Paddle Canada 1

THANK YOU PC 1 and 2

2008-07-21T12:57:00.000-07:00

PC 1 and 2 arrived home (Merrckville, Ontario) isafe and sound Thursday 17 July after travelling over 15,000 km, including 3,200 km PC2 and 1,400 km PC1 by water. Thanks for the memories canot du nords.
Where are we off to next?
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PC1 Crew @ Great Hall Fort William

2008-07-21T12:56:00.000-07:00

PC1 Crew shown on front steps of Great Hall at Fort William shortly after arriving 12 July 2008. Kirk Wipper, OC, is in the picture along with Laverne Thompson, a 7th generation descendant of David Thompson.
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Arrival at Fort William

2008-07-13T06:48:00.000-07:00

Amongst the roar of the cannons, the cheers of a sizable cheering crowd, and the company of Metis Nation of Ontario arriving from the east, and many local canoes, the 2008 David Thompson Brigade arrived at Old Fort William. 63 days, 56 paddling days, about 3200 km paddled, four provinces, and two hundred years of history. And more in awe of David and Charlotte than ever!
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PC1 at Grand Portage

2008-07-13T06:40:00.000-07:00

Friday 11 July was spent at Grand Portage, including a brief paddle on Superior, an arrival ceremony, a glass of milk toast for David and Charlotte, and a great lunch. Shown in the photo is PC1 including Kirk Wipper OC and Lynda Williams, the final two members of PC1
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On To The Atlantic Watershed

2008-07-09T18:14:00.000-07:00

9 May PC 1 departs Quetico Provincial Park following the grand arrival Saturday, Canot du Nord race, and lively fiddle entertainmment on the same beach on which David Thompson spent some time. On Sunday the festivities moved into Atikokan, where we were hosted to lunch served by the Mayor himself, an outdoors voyageur exhibit, and a concert. Monday the brigade headed east heading for the height of land separating the Arctic and Atlantic watersheds
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Waiting At French Lake

2008-07-04T20:27:00.000-07:00

PC1 departed Lac La Pluie ( Fort Frances) Sunday at 6am. Portage railways, an unexpected bar (as opposed to bear), fantastic weather blessed them for the first three days to Lac La Croix. They are eating well, the food barrels came back empty. The Cree First Nation Cumberland House and Canadian Voyageurs reported the final two portages into Pickeral Lake were quite rough. The should arrive French Lake later today or tomorrow. Lynda Williams joined PC1 today

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THANK YOU RAINY RIVER and EMO

2008-06-27T18:16:00.000-07:00

Great receptions in Rainy River Wednesday and Emo Thursday. A good turnout, delicious feasts, and 5:30 am breakfasts in both towns. A serious electrical storm interfered with todays paddle to Fort Frances.
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CALM BEFORE STORM

2008-06-25T14:30:00.000-07:00

Eloise, Ross, Robbie, and Eric spent night in bug filled night followed by an electrical storm which circled us several times. On historical voyageur campsite

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VOYAGEUR CAMP SITE - LAKE OF THE WOODS

2008-06-25T13:48:00.000-07:00

An 11 hour 74 km paddle. Excellent weather and water conditions. Ticks and mosquitoes made camping challenging. An over night thunderstorm made the night under tbe Mantis tarp interesting

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THANK YOU KENORA

2008-06-23T02:13:00.000-07:00

An all too short and activity packed day at this lovely NW Ontario town
A great reception, Church, David Thompson Museum exhibit, visiting freiends, and BBQ hosted by Dianne (Janice's Mom) and Bill
We hit the water in 90 minutes
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CAMPSITE FIDDLE MUSIC LIVE

2008-06-21T18:31:00.000-07:00

After the great dinner at the High School, thanks Pinawa, the requisite crew meeting, PC1 hosted a traditional fiddle and spoon reel and jig dance. Even the mosquitos joined in, and the two bottles of Port warmed our insides even further. No bears visited us during the night as anticipated. A 7:30 am start to Point Du Bois
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UPSTREAM ON WINNIPEG RIVER

