tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60470371266206201362024-03-13T23:15:12.052-07:00Badger's BlogStay up to date with Badger Paddle news, special offers and new product information. Badger Canoe Paddles - For those who dig the water. For more information please visit our website at badgerpaddles.com or email us at info@badgerpaddles.com.Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger169125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047037126620620136.post-60098774808957799142016-09-01T12:46:00.001-07:002016-09-01T12:48:40.210-07:00Coming Soon: Behind The Tent Screens at the PITPC<div style="text-align: left;">
Once again, for most of the summer, we have been busy with the <a href="http://paddleintheparkcontest.ca/" target="_blank">Paddle In The Park Contest</a>. But this year we decided to not only hide some paddles and create the Paddle Points event again, but we also decided to make a little film about what goes on behind the <strike>scenes</strike> tent screens at the PITPC. Here is just a little taste of what’s to come (and if you know the PITPC, then probably know that you know should watch this coming video series – because you never know what PITPC tricks we have packed away for a bit more PITPC fun later!):</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/P8LdiCIuIVM" width="400"></iframe></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047037126620620136.post-89694233238239693082016-02-29T16:48:00.000-08:002016-02-29T16:48:05.743-08:00Lighting The Path Of The Paddle: Motion Exposure Visits Badger<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Not too long ago, the paddling world became</span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"> entranced with the special effects photography created by <a href="http://www.motionexposure.com/" target="_blank">Stephen Orlando of Motion Exposure</a>. For a while, there was not a day that would go by that we did not see Stephen's beautiful pictures pop up in our social media feeds, shared by our various paddling friends and contacts.</span><br />
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">Somehow, he masterfully mixes modern light exposure technology with a traditional activity that involves movement, such as canoeing, with stunningly brilliant results... sometimes it looks almost as if the light is actually moving and dancing across the image. It is really no wonder that Stephen and his <a href="http://www.motionexposure.com/" target="_blank">Motion Exposure</a> photography went viral.</span><br />
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We had never seen paddling represented in such a visually interesting way before, and Stephen's photographs were revered by our online paddling community. Mike and I decided we just had to get our paws on our own <a href="http://www.motionexposure.com/" target="_blank">Motion Exposure</a> print!</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span>
<br />
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<div dir="ltr" lang="en">
All ready for the <a href="https://twitter.com/artistprojectTO">@artistprojectTO</a>! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ArtistProject16?src=hash">#ArtistProject16</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TorontoEvents?src=hash">#TorontoEvents</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Toronto?src=hash">#Toronto</a> <a href="https://t.co/OXlaRPulcd">pic.twitter.com/OXlaRPulcd</a></div>
— Stephen (@motionexposure) <a href="https://twitter.com/motionexposure/status/700344857982869505">February 18, 2016</a></blockquote>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span>
<br />
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">So imagine our delight when, upon contact with the talented photographer, we found out that the paddle that was used for this unique photography art project was a canoe paddle we made.... a <a href="http://badgerpaddles.com/paddles/SLIVER.html" target="_blank">Badger Sliver</a>, to be exact!</span> (as seen in Stephen's tweeted image embedded above)</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">We were also lucky enough to arrange a scheduled visit at the Badger sett where Stephen was to deliver a special Motion Exposure print to us. It is actually one of Stephen's beautiful images, printed directly onto a piece of plexiglass (eliminating the need for a frame). And it is even more brilliant and beautiful in person than we could have ever imagined it be, especially after viewing the same image online! The extraordinary visual contrast between the cool blue water and the fire red path of the paddle, along with the interesting use of technology in a wilderness setting with a fantastical result, truly invokes the imagination all while celebrating the universal relationship between modern-day technology and our natural world.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-f9auAY4tiWk/VtSms8SP7LI/AAAAAAAACXo/gTVLVWOgIvA/s640/blogger-image--1198925677.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/-f9auAY4tiWk/VtSms8SP7LI/AAAAAAAACXo/gTVLVWOgIvA/s400/blogger-image--1198925677.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"></span></div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">An extra surprise, that came with the visit, was when Stephen learned about the <i><b><a href="http://paddleintheparkcontest.ca/" target="_blank">Paddle In The Park Contest</a></b></i> and was on board right away to be a sponsor for 2016! You just got to dig that - we sure do!</span><br />
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">If you haven't had the chance to see Stephen Orlando's unique photography, or are interested in purchasing a print of your favourite photo, visit his website gallery, follow him on Facebook etc., and be prepared to be visually amazed.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Motion Exposure:</b></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="http://www.motionexposure.com/">http://www.motionexposure.com/</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Motion Exposure</b> on <i>Facebook</i>:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/motionexposure">https://www.facebook.com/motionexposure</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Motion Exposure</b> on <i>Twitter</i>:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="https://mobile.twitter.com/motionexposure">https://mobile.twitter.com/motionexposure</a></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><b>Motion Exposure</b> on<i> Instagram</i>:</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><a href="https://www.instagram.com/motionexposure/">https://www.instagram.com/motionexposure/</a></span></div>
</div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<span style="-webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0);">A special thanks to Stephen for stopping by the Badger shop with his special delivery, and for making all of our lives a little brighter with his imagination and originality!</span></div>
</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047037126620620136.post-80655734555151679932015-12-04T17:06:00.004-08:002015-12-04T17:06:54.693-08:00A Few Of Our Favourite Things!It may have been a long while since our last blog post, but that does not mean that we have not been busy Badgers. In fact, we've been so busy that we have been too busy to talk about it!<br />
<br />
But thankfully, we have found a few moments to mark the holiday season that is fast approaching with a "few of our favourite things" we have listed on the Badger Gift Shop because... well.... the Season 'tis alive withthe "Sound of Music" so why don't you just sing it with us?!<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Badger's Favourite Things</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://badgergiftshop.ca/shop/badger-colouring-paddle-beasts/" target="_blank">Paddles with owls and moose and fox kittens.</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://badgergiftshop.ca/shop/badger-colouring-paddle-beasts/" target="_blank">Bright coloured crayons and dry-erase mittens.</a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We dig this season and all that it brings, </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So here are a few of our favourite things.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<a href="http://badgergiftshop.ca/product-category/paddle-sock/" target="_blank">Socks</a>, <a href="http://badgergiftshop.ca/shop/love-laugh-paddle-6-rack/" target="_blank">racks</a>, and <a href="http://badgergiftshop.ca/product-category/badger-swag/" target="_blank">decals</a> and cutting board paddles.</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<a href="http://badgergiftshop.ca/shop/paddle-gift-receipt/" target="_blank">Gift notes that save you the hassle and battle</a>.</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
All of <a href="http://badgergiftshop.ca/" target="_blank">our paddles</a> 'n the songs that they sing.</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Yes, these are a few of our favorite things!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
When the lines start, and you can't wait,</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
With no spot for your car.</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Just simply remember to <a href="http://badgergiftshop.ca/" target="_blank">shop Badger online</a></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
And you'll be a gift-giving star!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
______________________________________________</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<b>Badger's Favourite Things Listed</b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<b><br /></b></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><a href="http://badgergiftshop.ca/shop/badger-colouring-paddle-beasts/" target="_blank">46 inch "Beasts!" Badger Colouring Padd(le)</a></i><br />
LAST ONE IN STOCK - SPECIAL HOLIDAY PRICE!<br />
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1Bn1UdFoZe4/VmB5Bu51l6I/AAAAAAAACV8/esyNl4J2_Ko/s1600/colouringcub-moosebl2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-1Bn1UdFoZe4/VmB5Bu51l6I/AAAAAAAACV8/esyNl4J2_Ko/s320/colouringcub-moosebl2.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Beasts!" Cub Colouring Paddle for kids!<br />One side depicts a Moose with room for sketching and scribbling.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yFBKE97xrO4/VmB5CxKW36I/AAAAAAAACWE/x8JzxCoWngs/s1600/colouringcub-crayons.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-yFBKE97xrO4/VmB5CxKW36I/AAAAAAAACWE/x8JzxCoWngs/s320/colouringcub-crayons.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This Badger Colouring Padd(le) aslo includes a<br />cloth pouch of dry-erase crayons!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IVi7_lqEmPQ/VmB5EJLVh9I/AAAAAAAACWQ/WLdUBnknyPk/s1600/colouringcub-beasts.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-IVi7_lqEmPQ/VmB5EJLVh9I/AAAAAAAACWQ/WLdUBnknyPk/s320/colouringcub-beasts.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The other side depicts a Beaver, an Owl and a Fox!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tx4yflq6Fus/VmB5EMvfjrI/AAAAAAAACWY/wrvZwv73_1I/s1600/colouringcub-sample.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-tx4yflq6Fus/VmB5EMvfjrI/AAAAAAAACWY/wrvZwv73_1I/s320/colouringcub-sample.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Colour at camp and paddle the canoe!<br />("Bugs!" Badger Colouring Paddle - Sample)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
______________________________________________<br />
<br />
<i><a href="http://badgergiftshop.ca/shop/love-laugh-paddle-6-rack/" target="_blank">Unique "Love Laugh Paddle" Rack (holds up to 6 paddles)</a></i><br />
ONLY ONE IN STOCK - SPECIAL HOLIDAY PRICE!</div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uLMWn8upccw/VmB4e1f1SlI/AAAAAAAACV0/N-DomVfVL1o/s1600/lovelaughpaddlerack.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-uLMWn8upccw/VmB4e1f1SlI/AAAAAAAACV0/N-DomVfVL1o/s320/lovelaughpaddlerack.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">One-of-a-kind canoe paddle rack - holds up to 6 canoe paddles</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
______________________________________________</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<i><a href="http://badgergiftshop.ca/shop/paddle-cutting-board-and-rack/" target="_blank">One-of-a-kind Paddle Cuttingboard with Display Rack</a></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
ONLY ONE IN STOCK - SPECIAL HOLIDAY PRICE!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vuRZRfIePtM/VmB6vfdDzqI/AAAAAAAACWk/8hUnp0JYIC8/s1600/badgerpaddlecuttingboard.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-vuRZRfIePtM/VmB6vfdDzqI/AAAAAAAACWk/8hUnp0JYIC8/s320/badgerpaddlecuttingboard.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FjlDuakmrog/VmB6vGyU49I/AAAAAAAACWg/IpYVcQp22iI/s1600/sample-cuttingboards.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-FjlDuakmrog/VmB6vGyU49I/AAAAAAAACWg/IpYVcQp22iI/s320/sample-cuttingboards.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
