Letters from Base Camp

On Georgian Bay and the North Channel, much of where we camp consists of rocky ground and regular tent pegs are basically useless. Exposure to high winds on open ground makes it essential to anchor your tent securely. I’ve seen more than a few improperly anchored tents blown away by high winds and even moderate winds, even though the owners had all their belongings inside the tent as well.

Here is a way to make sure your tent or tarp is properly secured that is easy and keeps your equipment in good shape.

Find a stout stick, at least 12 to 24 inches long. Place it through the tent peg loop and lay it on the ground so that the loop sits in the middle of the stick. Next find two suitable rocks, large enough to pick up with two hands, but safe to carry, and place them on the stick at each end. Make sure the stick is on the side of the rock furthest from the tent. Here’s a photo of what it should look like. It’s important to make sure that the fabric of the tent or the tent loop is not underneath the rock. Nor should you ever place a rock or heavy object directly on or inside the tent. High winds cause the fabric to vibrate or scrape on the surface and this will wear a hole right through the fabric in short order. If anchored properly, the tent will not be damaged and it will remain secure even in heavy winds.

I’ve included video of a tent in high winds and pictures of what the anchors look like.  I must admit that the rocks in these pictures are a little small.  My general rule of thumb is, if you can pick it up in one hand, it’s too small.  Go with as big a rock as you can safely carry or use several rocks per side.  Make sure they are balanced and holding the correct direction of pull.

The river’s water levels are high and at some places, flood damage has been serious.  My own road was washed out for about a day, and my basement got some water as well.  This was particularly disappointing because I had spent the past several seasons improving drainage around my property and I was pretty certain is could withstand any amount of water.

This just underscores the complicated relationship we have with water.   I depend on water to make my business work, and when the rivers are up I love to paddle the torrents (check it out here) but a lot of my “spare” time in the past few years  has been spent making sure the right kind of water makes it into my house for drinking and bathing and the wrong kind stays out or my basement.

Water levels on the Great Lakes are down by several feet or almost a meter over last year and they have been seriously declining for years.  But that is only a small part of the issue.  This is a water planet.  By rights, it should be called panet aqua, instead of planet earth.  All life on earth depends on this “magic” substance and yet, there is less and less of it available for potable use.

See “Drop of Water”

It seems our warm 2011 summer just keeps on giving. Early forecasts from Environment Canada indicated that the fall colours would be excellent. And last Saturday’s day trip on the Channel sure bore that out! During the growing season chlorophyll creates an abundance of green pigments in a leaf’s cells while any other pigments that may be present are masked. But with autumn trees reduce the flow of water to their leaves and chlorophyll is destroyed. This demise allows other colours to be expressed. It’s the variety of these rich colours that we so enjoyed this week: the orange maples, the yellow birches, the scarlet oaks, the burgundy sumachs; and the solid green of the pines provided such great contrast. I’m publishing a couple of photos that catch some of that glory. During a quiet moment I also pulled out my paint set. Thanks to our Benjamins art trip teacher Bob Little  and Marlies Schoenefeld for reminding me that it’s about capturing the essence of what we see around us that matters, rather than the detail. What a relief! My latest water colour now sits over the computer where I’ll get to admire fall’s beauty even when it’s over (but alas I’m feeling a little shy about publishing that).The good news in this area is that the fall colours are only at about 70% of peak. So whether viewed with a camera, paintbrush or your naked eye, there’s still time to enjoy nature’s palette from the water or a trail. —

Rick

It’s not unusual to have canoeists at our clinics or on Horizons trips. They’re good people and I enjoy stretching out on a rock and listening to their tales of flat and whitewater travel.

They tell me about their canvas and cedar strip craft, their loops through northern inland lakes, and the team work needed to negotiate a level 3 rapid without a dump.

