The Sleeping Dog Blog

CATCH THE HOLIDAY SPIRIT

noreply@blogger.com (Lloyd) — Fri, 05 Dec 2014 16:02:00 +0000

Spruce up the season with locally-grown Christmas trees and greenery

This holiday season use Ontario-grown Christmas trees, garlands and wreaths to create a Christmas wonderland inside and outside your home.

“If you’re pining for that perfect tree, a real locally-grown Christmas tree is the perfect choice,” says Bill Mauro, Ontario Minister of Natural Resources and Forestry. “Among other things, they’re all-natural, 100 per cent biodegradable and there’s no assembly required.”

Staff at more than 670 Ontario Christmas tree farms work as year-round Santa’s helpers to grow and harvest over a million Christmas trees a year. With those numbers, the odds of finding a perfect one are pretty good.

Make finding that perfect Christmas tree part of your holiday tradition for years to come. Visit one of Ontario’s many Christmas tree farms to purchase a freshly-cut tree or take matters into your own hands and cut one down at the farm yourself. Take the rest of the day to enjoy fun-filled winter activities offered at many of the farms, such as sleigh rides, campfires and hot chocolate to cap off your family’s memorable day.

Buying fresh locally grown Christmas trees, garlands and wreaths at farms or from local retailers offers valuable benefits, according to Mauro and partners in the ministry’s Ontario Wood program, including the Christmas Tree Farmers of Ontario (CTFO) and Forests Ontario. By buying locally grown holiday greenery, you’re helping to support sustainably-grown Ontario Wood products that are good for the economy and the environment.

“There’s an important economic benefit in buying locally-grown Christmas trees and associated greenery,” says Mauro. “In buying local, you’re helping to support businesses in your own community and, by extension, the economy of Ontario.”

“Christmas trees are grown as a sustainable agricultural crop, staying in the ground for about 10 years before being harvested,” says Shirley Brennan, Executive Director of the CTFO.

“When trees are harvested each year, the excess branches are salvaged for use in garlands and wreaths, reducing waste during this process, and new seedlings are planted to ensure a ready supply of Christmas trees for future holiday seasons,” says Brennan.

Robert Keen, Chief Executive Officer of Forests Ontario, says “Christmas tree farms play an important role in supporting healthy ecosystems and human health.”

“These trees provide wildlife habitat protection for small birds and animals and, for all of us, they’re literally a breath of fresh air,” Keen says. “They act as air pollution filters, soaking up carbon dioxide emitted by cars, planes and homes, turning it into oxygen. In fact, every acre (about 0.4 hectares) of planted Christmas trees provides the daily oxygen needed by 18 people.”

The benefits of Christmas trees are not finished once the holidays are over. Many municipalities collect the trees on designated collection days and use them in shoreline rehabilitation projects or chip them for use as mulch in municipal parks and flower beds. They can also be re-used at home to protect shrubs from snow build-up, as a stake for climbing plants, for making mulch out of branches and needles, or using it for woodworking projects.

Mauro says, “Given their many benefits, you really can feel good about buying locally-grown Christmas trees, garlands and wreaths.”

To ensure you’re purchasing Ontario-grown Christmas trees and greenery, “Look for the Leaf” – the Ontario Wood logo tag – on or near these products or ask the retail vendor where their trees were sourced.

To find a Christmas tree farm closest to you, go to christmastrees.on.ca.

To find Ontario Wood products, producers and supporters near you, visit Ontario.ca/wood.

Tips to keep holiday greenery great

When selecting a tree, check for freshness. Choose a tree with strong green colour and a noticeable fragrance. Gently bend a needle to determine if it’s resilient or not. An unfrozen needle should form a “u” shape without breaking.
Choose fir, balsam or cedar for your decorative greenery as they dry out more slowly than other evergreens.
· Once home, store your tree and greenery in a sheltered but unheated area such as a porch or garage.
When you’re ready to bring the tree indoors, make a straight cut across the trunk about two centimetres from its end, enabling the tree to better absorb water.
Once inside, place a tree-moving bag at the base of your tree to allow for easy disposal in January and secure the tree in its stand. Fill the stand with about four litres of water. Ensure the tree is hydrated at all times. Mist greenery with water every few days.
Place your tree and greenery away from heat sources, including fireplaces, television sets, radiators and sunny windows, to prevent it from drying prematurely.
Before decorating, ensure all electric lights and connections are in good condition. Never use combustible decorations or lighted candles on a tree or greenery and always unplug lights before retiring to bed or leaving the house.

Third GRCA park Opens for Winter Activities

noreply@blogger.com (Lloyd) — Fri, 10 Jan 2014 20:47:00 +0000

Another Grand River Conservation Authority Park is open for winter activities after debris was removed in the wake of the December ice storm. Laurel Creek Conservation Area, 625 Westmount Rd., Waterloo opened for cross-country skiing Friday morning.

Two other GRCA parks had previously opened for ice fishing: Shade’s Mills in Cambridge and Belwood Lake near Fergus. However, the weekend thaw may interfere with activities at the three open parks for a few days. The warm weather and rain expected this weekend could curtail some activities. Customers should check the Winter Activity listing in the Newsroom section of the GRCA website at www.grandriver.ca or call the parks directly for updates.

Pinehurst Lake, north of Paris, remains closed as crews continue to clean up from the ice storm. GRCA staff are using font-end loaders and wood chippers to clear branches and trees that litter roadways, trails and parking lots.

Four nature centres are open but only for school programs and GRCA-organized events: Shade’s Mills (Cambridge), Apps’ Mill (Brantford), Guelph Lake and Laurel Creek (Waterloo).

Most other GRCA facilities remain closed in the wake of the storm which damaged thousands of trees on the 20,000 hectares of property owned by the GRCA.

That includes:

· Elora-Cataract Trailway, Cambridge-Paris Rail-Trail, SC Johnson Trail (Paris to Brantford) and Brantford-Hamilton Rail-Trail

· Other GRCA paid-admission parks, which are normally closed for the winter: Conestogo Lake, Elora Gorge, Elora Quarry, Guelph Lake, Rockwood, Brant and Byng

· Free-entry natural areas such as Starkey Hill (Guelph), Dumfries (Cambridge), Puslinch Tract (Cambridge), Snyder’s Flats (Bloomingdale), FWR Dickson (south of Cambridge) and Apps’ Mill (west of Brantford).

GRCA staff, supplemented by outside contractors, have been working to clear trees and branches from public areas. The biggest danger is with partially-damages branches and trees, which are at risk of falling on users.

Self-help efforts on Elora-Cataract Trailway may actually raise risk level

GRCA staff are aware that some people are going onto GRCA trails and other properties to remove downed branches so they can use the properties. In particular, some people have been removing obstructions on the Elora-Cataract Trailway to open it for snowmobile use. However, in some cases they have left the trees and branches dangerously close to the trail, putting snowmobiles at risk. They are also not dealing with overhead dangers, which imperils snowmobilers who may think the trail has been cleared, but could run into a newly-fallen tree or branch. Please stay off of the Elora-Cataract Trailway and all other GRCA trails until staff have made them safe for public use.

Angus Burns Wildlife Artist

noreply@blogger.com (Lloyd) — Mon, 23 Sep 2013 20:21:00 +0000

There is just something about wood – the smell, the feel, the beauty – it’s almost seductive. Since ancient times it has given us warmth, shelter, and solitude. It imparts a feeling of things wild and free that live in harmony with their surroundings. Could there possibly be a better way to portray the images of wild things than through the natural beauty of wood.

If you’ve ever visited the St. Jacobs Farmers Market, you’ve likely seen Freelton artists Angus Burns quietly sitting, creating masterpieces on wood. Whether it’s a unique living room table, custom pet portrait, or small wall hanging his skill and love of the outdoors manifests itself through every piece of art he creates.

