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CCS a first year success
Power plans for fabled Coppermine River
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Becky Mason does her solo paddling technique demo which always wows everyone
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Story and photos by Michael Peake
Bruce Hawkins speaks to the crowd on tripping tips.
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The spirit of Bill Mason got the first annual Canadian Canoe Symposium off to a flying start last August in Merrickville. The event, organized by the Canadian Recreational Canoeing Association, was host to Canada Post's unveiling of the Bill Mason stamp. Bill's family and friends were in attendance to celebrate the long anticipated event.
Speakers included Bill's widow, Joyce, along with children Becky and Paul. Wayne Bagley, of Windsor, whose idea the stamp was, also was on hand to see the culmination of the work he started almost five years ago. It was a wonderful moment on the verandah of the CRCA's Ron Johnstone Centre to have Bill Mason honoured in such a prominent way with all his family there to share in the moment.
There are of course plans to continue the Canadian Canoe Symposium. The idea and format is based on the long running Maine Canoe Symposium which began in 1986. Originally hosted by L.L. Bean, the event continued after they pulled out in 1994.
The big difference and drawback in the Canadian version is the site on which it is held. The MCS is located at Camp Winona, an 80 year-old rustic boys camp in the Maine Woods.The infrastructure there is perfect. A great atmosphere with lots of sleeping and camping accommodation right on a scenic lake as well as a superb dining hall (and chef).
Paul Mason demonstrating (again and again!) his open canoe roll.
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The CRCA facility, while nice, is small and the adjacent community centre though functional is lacking in ambience. There is some camping available but it's located in an open field, hardly comparable to the spots under the towering white pines of Camp Winona.
This year's speakers included the great Cliff Jacobson, who can talk for hours on camping tips and tricks all based upon his considerable experience. Kirk Wipper, Kevin Callan, Pat and Bruce Hawkins and Phil "Call me Grey Owl" Chester were also presenters. Michael Peake gave slide talks on the George River and Eric Morse and The Voyageurs. And taking a tip from the MCS, there was also a full day kids program.
The event is located in Merrickville, a delightfully scenic town on the Rideau Canal, about an hour south of Ottawa. For more information on the CCS II contact the CRCA Tel:613.269.2910 (www.crca.ca).
This story first appeared in Che-Mun Outfit 94 in 1998.
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