For more Paddle Cutting Boards by Badger, visit The Wooden Penny in Huntsville, ON.</div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
______________________________________________</div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://badgergiftshop.ca/product-category/girls-portage-too/" target="_blank">GIRLS PORTAGE TOO/BETTER Decals and Poster</a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
Great stocking stuffers: SPECIAL HOLIDAY PRICE!</div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dq36DctHvm0/VIsNWl27ZdI/AAAAAAAACLo/yRmGe2eBMzU/s1600/girls-portage-BETTERPROMO.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-Dq36DctHvm0/VIsNWl27ZdI/AAAAAAAACLo/yRmGe2eBMzU/s320/girls-portage-BETTERPROMO.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
______________________________________________</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But we have saved the best until last... our <a href="http://badgergiftshop.ca/shop/paddle-gift-receipt/" target="_blank">Badger Gift Receip</a>t.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
It's a gift so nice, you'll celebrate twice!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Surprise the paddler on your list with the perfect gift that they get to pick out themselves:</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
their own preferred Badger Canoe Paddle delivered in time for the spring thaw.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
PLUS, <a href="http://badgergiftshop.ca/shop/paddle-gift-receipt/" target="_blank">TAKE ADVANTAGE OF OUR SPECIAL HOLIDAY OFFER & GET A FREE HAND-PAINTED OR LASER ENGRAVED PERSONALIZATION ($30 VALUE)</a>!</div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xVXu6Dk4JI0/VmI0MncONeI/AAAAAAAACXA/2b3ghAlYVAM/s1600/BADGER%25C2%25AEGIFTCARD-2013-SAMPLE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xVXu6Dk4JI0/VmI0MncONeI/AAAAAAAACXA/2b3ghAlYVAM/s320/BADGER%25C2%25AEGIFTCARD-2013-SAMPLE.jpg" width="247" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
______________________________________________</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We hope you dig these things as much as we do. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Merry Christmas and Season's Greetings to you and yours, and happy shopping too!</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
From Mike, Fiona and Makobe (Digger too!)</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KHCu7xGASQM/VmI4f7VkG_I/AAAAAAAACXM/sr0TwU2wvKk/s1600/digger-badger-mascot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="282" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KHCu7xGASQM/VmI4f7VkG_I/AAAAAAAACXM/sr0TwU2wvKk/s320/digger-badger-mascot.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy Holidays from "Digger" and the rest of our Badger family.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047037126620620136.post-78740826089691904442015-03-28T08:40:00.001-07:002015-03-28T08:40:02.475-07:00The Paddle In The Park Contest is back for 2015!<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/aVqXFL4f1_o" width="480"></iframe></div><br /><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">More Paddles. More Rewards. More time in Nature.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://paddleintheparkcontest.ca/">paddleintheparkcontest.ca</a></div><div style="text-align: center;">COMING SOON TO A PORTAGE NEAR YOU.</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--rT9bRor-C4/VRbLGdA0A0I/AAAAAAAACS4/blQgaqCtVFA/s1600/FBtimeline-PITPC-2015.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/--rT9bRor-C4/VRbLGdA0A0I/AAAAAAAACS4/blQgaqCtVFA/s1600/FBtimeline-PITPC-2015.jpg" height="332" width="400" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">#RewardsAreOutThere</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047037126620620136.post-49229231631201582192015-03-13T18:01:00.001-07:002015-06-07T14:35:50.658-07:00Varnish or Wood Oil: What's The Answer?Which is best? Varnish or oil? We get that question a lot. When it comes to wood paddle finishes, you are bound to hear lots of differing opinions. Some say varnish* is the best, while others argue that oil is the better finish. Then there are some who say it is a combination of both; either a varnished blade and shaft with an oiled grip or an oiled shaft and grip with a varnished blade.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bf2NhUuktSc/VXIzk_i7uBI/AAAAAAAACT4/gNQ88UTHl5Y/s1600/varnishoroilanswer-brothers.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="248" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-Bf2NhUuktSc/VXIzk_i7uBI/AAAAAAAACT4/gNQ88UTHl5Y/s320/varnishoroilanswer-brothers.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
So who is right? Well, we did up a fancy equation to help you find the answer! It's called "Badger's Paddle Finish Equation" and you get to fill in your own values for each symbol. Pretty easy, right? Take a look at the chalkboard (image) below to see how it all works:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GR-IgPN4Ac0/VXGw_6SkF7I/AAAAAAAACTo/CsIcQZt_oDw/s1600/badgerfinishequation.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="173" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-GR-IgPN4Ac0/VXGw_6SkF7I/AAAAAAAACTo/CsIcQZt_oDw/s400/badgerfinishequation.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
Okay, so now that you have taken a quick look at the equation (image) above, you can probably see that the only answer, really, is that YOU are the one with the right answer for YOU! That is because a paddle's finish is a personal preference and it comes down to all of the factors covered in our <strike>highly researched</strike> mathematical formula. The "Badger Finish Equation" for deciding "varnish, oil or both" is pretty simple as it is completely up to you to fill in the values for yourself: TIME, EASE, FEEL, AESTHETICS, PROTECTION, MATERIAL, COMMITMENT, plus your past experience and BELIEF.<br />
<br />
Thus, the short version of factors to consider when choosing a paddle finish are:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>What kind of TIME do you have to put into paddle maintenance and what do you consider would the expected TIME between needed sessions of maintenance?</li>
<li>Have you considered the logistical EASE of maintaining your finish choice?</li>
<li>What about how the paddle finish will actually FEEL in your hands?</li>
<li>Do you like the glossiness of a varnish finish, or do you prefer the AESTHETICS of a more satin finish?</li>
<li>What kind of PROTECTION are you looking for your paddle? Is the environmental impact of a paddle finish an issue for you?</li>
<li>What MATERIAL is your paddle made from? Is your paddle able to be oiled (solid wood) or is varnish the best for your type of paddle (laminated or <i>WaterColours</i>™)?</li>
<li>How COMMITTED are you to regular maintenance? Would you prefer to not think about very often or do you like to be more up-close and personal with your gear?</li>
<li>And finally, what did you grow up paddling with? As your past experience will definitely play a role in your BELIEF of the best finish for your canoe paddle.</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #3d85c6;">EXTRA READING: THE BADGER FINISH FORMULA EXPLAINED:</span></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>(TIME + EASE)² : </b><b>TIME </b>refers to <i>both</i> the time period between needing to perform the maintenance as well as how much time it takes to perform said maintenance. For instance, a varnished paddle could go a few years or so before really needing a good coat of varnish for maintenance, however the process of varnishing a paddle is much more involved than oiling a paddle is.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="230" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/SKTZMARSQZ4" width="440"></iframe>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
That is where <b>EASE</b> of the maintenance procedure comes into the equation. For <b>varnishing</b>, especially with an oil based spar varnish, a dust-free environment is important, as is the need for a well ventilated area (due to the harsh chemicals and fumes) that is also the right temperature (so the varnish will cure properly). Ideally, you should have a vapour barrier mask, latex gloves, and eye protection when you varnish your paddle. You will also need a way to hang the paddle without disturbing the finish while it dries (hours). It will have to be sanded well, in some cases down to the bare wood before varnishing. Then there is the clean up (Varsol™ to clean your brush if you are not using a single-use foam brush) and the dreaded drip problems that usually come while the varnish is drying. See our video (above) on how to varnish a canoe paddle at home to get an idea of what goes into varnishing a canoe paddle.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yd2GazVxkwI/SuSrMz_J9fI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/-s7s-M_J6qU/s1600/DSC01893.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yd2GazVxkwI/SuSrMz_J9fI/AAAAAAAAAKQ/-s7s-M_J6qU/s1600/DSC01893.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Oiling is quick and easy when compared to the varnishing process.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
With an <b>oiled</b> paddle, you may need to oil the paddle more frequently than you would have to attend to varnish (especially in the first years of a paddle's life) but the process of oiling a paddle is very easy in comparison to varnishing, <u>particularly</u> when you use our <i>Badger Wood Oil.</i> Our oil is all natural 100% hemp seed oil that has been oxidized so as to allow it to harden when dry. It penetrates deep into the wood grain, giving it a nicely darkened finish. All you need is a couple of clean rags and some soap and water for clean up. No special environment is needed either; you can use <i>Badger Wood Oil </i>right inside your home without any special ventilation concerns. In fact, you could use our <i>Badger Wood Oil</i> on your chopping/cutting boards and wooden spoons too (because it is food safe)! Temperature and air circulation are still important, as they are with a vanish finish, but not as much of a factor as it is when varnishing. In fact, you could use our <i>Badger Wood Oil </i>right at your campsite. Our <i>Badger Wood Oil </i>can also be mixed with citrus solvents, orange oil, or japan dryers, to help quicken drying time if you prefer. See our <a href="http://badgerpaddles.com/paddles/Canoe_Paddle_Maintenance.html" target="_blank">Canoe Paddle Maintenance Page</a> for directions on how to oil a wood canoe paddle or check out our quick tip below.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4QaYlncLSwA/VQN--ex4e1I/AAAAAAAACRM/A7wjupOd0yU/s1600/badger-wood-oil-1QTtin.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-4QaYlncLSwA/VQN--ex4e1I/AAAAAAAACRM/A7wjupOd0yU/s1600/badger-wood-oil-1QTtin.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b><a href="http://badgergiftshop.ca/shop/badger-wood-oil-250-ml-tin/" target="_blank">Buy Badger Wood Oil online via the Badger Gift Shop.</a></b></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;">BADGER PADDLE BUILDER'S TIP: </span></b></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;"><b><i>To give your oiled paddle a silky smooth finish, follow Mike's oiling technique: U</i></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;"><b><i>sing a clean rag, c</i></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;"><b><i>oat the paddle with a liberal amount of oil. Leave to allow penetration for 5 to 10 minutes. Return to "wet sand" the entire paddle - giving special attention to where your hands will be touching (i.e. the shaft and grip) - with a piece of fine wet proof sand paper (320 grit or finer) using the oil as lubrication. Wipe away excess oil with a dry, clean rag and leave to dry.</i></b></span></div>
<br />
<br />