Although Angus always had a flare for drawing, even making his own Christmas cards as a child, it was many years later when a tree, a few cartons of cigarettes, and a trip to Vancouver by a friend conspired to make him realize his full artistic potential.

Working as a cook in a lumber camp after a felled tree put him on the disabled list, a fellow logger who had seen some of his personal sketches, handed him a couple of slabs of wood. He asked Angus if he could paint some ducks on the wood. In return he was to receive a couple of cartons of cigarettes. It seemed like a good way to pass the time and selling the extra cigarettes in camp could put some extra change in his pocket. Over two months he produced 30 pieces and it seemed like a good arrangement. That is until a friend returned from a weekend in Vancouver where he had seen some of Angus’s paintings for sale. Angus was stunned to find that his artwork was selling for three to four hundred dollars each. Well, needless to say the money he was making off of the cigarettes began to look a little less attractive. That was in 1978 and he’s never looked back.

Art dealers and prominent retail stores became attracted to Angus unique works and as a result his work has been displayed in galleries such as Kleinburg’s Regal Collection, Bowring’s Canadiana Collection at the Toronto Eaton Center. Their images and carvings of wolves, deer, moose, and even humming birds adorn the homes of nature lovers around the world, as well as those of the rich and famous. The likes of hockey greats Jean Beliveau and Guy Lafleur, comedian Jim Flynn, and singer Michael Burgess have sought out his unique works of art. Angus even spent some time as resident artist at Canadian Carver, the famous tourist stop just north or Sault Ste. Marie.

Today much of his time is spent producing custom pet portraits for many visitors to the St. Jacobs Market where you will find him year round on Thursday and Saturday. Thankfully he was located in “Peddlars Village” at the market and was spared from the fire that consumed the main market building on the Labour Day weekend.

Drop by and say hi; maybe you’ll find that unique Christmas gift for someone special.

Environmental Sustainability – Think Local

noreply@blogger.com (Lloyd) — Fri, 29 Jun 2012 17:52:00 +0000

This past week I was invited to attend a forum hosted by Sustainable Waterloo Region, a not-for-profit organization that promotes sustainable development and practices throughout Waterloo Region in Southwestern Ontario. I’m not really sure what I thought about this organization prior to the meeting, if indeed I thought anything at all, but I must say that it’s been a long time since I have been in the presence of such a dynamic, pragmatic, and dedicated group of individuals. Enthusiasm and purpose radiated from everyone, and it was infectious.

The forum itself was the last in a series of educational forums that all had to do with sustainable environmental issues, primarily at a local level. The theme of this particular forum was “From RIO to Waterloo Region: Advancing Our Green Economy”. It was perfectly timed to coincide with the end of the conference so everything was still fresh and relevant. It included a presentation by Dr. AmeliaClarke from the University of Waterloo who attended the conference.

Now I wasn’t sure whether I would walk into a room filled with climate change fear mongers, a nice group of individuals that were well intentioned but rudderless, or a government funded bureaucratic money pit. I was pleasantly surprised to find that none of these images were correct. Sustainable WR is unique and they are changing the way we think; not by rhetoric and fear mongering, but through positive action. In fact, this group has been so successful that other “sustainable” organizations are beginning to follow their model. I won’t dwell further on that here because you can get all the facts from the Sustainable Waterloo Region website.

I was really pleased to see the pragmatism of Sustainable WR flow through to the thoughts presented by the speakers at the forum. I was actually surprised that they reflected many of my personal beliefs in regards to the environment; these are some of my personal beliefs:

Governments (left, right, or center) raise their head above the crowd only when there are political points to be scored.
Governments have neither the will, nor the means to affect worldwide environmental change.
Environmental change must become a groundswell movement at a local level, but on a global basis. Not by demanding change, but by implementing change.
Don’t count on governments to lead; force them to follow.
Scare tactics don’t work. If you can’t base your arguments on untainted, unbiased, independent studies there is no argument.
In any given debate you have polar opposite groups that represent about 10% of a population on each side. The media focuses attention on rhetoric from these groups because it’s easy. Where they should focus their attention is on the movement of the 80% in the middle. For example you would have organizations like Green Peace on one side and the petroleum producers on the other side. It’s the group in the middle that can be swayed that will ultimately direct government policy, so direct your energies towards the middle not the extremes.
Governments don’t do something simply because it’s the right thing to do; but people will.
People have become apathetic because they are bombarded by media hype, rhetoric and negativity. Why? Because, with few exceptions, media is more intent on looking for headlines than on researching meaningful data. Media has become lazy!
NGOs need to lose the “nanny state” expectations and start to take action at a local level.

By now pretty much everyone has heard about the United Nations Conference on Sustainable Development commonly known as RIO 2012. There was much media hype building up to the conference but after it was declared an abject failure it dropped from the media spotlight like a child’s toy that had outlived its novelty. Like many people I watched news releases with guarded interest coupled with much skepticism, if not cynicism. The world view of Canada has diminished to a point of irrelevance in terms of environmental sustainability; or so we are being told by the hardline environmental groups. But was it really a failure? Or, was it a reawakening to the realization that governments can't be counted on to do things for the right reason; an awakening to the fact that change can only be accomplished at a local level and used as catalyst to nudge government bureaucracy in the right direction. In terms of focus RIO 2012 just may be the impetus needed to shift focus from national and international rhetoric to local action.

This view was in one way or another supported by all of the presenters at the forum. These were, in order of appearance, Dr. AmeliaClarke from the University of Waterloo (who attended the RIO Conference), Mathew J. Hoffmann from the University of Toronto, Craig Haney – Directorof Marketing for Energent, and Carol Simpson from the WorkplacePlanning Board of Waterloo, Wellington, Dufferin. All of the speakers were dynamic, energetic, relevant, and brought a positive message.

I’m always reminded of a quote that I first heard many years ago, “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.” If you shift your focus to small manageable initiatives the end result will be achieved. This, in my opinion, is what Sustainable Waterloo Region is all about and both politicians and media would do well to pay heed to this and other like-minded organizations.

SustainableWaterloo Region is always looking for volunteers, so if you want to get involved with a dynamic, forward-thinking organization give them a call.

Journey to Turtle Island

noreply@blogger.com (Lloyd) — Fri, 18 Nov 2011 18:14:00 +0000

Each year the City of Brantford, Brant County, and Six Nations jointly present the Shining Star Tourism Awards. Awards are handed out in several categories including Best Aboriginal Experience. This year the Aboriginal Experience award went to Grand Experiences Canoe & Kayak Outfitters in Paris, Ontario, for their Journey to Turtle Island canoe trip.

A couple of years ago I took this trip as part of our Outdoor Writers of Canada conference and I can say first hand that the experience was exceptional. Now I have paddled and fished the Grand extensively over the years and originally thought of this trip as simply a nice diversion at the end of our conference; I couldn’t have been more wrong. Right from the time we met the professional, experienced guides from Grand Experiences I knew this trip would be something special.

Aside from the outstanding qualifications and experience of our guide – something you should look for and expect with any outfitter – I was impressed with his level of knowledge about the flora, fauna, and history of the region.

This is a fantastic trip for inexperienced and seasoned paddlers alike because the 12 person “War Canoe” offers great stability and a chance to take a break to enjoy the scenery if you get tired along the 12 km route. You paddle downstream through one of the last stands of Carolinian forest in Canada and have the illusion of being on a wilderness journey. For much of the trip you will be paddling through the Grand River Exceptional Waters area, a unique fisheries and watershed management area managed by the Grand River Conservation Authority.

