ottawa outdoors magazine - winter 2011

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WINTER 2011 Your guide to the local outdoor adventure sceneOttawa, Ottawa Valley, Gatineau, Québec

Snowboarding basics for beginnersThree tips to stay up

Alpine powder tips Skiing with your poles and feet

The essential après ideas for all sportsHow to truly relax in comfort

Seven tinders for fireIdentifying which are the best

Paw prints in snowKnowing your wild animals

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WINTER

~ Articles5 Après activities for the winter

7 Snowboarding basics

8 Good tinder to make bright fires

9 10 reasons to take up Nordic skiing

11 How to calculate distances outdoors

13 To the top of the world

20 Getting kids outside and on skates

21 Quebec City beckons

23 Strong arm of the powder

25 Stay warm lessons from the North Pole

27 Head way up to the Ottawa Valley for xc-skiing

28 Identifying animal tracks

23

13

COVER PHOTO: [email protected]

Now you can get each issue e-mailed direct

to your inbox!It’s TOTALLY FREE too! There’s loads of

info, videos and more about the local outdoor adventure scene, all delivered in

this extremely cool animated version.

Just go to www.OttawaOutdoors.ca to sign-up at the top right of the

homepage and we'll send you a digital version of the print issue.

118

Read it

online!To the

top of the world

outdoorsottawa

Great tinder for

camp fires

Calculating distances made easy

~ Departments4 Publisher’s Letter

6 Getaway: Chateau Montebello

7 Get Involved Readers

18 Cool Gear Hot Clothing

22 Getaway: Toronto's winter wonderland

Alpine skiing tips

3www.ottawaoutdoors.ca outdoorsottawa

18

Cool GearHot Clothing

Are you an outdoor enthusiast who would like to contribute?To submit articles or photos, all you have to do is e-mail us at: [email protected].

PUBLISHER’S LETTER

Our winter wonderland.

Welcome to the winter issue as we continue to celebrate

our 10th anniversary. For 10 years local writers have

shared articles covering a wide variety of outdoor pursuits,

including: snowshoeing, xc-skiing, alpine skiing and winter

camping to name of few. I hope you've enjoyed them.

Like any business, we're always looking to evolve with

technology. You'll see on the cover that we're stoked about

having launched an iPAD app. This means you can now

get your outdoor articles in print, on your computer, or

now, on your iPAD! We're sure future videos, and other

digital elements to the magazine will enhance your

experience as you read through each issue.

So in keeping with a spirit of giving, I'd like to offer you

a chance to win some of these $2,000 in prizes pictured

on the right. All you need do is jump on a computer, visit

our website at www.OttawaOutdoors.ca, and you'll see

a big weblink to a new online outdoor survey. Once you

anonymously answer these quick 28 questions about

your outdoor life, you'll be able to enter the draw for these

amazing prizes pictured right. Almost a thousand people

have entered already, so jump in and good luck!

Once again, our team of writers have written articles on snowboarding, alpine skiing, winter running, identifying animal tracks in the snow, and many more winter topics I know you'll appreciate. So sit back and enjoy.

Thanks for being a loyal reader these past 10 years, and let's have a a great winter in what the news officially announced as, 'the most liked city in Canada'. Something we suspected all along. :) Well done!

P.S. Remember to visit the Outdoor & Adventure Travel Show March 17-18, 2012. We'll see you there!

Dave Brown Publisher

Editor-in-chief

4 outdoorsottawa

Stretch out that winter funAPRÈS ACTIVITIES CAN ADD A FEW MORE HOURS

BY KATHLEEN WILKER

When the sky is bright or the moon is full and you’re just not ready to head back indoors, there’s no end of ways to stretch that outdoor winter fun. There’s no such thing as bad weather if you’ve got the right clothing, and if you pack well, the fun lasts as long as the snacks. Here’s a few activities where adding on an après spark is easy.

SNOWSHOEING IN GATINEAU PARK offers 55 kilometres of designated snowshoeing trails a short drive from downtown Ottawa-Gatineau. It’s the place to go to get off the ski tracks and into the woods where there’s no chance of stomping the groomed ski trails. Start in Old Chelsea (where the NCC Visitor Centre rents snowshoes and has trail maps) at Meech Lake, or near Wakefield or Lac Philippe.

Après ideas: If the weather is warm, you can snack it up in the sunshine. There are benches just off the parkway (closed to automobiles in winter) and outside the cabins. While you’re soaking in that delicious vitamin D, load up on trail mix washed down with a thermos of hot apple cider.

If it’s too cold, those cabins have wood stoves and you can enjoy a full picnic dinner inside. Watch for chickadees, blue jays, redpolls and woodpeckers at bird feeders outside the cabins.

What to bring: That thermos with a hot drink, and candles and a tablecloth if you like to be a little fancy. Fine cheese, artisan bread, red-pepper jelly and aluminum foil for gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches baked on the woodstove make a great meal, as do chili in a wide-mouth thermos, oranges and chocolate.

When it gets late, you’ll want a headlamp to light the way home, and maybe turn in your sweaty shirt for a fresh one so you can start off dry from the cabin.

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING IN THE PARK is a skier’s dream come true with groomed trails for everyone from beginners to advanced skate skiers.

Après ideas: For a special treat, ski hard and then head to Le Nordik to relax those tired muscles. It’s a real Scandinavian Spa experience with hot tubs, waterfalls, steam rooms, warm pools, massage and great food. To avoid freezing as you follow

the hot-cold rotation, borrow extra towels from the front desk.

What to bring: Just a bathing suit, bathrobe, flip-flops, standard toiletries … and silence (for everyone’s enjoyment, management asks bathers not to speak).

WINTER CAMPING IN GATINEAU PARK is popular, so book early for a cabin, yurt or tent site. Online reservations have been open since Nov. 1 and Saturday evenings in snow season fill up fast. Weekday are more available and cost less. You have to rent the whole cabin, not just a couple of bunks, so bring friends if you choose one of the larger cabins.

Après ideas: Ski or snowshoe in to your cabin, yurt or campsite. Chopping wood for the fire, playing cards by candlelight and belting out tunes on the guitar are all great evening activities.

After the snow forts, snowmen and snowball fights are over, a good game is fox and geese under the stars. Best played in piles of snow, the game involves stomping out a large circle with two intersecting lines into the middle. The fox has to chase the geese on the lines. If the geese escape into the centre space, they’re safe. The first goose caught becomes a new fox.

37

OPEN ALL YEAR ROUND, 7 DAYS A WEEK

ONLY 10 MINUTES FROM DOWNTOWN OTTAWA

T 819 827.1111F 819 827.5059

16, CHEMIN NORDIKOLD CHELSEA (QC)

GIFT CERTIFICATESAVAILABLE ONLINE ATWWW.LENORDIK.COM

The Canadian Association for Disabled Skiing (CADS) is a volunteer-based organization having as its main objective, assisting individuals with a disability to lead richer and fuller lives through active participation in recreational and competi-tive snow skiing and snowboarding. They are a national organization with 1,130 disabled members and 1,900 able-bodied volunteers from all regions of Canada. There are many ways you can help, and you can ski-for-free when you come out and volunteer. To find out more check out www.DisabledSkiing.ca.

GET INVOLVED

20 >> WINTER 2008/2009 www.OttawaOutdoors.caOTTAWA


PUBLISHER, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: DAVE BROWN

EDITOR: ROGER BIRD

WRITERS

Kathleen Wilker, Cindy Kleh, Craig Macartney,

David McMahon, Brian Field, Chris Lennon,

Michael Stashin, Sheila Ascroft, Allen Macartney

PHOTOGRAPHERS

NCC, Allen Macartney, Gillian Morgan

ADVERTISING INQUIRIES

Dave Brown, Publisher/Editor-in-Chief

Ottawa Outdoors Magazine is an independent

publication published seasonally every four

months and distributed FREE at sports stores all

over the region, as well as at 100 other locations.

