Blog on a Log
Friday, September 30, 2011
8 Ways to Use Too Much Water
This may seem like a strange blog topic, but recently Wilderness Supply picked up the Sea to Summit Pack Tap. The bulk water dispersal system makes carry large amounts of water such a snap, it got me thinking... sure, we all know the basic reasons we carry water to the outdoors: to drink it. Or, I suppose, eat it, via means of cooking. But what if, with your brand spankin' new Pack Tap you had so much water you didn't know what to do with it? Never fear - Wilderness Supply is here for you in the good times and the bad. We helped you get that water, and gosh darn it, we'll help you find a way to use it...
Mud Castles - as anyone with a dirt-splattered toddler can tell you, mud is a magnet for fun. Why not disperse some of that extra H2O into the dusty ground? Good for hours of digging and mud castle one-up-manship. Great for amusing kids-of both the literal and "at heart" variety.
River Races - An open tap can make a pretty serviceable running stream, at least for floating small items. Try racing leaf boats, twigs, or very small rocks (for the patient types). The more you open the tap, the faster the course! We recommend marking your vessel to avoid post-race disputes.
Rainy Nights - the sound of rain on a tent at night is one of the greatest auditory pleasures of the outdoors. If Mother Nature's been granting you nothing but clear nights, you could always use your Pack Tap to duplicate that rainy night feeling. Lash above the tent, and leave the tap just slightly dripping. For a full auditory experience, try multiple taps.
Desalinate the Sea - if you're salt-water bound, you can always make use of your extra fresh water by desalinating the sea. Sure, it's a fruitless effort in which your few litres or extra H2O will make no noticeable difference, but hey - you're the one who carted so many litres of water to your campsite you don't even know what to do with it. Apparently fruitless efforts are your thing!
Splish Splash - Ok, bathing is probably not on the top of many adventurer's lists (BO keeps the mosquitoes away!) but the feeling of standing under a shower is one of those home-grown comforts. Chances are your Pack Tap water will be cool at best, but if a shower still sounds like fun, feel free to stand under that open tap for a while.
Water Torture - in extreme circumstances, campmates may become enemies. If someone forgot the marshmallows or insisted on sitting duffer all day, low-key punishment may be required. If you can catch them, try dripping small drops of water on their forehead. It probably won't do squat, but the process should be good for at least 10 minutes' worth of entertainment.
Lake Placid - With appropriate preparation, you should be able to disperse your extra water onto the ground in such a way as to create a small pond. If you've built it up really well (think a clay base for maximum holding capacity) it may stay long enough for you to catch some critters to relocate. See how the local toad likes his new home. For the truly bored, an extensive leaf-based decoration scheme is recommended.
Fire Safe - Every outdoorsman knows you should always douse a campfire after use. If you can't be bothered to walk down to your nearest local water source to do so, pull out that Pack Tap. Unlike the previous 7 ideas, at least this one includes a legitimate safety element!
So my friends, you need never fear the too-much-water conundrum. We've got 8 ways to make the most of your H2O, from the fun to the truly bizarre. Besides, always remember - at least you had too much water rather than too little! Bottoms up.
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