Last Monday I had the opportunity to go out kayaking with Jimmy Seabrook, our in house Kayak Instructor who gives lessons every Monday and Tuesday throughout the summer.
I have always wanted to learn how to kayak and I had an amazing time! Who would have thought that making myself flip over in a Kayak and doing self-rescues would be so much fun!
Having someone to instruct me on kayaking techniques has given me the confidence I needed to be able to take out a kayak on my own and I am absolutely looking forward to doing just that!
We have also had a couple of other people, either staying with us at the Wolfden or just coming up for the day, who have benefited from this great opportunity. There are definitely great things to say all around!
So, I highly recommend this opportunity to anyone who wants to learn how to kayak or to anyone who just wants to better their technique. It’s a lot of fun and the locations for the lessons (Oxtongue Lake and the Oxtongue River) are excellent.
To find out more about Kayak Lessons at the Wolfden, you can check out our website: http://www.wolfdenbunkhouse.com/
Thanks for the awesome time Jimmy!!!
Thursday, June 28, 2007
The Algonquin Art Centre & Parks Programs
The Algonquin Art Centre has officially opened for the summer. I went to the Algonquin Art Centre yesterday to check out their exhibits for summer 2007: "Landscapes of Algonquin", "Wolves of Algonquin " and "Wildlife of Algonquin". Each exhibit has a great display of paintings and sculptures, it’s definitely tough to choose a favourite! Each artist captures aspects of Algonquin Park in their own original way and, therefore, there is a little something for everyone.
So, while you’re driving through Algonquin Park, make sure to drop into the Algonquin Art Centre. There is no fee to go into the gallery, though they will accept a donation, and there is even a great spot to sit outside in the Art Gazebo and have a drink or a snack before or after you set off on a hike.
The Algonquin Art Centre also has an excellent boutique with a variety of unique pieces. I definitely intend on going back there to do some gift shopping and maybe some for myself too!
In addition to checking out the Algonquin Art Centre there are also a variety of interpretive programs that are going on in the park throughout the summer.
I blogged more about these events previously, but here is a small list of some of the programs that are being held over the week of June28th – July 5th:
June 28th – "Insect Colours" (Algonquin for Kids program) at 10:30am
June 29th – "Canoe Outing"
July 1st – "The Black Bear" Evening program at 8pm
July 5th – "Calling All Birds!" (Nature Craft); Paint your own wooden bird house with acrylic paint and take it home with you!
To find out about more events check out "This Week in Algonquin " at http://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/programs/thisweek.html
So, while you’re driving through Algonquin Park, make sure to drop into the Algonquin Art Centre. There is no fee to go into the gallery, though they will accept a donation, and there is even a great spot to sit outside in the Art Gazebo and have a drink or a snack before or after you set off on a hike.
The Algonquin Art Centre also has an excellent boutique with a variety of unique pieces. I definitely intend on going back there to do some gift shopping and maybe some for myself too!
In addition to checking out the Algonquin Art Centre there are also a variety of interpretive programs that are going on in the park throughout the summer.
I blogged more about these events previously, but here is a small list of some of the programs that are being held over the week of June28th – July 5th:
June 28th – "Insect Colours" (Algonquin for Kids program) at 10:30am
June 29th – "Canoe Outing"
July 1st – "The Black Bear" Evening program at 8pm
July 5th – "Calling All Birds!" (Nature Craft); Paint your own wooden bird house with acrylic paint and take it home with you!
To find out about more events check out "This Week in Algonquin " at http://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/programs/thisweek.html
Thursday, June 21, 2007
Interpretive Events in Algonquin Park
Hey everyone!
Algonquin Park is starting to host their summer series of interpretive events, which come out weekly through the summer till Labour Day. There are a ton of great programs available for kids and adults, such as guided walks, evening slide show presentations and fun games that will all bring you new knowledge and appreciation of beautiful Algonquin Park!
Furthermore, these programs are an excellent addition to any trip you are taking to Algonquin Park, whether it is for a day of hiking or a couple days of paddling!
Some of the events that are taking place this week (June 23rd - 28th) include:
The opening of the Algonquin Art Centre: Open daily from 10am – 5:30pm
"The Loons of Algonquin Park" evening program: 7pm – Sat. June 23rd
"Reptiles & Amphibians" Algonquin for Kids program: 10:30am – Wed. June 27th
Bird Walk with an experienced birder: 8am – Thurs. June 28th
For a more detailed listing of the events being held this week in Algonquin Park you can follow the following link:
http://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/programs/thisweek.html
Or, you can pick up a copy of "This Week in Algonquin" at any of the gates and campground offices, at the Visitor Centre and Logging Museum or find it posted on any of the Park bulletin boards.