E-mail: [email protected] or

[email protected]

Tel: 613-860-8687 or 888-228-2918

Fax: 613-860-8687

HOW TO GET PUBLISHED

Ottawa Outdoors Magazine welcomes story and

photo contributions. All photos should ideally be

shot with a high-resolution digital camera, but

otherwise scanned at 300dpi resolution and

burned onto a CD-ROM or e-mailed. No

unsolicited contributions will be returned unless

accompanied by a self-addressed stamped

envelope. Publisher assumes no responsibility

for return of unsolicited manuscripts,

photographs or artwork. Publisher may publish

any and all communications with Ottawa

Outdoors magazine, and may edit for clarity and

style. Indexed in the Canadian Periodical Index

ISSN No. 1204-69556. © Copyright 2011. All

rights reserved. Reproduction of any materials

published in Ottawa Outdoors Magazine is

expressly forbidden without consent of the

publisher unless otherwise agreed between

partners. Printed in Canada.

ENVIRONMENTAL PARTNERSHIPSOttawa Outdoors Magazine aligns with local and in-ternational environmental groups. Recently Ottawa Outdoors Magazine joined and supports the follow-ing groups. We encourage you to do the same.

Leave No Trace Canada is a national non-profit organization dedicated to promoting and inspiring responsible outdoor recreation through education, research and partnerships. Leave No Trace builds awareness, appreciation and respect for our wilderness areas. www.leavenotrace.ca

One Percent for the Planet is a rapidly growing network of companies that give at least one per cent of their annu-al sales to environmental causes. Their commitment provides vital resources and awareness to organizations that work to keep us on a sustainable path. 1%FTP provides members with a straightforward and powerful way to become part of the solution. We are proud supporters of One Percent as a movement as well as their members which include Mountain Equipment Co-op and more than 20 other businesses across Canada. www.onepercentfortheplanet.org

What to bring: Warm clothing and sleeping bags, good food and a headlamp for starters. You’ll have to carry in water and gear, and a sled makes that easier.

SKATING ON THE RIDEAU CANAL is a magical winter adventure in the heart of the city. Rental skates are on offer at Dows Lake and at the Confederation Square terminus. Heated cabins along the way make tying skate laces easier.

Après ideas: BeaverTails. Like donuts, only they’re really fresh, flat and absolutely delicious. Best eaten after a good skate with rosy cheeks. Useful as bribes for tired kids to skate that last stretch. During Winterlude (Feb. 3–20), fun events from dance performances to skating demonstrations to pond hockey tournaments, eco-art exhibits and bed races will keep you moving.

What to bring: Skates, helmet, snacks, Vaseline for exposed cheeks to avoid frostbite— the wind can be fierce.

TOBOGGANING ALMOST ANYWHERE, often on snow-covered hills where trees and other hazards are wrapped in padding. Follow the link www.ottawastart.com/toboggan.php for a list of almost 100 toboggan hills in the region. Honest, almost 100.

Après Ideas: After hauling a sled back up the hill a few, or many, times you deserve a break. So flop right down and make a snow angel. If it’s night time, look up at the stars and see if you can find Orion, visible in clear winter sky and identified by his belt.

What to bring: Well it’s obviously thermos time again, as well as snow pants and your sled, flying saucer or magic carpet.

Chateau MontebelloFOR après-ski atmosphere, the outdoor enthusiast can choose from 70 kms of cross-country ski trails; dogsledding; snowshoeing or skating with the family. Afterwards, cozy-up by the famous towering six-side stone fireplace where you can relax with a nice book or conversation.

Only 1hr away, you can visit their website at www.ChateauMontebello.com

6 www.ottawaoutdoors.caoutdoorsottawa

For the best selection of

Snowshoes and Accessories plus expert

advice!

Monday-Friday 9:30am-9pmSaturday 9am-6pmSunday 10am-5pm

203 RICHMOND ROAD – WESTBORO – 613-792-11705607 HAZELDEAN ROAD – KANATA – 613-831-3604

www.bushtukah.com

Snowboarding basicsBY CINDY KLEH

PROBLEM: Straight legs, leaning back

SOLUTION: The rider has less leverage

and less range of motion. It takes

twice as much energy to lift the toes

and press against the snow with the

toe edge. With bent knees, the rider

engages all the leg muscles against

gravity instead of overusing the calf

muscles.

PROBLEM: Rider leaning back, front leg

straight

SOLUTION: This rider’s apprehension

shows in her posture. When the front leg

is straight and the back leg is bent, the

rider’s centre of balance is too far back.

The back leg will not turn very easily if all

the weight is on it. Bending both knees

equally will bring her centre of balance

back over the centre of the board.

PROBLEM: Bending at

the waist

SOLUTION: This rider

is demonstrating “stinky riding.” Many

beginners bend at the waist and reach

for the snow, thinking that by being

closer to the snow, the fall will have less

impact. This takes the centre of balance

away from the edge that is in contact

with the snow, the toe edge. This makes

his toe edge much less effective. If you

reach for the snow, that’s where you’ll

end up. If you think about falling, you

will. Stand up tall and use

your knees and ankles as

shock absorbers. Your

waist can’t do that job

very effectively.

From Snowboarding Skills: The Back-To-Basics Essentials for All Levels by Cindy Kleh. Copyright 2002 Quintet Publishing. $16.95. Published in Canada by Firefly Books. Reprinted with permission. www.fireflybooks.com.


GetInvolvedReaders

Sonja Adcock is going to run

52 marathons in 52 weeks and she's 52 years old! Help her raise funds for the Snowsuit Fund for children this winter!

PLEASE VISIT HER WEBSITETO DONATE!www.theressomethingaboutrunning.com

[email protected] or at 613-866-3332

Getting those first flames going after you’ve stacked a campfire can be tough after rain or heavy dew, even for a seasoned camper. Good tinder can be hard to find, especially in winter, but the solution could be in your pockets!

Any readily flammable material can be used as tinder. Here are eight versions that are easy to find, easy to light.

Bark from old, dead trees, is a good place to start. Cedar bark is a prize, filled with oils that ignite easily and sustain the flame longer than most tinder. You peel if off vertically and once you have a handful, split the ends of the strips to create hair-like fibres, the smaller the better for easy lighting.

Birchbark is another great tinder, sometimes hanging in loose, thin sheets on the tree, or around the base. Pull it apart and crumple it up like paper, or split the ends into fibres as with cedar before lighting.

Leaves on the forest floor are abundant but often damp and difficult to light. Use leaves that break apart in your hand, and crush them into fragments under your kindling.

Pine needles – dead and brown, not fresh-off-the-branch green – light easily but burn quickly, so you

have to use lots, packed together. But not too much, since the ash can actually smother your flame.

Dead, dry cattails are perfect. The stems break up like straw, and you can open the cattail head and add the cotton-like seed fluff to the mix. This works best if the head is loose and already starting to release its seeds.

If you can’t find natural tinder on a really wet day, check your pack for hand sanitizer. A small blob of it on a leaf or stick will catch and sustain a flame surprisingly well.

If you plan ahead, you can easily make a cheap, portable tinder that lights readily even when the wood is wet. Rub a few cotton balls in petroleum jelly and pack them in a small zip-lock bag. They light easily and stay lit long enough to set your fire roaring.

When all else fails, check your pockets for lint, notebook pages, unused Kleenex, anything related to paper will do.

