Blog on a Log
Monday, April 21, 2014
Paddler Sets New World Record for Highest Drop in a Canoe
Way back in 1994, paddler Steve Frazier set the record for the highest run of a waterfall in an open canoe on the 55-foot Compression Falls in Tennessee.
Last November, Jim Coffey and his team headed to Mexico's Alseseca River and the 60-foot La Cascada de Truchas. 20 years after Frazier and after 4 years of planning, Jim broke the standing record with a near-perfect descent.
The setup wasn't easy. After a kilometer hike into the bush and a rappel down to the entry point, Jim still had to manage the perfect line. "There was hardly an eddy to start in," he explained in an interview with canoekayak.com. "It was pretty much in the current. From there, it was turn into the current, ferry across, ride up on the marker bowl which guards the lip, and as soon as I was high up onto the boil I knew that I was going to go off in just the perfect spot."
You can watch the whole descent through the video below. Jim feels the drop could not have gone any better, but he welcomes the next record challenger. "I don’t think it’s going to be another 20 years to see other similar feats...that traditionally hadn’t been considered open-boat style runs." he mused. "The boats and new young group of paddlers have become gamechangers. It’s fun to be part of that."
Friday, March 28, 2014
Free Backpacker's Pantry Tasting Session in Store
If your idea of trail food is oatmeal and a few Ryvita, it's time to expand your culinary horizons!
Backpacker's Pantry is trail food gone gourmet. Whether hiking, paddling or camping, these freeze dried and dehydrated meals provide a delicious alternative to traditional trail meals, each with an optimum balance of calories, fats and sugars to refuel active bodies. Each breakfast, dinner or dessert package is compact, lightweight, and easy to prepare - just open the pouch, pour in boiling water, and serve!
If you've never tried Backpacker's Pantry meals--or just want an opportunity to sample our new flavours for this season--then don't miss our free tasting event Saturday, April 26 at 1:00. Our entire range of meals will be available to try, just in time for planning this year's spring and summer adventures.
Saturday, April 26 at 1:00pm
623 Ferry Road, Winnipeg
AND
244 Pearl Street, Thunder Bay
Monday, March 24, 2014
Reservations Now Open for Cabins, Yurts & Birds Hill Campgrounds in Manitoba Parks
Is this persistent winter leaving you dreaming of summer adventures? Time to get your camp on! Give yourself something to look forward to by booking a summer retreat at one of our Manitoba Provincial Parks.
Starting this morning (Monday, March 24) reservations are now open for Provincial cabins, yurts and group use sites. New this year, all Birds Hill Park campgrounds are also available for reservation as of this morning - while all other campsite reservations will open in two weeks, Monday April 7th.
Walk-in reservations and in-person payments can be made Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at 200 Saulteaux Crescent. Online reservations can be made 7 days a week at the Parks Reservation website: http://prspub.gov.mb.ca/
Campers will require a 2014 Parks Vehicle pass to access campgrounds this summer, available soon at all Wilderness Supply Winnipeg locations.
Photo via Travel Manitoba on Flickr
Friday, March 14, 2014
10 Things To Do Before You Go Travelling
I spend a lot of time dreaming about where to go next. It’s 20 years of traveling for me now – I’ve finally put my top 10 things to remember to do before I leave on paper…maybe now I’ll stop making some of these mistakes.
1. Documents
Make sure all the paperwork you need is in order like visas, passports, flights, etc. I always leave a digital copy of my passport, itinerary, and other important documentation with an emergency contact at home so they can email it to me if I get myself in a bind. Make sure you understand the visa requirements for the country you are going to. You don’t want to be calling the immigration hall home.
2. Itinerary
Don’t create a rigid itinerary. If you are only going for a couple weeks the tendency is to want to cover as much ground as possible so you can take in all the sites. I get that – you might only go there once – but I’ve found my trips much more enjoyable when I content myself with covering only a small area and spending longer periods of time in each spot. Talk to other travelers and locals about where their favourite spots are. Be spontaneous, go where the wind blows – you are out of your daily routine and your grind is back at home, enjoy it and embrace it!
3. Book the First Night
The last thing I want to do when I land after a long flight is start looking for a place to spend the night. I always book my hotel or guesthouse for the first night of my trip ahead of time, especially if I am arriving after dark. I’m tired from a long flight and my senses are being bombarded from my new surroundings – just get me out of the airport and let me drop my bag as quick as I can.
4. Research
Learn a few things about the culture, history and geography before you go. This won’t make you an expert but it will definitely give you a little background and totally psych you up to get on that plane. Look at pictures and dream of things you hope to experience. Waiting for your departure day to arrive is the hardest part!
5. Money
Try to have a little local currency on hand as airport exchange will usually hose you. If not, carry some US dollars (or possibly Euro) because most people will take that in a pinch. I never carry more than a couple hundred dollars on me when I leave. Just don’t forget your debit card and make sure it has a 4 digit pin. Don’t forget to contact your credit card company to let them know of your travel plans.
