulp of water or snap a picture of Dan upside down on a surfing wave.
Our brief swim adds to the fullness of this perfect day.
At the take out we stop to admire this year’s crop of poison
ivy. Horses wander free along the roadside.
Back in camp about 50 kids romp and play in the river. They have built a stone dam to make a swimming
pool and there is endless surfing on a machine built by Gerry, the oldest of the children, which involved
enough foresight on his part to have planted a tree on Dead Man’s Island some forty years earlier. There is
some talk that a Beaver Recreational Damming and Surfing Club has come into existence.
I wait patiently, napping in the hammock,
until dinner with champagne is served.
As night falls its time to move to the
campfire and exchange exaggerated tales
of heroism and daring with fellow Beavers. Life is good!
Brian (as edited by Karyn)
Beaver Tales
Page 9
Lakewater Instructor Course
(Includes Lakewater levels 1 - 4)
Starting Friday PM September 15 —
3 Friday evenings and 3 weekends.
Additional 10% discount for Beaver
Members that register by August 31.
Details at: www.learn2canoe.ca
Looking to get out on the water?…
Jug of coolant - $20
BC AA Plus m em bership - $120
New therm ostat, parts & labour - $84.40
A tim ely wagon-to-van rescue
from Abbotsford to the N icola - Priceless.
Th a n ky ou Da vid !Pa t&
Ta n is Exciting whitewater canoes by Esquif
Lightweight canoes by Hellman
- Rentals, Demos and Consignments Canoes • Sea Kayaks • Outfitting Supplies
Paddles • PFDs • Books & Videos
Clothing • Accessories • Rides to Merritt
Call David at
Middleton’s Specialty Boats &
Emergency Roadside Service
Ashlu River Festival Aug 2427
September Entertainment
The Ashlu is famous for class IV-V
kayaking, but the festival includes runs for canoes on-river
and off-river events support the
cause & promote canoeing
www.whitewater.org
The Wednesday September 13 meeting is
back at the Burnaby Lake Clubhouse for
a 7:45 PM meeting followed by Leigh
Burton who promises either a slideshow
of a paddling tip on the Green or maybe a
tap dance routine with live music.
Dave? Dave?
Beaver Tales
Page 10
Date: July 30, 2006
This is the cross-town trip, along 5 rivers in 3 municipalities. We’ll
Place: Blaney Creek & Beyond be taking a boat tour of newsworthy Blaney Bog and Codd Island,
Grade: Flat to I
then eating lunch near nostalgic Bordertown. The many varieties
of birds will have great canoe watching opportunities.
Phone: 604-467-8623
Date: Aug 5 – 7, 2006
The Wenatchee is another favourite of the Beaver’s. This hot
Place: Wenatchee River
sunny area offers several challenging river trips. There is also the
nearby fascinating town of Levenworth to explore.
Grade: I - III
Contact: Dave Kilpatrick
Phone: 604-434-5921
Date: Aug 9, 2006
Our August Beaver Canoe Club Meeting is a paddle at the west
Place: Gary Point
end of Steveston in Richmond. The Eager Beavers can meet for
Grade: Flat Water
fish and chips before the sunset paddle where you can see birds,
boats, and beaches.
Phone: 604-467-8623
Date: Aug. 5 – 12, 2006
The Columbia Canoe Club has invited the Beavers to join them on
Place: Kootenay River Week the East Kootenay River Week. It is similar to the Beaver river
Grade: II - III
week where we car camp and enjoy day trips on various rivers.
Contact: Eric White
Come paddle rivers such as the Kootenay, Elk, and White and
soak in nearby hotsprings. Call Eric for details.
Phone: 250-825-4392
Date: Aug. 13, 2006
Here is an opportunity to paddle the place of your choice. A trip is
Place: Unknown
not scheduled for this day, so if you have a trip you’d like to lead,
call Brian Otter (604-467-8623) and ask him to e-mail to the memGrade: Whatever you want
bership with the details.
Contact: You????
Date: Aug. 20, 2006
This may be your last chance to circumnavigate the lower Fraser
Place: Barnston Island
Valley’s little known island of pastoral life before the new bridge
goes up and changes it forever. We’ll be starting in Pitt Meadows,
Grade: I
late and leisurely, so that the tide can do its job and push us along.
Phone: 604-467-8623
Date: Aug 27, 2006
Come explore city life from the water and enjoy the sites and
Place: False Creek
sounds of False Creek. There may even be an opportunity to stop
Grade: Flat Water
and explore the area and the wooden boat festival which takes
place this weekend.
Phone: 604-467-8623
Date: Aug. 27, 2006
We’re returning to the Chilliwack where we can boulder bash,
Place: Chilliwack River
bounce in the waves and gaze into pools looking for fish and fishGrade: II
ing tackle left behind by the fishers. This is a trip for experienced
river paddlers. Don’t forget your picnic lunch for a river front lunch
Contact: Leigh Burton
stop.