Once you have a flame, build your fire slowly with twigs, pine cones and other small fuel that you’ve collected ahead of time. You don’t want to be running around hunting for small sticks as your tinder burns out. Then work your way up to logs that will burn through the night.

Puff, puff, puffGOOD TINDER MAKES BRIGHT FIRES

BY CRAIG MACARTNEY


PHOT

OS

BY A

LLEN

MAC

ARTN

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Purchase your season ski pass online,or reserve a cabin or yurt andspend the night!

reservations.gatineaupark.ca819-827-2020 • 613-239-5090 (TTY)

With over 200 kilometres of trails,Gatineau Park o�ers some of thebest cross-country skiing around.

BY DAVID MCMAHON

1. SUPER-HUMAN FITNESSNordic ski racers are arguably the

most highly conditioned athletes on the planet. It is low-impact sport that exercises your heart, lungs and every muscle in your body—an excellent way to stay in shape. Runners will find that Nordic skiing will help them maintain or improve their fitness while allowing their joints and muscles to recover from overuse or repetitive stress injuries.

2. FRESH AIR EXPERIENCENordic skiing is a clean oxygen-

fed sport that takes you into nature and away from busy roadways and claustrophobic gyms. In the spring, a strong crust of snow covers the entire landscape that allows you

to ski anywhere in total freedom. “Crust-cruising” can take you skate-skiing from the trailhead, through the woods, over a mountain and back within a morning.

3. GREAT RETURN ON INVESTMENT

Good equipment is essential to provide a quality skiing experience. Expect a modest entry cost that may be higher than running, but certainly less than canoeing or alpine skiing. The new gear will last years and thousands of kilometres. The payoff is immeasurable in terms of health, fitness, recreation and personal growth.

4. NORDIC LIFESTYLEPeople of all ages frequent

the Nordic ski trails to maintain

and improve their health. It is an environment where Spandex lives in harmony with wool, and where skiers, regardless of ability, exchange salutations in passing. Hard bodies in Lycra and rosy, healthy faces make an afternoon outing in the park not too hard on the eyes.

5. SKI-IN POTLUCKYou are missing out if you haven’t

skied hut-to-hut, stopping for a candlelit dinner around a woodstove with wine, fondue and friends. It’s a decadent and efficient way to share the effort of preparing a meal and enjoying a workout. Food always tastes better if you have to carry it some distance. Delicacies warmed over a woodstove seem so much more wholesome inside your tummy when there is a cold breeze

10 reasons to take up Nordic skiing


on your face and icicles hanging from your eyelashes.

6. STAR-GAZINGYou would be surprised how

many people ski in the Ottawa region after work. The night sky is a planetarium overhead stretching from horizon to horizon. The trails are particularly bright on evenings where there is a full moon casting a blue hue magically through the trees. Skiing at night can feel a lot like striding at the edge of the universe—without gravity, you might even ski into space.

7. LAUNCHING PADScience has told us that given

enough thrust, it is possible to make a brick fly and so it is with a self-

propelled activity like Nordic skiing. There is even more satisfaction knowing that the experience is self-generated. This is perhaps why children aged eight to 80 will find any bump in the woods to launch from for hours, or the more amplitude-craved jocks pop a “backscratcher 720” off something improbable.

8. TIMESquash court bookings, scheduled

aerobic classes, ice time, and alpine lift lines are the few obstacles to doing exercise on your own terms. Avoid getting stuck dangling from a chair while your limbs freeze and your butt goes numb. There is no wasted time waiting to Nordic ski. It’s up to you when and where you

go. Nordic skiers can do lots of vertical runs in a day without ever stepping into a lift line.

9. FREE-RIDINGUnless you and your friends

have a helicopter at your disposal, the only environmentally-friendly way that you are going to get into the backcountry is on snowshoes, alpine touring, or Nordic skis. The fastest means is using Nordic/telemark gear. Since the majority of your time will be spent climbing or traversing the flats, it is in your best interest to become proficient in Nordic ski technique.

10. EARN YOUR TURNSThere is a certain satisfaction

reaching a destination or ascending a mountain under your own power. In a time before lifts, people made every turn count; focusing on the quality of the experience. In Nordic skiing, speed only comes with skill and experience. You need not fear getting blind-sided by some novice skier going Mach 2 who can’t turn or stop because they’re supported upright by the stability of their high-tech equipment.


Are we there yet?CALCULATING OUTDOOR DISTANCES MADE EASY

BY CRAIG MACARTNEY

We all need to measure distances at times – how far is that better campsite? Should we stay right here? There’s a thunderstorm on the horizon. How long until it hits?

Judging distance can be a challenge, but it’s doable. First take account of human nature itself. When setting out on a trek, people are full of energy and optimism and underestimate distance; when they’re tired out near the end of a trip, the reverse is true (“Are we there yet?”)

Then look at the lay of the land and take these tips from experienced hikers. Landmarks look closer when:

• they’re across lakes, fields and generally flat terrain

• they’re downhill• the terrain drops out of sight• the landmark is in bright light• the air is clear• They look further away when:• they’re across uneven ground• they’re uphill• the terrain is in your line of sight• they’re at the far end of a ravine,

railway or trail• they’re poorly lit• the landmark blends into its

background

In good weather with average eyesight, the degree of visible detail helps determine range.

Those are ballpark distances. When accuracy is important, a combination of techniques is useful.

Where terrain between you and your destination is visible, divide it into halves, quarters or tenths. Estimate one portion and multiply by the number of times you divided the terrain.

Visit the Great OutdOOrs sectiOn Of Our Website fOr Other suGGestiOns Of actiVities in the OutaOuais reGiOn. // 1-800-595-2103


Similarly, if you know the approximate height or length of something paralleling the distance you want to measure, estimate how many times greater your overall distance is than that known range. For example, use the approximate height of a person climbing a cliff to estimate the cliff’s total height. Or if there’s a sports field in the range you are trying to measure, estimate how many times you could fit that field into that range.

Another way of measuring distance requires you to both see and hear something in your target area. A thunderstorm is ideal. When you see a flash of lightning, count the seconds before you hear thunder. Sound travels approximately one kilometre every three seconds. Do the simple arithmetic to figure out how far away the sound source is. Other usable sounds are snow falling from

trees or roofs or an engine starting across a lake.

Finally, if a landmark at your destination is visible and you know its approximate height, face the landmark, close one eye and hold out your hand, thumb raised. Align your thumb with the landmark. Without moving your hand, close your eye and open the other. Now estimate the number of times that landmark fits in the distance between it and where your thumb now appears. Multiply that number by your landmark’s estimated height and then multiply by ten. This works because the length of your arm is approximately 10 times greater than the distance

between your eyes.Estimating how many hours

before sundown is another handy trick. Face the sun and stretch out your arm with the palm of your hand facing you. Now measure how many times your hand fits between the sun and the horizon. Each width of your hand represents about an hour.

Whether planning the next leg of your trek or just impressing your friends, these tricks can be invaluable.

Approximate distance in metres

Visible details

50 Eyes and mouths are clearly visible100 Eyes appear as dots250 Faces are visible500 Clothing colour is visible750 People appear only as pillars

1.5 km Large tree trunks are visible4 km Windows and chimneys are visible10 km Large buildings are identifiable

The Aardvark Way

Tankless Water Heaters explained:

TOP GOLD STAR RATED

RINNAI INSTALLERS


to the top of the world

JOURNAL ENTRIES BY OTTAWA'S BRIAN FIELDNEPAL, SEPT. 22–OCT.15, 2011

Thanks to a lot of sacrifices by myself, my work, and my amazing wife josée, we would be trekking through the himalayas to everest base camp, kala pattar, and summiting imja tse, commonly known as island peak on a

22-day trip. this is the trip with john whitehead, my fellow business owner, chad ferguson and mark wickenheiser, both firefighters.

