GBLT Paddle For The Bay Expedition hopes to raise $5000

Kayaker, Patrick Stark, will begin his journey circumnavigating Georgian Bay raising awareness for the archipelago in Georgian Bay, as well as, money for the Georgian Bay Land Trust (GBLT) on July 1st, 2008.

Working as an Industrial Designer nine to five, he is taking the summer off raising awareness about the natural and cultural features of Georgian Bay. He hopes to raise $5 for every kilometre he paddles during his 1000 kilometre, 40 day expedition for a total of $5000 in support of the efforts of the GBLT.

Stark hopes to aide in the preservation of the wilderness areas of Georgian Bay “for future generations”, he has been visiting the Carling community for the past 30 years and has “seen the increased development of properties on the Bay.”

In 2004, the eastern coast of Georgian Bay was designated a UNESCO World Biosphere Reserve. The GBLT works with many partners to help protect the ecology of the area which includes a variety of reptile and amphibian species. GBLT acquires land for conservation to maintain the habitats for these populations and other natural habitats, to flourish.

For further information, donations and inquiries please contact Wendy Cooper, Executive Director of the GBLT at info@gblt.org, 416-440-1519 or visit www.gblt.org

Tim’s Tips

Tim’s Tips are often stolen from others or taken from the woes of the unwary -  so here we go….

Tip #1

Balsam Boats – ( i ain’t tried this but it sounds fun)  take a balsam twig and cut the resin blister with your knife.  Then put it in the water and watch it bubble and smoke and become your very own toy boat.  Apparently there is a reaction between the water and the resin, but who cares about that.  I’m keen to try it – please let me know if you have and if it works!!

(This came from a book I just read called the “Last Guide” by Ron Corbett. He’s writing about Frank Kuiack, one of the last old-time fishing guides in Algonquin.    It is a fascinating read and highly recommended.)

Tip #2

When putting a Dory out on the ice with an anchor and rope so that when the ice melts the boat will bob merrily at anchor…..its a good idea not to rush mother nature and try to throw the anchor (really a big concrete block)  down through the ice. You get really, really wet….the block stays smushed in the ice….and that’s about all she wrote.  This gem comes from one of our new apprentice recruits…..like any of us senior guys would ever try that eh?