Phone: 604-583-2246
Date: Sept 2-4, 2006
Don’t miss the thrills and spills of the Adams River Canyon on the
Place: Adams River
Labour Day weekend. Shuswap Lake and the South Thompson
River provide flatwater paddling for those who like to be a little
Grade: II -III and Flatwater
more sedate. Reserve a campsite at Cottonwood Campsite 250Contact: Chris Kovach
679-8406
Phone: 604-575-0365
Sept. 10 Lower Squamish
Sept: 17 Chilliwack River
Sept. 24 Harrison River
Beaver Tales
Page 1
Fall Paddling Special
Volume 30, No. 8
September 2006
September Entertainment
Inside:
Monthly Report & Party
A Fine Meeting—Sort Of
Wetness on the Wenatchee
Carnage on the Wenatchee
A Tulameen Tale
Notice Board & Web guide
September Trips and Events
“Approaching a Rapid”
Sunset in the Black Canyon of the Colorado River
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
8
“The canoe took me away from the
crowds and introduced me to places
that had remained unchanged for
centuries. And in the going I discovered a sense of freedom that has
never been equalled in any other
way.”
-Bill Mason
appears more golden than black. This 11 mile
stretch of water is well known for it's picturesque
scenery as well as the hot-pools! The canyon walls
are composed of volcanic schist, predominantly black
in colour, and as sunlight rarely reaches the walls it is
aptly named the 'Black Canyon'.
Come to the Beaver Canoe Club indoor meeting at
the Burnaby Lake Clubhouse on Wednes-
day 13 September at 7:45PM
and Leigh will present her pictures of happy memories from this lovely paddle.
Editor: Dan Burnett
Beaver Tales
Page 2
Whew!
What a stellar summer it has been! An outstanding Rivers Week with great participation, great
weather and water and of course the Pig Roast. Huge turnout for the Kettle River family expedition. Incredible weather, thrills and spills on the Wenatchee, and many, many great day trips.
The Adams River promises to
be the icing on the cake. Huge
thanks to all those who organized these events and all of
those whose enthusiasm made
them great.
The fall is looking good for an
extended paddling season.
We’re looking forward to seeing everyone at the meeting to
enjoy the stories and images
from even more Beaver canoe
trippers.
Madeline Waring on the Lower Lower during Rivers Week
Beaver Tales
Page 3
The business part of the meeting took an hour while we ate fish and chips at Pajos in
Gary Point . The last chip was the signal to launch three canoes and head upstream in
search of the elusive freshwater shark rumoured to be lurking in the lower reaches of
the Fraser River.
In the excitement at the put
in, the meeting
minutes, including the seventeen proposals
we had put to
the membership
at the meeting
and passed ( including a red,
30 passenger
shuttle bus with
boat trailer)
were left on the
picnic table and
are now lost.
Big boats, small boats and an unsuccessful attempt to sneak under the Steveston wharf
at high tide were highlights and the sunset was also a highlight even though the light
was in fact low.
Everyone made it successfully back to the cars and we all agreed that there was nowhere else that we would
have rather been than out
on the water on a Wednesday evening - the last water
meeting for the year.
Next month, Wednesday 13
September, we are back at
the Burnaby Lake Clubhouse where we can expect
the minutes to be properly
recorded - I wish I could
only remember the other 16
proposals.
Respectfully submitted,
Brian Otter
Beaver Tales
Page 4
Wenatchee Day 3
Day 3 on the Wenatchee looked
like another hot one, fine on the
river, but most people wanted a
shorter trip, so Wesley convinced
us that he’d seen a put-in just off
the side of the main highway
about 100 yards above Drunkard’s Drop, which had a couple of
side-surfing waves. Wesley managed to stand up in his canoe yesterday, but today Dave K. had
that canoe and standing up is not
one of his tricks. Instead he got
stuck in a low brace that wasn’t
going anywhere until Wesley
went in and pushed Poppa Bear out of the hole. Such a shame! It’s always fun to see Dave swim,
like yesterday when he and Claude dumped coming into an eddy, and then tried to hide in the
bushes before anybody could see them (they were lead boat).
Moving on
down, there
were a number
of surfing
waves, and
then the rapid
called Snowblind, which
consists of a
number of
ledges and
quite a bit of
maneuvering,
but today everybody made it,
even Dave
Middleton in
one of his tippy
new boats,
which Madeline and Claude both tried – only 36 lbs. –I suspect Irene might be getting an early Xmas present, to
go with the booties and drill she got last year. The last rapid before the take-out was a scene of
mayhem yesterday, with about 4 simultaneous dumps. Today people were more cautious and we all
made it, even Madeline
Gerry Hayne
Beaver Tales
Page 5
Wenatchee—Dryden to Cashmere—a Gauvin Perspective
Today we paddled from the dam in Dryden to the Civic Park in Cashmere. There were thirteen boats, including two kayaks, on the water. With Wesley discovering solo paddling, Dave K
was without a solo boat and needed ballast in the bow of his tandem boat, so I was coerced into
paddling tandem, which I haven’t done in a few years.