2008-06-21T07:53:00.000-07:00

Sara, David and Robbie catch a rare break on our relentless upstream on the Winnipeg River. Many opposing rapids required brief portages, lift overs, and or lining. The overnight camp at Boundary Island went well except that not all the planned food made it. A fair trade was negotiated: a pot of coffee for a pot of hot cereal with the works. Pistol Lake camp was a welcome sight Friday evening after thev two day 104 km upstream paddle. Len rejoined us this morning.
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UNEXPECTED RECEPTION - POINT DU BOIS

2008-06-21T07:43:00.000-07:00

A tough paddle / portages to Point Du Bois. A good team effort got us through. The hamlet of Point Du Bois, who were not even expecting us, mowed the lawn in the centre of their community to provide a good camping spot, provided kybos (johnny on the spots), and a great soup - sandwich - desert buffet, with lots of cold drinks. A street / lawn party followed as shown herein.
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WARM RECEPTION PINAWA

2008-06-17T20:47:00.000-07:00

Several classes of school children and many residents welcomed the brigade to Pinawa. We caught our first glimpse of tbe Canadian shield today, and heard and saw our first loons in some time. We also saw numerous deer frequenting the lawns of Pinawa. We are ready for a bear to pass through camp tonight. Thanks for the warm welcome and dinner Pinawa:!
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DEPARTING LAC DU BONNET

2008-06-17T06:54:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Lac Du Bonnet for their warmth and great hospitality. And to the Pioneer Seniors Center for the great breatfast (OJ, coffee, pancakes, sausages) which we were served. Well done! A late start 8:00 am and easy (28 km) paddle to Pinawa.
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DAY OFF / GPS - PADDLING CLINIC

2008-06-16T19:45:00.000-07:00

A day to dry out, do laundry, recharge, a few clinics, and finally strengthen the trailer. The photo shows a paddling clinic in progress
Tomorrow on to Pinawa!
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FAREWELL ED HOWELL

2008-06-15T16:59:00.000-07:00

Ed departed PC1 today after being with us since Rocky Mountain House! A cargo van was leased to replace Ed's 4x4 pick up. We will miss you both Ed! Keep in touch!
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ARRIVAL LAC DU BONNET

2008-06-15T16:54:00.000-07:00

About 40 km upstream against some pretty strong currents. Some canoes took several attempts to assend the next rise. Some crews were recalled at Great Falls and were trailered to McArthur Falls. The figure 8 arrival formation and race to shore went very well. The Mayor accompanied on our parade to the campsite. A great roast beef dinner and entertainment followed.
Thank you Lac du Bonnet!
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PADDLING 3rd LARGEST CANADIAN FRESH WATER LAKE

2008-06-15T11:49:00.000-07:00

Seemed like an ocean at times. Fortunately gentle swells and following winds made it easier. Nothing but water on three sides
Cheers
Eric
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GRAND FALLS

2008-06-15T10:43:00.000-07:00

Eric waiting for PC1 at Grand Falls. The crew took the portage with mechanical help, put in, and then were sent back due to too strong current upstream. Eric retrieved the canoe trailer from Lac Du Bonnett, about 30 km south, moved the canoes (PC1 and PC2) to MacArthur Falls, then returned to base camp in Lac Du Bonnett. PC1's canoe is at Wave Track Ltd in Winnipeg with Gary Brabant having a new keel installed. Thanks Gary!
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GREETINGS FROM PC2

2008-06-14T11:20:00.000-07:00

From Grand Beach

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60 km Grand Beach - St Georges