Algonquin Park is starting to host their summer series of interpretive events, which come out weekly through the summer till Labour Day. There are a ton of great programs available for kids and adults, such as guided walks, evening slide show presentations and fun games that will all bring you new knowledge and appreciation of beautiful Algonquin Park!
Furthermore, these programs are an excellent addition to any trip you are taking to Algonquin Park, whether it is for a day of hiking or a couple days of paddling!
Some of the events that are taking place this week (June 23rd - 28th) include:
The opening of the Algonquin Art Centre: Open daily from 10am – 5:30pm
"The Loons of Algonquin Park" evening program: 7pm – Sat. June 23rd
"Reptiles & Amphibians" Algonquin for Kids program: 10:30am – Wed. June 27th
Bird Walk with an experienced birder: 8am – Thurs. June 28th
For a more detailed listing of the events being held this week in Algonquin Park you can follow the following link:
http://www.algonquinpark.on.ca/programs/thisweek.html
Or, you can pick up a copy of "This Week in Algonquin" at any of the gates and campground offices, at the Visitor Centre and Logging Museum or find it posted on any of the Park bulletin boards.
Saturday, June 2, 2007
Kayak Lessons at the Wolf Den
Join us this summer as we launch into a new Venture at the Wolf Den: Kayak Lessons!
We will be hosting a certified O.R.C.K.A instuctor every Monday and Tuesday, starting this coming week, through till the end of August.
The course being offered is a Level 1 Beginners including Self -Rescue Techniques, on Oxtongue Lake. Lessons are 3 hours, including all equipment for a cost of $120.
Contact the Wolf Den to reserve your spot today
1-866-271-9336 or (705) 635-9336
wden@wolfdenbunkhouse.com
We will be hosting a certified O.R.C.K.A instuctor every Monday and Tuesday, starting this coming week, through till the end of August.
The course being offered is a Level 1 Beginners including Self -Rescue Techniques, on Oxtongue Lake. Lessons are 3 hours, including all equipment for a cost of $120.
Contact the Wolf Den to reserve your spot today
1-866-271-9336 or (705) 635-9336
wden@wolfdenbunkhouse.com
Sunday, May 20, 2007
Great North American Wilderness Clean-up - A Success
Photo by Lynn Robinson Algonquin Park Clean up - A Success
On Saturday May 12th the 2nd Great North American Wilderness Clean up was held across North America. Approximately 170 people particiapted in places like Fort Mcmurray Alberta, Kawartha Lakes, Durham, Parry Sound and here in Algonquin Park
"From those who submitted results to me, together we took 92.5 bags of various sizes out of our wilderness, and 12.5 bags of recycling items, 10 of which were large industrial-sized bags. That totals 105 bags. That's a nasty amount, and I'm so very glad it's outta there!
People found lots of other items, too, such as the usual tires, socks (I actually found a matching pair of socks in a fire pit!!), gloves... Also found were some nasties like used diapers, feminine hygiene products, used condoms, those ever-so-popular white flowers around campsites, on portages and around put-ins and access points. Let's see, what else? A tar bucket, toilet seat, a full propane tank, a car battery (who would have a car out there?), a child's play kitchen set, an old & rotting cedar strip canoe, pots & pans (enough to make a complete set), an old half-filled gallon tin of linseed oil, stubby beer bottles (I remember those!!), a broken flute, an outdoor eletrical junction box (huh?), a cigar box, lots of folding patio chairs, plastic pails, a flourescent tube light, an umbrella, rusty grills, a large tent, and a disposable fuel tank in a fire pit...
...So that's how much more beautiful our wilderness is now". Nancy Maddock, Event founder and co-organizer
Here at the Wolf Den we organized a group of 27 of to beautify Algonquin Park
.
Some went via canoe (provided free by Algonquin Outfitters ) up Joe Lake. Some to Guskawaa Lake and Maple Leaf Lake on the Western Uplands backpacking trail. The last group to Provoking Lake on the Highland Backpacking Trail. Very pleased to say for the most part we didn't find a whole lot of garbage. Most of it came from just a few sites and in some parking lots. We also hit the Oxtongue River Picnic area (lots of garbage) and Ragged Falls (dido)
After a full day of cleaning we held a free BBQ provided by M+M meats.