While many use a boiled linseed oil or Tung Oil Finish, we wholeheartedly recommend using our <i>Badger Wood Oil</i> and have gone into great depth about why in this article: <a href="http://badger-canoe-paddles.blogspot.ca/2011/06/badger-wood-oil-why-hemp.html"><i>Badger Wood Oil</i>: Why Hemp?</a> But the gist of it is as follows:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Hemp Seed Oil is completely non-toxic, can be grown in almost any part of the world (without the need for large amounts of pesticides or any herbicides), is one of the fastest growing plants known to man, is food-safe, cleans up with soap and water, provides a smooth hard finish, no harsh fumes, darkens the wood while enhancing the grain patterns nicely, and there is no issue with getting it on your hands or skin, nor are there any respiratory effects associated with this product. Hemp can be grown for food, clothing or for oil, including fuel. It's antimicrobial and anti fungal properties even help to prevent mould and mildew. </blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Tung and Teak oils are wonderful too, but we don't grow Tung Trees (to harvest the nut for processing the oil) here in Canada, nor do we grow the hardwood known as Teak, therefore these oils (while excellent products) must be imported (from Asia/China) which greatly impacts the carbon footprint of these oils. We needed something closer to home. Also, these oils, when all natural, are considered non-toxic but you have to check your product packaging wisely as solvents and other chemicals are usually mixed with the Tung or Teak Oils to help then cure and dry faster. But this is usually referred to a "Tung Oil Finish" or "Teak Oil Finish" on the label.</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
Raw Linseed Oil (from Flax), left as just natural, has the same qualities that raw Hemp Seed Oil has: it takes forever to dry properly. But unlike "Boiled" Linseed Oil (which is not really boiled to speed up the drying process but has added toxic chemical solvents to help the it dry and cure properly when applied to wood), our Hemp Seed Oil only has to be put through an oxidization process to be able to harden when cured. </blockquote>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;">BADGER PADDLE BUILDER'S TIP: </span></b></i><br />
<i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;">Regardless of what oil product you use, there is an old oiling ritual that many abide by, as it has been passed down for generations in many families (including ours). It is said you should oil a new wood paddle every day for a week, then every week for a month, and then every month for a year, and once a year after that. Good to remember as a general rule, however we tend to oil our personal paddles as we feel it's needed. Which means that some of our paddles are oiled more than others, depending on amount of use they get and type of wood they are made from.</span></b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>(FEEL + AESTHETICS): </b>One of the greater parts of the debate of paddle finishes always comes down to <b>FEEL</b>. Many say that an oiled paddle just "feels better" in the hand; warmer, smoother, "less slippery" than varnish when wet. But then others don't seem to notice those things too much. There are reports of varnish causing blisters, which is why you will see some paddles with oiled grips and/or shafts for comfort, leaving the blade varnished for protection.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span">Varnish and oil looks different on a paddle as well, especially after a few years go by. A varnish finish will most likely yellow over time, where as an oiled finish will only darken the wood. Both finishes have definite effects on the </span><b>AESTHETICS</b><span class="Apple-style-span"> of the wood in both the long and short term.</span></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha-ukQlbJKJvJoWuhkpj1Mb4lZk1KeZjr1gxxGGWiU1T77Hw_WG-4Gt4btx7rTiLwE5Yn9GkYwzwoLSmWtXbflyYCgkRFtybYvXPHmAy8b0-zdaulKUZxtozqg65Oxir6urvSvd-F0iK0/s1600/oldpaddle-revarnished.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha-ukQlbJKJvJoWuhkpj1Mb4lZk1KeZjr1gxxGGWiU1T77Hw_WG-4Gt4btx7rTiLwE5Yn9GkYwzwoLSmWtXbflyYCgkRFtybYvXPHmAy8b0-zdaulKUZxtozqg65Oxir6urvSvd-F0iK0/s1600/oldpaddle-revarnished.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">An older varnished paddle, after maintenance.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
A paddle that is oiled is sometimes easier to keep looking newer than a vanish finished paddle. Unlike varnish, scratches in the finish seems to blend in with a coat of oil. In fact, in some varnished paddle situations, scratches in the old varnish finish may become more prominent visually if you do not sand the paddle right down to the wood when re-varishing the paddle; which can add a really nice patina to your paddle, if that is what you like. (See image above) </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
So really, the best look and feel for your paddle comes down to your own personal idea of what you want your paddle to look and feel like.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;">BADGER PADDLE BUILDER'S TIP:</span></b></i></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;">To give your varnished paddle a softer feel like an oiled paddle has, try rubbing the grip and shaft with some fine steel wool, even wetting it with water while rubbing, to help remove some of that slippery feeling and to help improve the tactile experience of paddling with a varnished paddle.</span></b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>(PROTECTION + MATERIAL)</b><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><b>: </b></span></b>So which finish is better<b> PROTECTION</b> for your wooden paddle? Well, there is no doubt that an oil-based marine varnish has resins that help to make it a more durable finish than oil. On the whole, varnish is more resistant to water, heat, solvents or other chemicals than oil. It seals the surface. It is also a more glossy finish than oil.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JP1vch_vhN4/VLvnGFVtQZI/AAAAAAAACP8/5r2vIoKUDfc/s1600/100_3985.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JP1vch_vhN4/VLvnGFVtQZI/AAAAAAAACP8/5r2vIoKUDfc/s1600/100_3985.JPG" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Varnish is gives a more glossy finish than oil.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Where as oil is a penetrating finish, which means oil penetrates the fibres of a solid wood paddle before it hardens and cures. It gives a thinner coat than varnish, is not super shiny (except when still wet) and is more of matte finish than varnish is, once dry. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
But in the end, the <b>PROTECTION</b> will only be as good as your <b>COMMITMENT </b>to your paddle is; a frequently oiled paddle is going to be much better protected than a vanished paddle that has only been varnished once in it's life by the paddle builder, before it was put to use for a few good years.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
When it comes to <b>PROTECTION</b>, it is also important to note what material your paddle is made from and if it is made from solid wood. If the paddle is made from a hardwood like cherry or walnut or ash, then oiling is a good way to go. But a softwood, like poplar, would be better varnished. Varnish is also recommended for laminated paddles due to the glue joints needing sealed protection, as well for most painted or stained paddles... like our vibrantly tinted <i>WaterColours</i>™(see image below)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>(COMMITMENT + BELIEF): </b>So back to our <b>BEST CANOE PADDLE FINISH </b>equation then... How committed are you to your paddle and what value would you give this <b>COMMITMENT</b>. Will you actually go to the trouble of sanding and re-varishing your paddle every few years if needed, or would you be more likely to throw on a few quick coats of oil every season and go? That is a question only you can answer and is probably why some people opt for the best of both worlds by protecting the blade (the part that sees the most action in the water) with varnish, and oiling the shaft and grip where the paddler's hands are touching, for comfort.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fO3fta8uV4Y/St4Bkx0EiiI/AAAAAAAAAJw/RvN-f2_3DA8/s1600/DSC01901.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-fO3fta8uV4Y/St4Bkx0EiiI/AAAAAAAAAJw/RvN-f2_3DA8/s1600/DSC01901.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">You can *just* see the line where the varnish stops and the<br />
oiled shaft begins in this picture of a combination finish.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The last value in the formula is <b>BELIEF</b>. Beliefs are tricky. Do you believe that your finish should be an environmental decision, if you can help it? If so, then there is only one choice for you; <i><a href="http://www.badgerpaddles.com/paddles/BADGER_Wood_Oil.html" target="_blank">Badger Wood Oil</a></i>. Yes, it is a shameless plug for our product but it is also true. Our hemp seed oil is pretty much as environmentally friendly as it gets.<br />
<br />
But <b>BELIEF</b> is also the ideology that you have been raised on. If you grew up with varnished paddles, you will likely go with what you know. And if you have been raised with oiled paddles, than you will probably believe that an oiled finish is for you.<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gdpn8T7mubw/VQmmgVm9JbI/AAAAAAAACR4/C2S42gB1A_o/s1600/watercolours-field.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-gdpn8T7mubw/VQmmgVm9JbI/AAAAAAAACR4/C2S42gB1A_o/s1600/watercolours-field.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Painted or stained paddles should ideally be varnished, not oiled.<br />
Ash <i>WaterColours</i>™ by BADGER®</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
But the good news is that, unlike some ingrained beliefs, your preference for paddle finishes can be changed pretty easily just by trying out a vanished paddle and then using an oiled one. Because really, you never know until you get that paddle in your hands, what you are going to feel or think (other than how happy you are to be in a canoe, that is)!<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>So that's it. THE BEST CANOE PADDLE FINISH equals <i>the square root of</i>: the total <i>sum</i> of </b><b>TIME and EASE, <i>squared</i>; multiplied by the total <i>sum</i> of FEEL plus AESTHETICS; then <i>divide</i> that determined amount by the total <i>multiplication</i> value for the <i>sum</i> of </b><b>PROTECTION plus MATERIAL; plus the total the <i>sum</i> of your </b><b>COMMITMENT and BELIEF. (Don't forget to take the square root of it all, though.) ;)</b><br />
<b><br /></b>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-itc8jNHhnx8/VXI_JESspEI/AAAAAAAACUI/WZVOwhhbfQE/s1600/varnishoroilanswer-alliswell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="309" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-itc8jNHhnx8/VXI_JESspEI/AAAAAAAACUI/WZVOwhhbfQE/s320/varnishoroilanswer-alliswell.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<b><br /></b>
<b>Or... in more basic terms... and just to re-cap.....</b><br />
<b>It all depends on how much TIME you have to put into the maintenance of your paddle; the EASE of how you see the finish maintenance to be for yourself; while taking into account the FEEL and AESTHETICS of the paddle finish; what sort of PROTECTION you are looking for for your paddle and the environment; knowing the MATERIAL your paddle is made from; deciding what your COMMITMENT to your maintenance schedule will be; and what you recognize as your own BELIEF or past experience as to how a paddle should be finished. Simple, right?! Yeah, we don't really think so either. But all things considered, you should probably have a few oiled and a few varnished paddles in your gear kit anyway, because you can never have too many canoe paddles and you can never have too many canoes.</b><br />
<br />
Did we miss anything in our "equation"? Tell us what you think in the comment section below, as well as why.<b> </b></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
*Varnish refers to marine quality spar varnish for the purposes of this article.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<u><br /></u></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047037126620620136.post-80549974619533205462015-01-29T08:20:00.001-08:002015-01-29T08:20:28.177-08:00Badger Paddles 2015: Upgrades For Those Who Dig The Water (by Dock Time)<div style="text-align: center;"><iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="270" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WwMsy8linKc" width="480"></iframe></div><br /><br />
Watch Mike explain some of the changes to the balance and swing-weight of Badger Paddles for 2015 as well as introduce <a href="http://badgergiftshop.ca/name-it-2-claim-it/" target="_blank"><b><i>our newest paddle</i></b> that <b><i>still needs a name</i></b></a>! If you think you might have an idea of what to call it, then be sure to enter your name ideas to win the paddle (plus claim the bragging rights to having named it!): <a href="http://badgergiftshop.ca/name-it-2-claim-it/" target="_blank">Name It 2 Claim It Contest</a>. Multiple entries are allowed with the shortlist of name ideas to be put to a public vote. But make sure to get your name ideas in sooner than later, because in the case of duplicate entries - credit will be given to the first person to submit the name idea only.<br /><br />
