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.)