SEPT.22–23I met John, Chad and Mark (aka

Wick) at the Toronto airport and climbed aboard a 777 for the 13-hour trip to Abu Dhabi, where we headed straight to the airport lounge. It’s $40 to get in, but it’s all you can drink and eat plus hot showers — well worth it. A four-hour flight later we were in Kathmandu. High fives all around!

SEPT. 24–25Our hotel was a converted palace

called the Shanker. Today was a free day so the four of us walked the streets to take in the city. I expected

locals trying to sell us everything, but no, the local people are friendly and respectful. They understand that tourism drives their economy and want to ensure we enjoy our trip. Later, we met our guide, Homnath (aka Homie), and Naba from the Himalayan Glacier Trekking Co. We learned what to expect in the mountains and they took us to a touristy restaurant with a dance show and traditional local cuisine. The food was so-so but the beers were cold so we showed off our Canadian beer intake abilities!

SEPT. 26–27 Our flight to Lukla to start our trek

- was cancelled both days by rain.

SEPT. 28Now we really want to get to

Lukla! We are at the airport for 7 a.m. and it’s a long three hours looking up at cloudy skies. A plane crash in the same area just a few days ago killed all 18 people aboard, so no one is taking chances. Then

the weather improved, and our little six- passenger plane took us to Lukla in about 45 minutes. Lukla has a 700-metre cliff just before the runway and the high stone wall at the end — not to mention the 12-degree uphill slope as you land.

On the ground, Homie introduces us to Lakpa and Outar, our Sherpa assistant guides and four teenage porters to carry gear. Besides John, Chad, Wick and myself, there are three Californians, Steve, Tim and Randy. Then we’re off for a three-hour hike to Phakding through a mountainous wonderland that’s quite intimidating.

SEPT. 29We are on our way to Namche

Bazaar — a village which has seen every famous mountaineer who has ever climbed in the Himalayas. There’s another waterfall, cliff face and snow-capped peak at every clearing as we follow the raging river below. We take breaks and get used to the terrain and 10,000-foot


elevation. Hours later we get our first glimpse of Everest. The clouds part around the summit as we eat a snack and watch trekkers struggle up the trail with the world’s highest peak in the background. We finally make Namche Bazaar, and are asleep by 8 p.m.

SEPT. 30Today is an acclimatization day,

so we are hiking up the valley to the Everest View Hotel. We only took day packs to carry on our way to views of the Kumba valley lined with some of the highest peaks in the world. We visit a school set up by Sir Edmund Hillary, a monastery at 12,500 feet, and even see a scalp taken from a Yeti on display — hey, believe what you want to!

OCT. 1At breakfast I’m reading a poster

on the wall about a Korean climber named Park Young-Seok who has climbed the world’s 20 highest peaks, the highest peak on every continent (the seven summits) and also reached both North and South Poles. Then I see him in person, eating breakfast! I talk briefly with him and get a picture. Three weeks later he and his team perish in an avalanche while climbing Anapurna — a testament to the region’s ever-present dangers.

We gear up and head to Tengboche, about five hours away and 1,700 feet higher. I’m wearing shorts for maybe the last time in the chilly air. Tengboche is built around

a monastery in the shadow of the sacred mountain Khumba Yul Lha, said to be a home to the Buddha and has never been climbed. It’s hard to decide what not to take a picture of.

OCT. 2It’s a frosty morning as we head

to Pheriche. We gain about 2,000 feet in fairly easy hiking through mountain meadows. We are now at 14,000 feet.

OCT. 3Another day in the Kumba valley,

steadily gaining elevation while we work our way to Labouche at 16,000 feet. I’ve lost my appetite and have a dull headache due to the altitude. When we reach Labouche, Wick is ill. He can’t keep food down and we hope he’ll feel better in the morning.

OCT. 4Up at 6 a.m. before the sun and off

to Gorak Shep which sits just over 17,000 feet. As we make our way down the trail, Ama Dablam is to my right, Pumori, Kala Pattar to the left, Everest and Lhotse up ahead and few people to be seen. After reaching Gorak Shep for a quick bite

we head out for Everest Base Camp. Tim is exhausted and Wick is sick, and both have stayed behind.

Loud pressure cracking of the ice flow sounds like shotgun blasts in the distance. You can feel the altitude take its toll with every step. Everest Base Camp was just a big rock with a lot of names scrawled on it — it’s the journey not the destination that counts. It’s a great place to reflect on the history of the area and sit at the foot of the highest mountain peak in the world. We are at 17,600 feet. Later it’s back to Gorak Shep for hot chocolate around a cow dung-fuelled stove.

OCT. 5Get dressed and grab our packs at

4:30 a.m. — no breakfast. Our goal is to summit Kala Pattar at about 18,400 feet up a switch- back trail to the top. It’s freezing cold and my hands are numb in the thin gloves I’ve been wearing, time for a thicker pair. We make it to the peak just as the sun comes over the ridge, the wind is howling. It was a 360-degree view of the Himalayan range, but the cold soon drove me back down to Gorak Shep for breakfast and then Labouche just two hours away. In

www.ottawaoutdoors.ca

Labouche we got word that Wick and Tim were on their way back to Kathmandu and then straight home, victims of the altitude. John, Chad and I still feel pretty good. The two Americans, Randy and Steve, are still hanging in there also.

OCT. 6We are on the trail at 6 a.m. The

Pass is like climbing Kala Pattar and then back down the other side to the next valley over. Every day is tougher than the day before as the elevation increases. The sun was out in full force to warm us, and during a rest stop I fell asleep in the middle of a meadow in the Himalayan range with the sun warming me up!

Finally in Chukkomb we meet our climbing Sherpa guides who have summited Everest 15 times between them. We are in good hands for Island Peak.

OCT. 7On our way to Island Peak base

camp, just a two-hour hike on fairly easy terrain at 17,000 feet. We practise rope climbing on a steep hillside, using our ascender and getting comfortable with the gear. The remainder of the day is R and R.

OCT. 8Our first night in tents. I woke

up freezing and add layers until I feel like a marshmallow. Today’s challenge is to make it to Island Peak high camp where we will spend a cold night at 18,300 feet. Randy is having a rough time with the altitude on top of a wicked chest cold. He decides there’s no way he can make summit tomorrow.

OCT. 9Finally the big day! We wake at

1:30 a.m. for hot tea. Little sleep, but the adrenaline is on full force

as I’m about to summit a 20,000-plus peak. Our packs hold about 50 pounds of gear and we’re wearing hard mountaineering boots to handle the steep and icy trail in the blackness of the night. There’s half the oxygen than what we’re used to at sea level. We all tie together in the dark for a march across a flat valley to a 1,000-foot head wall. It seems insurmountable, but I attach my ascender onto the rope with my left hand, ice axe in my right hand and start up the rope one foot at a time. When we finally get to its top, I fall on my back trying to catch my breath.

Next up is a steep ridge before we hit the summit. With my head down I just took it one step at a time with my heart feeling like it was going to beat out of my chest. I made summit with John, Chad and Steve close behind — 20,400 feet feeling like the top of the world.


I would love to sit and take it all in but the minus-20 temperature means it’s time to head back down. It’s sobering to see the cliffs and crevasses we didn’t realize were there in the darkness the night before. Back in Chukkomb by mid-afternoon, I go straight to the room, have a nap, snack and then sleep again. Physically this has been the hardest and longest day I’ve experienced.