But after a little time out with us they start to get why sea kayaking is a great way to go as well. And to be honest, my favourite way.
– Kayaks get you out onto bigger water. 3 metre swell on a Great Lake or off an ocean coastline anyone?
– Then back into the shallows where you can dash between islands and discover hidden coves.
– No portaging needed although fibreglass kayaks are lighter than many canoes.
– Safe storage in the front and back hatches. No food hanging usually required.
– More stable craft since the centre of gravity is lower.
– Easier to get back into if you tip. And a good roll will save you altogether.
– Lower free board means less windage. In other words, your’e not blown about so badly.
– Sea kayaks are either single or tandem cockpit but, unlike canoeing, paddling solo means you have tons of power. And who among us doesn’t like to steer our own course and enjoy our own thoughts once in awhile?

But that’s mostly practical stuff. See my “why I love kayaking” post for the real deal!

Perhaps it’s the difference between tea and coffee drinkers? I appreciate the occasional earl grey, but a cup of java is what gets me going in the morning.

— Rick

by: Karen Dominick

I love shakes! I think they are one the BEST ways to improve your overall health in a small and yet significant way. Having a shake every morning will give you the energy boost you need to carry you through the day. Using the right combination of ingredients also helps to support the PH in your body from an acidic to more alkaline state keeping your immune system healthy to fight off disease. The best part about them are, that as your body changes and your reliance on sugar decreases, you can also start increasing the more healthier ingredients in the shake. Find a combination that works for you! I would strongly recommend using organic produce to ensure maximum nutrient benefit with no GMO, toxin risk.

PROTEIN SHAKE

1-2 tbsp Hemp Protein –

This is a nutrient rich whole food that has a higher PH than many other proteins. Hemp’s amino    acid profile will facilitate a boost in the immune system and hasten recovery. It also has natural anti-inflammatory properties – key factors for speeding the repair of soft tissue damage caused by physical activity.

1 tsp Chlorella

A true super food – containing 65% protein, essential fatty acids, and a plethora of vitamins, minerals, and enzymes. Chlorella contains vitamin B12. The amino acids present, in conjunction with naturally occurring enzymes, are the most easily absorbed and utilized form of protein available. It also cleanses & oxygenates the blood making it a true performance enhancer translating into better endurance and an overall reduction in fatigue.

1 tsp Maca

A rich source of steroidlike compounds found in both plants and animals that promote quick regeneration of fatigued muscle tissue. Known as an adaptogen, maca curtails the effects of stress by aiding the regeneration of the adrenal glands. It helps lower cortisol levels, which improves sleep quality. Maca increases energy by means of nourishment not stimulation.

1 tsp Coconut oil or 500ml of Coconut Water

Packed with electrolytes, coconut water is the original sport drink! Coconut oil is a fat that is good for you because it burns efficiently making it easier on the pancreas, liver and digestive system.

1 Date or tsp of Agave Nectar – if you absolutely need some sweetness, or are in the process of cutting                down on sugars

½ cup Blueberries – Awesome antioxidant!!

Chunk of Ginger – organic is best! Helps with digestion & has anti-inflammatory properties that aid in the recovery of soft injuries & helps promote quicker healing of strains (this also hastens signs of aging!)

¼ Cup Pumpkin Seeds – Iron rich!

1 tbsp Raw Caco – I LOVE chocolate! Great source of tryptophan – the feel good amino acid! Also gives a   small caffeine boost

1 banana – good secondary source of electrolytes

3-4 dark leafy greens – kale, collard greens, spinach, broccoli, sprouts, wheatgrass

Alkaline forming they also provide a great source of calcium improving bone strength, reduce inflammation, improve muscle efficiency, reduces the risk of disease.

Any other fruit of choice – to add flavour & sweetness if desired – apples, pears, strawberries, etc…

Pure filtered water to cover the above ingredients & fill blender (you can substitute with almond or rice milk, maybe a little keifer for a more creamy texture)

Blend!!  (if you have a VitaMix, go to town!) and enjoy!! If you don’t have a VitaMix, you might want to use the coffee grinder on the pumpkin seeds, and Caco first.  I guarantee amazing results if you try this for a few weeks instead of your coffee!

Karen Dominick is a Horizons guide and yoga instructor living in Willisville.