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Septembe 21, 2004
The Winnipeg Sun
By Paul Turenne, Staff Reporter
Let's face it -- the summer of 2004 has been a ust. We had a
30-centimetre dump in mid-May, near daily rainfall in June, record
lows in July and frost in August. The only thing missing was a
plague of locusts. But all is not lost. We still have a couple
of months, God willing, until the snow flies. That's time enough
to get outside and squeeze every last drop from the lemon that's
been the summer of '04.
And we're here to help. Today is the last in a three-part series
showing you how to make the most of your weekends.
---
This summer's abundant rains may have drowned out crops, softball
games and many a campfire, but they do have an upside.
While low water levels can sometimes be a problem for recreational
paddlers at this time of year, this year's rains have boosted
the province's waterways up much higher than usual, something
paddlers are quick to identify as a silver lining in the ever-present
clouds.
"Water levels certainly aren't going to be a problem this year.
(The waterways) are all super high for this time of year," said
Dave Pancoe, owner of Northern Soul, a Winnipeg-based outfitter
that offers canoe trips across Manitoba.
"Every time it rains and people get all mad, we say 'all right,'
because it's great for the river," said David J. Danyluk, a co-ordinator
with Save Our Seine, and an avid paddler.
Danyluk regularly canoes down Winnipeg's Seine River, and said
this year's rains have kept the river nice and high, which creates
a good, strong current in a river that can sometimes dry up to
a depth of only a few inches.
The Seine might not seem like an obvious first choice for a pleasure
paddle, but Danyluk said it has a number of attractive features.
WALK TO SHORE
"It's accessible, it's sheltered, and if you flip your canoe
you simply have to stand up and walk to shore. That's very reassuring
to a novice," he said.
The river meanders for more than 25 kilometres from the Perimeter
to Whittier Park, but for most of its path you'd never know you
were in a major city.
"I've seen more wildlife on the Seine than I do sometimes in
the Whiteshell," said Danyluk, noting that owls, deer, raccoons,
martens, beavers, snapping turtles and snakes all live along the
river.
The Assiniboine is another city river that's great for paddling.
Pancoe offers family trips down the river in a huge eight-person
voyageur canoe. The river is great for canoers until you start
to get close to downtown, where there is a lot of powerboat traffic,
he said.
The Red often has too many powerboats for safe and enjoyable
paddling unless you go very early in the morning, he added.
If you're looking for another close-to-home paddle, Danyluk suggests
heading for Cooks Creek, only a few kilometres east of the city.
"Everyone drives right over it on their way to the Whiteshell,"
said Danyluk. "It's a really nice little river. I was really impressed
with how natural the shoreline is."
A little further afield is Lake Winnipeg, which, when calm, is
a great place to paddle.
"The lake is definitely a lot windier at this time of year,"
cautioned Pancoe.
Bjorn Billehuag, outdoor activities co-ordinator at the University
of Manitoba, suggests paddling all the way around Elk Island,
just north of Victoria Beach.
"It's a nice length for a day trip," he said. "It's great because
you can escape to some beaches that are relatively secluded. You
can have them to yourself."
Billehaug's recreation services program at the U of M offers
people the opportunity to learn to paddle even once the rivers
ice over.
Beginning Sept. 26, the U of M will offer courses open to the
public in basic flatwater kayaking. The courses will take place
in the comfortable environs of the university's indoor pool. Intermediate
kayaking and roll clinics begin Oct. 23.
There is one last chance to get outside with the U of M though.
The last outdoor paddle of the season takes place Oct. 2, when
paddlers can go on a guided kayaking tour down the La Salle River
in La Barriere Park.
For more information: U of M recreation services, 474-7268, Northern
Soul, 284-4072.
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