OCT 10–13We’ve got a 35-kilometres hike to

Namche today and it takes a solid eight hours. Now it’s just a mission to get home. Namche to Phakding,

overnight in Phakding and one more night in Lukla before jumping on a flight the following morning back to Kathmandu with no weather delays.

OCT. 14Today is home day! After a quick

tour of the city, a taxi to the airport to wait for our flight, and 38 hours

later, I’ve barely slept and it seems like years since I’ve been home. I climb into my own bed, consumed with the thoughts of an amazing adventure. What it took was a relatively fit lifestyle, an adventurous attitude, and a supportive family! Now I’ve got a lifetime of stories and memories to reflect on.

tt

‘‘SUMMER’S OVERRATED.’’

366 Richmond Road Ottawa | mec.ca

SIZE 7.375in x 4.85in, horizontalCOLOURS CMYKSPECS no bleedDESIGNER Lisa Good, [email protected]

MOUNTAIN EQUIPMENT CO-OP 149 WEST 4TH AVENUE, VANCOUVER, BC V5Y 4A6 604.707.3300

PROOF DOCKET # 4348 EPROJECT Ottawa Outdoors Winter Ad

CLIENT Colleen Mooney, Ottawa Store

PROOF DATE 10 Nov 2011

PUBLICATION Ottawa Outdoors: half-page horizontalINSERTION January 2012 IssueFILE NAME 4348E_OttawaOutdoors_ad_7.375x4.85_FAIMAGE FILE NAME 5023362_AFG00_ALT-COLLAR.psd


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PILLOWPACKER TRAVEL PILLOWS – $65-$105Pillowpacker inflatable travel pillows and accessories are made and sold in Ottawa by Garry Logue and Beth Shepherd, two post-corporate travellers. As seasoned travellers they saw a poorly served market niche for functional but comfortable travel pillows. After more than a year of prototypes they arrived at their current models that are a perfect balance between packability, lightweight, customizable and very comfortable. They have models which come in Canadian duck down or microfibres. Both pillow sets come with an inflatable inner pillow liner with an easy-twist valve and contoured oval centre to easy neck pressure, and a choice of colours for a 100% cotton percale pillowcase.Look for these and other products at www.pillowpackers.com

BECKY MASON’S SOLO PADDLING TECHNIQUES DVD – $31Becky Mason’s advance canoe paddling strokes and manoeuvres on Lac Vert, Quebec is fun to watch and learn. The underwater camera angles are brilliant and educate, and she shares the stories behind each of these heritage-paddling strokes. If your partner is passionate about paddling, they’ll love the bonus video where Becky teams up with renowned recording artist Ian Tamblyn for a magical musical performance. Not only are the out takes amusing, but the DVD comes with the original Classic Solo Canoeing awarding-winning 2000 film touching on the art of the portage and other canoeing tips. It’s a must for any paddling enthusiast . . . and who isn’t? Look for it at www.redcanoes.ca/.

VICTORINOX 40TH ANNIVERSARY CLIMBER KNIFE – $22 Show your eternal support for Mountain Equipment Co-op by picking up this classic climbing knife. It’s small and light enough to fit in a pocket, and well equipped enough to deal with a wide variety of contingencies. It comes with all these tools: large blade, small blade, corkscrew, can opener with small screwdriver, bottle opener with large screwdriver, wire stripper, reamer, tweezers, toothpick, scissors, multipurpose hook, and a key ring. Kitchen sink is optional.Look for it at www.mec.ca/

THE LITE LINE CLOTHESLINE – $7.95USThis tiny and compact clothesline is light, measures approximately four metres, and features a dual cord with beads to hold garments in place. It even comes with a nylon pouch for storage. Look for it at www.seatosummit.com

TRAVELLINGLIGHT™ EYE SHADES – $14.95USThese eye shades are made of a delicate contoured microfiber lining for maximum sleeping comfort. The nose baffle and easy-to-adjust strap ensure a perfect fit and light-free sleep. It is washable and reusable and even comes with a set of ear plugs.Look for it at www.seatosummit.com

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DALE OF NORWAY'S ZIP-TOP BASELAYER – $79is designed for active use; perfect for strenuous activities yet stylish to be used every day. Made of 100% skinsoft Merino. Men's and women's; many colors and styles. Look for it at retail stores everywhere or at www.daleofnorway.com/.


COLUMBIA MEN’S REACH THE PEAK – $229.99Thanks to 700 fill-power down and Omni-Heat®, this lightweight, exceptionally warm down jacket provides a much needed reprieve from the bone-chilling alpine air. Look for it at local retail outlets, or from www.columbiasportswear.ca/

GERBER BEAR GRYLLS ULTIMATE KIT 31-000701 – $42The Gerber Bear Grylls Ultimate Kit model 31-000701 is designed to provide the most useful basic survival gear in a compact package. This kit allows you to hope for the best while preparing for the rest. The waterproof pouch has a miniature multi-tool with 10 components: a miniature light, fire starter, cotton ball tinder, waterproof matches, snare wire, emergency cord, fishing kit, sewing kit, waxed thread, survival blanket, signalling mirror, and hand saw. The Priorities of Survival pocket guide and SOS instructions are included with this kit as well. Look for it at www.gerber-tools.com/.

MICRO SERIES SLEEPING BAGS – $369-$419US

The Micro series are our lightest weight bags, fully-featured and filled with 850+ Loft Eastern

European Goose Down. These bags incorporate our 2D NanoShell™ providing the lightest most breathable water resistant shell. They feature a

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Look for it at www.seatosummit.com

LIGHTWEIGHT DRY SACKS – $23.95US

Suitable to keep contents dry in any wet situation where the bag is not submerged, these light dry sacks are a less expensive and less bulky alternative to traditional dry bags. They are made from a high performance waterproof fabric and are designed for backpacking, adventure travel and water sports.

They have fully taped sealed seams, a hypalon™-stiffened roll-top closure, and a bright white inner laminate for easy visibility of contents. They are available in seven sizes and six colours.Look for it at www.seatosummit.com

Getting kids outside and on bladesBY KATHLEEN WILKER

The City of Ottawa, Canadian Tire and the Sens Foundation have teamed up to bring skating for kids who don’t know how, and can’t afford it even if they did.

The program is called I Love to Skate, and according to Gord MacGregor, the man who runs it, last year almost 400 children participated in “four weeks of free skating lessons offered by 25 skating instructors at 24 outdoor rinks.”

Community groups like schools, Boy Scouts or Girl Guides apply to participate and providing volunteers to help lace skates.

“In can get pretty cold on the outdoor rinks,” says MacGregor, but says no matter how cold it gets, kids are always eager to skate even if the adult volunteers complain of the cold.

The kids in the program get a gift certificate to Canadian Tire to buy skates and helmets.

“For new Canadians who haven’t skated before, getting new, comfortable and well-fitting skates and learning how to use them is a big deal,” says MacGregor whose eyes light up whenever he talks about his job.

“On the first day a lot of the kids can’t stand on their skates, but by the end of the program they can skate.” Things kick off with Mayor Jim Watson helping to lace up

skates and ends with a free trip to MEET? the Sens and skate with the pros.

This year the program will expand to train 30 youth skate leaders who will learn to be skate instructors. Each community group or school in the program will suggest one youth who could benefit from the experience. Having spent 14 years in Parks and Recreation himself in a variety of capacities, MacGregor is well aware of how positive an experience a great summer job can be.

This is MacGregor’s second year running the program and he says he can’t wait to “see another 400 smiles.” Having grown up playing hockey and skating on the canal, MacGregor wants to share this quintessential Canadian experience.

He says skills gained on the ice – confidence, tenacity, determination and handling frustration – are something kids can apply for the rest of their lives, not to mention “getting outside, enjoying the winter, being active.”


