winter care for your dog
•
outdoor runway
•
aprÈs ski resorts • cool gear
FREE
Winter 2006/07
Winter
Camping
Tips to stay warm
FREE
Your guide to the local outdoor adventure scene
How to wax your x-c skis this winter ice fishing 101
Indoor cycling fitness Dogsledding in nearby Wakefield Alpine ski tips Speed Skating the canal
INSIDE see your COMPLETE listing of outdoor companies in our green pages! PLUS the winter Events Calendar
INSIDE
COLUMNS
4 Publisher’s letter 8 The Book Nook 15 Cool Gear Section 16 The Outdoor Runway 18 Health & Fitness 34 The dog days of winter 35 Travel Jaunt 36 The Mountain Range 37 The Green Pages 39 The Last Biscuit
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Dogsledding to mush music
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Winter camping tips
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Keskinada Loppet world tradition
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Ski wax for novices
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Top 10 reasons to take up nordic skiing
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Alpine pointers
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Alpine skill tips
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Green Pages of outdoor companies
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Nordic Night reflections
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Speed skating the Rideau Canal
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Cycling the great indoors
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The lure of ice fishing
COVER (skier) Lise Meloche, Olympic Biathlete (snowshoer) Lynne Bermel, World Triathlon medalist Taking advantage of a bright winter day where snowshoeing and skiing meet in the Gatineau Park, Chelsea. Clothing by Sporthill and xczone, Skis by Madshus, Infinity Ski Poles.
Free at last! Free at last!
Publisher and Editor-in-Chief Dave Brown Editor Roger Bird
WELCOME WINTER ENTHUSIAST!
Managing Editor Allen Macartney
Welcome to you who maybe reading Ottawa Outdoors Magazine for the first time. I’m glad you picked us up and of course I hope you enjoy the content and resource that our magazine aims to be. For you the reader that’s been enjoying the magazine over these last five years, I hope you enjoy this new approach to spreading the word. Ottawa Outdoors Magazine was launched back in the summer of 2002 and this issue marks the end of our 5th year in publication. It also marks the beginning of new generation. We’re proud to say that we are now a FREE Dave Brown PUBLICATION and that this issue is among 15,000 additional ones spread out Publisher Editor-in-chief all over the city in all the sports-related venues. In magazine-speak that means we’re reaching 45,000 readers (avg. of three readers per copy) in Ottawa and we’re happy you’re one of them. I guess in this letter I’d like to flag a few things that you should know about and may find useful. The first is that in addition to the printed copy you hold in your hands, Ottawa Outdoors also now publishes a Weekly Ezine emailed for free, directly to your inbox. So if you haven’t signed up for it yet, please do. It launched this past September and has a great following. You’ll most enjoy that it’s filled with current information, great articles, timely events, and a heads-up on sales local retailers are having. As well we have contests all the time with seriously great prizes. We just gave away a waterproof camera and next we’re planning on handing out a free dogsledding adventure for two. So head over to our website and type in your email address. Lastly, I hope you find the content in this issue as refreshing as past ones. As always we like to introduce you to new outdoor pursuits but as well, always load you up with great tips; destination suggestions and much more. This issue has it all. Thanks for being loyal readers these many years, and if you’re reading OOM for the first time, then I hope you enjoy the magazine for many years to come. From our entire editing, photo and writing team...have a great winter!
Design and Layout Terry Terrade, Dave Brown Graphic Illustrators Keith Milne, William Jessup Contributing Writers Cathy Brown, Jo-Anne Benson, Sheila Kealey, Chantal Macartney, XCzone, Davy Roy Precit, Colin Peden, Chris Lennon, Tim Yearington, Dominique Larocque, Paul Smeulders, Tim Allard, Alex Debolt, Joan Louwrens, Julie St. Jean, Allen Macartney Contributing Photographers Tim Yearington, Allen Macartney, Paul Smeulders, Mike Beedell, Alicia Weiss, Julie St. Jean, Gillian Morgan, Harry Nowell Photography, Inc. ADVERTISING INQUIRIES Dave Brown, Publisher/Editor-in-Chief Ottawa Outdoors Magazine is an independent publication published seasonally every four months and distributed FREE at various locations. E-mail: Advertising@OttawaOutdoors.ca Tel: 613-860-8687 / 888-228-2918 Fax: 613-860-8687 CONTRIBUTIONS Ottawa Outdoors Magazine welcomes story and photo contributions. All photos should ideally be shot with colour slides or high resolution digital camera, but otherwise scanned at 300dpi resolution and burned onto a CD-ROM or e-mailed. No unsolicited contributions will be returned unless accompanied by a self-addressed stamped envelope. Publisher assumes no responsibility for return of unsolicited manuscripts, photographs or artwork. Publisher may publish any and all communications with Ottawa Outdoors magazine, and may edit for clarity and style. Indexed in the Canadian Periodical Index ISSN No. 1204-69556. © Copyright 2006. All rights reserved. Reproduction of any materials published in Ottawa Outdoors Magazine is expressly forbidden without consent of the publisher unless otherwise agreed between partners. Printed in Canada.
CONTRIBUTORS Chris Lennon is a professional freeskier with extensive coaching experience. A former IFSA big mountain tour competitor, Chris now focuses on photo and editorial work.
Tim Heatherington is a wilderness guide with Backcountry Adventures at The Peaks. He leads snowshoe expeditions into Calabogie’s mysterious Lost Valley. You can reach him 613-752-2720 ext. 1515 or tyearington@calabogie.com Cathy Brown, aside from being my awesome sister, has long had a passion for canines, as well as for Ottawa’s outdoors. In this issue she’s written two articles. One on dog-sledding and the other on winter care for your dog.
Dominque Larocque is the owner of Creative Wheel Consulting. During the summer months, she directs LaRocca XC mountain bike school. She is presently completing her MA in Sport Pscyhology. Her passion lies in exploring the therapeutic benefits of exercising in nature and helping people reach their full potential in all areas of their lives.
ARE YOU AN OUTDOOR ENTHUSIAST WHO WOULD LIKE TO CONTRIBUTE? To submit articles or photos, all you have to do is to email us at this address: Editor@OttawaOutdoors.ca
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OTTAWAOUTDOORSMAGAZINE – WINTER’06
www.OttawaOutdoors.ca
ED NOTE: This was too much fun to not run again. It first ran in our 2002 issue.
Take a glide on the wild side Dogsledding to mush music By Cathy Brown / photos by mike beedell Dressed for the great Canadian Artic, I stood on dogsled runners, brake in check, clutching the sled with an iron grip. My heart quickened as the dogs’ barking reached a deafening pitch and they threw themselves against their harness, trying to engage the sled. Straining my eyes through the glare of sun-on-snow, I watched for a cue to “release the hounds.” In my head I was rehearsing instructions: this is how to use the brake, remember to keep the line taut between you and the dogs, drag your heels to control your speed, and above all, never let go of your sled! At the signal I swallowed hard, adjusted my grip and released the brake. The sled jerked forward with the power of your team, unbridled and howling. Tears blurred my vision as the wind whipped around my sunglasses. Cheeks burned, legs became shock absorbers, as runners bounced over snow and ice. I heard myself yelling, “Woohooo!” as if to join in the team’s song and I imagined I looked romantic, dramatic whisking along snow-covered fields, surrounded by glistening trees and hills. As I pondered why I had waited so long to try this, my thoughts were interrupted by a louder inner voice, the one in charge of survival. I was picking up too much speed, losing control. My feet were too far back on the runners. The sled was skipping on and off the trail like a bronco. If you lift your foot to apply the brake, I thought, you’ll wipe out. And I did. That’s how dogsledding began for me near Wakefield, Quebec. Somewhere in those first 100 metres I was scraping sunglasses off my forehead, wiping my snow-washed face and clambering to my feet in cumbersome snow boots, trying to catch a team racing ahead unhindered by my weight. Then the air carried the comforting roar of a snowmobile, which stopped alongside so I could hop on and ride to where my team waited. Our guide, James Sisttie, satisfied himself that I was okay, then installed me back on the sled. Away we tore again. What a blast! They say that after eight to 10 kilometres, you’ll know if dogsledding is for you. Back on the track, we had smooth sailing and riotous laughter from Alex, my business partner and fellow dog lover. Mushing in my wake, she watched other mishaps resulting from my driver error, but I told myself I was acquiring the useful skill of righting my sled. Alex didn’t fall because she had learned similar techniques racing snowmobiles as a girl in Saskatchewan. Anyone who weighs at least 45 kilograms can enjoy dogsledding. The sport may not be for children, but it makes a great team-building event for your office group. Alex and I had searched for a place to try it out and our quest led us to Wakefield, Quebec, a town with a way of leaving visitors relaxed and at peace. After an appetite-inspiring day of sun and snow, there are many local spots where you can
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enjoy a superb meal by a roaring fire. But for aspiring dogsledders, Wakefield’s main attraction is a course with Sisttie’s Expédition Radisson. Wherever you decide to tune into “mush music,” here are a few tips from one novice to another. Dress warmly; you could be outdoors for four hours. Warm gloves, preferably with leather grips, and a warm hat are necessities. Get checked out by a pro. No one will have fun if an excursion is too tough for their physical abilities, so Sisttie and his crew evaluate their clients’ abilities, experience and sense of adventure ahead of time. Take your cue from the dogs, and be exuberant! Our dogs were elated to run. The open, loving way they accepted us strangers gave me a lump in my throat. Humans should be so accepting. My lead dog, Hopi, was ever-tolerant as I learnt the basics of sledding. There’s something therapeutic about becoming a sort of honorary member of a wolf pack. Gliding across snow-covered fields, Alex and I both felt healthier and content for at least those few hours. Mom always used to say, “Leave them wanting more,” and that’s what happened to us. We were just getting started when it was time to head home. So if you check out sledding in Wakefield, give Hopi a hug and kiss from Cath. And hold on tight! ≈≈ Cathy has long had a passion for canines as well for Ottawa’s outdoors. She founded K9 Common Scents with Alex Debolt in 1999 after realizing that there was need for an alternative to dog training. You can reach them at (613) 748-0606 or visit their website at www.k9commonscents.com
OTTAWAOUTDOORSMAGAZINE – WINTER’06
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Leaders of the packs: Wakefield’s mush coaches Roughly half the dogs at Wakefield’s Expédition Radisson have been “rescued.” James Sisttie and his wife Lynne Bedbrook adopt mainly huskies, acquired by people who “liked their pretty blue-eyes” but who forgot that huskies need lots of exercise and outdoor life to lead happy, healthy lives. Sisttie says one was found running down the middle of Carling Avenue, and another ate the contents of his owner’s apartment because he never got any exercise. Bedbrook, a teacher and practitioner of a therapy called Feldenkrais Tellington Touch, or T-touch, is responsible for calming previously abused dogs that need to learn to trust again. Sisttie and his right-hand man, Ed Obrecht, take care of the dogs’ physical needs and training. Their enclosure is spacious and meticulously clean. Each pooch appears well-groomed and hardy, and has its own house. Adolescent dogs run loosely within the enclosure, learning to socialize and finding their place within the pack. You’d be hard-pressed to find such a large group of working dogs so socialized and friendly. Upon our arrival for Expédition Radisson’s Dog Sled 101 course, staff ensured we were properly dressed for dogsledding. They stock boots and other clothing for customers who need them. Then we drove, following our guides a short distance to the farm, set amid snow-covered hills to meet the pack, one by one. While it was fun meeting that many dogs, the staff had a different agenda. They were assessing Alex and me as the new “mushers.”