<br /><br />
<div style="text-align: center;"><b>ENTER NOW: <a href="http://badgergiftshop.ca/name-it-2-claim-it/" target="_blank">Name It 2 Claim It CONTEST</a></b></div><br /><br />
A special thanks to the amazing folks of <i><b><a href="https://www.facebook.com/Docktime" target="_blank">Dock Time</a></b></i> for always taking the time to include our little paddle-making business along with the <a href="https://www.youtube.com/user/docktimeTV" target="_blank">video reports</a> of the big boat builders... Paws and paddles up to you! See you on the water this summer... Fiona & Mike.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047037126620620136.post-70049232806029268162014-12-12T08:09:00.000-08:002014-12-22T10:56:51.493-08:00Our lil'Badger Gift Shop celebrates the 12 Days of Christmas!<br />
<br />
Just this past week, we launched a new <a href="http://badgergiftshop.ca/" target="_blank">online Gift Shop</a> and we couldn't be more excited about it! Looking for a way to share our joy, our friend Preston of <a href="http://portageur.ca/">portageur.ca</a> suggested that we do a "Twelve Days Of Christmas" promotion. We were really diggin' his idea so we started right away!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dq36DctHvm0/VIsNWl27ZdI/AAAAAAAACLk/kp_n4oKhLsg/s1600/girls-portage-BETTERPROMO.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-Dq36DctHvm0/VIsNWl27ZdI/AAAAAAAACLk/kp_n4oKhLsg/s1600/girls-portage-BETTERPROMO.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
On the first day of Christmas my true love proved to me (that)</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
"GIRLS PORTAGE BETTER" with a decal for all to see.</div>
<br />
<br />
For the first day of our "Twelve Days Of Christmas" promotion, we celebrated all the Portage Queens out there by offering our <a href="http://badgergiftshop.ca/shop/girls-portage-better-decal/" target="_blank">GIRLS PORTAGE BETTER decal</a> for a special one-day-only price of $4.50 CAD. (Note: The GIRLS PORTAGE BETTER decals are still on sale but will be marked back up to the $5.00 CAD sale price by the end of today, regular price is $6.00.)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iP4G6PkKPac/VIsNgMieddI/AAAAAAAACLs/iO1_TOETV7w/s1600/snake-paddle-PROMO.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-iP4G6PkKPac/VIsNgMieddI/AAAAAAAACLs/iO1_TOETV7w/s1600/snake-paddle-PROMO.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
On the second day of Christmas my true love gave to me</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
A lil'snake paddle that's as cute as cute can be! ♪ ♫ ♩ ♬</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<br />
For the second day of our "Twelve Days Of Christmas" promotion, we introduced <a href="http://badgergiftshop.ca/shop/custom-paddle-snake/" target="_blank">a hand painted cartoon "WaterSnake" Cub paddle</a> for a special holiday price of only $65.00 CAD (regular price $85.00) Note that is particular paddle is a one-of-a-kind, not another one will be made like it!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PSbEF5gQldQ/VIsP_fdnw0I/AAAAAAAACL4/3DB43LjLiPM/s1600/tripchecklist-cuttingboard-FB.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PSbEF5gQldQ/VIsP_fdnw0I/AAAAAAAACL4/3DB43LjLiPM/s1600/tripchecklist-cuttingboard-FB.jpg" height="239" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
On the third day of Christmas my true love surprised me,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
With Mrs. Callan's chopping board beneath my tree.</div>
<br />
For the third day of our "Twelve Days Of Christmas" promotion, we are featuring<a href="http://badgergiftshop.ca/shop/badgers-trip-check-list-cutting-board-solid-cherry/" target="_blank"> a unique solid cherry cutting board</a> that depicts an engraved copy of Fiona's "Trip List" sketch for a special holiday price of only $120.00 CAD (a 250 mL tin of our Badger Wood Oil is also included!), regular price $125.00 CAD. Note: We gifted a smaller, <a href="http://instagram.com/p/orbe3Pmqkj/" target="_blank">similar version of this cutting board</a> to <a href="http://www.kevincallan.com/" target="_blank">The Happy Camper's</a> lovely wife, Alana, last year and <a href="http://instagram.com/p/orbe3Pmqkj/" target="_blank">she was diggin' it so much</a> that we decided to make a second available for those who may wish to have the matching board to Mrs. Callan's in their own cabin or kitchen. ;o)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CeChXLsp0dk/VI3w6xtkvKI/AAAAAAAACMI/BJhi-WE8sOA/s1600/giftcard-promo-2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-CeChXLsp0dk/VI3w6xtkvKI/AAAAAAAACMI/BJhi-WE8sOA/s1600/giftcard-promo-2014.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
On the fourth day of Christmas, I found under my tree</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The perfect paddle to be built - JUST FOR ME!! ♪ ♫ ♩ ♬</div>
<br />
Our "Fourth Day of Christmas Featured Item" is our <a href="http://badgergiftshop.ca/shop/paddle-gift-receipt/" target="_blank">Badger Gift Certificate/Receipt</a>. It's a gift so nice, they will celebrate twice!<br />
<br />
With our <a href="http://badgergiftshop.ca/shop/paddle-gift-receipt/" target="_blank">personalized, printable, official Badger® gift note/gift receipt</a>, you can purchase a paddle for your favourite canoeist and surprise them for the holidays. They will then be excited to make the final decision on their paddle preferences as we offer them personal guidance in paddle style and length to be delivered in time for next season. So they get to celebrate once again when they receive their paddle in the Spring!<br />
<br />
Special Holiday Limited Time Offer: FREE HAND PAINTED NAME/PERSONALIZATION on all Christmas Badger Gift Certificate purchases! That is a $30.00 CAD value for FREE!!!<br />
<br />
Shop from the comfort of your cabin or canoe: <a href="http://badgergiftshop.ca/shop/paddle-gift-receipt/">http://badgergiftshop.ca/shop/paddle-gift-receipt/</a><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n5H8YPWQ1dE/VI3xbE0ZvfI/AAAAAAAACMQ/G4QziEMc6kE/s1600/badgerwoodoil-promo-2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-n5H8YPWQ1dE/VI3xbE0ZvfI/AAAAAAAACMQ/G4QziEMc6kE/s1600/badgerwoodoil-promo-2014.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
On the fifth day of Christmas, I gave my paddle a glance</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And I knew I needed some Wood Oil for maintenance! </div>
<br />
Yes... Maintenance. We all need to take care of our oiled paddles so our "Fifth Day of Christmas Featured Item" is our all natural, <a href="http://badgergiftshop.ca/shop/badger-wood-oil-250-ml-tin/" target="_blank">Badger Wood Oil</a>. Made from 100% all natural hemp seed oil, our Badger Wood Oil is food safe which means you can use it for more than just your paddles!<br />
<br />
You can apply it to your kitchen chopping boards, wooden spoons, and butcher blocks, as well as wooden axe, knife, and garden tool handles, your floors, decks, and even leather too.<br />
<br />
Badger Wood Oil... For those who dig the earth!<br />
<br />
Special Holiday Limited Time Price (FOR 2 DAYS ONLY!!): Buy a 250 mL tin of our <a href="http://badgergiftshop.ca/shop/badger-wood-oil-250-ml-tin/" target="_blank">Badger Wood Oil</a> for only $10.00 CAD (Regular $12.95). Taxes and shipping extra.<br />
<br />
Shop from the comfort of your cabin or canoe: <a href="http://badgergiftshop.ca/shop/badger-wood-oil-250-ml-tin/">http://badgergiftshop.ca/shop/badger-wood-oil-250-ml-tin/</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-snSD1TSq8IE/VI5REMQhIcI/AAAAAAAACMg/th07oGT7HAE/s1600/POP-shirt-PROMO-2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-snSD1TSq8IE/VI5REMQhIcI/AAAAAAAACMg/th07oGT7HAE/s1600/POP-shirt-PROMO-2014.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
On the sixth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A really big BADGER® Paddles "T"!!! ♪ ♫ ♩ ♬</div>
<br />
We now have only 3 of these <a href="http://badgergiftshop.ca/shop/badger-profits-of-paddling-t-shirts/" target="_blank">Profits Of Paddling T-shirts</a> left, one XL and two XXL. As the "Sixth Day of Christmas Featured Item", these T-shirts are now being offered at a special holiday price for a limited time only. Based on our popular "Profits of Paddling" image, <a href="http://badgergiftshop.ca/shop/badger-profits-of-paddling-t-shirts/" target="_blank">paddlers really dig this T-shirt design</a>!<br />
<br />
Shop from the comfort of your cabin or canoe: <a href="http://badgergiftshop.ca/shop/badger-profits-of-paddling-t-shirts/">http://badgergiftshop.ca/shop/badger-profits-of-paddling-t-shirts/</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RAmQ_lhQ7V8/VJHNfRyAGWI/AAAAAAAACMw/JVCUkiCynlU/s1600/raven-paddle-promo-2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-RAmQ_lhQ7V8/VJHNfRyAGWI/AAAAAAAACMw/JVCUkiCynlU/s1600/raven-paddle-promo-2014.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
On the seventh day of Christmas, a raven came to me</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And together, across the water, we shall flee! ♪ ♫ ♩ ♬</div>
<br />
<br />
Hand painted by Fiona, this original design titled “Raven at Sunset” on a cherry BadgerTail paddle will be sure to add beauty to any canoe, campsite, or cabin wall. The beaming colours of the sky contrast beautifully against the black moody silhouette of the raven and trees, making it a truly striking piece. Fiona has painted a series of “Raven at Sunset” paddles, each one a little different, making this a truly unique gift for the paddler on your list. A Badger Paddle Sock is included with the purchase of this paddle.<br />
<br />
<br />
Shop from the comfort of your cabin or canoe: <a href="http://badgergiftshop.ca/shop/custom-paddle-red-raven/">http://badgergiftshop.ca/shop/custom-paddle-red-raven/</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-usPrjjlFQoE/VJHOQNEufKI/AAAAAAAACM4/xDrFfxuH3_4/s1600/toque-promo-2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-usPrjjlFQoE/VJHOQNEufKI/AAAAAAAACM4/xDrFfxuH3_4/s1600/toque-promo-2014.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
On the eighth day of Christmas, I've only paddlin' in my head,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
But the frozen water says to wear my hat instead! ♪♫♬ </div>
<br />
What better way to keep warm and have paddling on your mind all winter long but with our BADGER® Paddle toques! Our special Holiday Price will last for a limited time only.<br />
<br />
Shop from the comfort of your cabin or canoe: <a href="http://badgergiftshop.ca/shop/badger-hattouque-black/">http://badgergiftshop.ca/shop/badger-hattouque-black/</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TcL4f8d1MzA/VJMAEOQlxBI/AAAAAAAACNI/oxBuJVIeuQU/s1600/laserengraving-promo-2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-TcL4f8d1MzA/VJMAEOQlxBI/AAAAAAAACNI/oxBuJVIeuQU/s1600/laserengraving-promo-2014.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
On the ninth day of Christmas, I went and stole a peek,</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And saw my gift'll be truly unique! </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Our "Ninth Day Of Christmas" featured item is our laser engraving. Use your <a href="http://badgergiftshop.ca/shop/paddle-gift-receipt/" target="_blank">Badger Gift Certificate/Receipt</a> to create the most unique gift of all - one that you help to create yourself! Our laser engraving capabilities include larger images and phrases, so let your imagination fly - as fast as canoe going down river with the wind on your back - and make your paddle truly your own.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A_7eYp2MuAA/VJMJQDZHnKI/AAAAAAAACNY/VxDhw-387DU/s1600/bluelakeandrockyshore-scenexmas.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-A_7eYp2MuAA/VJMJQDZHnKI/AAAAAAAACNY/VxDhw-387DU/s1600/bluelakeandrockyshore-scenexmas.jpg" height="212" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: -webkit-auto;">
<br /></div>
<br />
Shop from the comfort of your cabin or canoe: <a href="http://badgergiftshop.ca/shop/paddle-gift-receipt/">http://badgergiftshop.ca/shop/paddle-gift-receipt/</a><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jfs-_4VQMbg/VJSFhRQxVBI/AAAAAAAACNo/u34IZQTxZ1o/s1600/sock-promo-2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-jfs-_4VQMbg/VJSFhRQxVBI/AAAAAAAACNo/u34IZQTxZ1o/s1600/sock-promo-2014.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
