Living the life of Raithby

Pooley Canyon, Windy Arm

2011-10-30T19:50:00.000-04:00

Windy Arm of Tagish lake has a long mining history.
Dan Kemble and his son Wes talked Rob Macdonald, Dick Eastmure and myself into a hike to the old mine site in Pooley Canyon. Big hike...a couple of thousand feet up...hands and knees stuff...and a steep drop into the Pooley Canyon and the Vaults mine site.
The mine operated for about 10 years...until the price of silver dropped. At the base of the moutain was a small town named after the mining promoter, John Conrad. The town had about 200 inhabitants, stores, churches, hotels, restaurants, baths and laundry, a post office, a mining recorder's office as well as regular steamboat service from Carcross. There was talk at one time of extending the White Pass line to Conrad.

One steep climb....even for the goats.

Rest spot half way up.

You can see a tiny waterfall center right of photo. To get there we still need to go up a few hundred feet before we can drop into the Pooley Canyon

Center photo...old tramway tower. Cost $80,000 to build in 1905. It was to run 18,697 feet from a small bay on Windy Arm, just north of the mouth of Montana Creek, to the Mountain Hero claim, 3,464 feet above the level of the lower terminal. Crossing over two canyons, the tramway was designed with the longest span between towers in the world, 2,960 feet. The tram had carts to carry the ore as well as single seats for the miners to ride up to the work site....the first ski lift!

Looking down into Pooley and the mine site at the waterfall.

The creek that flows down Pooley Canyon starts behind Montana Mtn.

Looking out the cabin window down the valley.

The view down to Windy Arm. One steep Canyon....easy to see the only way into the canyon is to get above it and drop in.

Still standing....old tram tower.

Fall Falls...High Falls and Little High Falls

2011-10-14T12:03:00.000-04:00

Kirk Wipper

2011-03-23T19:27:00.000-04:00

Kirk Albert Walter Wipper

Since I heard the news of Kirk’s passing, I have been thinking a lot of Kandalore and the influences that special place had on my character. It has been over 30 years since I was last there but the memories flowed in like a warm tide. Kirk may most be remembered as a U of T professor or for starting the Canadian Canoe Museum or his devotion to camping life but I most remember him as the guy who ran Camp Kanalore.

I was a little homesick camper in 1968 when I first arrived for a months stay. Looking back, I think that Kirk was the first adult I addressed by his first name…he wasn’t Mr Wipper…he was Kirk.

The focus was always tripping. Even at 9 we went on a three day canoe trip. It was a loop up to Shelborne and Little Hawk Lake and the dreaded Saskatchewan portage. In later years it was the Montreal River with Jim Raffin, the Kipawa with Terry Thomas and Dave Fallis, Maple Mountain, a gruelling trip down the Nipissing in Algonquin Park and a survival trip out of Garden Island with Muldoon.

Other thoughts of camp life have been rolling in my mind. Johnny Cake and Yorgan’s Revenge. Indian Council ring. Being a Voyageur! Dressed in our whites walking single file and silently to Chapel Island. Last night fires. The promise of Free Tuck! Changing the flags as a CIT in the tower at the waterfront. The Ghost!

I also remember campers and staff. Geoff and Dave Moon. The Lyon brothers. Frank Fadore, Dave Coffee. Fellow Muskokan George Anderson. Dave Brown and many, many others.

Kandalore was Kirk’s place. It was his agenda and he set the tone. As a young lad, you couldn’t ask for a better role model or a better place to spend your summers.

I have three boys who have all experience summer camp. My youngest is a LIT this coming summer. The value of summer camp is unquestionable. Learning to live in a group, picking up camping skills or just sitting around a fire telling stories are memories that I, and my kids, will carry forever.

I only saw Kirk once in the last thirty years. I do wish I had told him the impact Kandalore had on my life. I will be forever greatful.

March break get a way

2011-03-19T17:55:00.000-04:00

Took a couple of days off work and headed to the cottage.

There is no road access in the winter but the ice is still good and thick so it was an easy walk down the lake.

A couple of days of doing nothing…reading, eating and drinking wine.

Went for a nice walk on Friday. The only thing skidoos are good for is building a good base to walk in the woods. The skidoo trial was as wide as a road. I googled earthed it when I got home and it looks like an old logging road that goes way back into the crown land….looks like a spring mtn bike trip to see where it goes.

Even had a very rare March thunderstorm on Thursday night!

On the way home, we dropped in and had dinner with friends in Parry Sound and we to the Stockey Centre to see Joel Plaskett.

A little scare....

2011-02-19T16:44:00.001-05:00

Just a little scare…..We spent a couple of days in Collingwood skiing this month. The house we stayed at was brand new…even had that new car smell. While we were there, I wasn’t feeling all that great. Couldn’t sleep and was having a hard time catching my breath.

When we got back to Bracebridge, I thought I should go to the clinic and see what was wrong. I do have allergies and get shots on a bi-weekly basis so I thought I had a lung or sinus infection. I just couldn’t get a full breath….didn’t feel like I had any capacity in my lungs.

Doctor says…”any stress in your life?”

I say,” Well…I work in a prison so there is always an edge”

He says…and I am not kidding here…”maybe you had a heart attack.”

If that doesn’t raise you stress level, nothing will.

Next thing I am at the hospital all wired up, chest x-rays and blood taken.

A couple of hours later…they find nothing and send me home. But I had a follow up appointment with a heart guy.

A week later I am all wired up again and riding a bike in the doctor’s office. Riding a bike is no big deal for me so I passed with flying colours.

So what caused all this?

The doc thinks (and I agree) that is was caused by all the toxics and other crap that comes with new carpeting. The place we stayed at had brand new carpet throughout so I was having a reaction to that.

Thank goodness we have hardwood floors in our house!

The Frost

2011-02-12T19:27:00.000-05:00

Neil's Lunch

It’s Canadian Marathon weekend in Quebec. Steph, Pam and Anne are there kicking butt I am sure. Didn’t go to Quebec so today we skied the Frost.

