Blog on a Log
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Travel Bans Limit Offroading, Camping, Boating in Eastern Manitoba
UPDATE: As of September 1st, the travel and fire ban in Eastern Manitoba has been lifted! Read the full report here.
Original Post:
Those planning summer excursions in eastern Manitoba may have to hold off for the next while. Due to a high fire risk in this area of the province, restrictions have been placed on backcountry travel, boating and camping to minimize the risk of human-fault wildfires.
According to the restrictions:
- "backcountry travel, including all-terrain vehicles, will not be permitted
- canoeing and boating will be restricted to developed shorelines;
- camping will only be allowed in developed campgrounds; and
- aircraft will only be permitted to use lakes with developed shorelines or docks"
There is also a fire ban in the region.
The eastern region of Manitoba includes Birds Hill Provincial Park, Whiteshell Provincial Park, Grand Beach Provincial Park and Nopiming Provincial Park. For a full description of the regions included and more information on the ban, view the provincial press release here.
We hope that favourable conditions will bring down the fire risk, and allow Manitobans a chance to get out in this beautiful part of the province before the season comes to a close. Until then, please follow the provincial restrictions--for everyone's safety!
Fires can be reported to Manitoba Conservation by calling toll free 1-800-782-0076.
Saturday, July 30, 2011
9 Great Reasons to Come to an Open Paddling Evening
Throughout the summer in both Winnipeg and Thunder Bay, Wilderness Supply hosts open paddling evenings, with boats from our stores available for your paddling pleasure right within the city limits! With August dawning, it's a great time of the season to get out on the water-whatever your motivations...
Getting to Know You - looking for someone new to sit stern? Need a pal to help scout your next whitewater route? Paddling's always more fun when you share it, and open paddling evenings are a great chance to get out and meet others as into the sport as you are. Before you know it, you could be planning your next trip with a new paddle buddy!
Girls' or Guys' Night Out - Sick of bowling? Tired of TV? Do something different for your next night out with friends, and show your buddies how it's done out on the water. The pub will still be there when you're done-whoever dumps buys the first round.
A Little Something New - from a canoer who's never paddled a kayak to a playboat-er keen to try tandem, a new vessel means a different ride and a whole new experience. Push your boundaries by trying a boat completely different from your usual standby--you may even find it brings a whole new light to paddling!
Get Physical - For arms like Atlas and abs to grate cheese on, you can't beat a paddler. If you're looking for a way to get active this summer (or perhaps looking for someone with such qualities) an evening on the water is a great way place to start. At least the scenery will be more stimulating than staring at patch of wall in front of your treadmill.
Back to Basics - No matter how experienced you are, any paddler can benefit from reviewing the basics. When's the last time you critiqued your J-stroke, or noted your body position while back paddling? Seize a chance to review the techniques you take for granted-one old-school evening could be all the review you need to see marked improvement to your paddling style. Hey, they say global warming is making sea levels rise. Soon enough those skills could save your life!
It's a Date - Looking for a way to wow the guy or girl of your choice? Round things out with a pre-paddle dinner or post-paddle drinks (hopefully, both!) and you've got yourself a pretty unique evening out. Bonus: acts as a quick-filter method for weeding out water-frightened companions.
New For You - A full day out or multi-day excursion can be daunting to someone new to the paddling scene. If you've been looking for a way to get your kids/workmate/grandmother out on the water, an evening paddle is an easy place to start. Take advantage of a great opportunity to introduce someone new to the sport...before you know it they'll be clamouring for more!
Those Who Paddle Together... - Team building exercises can feel like a trip to a particularly ill-trained dentist. If falling blindly backwards into your co-worker's arms has lost some of that ineffable charm, how about arranging a company paddle? At the very least, it's a good excuse to give Jim from marketing an "accidental" paddle splash or two.
Try Before You Buy - if you have been eyeing a new watercraft, an open paddling evening is a great chance to give it a spin before purchase. Give the store a call to see what boats we're bringing out for the evening-maybe your dream vessel is among them! Remember - Zombies can't swim. Buying a boat just makes good sense.
Thunder Bay:
Canoes and kayaks are available from the boathouse on the main beach on Boulevard Lake, Thunder Bay for $5/person, $10/family. All proceeds go to support the local Lakehead Canoe Club.