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Quebec City and region beckon, kids includedIT’S A MID-WINTER BREAK WITH A DIFFERENT FLAVOUR

BY KATHLEEN WILKER

Winter in Ottawa-Gatineau is amazing. So amazing that some people wish it started earlier and lasted longer. Our family solves the challenge of not enough winter by travelling to Quebec City over the Christmas holidays and March break. With guaranteed snow and a change of pace from the Ottawa routine, the region offers lots for winter-loving families just five hours from home.

CROSS-COUNTRY SKIING AT MONT SAINTE-ANNEmont-sainte-anne.com

Located past the town of Sainte-Anne de Beaupré and Mont Sainte-Anne’s downhill ski hills, the cross-country ski centre has 213 kilometres of trails, including a 125-kilometre skate-skiing network. Intermediate, advanced and expert trails fan out from a large, heated lodge, so it’s easy for families to meet up and switch parents to ski with the kids while the other takes off on an adult ski. The lodge has picnic benches where you’re welcome to eat the food you’ve brought with you. Fries, hot chocolate and other cafeteria fare are available too.

My husband loves the indoor waxing area and pro shop. The kids love playing on the low ropes course and snowy play structures just outside the lodge. And we all love skiing to the heated cabins on the intermediate trails. Tow ropes and reversed ski poles help haul tired kids up the hills.

One-way trails make for a quieter experience and give you the courage to let loose on the steepest downhills – you know nobody’s coming up

while you’re rocketing down. I’ve found moose tracks and scat on the trail as I wound my way higher into the mountains.

Come with a Gatineau Park season pass and you get half off your daily admission. Ski early if you want a full day of it because trails here close at 4 p.m. Private and group ski lessons are available, and there are snowshoe trails too.

PARC DE LA CHUTE MONTMORENCYbonjourquebec.com

Located between Old Québec and Sainte-Anne de Beaupré, Parc de la Chute-Montmorency is a waterfall higher than Niagara. Especially if you visit later in the season when the days are longer and you’re looking for more après ski activities, it’s a must-see.

SNOWSHOEINGsentierdescaps.com

The Sentier des Caps de Charlevoix is just beyond Sainte Anne de Beaupre, up in the mountains. A section of the Trans-Canada Trail, this 65-kilometre network offers mountain views on a clear day. Though it’s a great activity for older children, we found our kids (then four and seven) were too young to enjoy the steady trudge of snowshoeing as they tired quickly. We’ll return when they’re older and maybe snowshoe the hut-to-hut route from St-Tite-des-Caps to Petite-Rivière-Saint-François.

VILLAGE VACANCE VALCARTIERvalcartier.com/glissades-d-hiver/en/

Realizing that if we introduce our kids to downhill skiing, they might

never want to do cross-country again, we’ve been holding back, but likely not for long. Last year while climbing Camp Fortune hill, our son said, “Daddy, wouldn’t it be fun if there was a machine that could pull you up to the top of a hill and then you would ski down it?”

He was thrilled when we visited the winter playland that is Village Vacance Valcartier and went tubing. During the summer this kid-friendly destination is a water park, but in the winter it’s all about tubing. It didn’t take long for the whole family to get in the spirit of spinning down the hills and catching a lift back up on the tube lift.

A children’s play area, steep slides for the brave, and views of mountains all around make this winter park fun for the whole family.

TOBOGGANING IN QUEBEC CITYquebeccity.com

Between Chateau Frontenac and the St. Lawrence, you can toboggan down an ice slide on an old-fashioned wooden toboggan. Squish the whole family aboard and hold on tight for wild and wonderful tobogganing, very fast and sliding far. It’s the perfect finish to an evening out in Quebec City.

A VISIT TO THE ICE HOTELhoteldeglace-canada.com

Rebuilt each year and open from Jan. 6 to March 25, the Ice Hotel welcomes overnight guests as well as visitors who just want to look around, try out the ice slide and admire the sculptures.

The idea constructing a structure that will eventually melt, sculpting all the furniture out of ice, and of sleeping there, appeals to any kid’s imagination.

Prince & Princess winter fun Packagefrom

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Childhood doesn’t last forever. Happy memories do.Remember how much fun it was to go outside and play? Capture that feeling again! Family fun indoors

and out and our exceptional comfort and service will make your vacation as memorable as it is restful.

Prince & Princess Winter Fun Package includes accommodation (2 adults and 2 children under age 18), four tickets to the toboggan slide, a special in-room delivery of hot chocolate and cookies, an in-room

rental of a family movie and access to our indoor swimming pool!

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family time at the magical château



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Experience Toronto as it's transformed into a winter wonderland

THIS HOLIDAY SEASON, until December 20, get ready for

Toronto’s transformation from buzzing big city to a magical

holiday place. The streets of Toronto will sparkle with savings

on hotels, attractions and restaurants. Merry and jovial seven

foot snowmen will line the sidewalks. This is Torontoland. And

every time you share the festivities with your friends through

your pictures and videos on Facebook, Tourism Toronto will

make a donation to the Starlight Children’s Foundation Canada.

Getting to Torontoland is a piece of fruitcake. Before your trip sign up on seetorontoland.com, ‘like’ Torontoland on Facebook and share the promotion with your Facebook friends. Then Santa Claus will mail a Torontoland wristband to you, worth 15% savings in more than 50 participating attractions, restaurants and retail locations throughout Torontoland. More than 30 participating hotels are offering packages including parking and other treats (in-room movies, tasty breakfasts, discount spa treatments, etc). As a Torontoland visitor you can choose between four hotel package levels: $99, $119, $139 and $179 plus taxes.

Twenty sculpted snowmen -- each massive, at more than seven feet tall – are currently on display throughout the city personally designed by one of 16 acclaimed artists. Snap a photo or video of yourself with one of them, post it to Torontoland’s Facebook page, and Tourism Toronto will donate $2 for every photo or video uploaded to the Starlight Children’s Foundation. The more snapshots the merrier!

More to explore in Torontoland includes: •Grace Kelly: From Movie Star to

Princess at the TIFF Bell Lightbox, a North American exclusive exhibition;

•Window shopping starting with terrifically festive holiday displays at The Hudson’s Bay Company on Yonge Street;

• Ice-skating in the heart of the city at Nathan Phillips Square or in the Greater Toronto Area at Celebration Square in Mississauga or Gage Park in Brampton;

•Celebrate the romance and magic of a traditional Christmas at Lowe’s Toronto Christmas Market at the Historic Distillery District.There is so much more to do

in Torontoland, including holiday shows, dazzling lights and great neighbourhood shopping. Go to www.SeeTorontoland.com to plan your visit.


Often mainstream ski instruction

teaches that we “ski with our

hands.” I’m pretty certain we ski

predominantly with our feet, but

nevertheless, our arms help us

balance and the use of our poles

aid with rhythm and timing. I

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much about your hand position

when skiing, but at times it may

be worthwhile to give them some

consideration. For example, while

using your feet to ski through deep

powder, it may help to:

2 Use your poles—but

for God’s sake, ski with your feet.

1 Over-accentuate the pole plant a

bit and lift your pole basket out of the snow as you swing the pole forward to plant it again.

BY CHRIS LENNON PHOTOS BY GILLIAN MORGAN

Strong arm of the powder

Norwegian Mountain Living Since 1879www.daleofnorway.com

Available at Tommy & Lefebvre and Trailhead, Ottawa.

Dress right for winter running FROM THE NORTH POLE TO OTTAWA-GATINEAU

BY MICHAEL STASHIN

Preparation for last year’s 2010 North Pole Marathon included that old question — what to wear? Here’s what we learned to stay warm and comfortable while winter running way down south here in Ottawa.