2008-06-14T11:17:00.000-07:00

Sleep to 6am, omlets by Janice, on water by 7:30. Negotiated way out of lagoon. 3 1/2 hour paddle to Patricia Beach. Gentle following swells and wind. Pelicans and sand bars. Cool rain during second leg. Ground crew off to Selkirk for cargo van to replace Ed Howells truck. Ed leaves us tomorrow.
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BREEZY POINT CREW CHANGE

2008-06-13T08:59:00.000-07:00

Thunder storm overnight, amazing sunset / storm clouds. Up 04:30 am; porridge - yogurt - coffee - juice. On water 6:0am. Crew change at 8:20 am, about 30 km into the 79 km planned for the day. Tonight Grand Beach.
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YORK BOAT LOWER FORT GARY

2008-06-12T20:03:00.000-07:00

The inch of rain occurred over night. Cam White of Paddle Manitoba arranged for a Tim Horton's truck with coffee - hot chocolate and cookies at 7am right beside PC1 . PC1 had a lovely sunny but cool 34 km paddle to Lower Fort Gary, including passing through a set of locks. We enjoyed exploring this fine example of a stone fort
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PADDLE CANADA 1 CREW PHOTO

2008-06-11T09:00:00.000-07:00

Left to right: Sara Finlay, Eric Williams, Tonya Shalay, David Bates, Elouise MacDonald, Ross MacDonald, Robbie Bates, Boudi Van Oldenborgh, Janice Dicks, Jay Bailey, Richard Griffith, Len Miller, Ed Howell, Bill Bishopp
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OLD and the NEW

2008-06-11T06:55:00.000-07:00

Jay Bailey's accommodation fore ground, the rest of us aft. Jay has provided a glimpse of the past for us all since his arrival..
A sad day for PC1 today as Boudi Van Oldenborg and Bill Bishopp depart the team today and return to their normal lives.
Yesterday was the half way mark of our trip!
A few arrivals and participation in voyageur games and dancing the agenda for today
Janice's omlets provided a great start to the day.
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FORT GIBERATER - WINNIPEG

2008-06-10T20:43:00.000-07:00

Up at 5:30 am, depart camp by 7am, on water by 8am, crew change at 11:30am, arrive Fort Giberalter in Winnipeg. Portaged one of our canoes about 100 m today. Boudi and Bill depart our team tomorrow. A sunny cool paddling day. Lunar sextant shot. Alls well

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SOGGY, MUDDY - STILL PADDL'N

2008-06-09T10:32:00.000-07:00

Dispite mud to our ankles, persisting rain, and being drenched, PC1 persisted and achieved the planned 51 km for the day on the meandering Assiniboine River. Welcome to the crew Jay and Janice. Our humble abode pictured herein.
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BOUDI EXPLAINS OUR ROUTE

2008-06-08T15:57:00.000-07:00

Boudi Van Oldenborgh explains our route to Sunday afternoon visitors at the museum at Fort La Reine, Portage La Prairie. A late afternoon thunderstorm caused us to pack up a little earlier than planned. Janice Dicks joined our crew today
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Jay Bailey's Flint Fire

2008-06-07T17:43:00.000-07:00

Jay demonstrated the starting of a period correct flint / charcloth fire.
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ARRIVE PORTAGE LA PRAIRIE

2008-06-07T17:39:00.000-07:00

The storm continued into this morning, Saturday 7 June. The crew slept in until 8am, had a Narrows Lodge sit down breakfast, packed the vehicles, and headed to Cresent Lake Park in Portage La Prairie. A few thunder storms passed thru during the afternoon
Len shown preparing a culinary master piece for the crew.
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FRIDAY 6 June 2008

2008-06-06T10:05:00.000-07:00

The Narrows to Lundar Beach, or plan Rev 6. The 6 - 9 am shift had moderate winds from the starboard rear quarter making the handling of the canoes tricky in the heavy swells. Heavy rain started just after the second crew started about 9:30 am. They persevered in trying conditions and then called it a day.
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40km to Meadow Portage