On the tenth day of Christmas, my paddle was nicked when knocked,</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
So my love gave me a Badger Paddle Sock! ♪♫♬♪</div>
<br />
<br />
Our one size fits most, (new) <a href="http://badgergiftshop.ca/product-category/paddle-sock/" target="">Badger Paddle Sock</a> is not only compact and lightweight but it will protect your paddle in transport or storage. Makes for a perfect stocking stuffer or Xmas stocking! Made in Canada.<br />
<br />
Shop from the comfort of your cabin or canoe: <a href="http://badgergiftshop.ca/product-category/paddle-sock/">http://badgergiftshop.ca/product-category/paddle-sock/</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LPD8Q0FLY_A/VJdXN3tAeAI/AAAAAAAACN4/rL2l38exyfQ/s1600/builders%3Dspecial-promo-2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-LPD8Q0FLY_A/VJdXN3tAeAI/AAAAAAAACN4/rL2l38exyfQ/s1600/builders%3Dspecial-promo-2014.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
On the eleventh day of Xmas, here is something you might like.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A "special Paddle Builder's deal from Mike! ♪♫♬</div>
<br />
We have one prototype of our new (yet to be named!) river paddle that just so happens to have a hand painted Canada Flag design on it AND a brown leather wrap... All for a LIMITED TIME special HOLIDAY PRICE of only $135.00 CAD (Valued at $190.00!!)<br />
<br />
Shop from the comfort of your cabin here: <a href="http://badgergiftshop.ca/?p=994">http://badgergiftshop.ca/?p=994</a><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_kputPNf3g8/VJg-xjFKoCI/AAAAAAAACOI/qKxbQao19Bo/s1600/sticker-stocking-promo-2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-_kputPNf3g8/VJg-xjFKoCI/AAAAAAAACOI/qKxbQao19Bo/s1600/sticker-stocking-promo-2014.jpg" height="213" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
On the twelfth (and final) day of Xmas, we added something new</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Some stickers and "Portageur" wear too!</div>
<br />
You know them, you love them, and now you can wear them (well not really <i>wear them</i>, but you can wear a t-shirt or sport a decal with their iconic and much adored silhouette logo of a portaging man (Preston) and with his loveable dog (Nancy). Can you dig it?! Find all the fun <a href="http://Portageur.ca/">Portageur.ca</a> SWAG here: <a href="http://badgergiftshop.ca/product-category/portageur-ca/">http://badgergiftshop.ca/product-category/portageur-ca/</a> and our newly added BADGER® Paddles decals here: <a href="http://badgergiftshop.ca/shop/badger-paddles-decal/">http://badgergiftshop.ca/shop/badger-paddles-decal/</a><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
And so now our lil'Christmas Feature is all done.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
So take advantage of the sales and have some fun!</div>
<br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<b><i>To purchase any of the items seen here visit <a href="http://badgergiftshop.ca/">badgergiftshop.ca</a> but please be forewarned that many of the items listed are one-offs and are the only one of its kind in stock, therefore once the item is sold, it will no longer be available.</i></b><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Twelve Days Of Christmas Badger Specials</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Merry Xmas & Happy caNEW Year!</b></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047037126620620136.post-74261531425156224272014-11-13T15:20:00.001-08:002014-12-11T11:43:09.077-08:00A Distinctive Badger: Our Muskoka Women Of Distinction 2014 NomineeIt has been, as Fiona might say, many moons since our last blog post. It was a busy summer spent catching up on paddle orders, getting our new equipment up and fully running, and fine-tuning the design of our <a href="http://badger-canoe-paddles.blogspot.ca/2014/05/badger-celebrates-5-years.html" target="_blank">new river paddle</a>. Which by the way, does not have an official name as of yet - and we were kind of hoping you all could help us with that. Right now Fiona is referring to it as the XXXXXR or something. She says there are 5 X's with each X symbolizing one year for each year we have been in business. The R stands for RIVER because I designed this paddle to be a river paddle. I'm not a big fan of the temporary name but more about that coming soon. Right now, the reason for this posting is to celebrate the work of a certain "Badger" in our sett!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JKjSuywqu50/VFfluLU1NYI/AAAAAAAACI0/Q9KAQrzlh_I/s1600/image005.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-JKjSuywqu50/VFfluLU1NYI/AAAAAAAACI0/Q9KAQrzlh_I/s1600/image005.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
This past October, local business and boat repair genius John Gall (of <a href="http://www.johnnysboatsshop.com/" target="_blank">Johnny's Boat Shop</a> in Huntsville) and I took it upon ourselves to nominate Fiona for a <b><i><a href="http://www.ywcamuskoka.com/" target="_blank">YWCA Muskoka</a> Women Of Distinction Award</i> in the <i>Business Innovation and Entrepreneurship</i></b> category. She really deserves this recognition.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_RErt0CWMRM/VGTjNBnmkHI/AAAAAAAACKM/Xrp1Pfp34dw/s1600/WOD-stuff.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-_RErt0CWMRM/VGTjNBnmkHI/AAAAAAAACKM/Xrp1Pfp34dw/s320/WOD-stuff.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A few of Fiona's keepsakes from the Women Of Distinction Awards Gala</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><b>Below text taken from YWCA information as seen on headshot/card in photo above:</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b></b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Fiona Westner-Ramsay</span></b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b><br /></b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><b>Business Innovation and Entrepreneurship</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><b>Nominators: Mike Ramsay and John Gall</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><b><br /></b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><b>Fiona, co-founder of Badger Paddles, has grown her business in just five years applying her design sense, energy and ingenuity to build a strong brand recognized across North America and throughout the outdoor recreation communities. Through partnerships, effective social media and creative awareness raising campaigns, she has spearheaded initiatives including "Girls Portage Too" Posters, and the "Paddle In The Park Contest" which started with a few hidden paddles in Algonquin Park water trails and shares all the reasons why we need to spend time in nature every day. In addition to her business, Fiona also has created a valuable service for parents of children with Autism with her website www.autismzeitgeist.com sharing her own family's experience with their son. She is celebrated and cherished for her spirit and courage, her advocacy and commitment to socially [and environmentally] responsible business practices and inspiring a better life.</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<i><b><br /></b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>–––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––––</b></i></div>
<br />
Fiona described the evening of the Gala as "perfect" and while Fiona was not the recipient of an actual award itself, she was one of twenty-six amazing women who were honoured and celebrated by their families, friends, and peers during a very magical evening in Bracebridge. This event not only celebrates the distinguished work of select women and girls living and working in Muskoka, but also raises funds for the YWCA (and the many programs they offer to women, girls, and their families which help to enrich and change the lives of many). Not enough can be said about the great work that they do.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-trcnBXJl6Q8/VFfk2zuaWzI/AAAAAAAACIs/9CoJMR7SdJE/s1600/1441401_10202435150393950_1503665265762273596_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-trcnBXJl6Q8/VFfk2zuaWzI/AAAAAAAACIs/9CoJMR7SdJE/s1600/1441401_10202435150393950_1503665265762273596_n.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Fiona on stage, accepting her certificate while being honoured<br />
for her work for Badger Paddles as well as her autism advocacy.<br />
Photo credit: Chloe Ward</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<i>Badger Paddles</i> was a donor for the fund raising event with a hand-painted "Raven" paddle and a <i>Cub</i> paddle too. Interestingly enough, I hear there was another <i>Badger </i>paddle there as well! A <i>WaterColours</i>™canoe paddle was also generously donated by <a href="http://www.algonquinoutfitters.com/" target="_blank">Algonquin Outfitters</a> as part of a canoe/kayak rental package. Apparently, as Fiona tells it, the items and services up for auction were fabulous. I would have been rather partial to the Marché portion of the evening, myself....<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bewGgMXhfGY/VGTKHxC7vtI/AAAAAAAACJg/Qk6dlO6oU8g/s1600/100_4228.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-bewGgMXhfGY/VGTKHxC7vtI/AAAAAAAACJg/Qk6dlO6oU8g/s320/100_4228.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
But I'm not much of a blogger. That's more Fiona's forte, so I really should let her tell it. Especially considering I stayed home that night with Makobe so Fiona could have a fun-filled and stress-free evening. (She really deserves stuff like this more often.) Congratulations Fiona! I hope you know that no one "digs" you more than us. So here is her story about her special night.............<br />
~Mike Ramsay<br />
<h4>
<b><span class="Apple-style-span" style="color: #6fa8dc;"><i>#WODMuskoka 2014 in Fiona's words:</i></span></b></h4>
<h4>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">It was an exciting evening full of jubilant celebration as I was joined by my loving family and two special friends, Chloe Ward (a young university student whose intelligence and passion is already proving to be an incredible gift to the world) and <a href="http://paddleintheparkcontest.ca/meet-the-hiders/andrea-wilson/" target="_blank">Andrea Wilson</a> (who you may know as the Queen of the Dreaded Portage and also <a href="http://paddleintheparkcontest.ca/meet-the-hiders/andrea-wilson/" target="_blank">the first ever official female Paddle In The Park Contest paddle-hider</a>, as well as owner and host - along with her husband Hap - of<a href="http://cabinfalls.ca/" target="_blank"> Cabin Falls Eco-Lodge</a> in Temagami).</span></h4>
<h4>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;">We all came away with something pretty, including a beautiful pair of hand made earrings from </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/jibejewellery" target="_blank">Jibe Jewellery</a></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: normal;"> for Beth (who later gifted them to me - just because she is a really nice mother-in-law like that), and some hand made soaps along with a delicious smelling candle for the lovely Andrea. There was even a gorgeous earring and necklace set for the young and gorgeous Chloe.</span></h4>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DFtsifojWpk/VGTYu-o-I9I/AAAAAAAACJw/NlbqQFLw1BM/s1600/WOD-Ramsays.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://4.bp.blogspot.com/-DFtsifojWpk/VGTYu-o-I9I/AAAAAAAACJw/NlbqQFLw1BM/s320/WOD-Ramsays.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Beth and Alan Ramsay happily pose with their<br />
daughter-in-law, Fiona, during the Marché-style event.<br />
Photo credit: Chloe Ward</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
There were just so many incredible items to bid on and fun surprise bags too! From handcrafted pottery, jewellery and metal work to a lunch with local MP Tony Clement. There were items to bid on like a week at a youth camp or a weekend stay at a lodge, plus handcrafted kid's clothes, art, furniture and more... The list goes on and on. And then there was the food, wine, and spirits!<br />
<br />
The community support for this fundraising gala was a true testament to the importance of the YWCA and the work that they do for women, girls and their families. And while the bidding was generous, there is no doubt that many of the items were a great bargain for the winning bidders.<br />
<br />