On the water we tried a few eddy turns and ferries, not bad except e took in water at every
little wave. Seems the Synergy was quite low in the water. Starting to relax a little, we came
screaming into the eddy just above Gorilla Falls, crossed the eddy line with such force I was
ejected from the boat, with Dave still bracing he slowly went over with the boat. As he stood in
the knee deep water complaining that I didn’t lean far enough, I said “Never mind, get in behind
“...Boats were flipping like flapjacks…”
the bushes before anyone sees us. By the time anyone else got to the eddy, we were in the boat
and ready to go. But alas, Gerry, who was supposed to be sweep (not second) claims he saw the
bottom side of a red canoe in the eddy, so here I write.
The next dump came quickly. Ann and Alain rescued Paul and canoe while Dave K threw a
rope to retrieve Ellen who was perched on a rock in the middle of Gorilla Falls. Later, Devil’s
Eyeball claimed another boat on the shallow ledges. Here we stopped for lunch and everyone had
a chance to surf the many different waves along the lower ledges across the river. Even yakkers,
Luke and Rob, played nonstop. Wesley demonstrated his side surfing techniques. David Middleton paddling a new composite boat by Esquif called the Zephyr was encouraging others to try it.
Madeline paddled it and said she even felt comfortable in it. The sun was so hot that even if you
didn’t dump you had to get out of the boat and go for a swim every half hour.
At Snowblind, Gary and Claire took a look at all the ledges, holes and rock formations and
decide to walk this one. Don and Donna paddled through the maze with style in spite of Donna’s
loudly voiced concerns. Some very interesting and very strong hydraulics were encountered on
this rapid.
With the next rapid in sight, Phil forged ahead to scale Annapurna, an epic standing wave,
with K1 right behind it. Phil’s success gave others false hope. All sorts of mayhem ensued.
Boats were flipping like flapjacks. Some that made the first two waves were swallowed by the
large swirling hole that reached across the river. Performing a rescue, Alain lost his new paddle
but managed to pluck it out of the water as they dropped down into the cavernous hole. Ann handled the boat beautifully and they emerged from the swirling morass poised to perform the next
rescue.
A few large rollers called “Grannie’s Rapid” was the last of the day, and not too son as quite
a few paddlers were feeling the effects of the 100 degree heat. We loaded boats and headed back
to the cool breezes of the fir and pine forests of the Tumwater Park campground. A record of six
or was it seven beers were claimed by Ann and Alain at the end of the day.
A great performance was had by all, with a great cast of characters.
Claude Gauvin
Beaver Tales
Page 6
Tulameen River, Camp to Princeton
34ºC at camp, 37ºC in Princeton. Paddlers were Carey, Dave K., Claude, Leigh, Dave
W., Anne and Alain, John and Madeline, Phil and his visitor from Germany, Searle, Gary
and Claire, new members, Ron and Mary from the Dogwoods, Garry and Fraser from
Alert Bay, and Joe and
Vanessa from Bellingham.
This was a very pleasant run down to the
House Rocks at this
water level. Catherine,
Marie, Irene, Eva, and
Haven hiked in to watch
the excitement as we all
studied the various
routes thru the rocks,
picked one, and then
did something completely different. Nobody dumped. What a
let-down! It can’t be so
hard after all.
Then came the dreaded portage thru the tunnel, and gear-junkie Dave W. pulls out a set
of wheels (which looked suspiciously like the rear wheels off the Echo), and they were the
stars of the day. People were lining up to use them, 2 canoes at a time, even the Purists.
Leigh bought a ticket to ride. Isn’t technology wonderful! Thanks, Dave! Right away Dave
K. was imagining a bigger set
of wheels, driven with a
chainsaw motor. Other people have visions of sugarplums, or fabric shops, or
cold beer.
Then Carey Careyfully belayed us and our boats like
pinballs (working on a percentage from Dagger) back
down to the river, and an
hour later the skyline of
Princeton hove into view.
Gerry Hayne
Beaver Tales
Page 7
Surf these websites for fresh, local photos of
whitewater canoeing:
“Rivers Week” of the Seattle canoe club:
http://home.comcast.net/~paddletrails/
Wayne Barson Photography (Puntledge Festival):
http://www.waynebarson.com/
Another Website of Note… Chris Harris does picture books of places like - Bowron lakes.
Beavers may be interested in his website http://www.chrisharris.com
History Online
For those interested in the journals of early explorers such as Franklin, Simpson, Back, and
Hearne, check out www.canadiana.org
The site has full digital copies of historical Canadian documents including explorers’ journals. The sample to the right is a sketch of a
native canoe from the Journal of Samuel
Hearne.