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They watched how comfortable we were with the dogs, and how skilfully we moved around the enclosure. These factors dictate which team, and which position on the trail, the staff assigns to novice mushers. Next, Bedbrook demonstrated T-touch and explained its benefits to humans and dogs. We learned how to harness a sled dog (no, you don’t just show up and get bundled into a blanket on the sled). When those harnesses appear, canine adrenaline kicks in and the dogs’ friskiness-meters go through the roof. Harnessing them is like trying to bundle a three-year-old into a snowsuit while Santa’s sleigh is parked in your driveway to whisk the child away over the rooftops. Alex and I learned three basic principles of dogsledding: • how to control speed by dragging heels inside the runners • how to brake, and • how to hang on tight! “Check your ego at the gate,” our guide advised with a grin. “Have fun!” On the trails, the guys at Expédition Radisson were impressive. From offering fallen mushers a ride to catch up with their sleds, to providing their own warm gloves, to encouraging us to cheer on our teams, they took great care of everyone. When the dogs heard us call their names, they responded with wagging tails and what looked like smiles to me. Expect to have a wild time; this outing is exhilarating! But Sisttie, Bedbrook and Obrecht have a calming way about them. The same sled that first made you nervous soon feels natural in your hands. And you’ll quickly bond with the wonderful dogs.
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winter camping tips If you’re brave enough to camp in the snow then read these tips. FOOD AND WATER 1. Pack your water bottle deep inside your backpack so it will not freeze. Screw the lid on tight and pack it upside down. Water freezes from the top, so an upside-down bottle means the mouth remains free of ice. Bottle insulators also help. If possible, fill up with hot water. 2. Eat often and carry plenty of food. You can burn up to 8,000 calories a day winter camping if you’re doing really strenuous activity. 3. Drink plenty of hot soup and beverages. You need to replace water lost both through physical exertion and also from the dry, cold air drawing moisture from your face and skin. Try instant cocoa, decaf coffee or tea, fruit-flavoured drinks and instant breakfast drinks. Skip caffeinated drinks; they contain diuretics that cause you to lose fluids. 4. As you gain altitude, food takes longer to cook. Plan meals that need a minimum of boiling. 5. Take an extra stove and plenty of fuel, up to half a cup per person per day. It takes lots of fuel to melt snow for drinking water. TENTS AND SLEEPING BAGS 1. If you have room, take two sleeping bag pads, a self-inflating one and a lightweight closed-cell foam pad, for added insulation. 2. Pack a metal tube with a slightly wider diameter than your tent pole. If a pole breaks, slide the tube over the broken area as a splint and secure it with duct tape. Store the tape around a ski pole or water bottle. STAYING WARM 1. Cherish your mitts or gloves. If you stop to pee, drink or have a snack, store the outer shells of your mitts or gloves in your pack or clip them to your jacket. They can blow away or fall and be forgotten if you just stick them under your arm. If you do lose a mitt, substitute a spare sock. 2. Fill your water bottle with hot water and take it into your sleeping bag with you. SAFETY 1. Camp with others; winter is no season for solo trips. Leave your itinerary with someone and check in with them on your return. 2. Check for those telltale white skin patches – signs of frostbite – and pay attention to cold feet. Even protected skin is susceptible to freezing and toes are the most vulnerable. If skin does not return to its normal colour after applying gentle pressure, seek medical attention as soon as possible. 3. Pack a brightly coloured bandana. Should you ever need to signal rescue workers, attach it to your ski pole as a flag. ≈≈ Outdoor tips provided by www.LLBean.com
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the book nook
Go Go Snow Snow by Jo-anne Benson Dorling Kindersley Publishers’ two latest additions to the “Go Guides” series are perfectly timed for winter sports. Be on the lookout for Go Ski by Warren Smith ($21.95) and Go Snowboard by Neil McNab ($21.95). DK emphasizes photographs and illustrations, and in this series that includes a 30minute DVD to demonstrate movements with videos and accented digital photography. The videos are crossreferenced with corresponding pages so readers have the luxury of simply repeating complex material before moving on. Each book is a tool to learn the basics of
the sport and to instil a sense of enthusiasm and confidence for anyone hitting those snowy slopes. When you’re embarking on a new sport, or getting up to date for a new season it’s interesting – and reassuring – to look at the preliminaries. So readers of Go Ski and Go Snowboard will value the coverage on clothing and equipment, safety and fitness. The writers suggest how to get properly outfitted (from goggles and bindings to gear like spinal back protectors) and how to achieve good physical shape through pre-ski exercise and warming up and cooling down routines when your tackling those runs. Smith gives novice skiers an overview of the basic principles of skiing with such topics as skating, the snowplow, speed control, and steering. To parallel your growing confidence and expertise, instructions advance to other techniques such as parallel skiing, sideslipping, J turns, and carving. Those looking for even more adventure will be introduced
to the thrill of moguls, free skiing off-piste in powder, and the excitement of freestyle with its ground spins and jumps. Snowboarding is a challenging and rewarding sport that focuses on the joy of the “ride.” As above, Go Snowboard covers the essential preliminaries and then looks at the sport’s theory rooted in biomechanics, physics, and snowboard technology. McNab then takes a progressive approach to learning snowboard moves. He begins with the correct stance and skating then talks about sideslipping and the basic turn. With the basics understood, the reader follows McNab to pressure and edge control, and introduces even more challenging techniques and exercises. These books offer a relatively cheap, short (160 pages) read with the added DVD experience. Each section has a “Coming Up” page on the next material, and at the back of the book there’s an index, a section on the sports’ terminology, and web resources. Both books are highly recommended and join Go Climb, Go Sail, Go Play Golf, and Go Play Tennis released in June 2006. ≈≈ Jo-Anne Benson is a writer and reviewer who lives in Osgoode, Ontario.
Mont Tremblant’s Finest Chalets Chalets and condos — ranging from one bedroom to five bedrooms. . . all different styles and price range. • Located near Tremblant, Mont Blanc, and Gray Rocks. • Snowmobile trails, cross country ski, tubing, and much more! • Catering Contact Nicole Owen and John Usher for more information today!
1-866-282-6644 www.TremblantHoliday.com 8
OTTAWAOUTDOORSMAGAZINE – WINTER’06
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attention outdoor enthusiasts!
Healthy Lifestyles Show at winterlude
Saturday & Sunday 10:30am 5:00pm
A portion of the show’s proceeds will be donated to the Boys and Girls Club of Ottawa.
“The perfect show for the Ottawa outdoor enthusiast who care about their mind, their body and their environment.” Dave Brown, Publisher Ottawa Outdoors Magazine
“We’re into healthy living, so we wanted to see what this show had to offer,” said sylvie Boudreault, at last year’s show with her friend Tina Tagliaferro. “There was a great balance of content.”
Saturday February 10th
Sunday February 11th
Keskinada brings world tradition to Gatineau Park
By Sheila Kealey I skied my first Keskinada Loppet in Gatineau Park as a member of the McGill University cross-country ski team. This was a loooooong race for me, and my strongest recollection is stopping at feeding stations to ingest copious amounts of oatmeal cookies and chocolate-covered raisins. Fun stuff, and it almost put a nutrition research career on the near horizon. I also remember slogging along, questioning if I’d ever finish. I also wondered who told me that the last 15 kilometres was all downhill, though I did suppress a smug feeling while I chugged past a teammate (he didn’t mind; months later he married me) who hadn’t chowed enough at the feed stations. After completing the race, I knew it was something I wanted to do again. I raced the Keski a few more times before moving to California for graduate school. With a climate more conducive to running and cycling, I didn’t ski much for seven years except on yearly visits to Gatineau Park at Christmas. Eventually I returned
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to Ottawa. Then with smarter training, better fitness, and a membership in the XCOttawa racing team, I was able to finish among the top women in the race. The club has provided me with fast teammates, great coaching, and excellent waxing advice. And although I now compete at many cross-country races, the Keskinada remains a favorite. The Keskinada is Canada’s largest cross-country ski race, and a part of the Worldloppet league – a circuit of 14 crosscountry, world-wide ski events. Only one race per country can be a member of Worldloppet, and the Keskinada fits the bill.
Something for everyone
Although some of Canada’s top talent and strong international competitors vie for those spots on the podium, one of the great things about this race is the range of abilities and ages it attracts. Over the years the event has evolved from one long-distance race (called the Rivière Rouge) to a weekend festival with multiple distances and techniques available for the trying. Although the premier competitive event remains the 53-kilometre freestyle race, a range of distances and the
OTTAWAOUTDOORSMAGAZINE – WINTER’06
choice of classic or freestyle technique offer something for everyone. Many XCOttawa members include family (often parents) in the racing. My mother enjoys the 16-kilometre or 29kilometre classic, my husband John usually takes part in one of the races, and my son Evan has fun at the two-kilometre “mini Keski.” Usually, it’s held three hours after the start of the big race. It’s always my goal to finish the race fast enough to ski with Evan. So far I’ve been able to start the Mini Keski, but haven’t had the strength to finish.