The Frost Centre has 20 odd km of groomed trails through hardwood bush and cedar lowlands. It was a prefect day for a ski. Minus 8 and the sun was shinning.

Sugar Shack

The Front has a couple of cabins along the way where the very friendly volunteer staff start the fires in the morning. These volunteers are happy to have visitor and are knowledgeable about trails and terrain.

This is also an oppertunity to plan a hot lunch. Neil brought a loaf of bread filled with cheese, raspberry jam and chocolate! We brought along some pulled pork. Each cabin has a wood stove so a perfect place to warm up your lunch and have a rest.

The trails were in great shape thanks to lots of new snow and a good groomer. Sugar Shack and icefalls along the way.

We really have had a good cross country season. The weather is going to turn warm this week with a threat of rain….hopefully that is just weatherman talk.

Cross Country and Kolapore

2011-02-03T19:17:00.000-05:00

When I first started cross country skiing in Ontario, I was living in Meaford. We had some local favourite places to ski…Owen Sound at the falls, the Lorri Trails on top of Georgian Peaks…but the best place was the Kolapore Forrest.
There are 50 km of bush trails. Hardwood forest, cedar wetlands and forgotten farm land that has returned to bush. We skied there quite a bit. I use to take the kids from Blue Hills Farm there every Saturday. We had old three pin binding, some had fish scales and others waxed. Skis were wider and shorter.

Since I moved to Muskoka, my skiing has changed. We have track set groomed trails here. Provincial Parks and other private operators have changed the skiing terrain. Track set trails mean that the snowplow technique is rarely used. If you want to slow down a bit in track set, you just need to step out with one ski. On track set corners, you just lean into them. Stay in the tracks and don’t loose speed. Skied are narrow and longer now too.

A trip back to Kolapore was a trip to old school skiing too. Shorter, wider skies would have worked much better. Because there is no groom track set, you need shorter skies to snow plow and get your back tips out wide enough. Consequently, I had a few big falls. Back country skiing is not for speed. That isn’t the point of back country at all. I do love Kolapore but will have to get a hold of some slower, wider and shorter skies next time.

On top of Red Death!

After a day of cross country, we went to Osler. Major snow strom in Ontario so there was a foot for fresh powder and only 100 people on the hill.

Christmas

2010-12-31T13:37:00.001-05:00

Grandma made every grandkid a scarf to match their school colours!

Happy New Year!

The Royal...where Country meets City

2010-11-21T18:42:00.001-05:00

Went to the Royal Winter fair last weekend. Pigs and chickens, Cows and goats and a whole lot of things I don't understand.

For example....butter sculptures!

This guys job is to clean the cows ass...nice work!

The Raithby Plate for best Jersey herd.

The Cowgirls

Sketeton Season

2010-11-06T17:31:00.000-04:00

It’s Skeleton Season. Not so much because of Halloween. It’s all those bare trees.
November is that dull month. Darker, wetter and with little colour. The snow that does show only hints at what is to come and doesn’t last but a few hours.

This is a good time of year to start planning for next summer adventures. I am usually a way ahead of that game but in some cases, you need to be in order to get the spots you want. We have already booked into Silent Lake Provincial Park for a weekend of Yurt camping in March. If you are not prepared to plan ahead for this kind of booking, all the sites will be gone.

I am going to get my Mariposa Folk Festival tickets too. The early bird weekend pass cost the same as only the Saturday pass on the weekend of the show. At this point, no one is even booked to play but I have never been disappointed.

The Loppet weekends are all booked too. The Muskoka Loppet, Parry Sound Sounder and the Blue Sky Loppet in North Bay are all on the calendar. Not going to Quebec for the Marathon this year….next year I guess.

Well…cheers to snow that stays and the promise of a deep white winter.

Thanksgiving

2010-10-10T20:43:00.001-04:00

Fall in Muskoka and the leaves are pretty well done. A little rain and wind will knock the last of them to the ground. It has been a beautiful fall for sure.
We now head into the grey season. Little colour, damp and dark...waiting patiently for the snow but that is still a couple of months away.

Had a little pre-Thanksgiving trip to the Naiscout. Thank goodness Carol and Steve put a woodstove in the cabin....we sure needed it.

Had the whole family home for Thanksgiving. Fourteen for dinner...lots of fun.

Thanksgiving wouldn't be complete without the "turkey trot" to Hogarths cabin for Sunday turkey sandwiches on Don's scones.

The final event on our busy fall is the annual Boy's golf weekend at Dave Harris's cottage at Southamptom. I am not much of a golfer but managed to beat Dave in the spring and the fall. It is a father/son thing but I have yet to manage to bring my boys along...maybe in the spring.Always the planner... looking at a few winter events. Of course, got to hand out the Raithby award at the Royal Winter Fair. Skiing at Blue and yurt camping at Silent Lake are already on the calendar. More weekends to fill up.

Summer Scenes

2010-09-05T13:45:00.000-04:00

Summer is swinging into Fall and the annual trip to Killbear is coming. Thought I would share some photos of the summer excitement.

A couple of canoe trips to a couple of secret locations

Jack rodeo swan riding

A year later....

2010-07-07T19:24:00.000-04:00

Went for a bike ride yesterday. First time on my bike in well over six week. Back pain is finally going away. I have discovered that it takes a bit longer to heal as you get older.

Well it is have to believe that it was a year ago I was doing my final packing and starting to ship bike stuff up to the Yukon. It is well overdue for a few thank you too. While I must admit my disappointment still rings in not achieving my goal…to spend all that time in planning, training, anticipating and being so public about it….is somewhat depressing.
Would I do it again? For consideration at this point.

