A group of hardy adventurers were promised cold, wet and miserable weather but chose a 10km canoe trip Dec. 8 – 10, down the Welland River to Chippawa Creek Conservation area anyway. Duncan Larmer & Kamal Seghosime teamed up in one canoe, Kayleb Alvarz & Seif Elnahas in another, Sebastien Powless decided he would power Capt Lee’s canoe and we were off. Some canoers were faster, while some explored more of the river’s width as we travelled to our camp site. Upon landing, tents were set up and decisions were made regarding supper.
First up was an MRE (Meal Ready to Eat), something quick and easy with high calories. A campfire was started and out came the marshmallows. Some like them crispy, some burnt, while Kayleb seemed to like them with bits of dirt. Bed came early and although some boys reported wolves through the night, the yipping and howling of coyotes was a nice backdrop to a quiet night.
Saturday saw 12 Celsius, but some of the boys were wearing gloves and toques to start and mentioned that their toes were cold – nothing a few laps around the campsite and some work couldn’t cure. Breakfast was Duncan’s work of eggs, sausage and jam-covered bagels. Every time Duncan thought he was done cooking, there came a chime of “more, please!” Perhaps he could have burnt a few to get a break. We went for a short hike, tried some fishing, some canoed a small pond and then we checked for lunch. The hard work was done by Mel and the kitchen staff and we were stuffed with lasagna we heated up.
A lazy afternoon of cards, a little fishing and it was time to get stuffed with chili. The evening saw a great fire, hot chocolate, and marshmallows (more crispy, more burnt and more dirt for Kayleb) as well as a few wieners. Rain came about 8pm, but the boys were actually ready for bed after a long day and the exercise of Friday. More wolf (coyote) howling and a great night sleep for some of us.
The morning was dry and camp was broken while breakfast cooked. More eggs and sausage and lots of herbal tea and we were ready to start the trip back.