President
Vice President
Entertainment
Training Director
Trips Director
Newsletter Editor
Treasurer
Membership
Secretary
Social
Chris Kovach
Leigh Burton
Brian Otter
Carey Robson
Madeline Waring
Dan Burnett
Linda Eng
Jim Slade
Dave Kilpatrick
David Westell
604-575-0365
604-583-2246
604-241-4535
604-437-1140
604-888-5814
604-943-2341
604-876-3506
604-322-1979
604-434-5921
604-467-8623
Beaver Tales
Page 8
Date: Sept 2-4, 2006
Place: Adams River
Grade: II -III and Flatwater
Phone: 604-575-0365
Don’t miss the thrills and spills of the Adams River Canyon on
the Labour Day weekend. Shuswap Lake and the South
Thompson Rier provide flatwater paddling for those who like to
be a little more sedate. Reserve a campsite at Cottonwood
Campsite 250-679-8406
Date: Sept. 10, 2006
Place: Lower Squamish River
Grade: I
Contact: Don Reid
Phone: 604-939-2339
The Lower Squamish is generally a fast grade I with the possibility of
some grade II at a few corners. It is a great trip to get the feel of a
river and enjoy the majestic beauty of the Squamish Valley. There
may be a bit of wood on it, but if you have some basic maneuvering
skills, you’ll be able to avoid them.
Beaver Canoe Club Meeting
Don’t miss our last visit to the Chilliwack River. We’ll be paddling the
Place: Chilliwack River
upper section so you’ll need river experience. Hopefully the fishers
Grade: II - III
don’t add too many obstacles to this scenic, challenging and fun padContact: Gerry Hayne
dle.
Phone: 604-530-8827
The fall colours should be decorating the shore of this peaceful river.
Place: Harrison River
Come and look for eagles, salmon, fossils, rock art, and a First NaGrade: I
tions cemetery as we paddle this 17 km stretch of river. Don’t forget
Contact: Marie Bremner
your lunches. Suitable for everyone.
Phone: 604-530-8827
Date: Oct. 1, 2006
Come challenge this fast, cold and unpredictable river. The SquamPlace: Upper Squamish River
ish is glacier fed and is often a nice level in the fall. This paddle is
Grade: II - III
for the experienced river paddlers. Watch out for sweepers, logs and
strainers and don’t forget your thermos. The water can be really cold.
Phone: 604-530-3380
Date: Oct 7 – 9, 2006
We are not quite sure where were going yet, but will post information
and e-mail the membership with details soon. If you have a place
you want to go to, give Madeline a call, suggest the location, and volPlace: Not Sure yet
Watch the web site and your e- unteer to be contact! Madeline can be reached at 604-888-5814 or at
[email protected]
mail for more information
Date: Oct.15, 2006
What better place to end our paddling season than on the creek were
Place: Widgeon Creek
we had our first paddle this spring.
Date: Nov. 25, 2006 Beaver Christmas Party. Mark your calendar!
Date: Jan. 1 2007 Polar Bear Paddle
“There is something beautifully final in approaching, over calm water, the rim of
a rapid that one has never seen—all decisions made, everything snugged down,
jammed in, strapped on and tarped up. There is a feeling of peace, perfect
peace, of complete relaxation now that the moment has come. One is committed and there is no turning back and all uncertainty is gone. Two or three frantic
minutes and the canoe will either be safe in the eddy at the foot of the rapid or
else jammed under a sweeper halfway down or bumping along the bottom with a
hole in it and a sodden load doing its best to fall out.”
R.M. Patterson, Trail to the Interior
Beaver Tales
Page 1
Pre-Party Publication
Volume 30, No. 9
October 2006
October
Entertainment
The Dease River is one of
British Columbia’s historic
waterways, creating a
route north to the Yukon
border for explorers,
traders and the gold rush
crowd. The Dease runs
through wild northern forests and ranges, joining
the mighty Liard.
Join 4 families and enjoy
a video presentation of
their journey by Dan Burnett, at the Beaver Canoe
Club meeting at the Burnaby Lake Clubhouse on
Wednesday 11 October,
7:45PM
Inside:
A Photo Retrospective
The Other Seymour River
Slalom Canoe Racing
Camping Wisdom
Harrison River
A Historic Trip Report
Year end Trips and Events
2
3
4
5
6
6
7
Beaver Canoe Club 30th Anniversary
Celebration— Hart House, Saturday November 25th. Early bird tickets $45 per person at the October 11 meeting or online at
www.beavercanoeclub.com. After Oct 11,
tickets are $50 per person. Get yours now!
Editor: Dan Burnett
Beaver Tales
Photos by Brian Otter
Page 2
Beaver Tales
Page 3
The OTHER Seymour River
Talk of an opportunity to paddle the Seymour River which flows into the Seymour Arm of
Shuswap Lake started around the campfire at Cottownwood Campsite. It would be nice to explore a new river.