There are some good folks who need some recognition for their efforts in helping get there. Firstly, I would like to thank Cadeyrn Craig for Axiom Gear. As well as providing me with some great bike gear, they allowed me to write a blog entry on their website. I rode a Norco Quest (Norco and Axiom are of the same family) and it was a wonderful bike for touring. In order to cover my travel cost, I ended up selling the Quest in Whitehorse but am sure the new owner is happy with it.

BOB trailer were also helpful on 2 counts. Firstly, providing me with a trailer that I was able to auction to raise fund for the Ride to Conquer Cancer and for also providing me with a trailer for the trip.

Jeff Clarkson of Schwalbe Tires offered good advice and a set of Marathon tires. Absolutely the best tires available for this type of venture.

Cliff Bars provide energy bars and drinks and they were all used up.

Genuine Innovations provided some tire pumps as well as a generous donation to the Ride to Conquer Cancer.

Mountain equip coop provided a tent...a nice lightweight biking tent.

Nielsen Bike, in Bracebridge, provided ongoing support prior to the trip, helping pack my bike and offering sage advise along the way.

Icycle Bike in Whitehorse was a great help….had a bit of a pre-trip accident and they were there to help me get he bike ready and on the plane.

An last but not least, Lynne McKinney at 3W Solutions for creating a beautiful website and providing updates for me along the way.

All the above have links from my website.

I would be remised if I did not mention all the support I received from my pals as well. Certainly my family was supportive. Numerous adjustments in my real life had to occur for me to fund this trip and take six weeks off of work.

Mike and Donna MacMillian in Whitehorse were kind enough to be my northern base. They received all the gear I sent up, offered me a place to stay pre and post trip and shuttled me back and forth from the airport.

Doug Hunter, in Dawson, took me in when I rode back to Dawson and was a great host.

Cath Constable and Lib Barlow offered support and friendship upon my return to Whitehorse as well. All appreciated.

Of course, my family from the Carcross Community….lots of support at the Reunion Crowd.

It was a great venture. Good to spend that much time by myself. I enjoyed the planning as much as the ride. I talked to Mike this past week. They are having a cooler summer this year and there is currently only one fire burning in the Yukon….what a difference a year make.

Father Son Weekend in Algonquin

2010-05-18T16:05:00.001-04:00

Algonquin Father/Son Weekend

Last weekend we all headed to Algonquin Park for the annual Father/Son weekend. This event has been going on for at least 10 years starting when Sam and Ellis were wee tots. All but one of these weekend adventures has taken place at Algonquin. We did go to Killbear Provincial Park one year but discovered a “drinking band” until after the May 24 weekend.
There is a little bit of drinking going on so Algonquin fits the bill.

With the kids getting older, it is harder for some sons to commit. I only brought one of my boys this year. Johnny even came solo. I do think that even when the kids can’t make it at all, I still will make the trip.

We went a couple of weeks later than usual….which worked out pretty good. The last two weekends have been a bust with rain and snow. We had a cloudy day on Saturday but Sunday was like a day in the middle of August. We were there just before the blackfies too.

This past weekend was stellar. Ten kids and five dads.
This year we took at hike up the Lookout trail. Poor Rob, because he has a fear of heights, couldn’t bring himself to get to close to the cliff’s edge. (How can a guy who is 6’4” be afraid of heights…how does he get out of bed in the morning!)

A long bike ride on Sunday topped off the weekend. And, of course, a number of moose sightings. There are a whole lot of moose in Algonquin. In the spring they are attracted to the road sides to get away from the bugs and to drink out of the salt leaden puddles along the highway.

Next year we are taking canoes and hoping for sunny weather and a day trip down the Madawaska River.

"Throw me a Keystone Light, you Nancy!

Easter Weekend Run

2010-04-08T12:58:00.000-04:00

Easter weekend

Easter weekend means a trip to Toronto to celebrate with family. This year trip also included the family participating in the Harry’s Spring Run off. This is a Harry Rosen sponsored 5km run in High Park in support of Prostrate Cancer Research.

Let’s be clear here…I am not a runner. I fail to see the appeal. However, I may be a sucker when charity participation come into effect. Unlike most of the Harry runs, it was beautiful, sunny and high in the low 20s on run day. No snow this year! There were 4700 runners….some doing the 8 km option and some doing the 5 km option. This event raised $360,000!

This run takes place every Easter weekend. There was talk in the family about making this an annual event. Uncle John was clear that this was a one time thing for him!

Yurt Camping

2010-03-11T17:40:00.000-05:00

Yurt Camping

After a few years of discussion and missing the opportunity, we finally went Yurt Camping last weekend. I have Yurt camped before. We have a boy’s weekend in Algonquin every spring. When the kids were younger, we put them all in the Yurt. The Algonquin Yurts have electric heat so we could be ensured that at least the kids would stay warm.

We spent last weekend at Silent Lake Provincial Park. This is a beautiful park, just south of Bancroft, with only 167 summer sites. The park surrounds the lake so boat traffic is limited to canoes and kayaks. There are over 30 km of mountain bike trails too.

They offer 6 yurts for winter camping but it was quite a different experience than Algonquin. The first difference is that there is no road access. All your gear gets loaded on a Gator and you ride in old skidoo sleds behind and get pulled to your site. The park provides fire wood and drinking water and actually delivers that to your yurt. Each yurt has a small wood stove and two double bunk beds…very comfy to say the least.

We lucked out with the weather too. It was beautiful plus 5 during the day and the sun shone bright. We hiked and skied and went for long walks on the lake. There are over 30 km of ski trailer at Silent Lake but the warm weather had softened them up pretty good.

The Ride to Conquer Cancer

2010-02-21T17:43:00.000-05:00

The Ride to Conquer Cancer

The last two years, I have participated in the Princess Margaret’s fundraising bike ride. It is called the Ride to Conquer Cancer. This is a 2 day event that starts at the CNE in Toronto and ends at Niagara Falls. The overnight stop is in Hamilton. The total distance is 200 kms.