The highlight of our trip came as we gently nudged the canoe up to the shore of Turtle Island in the middle of the Grand River immediately across from Brant Conservation Area – just on the outskirts of the City of Brantford. There we were greeted by a husband and wife team dressed in traditional First Nations attire from the Six Nations First Nation. They led us quietly along a trail to a secluded natural amphitheater at the far end of the island where we were regaled with traditional First Nation stories, history, and dances. There was a great deal of visitor participation and plenty of opportunities for photos and to ask questions. At the end of our visit to Turtle Island we paddled back across the river to Brant Conservation area where we piled into the vans for the short journey back to Paris.

Whether you’re visiting the region for the first time or are a long-time resident, this trip is a unique experience that you simply can’t miss. Once again, congratulations to Grand Experiences for winning the Shining Star Tourism Award for Best Aboriginal Experience. Take a minute and check out everything that the City of Brantford, Brant County, and Six Nations has to offer in the Discovery Guide.

Fergus Lions Club Receives Conservation Award

noreply@blogger.com (Lloyd) — Mon, 26 Sep 2011 13:29:00 +0000

Ten years ago — on Sept. 1, 2001 — the Fergus Lions Club started creating a special place of remembrance on the banks of the Grand River. It is a place where 350 trees of many species are now planted as a tribute to the lives and memories of special people. There are also 15 memorial benches.

The Fergus Lions Club is one of five recipients of a 2011 Grand River Watershed Award for creating the Grand River Arboretum and was honoured at an awards presentation on Sept. 15 in Cambridge.

“What was once a little used piece of land has been sensitively transformed into a pleasant, tranquil area,” said Trevor Ashbee, the horticulturalist for Centre Wellington. He drew up a list of 50 tree species and donors could select from the list.

Don Doyle came up with the idea and Joe Brooks became the driving force to get it going. Work crews turned up on Saturday mornings to plant and maintain the area.

About 150 people attended the official opening held 10 years ago this month (September 2001). The entrance is on the south side of Colquhourn Street between Beatty Line South and Johnson Street at the south end of Beatty Line, just past Calquhoun, west of downtown Fergus. There is a wall of plaques of the many individuals and groups who have made contributions.

The Grand River Arboretum was a project of the Fergus Lions Club who held many Saturday morning work days to plant and landscape the property. “It really brought the club together. Every time we did something there was all kinds of stuff to eat and drink,” said Doyle.

Towards the centre of the park is the Lion’s Tree — a big old tree that stands strong and tall among those that have been planted over the past 10 years. “The beauty and quietness of this spot so close to the hustle and bustle of the town is a comfort and a refuge for family members who have planted trees in remembrance of loved ones,” says resident Roberta Vliestra of Fergus.

The land once belonged to the Grand River Conservation Authority, but is now owned by Centre Wellington Township, while Lion’s Club members look after the maintenance.

Now the project is complete and no new trees will be planted. The Grand Valley Trail is next to the arboretum and the trail leads down the hill and along the Canadian Heritage Grand River.

By Janet Baine, GRCA Communications Specialist

Congratulations from Southern Ontario Outdoors to the dedicated volunteers from the Fergus Lions Club that are preserving our great outdoors heritage for future generations. For more information about great outdoor activities in Fergus and Elora visit the Elora/Fergus website.

Muskosung Lake Adventure

noreply@blogger.com (Lloyd) — Mon, 08 Aug 2011 19:36:00 +0000

I know it’s not quite Southern Ontario but as the crow flies we’re only about an hour further north, so I hope you’ll forgive this latitudinal deviation.

It’s time once again to trade in the internet, telephone, and TV for the sound of waves lapping against the shore, wind in the pines, and loons calling on the lake. But, this year there is a difference; we brought our 9 year old granddaughter along for the week. It’s been quite a number of years since we spent a whole week with someone that age and really didn’t know what to expect. I do seem to recall from years of venturing into the wilds with our two boys that there was one simple rule to follow; if the kids are happy the parents – or in this case grandparents – are happy.

So just what do you do with a 9 year old girl? Well, as it turns out, you do pretty much the same things as you would do with a 9 year old boy. You fish, you swim, you let them have their own space; you stroll, hike, talk about nature, answer a continuous barrage of questions and simply enjoy the moment.

The Drive

I tend to be very destination driven when I hit the road; I don’t sightsee and I never make a long drive longer than necessary. To me sightseeing is something you do after you arrive at your destination and before that you only stop when you need gas, or when someone starts to do the “pee pee” dance.

My wife usually tolerates this fixation, however, kids don’t seem to share this “damn the torpedoes; full speed ahead” mentality so we compromised. I got my way in terms of our departure time (5:30 a.m.) and we planned a couple of stops along the way for a snack and stretch of the legs, including a short hike along the trail at the top of Airport Hill in North Bay. Why so early you might ask? Well I’m no novice when it comes to travelling north and anything you can do to get a jump on the mass migration north from Toronto is a good thing.

The Cottage

Our dwelling for the week was a cabin at Camp Horizon about a 20 min. drive north of Sturgeon Falls. The cabin was a bit on the small side but everything was functional and Becca had her own bedroom with triple bunks which posed quite a dilemma for the young lady; which bunk to sleep on? Of course to a 9 year old, higher is better, but we finally agreed that she could have the middle bunk and our English Springer Spaniel Casey, who insisted on sharing the room with her, was relegated to the floor. Even though the bedroom doors were left open, the first night taught us to bring a nightlight along. It seems that waking up in the dark and not knowing where you are can be a bit intimidating for kids. Personally I was just thankful to let my head hit the pillow, but there was definitely a light there the next night.

The one really great thing about this particular cottage is that we had our own private sand beach right in front of the cottage. This proved to be the major attraction of the week for both Becca and Casey. There were a few spats about who owned which castle or hole in the sand – Casey proved to be the more determined of the two – but luckily he found greater pleasure in chasing frogs in the nearby weed bed.

After lunch grandma and Becca usually headed for the main beach where there was a raft, a water slide, and new friends to meet. As for me, I took this opportunity to keep the rum from going bad and to bury myself in a good book.

Fishing

Next to playing on the beach our nightly fishing excursion seemed to be the most popular event of the day. Supper and dishes finished we’d grab our rods, tackle life jackets and head for the boat.

The first evening all 4 of us set off to walleye hole on the far side of the lake. Now it’s been a number of years since I’ve taken Casey fishing in a small boat and had forgotten one small, but very important detail. He is a trained hunting dog that flushes and retrieves birds and just loves to hit the water to fetch anything that is thrown. Guess what a lure looks like to a dog that wants to retrieve? Well I managed to keep him in the boat but it wasn’t the most relaxing start to our fishing endeavors. After that, grandma opted to spend some R&R time with Casey on shore while me and Becca headed out for our nightly adventure on the lake.

Lake Muskosung is only about 3 sq. miles and boasts a wide variety of game fish, so even though I wouldn’t call the fishing spectacular there was plenty of action to keep us both happy. Becca even won a prize in the kids fishing derby for the biggest smallmouth bass.

Rainy Days and Other Diversions

As with most of Southern Ontario rain was not a big issue this year. It only rained one day and because we were within a reasonable proximity of Sudbury grandma and Becca headed off to Science North. If you haven’t had a chance to visit this great northern attraction you simply must make time to visit. I got to spend the day cleaning up my hard drive and starting to write this blog, however a bit of solitude for the day was welcome.

Geocaching is another fun adventure for kids of all ages. This high tech game of hide and seek will take you to beautiful places that you won’t find any other way. I typically download coordinates for several caches in an area before we leave home and print off the corresponding maps and information. On this trip we followed an ATV trail into the bush for about a kilometer and then, after a bit of searching, found the cache hidden along a rock cliff overlooking a typical Northern Ontario moose marsh. We didn’t see any moose but did hear some loud snapping of branches below us. This is also prime bear habitat so we didn’t linger to find out what it was.