But it was more than great winnings and fabulous food.... By the end of the evening, besides our mementos and keepsakes, we also came away with something else; a renewed sense of energy, an inspired sense of self, and a reminder that while we may stand alone in this world, we are still one universal forest deeply connected by our shared roots as well as our branches that intertwine as we grow, individually and together.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ZPawMlgkLOI/VFfmrLyPRbI/AAAAAAAACJA/noE1Ba-09bQ/s1600/20141029_195659.jpg" height="240" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="320" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">My view of the audience (from the stage) as a WOD nominee.<br />
(Taken during the live auction portion of the event)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We learned about the lives and deeds of the distinguished nominees like the work of a very young lady who started a teddy bear drive before she was ten years old; <a href="http://www.brainworksrehab.com/" target="_blank">an award winning psychologist</a> who works with people who have brain injuries; doctors and nurses who excel at their field, and who are strong advocates for breastfeeding and other women's issues; an addiction specialist who is helping to change people's lives; the revered counsellors for those in need of aid due to sexual assault or support due to domestic violence or abuse; a freestyle skier, and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/DaraHowellSkiing" target="_blank">Olympic gold medal winner</a>, who started a "Women Into Sports" fund; the artists, actors and musicians who mentor and inspire our community; <a href="https://www.facebook.com/springhillfarmhuntsville" target="_blank">a farmer</a> who puts real food on the tables of many families throughout Muskoka and beyond; another special and<a href="http://thetablesoupkitchen.com/" target="_blank"> beautiful woman who manages the local foodbank</a> and soup kitichen; a young and thoughtful clothing business shop owner who started a clothing drive for those in need; and an amazing woman who made it her life's mission to create a better quality of life for those living with various disabilities (after surviving and recovering from extensive injuries that resulted from a tragic vehicle accident, herself).<br />
<br />
We learned that there are some absolutely incredible women in this community who help to make Muskoka an even more beautiful place than it is already known to be. Yet we also came away with the knowledge that there is more work to be done.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1AkvltfYy7o/VGUyxJOqaWI/AAAAAAAACKc/RDMFEHWFJfU/s1600/WomenOfDistinctionNominees2014.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://2.bp.blogspot.com/-1AkvltfYy7o/VGUyxJOqaWI/AAAAAAAACKc/RDMFEHWFJfU/s320/WomenOfDistinctionNominees2014.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">All the 2014 Muskoka Women Of Distinction Nominees<br />
Photo credit: <a href="http://www.muskokaregion.com/news-story/4961655-awards-celebrate-women-as-roots-of-muskoka/">MuskokaRegion.com</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I cannot say enough what an amazing honour this has been for me... To be counted <a href="http://moosefm.com/cfbgs/news/women-of-distinction-nominees-announced/" target="_blank">amongst the incredible women</a> who are not only the roots that help to ground our community, but who are also the hopeful winds of change rustling the branches and leaves of Muskoka; there truly are no words to describe how grateful and spiritually exalted I feel to have been included as a part of it.<br />
<br />
In all honesty, I am humbled by the extraordinary pursuits and successes of the other twenty six beautiful and passionate nominees. Their dedication to helping others, changing our society for the better, and the strength of character I witnessed on that stage and all around the theatre that night, created such a strong exuberant energy that the total effect transcended the evening and the event itself. I am truly inspired, by all of my Muskoka sisters, to do more and to do better.<br />
<br />
Congratulations to <a href="http://moosefm.com/cfbgs/news/women-of-distinction-nominees-announced/" target="_blank">all the ladies who were nominated</a>, as well as <a href="http://www.muskokaregion.com/news-story/4961655-awards-celebrate-women-as-roots-of-muskoka/" target="_blank">a heartfelt congratulations to all the award recipients</a>. I will never forget the evening we shared together and I will never forget any of you. Thank you for all that you do.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7Y2kCrVoDkI/VGTaGoZpAaI/AAAAAAAACJ8/uXavQUhfbKI/s1600/20141029_185533%231.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://1.bp.blogspot.com/-7Y2kCrVoDkI/VGTaGoZpAaI/AAAAAAAACJ8/uXavQUhfbKI/s320/20141029_185533%231.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Andrea, Fiona, and Chloe at WOD Muskoka 2014</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I would also like to thank the two gentlemen who nominated me, my husband Mike and John Gall, including all those who supported me with your kind words, your comments and messages. Please know that your love and friendship have meant the world to me and I will never forget any of you for it.<br />
<br />
Thanks also to my family, the wonderfully supportive Beth and Allan, for making the long trip to Muskoka to be there to celebrate, as well as the beautiful Chloe who also travelled quite the distance to be by my side and share this special evening with me. Plus thanks to Andrea, the one with the lovely dark chocolate hair, for taking time out of her extremely busy work and family schedule to be my date! It really meant everything to me to share this special night with you all.<br />
<br />
I am also very grateful to<a href="https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100007292776277" target="_blank"> Sherry of SP Creates</a> who helped design my outfit after being given a very sudden and last minute request to help create an original little black dress. She even made me a "scrunchie"hair accessory to match! Sherry is truly a talented artist and designer and I am in awe of her creativity. Thank you, Sherry, for making me feel so pretty!!<br />
<br />
I would also like to thank <a href="http://www.ywcamuskoka.com/" target="_blank">the YWCA</a> for hosting such an inspirational event that celebrates the passionate work and spirit of Muskoka women. Our community is a much better place because the YWCA exists within it, and I am truly grateful for all the women (and men) who dedicate their time and wonderful talents to ensuring the important programs and advocacy work continues.<br />
<br />
But now, it is time for me to go and roll up my own sleeves... Because, as we all know, there is more work to do.<br />
<br />
~Fiona Westner-Ramsay<br />
<br />
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047037126620620136.post-53179883504552836182014-05-10T14:01:00.001-07:002014-05-16T08:50:15.128-07:00BADGER® Celebrates 5 Years!2014 is a big year for <i><b>Badger</b></i>® Paddles. It is a year of celebration and a year of change.<br />
<br />
Not only are we celebrating 5 years of putting high quality solid wood canoe paddles in your paws, but we are also marking our 5th year in business with some very exciting modifications to our whole line up of <i><b>Badger</b></i>® paddles and gear.<br />
<div>
<div>
<br />
<div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o2Ry6GGG2DI/U26UpQ5A_1I/AAAAAAAACGs/4YLbII9pbzM/s1600/Wbadger-5-year-anniversary-logo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-o2Ry6GGG2DI/U26UpQ5A_1I/AAAAAAAACGs/4YLbII9pbzM/s1600/Wbadger-5-year-anniversary-logo.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span"><br /></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<span class="Apple-style-span">Watch for lots of big <i><b>Badger</b></i>® news to come this season, starting with our new </span><i><b>Badger</b></i>®<span class="Apple-style-span"> Paddle Socks, and THANK YOU for 5 amazingly wonderful years! You gotta know we absolutely dig each and everyone of you!</span></div>
</div>
<div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dWJM7dL0tyw/U3YytQa0bYI/AAAAAAAACHI/uwYVQKYb6Ik/s1600/newproducts-blog-2014.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-dWJM7dL0tyw/U3YytQa0bYI/AAAAAAAACHI/uwYVQKYb6Ik/s1600/newproducts-blog-2014.png" height="181" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Coming for the 2014 paddling season:<br />NEW Badger® Paddle shape designed for river paddlers,<br />NEWLY DESIGNED Badger® Paddle Sock,<br />and a whole NEW LINE-UP of Badger® Canoe Paddles!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047037126620620136.post-91273727313568115502014-03-29T06:31:00.000-07:002014-03-29T06:33:16.716-07:00GIRLS PORTAGE TOO Posters Available NOW!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
It all started with <a href="https://twitter.com/BadgerPaddles/status/425989450556923904" target="_blank">a <i>photoshopped</i> MEME that Fiona created for some fun</a> but now it's <i>for real... <b>and</b> it's for keeps!</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">GIRLS PORTAGE TOO posters are now available for sale via <a href="http://badgergiftshop.ca/" target="_blank">our online BADGER® Gift Shop</a>!</span></span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SEKPuFDrq20/UzZS32HLFSI/AAAAAAAACFc/L423UreRyj8/s1600/GirlPortagePoster.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-SEKPuFDrq20/UzZS32HLFSI/AAAAAAAACFc/L423UreRyj8/s1600/GirlPortagePoster.jpg" height="640" width="387" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Description: 11 x 17 inches - printed on Thin Glossy Digital Coated Stock (100 lb Text Paper)</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: large;">Perfect for framing, pinning to a dorm room wall or taping to a locker!</span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
And for a <b><i>limited time only</i></b>, we are offering a very special deal for all the paddlin' and portage diggin' ladies of the world. So for those of you who really want a GIRLS PORTAGE TOO sign of your own - but would love to gift one to a wild woman (or two) in your life as well - take note of our introductory offer. When you purchase the first poster at full price via our online <a href="http://badgergiftshop.ca/" target="_blank">BADGER® Gift Shop</a>, each additional poster you buy after that is only $5.00 each! See our website for all the details and be one of the first to own a lady portage sign and surprise your friends....</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
*Note: This limited time offer is also open to the men (and anyone else for that matter, including all badgers and other forest creatures) who admire the paddlin' and portage diggin' ladies of the world too.</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
The Chew says we're framing this one. I agree. Can't wait for the matching stickers. <a href="https://twitter.com/BadgerPaddles">@BadgerPaddles</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23GirlsPortageToo&src=hash">#GirlsPortageToo</a> <a href="http://t.co/18RFsz3Q1c">pic.twitter.com/18RFsz3Q1c</a><br />
— GeekinGirl (@geekingirl) <a href="https://twitter.com/geekingirl/statuses/446752142783549440">March 20, 2014</a></blockquote>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<i>A special thanks to <a href="https://www.blogger.com/"><span id="goog_795943762"></span>@GeekinGirl<span id="goog_795943763"></span></a> (via Twitter) who was the first (but not the last) to request that these lady portage signs be made available. Thanks for your support! I truly hope our paths meet along a water trail in the near future and I promise those stickers will be ready soon! ;o) ~Fiona</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047037126620620136.post-43596441184836548332014-01-04T09:07:00.000-08:002014-01-04T17:26:40.100-08:00A Very BADGER® Christmas - What We Couldn't Tell You Until NowFirst off, we want to say that we hope you had a wonderful holiday season with your friends and families. It was certainly a festive Yule for us here in the <i>Badger®</i> sett. A busy one too. In fact, Fiona and Mike were dealing with one last minute paddle order while the Christmas turkey was cooking in the oven for our festive family dinner!<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-heO3E4ojwm0/UsguDjb0N_I/AAAAAAAACCQ/AkKG9_JnQDQ/s1600/xmasblog2013-giftintree.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-heO3E4ojwm0/UsguDjb0N_I/AAAAAAAACCQ/AkKG9_JnQDQ/s200/xmasblog2013-giftintree.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://badgergiftshop.ca/" target="_blank">A Very BADGER® Christmas</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