2008-06-03T03:09:00.000-07:00

The trek south continues. The photo depicts a 'string of pearls' arrival formation
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LAKE WINNIPEGOSIS

2008-06-02T03:03:00.000-07:00

Heading south in Manitoba. The days will start getting shorter, a little more sleep
But we will start to encounter a few more portages

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Tonight The Pas

2008-05-31T11:01:00.000-07:00

A 66 km paddle from Carrier Camp above Manitoba border to The Pas. The brigade will assemble upstream of the arrival ceremony location, approach in the 'string of pearls' formation, fire a musket shot to request permission to come ashore, and await for the consenting return shot from shore. An offering of tabacco is usually presented to the 1st Nations Leaders along the way

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PICTURE OF 2nd WEEK

2008-05-30T16:47:00.000-07:00

Several delightful young ladies from Fort Pitt Hettorite Community. The provided meaningful message on life to us all, many inspiring choir pieces, and a bountiful dinner that also saw us through the following day's lunch and dinner. They enjoyed their ride in the voyageur canoes. Their hospitality was outstanding! Thanks Fort Pitt!
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104 km to Cumberland House

2008-05-29T18:43:00.000-07:00

Well rested PC1 were up at 3:30 am (it was starting to get light) for their 11 hour paddle to Cumberland House. Thank you ground crew for breakfast and getting us away on time. 1st Nations Guides will ensure we stay on track through the confusing multitude of Channels on the Saskatchewan River. Meeting with Mayor and a festive feast await the tired crew
Tomorrow a short 66 km to Carrier Camp
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LAKE TOBIN - Wed 28 May

2008-05-29T18:32:00.000-07:00

Our first big lake challenge. The 61 km run began with a slight refreshing tail wind, and ended up with an unexpected dead calm. We were prepared for a change in the weather, and to head for shore, but no need

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A TOUGH PORTAGE

2008-05-29T18:27:00.000-07:00

Robbie and David demonstrating the technique for portaging Paddle Canada's reknowned heavy canoe. They make it look easy. Or were they demonstrating Class 2 rapids techniques?
Either way, looks like fun
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WISE USE OF RESOURCES

2008-05-29T18:23:00.000-07:00

Sailing east on Coddet Lake and catching what wind there was

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1st Nations Hospitality

2008-05-29T14:18:00.000-07:00

Monday we paddled from Prince Albert past the confluence of the north and south Saskatchewan R to James Smith First Nations. A formal reception, a parade, a marvellouis native feast, and entertainment. All is well
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Next Stop James Smith

2008-05-26T07:37:00.000-07:00

Paddlers on the water by 6:05am
First breakfast with friends at Riverside School at Prince Albert. Thanks PA
88 km today!
All's Well
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LAYOVER DAY PRINCE ALBERT

2008-05-25T12:30:00.000-07:00

Sunday 25. Rained overnight. Cold overcast. Day for resting, laundry, sorting out provisions for next leg of trip. A new zipper in my tent, fix the stove. The photo shows the start of the second and final segment of the 80 km canoe race. Our very own Tonya Shalay is part of the Cumberland House Team
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PRINCE ALBERT

2008-05-24T20:38:00.000-07:00

A 7am get away from Fort Carlton, paddled 11 km and 29 km of the scheduled 88 km day, and utilized the trailer for the rest. A warm reception from Prince Albert. Camped right on the river. Tonya completed the first half of the 80 km race with the Cumberland House team. Well done Tonya! A great native feast, and lively entertainment.
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BORDEN TO FORT CARLTON

2008-05-24T12:44:00.000-07:00

Another 6 am start. First crew Len, Richard, Sara, Tonya, David and Robbie get PC1 off to a flying start completing the 1st 41 km by shortly after 11am.
The second half the team arrived Fort Carlton about 3pm in time to paddle upstream a km to participate in the formal arrival.
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BRIEF RESPITE