I hope you enjoy this short sample of our 2011 Lake Muskosung adventure and remember to get out and enjoy everything that our great Ontario outdoors has to offer. If you’re taking the kids remember to be flexible and everyone will be happy.

Grand River Country iPhone – iPad App

noreply@blogger.com (Lloyd) — Wed, 16 Mar 2011 14:24:00 +0000

Designated as a Canadian Heritage River in 1994, the Grand River in Southern Ontario is managed by the Grand River Conservation Authority and sustains a population of over 900,000 people. It is also one of the major destinations in Southern Ontario for outdoor activities like hiking, fishing, hunting camping, and canoeing.

This year several communities along the Grand River, including Elora, Fergus, and Brantford, have combined their resources and developed a fantastic application for iPhone and iPad users. This application gives visitors instant access to a wealth of local information specific to their current location along the Grand, or allows users to plan ahead as they journey through this vibrant well managed waterway. This year it's easier than ever to find food, lodging, and places of interest throughout the Grand River watershed.

Congratulations to Grand River Country for providing this useful tool that will be well used by visitors and residents alike. I'm sure it will lead us to many hidden gems that are waiting to be discovered. Hopefully BlackBerry and Android versions aren't far off.

Brantford – A Treasure Trove of Outdoor Activities

noreply@blogger.com (Lloyd) — Wed, 22 Dec 2010 15:19:00 +0000

When we think of outdoor activities like hiking, camping, fishing, paddling, and cycling our minds usually tend to wander to remote vistas and wilderness solitude. You know the old saying, "Perception is reality!" Well, the reality is that you often don't have to go very far to find the perception of wilderness solitude. In fact the City of Brantford is one such hidden Southern Ontario gem.

I always thought of Brantford as the home of Alexander Graham Bell, Joseph Brant, and of course Wayne Gretzky, but I was thrilled to discover another side to Brantford. Nestled along the banks of the Grand River Brantford is a treasure trove of activity for outdoor enthusiasts. Some of the highlights include: the Grand Valley Trail, Brant Conservation Area, and the Grand River Exceptional Waters Region. Fishing in this area is second to none with an abundance of species from small mouth bass, pike, and channel cats, to walleye and rainbow trout. There are many access points and the river can be fished from shore in many locations, or wade and cast the shallows. If you're looking for something a bit more leisurely you can drift the lazy current in a canoe or kayak.

Whether you hike, fish, or paddle, the perception of wilderness solitude is very real, especially on and around the Exceptional Waters region that runs from Brantford to Paris. Even though you are surrounded by everything from towns and cities to farmland and major highways, you'll likely never know it. All you will experience is that tranquil feeling that only comes from a wilderness experience, but with all the advantages of being close to a major urban area.

Depending on your interests and pocket book, accommodations range from 4 star hotels to B&Bs to tranquil campsites along the Grand River, and local attractions are abundant and varied. If you're feeling lucky why not head to the OLG Casino, or take a side trip to the Canadian Military Heritage Museum, Chiefswood National Historic Site, Bell Homestead National Historic Site, the Woodland Cultural Centre, or take in a show at the Sanderson Centre for the Performing Arts.

Be sure to put the City of Brantford on your list of must visit places in Southern Ontario.

Gift Ideas for Bird Lovers

noreply@blogger.com (Lloyd) — Mon, 06 Dec 2010 18:50:00 +0000

Spread the joy of birds with gifts that support conservation

Published with With thanks to Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Ithaca, NY--Birding is such a simple pleasure—the bird watchers on your list probably already have umpteen field guides and a good set of binoculars. But there are some meaningful gifts that not only enhance the enjoyment of birds—they give back to the birds that give us so much pleasure. Here are some holiday suggestions from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Proceeds help support the Cornell Lab's mission of research, education, and conservation of birds.

1. Cornell Lab Membership A "green" gift that gives back to the birds by supporting the Lab's mission of research, education, conservation, and citizen science. As part of your gift, your loved one will receive the Cornell Lab's Living Bird magazine and BirdScope newsletter. $35

2. The Birds of North America Online Features all of North America's breeding birds, plus photos and sounds. A gift of knowledge for anyone who loves to learn more about birds. $5 "stocking stuffer" (30-day subscription) or $42 for a whole year.

3. Songbirds Weekly Planner This 2011 planner indulges bird watchers all year long with bird illustrations and fascinating information.

4. Singing Bird Books Bird information plus sounds at the touch of a button. Backyard Bird Songs, BirdScapes, Bird Songs Bible, and more.

5. Audio Guides Birding by ear is a revelation. Choose a guide to favorite regions or species.

6. BirdsEye App See more birds with the world's only app that helps you find the places where your target species are. $1.99 for BirdsEye Lite, $19.99 for it all.

7. Bird-Friendly Coffee Enjoy delicious coffee knowing it was grown in a way that helps migratory songbirds on their wintering grounds.

8. Really Wild Cards Delight someone with these beautiful cards that play authentic bird sounds when you open them up. $7.99

9. Plush Birds that Sing These irresistible birds sing when you squeeze them. Choose a favorite species for a fun stocking stuffer. $7.99

10. The Bird Watching Answer Book Funny, fascinating, and helpful—this entertaining book answers many of the questions that the Cornell Lab receives from bird watchers each year. $14.95

11. Celebrate Urban Birds Calendar Features photos and artwork from our seasonal challenges. More than 100 funny, sweet, unusual, and gorgeous images. $15

12. Online Bird Behavior Course This very special gift enables your loved one to gain new insights and enjoyment through the Cornell Lab's five-week online interactive course, "Courtship and Rivalry in Birds." Next session begins January 19, 2011. $295 ($255 for Lab members. For member discount, enroll by phone at 866-326-7635).

13. Sound Recording Workshop Students spend a week learning professional recording techniques. Takes place June 11-18, 2011, at San Francisco State University's Sierra Nevada Field Campus in the spectacular Tahoe National Forest. $975

Contact: Pat Leonard, Cornell Lab of Ornithology, (607) 254-2137, pel27@cornell.edu
______________________________________________________________________

The Cornell Lab of Ornithology is a membership institution dedicated to interpreting and conserving the earth's biological diversity through research, education, and citizen science focused on birds. Visit the Cornell Lab's web site at http://www.birds.cornell.edu.

Become a Steward of our Fresh Water Resource

noreply@blogger.com (Lloyd) — Fri, 15 Oct 2010 19:37:00 +0000

Aside from the air we breathe fresh water is the single most important element in the lives of the human race. Yet there seems to be an unfair distribution of fresh water throughout the planet. Those that have it abuse it; those that don't have it, crave it.

In Southern Ontario we are blessed with an abundance of fresh water that is the envy of many regions of the world. Lake Huron, Georgian Bay, and Lake Ontario join with Lake Superior and Lake Michigan to feed the mighty St. Lawrence. And yet, as Environmental Defense Canada reports, "More than 580 billion litres of drinking water, the equivalent of 236,000 Olympic swimming pools, are being wasted every year by homeowners in the Great Lakes region of Ontario and Quebec.

Large portions of the planet only think of water in terms of consumption; as a necessity of life that is not to be taken for granted and yet here we are, wasting over ½ billion litres of fresh water merely because we do take it for granted. I'm not going to dwell on the plight of those that live in the more arid regions of the world, but it is essential that we – each and every one of us – becomes a steward of our fresh water resources.

Governments must prohibit development on natural ground water recharge systems and issue serious penalties for wetland destruction due to intention or negligence. People seldom change habits simply because it is "the right thing to do". They respond to penalties or incentives; so governments must act swiftly and decisively to ensure that one of those two options is forefront in all planning that involves the utilization of our fresh water resources. We need meaningful legislation, not "feel good" rhetoric.