Sunday morning those who were interested were invited to partake in a free ecology hike provided by Ernie Silhanek, a Fleming College Professor, avid natualist and Wolf Den friend. It was amazing to see that all on the hike also continued to collect garbage. Participants received 1/2 price accommodation at The Wolf Den
Total: 10 large industrial sized garbage bags of recycling, 27 small ON park bags of garbage, 2 tires, a kids play kitchen set, a pile of metal and an old rotting cedar strip canoe.
It was a day about Stewardship, care, and respect for the land and water that supports each and everyday.
Special Thanks to :
Algonquin Outfitters for graciously providing free canoe rentals.
Algonquin Park For donating free day passes to the Park
M+M Meats for providing a free BBQ.
The Outing Club of East York for their continued support.
Joey Gill of hi concept productions For generating a lot of media publicity
CBC Radio for interviewing Robin Golloher co-owner of the Wolf Den on Saturday morning
Huntsville Forester and Vitality Magazine for running the story
Last but not least Kevin Callan and Nancy Maddock who dreamed the dream of the Great North American Wilderness Clean-up and made it a reality and all who participated in making our world a bit more beautiful.
Thanks to all for you made this event a success!!!
On Saturday May 12th the 2nd Great North American Wilderness Clean up was held across North America. Approximately 170 people particiapted in places like Fort Mcmurray Alberta, Kawartha Lakes, Durham, Parry Sound and here in Algonquin Park
"From those who submitted results to me, together we took 92.5 bags of various sizes out of our wilderness, and 12.5 bags of recycling items, 10 of which were large industrial-sized bags. That totals 105 bags. That's a nasty amount, and I'm so very glad it's outta there!
People found lots of other items, too, such as the usual tires, socks (I actually found a matching pair of socks in a fire pit!!), gloves... Also found were some nasties like used diapers, feminine hygiene products, used condoms, those ever-so-popular white flowers around campsites, on portages and around put-ins and access points. Let's see, what else? A tar bucket, toilet seat, a full propane tank, a car battery (who would have a car out there?), a child's play kitchen set, an old & rotting cedar strip canoe, pots & pans (enough to make a complete set), an old half-filled gallon tin of linseed oil, stubby beer bottles (I remember those!!), a broken flute, an outdoor eletrical junction box (huh?), a cigar box, lots of folding patio chairs, plastic pails, a flourescent tube light, an umbrella, rusty grills, a large tent, and a disposable fuel tank in a fire pit...
...So that's how much more beautiful our wilderness is now". Nancy Maddock, Event founder and co-organizer
Here at the Wolf Den we organized a group of 27 of to beautify Algonquin Park
.
Some went via canoe (provided free by Algonquin Outfitters ) up Joe Lake. Some to Guskawaa Lake and Maple Leaf Lake on the Western Uplands backpacking trail. The last group to Provoking Lake on the Highland Backpacking Trail. Very pleased to say for the most part we didn't find a whole lot of garbage. Most of it came from just a few sites and in some parking lots. We also hit the Oxtongue River Picnic area (lots of garbage) and Ragged Falls (dido)
After a full day of cleaning we held a free BBQ provided by M+M meats.
Sunday morning those who were interested were invited to partake in a free ecology hike provided by Ernie Silhanek, a Fleming College Professor, avid natualist and Wolf Den friend. It was amazing to see that all on the hike also continued to collect garbage. Participants received 1/2 price accommodation at The Wolf Den
Total: 10 large industrial sized garbage bags of recycling, 27 small ON park bags of garbage, 2 tires, a kids play kitchen set, a pile of metal and an old rotting cedar strip canoe.
It was a day about Stewardship, care, and respect for the land and water that supports each and everyday.
Special Thanks to :
Algonquin Outfitters for graciously providing free canoe rentals.
Algonquin Park For donating free day passes to the Park
M+M Meats for providing a free BBQ.
The Outing Club of East York for their continued support.
Joey Gill of hi concept productions For generating a lot of media publicity
CBC Radio for interviewing Robin Golloher co-owner of the Wolf Den on Saturday morning
Huntsville Forester and Vitality Magazine for running the story
Last but not least Kevin Callan and Nancy Maddock who dreamed the dream of the Great North American Wilderness Clean-up and made it a reality and all who participated in making our world a bit more beautiful.
Thanks to all for you made this event a success!!!