The ride is well organized and both years have seen perfect weather. Over three thousand riders in all participate. Overt the past two years, 28 million dollars has been raised. During that time, I was able to raise over $6000. The first year I rode with Vicki Dechert and my sister-in-law, Nancy Palmer. The second year Vicki brought along her 13 year old son. Young Kai is a cancer survivor.

When the registration opened this year, I thought I would give it a pass. I was just back from the Yukon and had my fill of riding for a while. The word is out about what a great experience this is so the registration was full and closed well before Christmas. I am regretting not registering now.

Cancer has likely touched you. I know that in my own life, it has had an impact. My wife is a survivor. My dad and my uncle both lost battles and my aunt Zoie is struggling hard right now.
This ride is an oppertunity to give back. Some people can give back by riding and others by providing financial support. Each rider must raise a minimum of $2500 to participate.

Instead of riding, I am throwing my support behind a couple of riders.

My good friend Vicki is riding again this year but with a difference. There is a 200 mile option (160 kms a day) and she has signed up for that. That is one long ride.

Local councel representative Scott Young is riding again this year too. He is riding for his mother who has fought and won several battles.

If you feel compelled to donate to either of these riders, please follow the link below and click on "Ontario" and then "donate". Just enter their name in the spaces and their homepage will come up. A tax reciept is issued right away too.

http://www.conquercancer.ca/

Canadian Ski Marathon

2010-02-15T09:14:00.001-05:00

Canadian Ski Marathon ‘10

We headed out Friday to Montebello Quebec for our third visit to the Canadian Ski Marathon. There was a last minute change in the usual 160 km linear course because of lack of snow. The compromise was an 80 km loop….actually a figure 8.

With -6 temps and generally good conditions, we got on the bus to head out to our starting checkpoint.

We didn’t start at section one in Montebello. Talking to a few skiers afterwards, that was a good idea. It was rock skiing close to Montebello and very tough going. There was very little snow in the Ottawa Valley but the further we got up the valley, the better the conditions got.

Steph, Pam, Sheryl and Dave at a check point. Linda and Steph at start

The new course was wonderful. We skied 44 km the first day and never crossed a road.
When you get to a check point, you kick off your skies and hand them to the ski waxers!
Lots of food and drink to top yourself up and then on your way again before the cold catches you.

Usually the set up is 15 -18 kms better check in station so going 23 km followed by another 21 kms was tough….sure out of gas by the end.

Coureur des Bois skiing 160 km and sleeping out too!

Sunday was beautiful too. Our first section was a long 23 kms and it was perfect. Good snow and a fast track. The last section was only 5 kms long and the conditions were less than desirable....a little stubble and dirt.

Lots of fun and a good challenge too.

Hats of to Paul, Dave and Glen who completed 160 Km in the two days and also to Annabelle Nicholson who did the same!

Jack, Bray and Linda at the check station

Angus and the Cowgirls

Valdy and I

2010-01-27T23:20:00.000-05:00

Last night was the kick off concert for the 53rd annual Port Sydney Winter Carnival.
Concert night at the Community Centre. This intimate venue sat about 100 people and pizza and beer were for sale.
The show started with a set by Tina Turley. She was follow by Linda Mclean. I had seen both performers before at the Empire Hotel benefit. They were pumped and put on a great show for the hometown crowd.
The headliner was Valdy. I had an opportunity to talk to him before the set….we had a chat about the Carcross Community School. I do recall hearing a story about Valdy being at the school in ’75. There is a photo of him playing on the front steps. We talked about the Yukon and he reminisced about Geroge Stokes and, of course, “dear Rosemary”. His voice is still great and he entertained the crowd with some wonderful stories.

Valdy, John Switzer, Linda Mclean and Tina Turley.

He now lives on Salt Spring island…as well as Rose. I asked him if he know Libby Barlow. He didn’t know she was also at the Community School but Libby is his wife’s chiropractor! He is on his way to the Yukon next week to play a fundraiser for the Yukon Quest dog sled race.

When Linda Maclean introduced her band, I recognize the name of the bass player…. John Switzer. I spoke with him at intermission. His dad and mine went to University together. I recall he started his career playing with Jane Sibery. (now known as Issa)

And it is a small world…you see Jane Sibery real name is Jane Stewart and she grew up in my neighbourhood.

Take a Seat

2010-01-21T19:12:00.000-05:00

Two nights with week, we took our annual trip to Huntsville to see the Banff Mountain Film Festival tour.
Two night of wonderful films…adventure base docs. Skiing, climbing, kayaking and such.
The first night we saw a wonderful film entitled “Finding Farley”. This isn’t a story about the Dawson’s dog but story of one family tour of most of Canada by canoe to visit Farley Mowat.

My favorite, by far, was a biking movie. It was the story of a biker named Dominic Gill and his ride from Prudhoe Bay in Alaska to the most southern tip of Argentina. … a little 29,000 km bikes ride. The difference here from most biking tours is that he rode a tandem bike…a 2 seater…and pick up volunteers along the way to help him ride. In fact, over the 18 months it took to complete this ride, he had over 260 “helpers” ride with him. (maybe I should have rode a tandem on the Dempster)

A fun flick…well worth catching. Check out the Banff Mountain Film site to see if the tour is coming close to you. Also check out the ride on Dominic’s website at http://www.takeaseat.org/ Lots of good information and photos too.
I stole this photo from the site….hope you don’t mind, Dom.

Ontario Winter Games Cross Country

2010-01-17T11:18:00.000-05:00

When it comes to Cross Country Skiing….television wins. This sport use to be about long distance classic skiing. Pretty tough to follow with TV. The new and sexy skiing is skate sprints…800 meters races of skier directly skiing against other skiers. Fast, thrilling…roller derby on skis.

This past weekend was the Cross Country skiing events for the Ontario Winter Games. The Games do really take place until March but the first week in March is the National Championships in Whitehorse so the skiing was moved up to January.