While we would not usually choose to work during such an important family holiday, we didn't feel there was any other choice when the folks who reached out to us had to postpone their own Christmas celebrations due to the big ice storm in Toronto. They had lost power (for days) after starting the process of purchasing a very special paddle as a gift for their loved one and could not complete the gift receipt purchase. Their lives turned upside down by the storm, they contacted us as soon as they had power again (which happened to be the day of our own family celebrations) to finalize the transaction.<br />
<br />
Needless to say, our hearts went out to them. So while Poppa Badger carved the turkey, the gift note was completed and sent. There wasn't a dry eye in the house when, just as we were about to sit down to for our festive celebrations, Fiona told us (with teary eyes) about the personalized message the family had requested be included as part of the personalized gift note card. Part of it read:<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><b>"Nanny wanted to give you a special gift to remember her by, something that you would be able to keep for life. We chose a canoe paddle because you are part Canadian, and every Canadian should have their own paddle. This paddle was chosen because it is hand made especially for you. Nanny said, <u>you better take care of it! </u> :) When you hold this special paddle in your hands, remember how special she thought you are."</b></i></blockquote>
<br />
So while this gift note was meant to be a very special present for a very special grandson in memory of a very special matriarch, in the end, the message was also a very special gift to our family... To bear witness to such a beautiful testament of love and remembrance. We were all deeply touched by the words and the story of the people behind them as well. It will be a true honour for us to work with this family to create a such a valued and important family heirloom. We will be sure to tell them, as well, how much their story truly touched our family this holiday season and helped to make our Yule one that we will never forget!<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mGw_tRc16kA/Usg02D8CHmI/AAAAAAAACC8/xMiRBvDzHyM/s1600/BADGER%25C2%25AEGIFTCARD-2013-SAMPLE.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-mGw_tRc16kA/Usg02D8CHmI/AAAAAAAACC8/xMiRBvDzHyM/s400/BADGER%25C2%25AEGIFTCARD-2013-SAMPLE.jpg" width="307" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This year we offered a personalized gift note/receipt option<br />
for those who wanted to gift a paddle in time for Christmas<br />
using our online gift store: <a href="http://badgergiftshop.ca/">http://badgergiftshop.ca</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
But really, the Christmas stories started weeks before the turkey dinner was in the oven. However we couldn't tell you about any of them until the gifts were given and the paddles unwrapped. Now, (finally!) here are a few of the standout projects we worked on to put under a few of your trees this year:<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Each of these young ladies woke up to a colourful Cub WaterColour under their tree on Christmas morning...</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lzxlvaec9Kw/UsguD6EoyDI/AAAAAAAACCU/xdZAyMhxftQ/s1600/xmasblog2013-badger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-lzxlvaec9Kw/UsguD6EoyDI/AAAAAAAACCU/xdZAyMhxftQ/s320/xmasblog2013-badger.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>This hand painted paddle by Fiona depicts a sitting Raven silhouetted against a winter sky...</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YKzIPqHBHIA/UsguCvDEu1I/AAAAAAAACCE/KSkAx1TTNkQ/s1600/xmasblog2013-blueraven.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-YKzIPqHBHIA/UsguCvDEu1I/AAAAAAAACCE/KSkAx1TTNkQ/s320/xmasblog2013-blueraven.jpg" width="239" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>This special paddle names the lake at their family cottage and was a surprise for somebody under the tree this year...</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oQrK1yvM_0c/UsguGbIbCDI/AAAAAAAACCc/S-rtStAiN9c/s1600/xmasblog2013-lkeugenia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-oQrK1yvM_0c/UsguGbIbCDI/AAAAAAAACCc/S-rtStAiN9c/s320/xmasblog2013-lkeugenia.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>This laser engraved rustic edge BADGER® cutting board was a personal gift and surprise for our friends Preston and Nancy (of <a href="http://Portageur.ca/">Portageur.ca</a>) this Christmas...</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9htDvne5Zfg/UsguHjZAAAI/AAAAAAAACCk/ovuBaWBNa38/s1600/xmasblog2013-portageur.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-9htDvne5Zfg/UsguHjZAAAI/AAAAAAAACCk/ovuBaWBNa38/s320/xmasblog2013-portageur.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>A photocopy of a picture of a tattoo became a hand painted canoe paddle for Caleb this year. We can't help but really dig this tattoo and hoped that Caleb would really dig his paddle!</i></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FOfu1apxJxI/UsguKHFhUmI/AAAAAAAACCs/20VYAQ_qomo/s1600/xmasblog2013-tattoopaddle.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-FOfu1apxJxI/UsguKHFhUmI/AAAAAAAACCs/20VYAQ_qomo/s320/xmasblog2013-tattoopaddle.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
Thanks to everyone who contacted us this holiday season to create something special for your friends and loved ones for the holidays and in the New Year. We were really excited to create all of the wonderful personalized messages for your gift cards and are eager to work with everyone on their paddle preferences in time for Spring. Thanks as well to all customers past and present, to our friends, family, and the paddling community at large.... We are truly grateful to be a part of your lives. Thanks for letting us into your homes and into your canoes. We hope you had a great Yule. We also wish you all good health and many wonderful outside adventures in the new year. Hopefully we will see you on the water.... or the portage trail in 2014. Safe travels everyone!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
And the verdict is.... Hey Mikey, he likes it!</div>
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" lang="en">
Wanna thank bobbo at <a href="https://twitter.com/Swift_Canoe">@Swift_Canoe</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/BadgerPaddles">@BadgerPaddles</a> for this awesome xmas present! <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23newbadger&src=hash">#newbadger</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23thanksbobbo&src=hash">#thanksbobbo</a> <a href="http://t.co/3S8z9niQFh">pic.twitter.com/3S8z9niQFh</a><br />
— Caleb Cameron (@calebcameron10) <a href="https://twitter.com/calebcameron10/statuses/415849949189144576">December 25, 2013</a></blockquote>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js"></script>Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047037126620620136.post-34279166878066654762013-06-25T08:24:00.001-07:002013-06-25T08:24:51.323-07:00Paddle In The Park Contest: Coming June 28th To A Portage Near You<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WJxEi8yKFWc/Ucmzu9CJ-vI/AAAAAAAAB-o/FsxeiIE6r9I/s1600/Paddleintheparkcontest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-WJxEi8yKFWc/Ucmzu9CJ-vI/AAAAAAAAB-o/FsxeiIE6r9I/s1600/Paddleintheparkcontest.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
We haven't done a contest in a while, but this year we have <a href="http://paddleintheparkcontest.ca/sponsors/" target="_blank">partnered up with some of the best leaders in the paddle sports industry</a> to get more people "Out There". We have also compiled 9+1 rewards and reasons to spend everyday in the wilderness this summer. Visit the <a href="http://paddleintheparkcontest.ca/" target="_blank">Paddle In The Park Contest website</a> for more information and how to enter to win some great prizes including paddles, repair kit(s), yoke pad(s), map case(s), Hap Wilson print(s) and more!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8fR2IGNp0E8/UcmyPRraONI/AAAAAAAAB-Y/cvJKRNjlWno/s1600/twitterbackground.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="41" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-8fR2IGNp0E8/UcmyPRraONI/AAAAAAAAB-Y/cvJKRNjlWno/s400/twitterbackground.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<h3>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<a href="http://paddleintheparkcontest.ca/">http://paddleintheparkcontest.ca/</a></div>
</h3>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b><i>"There has never been a greater need for society to unplug and reconnect all at the same time. The PaddleInThePark contest was created to remind people of the many rewards of getting outside, from our health and well being, to supporting our parks and wild places. What better way to do this than with a chance to find a handcrafted (Badger®) paddle, hidden somewhere in parks across Ontario? Hopefully this will encourage more people to get Out There. The contest runs until September 15th or until all the paddles are found – which ever comes first."</i></b></blockquote>
Starting on Friday, June 28th, 2013 there are 6 (six) <i>Badger</i>® Canoe Paddles (hidden by Hap Wilson, Kevin Callan, and Preston Ciere) along undisclosed portage trails in Algonquin, Temagami and Killarney<br />
<br />
• Clues to their specific location will be offered throughout the summer, becoming increasingly specific<br />
To follow along for the latest hints and clues to paddle locations, visit the <a href="http://paddleintheparkcontest.ca/" target="_blank">Paddle In The Park website</a> or find us on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/PaddleInTheParkContest" target="_blank">Facebook</a> and <a href="http://www.facebook.com/PaddleInTheParkContest" target="_blank">Twitter</a>.<br />
<br />
• The contest will also include draws to take place each time a paddle is found for those following along at home.<br />
<br />
• Once you find a paddle, contact us and we’ll send you the rest of the prize package and pick another lucky winner for our corresponding draw.<br />
<br />
• Prizes, besides the hidden paddles, include signed books by authors Kevin Callan, Hap Wilson, and Laurie Ann March along with prizes provided by Portageur.ca, Jeff’s Map, North Water, Swift Canoe, Algonquin Outfitters, Keyak, Hooligan Gear and more!<br />
<br />
<b><i>Paddle In The Park Contest Website: <a href="http://paddleintheparkcontest.ca/">http://paddleintheparkcontest.ca/</a></i></b><br />
<b><i>Paddle In The Park on Facebook: <a href="http://www.facebook.com/PaddleInTheParkContest">http://www.facebook.com/PaddleInTheParkContest</a></i></b><br />
<b><i>Paddle In The Park Contest on Twitter: <a href="http://twitter.com/PaddleInThePark">http://twitter.com/PaddleInThePark</a></i></b><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>THE REWARDS ARE "OUT THERE"!</b></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-avhkjo2xuTk/Ucm2Lj7eqCI/AAAAAAAAB-4/ftk2XcXBBtQ/s1600/forest.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="234" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-avhkjo2xuTk/Ucm2Lj7eqCI/AAAAAAAAB-4/ftk2XcXBBtQ/s640/forest.png" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b><br /></b></div>
<br />Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047037126620620136.post-87409702985793063372013-06-15T08:30:00.004-07:002013-06-16T09:32:34.081-07:00The Stern Fathers<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5f0NfwotjWI/UbyDDtriNqI/AAAAAAAAB9k/AUBk1BO7uxI/s1600/makobe-canoe-splashing.jpg" imageanchor="1"><img border="0" height="172" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-5f0NfwotjWI/UbyDDtriNqI/AAAAAAAAB9k/AUBk1BO7uxI/s400/makobe-canoe-splashing.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
In today's modern world, a child still looks upon nature as a great mystery but with an immense disconnect. Good fathers put a child in the bow of their canoe and steer the investigation to ensure that immutable link to our natural world is established and understood. These are the "Stern Fathers".</div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
___________________________________________________</div>
<div>
<div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<b>"Must we always teach our children with books? Let them look at the stars and the mountains above. Let them look at the waters and the trees and flowers on Earth. Then they will begin to think, and to think is the beginning of a real education."</b> ~ <i>David Polis</i></blockquote>
<div style="text-align: center;">
___________________________________________________<br />
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="225" mozallowfullscreen="" src="http://player.vimeo.com/video/68083540?autoplay=1" webkitallowfullscreen="" width="400"></iframe> <a href="http://vimeo.com/68083540">Daddy-Daughter Canoe Session with Fat Paddler</a> from <a href="http://vimeo.com/fatpaddler">Fat Paddler</a> on <a href="http://vimeo.com/">Vimeo</a>.<br />