Individuals that are willing to act on their own can contribute significantly towards improving the problem. According to the same study mentioned above nearly 213 billion litres of water could be saved annually if all residents living within the Great Lakes watershed installed new high efficiency toilets. And there are already grants available in many jurisdictions that make this change almost free.

Charity begins at home and only by attaining a true appreciation for the vast fresh water resources that have been placed in our charge can we fully empathize with those that thirst for the very thing we now take for granted. I urge you to do your part; protect our fresh water resources and become a true steward through your actions.

Long Gun Registry Survives – for Now

noreply@blogger.com (Lloyd) — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 13:06:00 +0000

If you want to raise the hackles of Canadian farmers, hunters, and trappers just mention the long gun registry. I have watched with biased interest over the past several weeks as we edged closer to the vote and what I saw was just plain ugly. In the end the vote was no longer about the long gun registry; it was about fear. Nobody was concerned with the facts and from the numerous articles and posts that I've read far too many Canadians are completely unaware of just how tightly firearms are controlled in Canada, even without the registry.

There are two extremist camps in the fight and neither one wants to see the registry live. On one side you have the anti gun, anti hunting, animal rights types whose objective it is to see all guns in Canada confiscated and firearms ownership made illegal. On the other side you have the gun lobby who feels that we should have the American right to bear arms. What you saw during the debates leading up to the vote was these two groups firing missiles at each other. If you listened closely to the rhetoric you would think that the survival of the human race hung in the balance.

And the media, always hungry for a controversial issue to latch onto was no better. Stories were written in newspapers and aired on TV and radio. Objectivity – the foundation of good reporting – ceased to exist as reporters were forced to follow the personal views of their editors and producers.

Everyone that was opposed to the registry was classed as a fanatical right wing Conservative. I suggest that the only link to Conservatives for a vast majority of those in favor of shutting down the registry is in the fact that the Conservative Party were the ones to bring forth and support the bill. Personally I am non partisan and vote in favor of good legislation, no matter what party brings it forward, but I simply cannot abide "feel good / do nothing" legislation. This was bad legislation when it was first introduced, it is bad legislation now, and it will continue to be bad legislation until the day that it is finally scrapped.

Keep Kids Busy with Geocaching

noreply@blogger.com (Lloyd) — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 15:19:00 +0000

Geocaching – that high tech game of hide and seek – isn't just for adults. "I'm booorrrred", a refrain that all parents dread…especially during the family vacation! Let's face it, it isn't easy keeping the kids entertained all day long and how about some time for you too. So why not get creative and break out the GPS for the kids.

Kids these days tend to grasp the intricacies of electronic devices like we used to grasp kicking a beach ball or throwing a Frisbee. Set up a course around your cottage or campsite with treasures hidden in each place. You can make the course as long or short as you like but it will keep idle minds active for quite awhile, especially when you know just what treasures will pique their interest. Here are a few suggestions that will make it a bit easier:

Let the age of your kids determine the length and complexity of the course.
Pre-program all the waypoints and show them how to navigate from one to the other.
Choose an area that is relatively free of biting insects.
Give them a list of things they will find at each set of coordinates.
Encourage them to use navigational terminology like coordinates, waypoints, etc.
Be sure the last set of coordinates is your home base…we just want them busy for awhile and want them to find their way back home easily.
Give them a set of clues for each cache and, again, let their ages determine how well hidden the caches will be.
Give them some questions to answer about each location that will help them learn about the outdoors

Make his a fun experience and you'll not only get the kids active but they will be learning about our great Southern Ontario outdoors at the same time. Have a safe and happy summer season wherever you are in Southern Ontario.

Don’t Put That in Your Mouth

noreply@blogger.com (Lloyd) — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 14:18:00 +0000

There is simply no better gift that you can give your child than to share Southern Ontario's great outdoors. Even infants will love the chance to explore new territory and getting dirty is a bonus. But parents of toddlers and infants also need to be vigilant to ensure that children are safe in their surroundings.

This can be a difficult task even at home, but on the trail or in the bush it is essential. Of course there are the obvious dangers that can result in scrapes, bruises, or sprains but there are also those that can result in severe illness or even death. Many of these dangers are hidden under the guise of beautiful plants or insects. You as a responsible parent need to take the time to educate yourself about the hazards in your area and what to do about them.

Mosquitoes can transmit West Nile Virus; ticks can transmit Lyme Disease; and the venom from wasps, bees and hornets can cause a life threatening allergic reaction, especially if multiple stings are inflicted. Plants to watch out for include daisy, periwinkle, poison ivy, poison oak, nightshade, morning glory, some varieties of mushroom, arrowhead, and milkweed. Some of these plants – or parts of them – are edible at certain times of the year and some are even medicinal, in the correct proportions, but unless you are an expert it is best to avoid them all together.

Here are a few tips to help keep your kids safe:

If they have eaten any form of vegetation remove any pieces from their mouth and try to identify it.
If you are able to identify it and it is amongst the poisonous varieties seek medical attention as soon as possible, or call the Ontario Poison Centre at 1-800-268-9017.
If you can't identify it or even if it is something you believe to be harmless watch the child closely for several hours so see if any symptoms arise. Symptoms can include being lethargic, trouble breathing, fever, loss of appetite, and vomiting. Don't hesitate to call the Ontario Poison Centre, they can tell what symptoms to watch for.
Know the risk category of the region for things like Lyme Disease and West Nile Virus. There is actually a very low risk of contracting one of these diseases and an even lower risk of serious symptoms developing, but know the symptoms. Take precautions, but don't live in fear of mosquitoes and ticks.
If your child is stung by a bee, wasp, or hornet watch closely for any signs of a reaction. In the event of multiple stings or if symptoms arise, seek medical assistance immediately! For more information read the article titled Bees in the Bush on the Southern Ontario Outdoors camping blog dated June 2009.

"Knowledge is Power"! It simply isn't practical to think that you can protect your kids from all things that may be harmful, but a bit of research will help you keep them safe and happy in our great Southern Ontario Outdoors.

Elora & Fergus Tourism Wins Big at Ontario Economic Development Awards

noreply@blogger.com (Lloyd) — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 19:43:00 +0000

I don’t normally post press releases in this blog but it feels just great to have one of Southern Ontario Outdoor’s key sponsors win some of the most prestigious Economic Development awards in Ontario. This is a true sign that size doesn’t matter as much as determination. Elora and Fergus have become a major Southern Ontario Tourist destination worthy of a visit by everyone.

Front row-Rhoda Lipton, Fran Weima, Aileen Murray-past president EDCO, Samantha Dirksen, Second row-Benny DiZitti, Deb Dalziel, Kelly Waterhouse
Third row-Kevin Kroetsch , Karen Thomas, Debbie Rushton, Mayor Joanne Ross Zuj,
Councilor Kirk McElwain
Fourth row-Deborah Barr, Melanie Ward,
Fifth row-David Bar, Garrett Klassen, Dave Rushton

“The Ontario Economic Development Awards took place on Thursday February 4^th at the Toronto Marriott Eaton Centre Hotel. Elora & Fergus Tourism, Sensational Elora and Grand River Country took top honours in 3 separate categories in best visitor guide, best marketing campaign and best specialty brochure in the provincial tourism marketing categories. The ceremony honours winners and honourable mentions for their efforts in promoting their communities for location and tourism opportunities.

“This year, over 130 entries were judged” stated 2009 EDCO President Lauren Millier. “The competition allows local communities to see just how they stack up against other municipalities when it comes to promoting location, investment & tourism opportunities”.

Expert judges reviewed all of the entries that covered everything from promotional brochures to infrastructure development projects. There are judges from specialized areas of expertise assigned to judge specific categories.

