Blog on a Log
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Rick Mercer Likes Water... And the Experimental Lakes
There's been lots of talk around the store this year about the proposed shutdown of the Experimental Lakes Area in 2013. Last night, Rick Mercer got in on the conversation delivering a characteristically witty and well-placed rant on the subject.
If you need to catch up, the ELA is a (currently) government-funded research station consisting of forty six freshwater lakes where researchers study water pollution. The Harper government wants to close the project down for a savings of 2 million dollars a year. "The kicker," Mercer points out, is "it will cost 50 million to shut them down."
"Wow... Someone really doesn't like fresh water"
Mercer was recently spotted sea kayaking in Algonquin park - so it looks like the Canadian TV host has a bit of a personal interest in keeping out waterways clean and pure.
If you want to learn more about the experimental lakes, you can visit their website. To join the fight to save the Experimental Lakes Area, visit Save ELA.
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Cast Your Vote in the Wilderness Supply Pumpkin Carving Contest
We've been getting in the spirit at Wilderness Supply carving some wild outdoor-themed pumpkins to grace our stores! Cast your vote and tell us which store should be the winner - which pumpkin would you most like to see on your doorstep this Hallowe'en?
Cast your vote now on our facebook poll
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Get the Gear!
It's a beautiful day, time to go for a hike.....better get the gear!
You've got to watch this great sketch from IFC's "Portlandia." If you're feeling inspired to try your own hike afterwards, well - you know how it goes.... better get the gear!
Shop camping and hiking gear...
Friday, October 26, 2012
Friday Facebook Digest - October 26th Edition
October 20-26 Facebook Digest
Our most popular facebook posts of the week, in one simple digest. Subscribe to our blog to receive these updates direct to your email!
October 23
October 25
Looking for costume ideas? How about a whitewater paddler (drybags make good candy holders!)
Check out more outdoor adventurer costume ideas in this blog post from our vaults.
October 25
Thursday, October 25, 2012
Mantario Hiking Trail Closed Due to Snow Damage
The popular 63-km Mantario hiking trail, which runs along the Manitoba/Ontario border through Whiteshell Provincial Park, has been closed until further notice due to "severe snow damage." The Manitoba Parks and Natural Areas website states that downed trees have made the route unsafe for hiking, and that cleanup will be postponed until more favorable weather in the spring of 2013.
Here's hoping the trail can be made passable again soon. I completed my first through hike of this popular trail only a few days after the October 4th snow storm, when the trail had not yet been closed. Despite the unideal conditions (like the photo below!) I loved the trip, and can't wait to hike the route again....though perhaps with less downed trees this time!
The Mantario trail, October 13th. Photo Buffy Cowtan.