Sunday morning Sandy Crane cruised into camp just after sunrise. After hearing the
sales pitch, two hours of gravel road, a grade three plus run but at such low water it shouldn't be
too crazy. I told Sandy I had to be back before dark because I didn't bring my shine-a-lite paddle. "Should be no problem" said Sandy, explorer, adventurer and paddler extraordinaire.
On the road by 9:15 am. Past Anglemont the road turned to gravel for 28km, found the
bridge near the village of Seymour Arm, our take-out. Boats and people transferred to one vehicle and we set out to find the waterfall as described in "The Book" by Betty-Ann Pratt. Thanks
to navigation by Chris and Corriette we stopped in the right spot, walked through the bright
moss covered forest for a few minutes and there it was roaring down a narrow gorge. We
marked the takeout above the falls, for the real danger was that the falls could not be seen nor
hear until too late. The portage looked reasonable except for the long drop down to the river far
below us. Unfazed, Sandy checked out and said we could rappel down the crevasse in the
rocks to the log jam and work our way to the river from there. Everyone has rappelled before,
haven't they?
On the road again to the put in, we passed over another bridge where the river was joined
by a large creek. Looking upstream the river level looked pretty thin. "No problem" said the
man, "it still looks passable". Finally, the promised power lines crossed the road. Put-in? With
no water in sight? Assuming the river to be down the power line right of way to the bottom of
the valley, Sandy shouldered his kayak and set out to find the trail to the river. Scott with his C1 followed. The remainder of the party returned to the bridge to launch boats. We were taken
quite by surprise when part way through lunch Sandy and Scott paddled into view.
With everyone now on the river, we carried on through pools and drops, stopping to scout
the more difficult sections. We paddled between high canyon walls composed of many different
volcanic rock formations. Around a bend our waterfall marker came into view. We exited the
river and carried boats to the large crevasse in the rocks. Boats were lowered in two stages
down to the log jam. After rappelling down to the log jam, we realized it was suspended about
five meters above the water. Again ropes were attached to boats and lowered over the logs to
the river below. I was impressed how smoothly the whole operation was carried out. We got
into our boats and paddled into the next canyon. Here we could see that this could definitely
be a challenging section in high water.
The last few kilometers was mostly flat water where one could see bright red spawning
salmon fighting their way upstream. Under the bridge at the take-out a gauge was found where
the water level showed a mere .30 m.
We arrived back in camp in time to unload our gear before the sun fell below the mountains and ate dinner by the light of the campfire. Thank you Sandy for masterminding and leading this adventure. Thanks also to Scott in his C-1, tandem partners Eric and Joel who are from
the Nelson area, Corriette in her kayak, and locals Chris and Pat for making it a memorable
day.
Claude
Beaver Tales
Page 4
Slalom Canoe Racing—by Brian Otter
The Concept
Why would any sensible person want to paddle in a slalom canoe race? The concept of racing
against Olympic caliber athletes is Quixotic at best but the most basic principle of a race is the point of it all.
The more skilled you are the better you will do. Getting a canoe across a pond is easy but traveling in a
straight line and arriving where you want to arrive does require some skill, some technique. Paddling down a
river is similar in that going where you want to go requires more skill than going where the current takes you.
Normally there is no way to compare your plan ‘A’ with what really happens and so with waypoints in
the form of gates on the river there is a measurable score of how successful you were. Because the gates
and the water do not change much over a day it is possible to learn by repeating the course or by paddling
the same course in different boats or tandem or solo.
I have not mentioned the time it actually takes to navigate the course because the timing is what
makes it a race. Lose the race but gain experience. I get to see how other paddlers handle a
familiar set of features – again and again. Sunday paddles on the Seymour do not give me the
opportunity to watch anyone try to follow exactly
the same line that I take. The gates eliminate the
carefree wandering we all indulge in and force a
set of common exercises. Race? Not to be the
fastest in my heat but to come out a winner.
The Reality
After a 3 hours drive north from Toronto I
get my first look at the Gull River Open Slalom
course in Minden. The good news is that from the
shore there appears to be nothing particularly difficult. – I do make the observation that 18 gates
are supposed to be negotiated in the space of
about 4 minutes down this ½ kilometer stretch of the river. My hosts are Bruce, William and Liz who have
paddled in this race before . This is the 26th year that it has taken place. Anyone can enter.
For two hours on Saturday morning the course is open for practice and that is ample time to paddle
sections and then paddle the whole thing to see if the water gods are smiling. Carrying my boat back upriver
needs strong legs and the favour of the gravel road gods.
The press of paddlers at the pre-race
meeting confirms the rumour that all sorts of people will be participating. There are 13 year olds
and there are 73 year olds all wearing numbered
bibs. Some are current Olympic caliber canoeists
and some started paddling only a year ago.
There are tandem teams of all sorts including
pre-teens partnered with a parent and hungry
looking athletes frothing at the mouth.