Over 20 tourism partners from Centre Wellington were on hand to accept these awards during the Annual Conference of the Economic Developers Council of Ontario. “It is always an honour to accept these awards as the competition is very competitive”, stated Deb Dalziel, Tourism Coordinator for Elora Fergus Tourism. “These awards demonstrate our effectiveness in our economic development and tourism marketing efforts, and provide recognition to so many of our creative and hardworking events and projects in our community. It was especially thrilling to have our Mayor, members of Council and so many partners present to participate in the award ceremonies.

These prestigious awards were especially distinctive as the Honourable David Onley; Lieutenant Governor of Ontario was on hand to personally congratulate all winners including the large delegation from Centre Wellington.

EDCO is the country’s largest provincial economic development association that offers this program as well as professional development opportunities throughout the year. Membership is close to 600 that come from the private and public sector.”

Congratulations to all and keep up the great work.

Elora, Fergus and Ice Fishing on Belwood Lake

noreply@blogger.com (Lloyd) — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 16:08:00 +0000

Do you ever find yourself in a situation where you want to spend the day immersed in nature, casting for trout, or sitting on a frozen lake waiting for a nice pike to make your drag sing, but your significant other has, shall we say…other plans. As I write this post it’s -15c in Southwestern Ontario, the lakes are hard as a rock and the fish are waiting.

Well if your idea of relaxation on a cold winter’s day differs from that of your spouse I just may have the compromise you’re looking for. Head to Belwood Lake near Fergus and Elora. just outside the town of Fergus where you can ply the frozen depths while those less inclined spend a great day browsing the shops and sites of beautiful

Nestled along the scenic banks of the upper Grand River the towns of Fergus and Elora boast unique shops, great scenery, and fantastic restaurants. The towns abound with artisans of all kinds and you’re sure to find something to please any taste.

Belwood Lake is a man-made flood control reservoir administered by the Grand River Conservation Authority and is just upstream of the town of Fergus. Live bait and ice hut rentals are available and the ice fishing is great. As with all good things there is often a downside; it is quite conceivable that you will run out of bait before your spouse runs out of cash and there is always the chance that you could be forgotten altogether.

Oh well, there are plenty of great B&Bs available in the area, so why not make a weekend of it. Whatever your preference, get out and enjoy our great Southern Ontario Outdoors.

The New Southern Ontario Outdoors Sleeping Dog Blog

noreply@blogger.com (Lloyd) — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 16:55:00 +0000

Welcome to the new Sleeping Dog Blog. Although this blog has been around for a couple of years it now functions as the general interest blog for Southern Ontario Outdoors and features information and articles for our new More Outdoors section that contains information about cycling, geocaching, birding, and Winter activities (cross country skiing and snowshoeing) throughout Southern Ontario.

This blog will also be used for general interest outdoor related stories that are important but don’t really fit with one of our other featured blogs (hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, or paddling).

I hope you enjoy this new addition to the Southern Ontario Outdoors website and I look forward to your comments and suggestions. If there is a specific topic you would like covered in a future article please leave a comment and let me know.

So what, or who, is Sleeping Dog? Well Sleeping Dog Marketing is the name of my company that owns and operates Southern Ontario Outdoors, Martial Arts Young and Old, Fitness with a Purpose, and manages Distinct Northern Art. I also offer freelance writing services, web design, SEO, and internet marketing services. When I’m not pounding the keyboard or wandering the nether regions of Southern Ontario you’re likely to find me teaching my new Fitness with a Purpose program – a martial arts based fitness program that I specifically designed to meet the needs of adults over 45.

The “Sleeping Dog” is my friend and constant companion Casey, the English Springer Spaniel. As CED (Chief Executive Dog) of the company he’s the best boss I’ve ever had. He always allows me to express my opinion, gives me full creative freedom, and is always happy. He is usually asleep beside my desk as I pound the keyboard during the day; hence the name Sleeping Dog.

Drop by http://www.sooutdoors.ca/ often and keep in touch with our great Southern Ontario Outdoors.

©2009 Lloyd Fridenburg – All rights reserved click here for copyright permissions

Climate Change and Wildlife Habitat

noreply@blogger.com (Lloyd) — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 19:22:00 +0000

These days we often here talk of climate change and the potential impact that global warming will have on our society. But what about the affect of climate change on wildlife and wildlife habitat.

According to Dr. Paul James, Director of Environmental Monitoring for the Province of Saskatchewan and a research fellow at the University of Regina, many of our wildlife species are completely dependant on a very narrow band of acceptable climactic and environmental conditions in order to survive. Serious study of the effects of climate change on habitat must be undertaken and planning models must be tuned to reflect the new reality.

In short, when an ecosystem undergoes a dramatic change it can no longer sustain resident and migratory wildlife populations. New species of plant and animal life take over and indigenous species disappear.

So why don’t animals and birds simply move as their habitat changes? The fact is that they do, and much can be learned by the studying the slow migration of species into regions where they were previously unknown. But what happens if they can’t move? Take the animals and birds of the northern tundra for example. They rely on food sources that are only produced in regions of permafrost. As the permafrost vanishes due to sustained periods of higher than normal temperatures new types of vegetation will take over. These species simply cannot move further north to find food sources because it will simply cease to exist.

Species like the ptarmigan, arctic fox, and polar bear will simply cease to exist. And guess what? It is very likely to happen in our lifetime. Many scientists firmly believe that this is a “when”, rather than an “if” scenario.

There are other fragile ecosystems like the prairie pothole region that runs from the north central US through Southern Manitoba, Saskatchewan, and into Southern Alberta. This ecosystem provides a stopover for almost every migratory bird along the Mississippi flyway accounting for 80% of the waterfowl in North America. This ecosystem is already at risk due to improper farming and development practices. Over the next 50 years the potholes that provide a safe secure stopover for a wide variety of waterfowl will simply cease to exist.

Don’t take my word for it! Do your own research and form your own opinion, but you will find that in spite of government rhetoric many of these changes are inevitable. Dr. James stated “Wildlife studies must now focus on how to plan for the new reality and forget about sustainable management models of the past.”

While governments dither, wildlife habitat disappears!

Visit Southern Ontario Outdoors. Your source for news, information, and destinations related to your favorite outdoors activities throughout Southern Ontario.

Bees in the Bush

noreply@blogger.com (Lloyd) — Mon, 08 Jun 2009 20:00:00 +0000

You’ve likely heard the phrase “there are two things you can count on in life; death and taxes.” Well if you venture off the beaten path in Southern Ontario I’ll add a third constant; biting insects.

We have black flies, mosquitoes, deer flies, horse flies, sand fleas, and a host of others just waiting for a tasty human snack. For the most part these miniature carnivores are nothing more than pests whose bites and stings quickly fade into the memory of your outdoor experience. But then there are bees and wasps! Bee stings in the bush, particularly in remote areas, should never be taken lightly. They’re not only painful but can, in rare circumstances, be life threatening.

If you or a companion sustain a bee sting the first thing you should do is clean the area and check to see if the stinger is still in the wound…it will often appear as a small black dot. Remove the stinger by scraping. Never squeeze the stinger as this will inject more venom into the wound. If you have ice or even cold water, put it on the sting to ease the initial pain. An antihistamine pill or anti-itch cream can be used to ease the pain and itch.

Always watch a bee sting victim for signs of nausea, dizziness, slurred speech, drowsiness, or difficulty breathing. If any of these symptoms appear call an ambulance or get the victim to a hospital as quickly as possible. Although the vast majority of people exhibit only localized discomfort, allergic reactions can be very serious and even deadly. People who know they are allergic to bee venom should always have an allergy kit (EpiPen) with them and wear a medic alert bracelet. But even those that have never displayed an allergic reaction to bee stings can suddenly become allergic. This is bad enough in a populated area, but if you’re miles from medical help it can be deadly.