I volunteered as a starter. There were over 100 participants from throughout the Province. Serious competition for sure. All skiers race individually against the clock to establish their place in the heats. Once done, skiers are grouped into a race of six. The faster to advance to the next round.

As a starter, I get to talk to all the kids…briefly anyway. One guy comes up to the line and I notice he is from Thunder Bay and his last name is Pendziwol. I ask him if he has an aunt in the Yukon and low and behold…he does. Small world, Donna!

Next weekend is the Muskoka Loppet. We sure could use some fresh snow!

lazy post....

2010-01-13T20:02:00.000-05:00

I have a few ideas I need to put to blog...but am all tied up with stuff and seem to have little time to write these days....so, how about a photo of Grandma and the grandkids...

So long 2009....

2009-12-29T21:35:00.001-05:00

So there is now a potential of a Carcross Reunion in 2014….so it gets me to thinking about the Dempster again. It was quite a trip, regardless of the disappointment. About a year and a half of energy, planning and anticipation gone with a lot of smoke….so yes, I was disappointed and feeling a bit bummed about the whole thing.

There are a whole lot of things that were right. Gear, food and bike for sure. I have mixed feelings about the BOB trailer. It is great for around town…trips to the grocery store and such but I think I would be more mobile without it and with a set of front panniers instead.

I would know what to expect this time too. I think my expectations on the distances I could achieve were a little high. I had read many blogs about guys doing the trip in 10 days or better but those guys are 25 years younger than me and most have far more touring experience than me too. In fact, for most of them, the Dempster was just a small part of an extended trip.

I would also do it before the Reunion instead of after. I was emotionally drained to begin the trip from the high of the Hippy School reunion and I think that also played a part.

If, and it is still an if, I do this in 5 years time, I will fly to Dawson and ask Doug to drive me to Tombstone and start riding from there. That would eliminate the 100 km of uphill I have already done. Maybe the goal with be the Arctic Circle instead of Inuvik…but I do have time to consider that.

I have done little since my return but gain some weight. I am so out of shape right now.

But it is New Years and time to turn the corner. Ski season is now here so I need to dig deep and start getting healthy again. A new year and some new goals. Starting with a bit of a deficit but no where to go but up.

Here's to 2010!

Year end list

2009-12-18T15:32:00.000-05:00

It is the time of year when every music magazine shows off their top list. I am feeling a little out of touch.

I got my Rolling Stone magazine yesterday in the mail complete with multiple year and decade ending list. Top 50 songs of the year, top 50 albums of the decade, top 100 songs of the decade and so on…
When I had a look at the top 50, I realized that I could only recognise about 10% of the artist. Most of them I had never heard of. Sure I have heard of Lady Gaga, Beyonce, and the Kings of Leon but if I heard them on the radio, I wouldn’t be able to tell Gaga from googoo. There are lots of artist that I have never heard of….Gorillaz, OutKast, The Flaming Lips???
I am really that out of touch? I do have teen age boys but two of the three listen to what I listen too. So it got me to thinking….

There are a few artists who have been around forever and they still show up on the year end list. I am glad they still have an impact. Springsteen…U2. When it comes to top albums of the decade, I recognise a few more…Dylan, Leonard Cohen, Arcade Fire…
Most of the artist I listen to, I got tuned onto very early in their careers. I was hooked on Springsteen’s when “Greetings from Ashbury Park” came out….way before anyone had heard of Bruce. I loved U2’s rawness in “Boy”. Just listen to The Hip’s “Up to Here” and you will know what I mean.
My music tastes are still deep in the folk scene. Willie P Bennet, Cockburn, Neil (of course), Mitchell…etc.
I do keep my ear to the ground to catch new emerging artist. Folk Festival line ups, club listing are a good source but the best source is the good old CBC. Patrick Watson, the Great Lake Swimmers, Kathleen Edwards and Fiest are just a few artists that introductions came through CBC.
Lately, I am hooked on the sound of Karyn Ellis.

Her new album “Even though the Sky was Falling” is just a gem. This Toronto based indie artist has created a sound that is both new and sentimental. I love her quirky twist of word. Songs of love lost and longing memories. Joy and beauty. All this and a stunning voice too. (sort of Jane Siberryish…if that’s a word!)The surprise also comes with the soft cello, subtle singing horns. From “Be my Girl” to Motorcycle Ride”, this album is full of intimate tunes that pull at your heartstrings. Ordinary life gone better.

Check out the link and have a listen.
http://www.karynellis.com/

..ok...it can stop now....

2009-12-11T19:47:00.001-05:00

This is the third "snow day" in a row. The roads are a mess and the highway closed.

Staying home with some red wine it the right thing to do.

Form this last Sunday....
To this Sunday...

Snow....Finally!

2009-12-06T14:09:00.000-05:00

Snow….wonderful snow.
It has been a warm snowless fall but it has finally arrived!
This time last year we were already skiing for a few weeks. Snow today and the long range looks good.

We are volunteering at the Ontario Winter Games in January and well as skiing in the Muskoka Loppet the week later. A week after that is the Parry Sound Sounder….a beautiful up and down course.

Two weeks after that is the Canadian Ski Marathon in Montebello Quebec. There is quite the entourage from Muskoka making the trip. This is our third time going and we will be trying to ski 100 kilometres in two days this year.
But first, we needed the snow. It is tough to keep in shape between bike seasons and ski season. No excuses now! Especially with the season of Christmas upon us…too much eating, visiting and a few beers to work against staying in shape.

Ski Marathon 2008
Bring it on!