This year’s event was good for all to enjoy There is nothing like registering for a race to get you out the door, so mark your calendars. This year’s event is the 29th Keski, and will take place February 15-18. Here’s the schedule: • Friday, Feb. 16 – sprints (pick up your bib, and watch the action!) • Saturday, Feb. 17 – classic style five, 16, 29 and 53 kilometres • Sunday Feb. 18 – freestyle Mini-Keski, two, 10, 29 and 53 kilometres
PHOTO BY keskinada loppet
All ages and abilities welcome
Do’s and Don’ts for the Keski by www.xcottawa.ca DO
eat a solid breakfast.
DON’T
stuff yourself to bloating.
DO
remember pointers from your training.
DON’T
try anything new during the race (new skis, boots, socks, drink or food).
DO
take sips regularly.
DON’T
wait to drink until you’re really thirsty.
DO
position your water bottle upside down in your holder so you…
DON’T
get stuck with a frozen mouth piece. (This technique really works!)
DO
wear sunscreen.
DON’T
confuse it with wax and put it on your skis!
DO
ski strong but calm once the starting gun fires.
DON’T
be impatient with the tightly packed skiers in the first half kilometre.
DO
pay attention to waxing because it can ease every stride.
DON’T
forget to check www. xcottawa.ca for Keski wax tips.
DO
use the course map to locate the feeding stations.
DON’T
forget to thank the volunteers.
DO
talk it up with old ski buddies at the starting area.
DON’T
miss the starting gun.
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Nordic ski equipment in North America. Check www.xcottawa.ca for updates on Gatineau Park conditions, training tips and cross-country ski news. It has a new Keskinada Loppet section with a history of race stories and reports over the years. Welcome to the tradition. ≈≈ Sheila Kealey is is an avid outdoor enthusiast and skier.
How to spend your winter evenings What to do? Grab your friends and your skis and head out for an early evening ski in the Gats. where to go? Take your pick of ski routes by downloading the NCC trail map. Fastest web directions is to Google “gatineau park outdoor activities”....then you’ll see many options. when you get there? You’ll enjoy cooking the prepared simple foods you brought. This picture below says it all. Enjoy.
OTTAWAOUTDOORSMAGAZINE – WINTER’06
© Harry Nowell Photography, Inc. - www.HarryNowell.com http://www.HarryNowell.com
For registration and other information, go to www.keskinada.com. The more you get out skiing in general, the more you will to enjoy the Keskinada, so buy a Gatineau Park ski pass and take advantage of some of the best trails and grooming in the country. If your equipment needs upgrading, Ottawa area stores have some of the best selection and prices on
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Ski wax for novices
or beginners. Their down side is they don’t glide as well because of the grip pattern. Waxable skis are faster, but require regular application of grip wax.
Applying wax to skis
By Chantal Macartney The entire world seems covered by a thick layer of fresh, glistening snow. Your breath floats away from you in little clouds of frosted air. What a perfect day to go skiing! But a question nags in your mind: what kind of wax should I put on my skis? Fear not. Here lies the answer. Ski waxing is neither as dark a science, nor as complicated an art, as it seems. Understanding the basics is all it takes. Everyone develops their own “must use” technique for traditional cross-country skiing, but before you get to that stage here’s an excellent starting point for novices.
Glide versus kick wax There are two basic kinds of wax: glide and kick. Glide wax makes skis glide faster. On classic skis, some people apply glide wax just to the ski tips and tails while others apply it to the entire bottom surface of the ski. I usually just put it on once or twice a season, depending on how icy the trails
are and how much wax wears off. For novice skiers, I’d advise bringing your skis in to a shop at the start of the season so they can apply an excellent hot wax glide coat. Leaving glide wax application to a professional lets you concentrate on mastering kick wax techniques. Kick wax is what most cross-country skiers carry on the trail. It provides grip on the snow for powering yourself along a path or up a hill. You’ll find two different forms of kick wax: “hard” and “klister.” Hard wax comes in a variety of temperature-specific stick-like containers to rub onto the bottom of the ski. Most skiers stick to three colours: green, blue and red. Generally speaking, use green wax if the temperature is between –7°C and –10°C. Use blue wax for temperatures between –3°C and –7°C, and use red for warmer days (0°C to –4°C). You’ll also find a black wax stick for extremely cold temperatures (–15°C to –30°C). Each wax stick colour has its matching outside temperatures printed on the packaging, so there’s no need to memorize anything.
Ski types Before applying any wax, you’ve got to know whether you have waxless or waxable ski bottoms. Both kinds need at least one annual application of glide wax. That’s where the similarities between the ski types end. Waxless cross-country skis have a carved surface – often a fish scale pattern or deep slash marks – for gripping the snow. If you have waxless skis, you can skip the grip wax. Waxless skis require almost no maintenance, and are perfect for children
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OTTAWAOUTDOORSMAGAZINE – WINTER’06
the wax. “Colouring” as you would with a crayon, smear the wax onto the “kick zone” of the skis. The kick zone is the area under your feet. It extends from 30 to 45 centimetres in front of your foot to just behind your heel. Cover this entire surface with wax. After applying the wax to the kick zone, use a synthetic cork to smooth everything down. If you leave it lumpy, you won’t glide very far, if at all. As you rub the cork quickly back and forth over the wax, it warms up and smoothes out. Run your finger along the bottom of your ski. If it feels smooth, you’re probably set to go. If it doesn’t, run a scraper over the surface, gently removing any rough wax edges, then cork again.
Klister Just the word “klister” brings shivers of fear to some skiers. Relax. On warmer skiing days, when the snow is wet or sticky or extremely icy, use klister. It’s applied
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PHOTOs by allen macartney
Not as complicated as you thought
Before you get to the trail, check the weather. What is the temperature and is it forecast to change during the day? Once you know the answers, you’re well on your way to choosing the best wax for your skis for that day. The only question remaining is the quality of the snow. Is it fluffy and soft, or crunchy and hard? Knowing weather and snow means you can mix and match their conditions with the ideal wax. Before applying new wax, scrape off any old wax that might have formed lumps or ridges on your ski surfaces. To apply hard wax while you’re out on the trail, hold the wax stick in one hand and a vertical ski with the other. If you’re at home, lay the ski on a horizontal surface to apply
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is much more difficult than scraping off hard wax, though you can buy a solvent to remove it. Keep klister away from your clothes. Even though it comes off skin with soap and water, it is hard to remove from winter jackets or gloves. Waxing skies isn’t as scary as it may sound, especially if you start with basic waxing techniques, and advance slowly in this art/science. Remember the basics: know the weather and snow conditions, and wax accordingly. Bon ski! ≈≈ Chantal Macartney is an avid camper, and skier.
Paying Homage to HERMAN ‘Jack Rabbit’ smith Johanson
You cannot nordic ski anywhere around eastern Canada without the giving thanks to this great pioneer. He was awarded this famous nickname “Jackrabbit” by the Cree people during his trips through the Canadian wildnerness, where they respected and recognized his speed on skis through the bush. G He organized volunteers to help blaze trails still used today, including the Maple Leaf Trail. G In 1930 he and others climbed to the top of Mont Tremblant and bushwacked a descent of the mountain. And in 1972 he was awarded the Order of Canada and Norway’s Order of Olav. He died in 1987 at the healthy age of 112. He gave much, took nothing, and left us tracks on which we ski today.
alpine pointers by Davy Roy Precit
Ski like an accordion If you can imagine your body as a vertical accordion, try this imagery next time you go skiing. As you start a turn, extend and stretch your body as tall as you can. As the turn develops, begin sinking and flexing your body. Continue compressing your body into a small flexed position as you finish the turn. As you start the next turn, begin the process again. Continue to refine the movements so you’re rhythmically stretching and compressing throughout a succession of turns.
Practice Rotation Everywhere Here’s an off-the-hill skiing movement I like to practise whenever I find myself sitting in a swivel chair or up on a bar stool. Bend your arms as if you’re holding ski poles and grab the surface in front of you. With your upper body stabilized, begin twisting your lower body rhythmically from side to side. This rotation will help condition a movement that ski instructors refer to as “upper and lower body separation.” The ability to ski with a stable “quiet” upper body while allowing your legs and lower body to steer your skis smoothly is what separates intermediate skiers from beginners.