The goal is to cut your sweat production to a trickle, and to wick whatever sweat you do generate away from your skin. You’ll get colder faster if your skin or clothes are wet.

Start next to your skin with a thin pair of seamless briefs and then layer on thin long johns and long-sleeve top. Best bet is variations of merino wool, an amazing fabric that wicks and keeps you warm even when it’s wet. And it’s very comfortable against the skin.

For the outer upper layer, use a windproof but breathable shell jacket, with a hood and zippers up to the armpits along the back of the sleeves. You’ll bless that hood when things get cold and windy, while the zippers — and the one down the front — can be opened for instant air conditioning if your upper body gets hot. On really cold days, add a fleece vest but make it loose-fitting so the sweat will still wick properly from the base layer. Use winter running pants or tights as the outer lower

layer. These can be snug because your lower body doesn’t sweat as much as your torso.

Use different thicknesses of socks for different temperatures. Again, think merino. On really cold days try an

inner sock liner. Whatever you wear, even your thickest socks, your shoes need enough room in the toe box — this could mean shoes a half size larger for winter running.

For hands, the best bet is a two pairs of gloves or mitts, both thin. You can put one pair in your pocket if your hands begin to sweat.

Any hat that wicks sweat, and a neck gaiter, will keep your head and neck warm. If it’s really cold, you may need a balaclava as well. Body Glide or Vaseline on exposed cheeks and nose offer additional protection.

I wear the same shoes for winter running that I wear the rest of the year. But there are Gore-Tex and waterproof running shoes available. If the road is icy, products like Due

North Every Day Traction Aids or Yaktrax Pro Traction Cleats will help.

QUICK FACTS•Michael instructs chirunning• he traveled by helicopter to the

North Pole for the race• there were 25 racers in all during

the April 2010 marathon• he finished in fourth place• visit www.npmarathon.com


Head way up the Valley for cross-country skiingBY SHEILA ASCROFT

No matter how much you enjoy the outdoors, if you stay on the same cross-country or snowshoe trails all winter, things get kind of old. But there’s no rule that you have to stay close to the city, so a trip up the Ottawa Valley is worth a thought, eh?

It only takes about three hours to drive to Deep River, a bit less to the Petawawa Research Forest near Chalk River, both off the Trans-Canada (Highway 17). There are trails for novices, trails for experts, groomed and ungroomed. Here’s a look at some of them.

THE DEEP RIVER X-C SKI CLUB maintains more than 100 kilometres of trails.

Club president Cheryl Rhodes says visitors are welcome to use the club’s facilities, but she asks visitors to sign a waiver form either on the Four Seasons Conservancy sign outside the club’s chalet at 112 Balmer Bay Road, or inside the chalet itself, before using its trails.

Rhodes says “the club chalet is available to all skiers, and open and warm during daylight hours throughout the skiing season.” There’s a donation box inside to help with maintenance and trail grooming.

The club’s “Silver Spoon Trails” — 10 kilometres each of groomed classic-only and woodland skating versions — are on the east side of town on Balmer Bay Road. The skating trails are narrow. There are also 10 kilometres of ungroomed trail.

Rhodes says, “The trails on the river side of the road are gentle while those on the other side are

more challenging. Trails labelled M, S, H and B are groomed for both classic and skate-skiing.

“The Fun-loop is only for the truly adventuresome, and the P-loop is a challenging backcountry trail.” There’s a map at www.drxc.ca/maps/DRXC%20Ski%20Map-2009.pdf.

Rhodes says that intermingled with these ski trails are snowshoe trails, built and maintained by Four Seasons — one of several local organizations funded through the Deep River and District Community Foundation to enhance the town. Their trailhead is also at the club chalet.

The Cabin Trails is another net-work of 50 kilometres of ungroomed wilderness trails that lead out to the DRXC cabin near the border of Algonquin Park. Starting points are at the end of Bass Lake Road, which turns west off Hwy 17 just before Point Alexander, four kilometres north of Deep River.

The Forestry Trail System is at the Petawawa Research Forest (PRF), five kilometres south of Chalk River. Turn west from Hwy 17 onto Clouthier Road and follow it to a gate. Parking is on your right and you ski in to the actual trailhead, which starts at the Old Headquarters Building off Clouthier Road. The southern 6.4-kilometre loop has an optional four- kilometre Acer loop. The western trail to Maunsell Lake also has an eight-kilometre extension called the Hawk Loop.

There’s more DRXC info at [email protected] and www.drxc.ca. For Petawawa Research Forest info, call 613-687-2214 or 613-584-7773.

CFB PETAWAWALess known to Ottawa folk is the

skiing available at CFB Petawawa. The Jubilee Lodge, located at the Marina on Givenche Road, is open for non-military or non-members. Chuck Omdal, lodge manager, says there are roughly 35 kilometres of ski trails for both classic and skate-skiing, and 10 kilometres of snowshoe trails. The Lodge is open weekdays from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m. and weekends from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. You can rent skis or snowshoes for $8 per person. Ski waxing services are available from professional staff.

There’s more info at www.ppspetawawa.com or 613-687-5511, ext 5180 or [email protected].

PEMBROKE AND AREA CROSS-COUNTRY SKI CLUB

According to the website of this volunteer-run club, it manages more than 12 kilometres for both cross-country classic and skate-skiing on at Forest Lea road between Pembroke and Petawawa, five kilometres south of Hwy 17. Visitors are welcome with a $5 user fee at the club’s cabin.

There are five colour-coded loops: 10 kilometres (white); eight kilometres (red); six (orange); four (blue); and 2.5 (green). There’s a map at http://paxc.blogspot.com/.

The club’s snowshoe trail starts to the right of the cabin and is marked with yellow signs. Snowshoers can bushwhack their own trail, but please stay off the groomed ski trails.

~ FOR MORE GREAT WINTER ACTIVITIES, VISIT THEIR WEBSITE:

www.OttawaValley.travel


Coyote? wolf? owl or eagle?TRANSLATING TRACKS ALONG THE TRAIL

BY ALLEN MACARTNEY

Animal tracks alongside a snowshoe or ski trail too often spark that ancient primal worry about self-preservation.

But few creatures in Gatineau Park pose any kind of threat to people, and winter is an excellent time to start honing track-identification skills – so you can figure out which creatures you are sharing the forest with. A thin layer of soft, damp snow over ice or hard crust are ideal conditions, be-cause the print shows so clearly.

But it’s not a slam dunk. Even in ideal conditions, various animals offer different step patterns, sizes ranging from baby to adult, and the age and condition of the print itself.

Beaver, coyote/wolf, turkey, rabbit, deer and owl are commonly found in Gatineau Park and other areas in out-door Ottawa-Gatineau, and are good practice for beginners.

For starters, animal prints are grouped in three categories depend-ing how the animal walks: hoof/nail walkers like deer, flat walkers like bear and beaver, and toe walkers like coy-otes, wolves and dogs. So the “walk” is the first thing to look for.

BEAVERSBeavers sometimes come out of

their lodges in winter, so their tracks will lead to or from bodies of water.

Front paws are about seven by seven centime-tres, and rear paws measure about 12 by 10. Rear paws often

land slightly ahead of the front paw print, or on top of it. Steps are 15 to 25 centimetres apart. Beavers have webbed feet, which can smudge

print details, especially in deep snow. And their short legs mean their body sometimes drags a path through the snow – an extra identifying clue.

COYOTES/WOLVESA coyote

print is similar but smaller than that of a large dog or a wolf. Field naturalists tell us it’s get-ting harder and harder to distinguish between wolves and coyotes, because of interbreeding between the two species. And dogs come in a bewilder-ing variety. That said, size matters. An adult coyote leaves a paw print about seven centimetres long, while a wolf’s can be up to 13 centimetres. The il-lustration show four thick “finger” pads with a rear base pad. Claw marks will often be visible in snow.