6. Packing
Seriously, do you really need to bring that? I once met a girl who had her entire backpack stolen and left her only with her small day pack. She wouldn’t stop raving about how happy she was. Pack light – you’re still on earth so I’m sure you can find what you need in the markets or shops. Oh, and a little tip because our airlines are always oh so efficient – if you’re traveling with a partner consider packing half of your clothes in each others bags for the flight. When your bag is missing upon arrival and they can’t find it for half your trip, you’ll be glad you took my advice!
7. Safety
Don’t believe everything you read online. Especially the negative. Some places have a bad reputation but are gems – others are really just that bad and you shouldn’t go there now. Know the difference and don’t miss out on a beautiful country and amazing people because everyone tells you that you are crazy for wanting to go there.
8. Insurance
Don’t skimp on the travel insurance. Really. Buy the travel insurance and make sure it doesn’t exclude any crazy things you want to do on your trip.
9. Health
Check out the list of recommended and/or required immunizations for travel to certain countries. Travel should change you and leave lasting memories –but that should be in a good way and not because you didn’t take the appropriate precautions to protect your health.
10. Electronics
Be crazy – consider not bringing any! Okay…having considered that, let’s be real. You likely will so make sure that you bring all adapters (and if you are packing light you shouldn’t need a converter), chargers and batteries that you need and can’t get on your trip. If you are going to use your phone then make sure you look up travel plans or what it would take to convert your phone to a local phone.
The world is a big place, the world’s a small place. Be your own explorer.
Photo by Vanessa Chettleburgh - CC on Flickr
Wednesday, March 5, 2014
6 Transitional Jackets (and One Vest) on Sale for Spring
We knew winter couldn't last forever! With warmer temperatures finally in the cards, it's time to slough off big, oversized parkas for something suited to spring weather. All our jackets are currently on sale, and we've picked out six great options for men and women with all the features you need to tackle this year's changeable spring weather.
Insulation
The polar vortex is finally retreating, but it's not short sleeve weather quite yet. Keep yourself warm without overheating with a mid-weight insulating layer that can be worn alone or layered under a shell.
The North Face Red Blaze Jacket
For men, this classically styled piece provides great warmth without unnecessary bulk or weight, and packs down into its own pocket when you want to throw it in your bag 'just in case'. The synthetic insulation will keep you warm even when wet, making it the perfect companion for slushy pursuits or wet-snow walks.
Was: $180. Now: $108
The North Face Thermoball Full Zip
The round insulating clusters in the Termoball jacket are new synthetic technology that's proving just as warm as down insulation with improved performance in wet or slushy conditions. With bounded cuffs to keep out drafts, this jacket provides warmth without bulk or weight, and still packs down into its own pocket for travel.
Was: $230. Now: $138
The North Face Nuptse 2 Vest
If a full insulating layer keeps you too warm, a vest is always a good alternative. The high quality 700-fill down in the Nuptse provides great warmth with down's unmatched breathability, so you stay comfortable even in widely varying conditions - perfect for chilly mornings that lead to warm afternoons. Double taffeta layering at the shoulders increases durability with backpacks, while the whole piece remains lightweight and highly packable. An outdoor wardrobe staple!
Was: $170. Now: $102
Breathability
As temperatures rise it's important to strike the right balance between warmth and breathability, especially when active. Sweaty bodies can quickly turn clammy and cold without the proper ventilation!
Men's The North Face Zephyrus Optimus Hoodie
The Zephyrus Optimus provides 100g of synthetic insulation to keep your core warm, paired with breathable hood, shoulder and arms to prevent overheating. The durable micro-ripstop torso can take a beating, and the hood, shoulders and arms are weather resistant, with a moisture-repelling coating. Plus the hood means you never have to worry abut whether you brought your toque along when that wind picks up.
Was: $259. Now: $171
Women's The North Face Zephyrus Optimus Hoodie
Feminine shape and sleek lines keep this piece from bunching up when layering - but it also works great as a solo jacket! Features the same 100g synthetic insulation and breathable hood, shoulders and arms as the Men's Zephyrus Optimus Hoodie (above) with a hood for chilly ears.
Was: $259. Now: $171
Waterproofing
When the snow does start to melt (it's coming! We promise) things can get a little damp. Protect yourself from slushy snowballs and intermittent rain showers with a waterproof shell. Bonus? These jackets do duty year-round as a waterproof shell for light spring showers or autumn squalls.
The North Face Alloy Jacket
Maximum weather protection without sacrificing breathability or movement. A hybrid hard and soft shell, the Alloy mixes a wind-resistant body with waterproof shoulders and hood to shed rain and snow during heavy storms without overheating your core. Breathable panels under the arm manage internal moisture and feature a water-repellent finish to shed external moisture for maximum comfort in any conditions.
Was: $400. Now: $240
The North Face Blaze Triclimate Jacket
For the ultimate transition piece, you can't beat a triclimate jacket. The abrasion-resistant, waterproof outer shell sloughs spring snowfalls, while working as a solo rain shell year-round. The lightweight insulating layer provides synthetic warmth with fast-drying stretch panels for active pursuits. Wear it on its own as a lightweight jacket, or zip in for a full cool-weather system.
Was: $350. Now: $210