Ten reasons to take up Nordic skiing by www.xczone.ca
You can … 1. Get a cardiovascular and muscular workout, and develop endurance by exercising every muscle through a full range of motion. 2. Gain fitness without gadgets or fads. 3. Deter injury by practising seasonal variations using a low-impact activity. 4. Sculpt a muscular but slender build. 5. Interact with several thousand kindred spirits at Ottawa’s dozen ski clubs. 6. Ski under the night stars, and stay for a candlelight potluck dinner with friends. 7. Develop new technical skills and agility at ski camps and classes. 8. Discover winter’s wonderland with the eyes of a child; you’ll ski over a playground of snow with a labyrinth of trails. 9. Make your workout an adventure where the journey is not just counting the minutes. 10. Wear bright spandex you wouldn’t normally be caught dead in. As they say, “If you don’t do it this year, you’ll be at least one year older when you do.” learn to nordic ski with instructional dvd Beginner to Intermediate, 3hr+ This programme uses a personal approach to provide an entry for beginners. It includes the highly successful Fundamentals of Cross-Country Skiing, and Tao of Skiing, and the Ski Your Best manual by the Canadian Association of Nordic Skiing Instructors for novice to intermediate level skiers. “An enduring product. Nordic ski lessons in a box, for the price of a ski lesson” $30 – To order, visit www.xczone.com
www.OttawaOutdoors.ca
PHOTO BY rf stock
only to the kick zone. Because it has the consistency of honey, it’s so messy and gooey-sticky that many people don’t like using it. If you do decide to use it, it’s best to warm the wax up slightly before you apply it. Warm klister is much easier to apply, and will smooth out nicely. A word of warning. A little klister goes a LONG way! Apply it sparingly to your skis, and apply it when your skis are in the horizontal position. Smooth the klister along your ski with a scraper or a finger, keeping the layer thin. Removing klister
COOLgear Atlas 9 Series – $199.99-$219.99 The Atlas 9 Series Snowshoe is a great snowshoe for first-timers as well as seasoned shoers! Lots of traction and control matched with a durable and lightweight aluminum frame give this snowshoe excellent value. The binding is a cinch to get on and off for any size foot or boots! Get their entire kit, complete with poles included. They increase your workout as well as taking strain off your joints and increasing balance. Top this off with a part mesh tote and you are ready to go! get it at trailhead
AMC 73 – $749.00 The lightweight, easy on the weight, easy to control ski from Fischer. Both on and off-piste with direct power transfer, perfect edge grip and innovative B-Magic design effect. Comes with binding and installation included. See the entire selection of Fischer skis. get it at kunstadt sports
MEC Inertia Down Jacket – $250.00 Mountain Equipment Co-op’s Inertia Down Jacket for men and women delivers warmth through the coldest winter days. With its compressible 700 fill-power down, this lightweight jacket easily disappears into your pack when the sun is shining. Yet its simple, sewn-through construction produces a fit that is trim but roomy enough for inner layers. Durable waterrepellency treatment makes it water-resistant to 600 mm, and with two hand-warmer pockets and top-of-thigh length, the Inertia Down jacket is ideal for cold climates. get it at mountain equipment coop
garmin forerunner 305 – $399.00 Form meets function with Garmin’s next-generation, sleek and stylish line of personal trainers — the Forerunner 305 & 205. Don’t let their good looks fool you. These taskmasters will continually push you to do your personal best. The Forerunner 305 combines all of the popular features found in the 301 along with a high-sensitivity GPS receiver, new courses feature, and robust ANT wireless heart rate monitor for optimal performance. Designed for athletes of all levels, this running partner and personal trainer has one goal in mind — a better you. It continuously monitors your heart rate, speed, distance, pace and calories burned so you can train smarter, more effectively. It tracks your every move with a super-sensitive GPS that even works on tree-covered trails and near tall buildings. Receive a detailed post-workout analysis on the PC with included Garmin Training Center™ software. you want your soles to go. Available in brown and black. get it at bushtukah
Sherwood Recreational skates fm $59.99 Remember putting two pairs of wool socks on so your feet wouldn’t freeze in your skates? Well thanks to the new wave of recreational skates out there including the Sherwood Magnum, freezing toes are a thing of the past. Comfortable and warm these recreational skates feature a Velcro upper strap for a secure fit, speed lacing and a molded foot bed for added comfort. get it at the hockey shack (paddleshack)
www.OttawaOutdoors.ca
smartwool socks cabin fever – $25.00 You’ll be content with cabin fever with this sock, combining a non-cushion sole with arch brace, smooth toe seam, snug fit and SmartWool’s cozy comfort. (86% wool, 12% nylon, 2% spandex) get it at Glebe Trotters
Nikon D80 DSLR Kit $1479.95 – $1539.95 Complete with both the w/ AF-s Dx 18-70 and w/AF-s Dx 18-135 zoom lens, this high performance satisfies all shooting styles. Loaded with the following features: 10.2 effective MP; 11-area AF System with Auto-area AF mode; New larger 2.5-10 LCD, better focus, new remote options; Instant start-up and immediate response; TTL flash compatible w/SB-800 or SB-600; ISO 100 to 1600; Shutter speeds 30 secs to 1/4000; Depth of field preview; Shoot jpeg, or Raw (NEF) formats; 2 Year Canadian warranty on body-5 years on lens; and Optional Capture NX software for advanced “RAW” editing. get it at ginn photography
OTTAWAOUTDOORSMAGAZINE – WINTER’06
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theoutdoorrunway Name: Sonia Blunt, age 28 school: Graduated from Carleton University Favourite foods: Spicy Thai Curry, Sushi Hobbies: Snowboarding, Cycling (Road and Mountain), Travel Snowboarding: The freedom, it is very liberating and easier to master than skiing the gear: K2 Luna Snowboard $429 Charm Binding K2 $129 (Package Board and Binding $474) Burton Emerald Snowboard Boot $249 Burton Downtown Insulated Pant $179 Helly Ice Dry Glacier Crew $75 Burton North Star Fleece Jacket $129 Burton Henna Snowboard Jacket $349 Oakley Stockholm Women Specific Goggles $189 Red Women Specific Reya Helmet $99 Burton Baker Mitt $69
Model: Andy Rosenberger, age 30 School: Graduated from Marine Biology B.Sc. Favourite Food: power gels (kidding) Hobbies: Skiing, Hiking, Biking, Canal skating, Paddling, Carpentry X-C skiing: I love the winter, snow and skiing. Whether it is skate, classic or backcountry skiing, it is a natural, clean way I enjoy the outdoors. the gear: Craft Pronto Training Glove $99.99 Patagonia Beanie Hat $39.99 Dale of Norway Man Top Merino Wool Baselayer $69.99 Craft Pearl Basic Pullover $79.99 Sporthill Symmetry Jacket $99.99 Sugoi Firewall Tight $149.99 Fischer CS Skatecut Ski $319.99 Rossignol X9 Skate Boot $249.99 Swix Atustar CT7 Pole $99.99
Model: Jody Overduin, age 26 School: Graduated Outdoor Adventure and Police Foundations Favourite Food: Cookies Hobbies: climbing, whitewater paddling, Running, Skate Skiing, Cycling. SNOWSHOEING: Was first attracted to snowshoeing during a winter trip to the Adirondacks. Snowshoes made the steep sections a lot easier. THE GEAR: MEC Midweight Powerdry Toque $8.50 Patigonia Capilene 4 Zip neck $100 MEC Ferrata Hoodie Softshell $155 Patagonia Guide Pants $155 Hi–Tec Verbier Winter Hiking Boots $119 MEC Traverse Mitt $20.00 Black Diamond Expedition Poles $67 MSR Evo Ascent Snowshoes $240 MEC Kokanee Gore-Tex Gaiter $42
Take your
Peak.
4HE CHOICE COULDN T HAVE BEEN MUCH EASIER SKI FAST OR SKI LONGER #AMP &ORTUNE IS ONLY MINUTES AWAY FROM DOWNTOWN /TTAWA !ND -ONT 3TE -ARIE BOASTS THE HIGHEST VERTICAL IN THE REGION 4HIS SEASON TAKE ADVANTAGE OF GREAT SKIING CONDITIONS LESSONS WEEKDAY AND WEEKEND PACKAGES AND ENJOY THE PREMIER SKIING DESTINATIONS IN THE AREA
www. campfortune.com
call (819) 827-1717 “Your destination for Great Outdoor Gear!�
Bushtukah! The place to go for everything you need to play outside this winter! Great selection of cross-country skis, snowshoes, snowboards, accessories; casual and active clothing and footwear plus much more!
www. montstemarie.com
call (819) 467-5200
www.OttawaOutdoors.ca
Monday – Friday 9am-6pm, Sunday 10am-5pm 203 Richmond Road, Westboro
(613) 792-1170 OTTAWAOUTDOORSMAGAZINE – WINTER’06
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health and fitness
Balance metabolism and muscle
20s
30s
40s
And fend off that extra weight that piles on with the years By Colin Peden
It’s the single most effective method for increasing metabolism. At the same time it reduces fat, increases bone mineral density, and improves cardiovascular health. These are pretty solid benefits. So what exactly is metabolism? It’s the amount of energy (calories) your body burns to maintain itself. Whether you are eating, drinking, sleeping, or running, your body is burning calories to keep going. Metabolism is affected by the amount of muscle you have versus the amount of fat you have stored. Muscle uses more calories to maintain itself than fat, so people with a higher proportion of muscle (hence a lower percentage of body fat) have a higher metabolism. This means if you work to maintain muscle through the years, your metabolism stays up because your body is burning those calories even when you’re doing nothing. Resistance training helps to increase your metabolism, but the positive effects don’t end there. By lifting weights you’re not only burning calories but maintaining muscle, which increases your basal metabolism.
So what exactly is metabolism? It’s the amount of energy (calories) your body burns to maintain itself. But don’t give up. You can get that pure energy machine rolling again simply by taking back control of your body’s shape and weight with resistance training – it’s a simple and effective method. “Resistance training”? The term comes from the notion of adding “resistance” to any body action; lift your arm, and then lift it again while holding a weight. You do resistance training by using weights and weight machines aimed at increasing lean muscle mass. When most people think of resistance training (also known as weight or strength training), they picture professional bodybuilders or professional athletes. These images either scare them off or gross them out. The reality is different. While resistance training can be used to sculpt larger-than-life muscles, it is more commonly used simply to firm, tone, and increase muscle strength and weight without adding size.
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OTTAWAOUTDOORSMAGAZINE – WINTER’06
(That’s the rate when your body is resting.) You gain in two ways here. One, your body becomes firmer, and two, you lose the fat and become leaner. Lifting weights also strengthens the skeletal system, helping to fend off bone maladies like osteoporosis as we age. Resistance training can also help strengthen your entire cardiovascular system, which results in lower blood pressure and slower heart rate. In turn, this reduces your risk of heart disease – something we all want. Yes everyone is losing muscle tissue every month, every year, and every decade simply because we’re getting older. But only people who let their muscles waste away will experience slower metabolisms as they get older. By doing 30 to 45 minutes of strength training twice a week, you can avoid the metabolism tailspin and stay healthy for years to come. Before going any further, get a health and fitness assessment from a professional. This will keep you operating in safe zones and provide a program tailored to your needs. Armed with knowledge about your metabolism, you’ve got a simple choice with huge rewards. ≈≈ Colin Peden is a partner in Executive Fitness Leaders Inc., www.fitnessleaders.com.
One-Arm Dumbell Triceps Extensions Muscles Worked: Triceps Position: Sit on a bench or an excercise ball and bring the dumbell into the starting position just behind your head with your elbow raised above your shoulder. Start: Extend your arm upward, raising the dumbell toward the ceiling. Finish: Slowly lower the dumbell back to the starting position. Tip: Use caution when lowering the dumbell so you don’t hit the back of your head.
PHOTO BY rf stock
How scary is a slow metabolism? Probably it’s going on when you find yourself poking your tummy and wondering if your pants have shrunk. Or you suspect the bathroom scale is always a little on the high side. You eat pretty well, so you think it couldn’t be that you’ve packed on a few extra pounds. Or could it? Many people who have eaten almost the same way since their 20s begin to gain weight as they get older; usually it happens with no change in their habits. This is because after the age of 30, the body gradually begins to lose its muscle. If your activity level stays the same and the amount of calories you eat stays the same, you’ll gain weight because your metabolism has slowed down.