DEERThese

tracks are six to seven centi-metres long and five wide in something like a heart-like pattern, especially if the deer was walking. If the deer was run-ning, the heart pattern disappears as both sides of the cloven hoof separate. Watch also for small “dots” caused by “dewclaws” (evolutionary remnants, with no function) behind the hoof.

RABBITSSnowshoe rabbits leave four prints

in the snow in a triangular pattern. If a rabbit is bounding away from a preda-

tor, the distance between triangles might be as much as 120 centi-metres. Front prints are usually about half the size of the rear prints.

TURKEYSWild turkeys have long toes, sharp

toenails, and no webbing in between. The prints – 10 by 10 centimetres – look almost like stubby arrows point-ing in the opposite direction of travel. Spacing between them ranges from 20 to 35 centimetres. Often there will be a confused tangle of tracks because turkeys forage in flocks

OWLOwls often leave their mark in the

snow in the shape of a large bird outline. (See illustration) It looks as if a bird with out-stretched wings has collided with the snow, which is exactly what has happened. The owl swooped down on a mouse or small bird and snatched it off the ground, leaving it’s imprint behind. Watch for this in Gatineau Park. It’s stunning!


With world class trails, a cross-country ski trailhead room at the doorstep, and complimentary snowshoes, the Wakefield Mill is

a great place for your next winter getaway. After spending your day in the fresh crisp air, come relax by a roaring fire.

(819)459-1838 / www.wakefieldmill.com

Client : GV SNOWSHOESMedia : OTTAWA OUTDOORS MAGAZINE Due Date: · November 22, 2010Size : 4.75" x 4.75"

Ilka TarinTél. : 418 [email protected]

www.gvsnowshoes.com

Come indoors for a night of golf!• playsome

ofthebestcoursesintheworld

• greatTuesdaynightindoorgolfleague• comeforstags,officefunctionsorjusta

nightwithyourfriends• realgolfclubswithrealphotographic

images.Manycustomerswho’veplayedPebbleBeachetc,sayit’sunbelievable!

• totallydifferentfromcartooncourses• takegolflessonswithCPGApro

JoeDubinski• 7stateoftheartsimulators• fullylicensed,pooltable,bigscreentv

• Bookyourteetimeswithus!

Bent Grass Indoor Golf Club150 Robertson Road www.bentgrassgo l f . com

(613) 820-2582

Indoor Golf Club

Stuart Log CottageTraditional cabin for rent in the Ottawa Valley• spacious living room with large stone fireplace• large loft bedroom suitable for family• 4 piece bath with tub and shower• full kitchen with fridge, stove• private dock on Mink Lake

www.Stuar tLogCot tage .com

(613) 628-3311

For more inFo pLeaSe CaLL

Jim NorrisReal Estate BrokerKeller Williams Solid Rock1 Antaries Drive, Suite 110o) 613.733.3434c) 613.769.7147

REAL ESTATE BROKER

maDeLYn CoCHrane mBaConsultant

(613) [email protected]

2 Gurdwara road Suite 500

nepean, on K2e 1a2

Your dream vacation.

Your next ski trip.

Your early retirement.

All depend on one thing.

your next move.

Are You Ready?We can help. Ask about THE PLAN

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Winter fun skiing and snowboarding for all levels.• We offer great discounts on trips, ski passes, • and lessons at local hills and stores.Visit our website or come and meet us at one of • our pubnights.

www.skiextreme.ca

renéVandenBeRGcouNsELLiNg sERvicEs

I offer counselling services for both individuals and couples in either English or French. Services are provided in a professional and welcoming atmosphere that is fully confidential.

rvcounselling.ca

Anxiety• Chronic illness• Depression• Loss and bereavement• Men and Intimacy• Relationship distress• Spiritual concerns• Self-esteem• Suicidal ideation• Trauma• Work-related anxiety•

613.850.1012


Orpheus Musical Theatre Society

RENTMarch 2-11, 2012

TITANIC THE MUSICALJune 1-10 2012

COME ENJOY – ORDER TICKETS

Mark your calendars for these upcoming shows!orpheus-theatre.caCall 613-580-2700


National Capital Ski Club Skiing Made Affordable

www.ncskiclub.ca•FullSeasonEquipmentRentals•DiscountedGroupLessons•Discountedliftticketsatlocalhills&Tremblant•DiscountsforGoods&Services•2012SkiVacationstoUtah,Whistler/Blackcomb,MontSteAnne&LeMassif

•DiscountedTremblantWeekends•WeeklytripstoTremblant•AnnualMembershiponly$25,$30afterNovember29th

www.ncskiclub.ca

Come indoors for a night of golf!• playsome

ofthebestcoursesintheworld

• greatTuesdaynightindoorgolfleague• comeforstags,officefunctionsorjusta

nightwithyourfriends• realgolfclubswithrealphotographic

images.Manycustomerswho’veplayedPebbleBeachetc,sayit’sunbelievable!

• totallydifferentfromcartooncourses• takegolflessonswithCPGApro

JoeDubinski• 7stateoftheartsimulators• fullylicensed,pooltable,bigscreentv

• Bookyourteetimeswithus!

Bent Grass Indoor Golf Club150 Robertson Road www.bentgrassgo l f . com

(613) 820-2582

Indoor Golf Club

Stuart Log CottageTraditional cabin for rent in the Ottawa Valley• spacious living room with large stone fireplace• large loft bedroom suitable for family• 4 piece bath with tub and shower• full kitchen with fridge, stove• private dock on Mink Lake

www.Stuar tLogCot tage .com

(613) 628-3311

For more inFo pLeaSe CaLL

Jim NorrisReal Estate BrokerKeller Williams Solid Rock1 Antaries Drive, Suite 110o) 613.733.3434c) 613.769.7147

REAL ESTATE BROKER

maDeLYn CoCHrane mBaConsultant

(613) [email protected]

2 Gurdwara road Suite 500

nepean, on K2e 1a2

Your dream vacation.

Your next ski trip.

Your early retirement.

All depend on one thing.

your next move.

Are You Ready?We can help. Ask about THE PLAN

(™)T

rade

mar

ks o

wne

d by

iGm

Fin

anci

al in

c. a

nd li

cens

ed to

its

subs

idia

ry c

orpo

ratio

ns.

Winter fun skiing and snowboarding for all levels.• We offer great discounts on trips, ski passes, • and lessons at local hills and stores.Visit our website or come and meet us at one of • our pubnights.

www.skiextreme.ca

renéVandenBeRGcouNsELLiNg sERvicEs

I offer counselling services for both individuals and couples in either English or French. Services are provided in a professional and welcoming atmosphere that is fully confidential.

rvcounselling.ca

Anxiety• Chronic illness• Depression• Loss and bereavement• Men and Intimacy• Relationship distress• Spiritual concerns• Self-esteem• Suicidal ideation• Trauma• Work-related anxiety•

613.850.1012

Waiters-on-Wheels

YOUR OTTAWA SERVERS AND BARTENDERS

www.WAITERS-ON-WHEELS.COM

RITA BÉNARD613-816-4006

LYNE VIAU613-816-4008

Professional servers for all events.

•Qualityworkmanship

•35yearsexperience•References!•Painting•Ceramictiles•Refinishing•Renovations•Decksandmore!

PETER MORIN 613-721-2069 613-239-4704

[email protected]

BELOEIL - BROSSARD - LAVAL - OSHAWA - OTTAWA - QUEBEC - VAUGHAN

146 other models in store