Santa Claus Parade '75

2009-11-18T15:04:00.000-05:00

The Santa Claus Parade was last weekend in Toronto….that brought back a story of my youth…
Back in High School, I know this guy named John Eareaux. His dad worked for Eatons and back then, Eatons ran the Santa Clause Parade.
We were lucky enough to be chosen to be in the parade…as upside down clowns!
I was pretty excited about this….we even got the clown costumes ahead of time and spent Friday night running around the neighbourhood all dressed up.
Saturday morning I was at the dairy working for Dad. One of the machines seemed to be plugged…so…I foolishly pulled out the safety cap and stuck my hand up the machine to see what was stuck….the next thing I knew…the end of my finger was cut off!
Of course it was pretty busy at the dairy and Dad didn't have time to drive me to the hospital right away. John Derry (actual name) was loading his truck for deliveries to the west end so Dad had him drop me off at the Hospital on his way out the Lakeshore.
Four hours later (I will spare you the details), I was all bandaged up and ready to go. I had lost about 1/2 an inch of my middle finger…while somewhat traumatic, not such a big deal.
When I told the doctor that I was going to be an upside down clown the next day in the Santa Claus parade….he told me that was not advisable.

I had to explain to him that the upside down clowns don't really walk on their hands.

Neil and Gord

2009-11-15T16:53:00.000-05:00

You see…it was Neil birthday and Gord was playing in Orillia.
Now Neil is a big big fan of Mr Lightfoot. The first song he ever played on a guitar was “Early Morning Rain". He had seen Lightfoot numerous times over the past 30 years but a home town show would be special. Especially since it was on his 55 birthday. Gord is turning 71 later this week.
Neil’s wife Barb wrote Gord and expressed Neil’s love of his music and hoped that Gord would wish him a happy birthday during the show.
The show was great and the band was tight. Gord’s voice has loss some depth but he interacted with the audience and seemed to be really enjoying himself.
At the end of the show, we all went up to the stage in hopes that Gord would come out and say hello. There were about 20 people lined up in front of the stage but I said to Neil…”he is an old guy….he is not going to come out on the stage and bend over to talk to people…he is going to come out the side door”. We positioned ourselves beside this door and sure enough….out came Gord.
Neil and Gord meet and Neil introduce himself and mention the letter that Barb had sent.
“Oh…your Neil!” said Gord with a smile on his face. He had meant to mention Neil’s birthday during the concert but had forgotten. They had a good chat…Neil got his autograph and presented Gord with a copy of his CD.
I don’t think Neil’s feet are touching the ground just yet.

Small World but wouldn't want to paint it.

2009-11-09T18:39:00.000-05:00

I move to the Carcross Community School in '77.

Here is a story from the "small world but I wouldn't want to paint it' file.

When I first arrived at Carcross, I lived in the big building for a bit and then in the Yellow house with Duck and Lee. At the end of the summer, I took a little tour outside. I took the train to Skayway (the raod wasn't built) and the ferry down the coast to Prince Rupert. I continued on to Prince George and eventually returned to Carcross the second week on September. All the students had arrived and I moved up to the cabin on the hill with Lavel, Janis Clark, Dirk, Anne Nicholson, Carol Ruhnke and, I think, Mark Witt.

Janis Clark, Stanleigh Cole and Carol Ruhnke at the Carcross desert.

Carol and I were comparing notes one night and found out that our grandparents use to live next store to each other in Guelph Ontario. In fact, Carol's dad and my uncle Mark were best friends growing up! Both our grandparents were professors at University of Guelph. Small world! Then it turned out that Janis Clark's grandfather was also a professor at Guelph and he lived around the corner.

Facebook?

2009-11-02T14:45:00.000-05:00

I am not sure if I really get Facebook.

When I first got asked to be someone's "friend", I thought it a bit weird. You see, we are friends and I see him at work almost everyday so why would he want to talk to me through a program? So I said to him…"I don't do Facebook".

I was a hold out for a long time but curiosity crept in. So, eventually, I do do Facebook….but with criteria. It seems if you let someone be your Facebook friend, it opens up a whole other group of people who will be asking to be your friend….so I have lots of people on my "want to be friend" list that I have not responded to. I don't mean to be rude but it looks like a never ending thing. I am just not interested in have 330 friends.

That can be awkward but if I see you at work or if Facebook is the only means for our relationship….well, I am just not interested. Some of these "Friends" request are from people that I know nothing of besides their name or place of work so why would I want to enter into some sort of Social network with them. Does that sound elitist…I hope not….they are all fine people, I'm sure, but I just don't see the point.

Having said that, I do have one friend on my facebook page that I haven't met. I have followed her blog for some time now and oddly, through one of those six degrees of separation thing, she came up as a potential friend. I asked and she said yes and I find her notes interesting and humorous.....so maybe that is the whole point!

I guess that if Facebook is the only way we are going to communicate, I would rather you just give me a call.

I do see some benefit. Most of my "Friend" are long distance Carcross people. The Carcross Community School has it's own site so I use Facebook to connect with that group. I also am a supporter of the Georgian Bay Coastal Trail group, The Peel River watershed and Cameron Helps group. I see this as a way to get the word out on a couple of things that are dear to me.

Halloween!

2009-10-28T16:32:00.000-04:00

Back when I was growing up in Toronto, my Dad operated a Dairy Plant. Each Halloween he would fill half pints with Chocolate Milk Shake. He would bring them home and put them in the freezer.

Halloween night he would give out frozen mild shakes.
We would get tons of kids…easily over 100 each Halloween. The next day at school, every kid you knew had a milk shake in the lunch box.

One Halloween, my mother was not around to manage the door. Dad's knee was bothering him. When he ran out of milk shakes at the door, he called my brother to bring up some more from the downstairs fridge. John opened the fridge, filled the crate and brought another 50 half pints of milk shakes up to Dad. About an hour later, we got a call from the neighbour. She had opened the half pint container and discovered chili sauce…not milk shake!

It seems my mother was using half pint containers for her home made chili sauce too! Dad had given out 50 half pints of Mom's chili sauce.

Needless to say…Mother was not happy. Dad's response was…"next year we will have half as many kids and twice as many Mothers"

Dempster Images

2009-10-20T18:09:00.000-04:00

There is a cool bike website called http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/ . All sorts of good bike stories and a good place to research a trip. I learned a whole lot about the Dempster from various riders from this site. This summer, a fellow named David Cambon rode an recumbent bike from Vancouver to Inuvik...epic journey for sure. Check out the site and his stellar images.

