5 Cold Weather Tips for Southern Ontario Campers and Paddlers

If it’s one thing you can count on at the start of the annual camping season it’s that you can’t count on the weather. The month of May can be a bit unpredictable in Southern Ontario with temperatures ranging from mid 20s C to below freezing. After a long cold winter we welcome the heat, but cold is another story.

So what is an outdoors enthusiast to do besides taking everything from your bathing suit to your winter parka along with you? Well there are a few precautions you can take to lessen the chance of frostbite on your first few camping trips of the season.

1. Keep an eye on weather trends for several days prior to your departure and be sure you are monitoring local weather for the region where you will be camping. Be prepared for anything but knowing what temperatures you are likely to encounter will ensure you have the right equipment and clothing with you. Or, maybe you’ll just decide to wait for a warmer weekend.

2. Take along a few packages of hand warmers. They are inexpensive and work great. Just follow the directions and pop one in your pocket, in your shoes, or even in your sleeping bag to add that extra bit of warmth.

3. Be sure your sleeping bag is rated for at least -10c. Personally I can’t think of anything more miserable than a restless night’s sleep because my feet are cold or I had to wear every piece of clothing I brought to bed to keep from freezing.

4. Depending on the size of your tent a propane tent heater will provide some added comfort, but be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.

5. Pack layers of clothes that can be added or removed depending on the temperature, including a waterproof outer layer. Even if it doesn’t rain a waterproof outer layer is great at retaining heat and keeping out the wind and dampness while sitting around the campfire. And of course, sitting around the campfire with good friends is one of the best chill chasers ever.

Don’t be put off by cold weather; proper planning, proper equipment, and proper clothing can turn a cold miserable experience into a great weekend of camping or paddling in our great Southern Ontario Outdoors.

©2009 Lloyd Fridenburg – All rights reserved click here for copyright permissions

Toronto Sportsmen's Show Moving to New Digs

It hit me like a hammer; the Toronto Sportsmen’s Show is moving! That’s right folks after 63 years at the CNE (Canadian National Exhibition) grounds Southern Ontario’s largest outdoors show, the Toronto Sportsmen’s Show, is moving to the Toronto Convention Centre.

I’m going to give this a while to sink in before wading in with my personal opinions of the move but I’m sure there will not be many fence sitters when it comes to the new venue. For those in the GTA (Greater Toronto Area) the Convention Centre is very accessible and convenient for those that use public transit. For those of us coming from out of town it’s nothing more than a logistical nightmare. Oh well, decisions are made and this was likely not a knee-jerk reaction.

For now let’s take a trip down memory lane.

The Toronto Sportsmen’s Show has been a part of my life for just about as long as I can remember, so that means that I’m only a few years shy of having been there from the beginning. My grandparents lived in the east end of Toronto when I was growing up so events like the Sportsmen’s Show provided a great, low cost way for my parents to keep us kids amused for a few hours when we made the trip from Wingham to the big city.

Up until a few years ago the Toronto Sportsman’s Show occupied the Coliseum building at the CNE. Although the larger venue provided by the Direct Energy Building was greatly needed, it did in my opinion, loose all of its character and became just another show when the move took place.

Some of my fondest memories are of jostling crowds, the smell of hay in the arena, creaking floorboards, and a multitude of stairways and hidden corridors. And then there was the ever present smell of pipe smoke. Those were the days when Brigham pipes used to sell their factory seconds for a very cheap price and were set up right across the aisle from a tobacco vendor. No, I’m not a smoker and certainly don’t advocate smoking, but that was a different era and like everyone else I became a pipe smoker for a day. To this day the smell of pipe smoke conjures up images of camping supplies, fishing tackle, and creaking floors.

I remember buying my first upscale fishing rod there; it was a Berkley Bionix and when you bought one you got a Berkley Lightning Rod for free. I never did care for the Bionix, but the Lightning Rod has accompanied me on every fishing trip since the mid 70’s and has landed – and lost – tons of fish.

Over the years we have bought tents, backpacks, fishing tackle, and every new gadget on the market. You know, now that I think of it the move to the Convention Centre may not be that much of a stretch. The move from the Coliseum for me was like loosing an old, albeit smoky, friend.

The great outdoors is still very much alive in Southern Ontario and the Toronto Sportsmen’s Show, regardless of the venue, will always be a memorable part of it.

©2009 Lloyd Fridenburg – All rights reserved click here for copyright permissions

The Ultimate Kayak for Southern Ontario Urbanites

When I meet other outdoor enthusiasts it’s only a matter of time before the discussion turns to our shared passion for outdoor pursuits. When we talk about canoes and kayaks there seems to be a common concern amongst urbanites, who make up the vast majority of outdoor enthusiasts in Southern Ontario; that is, storage and transportation.

“Man, I’d love to own a kayak to take along camping or to use for a leisurely paddle down one of Southern Ontario’s many rivers, but I just don’t have room to keep it. I live in an apartment and drive a compact car. It’s just not worth the hassle.”

If that thought echoes true with you then get ready for something that will blow you away, and still leave a bit of coin in your wallet. Ever heard of a company called Folbot? Did you know that they have been building folding kayaks for ¾ of a century? Well neither had I until recently.


I must admit that I haven’t actually slipped into the cockpit of a Folbot yet, but the concept certainly has me intrigued. Their lineup ranges from two seater sea kayaks to smaller kayaks that weigh in at a mere 24 pounds, and slip into a backpack that will comfortably fit into virtually any back seat or trunk. Some models are even compact enough to strap on your back while you’re biking. Just imagine biking to the stream or lake with your watercraft on your back. Talk about the ultimate eco friendly solution!

