GRAND EXPERIENCES Canoe & Kayak Club

With another paddling season almost upon us, we thought it was a fine time to drop you a note and let you know what we have in store for this year. We have an exciting season planned and can't wait get on the water. We hope you will join us!

Membership fees this year will be $29 per person. As in the past, members will receive a laminated membership card, a monthly newsletter (April-October) and 15% off of all regular priced trips and store merchandise. As always, anyone buying a new canoe or kayak will receive a free membership.

Here is a brief outline of events we have this spring, summer and fall. We would like to remind you that all GECKO club events are guided. To lower trip costs we have not included lunch in the trip total however, you can order lunch for an additional $10.

March 29 - In March we're going to start our season whitewater rafting on the Nith River, tripping from Canning to Paris. Those of you that have paddled the Nith in the springtime know of its isolated beauty and fastwater run at the end. This is approximately a 4 or 5 hour trip starting at 11am.

May 4 - Nith River Kayaking. The Nith has been coined as being Ontario's Best Kept Secret. This trip starts as a slow and calm paddle which gives you a great chance to get reacquainted with your kayak, then as you get closer to Paris it continues to get faster and faster ending with 3 kilometers of straight rapids. Come join us for this heart pumping adventure!

May 11 - West Montrose to Kaufman's Flats. This one is quickly becoming a Mother's Day favourite. Enjoy an easy paddle on this serene section of the Grand River. This is a great chance to relax and indulge yourself in the picturesque scenery. Please be reminded that there is a one and a half hour shuttle, there and back for this trip that is included in the cost.

June 1 - Cambridge to Paris on the Grand River. This trip is a Grand Experience specialty. We call it the Seneca Run and it is a trip seeped in ancient native tales, truly part of the 'Iroquois highway'. This is a five hour paddle through some of the most serene water in Southern Ontario, and its right in our backyard! Take a break for lunch and hike in 'trillium cove' under the branches of the 300 year-old American Sycamore tree. Then you're off again, past Spring Island and the 'three sisters'. Curious? You should be! Call now to book this one.

June 14 - Moonlight Paddle on the Grand River. Join us in the early evening of a warm summers night as the sun begins to fall behind the trees of the rare Carolinian forest that bank the Grand River. The full moon hangs on the horizon as you pass under the high level bridge, leaving Paris, and the last vestiges of civilization. This is one of the most fantastic ways to view the local wildlife, as most native species come out to feed in the early evening. See Bank Swallows doing brave feats of ariel acrobatics just feet from your boat, or a doe and her baby fawn, timidly sipping water from the rivers edge. Perhaps you will see the bandit-masked raccoon washing his dinner. Beaver and Blue Heron also habitat this part of the river and chances are great that you will see some of these fascinating creatures. The 'Moonlight Paddle' can be done in canoes, kayaks or stable inflatable rafts, giving everyone a chance to enjoy this one of a kind adventure down the Grand River.

July 4 & 5 - Big Creek. Wow, what a neat trip. Big Creek feels like you are paddling through the Amazon, which makes it Canada's southernmost wilderness trip. It has to be experienced to be believed. This is a 2-day trip with approximately 4 or 5 hours of paddling per day. The trip requires moderate skill to be able to steer through the winding creeks path. Overnight accommodations will be at Deer Creek Conservation Area, which provides running hot water. It also has a small sandy beach and lake.

July 27 - Paddle to the Six Nations 'Champion of Champions' Pow-Wow in Ohsweken. Come with us in our 12 person 'war canoes', or follow us in your own boat as we head into the tranquil waters of the Grand, in Six Nations Territory. Come and see native dancers from across the continent compete in intricate dances, musicians from far away playing mysterious music, taste delicious foods, unknown to the palate. Bring your camera and you will not be disappointed! Note: the Pow-Wow is a two day event. Although our paddling event is on the Sunday only, members wanting to spend two days at the Pow-Wow can be accommodated through Grand Experiences.

August 29-30 - Longpoint Marsh Run. Bayfest in Port Rowen, Port Rowen is a town in Norfolk County, Ontario on Lake Erie, adjacent to Long Point. This quaint little lakeside community has a population of just under 1,000 and sports a number of small stores. Paddle to the Bayfest (formerly 'Tomatofest') and see some of the parade, shop for local crafts then paddle back to your shuttle home. This trip is exclusive to sea kayakers. However, members can rent sea kayaks from Grand Experiences for the discounted price, but book early, as rentals are limited. Overnight accommodations are tent camping at Long Point Provincial Park, which offers running hot water and flushable toilets.

September 20/21 - When the leaves start to turn color is when we do our annual 'Fall Colors - Halliburton trip'. This is a three-day, two-night, paddle-in camping trip on the beautiful shores of a little lake we have been using for many years. It's a hidden gem, really. And the paddling is fantastic. See beavers, birds of prey, and maybe even a moose or a bear, all with a beautiful background of stunning reds, yellows and oranges. Portage from lake to lake, paddling past unique and breathtaking waterfalls, before heading back to camp to a warm home-cooked meal by the fire. There is a three hour shuttle on this one, included in the members price of the trip.

October - The Myth of the Nith. This is the last club sponsored event of the year. What's the Myth of the Nith? We'll give you an idea, if you think you're brave enough. Truly a spooktacular paddle! Join us on the Halloween week-end in October (and bring your costume) as we start in Canning and head through some strange water into Paris. See 'Devil's Cave', paddle through creepy little channels and stop for hot apple cider at the abandoned pump house. Is it haunted? You be the judge. Our guides will tell you stories about the weird things that happen around the mysterious 'Hoby's Hollow'. We're sure you'll have a fangtastic time!

We will also be arranging an annual meeting for the club at the Apps Mill Conservation Area. This will incorporate a snowshoeing adventure, a true colours personality test, dinner and the option of overnight accommodations.