He did take a couple of shot at pretty well the same place I did so below is the comparsion....nice to see it without the smoke!
David's photo looking up towards the North Fork Pass above and mine below....

...and his looking up towards the Tombstone Mtns....

....and mine below....it is no wonder I got a lung infection.....

Thanksgiving

2009-10-17T16:03:00.001-04:00

Saturday afternoon…sun is shining and the leaves are falling. It is one of those rare afternoons when I have the house to myself….so I am cooking. Neil is cranked on the stereo and there is a Sleeman in the glass. The leave will have to wait. (I have teenagers so why am I raking leaves anyway!)

This is my favorite time of year. The colours, the change in temperature and the promise of winter. It is also Thanksgiving time….the time of harvest and bounty and counting blessing.

There are lots of blessing to count. I know I am one of the lucky ones. A great family who all love each others company. True friends who are supportive, lend a laugh and keep us motivated. The Raithby’s all showed for Thanksgiving on Saturday. Sunday was a trip to Porcupine Ridge for the annual HoggieTurkey Trot. Dinner at Bracebridge Grandmas on Sunday with the Kitchener cousins and a Monday run with the MacKinnon’s and the Dawson’s. A stellar weekend all around.

I am also lucky to have my Yukon family…..some still living in the Yukon but others stretched across this country from Libby and Trudel on the left side to Constable and Annabelle Nic on the right....and tons more in between. I do appreciate all the support and kind words this summer after the Dempster dream went a bit south from both my northern and southern pals.

The lake will get rough every now and then. Always keep the good lifejackets close.
I had a friend of mine say…and I am paraphrasing…"I didn't know so and so a year ago and if I don’t know them a year from now…well, life goes on" I guess I am in that category as I haven't heard from her in a while. If you are the only one in a friendship who is making contact….you get to wonder how important that relationship really is… I do have friendship with some people that I don’t see for years but the reconnection is heartfelt and seamless. I sure felt this while reconnecting with some of my Yukon friends this summer.

Dempster revisited

2009-10-10T10:00:00.000-04:00

While I have been home for a month or so and had time to think back on this summers adventure on the Dempster. I also have had a few emails from other riders who have tackled this ride.

I last saw Mary England, who I met at Tombstone Territorial Park, was at the North Fork Pass where we shared a cup of coffee in the clouds. She did complete the ride all the way to Inuvik. The smoke cleared with the rain but that was replaced with snow and strong winds on the Eagle Plain. Her last couple of days were spent fighting rain, headwind and mud….she was happy to finally get to Inuvik.

Mark Ooms, from Whitehorse, and two friends attempted the highway in reverse. Two days before they started, one of his friends had a bit of an accident….the result, a sore knee, broken teeth and a bent bike. All got fixed and off they went. They drove to Dawson City and flew to Inuvik and started riding back. Unfortunately, the poor fellow knee flared out early in the trip and they had to abandon the ride at Fort MacPherson. I certainly can relate to their disappointment.

I go a note from Russ Krauss from Illinois. He drove his ’98 Prism all the way to Dawson City from Chicago in mid August to start his ride. He got to Inuvik a couple of weeks later after many sightings of grizzly bears and seeing the front end of the Porcupine Caribou herd migration….some 400-500 caribou.

Prior to the Dempster and back in Carcross, I met Dan Bar-Shay from Israel. He had just ridden up from Skagway Alaska and was riding back to Vancouver down the Cassier Highway. I beleive he told me he was in his 60's. Inspiration!

For me, the Dempster will have to wait. Looks like I picked the worst week to be riding given the smoke. I certainly will be checking out the fire ratings before I try this ride again. I am hoping the there will be another reunion in Carcross in 5 years time. All things being equal, I will continue where I left off…pre-reunion this time.

University Touring

2009-10-06T16:15:00.000-04:00

Sam is all set and quite happy with Life at Trent….it is now Ellis’s time to prepare.
It is difficult to make that decision on “what you want to do when you grow up” when you are only 16. I still don’t know and I am 50!

While we want Ellis to pick a program that he will excel in, I also feel that the environment has a big impact…so we are looking at schools that fit those needs too. Ellis’s guidelines are….A little urban but not too big (so that rules out Toronto and York), not Northern (out goes Lakehead, Algoma and Nipissing)….so we are looking at mid-size campuses within a 4 hour drive from home and there are lots to choose from.

Raithby House University of Guelph

We went for a tour last weekend….not to pick the University but as an exposure tour to see what will be ahead and a couple of possibilities. Guelph was the first stop last Friday.
Being a former Guelphite…I do have my bias. This was also the University for my Grandfather (Raithby House) and my Mom and Dad. It is a beautiful campus full of open spaces, old trees and old architecture. Our tour guide was great! We looked at a few residence options, where the school of business take place and a few other buildings. We finished our tour with a cup of coffee at the Daily Grind with 1st year student and daughter of my pals Carol and Bob, Tessa Webb.

Tessa and Ellis at the famous painted Canon

We had a tour of Wilfred Laurier on Saturday. Homecoming weekend. I had never been to Laurier so this was new to me too. In truth, I found it a bit claustrophobic….lots of buildings and little green space. The tour guide didn’t have the strength that the Guelph girl did and half way through, Ellis had lost interest….and so had I.

In order to help Ellis choose (and to help us, help him), we decided to seek assistance through a counselling service called “Launch….Student Career Planning”. Virginia Graham doesn’t tell Ellis where he should go but through numerous test and questions, figures out Ellis’s strengths and interest and then tries to fit the school to those issues. His strength show in business and social sciences, so he is considering a number of options.

More work to do before a final decision but it make me want to go back to school.....don't think Linda will let me.....