Alpine double-drop tips By Chris Lennon photos by Gillian Morgan As you continue to ski steeper and tougher terrain, the time will come when you encounter a double-stage line and have the option of attempting it. Though I don’t recommend bombing down lines with multiple drops before you are confident stomping single drops consistently, double drops aren’t in themselves much more difficult than single airs. What tends to make them more challenging is the surrounding exposure and increased speed you must handle while negotiating obstacles on the runout. If you encounter a double-stager with an open runout and feel confident enough to give it a shot, keep these tips in mind: As with any type of drop, ski into and off the feature. Forward momentum lessens the impact of landing, and in multiple airs helps set you up for the next drop.
1
2
Once you have lined things up and know your path of travel, don’t even think about the first landing; it’s only a brief touch-down. Instead, focus on where you want to land the final drop.
Unless you need distance or height to clear an obstacle, don’t worry about popping into the air. Just ski off each feature and pull your feet up underneath your hips. But if the takeoff has a lip on it, add a little pop to keep you balanced over your skis.
3
Spot your landing quickly without fixating on it. Focus on skiing away and your path of travel after landing.
4
YOUR GREEN PAGES OF OUTDOOR COMPANIES Running / Duathlons / Triathlons / Adventure Racing Somersault Events
www.somersault.ca
Triathlons, duathlons, and running events for you or the entire family.
Zone3Sports
www.zone3sports.com
Running/Tri training camps and drop-in programs.
Ottawa Adventure Boot Camp
www.ottawabootcamp.com
For women only who are keen to train and get in shape.
The Running Room
www.runningroom.com
Ottawa’s running and walking club for team fitness.
Runners Web
www.runnersweb.com
Great website and resource for running and triathlons.
National Capital Runner’s Association
www.ncra-ottawa.com
A running club for rec or competitive runners.
TriRudy
www.trirudy.com
Great website and resource for duathlons and triathlons.
Synergy Adventure Training
www.synergyat.ca
A corporate synergy company team building, with a twist of adventure.
Frontier Adventure Racing (FAR)
www.far.on.ca
Real wildnerness. Real navigation. Real adventure.
Fitness / Health / Training Executive Fitness Leaders
www.fitnessleaders.com
Executive fitness training, registered massage therapy and more.
Creative Wheel
www.creative-wheel.com
A nature-based consultancy aimed to teach, inspire and motivate through coaching.
Holistic Clinic
www.holisticclinic.ca
Professionals committed to providing the highest quality of individualized health care.
Forth Pilates
www.forthpilates.com
Helping you attain peak physical fitness through a proven mind/body discipline.
Rama Lotus Yoga
www.ottawayoga.com
We operate as a provider of yoga classes and wellness services.
RA Centre
www.racentre.com
The RA Centre is the largest recreation, sport, fitness and leisure centre of its kind.
www.mountainbikeschool.ca www.bikeleather.com www.cyclepower.ca www.gregchristies.com www.thecyclery.ca www.fullcycle.ca www.mccranks.com www.peccos.com www.cyclelogik.com
Programs to make the sport safe, accessible and enjoyable. Custom specialist with a complete line of bike leather, and other accessories. Evolving for families seeking family-priced bikes. Bikes and skis just a footstep from the Gatineau Park trails in Chelsea. Stocked with a full range of quality bikes, clothing and accessories. Staffed by enthusiasts and stocked with the best quality bikes. McCranks, located in the Glebe, is a service oriented bike shop. A family-owned and operated business since 1971. A Westboro bike shop for the serious biker to the weekend cruiser.
Mt. Biking / Cycling LaRocca XC Mountain Bike School Bike Leather Cycle Power Greg Christie’s Ski & Cycle The Cyclery Full Cycle McCrank’s Cycles Pecco’s Cyclelogik
Outdoor Adventure Clubs Ottawa Orienteering Club Ottawa Hostel Outdoor Club Rideau Trail Association Ottawa Rambling Club Oxygène Ottawa Triathlon Club Ottawa Bicycle Club Kanata Mt. Bike Community Citizens for Safe Cycling Ottawa-Carleton Ultimate Association Ottawa Disc Golf Club Ottawa Sport and Social Club Meet Market Adventures (Ottawa) Ottawa Alpine Club
www.ottawaoc.ca http://ohoc.ncf.ca www.rideautrail.org www.geocities.com/orchike www.cluboxygene.qc.ca www.ottawatriathlonclub.com www.ottawabicycleclub.ca www.mtbkanata.com www.safecycling.ca www.ocua.ca www.odgc.ca www.ossc.ca www.meetmarketadventures.com www.alpineclubottawa.ca
We organize and take part in orienteering events in the Ottawa area. A rec club with hiking, cycling, canoeing, skiing, and snowshoeing. A hiking club dedicated to maintaining the trail from Kingston to Ottawa. A Club for the adventurous with activities every season. A Gatineau-based outdoors club. Their website is in French only. A recreational organization dedicated to teaching the enjoyment of tris. Offers a range of cycling programs from novice to expert. We ride our bikes, then do something related to bikes. The CfSC is a voluntary assoc. who work for better, safer cycling. The largest Ultimate (Frisbee) league in the world. Dedicated to promoting this great sport to and for the public to enjoy. A co-ed, rec sport league, with tourneys and social events for adults. Local & International events for Ottawa singles. The local section of Canada’s national mountaineering organization.
Ottawa Rowing Club
www.ottawarowingclub.com
Come see what rowing is like on the picturesque Ottawa River.
Winter Alpine & Nordic Ski Clubs Camp Fortune Ski Club Chelsea Nordiq Club Kanata XC-ski Club Nakkertok XC-Ski Club West Carleton Nordic Ski Club RA Ski Club Snowhawks Ski School XC Ottawa Cross Country Canada
www.campfortuneskiclub.ca www.chelseanordiq.ca www.kanataxcski.ca www.nakkertok.ca www.wcnordic.com www.raski.ca www.snowhawks.com www.xcottawa.ca www.cccski.com
New ski club for family ski enthusiasts. A community cross-country and biathlon club in Gatineau Park. Introducing the sport to families since 1979. Competitive programs too. The largest cross country ski club in the national capital region. In its 12th season of operation at Fitzroy Provincial Park. RASki is a non-profit ski club operating since 1967. Ontario’s premier ski & snowboard school for children and adults. Great club and resource for xc ski information. Develops and delivers programs to achieve international excellence.
Outdoor Gear Retail Stores & Websites Mountain Equipment Co-op
www.mec.ca
366 Richmond Rd.
613-729-2700
Trailhead
www.trailhead.ca
1960 Scott St.
613-722-4229
Bushtukah Great Outdoor Gear
www.bushtukah.com
203 Richmond Rd.
613-232-0211
Kunstadt Sports
www.kunstadt.ca
462 Hazeldean Rd.
613-831-2059
1583 Bank St.
613-260-0696
Paddle Shack / Hockey Shack
www.paddleshack.ca
422b Richmond Rd.
613-725-5259
Fresh Air Experience
www.freshairexp.com
1291 Wellington St.
613-729-3002
Shaver Sports (Camp Fortune)
www.shaversports.com
300 Dunlop Rd.
819-827-2898
Ginn Photo
www.ginnphoto.com
422 Bank St.
613-567-4686
Expedition Shoppe
www.expeditionshoppe.com
43 York St.
613-241-8397
369 Richmond Rd.
613-722-0166
Tommy & Lefebvre
www.tandl.com
464 Bank St.
613-236-9731
Green Drake Outfitters
www.greendrake.com
89 Holland Ave.
613-828-1915
Ultimate Disc Golf Store
www.ultimatediscgolfstore.ca
142 Rideau Street
613-241-9876
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SALES
CALEN EVENT
DAR
WEBSITES
EVENT CALENDAR – REGISTER TODAY TO THESE WINTER EVENTS! Resolution Run/Walk (5/10K)
December 31, 2006
www.runningroom.com
Mad Trapper Snowshoe Challenge (Flatter course)
January 6, 2007
www.synergyat.ca
Frontier Adventure Challenge
January 20, 2007
www.far.on.ca
Best of Banff Film Festival
January 24, 2007
www.trailhead.ca
Mad Trapper Snowshoe Challenge (up, up, down course)
January 27, 2007
www.synergyat.ca
West Carleton Nordic Ski Club
January 29, 2007
www.wcnordic.com
Winterlude Triathlon (Skate / Ski / Run)
February 3, 2007
www.zone3sports.com
Canadian Ski Marathon
February 10-11, 2007
www.csm-mcs.com
Healthy Lifestyles Show (Aberdeen Pavilion @ Lansdowne Park)
Feburary 10-11, 2007
www.healthylifeshow.ca
Keskinada Loppett
February 15-18, 2007
www.keskinada.com
Mad Trapper Snowshoe Madness
February 24, 2007
www.synergyat.ca
Canadian National Snowshoe Championship
March 4, 2007
www.synergyat.ca
JUST GO TO www.OttawaOutdoor s.ca AND TYPE IN YOUR EMAIL ADDRESS. WE’LL DO THE REST.
21
Passion
Photo: Scott Rowed
Photo: Dave Duncan
Find out for yourself
Pleasure
Together
To plan your custom package, click on www.SkiBig3.com/outdoors or call 1-877-754-8196.
6687 Ann Ottawa Outdoor Magazine
20/11/2006
10:19 AM
Page 1
montsutton.com
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* Offer valid starting January 2, 2007, Monday to Thursday inclusively. Price per person based on double occupancy. Taxes extra, except for the B&B Vert Le Mont (taxes included). Certain conditions apply.
www.OttawaOutdoors.ca
OTTAWAOUTDOORSMAGAZINE – WINTER’06
25
NORDIC NIGHT A SILVER SPHERE ascends into the dormancy of a cold winter night. Through a frost-tinted window I watch it hover above the horizon. Beams of moonlight shine down to reveal snow-covered hills. Like I’m some monster, tonight’s full moon has an influence over me. Feverishly, I descend to the basement and crayon wax onto my backcountry skis. Anticipating a drop to minus -27°C, I cork in my special green. I tie my ski boots realizing most people are getting ready for bed. I race out into the frigid night air and meet my radiant companion face to face. Tonight, the moon will lead me on into a seductive world of snow. In one fluid motion I apply my toque and headlamp, jacket, backpack, gloves and poles. I step into my bindings and venture forth. No human tracks yet on the virgin powder that fell earlier this week. My skis savour the freshness of the snow and I kick and glide forward, floating within a medium of sparkling crystals. I’m inspired to create my own lines upon the unpainted canvas beyond. This area is akin to where I grew up in Northern Ontario, deep snow over rugged Canadian Shield. Rock ridges, steep hills and ponds are wrapped in an open forest of white pine, white spruce, trembling aspen and white birch. The terrain challenges my spirit as much as my nordic skills. It’s ideal for classical cross-country skiing, an activity that has bonded with my heart like klister to ice. Colours are easily determined. The moonlight is so bright that I don’t need a headlamp. My red ski tips slice through the snow, disappearing when the long blue shadows of trees come along, then reappearing in stark whiteness. From a hill I drop into a densely treed bowl that’s still waiting for the moonlight to pour in onto its balsam firs suspending mauve mounds of snow. As I slaloming through them, their boughs dump snow onto my head, shoulders, and arms. Like the Abominable Snowman, I re-emerge into moonlight and begin climbing the next ridge.