Volunteers are positioned to monitor every
gate and to report accidents. If you hit a gate in
an aggressive and deliberate manner they can
disqualify you on the spot – miss it for a 50 second penalty and touch it with anything for 10 seconds. Starters, timers and a volunteer crowd are
all positioned along the length of the river.
(continued next page…)
Beaver Tales
Page 5
Slalom Racing (continued)
The starter’s voice comes to me from a radio held next to my ear - bib #23 - 5, 4, 3, 2, GO The handler
who had been holding the stern of my canoe in the eddy releases his grip and I slip up and through gate
#1. The moment I pass through gate #2, and for no reason at all, I roll over into the warm water and swim
past the next four gates. 12 seconds of competition. Did I mention that you get two runs and only the best
run is recorded.
After the 18 paddlers in the Masters Men category come three other groups and then it is back to the
start for a reprise and this time the butterflies are
better controlled and I only have to deal with bad
paddling as I miss some gates and touch others.
The finish line comes too soon and the boat is dry
and my day is done – in a total of 5 minutes of racing.
The Lessons Learned.
• It is challenging and rewarding to follow a
set line, through gates, down the river
There are 18 places where you have to be,
in order, and missing an eddy is missing a
gate. Penalty of 50 seconds please!
• Four minutes of strenuous paddling is hard
work.
• Watching 100 other paddlers negotiate the
same section of river through the same 18
gates is an education..
• Forward momentum is essential for real control.
• Get well past the eddy line before turning downriver.
• Don’t give up on any maneuver until it is truly over.
• Gates are not just for racers! They teach precision paddling that helps in real-life paddling . The
maneuvers and boat control that I learned in the gates adds a new dimension, confidence and enjoyment to river paddling.
Brian Otter
Some Camping Wisdom
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
When using a public campground, a tuba placed on your picnic table will keep the campsites on either side vacant.
Old socks can be made into high fiber beef jerky by smoking them over an open fire.
Lint from your navel makes a handy fire starter. Warning: Remove lint from navel before
applying the match.
You can compress the diameter of your rolled up sleeping bag by running over it with
your car.
A two-man pup tent does not include two men or a pup.
The guitar of the noisy teenager at the next campsite makes excellent kindling.
Any stone in a hiking boot migrates to the point of maximum pressure.
The sight of a bald eagle has thrilled campers for generations. The sight of a bald man,
however, does absolutely nothing for the eagle.
Bear bells provide an element of safety for hikers in grizzly country. The tricky part is
getting them on the bears.
In an emergency, a drawstring from a parka hood can be used to strangle a snoring tent
mate.
Beaver Tales
Page 6
Harrison River
Beautiful day - sunny and warm.
BC Rivers Day so we picked up some garbage
and Gerry found some lunch.
Beach combing turned up fossils.
Nothing was happening at the graveyard. It never
does.
Petroglyphs were spotted - exactly where they
had been last year.
The mountains stood watch.
4 boats, Gord, Norman, Madeline, John,
Brian, Karyn, Gerry and Marie
Descending Escape Rapids—by George Back (1836)
The boat was lightened, and every care taken to avoid accidents; but so overwhelming was the rush and
whirl of the water, that she, and consequently those in her, were twice in the most imminent danger of
perishing by being plunged into the gulfs formed in the rocks and hollows of the rapid. It was in one of
those singular and dangerous spots \'85 that the crew owed their safety to an unintentional disobedience
of the steersman's directions. The power of the water so far exceeded whatever had been witnessed in
any of the other rivers of the country that the same precautions successfully used elsewhere were weak
and unavailing here.
The steersman was endeavouring to clear a fall and some sunken rocks on the left, but the man to whom
he spoke misunderstood him, and did exactly the reverse; and now, seeing the danger, the steersman
swept round the boat's stern: instantly it was caught by an eddy to the right, which snapping an oar,
twirled her irresistibly broad side on; so that for a moment it seemed uncertain whether the boat and all in
her were to be hurled into the hollow of the fall, or dashed stern foremost on the sunken rocks. Something perhaps wiser than chance ordained it otherwise; for how it happened no account can be given, but
so it was that her head swung inshore towards the beach, and thereby giving Sinclair and the others an
opportunity of springing into the water, and thus, by their united strength, of rescuing her from her perilous situation.
At the awful moment of suspense, when one of the crew with less nerve than his companions began to
cry aloud to Heaven for aid, McKay, still in a louder voice, exclaimed, "Is this a time for praying? Pull your
starboard oar." Heaven helps those who help themselves' seems to have been the creed of this stouthearted highlander.
Beaver Tales
Date: Oct. 1, 2006
Place: Upper Squamish
River
Grade: II - III
Phone: 604-530-3380
Date: Oct 7 – 9, 2006
No Thanksgiving Campout this year!
Page 7
Come challenge this fast, cold and unpredictable river. The Squamish is glacier fed and is often a nice level in the fall. This paddle is for
the experienced river paddlers. Watch out for sweepers, logs and
strainers and don’t forget your thermos. The water can be really cold.
