2009 Canoe the French River 18 Mile Loop (74 km with TOC)

http://www.torontooutdoorclub.com/events/details.asp?eventid=1829This is a canoe trip led by Matt Eberly of TOC (Toronto Outdoor Club). The voyage is 74 km over 4 days, 3 nights (4 - 7 Sep 09) on the French River round the 18 Mile Island loop, starting and finishing at Loon's Landing.

 First night car camping --- trying out my Kelly kettle.

First day 4 Sep 09 Chuck Fong getting ready to launch?

 My canoe partner, Francisco Louro

Myself, Thye Wong

Hey partner, start paddling!

 Preparing to line the first rapids.

 Some canoes which had crossed.

Chuck and Jen

Peter and Kirsten

The swift waters we by-passed in previous photos.

The tranquility after.

Matt and Jennifer, during shore lunch.

This was the second day after "turning round the corner" i.e. about 30 km of paddling upstream we finally went round the eastern end of 18 Mile Island and began to paddle downstream instead. We met a couple of kayakers coming upstream on the first of our several "downstream rapids." This is the fun part of the trip where we had the chance to run class 2 and class 1 rapids. This is also the part of the voyage where most of us got wet!

 The tranquil waters before the rapids ahead. Some members went ahead to evaluate the river condition.

The turbulent water they saw.

Running the rapids. We ran a few rapids on the second day. Many of us portage back upstream for repeats as well!






Peter and Kirsten running the rapids. This is the video evidence to settle the uncertainty as to whether Kirsten touched the gunwales! She did, but Peter compensated beautifully by grabbing, momentarily, the opposite side gunwales and avoided a capsize!






Matt and Thye running the rapids. Unwittingly, Thye, the rookie, made the mistake to grab the gunwales causing the canoe to tip over. Matt was unable to prevent the capsize!

I (Thye) vow to try this again one day (next year?)!!

Calm water after running the rapids.

Early morning, with the moon still visible. We were blessed with beautiful weather -- no rain, warm days, cool nights and full moon! Also, few mosquito. Most excellent time to do the canoe trip over Labour Day weekend.

Third day ashore for camping.

Last day on the way home, taking a break together on the water. Hi Jennifer!

Pirates ahoy!

The finishing point (also the starting point, as it was a complete loop round the 18 Mile Island.)

2008 Massasaga Trip with Hiking Group

Location of the Massasaga Provincial Park: On Georgian Bay, south of Parry Sound. 200 km north of Toronto about 2.5 hours drive.

Participants from Hiking Group: Betty, Ellen, Joanna, Fred, Simon and Tye-Q

Vessels used: Fred's 12 feet Porta-bote with 6 HP outboard motor and Tye-Q's 14 feet Portabote with 8 HP outboard motor.

Fred and Simon unfolding Fred's 12 feet Porta-Bote on site.

Adding the seat benches.

Putting on the 6 HP outboard motor -- easier done with the boat floating on the water.

Having a bite to eat before the voyage.

Getting on the way: Simmon and Betty

Ellen, Joanna and Fred in the 12 feet Porta-bote

Betty, Simon and Tye-Q in the 14 feet Porta-bote



Fred and his Porta-Bote (video)



Unloading boats on arrival at campsite M204 (video)

Our Campsite M204


All four tents erected on the three tent pads available on the site.



Some scenery near M204

View of Campsite M 204 from the Lake


Some Critters Seen

Ducks

Mother Duck leading her ducklings from the water.

The very rarely seen Massasaga Rattler Snake.

The tortoise which stoled the pike which was tied in the water.



Tortoise stealing the pike which Simon caught earlier. (video)

Fishing Activities


Simon caught a pike (later stolen by the tortoise!)


Simon's pike video

Tye-Q also caught a pike plus a bonus of a large small mouth bass!
The one and only large mouth bass caught on this trip ..... which was converted into a tasty dinner dish on our final night back in Toronto.

Final night dinner back in Toronto.


Voyage to Campsite M202



M202 Clear Bay video



Arrival:

Campsite Number: M202

Wild flowers

One of several luxury yachts moored at the bay near campsite M202.


Departure from Campsite M202


Other Activities

Bathing and Swimming ...




Swimming Video

Cooking --the three chefs:

Betty and BBQ sirloin steaks .... yummy!

Ellen and Garlic Bread......Delicious!

Joanna and Pork Chops .....mouth-watering!

Eating steak with chop-sticks!



Dinner video

Packing up the porta-bote

Pulled the Porta-Bote out of the water.

Seat benches taken out.

Folding up the boat.

Voila! It is done.

Put the folded Porta-Bote on the roof rack an it is all set to go home!