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
Wilderness Clean up Media Release - By Joey Gill
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 30th
THE GREAT NORTH AMERICAN WILDERNESS CLEAN UP
Algonquin Park Canoe Route Clean Up to Inspire International Event
Toronto: On May 12 and 13th, the first ever Great North American Wilderness Clean Up will take place in Algonquin Provincial Park. World renowned, Algonquin Park is also the victim of one of humanity’s least desirable attributes: littering
"We all do it. We sit around and complain about canoe route maintenance, ramble on and on about how the government should be doing more, question the mentality of those who leave all that garbage and toilet-paper mounds at the campsite, or scratch our heads over why anyone would leave just one sock at the end of the a portage", said Kevin Callan, author and avid canoeist and key participant in the event.
In addition to the dozens of hikers and paddlers scouring the park for litter, there will be a computer link-up at Sir Sandford Fleming School in Lindsay, Ontario for those groups around North America who are not able to attend at the venue so that they may send photos and information about their own particular clean-up accomplishments. There are plans to use this link-up with a projector to show the audience, North America-wide, who's winning the challenge to collect the most garbage.
Although focused initially in Algonguin Park, the scope of the Clean Up is truly North American in scale. "We’re encouraging people across North America anywhere and everywhere there that people go to enjoy green space and wilderness", said Nancy Maddock, event organizer. Last year’s clean up of Algonquin resulted in 125 bags of garbage being collected by a determined group of volunteers.
Visit www.wildernesscleanup.com for sign up details and more information.
"Our goal with this event is to encourage people on Mother’s Day weekend to take better care of Mother Earth", added Callan.
About Kevin Callan
Kevin Callan is the author of eleven books, including the best selling The Happy Camper and the incredibly popular series of paddling guides. On a regular basis he presents across North America and has been a key speaker at all the major canoe events for over 20 years. Callan is also a frequent quest on radio and television, field editor for Explore, and writes on a regular basis for ON Nature, Kanawa and Rapid Magazine. He is a winner of three National Magazine Awards and four film awards’ including "best of" in the prestigious Waterwalker Film Festival. For the last 15 years he has taught Environmental Issues and Sciences at Sir Sanford Fleming College and lives in Peterborough, the birthplace of the modern day canoe.
About Nancy Maddock
Passionately in love with wilderness, Nancy Maddock began to notice more and more garbage in and around the Algonquin Park region, creating the first Algonquin Clean Up event. With over 125 large bags of garbage collected, Nancy was inspired to launch the first Great North American Wilderness Clean Up.
For Further Information, contact event organizer Nancy Maddock
wildernesscleanup@rogers.com
www.wildernesscleanup.com
For Media Inquiries, contact: Publicist, Joey Gill
joeygill@hiconcept.ca
o.416.929.9397 c.416.556.0675.
THE GREAT NORTH AMERICAN WILDERNESS CLEAN UP
Algonquin Park Canoe Route Clean Up to Inspire International Event
Toronto: On May 12 and 13th, the first ever Great North American Wilderness Clean Up will take place in Algonquin Provincial Park. World renowned, Algonquin Park is also the victim of one of humanity’s least desirable attributes: littering
"We all do it. We sit around and complain about canoe route maintenance, ramble on and on about how the government should be doing more, question the mentality of those who leave all that garbage and toilet-paper mounds at the campsite, or scratch our heads over why anyone would leave just one sock at the end of the a portage", said Kevin Callan, author and avid canoeist and key participant in the event.
In addition to the dozens of hikers and paddlers scouring the park for litter, there will be a computer link-up at Sir Sandford Fleming School in Lindsay, Ontario for those groups around North America who are not able to attend at the venue so that they may send photos and information about their own particular clean-up accomplishments. There are plans to use this link-up with a projector to show the audience, North America-wide, who's winning the challenge to collect the most garbage.
Although focused initially in Algonguin Park, the scope of the Clean Up is truly North American in scale. "We’re encouraging people across North America anywhere and everywhere there that people go to enjoy green space and wilderness", said Nancy Maddock, event organizer. Last year’s clean up of Algonquin resulted in 125 bags of garbage being collected by a determined group of volunteers.
Visit www.wildernesscleanup.com for sign up details and more information.
"Our goal with this event is to encourage people on Mother’s Day weekend to take better care of Mother Earth", added Callan.
About Kevin Callan
Kevin Callan is the author of eleven books, including the best selling The Happy Camper and the incredibly popular series of paddling guides. On a regular basis he presents across North America and has been a key speaker at all the major canoe events for over 20 years. Callan is also a frequent quest on radio and television, field editor for Explore, and writes on a regular basis for ON Nature, Kanawa and Rapid Magazine. He is a winner of three National Magazine Awards and four film awards’ including "best of" in the prestigious Waterwalker Film Festival. For the last 15 years he has taught Environmental Issues and Sciences at Sir Sanford Fleming College and lives in Peterborough, the birthplace of the modern day canoe.