9b^cm U ib]eiY fY`UlUh]cb YldYf]YbWY ]b h\Y \YUfh cZ bUhifY"
At the top, fresh tracks in the snow reveal a creature was just here. Offset in pairs, they have five toe pads with claws. Bounding a metre apart, these are the tracks of a fisher – the animal, not the ski. Next to the wolverine in the weasel family, the ferocious fisher is able to kill and eat porcupines. Below me spreads a smooth slope vacant of trees, and I push off and pick up speed. The thrill makes me go Norwegian. I drop one knee close to the snow in transition and carve a tight rhythm of telemark turns before sliding out onto the frozen surface of a lake. A thin layer of windswept snow hides the ice below. I ski way out and stop when I feel I’m in the centre of it all. Beyond the shelter of the trees the sky is immense. Constellations, like jewels, glitter over my head. The Big Dipper lays back above the tip of an elegant white pine to the north, the outer stars of its cup pointing to Polaris, showing me the true way home. I return to the edge of the lake, skiing beside the shore for a while. Snowdrifts rise from the ice and flow into the fringes of the forest. They deepen and consume my skis, gaiters, then finally my thighs. I swim through a series of white streams making my way back into the trees. A wall of mature conifers stands in the distance. Like a Viking long ship, I change course to traverse the grove and sense another reality. A natural fortress, they stand as if protecting some ancient secret. Instinctively, I stop and look up – towering into the stars are the great pillars of pine that the Norsemen believed supported the universe. A feeling of harmony comes over me as I too absorb their tranquility. Lost in thought, I stand motionless, unaware of the dropping temperature. Like a hungry wolf on my trail, the North Wind suddenly howls through me, a chilling reminder that I must keep moving to stay warm. Leaving my thoughts behind to freeze, I abandon the grove and climb the next ridge. This hill is steep and I
GIFT CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE! Coming soon at Le Nordik… 8 new massage rooms Expansion of the changing rooms New outdoor hot tub with terrasse and fireplace
ONLY 10 MINUTES FROM DOWNTOWN OTTAWA. OPEN ALL YEAR ROUND, 7 DAYS A WEEK.
16, chemin Nordik Old Chelsea Qc (819) 827.1111 1 866 575.3700 For more information about our services and packages, please visit
www.lenordik.com
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OTTAWAOUTDOORSMAGAZINE – WINTER’06
www.OttawaOutdoors.ca
image BY tim yearington
by Tim Yearington
begin to sweat. Irritated, I make it to the top and question the pack upon my back. I wonder why I even bother with it. The extra clothing I haul never gets worn and the only thing I ever take out is my thermos. Yet, the night I don’t carry it would be the time I’d fall and get injured, or lose my way in a blizzard. The Wendigo – that monster of the north woods – might find me. Ojibway legend says the Wendigo walked the frozen wilderness in search of luckless victims. Almost human, it had sharp fangs and long claws and hungered for human flesh. Those who were foolish enough to get stranded or lost in the unforgiving grip of winter would surely be devoured by the Wendigo. The legend is real in its wisdom and forewarns of the anguish of freezing to death. As the wind and snow bite at my cheeks, I decide my backpack and its heat-conserving contents are not to be questioned. I face north and search for familiar forms to guide me. The trees I normally follow look different dressed in such an enchanting gown of white. Sensuous figures of spruce, endowed with snow, give me the feeling that I am skiing amidst a Scandinavian taiga forest. Ordinary has become exotic. With an impassioned heart, I ski deeper into the wilderness and deeper into the night. My body burns with fatigue until, finally, I stop and release my skis. My backpack has frozen to my jacket with sweat and makes a ripping sound as I take it off. I sit onto the snow and retrieve my thermos. Removing the cap, the steamy aroma of peppermint swirls into the cold dry air. Parched, I treat myself to warm cups of tea enriched with honey and stare into a scene that nourishes me, body and soul. The snow is like sugar, the moment sweet. I have no idea what the exact time is, but I do know this is winter’s finest hour. Inside the wind, I hear a whisper: “Go forth into the lights of the night. For there you will learn of the sparkle of the Earth, and come to see that it is a true gift.”
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≈≈ Tim Yearington lives near Calabogie, Ont. His passion is to share his Objibwe spirit in his artwork, his writing or in time spent with others.
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the rideau canal is
World class natural ice
And more and more and more speed skates on it By Dominique Larocque Living in Ottawa means living on the doorstep of what the Guinness World Records organization calls the “world’s largest naturally frozen ice rink.” This 7.8 kilometres of ice surface is equal to 90 Olympic-sized rinks, and it’s ours for the skating. And the nature of that skating is changing. Thousands of Ottawa-Gatineau residents and visitors take to this ice, and more and more of them are deciding that hockey skates are for hockey, figure skates are for the triple lutz and double axel, but for distance and speed, they’re strapping on (or lacing up) long blade or speed skates. Speed skaters can easily move at 30 km/ hour, which means they can make it from the Laurier Bridge to Dows Lake in less than 20 minutes. Do your own comparison for the same distance on hockey or figure skates. The winning time for the 40-kilometre Marathon which took place on the canal in 1994 was 1:21:36, and that happened on natural ice, not the Zambonied surface of an indoor oval, and you have to factor in the cracks, bumps and stop-and-go around the pylons at each end of the canal. Zt Skate School and volunteer speed skaters promoted long blade skating during the last two Winterludes, and visitors to its tent
discovered that one solid lesson can get you moving pretty fast. Once you get the almost effortless push and glide motion down pat, it’s tough to go back to hockey or figure skates. For visiting Europeans, Ottawa’s canal is a gift from the ice gods. I still remember the enthusiasm of some Europeans I met over 10 years ago at the Finland Ice Marathon! Dutch skaters are not always lucky when it comes to natural ice, so their Elfstedentocht or “11 cities tour,” doesn’t happen every year. When it does, organizers work at a frenzied pace during the few available cold days in Leeuwarden – the traditional start and finish spot. The event has attracted 15,000 skaters along 200 kilometres of frozen canals, rivers and lakes between 11 Frisian cities. Uncertain winter weather means marathon speed skaters in any country come with a big dose of persistence, positive attitude and determination. Skating on natural ice is not like skating laps on perfectly Zamboni-manicured ice surfaces, which are usually covered. There’s no guarantee rock-hard ice won’t melt into slush, ruining your wintry bliss. Locally, our own mini Elfstedentocht race organizer (Marco Smits of the Portland Outdoors website) is the driving force behind the International Big Rideau Lake Speed Skating Marathon, to take place January 27. You can sign up at http://www. portlandoutdoors.com/index.html.
Technique, technique, technique
Here are some tips to remember when you’re out on those long blades: • Assume a low squat position to put your body weight naturally on your heels. • Push with the heel, not the toe. • A strong and even side push with the right leg allows you to glide forward on the left skate, with nose, knee and toe aligned over it, creating stability and forward momentum. • As you complete the extension with your right leg, swing it back inwards in a half “U” to position it next to your gliding left foot. Surprisingly, you can gauge how you’re doing simply by listening. An annoying scratching sound at every side push means you’re pushing with your toe and not your heel. A silent push along with a perfect recovery and glide is what differentiates the pro from the amateur. Check out my demo by typing “speedskating ottawa” at www.utube.com. And on a rainy day (let’s hope there aren’t any) check out “Lace Up: Canada’s Passion for Skating,” an exhibit at the Canadian Museum of Civilization. It covers figure skating and hockey as well as speed skating. ≈≈ Dominique Larocque enjoys introducing newcomers to long blade skating, and teaches competitive racers how to perfect their form. She is the director of Creative Wheel, a company promoting health and environmental awareness through coaching, workshops and public advocacy.
Long blade links • • • • • • •
Zen and the Art of Speed Skating: http://andrewlove.org/blog/?cat=7 Portland Outdoors: www.portlandoutdoors.com Eleven cities tour: www.rootsinholland.com/11cities/texthom.html Marathon Skating International: http://www.marathonskating.org Speed Skating Canada: http://www.speedskating.ca/eng/ Speed Skating Quebec: http://www.fpvq.org/ Zt Skate School: www.skateschool.ca, www.ottawaspeedskating.ca, 613-226-7007, ext 2
Get the facts The National Capital Commission says locals skate on the canal nine times during the average 50-day season. Winterlude attracts 800,000 people and generates about $150 million for the Ottawa-Gatineau
PHOTO BY Alicia Weiss
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OTTAWAOUTDOORSMAGAZINE – WINTER’06
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11/21/06
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PHOTO BY Alicia Weiss
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Cycling hits the “road” in the great indoors Ottawa’s cyclists are many and active and our winters are cold, so indoor studio cycling is a natural for those who want to avoid the snow and ice. There’s a local service offering virtualreality studio cycling for fun and an awesome workout with computer-controlled cycles, performance measurement, and real-life video visuals on a two-metre screen. CycleFit studio combines stationary cycling trainers synchronized with computer software and video footage from riders with lightweight helmet-cameras.
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OTTAWAOUTDOORSMAGAZINE – WINTER’06
PHOTOs BY PAUL Smeulders
By Paul Smeulders
Participants ride with a group, but stay within their own ability level without competing or getting left behind. The machines even measure how many calories you burn in a video session. There are two- and four-hour sessions planned for the dead of winter designed for triathletes or other endurance junkies, alongside multi-week training programs to prepare anyone for the outdoor sporting seasons. The studio is at 101A Main Street, just south of Lees Avenue. Check out programs and rates (from $13 for a one-time visit down to $8.50 per session, depending on how many you pre-pay) at www. cyclefit.ca. There’s a video of the action at www.intellicoach.ca.