Canoeists, campers, hikers, fishermen, hunters, or anyone that spends time in the wilderness should make a bee sting kit an essential part of their first aid kit…and know how to use it. What do I consider to be the wilderness; basically anyplace where you can’t reach medical help (clinic, doctor, hospital, first aid center, etc.) within a short period of time. Three quarters of bee sting victims that die from anaphylactic shock die within 45 minutes of being stung. Immediate attention is essential.

Remember that a minor mishap within easy access of medical attention can become a life threatening ordeal in the wilderness. Take time to learn the necessary skills and stay safe.

So is this cause for major concern when heading off the beaten path? I would say it is something to be aware of and prepared for rather than something to be fearful of. Statistics vary and seem to be a bit unreliable but suffice it to say that there are only between 40 and 100 deaths each year in all of North America. So I would say your odds are pretty good. Now get out and enjoy our great Southern Ontario outdoors.

©2009 Lloyd Fridenburg – All rights reserved click here for copyright permissions

Toronto Sportsmen’s Show Reacts to Misguided City of Toronto Gun Policy

noreply@blogger.com (Lloyd) — Fri, 08 May 2009 23:42:00 +0000

Several weeks ago I posted about the change of venue for the Toronto Sportsmen’s Show. I was a bit confused as to the reasons behind the move, but a conversation this week with CNSS (Canadian National Sportsmen’s Shows) VP Ray Sriubiskis certainly cleared the air.

CNSS prides itself on their promotion of sustainable multi-user practices and the inclusion of all outdoors stakeholders in their shows. This includes fishing, hunting, camping, hiking, paddling, dog training, ATV, boating, and many others. They recognize that regardless of our preferred outdoor activities we all share a common resource.

The problem is that the City of Toronto and in particular Mayor David Miller has a problem with guns. Now nobody will discount the fact that Toronto really does have a serious gun problem, but Mayor Miller likes to paint that problem with a very wide brush. He has enacted a policy that roughly states that the display, promotion, or sale of firearms is not allowed on city property. He seems to think that enacting bylaws and policies that only affect law abiding citizens will curb the illegal use of guns within city limits.

Exhibition Place and the Direct Energy building are owned by the City of Toronto and so, even though they had a 63 year relationship with CNSS, the show organizers were told that firearms could not be displayed, sold, or promoted in conjunction with the show. Now when 35% of your visitors hunt you might just want to take a step back and look at your options at this point and that’s just what CNSS did.

After carefully weighing various options, the decision was made to move to the Metro Toronto Convention Centre – which is located right in the heart of downtown Toronto. Are you confused? Well I certainly was. Remember that the promotion, display, and sale of firearms is only a “policy”, not a law, and it only applies to city owned property. Ray explained to me that it all comes down to a matter of ownership. You see the Toronto Convention Centre is owned by the Province of Ontario who fully understand and appreciate the economic contributions of hunters to provincial coffers.

Because the Toronto Convention Centre is located right in the heart of downtown Toronto one of my initial concerns was access for those of us coming from out of town. When I asked Ray about this he was very quick to respond that the improved proximity to public transit will prove to be a windfall for the show. The show is only a few steps from Union Station and within walking distance of many major hotels. Ray says that the overall quality of the venue is superior and the available space is comparable to the Direct Energy Center.

So who had the last laugh? Well it certainly wasn’t the City of Toronto who, according to Sriubiskis, will lose $750,000.00 in direct revenues and likely close to three times that amount in indirect revenues (parking, vendors, utilities, etc.). Well Mr. Miller, in my books that calculates to well over two million dollars down the toilet because of a ridiculous cosmetic, feel-good policy. Ontario doesn’t end at the Toronto City limits; it starts there!

©2009 Lloyd Fridenburg – All rights reserved click here for copyright permissions

Len Rich – Author, Writer, Conservationist, Casts His Last Line

noreply@blogger.com (Lloyd) — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 14:15:00 +0000

It wasn’t a sad affair; in fact the gathering was short on tears and long on stories of Len’s warmth, generosity and passion for the outdoors. Close to a hundred friends and family crammed into the small cabin at the Humber Springs Trout Club on April 18 for a final send off, and this was not even the formal memorial for Len. That will be held on April 25th in Clarenville Newfoundland.

You see Len, who was born and raised in Whitehall, a small town in upstate New York left for the rugged hills of Newfoundland after spending 8 years in the US military. There his love of the great outdoors took root and blossomed into a burning passion that culminated when he was presented the Canada Recreational Fisheries Award by the Governor General of Canada. He brought that love and passion to Ontario when he moved to Orangeville after the loss of his wife Ruby in 2004. Len happily shared the rest of his days with partner and writer Susan Buckle and had just moved to North Bay where they had planned to settle and explore Ontario’s northland.

Len had two driving passions in his life; writing and fly-fishing. How appropriate that the two usually became one. He was the author of several books and countless articles on the art of fly-fishing, and the winner of many writing awards to match. In the early 90’s he built and ran a premiere fly-in fishing lodge at Awesome Lake in Labrador. This too became a book “So you want to be an outfitter”.

I’ve only known Len for about 10 years but like many in the outdoors community quickly came to call him my friend. I was manning a booth for the Outdoor Writers of Canada when this large friendly man with a big belly, short white beard, and a smile like Santa came strolling over and picked up some literature. We exchanged a few pleasantries and he vanished into the crowd. A few weeks later Len sent in his application and within a year became our Eastern Director, a position he held for three years.

He not only loved to write but he loved to share his passion with other writers. He assumed the role of Chairman of OWC’s mentor program and guided many young writers as they took their first tentative steps into the world of outdoors writing. In recognition of his efforts he was presented with the Jack Davis Mentorship Award for his work with new writers.

Len was a quiet insightful man, but above all he was a doer. This never became more evident to me than in the late winter of 2008. OWC had gone through a few turbulent months where the very existence of the organization was in doubt. The worst was now over, but everyone was exhausted. This was not the time to organize a national convention. Len thought otherwise and insisted that we needed a convention to pull the organization together. As acting Executive Director at the time I was skeptical.

I have been around volunteer organizations long enough to realize that there are a lot of people that are long on rhetoric, but short on action and my guard is always up. I had no idea of the depth of his commitment to make this happen. I was elated as it soon became apparent that Len was one of the rare doers and he quickly pulled me and fellow outdoor writer Peter Wood on board. We were joined at the hip for the next three months as obstacles were overcome one by one. Len managed to pull of one of the most financially successful conventions in the history of OWC.

The bond we developed last spring endured and this summer we were to have spent some quieter time tickling the water with flies, but that was not to be as Len finally succumbed to his battle with pancreatic cancer.

As honoured as we were to be able to share in a celebration of Len’s life, Len would have been humbled and surprised by the outpouring of love and affection. You see, that’s just who Len was; a man who gave much and expected little in return. If there is a life lesson to be learned from Len it’s to give more than you get, and in return you’ll get much more than you expect.

Tight lines my friend; somehow I think you’ll be on the stream with me this summer after all.

©2009 Lloyd Fridenburg – All rights reserved click here for copyright permissions
Visit us at http://www.sooutdoors.ca

Toronto Sportsmen's Show Moving to New Digs

noreply@blogger.com (Lloyd) — Tue, 24 Mar 2009 21:19:00 +0000

It hit me like a hammer; the Toronto Sportsmen’s Show is moving! That’s right folks after 63 years at the CNE (Canadian National Exhibition) grounds Southern Ontario’s largest outdoors show, the Toronto Sportsmen’s Show, is moving to the Toronto Convention Centre.

I’m going to give this a while to sink in before wading in with my personal opinions of the move but I’m sure there will not be many fence sitters when it comes to the new venue. For those in the GTA (Greater Toronto Area) the Convention Centre is very accessible and convenient for those that use public transit. For those of us coming from out of town it’s nothing more than a logistical nightmare. Oh well, decisions are made and this was likely not a knee-jerk reaction.