About Nancy Maddock
Passionately in love with wilderness, Nancy Maddock began to notice more and more garbage in and around the Algonquin Park region, creating the first Algonquin Clean Up event. With over 125 large bags of garbage collected, Nancy was inspired to launch the first Great North American Wilderness Clean Up.
For Further Information, contact event organizer Nancy Maddock
wildernesscleanup@rogers.com
www.wildernesscleanup.com
For Media Inquiries, contact: Publicist, Joey Gill
joeygill@hiconcept.ca
o.416.929.9397 c.416.556.0675.
Monday, April 23, 2007
Great North American Wilderness Clean-up Update
Saturday May 12th wherever you are, whatever you are doing I invite you to pick up a bit of garbage/recycling in support of the Great North American Wilderness Clean-up. I know that many of you already do this whenever you can and that is great. Actually that is the bigger picture of clean up events like this one. By helping on May 12th you will not only be helping to beautify the earth but you will be contributing to the bit of noise needed to promote the idea of stewardship. This can make a few more folks think twice about tossing that wrapper on the ground and value the idea of taking out somebody else’s wrapper (or what not).
So please, on May 12th, whether you are in Algonquin Park or the Wilderness of downtown Toronto, go outside and pick up a grocery bag or 2 of garbage (better yet – separate recycling) and email the number to Nancy at wildernesscleanup@rogers.com
Alternatively you can join an existing group or form one on your own. Check out http://www.wildernesscleanup.com for more info.
Our group the Wolf Pack will be cleaning in Algonquin Park. Some will hike, some will paddle. We will hit interior campsites accessible from Hwy 60 (and some not for public roads and short cuts) such as Joe Lake, Maple Leaf Lake, and Provoking Lake. Day hike parking lots and if time allows Ragged Falls and the Oxtongue River Picnic area will also be targeted. Additionally we will be raking firepits and scattering ash when we can.
Algonquin Park http://www.algonquinpark.on.ca is providing Free Day passes. Algonquin Outfitters http://www.algonquinoutfitters.com is sponsoring and providing free canoes to the members staying at the Wolf Den. The Great Artist Olaf will on hand helping out with the cleaning and taking pictures of the event. M+Ms is sponsoring a free BBQ on Saturday to volunteers. The Wolf Den is offering ½ price accommodation to all participants for the nights of Friday May 11th and Saturday May 12th. A free guided hike will also take place on the Sunday Morning featuring local ecology and the impacts of logging. Space is limited as we only have dorm beds and a few private rooms for 4 left. Please contact me at wden@wolfdenbunkhouse.com if you are interested.
If you are in the Park that weekend and need a place to drop off garbage feel free to leave it at the Wolf Den and we will deal with it.
Cheers, Ben From the Wolf Den
So please, on May 12th, whether you are in Algonquin Park or the Wilderness of downtown Toronto, go outside and pick up a grocery bag or 2 of garbage (better yet – separate recycling) and email the number to Nancy at wildernesscleanup@rogers.com
Alternatively you can join an existing group or form one on your own. Check out http://www.wildernesscleanup.com for more info.
Our group the Wolf Pack will be cleaning in Algonquin Park. Some will hike, some will paddle. We will hit interior campsites accessible from Hwy 60 (and some not for public roads and short cuts) such as Joe Lake, Maple Leaf Lake, and Provoking Lake. Day hike parking lots and if time allows Ragged Falls and the Oxtongue River Picnic area will also be targeted. Additionally we will be raking firepits and scattering ash when we can.
Algonquin Park http://www.algonquinpark.on.ca is providing Free Day passes. Algonquin Outfitters http://www.algonquinoutfitters.com is sponsoring and providing free canoes to the members staying at the Wolf Den. The Great Artist Olaf will on hand helping out with the cleaning and taking pictures of the event. M+Ms is sponsoring a free BBQ on Saturday to volunteers. The Wolf Den is offering ½ price accommodation to all participants for the nights of Friday May 11th and Saturday May 12th. A free guided hike will also take place on the Sunday Morning featuring local ecology and the impacts of logging. Space is limited as we only have dorm beds and a few private rooms for 4 left. Please contact me at wden@wolfdenbunkhouse.com if you are interested.
If you are in the Park that weekend and need a place to drop off garbage feel free to leave it at the Wolf Den and we will deal with it.
Cheers, Ben From the Wolf Den
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