We have not planned a Thanksgiving trip this year. The numerous
requests for ideas and a leader were not successful. There is however a Dogwood trip on the North Thompson River and Beavers are
welcome—call Ron Johanneson, 604-264-1132.
Date: Oct.15, 2006
We will return to the location of our first trip of the year for our last offiPlace: Widgeon Creek
cial trip this season. Instead of the lush greens of spring and cascadGrade: Lake
ing water at Widgeon Falls come and enjoy the colours of fall and see
the rock formations that create the powerful falls in the spring. Don’t
Phone: 604-437-1140
forget your walking shoes, woollies and hot lunch. It can be chilly in
Oct.
Winter Paddling: During winter, some paddlers organize impromptu paddles. Let others know if
you want to climb into your woollies and paddle the icy winter waters.
Year End Party: Nov. 25, 2006 Beaver Canoe Club 30 Year Celebration and Christmas Party.
Polar Bear Paddle: Jan. 1 2007 Polar Bear Paddle
Beaver Tales
Page 1
C-c-c-c-cold Copy
Volume 30, No. 10
November 2006
Claude
Gauvin
Admires an
Autumn
view from
the Upper
Squamish
River.
Read his
full trip report
inside...
Inside:
Year End Party
The Squamish Experience
An Historic Trip Report, 1875
Contest Announcement & Thanks
Call For Award Nominations
Year End & Winter Paddling Events
2
3
4
5
6
7
Beaver Canoe Club 30th Anniversary
Celebration
Hart House, Saturday November 25th. Tickets $50 per person from any executive or
online at www.beavercanoeclub.com. Time
is running out!
Editor: Dan Burnett
Beaver Tales
Page 2
See you at the
Beaver canoe club
th
30
Anniversary
End of year party
Saturday November 25th * 6:00 PM
At
Hart house o
n deer lake
on
6664 Deer lake avenue
TICKETS STILL
AVAILABLE—$50.
BEAVERCANOECLUB.ORG
Beaver Tales
Page 3
The Squamish Experience
A fine Sunday morning in early October. The leaves on the trees at higher elevations
were turning their fall colours. We paddled in the shadows of glaciers along the Squamish Valley. The water was cold and grey with silt from the glacial creeks. The blue sky
was reflected in the
ice showing under
the snow topped
glaciers. The sun
illuminated the
peaks, showing the
pinks, oranges and
yellows of the fractured rock faces.
Some of these coloured spires
reached right up to
the puffy little white
clouds in the sky.
On the water the
notorious Squamish
wind was just a
whisper until early
afternoon, when we
could feel the cold
air sliding down the steep mountain to blow up the river valley. Along the north bank the
moss hung like beards from the tall cedars, reminding us that this was indeed a rainforest.
A great day on one of the most spectacular rivers I have paddled this year. The perfect
river to take your time and look up and around at the wild beauty of nature in its many
shapes and forms.
Thanks to Chris, Julie, Brian and Gerry for joining me in this experience.
Claude
Beaver Tales
Page 4
VOYAGE of THE PAPER CANOE:
A GEOGRAPHICAL JOURNEY OF 2500 MILES FROM
QUEBEC TO THE GULF OF MEXICO,
DURING THE YEARS 1874-5.
BY NATHANIEL
H. BISHOP
[Excerpt] It was then that the words of an author of a European Canoe Manual came to my mind:
"When you capsize, first right the canoe and get astride it over one end, keeping your legs in the
water; when you have crawled to the well or cockpit, bale out the boat with your hat." Comforting as these instructions from an experienced canoe traveller seemed when reading them in my
hermitage ashore, the present application of them (so important a principle in Captain Jack
Bunsby's log of life) was in this emergency an impossibility; for my hat had disappeared with the
seat-cushion and one iron outrigger, while the oars were floating to leeward with the canoe...
The seas rolled over my head and shoulders in such rapid succession, that I found I could not get
my head above water to breathe, while the sharp sand kept in suspension by the agitated water
scratched my face, and filled my eyes, nostrils, and ears. While I felt this pressing down and burying tendency of the seas, as they broke upon my head and shoulders, I understood the reason
why so many good swimmers are drowned in attempting to reach the shore from a wreck on a
shoal, when the wind, though blowing heavily, is in the victim's favor. The land was not over an
eighth of a mile away, and from it came the sullen roar of the breakers, pounding their heavy
weight upon the sandy shingle. As its booming thunders or its angry, swashing sound increased, I
knew I was rapidly nearing it, but, blinded by the boiling waters, I could see nothing...
“Capsize in Delaware Bay”
Beaver Tales
Page 5
WHERE IS YOUR CAMERA
WHEN YOU NEED IT?