For now let’s take a trip down memory lane.

The Toronto Sportsmen’s Show has been a part of my life for just about as long as I can remember, so that means that I’m only a few years shy of having been there from the beginning. My grandparents lived in the east end of Toronto when I was growing up so events like the Sportsmen’s Show provided a great, low cost way for my parents to keep us kids amused for a few hours when we made the trip from Wingham to the big city.

Up until a few years ago the Toronto Sportsman’s Show occupied the Coliseum building at the CNE. Although the larger venue provided by the Direct Energy Building was greatly needed, it did in my opinion, loose all of its character and became just another show when the move took place.

Some of my fondest memories are of jostling crowds, the smell of hay in the arena, creaking floorboards, and a multitude of stairways and hidden corridors. And then there was the ever present smell of pipe smoke. Those were the days when Brigham pipes used to sell their factory seconds for a very cheap price and were set up right across the aisle from a tobacco vendor. No, I’m not a smoker and certainly don’t advocate smoking, but that was a different era and like everyone else I became a pipe smoker for a day. To this day the smell of pipe smoke conjures up images of camping supplies, fishing tackle, and creaking floors.

I remember buying my first upscale fishing rod there; it was a Berkley Bionix and when you bought one you got a Berkley Lightning Rod for free. I never did care for the Bionix, but the Lightning Rod has accompanied me on every fishing trip since the mid 70’s and has landed – and lost – tons of fish.

Over the years we have bought tents, backpacks, fishing tackle, and every new gadget on the market. You know, now that I think of it the move to the Convention Centre may not be that much of a stretch. The move from the Coliseum for me was like loosing an old, albeit smoky, friend.

The great outdoors is still very much alive in Southern Ontario and the Toronto Sportsmen’s Show, regardless of the venue, will always be a memorable part of it.

©2009 Lloyd Fridenburg – All rights reserved click here for copyright permissions

The Ultimate Kayak for Southern Ontario Urbanites

noreply@blogger.com (Lloyd) — Sat, 07 Mar 2009 15:54:00 +0000

When I meet other outdoor enthusiasts it’s only a matter of time before the discussion turns to our shared passion for outdoor pursuits. When we talk about canoes and kayaks there seems to be a common concern amongst urbanites, who make up the vast majority of outdoor enthusiasts in Southern Ontario; that is, storage and transportation.

“Man, I’d love to own a kayak to take along camping or to use for a leisurely paddle down one of Southern Ontario’s many rivers, but I just don’t have room to keep it. I live in an apartment and drive a compact car. It’s just not worth the hassle.”

If that thought echoes true with you then get ready for something that will blow you away, and still leave a bit of coin in your wallet. Ever heard of a company called Folbot? Did you know that they have been building folding kayaks for ¾ of a century? Well neither had I until recently.

I must admit that I haven’t actually slipped into the cockpit of a Folbot yet, but the concept certainly has me intrigued. Their lineup ranges from two seater sea kayaks to smaller kayaks weigh in at a mere 24 pounds, and slip into a backpack that will comfortably fit into virtually any back seat or trunk. Some models are even compact enough to strap on your back while you’re biking. Just imagine biking to the stream or lake with your watercraft on your back. Talk about the ultimate eco friendly solution!

You can learn more about these practical folding kayaks at http://www.folbot.com/. And you can watch a video and judge for yourself at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EAxzQWhaaZQ. According to David AvRutick, President of Folbot, all North American sales (including Canada) are direct from factory to the customer, and each kayak comes with a 30 day “no questions asked” return policy and a lifetime warranty.

Myself, I’ve never owned a kayak for the simple reason that the garage is already full. But, I do think I can find a place for one of these compact wonders. Hmm, I wonder if I can slide this one past my wife.

Southern Ontario is an oasis of waterways. We have everything from the Great Lakes to shallow marshlands; from the mighty Niagara River to the gentle Grand or Thames. Whatever your preference or mode of transportation, get out and enjoy Southern Ontario’s waterways this spring.

Be sure to visit us a Southern Ontario Outdoors.

©2009 Lloyd Fridenburg – All rights reserved click here for copyright permissions

Seasons Greetings from the Sleeping Dog

noreply@blogger.com (Lloyd) — Fri, 19 Dec 2008 18:57:00 +0000

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all my outdoors friends. Thanks to all who are following this blog; your comments and suggestions will help me provide you with even better items throughout 2009.

All I can say is “man what a year”! It seems that any conservation initiatives have been steamrollered by the economy. Hopefully some of the federal infrastructure initiatives will include habitat restoration and outdoors recreational efforts.

With the election of an new, and hopefully forward thinking, President in the US and a Prime Minister in Canada the is starting to realize that he’s there to support the will of the people and not his own personal agenda, perhaps…just perhaps…environmental issues will make their way back onto the front page.

The technologies exist today to make a tremendous change in the way all North Americans interact with our environment. All that has been missing from the equation is political will. Our collective politicians have shown that they are able to make tough decisions where the economy is concerned; perhaps they will show just as much common sense where the environment is concerned.

Detailed study of wildlife is one of the most important barometers to gage the impact of climate change. This is not the place to cut funding, rather it is a place to increase funding and create jobs that will provide our elected officials with the hard data that’s necessary to make the tough decisions.

Well enough ranting for now…we can only hope.

If your planning a trip to Southern Ontario or if you live here and are looking for the best source for outdoors information be sure to check out www.sooutdoors.ca. Within the next month I will be adding a huge interactive database to the site that will allow visitors to quickly zoom in on a broad range of outdoors information. Read the blogs, check the calendars and join our outdoors forum. “We’ll get you So…Outdoors!”

“Peace on earth; good will toward men.”

SD

Preserving the Waters of the Great Lakes

noreply@blogger.com (Lloyd) — Thu, 30 Oct 2008 19:35:00 +0000

ONTARIO APPLAUDS U.S. RATIFICATION OF
GREAT LAKES WATER COMPACT

On October 3, United States President George W. Bush signed the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin Water Resources Compact. His signature followed the ratification of the compact by eight Great Lakes states - Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin - and the U.S. Congress. This step enacts in U.S. law a historic cross-border partnership among Ontario, Quebec and the Great Lakes states to protect the waters of the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin.

In 2005, Premier Dalton McGuinty, Quebec Premier Jean Charest and the governors of the eight states signed a good-faith agreement protecting the waters of the basin. The states also endorsed a companion interstate compact.

The agreement and the compact:
• place a virtual ban on removing or transferring water out of the Great Lakes-St. Lawrence River Basin;

• establish a common, basin-wide standard for managing the resource;

• set goals and objectives for conserving water; and

• commit the parties to creating a science strategy for critical issues facing the Great Lakes, such as the impacts of climate change and the cumulative effects of water use.

The terms of the agreement were incorporated in Ontario's 2007 Safeguarding and Sustaining Ontario's Water Act. Quebec’s National Assembly voted to endorse the agreement and tabled legislation in June. With the U.S. ratification of the compact, the terms of the agreement and compact will apply throughout the Great Lakes states.

This international partnership is a landmark in cooperation among governments and across borders. In addition to this partnership, the advice and input of a multi-party advisory panel, Ontario First Nations and the public was critical in helping Ontario pursue a strong agreement.
The Great Lakes are of vital importance to Ontario, and we look forward to collaborating with our neighbours. Most Ontario residents get their drinking water from the Great Lakes Basin and it supports more than half of Canada’s manufacturing output, a quarter of the country's agriculture and $300 billion annually in trade between Ontario and the U.S.

The Great Lakes agreement and compact are part of Ontario's long-term plan to work with other governments and partners to protect, restore and sustain the Great Lakes for the benefit of Ontarians now and in the future.