5:30pm - 8:30pm
Thursday, Aug. 4th
Thursday, Aug. 18th
Thursday, Sept. 1st
Winnipeg:
Canoes and kayaks are available at Fort Whyte Alive in Winnipeg for $5/person, $10/family.
6:30-8:30 pm
Thursday, August 4
Tuesday, August 16
Thursday, August 25
Friday, July 15, 2011
Playing it Cool in the Summer Heat
It's the kind of day you dream about all winter: the sun is shining overhead, there's not a cloud in the sky, and the air is calm around you. You grab your gear, make for the nearest hike/forest/river, and set out on your favourite trail. Back in the spring this route gave you no trouble, but today it isn't long before you start to feel the strain. You grow hot and sweaty, the sun feels relentless, and every movement is an effort.
If you've ever been active on a particularly hot day, you know how easy it can be to overexert yourself. Warm summer weather is a great incentive for getting outdoors, but also brings its own hazards and difficulties. It may have seemed unthinkable as you shivered away six months ago, but summer heat can be just as dangerous as it is pleasant. As you get outdoors this summer it is crucial to always take precautions and listen to your body to avoid overheating and related hazards.
Plan Ahead - There's good reason the siesta is a tradition in hot countries. Mid-day, when the sun and ambient temperature are at their highest, is not the ideal time to be active. When planning summer activities, keep the most strenuous exertion to early mornings, before things get too hot, or later in the afternoon when it begins to cool off. An early start can make all the difference, allowing for a long break, snooze, or swim during the hottest part of the day.
Sweat - it's the body's air conditioning. You wouldn't want to stop it even if you could; it's the best thing your body can do to keep cool. However, it can also cause you to feel itchy and uncomfortable. To minimize discomfort while still keeping cool, wet a handkerchief or Buff in cool water before heading out for the day. Wiping off your face or any particularly bothersome areas can be surprisingly invigorating, giving you the refresher you need to keep going. Sweat running down your face is a common frustration, and can be lessened by wearing a headband or scarf. Heavy antiperspirants are fairly counter intuitive to outdoor pursuits. You're going to stink anyway; you might as well embrace it and let the body get on with what it does naturally.
Hydrate - Losing water may keep your body cool, but it's important to replace it. You should take in a considerable amount of water when active in hot weather - as much as one litre per hour of activity - to protect against dehydration. If you plan to be active all day without access to somewhere to refill a water bottle, a hydration pack may prove a worthwhile accessory, allowing you to carry a large quantity of water comfortably, and drink with ease. A full hydration bladder can even be chilled slightly before heading out (though it should never be frozen, as this will weaken the plastic) providing fresh water and a cooler back for at least part of the day.
Consider Dress - it might seem counter-intuitive, but less is not always more when out in warm weather. On a sunny day, you can stay cooler and lessen your risk of over-exposure by wearing lose, light-coloured that provides coverage from the sun. Some outdoor clothing includes built-in UVA/UVB protection, providing extra defence against sunburn. Remember that the weather can be changeable; as usual when being active outside, it's good to have a few layers or options that allow you to adjust your outfit during the day to suit changing weather patterns (or strip down for a cooling dip if the opportunity presents itself!)
Pace Yourself - most importantly, listen to your body and its needs as you are active throughout the day. There's nothing like getting out while the weather is good, but pushing yourself too hard just ruins the fun. Recall that you may not be able to achieve the same level of activity as you are used to in cooler weather. Take things slow, stay hydrated, and rest if necessary. Heat sickness and other warm-weather hazards do not come on all at once. Prior planning and attention to your body's needs can be the defining factor between an overheated slog and a great summer day out.
Photo: istolethetv on Flickr
Friday, July 1, 2011
Six Ways to Celebrate Canoeing
Last month brought us National Canoe Day - a far too seldom celebrated holiday, and one we feel deserves more attention than it gets. If you missed this year's NCD, or are just looking for a chance to show your paddle pride at any time of the year, we've brainstormed some ways you can tell the world about your favourite hobby - sometimes without saying a word.