If it was in your hand, then enter the
picture in the BEAVER CANOE
CLUB PHOTO CONTEST
ACTION SCENIC PEOPLE
HUMOUR
NATURE
Fabulous Prizes in all categories.
All right folks! I have a few pictures, but not
enough for a 30 year celebration! My goodness – where are the pictures? Please don’t let
me be the ONLY vice-president in the 30 year
history of the Beaver Canoe Club to not have
enough pictures for this prestigious event!
The deadline is November 11th, so don’t forget! If you can provide electronic pictures, so
much the better, but real, honest to goodness
photo’s are just wonderful. Leigh
My mailing address: #415 – 10530 154th St,
Surrey, BC, V3R 8A2 And e-mail: [email protected]
Thank you Beavers for our biggest card! We had a great time getting married - Tanis has vowed to do a winter run and Pat has vowed to wash his wetsuit! Here is a drawing that Pat’s 7-yr old nephew Riel did of Tanis & Pat
(Tanis is thinking about love, and Pat is thinking about solo canoeing!).
Pat and Tanis
Beaver Tales
Page 6
SPECIAL AWARDS—CALL FOR NOMINATIONS
Our special night (November 25th) celebrating the Beaver Canoe Club’s 30th, needs
special Special Events.
Did you see someone melt their favourite paddle on the campfire while using it as a
griddle after happy hour? If so, this special someone might be eligible for the GEAR
BASHER award! Submissions gratefully accepted.
I know there were DUMPINGs not reported on the web-site! Come one folks. You all
know someone who flew out of their canoe unintentionally. A picture would be perfect, but since most of us are not able to shoot photos while observing such stupendous events, and asking for a repeat performance sometimes isn’t the most tactful
thing to say when you set up your tripod, a verbal description would be appreciated.
The dumpings have to be real, BUT for those closet writers, here’s your chance to
embellish! I bet John Grisham had just such a start!
Every so often, we are blessed with a particularly spectacular dumping, and this
would merit the DAM DUMPING Award. This occasional award is not always
awarded, but if you know a special someone, please let us know.
ABANDON SHIP! These words strike fear into the heart of vacationers on cruise
ships, but for the Beavers, it signifies a special award. Who do you know that might
be eligible for this.
Please send your nominees for the above awards to Leigh Burton at [email protected], or to any of the present Executive. Thanks!
Seen anything
like these? Get
your nomination
to Leigh!
Calling for Door Prizes...
Do you have a hobby or craft you’d like to share with your fellow members? A woodworking skill? A Sewing project? A wine recipe? You can help make someone a lucky winner by
bringing a sample to the End of Year party? If you have something to contribute, bring it
along. If you’re not sure about it, contact David Westell at (604) 467-8623, and we’ll talk.
Beaver Tales
Winter Paddling
30 Year Anniversary &
Christmas Party
November 25th/06
Photo Contest
November 25th/06
Polar Bear Paddle
January 1st, 2007
Grade: Flat water
Phone: 604-467-8623
Page 7
If you’re keen to paddle during the winter make sure you put your name
on the winter paddlers list. For details see the article on winter paddling
in this newsletter.
Don’t forget to buy your tickets for the combined Christmas / 30 Year Anniversary party. Look for details in this newsletter.
Enter your pictures in this year’s photo contest! There are several categories and great prizes!
If you prefer paddling to swimming on New Year’s Day this is the trip for
you! Brave Beavers dress in their woollies; bring hot toddies and special
snacks to munch on as they paddle in front of the luxury boats in English
Bay to get a front row view of the Polar Bear swimmers.
For those Beavers who want to keep paddling over the winter, there is a group of
Beavers who brave the cold and rain and keep on paddl’n until the next official Beaver trip in the spring. Anyone wanting to paddle over the winter should send an email to [email protected] and put “Winter Paddling” in the subject line and
let us know if you are interested in river trips or
flat water trips. Most winter trips are river trips.
Please be aware that winter paddling trips are
organized differently than the scheduled trips.
There are no scheduled winter trips. It is all ad
hoc. The list of winter paddlers will be shared
among those on the list so they can contact
each other when they set up a paddle. If
you’re on the list, expect to be asked to call
others to pass the word when a trip happens.
Many of the winter trips are on short notice
(within a day) due to water levels. Winter paddlers need to remember to dress appropriately
for the weather and the cold water.
See you on the water,
Madeline

Open as PDF - the Beaver Canoe Club

Transcription

Similar documents

TEXT (SMS) Marketing

ARC keel brochure - Keel Haulers Canoe Club

Welcome To 7460 Bathrust St #614, Thornhill, L4J7K9 Batya Mishan

to our latest course information

BANOOK CANOE CLUB WAIVER

112 200 Klahanie Drive, Port Moody, BC Asking

The Hoosier Paddler - Hoosier Canoe Club

Refurbishing a Beaver or Turbo-Beaver?

Victoria Canoe and Kayak Club General Meeting Tuesday, May 5