You can learn more about these practical folding kayaks at http://www.folbot.com/. And you can watch a video and judge for yourself at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EAxzQWhaaZQ. According to David AvRutick, President of Folbot, all North American sales (including Canada) are direct from factory to the customer, and each kayak comes with a 30 day “no questions asked” return policy and a lifetime warranty.

Myself, I’ve never owned a kayak for the simple reason that the garage is already full. But, I do think I can find a place for one of these compact wonders. Hmm, I wonder if I can slide this one past my wife.

Southern Ontario is an oasis of waterways. We have everything from the Great Lakes to shallow marshlands; from the mighty Niagara River to the gentle Grand or Thames. Whatever your preference or mode of transportation, get out and enjoy Southern Ontario’s waterways this spring.

©2009 Lloyd Fridenburg – All rights reserved click here for copyright permissions

4 Southern Ontario Winter Paddling Strategies

It sure is hard to think of paddling placid lakes, playing in rapids, or watching the sun set behind your wilderness campsite when we haven’t seen a letup in the snow and cold since mid-November here in Southern Ontario.

1. Plan - What better time to pull out the maps and start planning you spring and summer getaways. Gather your companions, grab a bottle of good wine, a warm fire and enjoy a winters evening in dreamland.

2. Read – Even if that’s not in the cards, there are ways to keep your canoeing and kayaking lifestyle in balance throughout the winter. A good book will help you take a mini vacation without leaving your living room. A few that come to mind right off hand are:


* Path of the Paddle by Bill Mason
* Song of the Paddle by Bill Mason
* Cottage Country Canoe Routes by Kevin Callan
* How to Shit in the Woods by Kathleen Meyer

These books will not only refresh some paddling and wilderness skills but will, if only for a time, take you to that place that you long for under the winter ice and snow.

3. Listen & Learn - Many wilderness supply stores in Southern Ontario offer courses in the winter that range from paddling basics to advanced survival skills. One local outfitter offers what they call their Armchair Series. Adventure Guide in Waterloo ON, offers a free series of seminars starting in mid January and running until mid April. You will meet notable outdoors experts like Setphanie Park, John Pratt, Mike Allen, and Kevin Callan.

You can download a schedule of seminars at http://www.advguide.com/ or call 519-886-3121 for more information.

4. Browse - Don’t forget, what I like to call the first sign of spring, the Toronto Sportsmen’s Show. This is definitely not strictly a “hook and bullet” show. There are events, displays, and vendors to satisfy the tastes of all outdoor enthusiasts.

The show runs from March 18 – 22, a great place to take the kids, big or small, during March break. You can find show times, details, and purchase tickets online at http://www.sportsmensshows.com/Toronto.

Take heart wilderness lovers, our Southern Ontario winter will end, lakes will thaw, and streams will run. Our time is at hand.

©2009 Lloyd Fridenburg – All rights reserved click here for copyright permissions

Seasons Greetings from Southern Ontario Outdoors

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all my paddling friends. Thanks to all who are following this blog; your comments and suggestions will help me provide you with even better items throughout 2009

Well what can I say about paddling this time of year; certainly not much here in Southern Ontario.

This is the time to look back at those great warm weather memories and plan for next spring. Hmmm, do I plan for May…blackfly season…do I look at June or July…peak mosquito season…perhaps later in the season? Of course none of this really matters to dedicated paddlers. Whether you hit the water in a sleek lightweight canoe or play in the raging rapids with a kayak, things like weather, temperature, and bugs are just something you learn to accommodate.

Now is a great time to get together with friends and relive those memories of seasons past and to plan your adventures for 2009. A glass of wine, a roaring fire, and maps laid out on the floor; what better way to pass the long winter evenings.

Within the next month I will have added a large interactive database to http://www.sooutdoors.ca that will make it very easy for you to zoom in on specific destination, routes and paddling related information.

“Peace on earth; good will toward men.”

Lloyd

Too Rough to Paddle

What a beautiful scene this morning as I sit pounding the keyboard. Man I could really get used to this. My wife and I managed to sneak away for this the second week of September to do a bit of "research" for www.sooutdoors.ca. To that end we rented a beautiful cottage on Cape Hurd, right at the top end of the Bruce Peninsula.

The temperatures have been on the cool side but the rain that was forecast for the week seems to have missed us. Part of the plan for this week was to hop in the canoe or kayak and paddle the shoreline of this beautiful pristine area. Alas, to date it is not to be as the strong northwest wind continues to push huge waves before it pounding the shoreline with a thunderous roar.

Waves of this size on the big waters of Southern Ontario are not something to be trifled with so I'll content myself with the pursuit of land based activities until the wind finally abates. Hopefully I'll have some great photos to share with you in a future posting.

Lloyd

Enjoy the Last Days of Summer

Summer sure blew by fast this year. Maybe that has something to do with the fact that it never really came to Southern Ontario. It seemed more like an extended spring. But here in the late days of August the skies have cleared, the humidity is low and the lakes and rivers beckon.

Rain may have dampened the spirits of all but the most dedicated paddlers this year but now is the time to make up for it. Check out your favorite route and plan a late summer or early fall trip into Southern Ontario's backwaters.

An added bonus is that as the nights get cooler those nasty swarms of mosquitoes all but disappear making portages just a bit more enjoyable...or should I say tolerable.

Lloyd