- Canoe Clothing
Just because you're not near the water, doesn't mean you can't look fit to paddle. Wear your roll-up, quick-dry pants with pride. Don a Tilley hat and a PFD; everyone knows that foam-lined vests are the new black. Feeling really dapper? The red striped sash need not be saved just for Festival du Voyageur anymore! - Carry a Canoe
Practice your portage skills and show your pride all in one go! Carrying a canoe around all day says a lot of things - "I love to paddle" "I am very strong" "I have probably broken something in the near vicinity." It's an intriguing individual that can navigate the labyrinth of daily life with a 3-meter monkey on their back. - Canoe Cake
Have your pride, and eat it too. You won't be the first to make a paddling-themed bakery treat, but that's no reason to give it a miss. There's always something to be said for celebrating with egg, flour, and too much sugar. - Canoeing Companion
Unlike kayaking, canoeing's not usually an individual sport, and the sense of boat camaraderie is a huge draw of the sport. For that sense of teamwork off the water, find a ‘paddle' partner for the day - tandem walking might not have quite the same feel, but you'll get a kick out of deciding who gets to ‘steer'. - Canoe Cinema
If your actual paddling options are unfortunately limited, you could always kick back and watch someone else have the fun. There are lots of movies out there to choose from-just don't watch Deliverance if you intend to backwoods paddle again. Ever. - Clearly Canoeing
Without a doubt, the best way to celebrate canoeing is to get out and do some! Feel your paddle slice the water, listen to the sound of the water slapping your boat, and remember why we love this sport enough to celebrate it. If you're lacking in gear, paddle buddies, or a route, or anything you need to get out on the water, feel free to stop by - we'd be more than happy to get you set for your next paddling adventure!
Photo: m.prinke on Flikr
Friday, June 17, 2011
Summer Hazards: Midnight Tent Confusion
Can you feel it? Summer is finally here, and it's time to pull out everyone's #1 camping item: the tent.
During the long, cold winter months, we dream of warm summer nights under the canvas (or polyester). Tenting is a well-loved joy; the evening campfires, the sound of gentle rain on the fly as your warm and snug inside, waking up with the sun-there's no shortage of great reasons to go camping. But for all the wonder of a tent, camping in the great outdoors does hold dangers and troubles - and none are to be feared more than midnight tent confusion.
We've all been there - it's late, it's dark, you wake up in your tent, and you have no idea where the door is. Maybe you've misplaced your headlamp. Maybe your tent buddy is a fitful sleeper, and you're trying not to wake them. Maybe you shouldn't have drank that last beer around the campfire, and need to find a conveniently placed bush ASAP. Whatever the details, the great outdoors are calling from just beyond an elusive zipper - if only you knew where to zip.
Don't let the darkness oppress you - freedom is waiting! Just follow one of these sure-fire methods and you'll be out before you can say "mummy bag":
- The Glowing Zip - for those well-prepared, a glowstick tied to the tent zipper ensures no need for night time fumbles (or only the good kind). Crack the stick before settling in, and you're good to go! Just be sure to get a long-lasting one; that 3-year old freebie from the bottom of some gift bag is pretty much guaranteed to run out long before you actually wake up and need it.
- The Goggle - for the technophile, darkness poses little challenge. It may cost you dear, but for full dark tent visibility without waking others, there's no beating a set of night vision goggles. Find your way out without causing any fuss - just be sure a helpful tent buddy doesn't hear your moving around and decide to guide your way by flicking on a flashlight.
- The Toe-Tie - Like Perseus, the tent is your labyrinth, and the only way to be sure of knowing the way out is to use a guide. Before bed, take a moment to tie a string from your toe to the tent zipper. Length is recommended if you're a fitful sleeper, but you can always be sure to locate the way out, even in the darkest night. Combines especially well with those fond of venting their feet out the bottom of the bag.
- The Blind Grope - when all else fails, there's nothing for it but to start at one tent wall and follow the side around until you hit a zipper. This pretty much always works, but use with care - it's not popular amongst sleeping tent buddies, and is pretty much guaranteed to leave the inside of your tent awash with the ravaged remains of the gear you've tossed out of the way. Should only be attempted when all other methods have failed.
Midnight tent confusion is an oft-neglected danger facing even the most confident campers. Do not be taken unawares - preparation is everything. With one of our sure-fire methods, the ever-present fear of lost zippers and full bladders can be a thing of the past. Asses your risk - know your enemy. Only you can prevent midnight tent confusion.
Of course, you will never know the pleasure of a successful zipper-location without a tent to camp in. If your backcountry home is in need of a replacement, why not join us at our Tent Expo in Winnipeg this weekend (June 17-19). Over 50 tents have been set up for your browsing convenience - it's the perfect place to find your new favourite home-away-from-home!