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The lure of ice fishing Angling takes on a big social dimension after freeze-up By Tim Allard / photos tim allard If you’ve seen those ice huts sitting on frozen bays of the Ottawa River in the winter you might have wondered what’s the appeal of ice fishing. For starters, this sport is a fun, social and lowcost activity that’s a great way to spend a winter’s day in the great outdoors. And you might even catch a few fish. For many enthusiastic anglers, ice fishing is simply a given. As naturally as the seasons change, so do fishing conditions, so venturing out on the ice in search of fish is just what you do in winter. Then there’s the rest of the population who don’t ice fish – yet. Whether you take a hiatus over the winter or are someone who’s never tried any form of angling, you’re missing out on a compelling way of going fishing, something more and more people are discovering. Ice fishing is growing in popularity in Canada and is an exploding industry in the United States. Technological advancements, a shift to mobility-based ice fishing tactics, as well as a tonne of marketing: these are just a few reasons for the boost in ice fishing’s appeal to new and seasoned anglers alike. All that said, the one constant in ice fishing is that it’s more of a social activity than open water angling, and the reason is simple. You can only fit so many anglers in a boat, but once the water freezes, friends and families can head out on the ice together, enjoy the fresh air and catch a few fish. I’ve been on the ice several times where groups have cleared away a skating area for kids, brought out the Coleman stove for snacks and hot drinks, and then set up their fishing lines. Food, fish and fun, what’s not to like on a winter’s day? No matter how much you might enjoy fishing with a friend in a boat, ice fishing has a social element that goes way beyond open water angling. In some parts of Canada whole villages of ice shanties are set up with their own subtle on-ice culture. Fishing derbies are common, as are dining events, and some even have an annual election of an ice-town mayor.
What you need to get started The beauty of ice fishing is that it’s cheap. But not free. First off, you need a license, which you can buy at fishing and hunting shops and some department stores in the sport section. Phone ahead to make sure they have them. Prices for Ontario and Quebec licenses vary according to whether you’re a resident or not – check out Ontario regulations at www. mnr.gov.on.ca/MNR/fishing/ and review the Recreational Fishing Regulations Summary. For Quebec it’s www.mrnf. gouv.qc.ca/english/publications/online/ wildlife/fishing-regulations/. You don’t need separate licenses to fish in summer or winter, but you need a valid license for the year. And ice fishing has different rules than open water angling; in most cases anglers are allowed more than one line (more on this later). Next, warm clothes. Like any winter activity, staying warm requires dressing in layers. This is particularly important for ice fishing because it combines lots of activity when walking to your chosen fishing spot and drilling holes when you get there, mixed with just sitting and fishing – which can get really cold. To put it into perspective, I dress for ice fishing the same way I do for a cold day of snowboarding, except I might bring another fleece shirt or a vest to add more warmth. Warm boots, mitts or gloves, and hats are a must. Also, keep in mind that the sun can be strong in winter; its rays will reflect off snow and ice, so bring sunglasses and smear on the sunscreen. Once you’ve taken care of keeping warm, a few basic pieces of equipment (available from stores) are all you need. A five-gallon bucket is a good start. You can carry gear in it when walking out on the ice, and it works as a seat when you’re ready to sit and fish. To cut holes through the ice you can use chisels on thin ice, or augers. To me, augers are the way to go. If you’re new to ice fishing, you might want to postpone buying an ice auger; manual units start around $50. If you’re fishing open areas with other anglers around, you can often get someone with a gas auger to drill you a few holes for a couple of bucks. Alternatively, some tackle shops close to popular ice fishing bays offer a service to drill holes. They also often rent huts as well – something to consider if you don’t want to expose yourself to the elements. Regardless of if you buy an auger or not, do invest in an ice skimmer. It looks like a soup ladle with a long handle and a scoop at the bottom with holes in it to get the slush out of the ice hole and prevent it from freezing over. Costs start at $10. When it comes to actually hooking and playing fish, there are essentially two options – jigging and stationary lines. Ice fishing jigging rods are smaller and lighter versions of their open-water cousins. You can get a decent jigging rod combo for between $25 and $50. As noted earlier, in most ice fishing situations, you can use more than one line (but check the regulations for details on line restrictions). A common practiced by many involves using a jigging rod to move about and fish a series of holes until you locate fish that are biting. Once you find them, set up stationary lines at other holes, if it’s legal. Setting up stationary lines can be as simple as sticking a willow branch in the
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Winter 2007 NOW OPEN! snow with some line and a hooked minnow. When the branch dances, you’ve got a fish. Tip-ups are a sophisticated stationary line option with a line holder, a sturdy base and a signaling device (like a flag) for when you’ve got a fish. Fishing with tip-ups is exciting. It’s a real shot of adrenaline when you see the flag on your tip-up move, and you dash across snow and ice to hook and play the fish. Tip-ups mean you handplay the fish, retrieving the line hand-over-hand through the ice hole. This lets you feel every nuance of the fight and adds another level of excitement to the tug-of-war with the fish.
Advanced equipment
Like any activity, ice fishing has no shortage of available gear and equipment. Portable shelters that sit on a sled base provide mobility for anglers. Shelters provide protection from the elements and hold gear during transport. Beginning around $100, these units really make a difference for comfort and the ability to fish effectively in bad weather. Gas-powered augers, small propane heaters, electronic fish finders and flashers, and even underwater cameras are other high-end tools to find fish fast under the ice. The Ottawa River has several sheltered bays that quickly freeze up once winter sets in and produce good ice fishing opportunities. Then there’s the Rideau River system, as well as the small lakes dotted across the landscape of Ontario and Quebec. Stop in one of the many local tackle shops and someone will point you in the direction of promising ice fishing spots.
Ice safety
Step cautiously on the ice the first time out and be careful throughout the season. Everyone has a different story about safe minimum ice thickness, depending on conditions and weight. Keep it simple: Stay off ice that is thinner than 10 centimetres (four inches). You find out how thick it is by drilling holes or chipping through the ice as you go. Be wary if there has been a mix of cold snaps and warmer spells.
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Other safety tips include carrying a throw rope, walking a safe distance behind other anglers, and wearing a floatation suit if you own one, or at least a PFD. When walking on bare wind-blown ice, consider ice cleats over your boots for traction on the slick surface. To read what the experts at LifeSaving Society have to say about safety, go to www.lifesaving.org/education/icesurfaces.htm. If you’re a novice, get out with a seasoned angler for some on-ice tips and the warmth of the cold-air camaraderie. Who knows, after you fight your first fish through the ice while enjoying a few laughs with friends, you just might become hooked yourself.
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OTTAWAOUTDOORSMAGAZINE – WINTER’06
33
The dog days of winter By Cathy Brown and Alex debolt Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow! Ottawa Outdoors people embrace all of the seasons in Canada’s Capital. That being said winter is right around the corner and rather than putting up with a dose of “cabin fever” we suggest you get out there with your favourite pooch and enjoy the snow. Because every season brings with it some challenges, we’ve decided to anticipate a few and give you a heads up to nipping them in the bud.
WINTER BOOTS FOR ROVER’S PAWS Check with the local sports stores around Ottawa to find the right paw proectors for your best friend. There are a few companies out there, and we found this one that looks pretty decent. UltraPaws Dog Boots Constructed with tough, water resistant and breathable 1000 denier Cordura® material with the top of the toe wrapped in Toughtek. http://www.gearfordogs.com. Set of for $36.95. ROVER’S HOLIDAY SAFETY There are many potential hazards around the house this holiday season. Mind these tips and give Rover a Christmas gift he’ll really love...next year’s Christmas. The Tree: the smell attracts him, but the needles are indigestible. The Tinsel: it’s sharp and could cut his mouth. If swallowed it could block intestines, causing diarrhea. The Gifts: keep an eye on the small parts of toys he might eat The Turkey: don’t give him turkey bones as they could block his intestinal tract. Keep leftovers from where he can get at them. The Chocloates: Chocolate contains a substance called theobromine, and even an ounce could be lethal to a small dog. Dark and unsweetened baking chocolate are most dangerous. Symptoms of poisoning include vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, hyperactivity and seizures. Outdoors: spilled antifreeze is extremely toxic for dogs. Don’t spill it. Those are some of the highlights. Be a true friend... save your dog’s life. Have a safe holiday!
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Tender Tootsies One of the most commonly asked questions usually relates to your dog’s feet in the winter. They love to frolic with you in the snow but often it is not long before they are chewing at their feet. Usually when the dogs stop to chew at their feet it is because they have acquired little snowballs between their toes. The hair between their toes, being too long, causes this. Snow sticks to it, and the heat coming from the dog’s feet turns the clumps into little ice balls that are very uncomfortable. It is important to keep the hair trimmed between your dog’s toes. Longer hair also impedes traction on slippery conditions. Keep your dogs nails trimmed as well. If they are walking on the tips of their nails, it will splay the toes apart thus affording more space between the toes to collect snow. The number one irritant to your dog’s feet can be the salt used on the roadways and sidewalks in the winter. It not only dries out the pads on his feet, it also encourages him to lick at his feet, as he likes the taste. The simplest remedy to deal with the salt is to wash your dog’s feet upon returning home from your walk. Remember when drying off your dog to be extra vigilant getting between those toes, it helps to avoid that everdreaded dermatitis. One solution to both of the aforementioned challenges is simply to buy Rover some dog booties. There are many different kinds out there all with different ways of keeping them on his feet. He may object initially but he’ll soon figure out that the booties are his friend as he goes about playing in the winter wonderland. If Rover simply refuses to keep the dog booties on his feet, a couple of alternatives are to simply coat the dog’s feet with Vaseline (petroleum jelly). This creates a barrier between his feet and the conditions. I have also heard of bay oil working to protect the feet as well. Always be sure to wash his feet upon returning home though. Baby It’s Cold Outside Many of the various breeds out there are simply not equipped for winter. Compound that with the fact that dogs that live inside our heated homes simply do not grow the type of winter coat that they would if they lived outside in a kennel. Those aforementioned facts can result in your dear companion suffering from the very painful frostbite! Dogs can get frostbite on all parts of their bodies but particularly where there is not much hair. If your dog’s skins is pale and cool to the touch, it may be frostbite. If you think it is, thaw the area carefully with lukewarm water, and then take your dog to the vet.