Carcross Community

2009-09-25T16:55:00.000-04:00

Reunion revisited

It has been a month and a bit since the reunion of the Carcross Community Education Centre that took place in Carcross, YT.
For those who don't know….Carcross was an community alternative high school. It was full of people from all across this land (and few Yanks too) all who shared a wish to do something out of the ordinary, had difficulty in there current school or work life or wished to explore Community living.

The Carcross area is one of those stunning and beautiful places. Four valleys meet bringing together rivers, lakes, mountains and even the worlds smallest desert.
I had forgotten how stunning it is…I won’t wait another ten years to return.

Emerald Lake

The Reunion sure was a buzz…and while I am fully lodged in the day to day of work life, I am bound and determine not to let that joyous occasion be moved to the back of my mind.
Being a student/worker at the "Hippy School" had a big impact in my life.

Year '77-'78

All I needed to learn to get through life, I learned at Carcross. I do find it hard to explain to non-Hippy school folks. While trying to describe the impact, the joy and all around experience, I usually get a nodding of heads and a dazed look in the eye….so either I am not being successful in my deliver or the reality is just too big to grasp. I think it is a bit of both as I am often lost for words trying to explain the impact.

Consequently, I decided not to try to explain it anymore.
There were a hundred odd souls who made the trip. We hiked, visited the old site, there were painting classes and even skeet shooting…(every hippy should know how to skeet shoot)….we had a wine tasting, slide shows and did a whole lot of laughing. And then we danced….nothing beats a good old Carcross dance.

The reunion was a wonderful experience. It was so great to re-connect with folks I haven't seen for a while, connect with students from different year and meet their kids too. Even though we all were there at different times, the experiences were similar so there is a connection within various years.
I spent the week leading up to the Reunion with Mike and Donna at the Carcross Cut-off. It was just like going home. It was great to hang out with Trudel, the Carol and Bob and Stan…the Rushants and Godson Geoff. Made new friends with the Rushant and MacMillian kids, Darcy and the Growlers.

After the Dempster, I had further opportunity to visit with Hunter in Dawson, Cath and Libby at Fox lake and had a great trip to Skayway with Mike and Donna followed by a 100 mile meal at the Rushants in Carcross.

Fox Lake Sunset

The three and a half weeks passed so fast. I am still smiling when I think of it and am hoping we can all get together again before too long. Ten years is too long between reunions. The Chilkoot is calling so I am thinking in the summer of 2011 to return for a hiking trip.

TIIF

2009-09-20T15:51:00.000-04:00

Had the opportunity to go to the Toronto International Film Fest this past weekend with Russ…what a rush.
Saw 5 films (not movies…apparently, Film Festival people don’t call them movies) in 24 hours. Some winners and a couple of not that great.

Russ and I went to 990 Bistro on Bay for a little swing ding with the movie crowds on Thursday night. Wine, beer and snacks then off to Roy Thomson Hall for the Gala opening of a Norwegian film entitled MAX MANUS.

I must admit that I know very little about Norway except that it is located beside Sweden….other than that, I am coming up with nothing....I don't event think they have a hockey team...just a ski team. Anyway….Norway was occupied by the Nazis during the Second World War and this is a true story about Max Manus and his group of resistance fighters. This movie is such a hit in Norway that one quarter of the population has seen the film….Imagine that for a Canadian film. It didn’t disappoint….on the good list.

On Saturday, we saw 4 more films. It started with COOKING WITH STELLA. I really wanted to like this film…directed by Dilip Mehta (who came to the opening) and staring Canadians Don McKellar and Lisa Ray. Multiple stories lines with little strength in each. Beautiful images of India couldn’t carry the film…

Second we saw the John Keats period film BRIGHT STAR. This film was getting a lot of buzz and tells the story of Keats and his love Franny Brawn. Beautifully filmed period piece that would have benefited with about 30 minutes of film left on the cutting room floor.

Our third film of the day was BROKEN EMBRACES. Even Penelope Cruise couldn’t fix this.

Our last film was the Gala presentation of YOUNG VICTORIA. A beautiful period film telling the tale of Queen Victoria…the early days…a story of politics and pressure and of the love that developed between the young Victoria and Prince Albert (Rupert Friend). Emily Blunt is fabulous as the young queen. Oddly enough…directed by a French Canadian. A must see film.

All in all, it was a great way to spend a weekend. Lots of films and a few free wine and cheese parties to boot.

It has been a rush......

2009-09-16T19:50:00.001-04:00

The Yukon summer was great trip but it has been a wonderful year all along peppered with many great memories.
It started with turning the big 50 in January and hasn’t slowed down.

The ski Marathon in Quebec with the MacKinnons and the Espys, Pam and Sheryl, the father and son annual weekend in May in Algonquin Park, front row centre for Neil Young in Kingston with brother Johnny, riding 200 km in the Ride to Conquer Cancer with Vicki and the Kman, Manitoulin biking…..more biking and camping leading up to the Yukon and the Hippy School Reunion and capped off with the annual family trip to Killbear Provincial Park on beautiful Georgian Bay.

The fall looks pretty busy too. Off to the Toronto International Film Fest this weekend with Russ to smooze with the stars. We even got tickets! No, we are not actors....just characters. Lots of good stuff coming in the near future.

I do think, however, that I am going to scale it back a bit. I did take on a bit too much this year and I think I am due to be a passenger for a few months. The boys weekend at the Harris cottage is coming at the end on October and that is one weekend that all I have to do is show up.

PS...Forgot to include sneeking backstage to meet Brent Butt at Massey Hall.

Yukon summer just a dream now....

2009-09-15T20:22:00.000-04:00

Well I am back at work.

The "Summer of Dave" is all over.

Welcome to my blog.

I have enjoyed writing for Axiom over the past few months so I thought I would continue and see where it takes me. A little bit about how the year has been and, of course, a look forward to what is coming up.

I promise to be direct, honest and tell a few tall tails too.

Living the life of Raithby