Paddle Forward - Voyageur Canoes & Reckies Storm the Beach

We were invited to join Paddle Forward - a beach cleanup event in North Vancouver hosted by the "Reckies" - Outdoor Recreation students from Capilano University.  How could we resist a day on the water paddling a voyageur canoe in search of marine debris?  It seemed like a perfect outing for us!

Our day began at Cates Park in North Vancouver.  This beautiful seaside park offers 6 km of waterfront trails with spectacular views of Indian Arm to the north and the Burrard Inlet to the south.

Welcome sign to Cates Park

Swimming Area with view north to Indian Arm

The boat launch is open year round and well used by paddlers, power-boaters and anglers.  We were excited at the opportunity to paddle a Voyageur.  We learned that the larger canoe we were going to use for the day was called a Montreal canoe.  The canoes were graciously donated for use during the event by Ridge Wilderness.

These boats are beasts!  They can hold up to 22 people and all of their gear - a bit roomier than our sea-kayaks.  Although our boat quickly filled with garbage, we tried to remind ourselves of the earlier days when the fur traders would load their canoes with furs and goods to trade.  It is unimaginable to think of portaging these monsters!

Getting ready to launch the canoes

It was nerve racking to watch the team reverse the trailer with those huge canoes down the boat ramp.  I know for sure that I would not want to drive the truck and trailer.  However, our team, led by guides from Ridge Wilderness handled it like pros and made it look easy.  A very smooth start to our day.

Micro-biologist looks downward as the Marine biologist looks out

Safety talk and trip prep

After a brief safety talk, we donned our life jackets and loaded up the canoe.  Again, we were amazed at the size of these boats and I wondered if we had a strong enough team to paddle across the inlet.  Within a few strokes it became apparent that the boats were surprisingly maneuverable - credit to our guides of course.  We quickly crossed the inlet and were out and on the beach in search of garbage before we knew it.

All aboard

When does marine debris become habitat?

Event organizers take a bow

Garbage barge

I am saddened to say that it only take a short amount of time before we had filled the canoe with garbage.  The team was forced to decide whether to continue with garbage collection, meaning several of us would have to swim back, OR, call it a day and paddle back.  For a moment I was nervous that this dedicated and energetic group of students weren't joking and would ask us to swim.

Although we were very upset by the amount of garbage, on the bright side, it was inspiring to see that a few people, a big canoe and a little bit of time can make such a substantial difference.  As Dr. Seuss pointed out in the Lorax, "UNLESS someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better, It's not."

  As we celebrated during the post cleanup BBQ, we felt inspired by these "Reckies" and that they did care a lot.  We felt confident that these students would continue to advocate for the care of these waters and the amazing BC coastline.

Celebration Picnic

To the dump

Giggle of the day:

It would be impossible to load up a canoe with University students on a long weekend and not giggle.  There were countless bad garbage jokes and lots of teasing, however, my favourite was our early morning paddling lesson.  We all sat patiently in the canoe as we were taught a forward stroke, a back stroke and how to rest.  I giggled as the "resting" stroke quickly became our favourite and the one that the group mastered the quickest!

How do you do the rest stroke again?

...and here is a video of the action from the uneqivocal Cap OREC team....enjoy!

Map and Route Tips:

There is a boat launch and parking fee.

Cates Park offers a picnic shelter, concession area and washrooms.

We tested our Strava mapping tool while paddling the inlet....it appears that we must have entered the Bermuda triangle for the first section of the paddle.

Are morning people happier?

At the risk of alienating my three children and night owls every where, I dare to ask the question:  are morning people happier?  Over the last few years, Rob and I have been conducting a study, albeit a totally unscientific and unsubstantiated study, but thought provoking none the less.  Now, I must confess to a personal bias.  My favourite time of the day is early morning.  I have always been and will likely always be a morning person.  Yes - one of those people who usually wakes up perky and ready to go, much to the annoyance of those around me.

Morning coffee on the beach - Broken Island Group

In my humble opinion, nothing is better than crawling out of tent, brewing that first cup of coffee and quietly sitting on the beach watching the world wake up. Thankfully, Rob is also a morning person....our biological clocks are in synch enabling us to share an early morning giggle and outing.

I would contend that we are not alone and hence the premise for my question.  As we hike, bike and paddle we have noticed over the years that the greetings from others on the trails are usually heartier and happier in the morning.  Have you noticed?

Golden Ears Provincial Park

Maybe the possibility of a new day and new adventure ahead leaves folk feeling optimistic or maybe as the day goes on the weight of the day, the to do lists and unfinished tasks begin to take their toll.  Whatever the reasons, I encourage you to join our study and help us to answer the question:  are morning people happier?

I am not sure if Ben Franklin was right when he said early to bed and early to rise makes a men healthy, wealthy and wise, but for me....early to rise means a good cuppa Joe is waiting.

Happy trails!

I'm their leader....which way did they go?

True Confessions:

I must be truthful! Rob usually crawls out of the tent first and gets the water boiling and the coffee brewing.  We have been hiking, paddling and cycling for as long as I can remember and over the years we have developed an easy rhythm around camp.  I contend that it is this rhythm and unspoken adherence to our roles and responsibilities that forms the basis of a happy trip (and maybe happy marriage?)  Rob braves the elements to get the coffee on, and I pack up the gear in preparation for the day ahead.  Maybe, if everyone on the trail could find someone like Rob to brew the coffee, we would all be morning people.