OTTAWAOUTDOORSMAGAZINE – WINTER’06
“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure!” If you’re an avid outdoorsman and Rover is with you why not consider a jacket that is made from neoprene and that covers the ever-tender belly! There are stylish and very durable coats out there these days. Come visit us at K-9 Common Scents and we will be more than happy to fit Rover with an appropriate coat. You’ll enjoy the added benefit of a cleaner house. Outdoor housing A few suggestions for those of you who use an outdoor run for your dogs are as follows: l Bigger is not better. A smaller well-insulated dog-house is easier for the dog’s body heat to keep warm. You can have one made or you can purchase very easy to maintain plastic ones out there that I have been very happy with. They offer wind protection, are elevated off the cold ground and they have a vent in the roof to release the condensation. It is best to face the entrance to the south and to attach a flap to the front to keep the wind out. l I usually cover the run with tarps in order to keep the snow and wind out of the run as well. I leave a panel open so that the dog can look out during the day. l As for bedding, blankets are not very good for warmth. I use nice clean straw in the dog- house and in the run as well. Ensure that it does not smell moldy (it should smell like fresh cut grass). Change it when required and make it about four to five inches deep. l It is always a good idea to put the dog-house on top of a platform or wood pallet to create more distance from the frozen ground. l Finally, one must consider that water freezes in the winter. Dogs need access to water to avoid getting dehydrated, especially during the winter months. A thick plastic bowl that is dark in colour will help retain some of the heat from the sun. This is a better material than the metal ones that will freeze much faster. A birdbath heater (or livestock water heater) has worked well for me. It simply sits at the bottom of the large water dish and ensures that the water does not freeze. Ensure your pet is not one to chew on the cord before using one. Well, we K-9 Common Scents girls hope the aforementioned will help you and your faithful companion enjoy Ottawa winter wonderland! Remember, A little K-9 Common Scents goes a long way! ≈≈ Contact Alex for more useful information for your pet. She can be reached at www.K9CommonScents.com.
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travel jaunt
Blundstone Ottawa Outdoors
EQUATOR STRAIGHT AHEAD by Joan Louwrens
JUST PEDAL HARD – Ottawa cyclist Andrew Cameron is packing 20 spare tubes, just as many patch kits, and “an obscene quantity of lubricant for both man and machine” as he hits the “road” on the Tour d’Afrique, a 12,000-kilometre bike race from Cairo to Cape Town. Starting in early January he’s tackling soft sand like this through the Sahara Desert between the Red Sea and the Nile River. Later, his bike and others will climb to oxygen-deprived heights in Ethiopia and head south across the equator to South Africa. A 12-montha-year Ottawa bike commuter with a few seasons of adventure racing under his belt, Cameron is raising money for the Tour d’Afrique Foundation, which donates bicycles to African health care workers. You can check out his progress at www.12000km.blogspot.com and contribute to the bike fund at the same time. The 97-stage race takes 120 gruelling days. Good luck Andrew!
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11/21/06
4:41 PM
Page 1
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the mountain range
Oh so smooth!
small bowl, mix cornstarch and kirsch. Stir into melted cheese. Simmer and stir until cheese mixture is smooth and well mixed. Season with salt and pepper to taste. To serve, transfer to a fondue pot or heat-proof dish set over a flame. Makes four to six servings.
Fondue: a warm hit on a cold night
Fondue (French for “melted”) is a Swiss dish invented in the 16th century for those who had to rely on a limited variety of ingredients. A popular party fare in America in the 1950s and ’60s, fondues are enjoying a culinary revival. Fortunately for us, the possible ingredient combinations are almost endless. Two of the most common are cheese and chocolate; both go extremely well with wine, a roaring fire and someone special or many special someones.
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Cheese Fondue A blend of mountain cheeses like Gruyere, Emmenthal and a softer cheese such as raclette or appenzell are traditional combinations. You can use any cheese that melts smoothly. Cube pieces of bread, fruit, meats or vegetables to dip into the lightly seasoned cheese sauce. 1 clove garlic, minced 1 1/4 cup (310mL) dry white wine 454g grated cheeses pinch ground nutmeg pinch ground cayenne 1 tbsp (15mL) cornstarch 2 tbsp (30mL) kirsch, port or brandy sea or kosher salt and fresh black pepper Bring the garlic and white wine to a simmer over medium heat in a medium-size stainless steel pot. Add grated cheese, nutmeg and cayenne. Cook, stirring with a wooden spoon until the cheese is melted. In a
OTTAWAOUTDOORSMAGAZINE – WINTER’06
You’ll love this dark, rich and smooth chocolate whisked into hot cream and butter! 1/2 cup (125mL) whipping cream 1 tbsp (15mL) unsalted butter 4 oz (1/2 cup or 125mL) bittersweet chocolate, finely chopped 1 tbsp (15mL) orange brandy, Jack Daniels, or cognac Bring cream and butter to a boil in a small saucepan. Add chocolate. Whisk until smooth. Then whisk in orange brandy. Serve with bite-size pieces of ripe fruit, pound cake, brioche or pastries. Makes six to eight servings.
PHOTOs BY julie st. jean
by Julie St. Jean
Chocolate Fondue
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(613) 820-2582 OTTAWAOUTDOORSMAGAZINE – WINTER’06
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Après at Chateau Montebello FOR après-ski atmosphere, it’s hard to find such a cozy location so close to Ottawa. They have it all. The outdoor enthusiast can choose from 70 kilometres of cross-country ski trails; dogsledding; snowshoeing or skating with the family. And if you like a little friendly competition you can head indoors and participate in broomball, curling, swimming, squash or tennis. Afterwards, cozy-up by the famous towering six-side stone fireplace where you can relax with a nice book or conversation. The Chateau is only one-hour away from Ottawa through Quebec. If you’d like to see more, or to book a reservation, you can visit their website at www.ChateauMontebello.com. Enjoy this magical getaway.
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Give the gift of warmth
this winter Doozy Candle’s are handcrafted in Chelsea Quebec using only the highest quality paraffin wax and dyes, and lead-free wicks. Our unique three-day production process ensures the brightest colours, most intriguing patterns and longest burning life 181 Old Chelsea Rd. possible.
Old Chelsea, Quebec
819-827-1636 (EXIT 12 off Highway #5 N en route to Gats)
www.doozycandle.com
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OTTAWAOUTDOORSMAGAZINE – WINTER’06
Karaoke
Every Sunday night at 9:30
Open mic with Mike Starting in January Every Monday night at 9:30
All new menus!
In January Brunch • Lunch • Dinner www.woodysbrasserie.com
www.OttawaOutdoors.ca
the last biscuit
First Aid Emergencies: They don’t just happen to others By Allen Macartney
minutes I removed my hand cautiously from the icy water, but the burn was so deep that the heat was still in the skin. The burning sensation was unbelievable. Two hours later, I finally removed my hand from the water. Incredibly, the icy water had stopped any further blistering action. In fact, it had reversed the blistering. As well, all pain was gone. Although my hand was reddened and singed, it had seemingly come through the experience unscathed, and I was able to go on my wilderness solo trip several days later with almost no ill effects. What can we learn from the experience? Four points: • Take a good first aid course. You can apply the wisdom equally in the wilderness, or in downtown Ottawa. • Carry a small first aid kit with you on outdoor adventures, especially if they’re only one-day trips. That’s when most accidents happen. • Test your equipment outside before heading out into the wilds. • Buy a chemical ice pack from your local pharmacy, and keep it in your first aid kit. You’ll be able to use it for sprains and breaks, as well as burns. Einstein once said that the wise person learns from his/her own mistakes, but the brilliant person learns from the mistakes of others. Good luck!
Calabogie Peaks Resort
Top 10 joyful facts we know you’ll love this winter
1 The region’s premier mountain and lake resort 2 Well worth the short drive to experience all the perks of The Peaks 3 Close enough to go for the day 4 Far enough to feel like a vacation 5 Stay at picturesque Dickson Manor and enjoy our good nature 6 Stay and play packages for romantic getaways, family adventures and mid-week escapes – playing hooky has never been so much fun 7 NEW this winter – Backcountry Adventures. Embrace the outdoors and explore the wilderness on snowshoe 8 Relaxing spa for tired bodies after an exhilaratingly fun day 9 Beautiful mountain side restaurant 10 Whatever your reasons for coming...guranteed you’ll be glad you came!
www.OttawaOutdoors.ca
Advertorial
GETAWAY SPOTLIGHT
The accident happened with amazing suddenness. Before heading out on a wilderness trip in Algonquin Park, I decided to test a new backpacking stove fresh from the box. (Few things are worse than arriving at a remote campsite, especially in winter, with a new tent or stove, only to find that the tent fly is ripped or the stove doesn’t work.) Because the stove was fueled by naphtha gas, an extremely inflammable fuel (almost explosive), I was particularly alert when starting it up. As I lit a match and held it to the burner, the entire stove flashed, then suddenly erupted in flames. Spraying out of a broken regulator valve in a fine mist, fuel covered my hand and fed the flames. Stunned by the unexpected swiftness of the accident, I looked down at my flaming hand with tongues of fire licking between out-stretched fingers. Was this really happening, I thought? I felt absolutely no pain. How can this be? Am I seeing things?! Several seconds passed, before the scorching pain hit nerve sensors. Jolted out of inaction, I looked around for something to smother the flames, but couldn’t find anything, so I plunged my hand into a nearby snowdrift. The flames flickered for several long seconds, then disappeared. Having just completed a first aid course where serious burns had taken a prominent position in the curricula, words of the instructor sprain got mind: “If heat is applied to your hand for more than one or two seconds,” warned our instructor, “it can penetrate deeply into the skin and muscle. The only way to cool down the deeply heated tissue and prevent permanent damage is to keep the burned area cold – as cold as you can stand it – for up to half an hour.” I jogged to the house and into the kitchen where I ran cold water over the quickly reddening hand. Before my eyes, white blisters started to form on the skin. Now I started to get really scared, fearing that this burn was considerably worse than first thought. Dumping a large tub of ice cubes into a bowl of water, I plunged my hand under the frigid liquid. Only then did the pain subside. After several
www.Calabogie.com
OTTAWAOUTDOORSMAGAZINE – WINTER’06
39
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