2008-05-22T21:03:00.000-07:00

On the water at 6:20am; PC1 battled stiff winds all day before pulling off water a few kms short of 94 km target
Well done PC1
Tomorrow starts at 4:30 am
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WAITING FOR PC1

2008-05-21T21:31:00.000-07:00

On the water by 6:20 am, into a brisk head wind all day, first 37 km takes about 7 hours; the remaining 48 km another 4 1/2 hours. 2-3 foot waves at times, white caps make it impossible to read river
Rain over night
Alls Well
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FORT GEORGE / HEINSBURG

2008-05-18T19:45:00.000-07:00

Pancakes and Sausages from the good folks at Elk Point, then 11 km to Fort George. A long hike up to the Fort, a tour of the historic layout, voyageur games, then another 2 hours to Heinsburg. The government cancelled the railway here, the last train left in 1972
A weiner roast, watermellon, cold drinks, and a lively musical trio. We appreciated the warm reception
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PHOTO OF WEEK ONE

2008-05-18T04:37:00.002-07:00

Many beautiful memories and photos of PC1 and the brigade coming together, no doubt they will last the rest of my life.
Paddling the route travelled by David Thompson in 1808, complete with a direct relative of his. And genuinely warm reception by the young and old along the way. Many recall the 1967 brigade, celebrating Canada's centennial year. We have met several of those paddlers already on this trip.
So why this picture? The ice was 5 to 6 feet thick. The flags you see are standing upright in the rear of a brigade canoe. It was like paddling in the high arctic ice, or so I imagined
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SCHOOL ART CONTEST

2008-05-18T04:37:00.001-07:00

The bi-centennial celebration moves along down river. Elk's Point student work shown in attached photo. Celebrating the 200th Anniversary of David Thompson's Canada defining trip throught their town. The fire work displays continue to mark the event.
PC1 becoming quite the crew

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PIPED INTO ELK POINT

2008-05-18T04:37:00.000-07:00

Paddle Canada 1's Tonya Shalay was Avante of the lead canoe as the brigade arrived Elk Point. The brigade paddled 65 km. A parade through town, and a feast at the community center. Then country music and dancing. Another surrealistic day. All's well

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DEVON to FORT SASKATCHEWAN

2008-05-14T20:01:00.000-07:00

7am departure after Lion's Club amazing breakfast. Edmonton Historical Society reception. 78 km paddle on one 7 person crew. Tricky winds and channels were a challenge. Warm welcome, reception and dinner in Fort Saskatchewan
Tomorrow another long 81 km day
PC1 working well as a team
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THANK YOU TOWN OF DEVON

2008-05-13T21:22:00.000-07:00

A 48 km paddle in 3 1/2 hours
Devon Voyageur Park named.
Public paddles in Voyageur canoes, races, piper and PC1 canoe lead opening procession. Akina Shirt sings O'Canada in Cree. Bison, Corn bread, salads, cobbler dinner to great music of Reeling Rounders. Even rain held off
Tomorrow Edmonton

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WHAT IT IS ALL ABOUT

2008-05-12T14:46:00.000-07:00

45 km complete, about 40 km to go in much slower water. But first lunch
Tonight St John's School students, where are camping, are making us dinner

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HAPPY MOTHERS DAY!

2008-05-11T16:46:00.000-07:00

From PADDLE CANADA 1 and 2 to our Moms and Mothers of our children. Have a wonderful day! We are thinking of you and send our love, hugs, and kisses! Thanks for your understanding and support.
A 94 km paddle to Drayton Valley through cold, rain and hail, brisk winds and ice (to 6 - 7 feet thick). A warming reception by the community of Drayton Valley, including the MPP, Mayor, and two members of the 1967 Centennial Brigade
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PC2 ON THEIR WAY EAST

2008-05-10T12:08:00.000-07:00

Next stop Baptiste River, 44 km
All's well

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PC2 TEST PADDLE

2008-05-09T21:26:00.000-07:00

PC1 canot du nord in the water after its 4,380 km trek from Merrickville Ontario
Now for the 3,400 km paddle to Old Fort William, arriving 12 July

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HISTORY PUPPET SHOW

2008-05-09T21:19:00.000-07:00

The life and times of David and Charlotte Thompson as re-enacted in an amazing puppet show
Tomorrow our official send off and 44 km paddle. Let us know if you see any media coverage of the event

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PADDLE CANADA 2

2008-05-09T21:12:00.000-07:00

Test paddle complete, the open side was kept up, only one hole to report in the canoe. Alls well!
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WATCHING SNOW FALL

2008-05-08T20:34:00.000-07:00

About 8" wet snow today. Delayed travel, made getting about interesting
Still on track to start paddle Saturday

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SNOW

2008-05-08T06:36:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Rocky Mountain House
Brigade starts to come together today
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SAFELY AT ROCKY MOUNTAIN HOUSE

2008-05-07T20:46:00.000-07:00

We're here. We are gathering at Buster Creek Campgrounds shortly after lunch Thursday. Follow Highway 11 west from RMH to Buster Creek where we intend to make camp. It is located half way between Crimson Lake Campgrounds and Twin Lakes Campground
Please email or call me to confirm you have this message

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SAFE - SOUND SASKATOON

2008-05-06T20:25:00.000-07:00

Paddle Canada 1 mascot Minou - Minou celebrates the canoes entry to Saskatchewan. Tomorrow night Rocky Mountain House, Walking Eagle Motel
What is this about snow later this week? Canoe - Brigade test paddle Friday afternoon
All's Well
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GREETING FROM JANICE

2008-05-05T20:23:00.000-07:00

Janice and her daughters say hi, and look forward to welcoming you to the Winnipeg area
Cheers
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KENORA, ONT - ALLS WELL

2008-05-05T08:54:00.000-07:00

Half way to Rocky Mountain House. Clear, sunny, cold
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Don and Eric Head To Tiverton

2008-05-02T15:28:00.000-07:00

We're on the way
Heareux Pagayer

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Paddle Canada 1. 28 April 08

2008-04-28T18:06:00.000-07:00

Crew leader learning how to blog in 3C weather
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Welcome to the Paddle Canada 1 Blog!

2008-04-28T17:09:00.000-07:00

Welcome to the Paddle Canada 1 Blog!

Starting May 10, the Paddle Canada 1 Team will be joining 15 other teams leaving Rocky Mountain House in Alberta, arriving in Old Fort William in Ontario on July 13!

The teams are paddling replica 25 foot Canot Du Nord canoes, each with a crew of 8-10 enthusiastic voyageur wannabes!

This blog will be updated regularly with pictures and stories of the trip. Check back often!

Team Paddle Canada 1 consists of:

Tonya Shalay, Richard Griffith, Ed Howell, Darryl Sexsmith, Boudi Van Oldenborgh, Robbie Bates, David Bates, Len Miller, Ross McDonald, Janice Dicks, William Bishopp, Jay Bailey, and Kirk Wipper.

We are recreating David Thompson's 1808 journey to Old Fort William to tell the world of his discovery of the Howse Pass through the Rocky Mountains to the Pacific Ocean in Canada. The 3600 km voyage will take 63 paddling days, and will visit 40 communities along the way to share his history with them. Look for paddlers wearing period costumes and demonstrating period skills in music and navigation.

See the David Thompson Brigade website for more exciting details and updates of this journey!

http://www.2008thompsonbrigade.com/

Crew Leader Eric Williams models his capote, an authentic Hudson's Bay blanket similar to what would have been used in trade in the early 1800's.

Note the four stripes on the label indicating the cost of the blanket in beaver pelts.

Two Canot canoes await the start of their trip to Alberta. The canoes are 25 feet long, and weigh about 320lbs! [10 mile portage, anyone?]