Awaking in the dark, daddy and his nearly 7 year old daughter head off for a canoe adventure in the nearby Ku-ring-gai National Park. An adventure of discovery, bonding, and of course a hot breakfast out in the bush!<br />
<br />
Proudly brought to you by <a href="http://fatpaddler.com/" target="_blank">FatPaddler.com</a> and <a href="http://www.badgerpaddles.com/" target="_blank">BADGER® Paddles</a>.</div>
<div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
___________________________________________________</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq" style="text-align: center;">
<b>Your deepest roots are in nature. No matter who you are, where you live, or what kind of life you lead, you remain irrevocably linked with the rest of creation." </b><i>~ </i><i>Charles Cook</i></blockquote>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
___________________________________________________</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x2XW7sjgMOg/Ubx_VuVIMxI/AAAAAAAAB9U/uGDbDzuuhb8/s1600/FP-DADDY-DAUGHTERvideoshot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="132" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-x2XW7sjgMOg/Ubx_VuVIMxI/AAAAAAAAB9U/uGDbDzuuhb8/s200/FP-DADDY-DAUGHTERvideoshot.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
<div>
So paddles up in gratitude to all the Fathers (like Poppa Badger!) who took their place at the stern and escorted us to those wild places, and who taught us that Nature is our teacher. A special thanks, also, to Sean Smith (a.k.a. <a href="http://fatpaddler.com/2013/06/real-canoe-adventures-with-young-kids/" target="_blank">The Fat Paddler</a>) and his adorable daughter Gracie for <a href="http://fatpaddler.com/2013/06/real-canoe-adventures-with-young-kids/" target="_blank">sharing one of their very special and inspirational adventures</a>, all the way from Australia, in honour of Father's Day. Plus an extra special thanks to our Mike for being Makobe's special friend, his protector, and his teacher - you are an exceptionally kind and loving Father to a boy with many exceptionalities. You, Mike, are truly a hero to me... and to your son.<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Written by Fiona Westner-Ramsay</span></div>
</div>
<h2 style="text-align: center;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-large;">
Happy Father's Day!</span></h2>
<div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jfh7mhOh6HI/Ub3kbbRlorI/AAAAAAAAB-I/DN0x45lUr8M/s1600/poppamikefiona.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="269" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-jfh7mhOh6HI/Ub3kbbRlorI/AAAAAAAAB-I/DN0x45lUr8M/s320/poppamikefiona.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy Father's Day Poppa!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wCBjVrC5lLQ/UbzbktsYZAI/AAAAAAAAB90/MRgxxykleLg/s1600/shakespearequote-nature.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-wCBjVrC5lLQ/UbzbktsYZAI/AAAAAAAAB90/MRgxxykleLg/s400/shakespearequote-nature.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047037126620620136.post-90894077781986631272013-06-12T06:47:00.001-07:002013-06-12T06:47:27.094-07:00210 NEW REASONS TO SAVE WOLF LAKE<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xxabyUCP22A/Ubh6njSB67I/AAAAAAAAB9A/SX2drKi-DHM/s1600/ReportJune11-coversmall.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-xxabyUCP22A/Ubh6njSB67I/AAAAAAAAB9A/SX2drKi-DHM/s400/ReportJune11-coversmall.jpg" width="308" /></a></div>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
RELEASE June 12, 2013 </h4>
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
Scientists find 210 species at Wolf Lake</h3>
<h4 style="text-align: center;">
recommend moratorium on further industrial disturbance</h4>
<br />
<i>Sudbury</i> - A team of scientists released a new report today on the findings of an intensive species count conducted last year at Wolf Lake. 210 species were identified including two bird species “At Risk” (special concern) the Canada Warbler and Common Nighthawk. The report finds that the Wolf Lake old-growth forest is a unique and rich natural laboratory with the potential to provide the answers to many scientific questions relating to the ecology and conservation of endangered forested landscapes. It warns that planned industrial activity puts this value at risk.<br />
<br />
<h4>
Download the report here: <a href="http://www.savewolflake.org/images/stories/reportjune11.pdf" target="_blank">WOLF LAKE - SPECIES REPORT</a></h4>
<br />
“We strongly urge that no further industrial disturbance be permitted to this ecosystem. The forest’s sustainable values as a natural classroom, outdoor laboratory and recreation area should not be compromised for short-sighted and speculative mineral exploration” said lead author and old growth expert Peter Quinby. “Any further industrial disturbance risks degrading the scientific value of this irreplaceable ecosystem before we have uncovered its storehouse of ecological information.”<br />
<br />
The report documents initial efforts to create a comprehensive species list at Wolf Lake. The first season of study has identified 210 species including an abundance of lichens (47), plants (84), aquatic invertebrates (6), reptiles and amphibians (10), breeding birds (60), and incidental observations of mammals (3 species).<br />
<br />
Some of the more notable findings of this study include the following:<br />
a high diversity of lichens,<br />
an unusually high abundance of Red Pine regeneration,<br />
observations at the northern range limits of several species of reptiles and amphibians that have helped fill knowledge gaps of species' distributions,<br />
observations of two bird species “At Risk” (special concern) the Canada Warbler and Common Nighthawk. A high number of mature forest dependent bird species like pine warbler and a high diversity of species/habitats within a small area.<br />
<br />
The report makes recommendations for further study and identifies a need to determine the true extent of the Wolf Lake old-growth Red Pine forest, which extends beyond the 1,600 ha suggested by the MNR, and outside of the area protected from logging.<br />
<br />
<h4>
The Wolf Lake ancient forest is the largest remaining ancient red pine forest, an endangered ecosystem that remains on only 1.2% of its former extent.</h4>
<br />
<b>CONTACT:</b> Peter Quinby: 705-476-2165, Ramsey Hart: 705-476-2165.<br />
<br />
<h3 style="text-align: center;">
Download the report at: <a href="http://www.savewolflake.org/news/27-scientists-find-210-species-at-wolf-lake" target="_blank">savewolflake.org</a></h3>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047037126620620136.post-30781737879011367132013-04-24T11:28:00.000-07:002013-04-24T11:28:01.067-07:00Pt 7 :: Making Room For Autism In Your Canoe - Backcountry or Car/End of the Portage<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i style="font-weight: normal;">Dig this: April 2nd is World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) and April is also known to many as Autism Awareness Month. This multiple part story/part guide, written in honour of The Six Degree Project (Autism Awareness Celebrity Campaign) and WAAD, is the tale (with tips) of how we got to the end of the portage with our son. With hopes to help raise awareness about autism and the extra challenge it brings to lives of many families, including ours; we also hope this Making Room For Autism In Your Canoe "series" helps to inspire other families to get out there and live their dreams as best as they are able - because even though, with autism, our lives are different - they shouldn't be less. ~Fiona</i></blockquote>
<h4>
<b><i>Interior/Back Country or Car Camping?</i></b></h4>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Campgrounds are noisy, social places with lots of activity around. Hearing the noises of others outside the tent walls was truly unbearable for Makobe - terrified by the sounds that people were making so close to our tent (i.e. talking, walking on the gravel path, shutting car doors, off-key singing around a neighbour's campfire). We tried to camp in an Algonquin Hwy 60 Corridor campground this past summer and it became a complete nightmare for Makobe. We actually had to leave in the middle of the night to calm our son who was having a full on panic attack - then come back and pack out our belongings in the morning.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ziLOJ2j3ebs/UTo8kqnVFNI/AAAAAAAAB4g/gU5EYIkSkuU/s1600/kobe-carcamp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ziLOJ2j3ebs/UTo8kqnVFNI/AAAAAAAAB4g/gU5EYIkSkuU/s400/kobe-carcamp.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
This trip was a true disaster once night fell.</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Yet camping in the interior is not a problem for our Makobe. With only the sound of the crackling campfire - not neighbours - Makobe is able to settle into sleep in the tent without fear or anxiety. He is much more at home in a more natural camping environment that comes with portaging than he is with driving into a campground and setting up a tent. Another consideration is that there is less chance of autism interfering with a camping neighbour's experience when you are across the lake from them instead of just a few feet away.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<b><i>By The End Of The Portage...</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBvbDYMfb0Ft6YzPU2PEo8uAFrrEYAh4igknCwBwQVXYq2UiSHJ35MUPhJgBrd2RDO8vLldSUW8iwogI4o2q8BRn9iuSn8Q-xtzzaZW4iTjxGJTc3WXOyEFdMtCqD7Z_PseS9NU7_pKew/s1600/makobe-rocklake-sunset.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBvbDYMfb0Ft6YzPU2PEo8uAFrrEYAh4igknCwBwQVXYq2UiSHJ35MUPhJgBrd2RDO8vLldSUW8iwogI4o2q8BRn9iuSn8Q-xtzzaZW4iTjxGJTc3WXOyEFdMtCqD7Z_PseS9NU7_pKew/s400/makobe-rocklake-sunset.jpg" width="297" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<b>Nature has a way of returning peace to one's soul.</b> I always knew there was some truth to this as I have felt it myself on the many canoe trips that I have taken since I was a child. But seeing Makobe, who struggles everyday with the noisy, overly busy modern day world, be able to just sit on the edge of a northern shore for a good while, and look out at the sky with a calmness that I don't see very often at home, makes me realize that the best thing we ever did was make room for autism in our canoe. Especially since we now know - it doesn't really take up that much room at all!</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A-u7eBAuSmk/UTtyUwRXRKI/AAAAAAAAB5E/F7_gqSjxSnI/s1600/algonquin-portage-makobe-painting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A-u7eBAuSmk/UTtyUwRXRKI/AAAAAAAAB5E/F7_gqSjxSnI/s200/algonquin-portage-makobe-painting.jpg" width="138" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Written by Fiona Westner-Ramsay in support of</span> <a href="http://thesixdegreeproject.com/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">The Six Degree Project Autism Awareness</span></a> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">campaign.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">To read all the parts to this story guide, click here: <a href="http://badger-canoe-paddles.blogspot.ca/search/label/making%20room%20for%20autism%20in%20your%20canoe">Making Room For Autism In Your Canoe</a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">To read our report from Makobe's first wilderness trip into Algonquin, please click here:<a href="http://badger-canoe-paddles.blogspot.ca/2010/08/making-room-for-autism-in-your-canoe.html" target="_blank"> Making Room For Autism In Your Canoe - A Trip Report</a></span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
**<i>Stim(s) or Stimming are the terms most used to describe a self-stimulatory behaviour or activity that is performed repetitively and usually to the alienation of others. Examples can be screaming, hand-flapping, finger play, rocking, spinning, lining up objects, verbal behaviour, etc.</i></div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
<i><br /></i></div>
<div>
<i></i><br />
<div style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; line-height: 14px;">
<!-- AddThis Button BEGIN --></div>
<i>
</i>
<br />
<div style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; line-height: 14px;">
<div class="addthis_toolbox addthis_default_style ">
</div>
<div style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; line-height: 14px;">
<i><a class="addthis_button_google_plusone" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6047037126620620136"></a></i></div>
<div style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; line-height: 14px;">
<i><a class="addthis_counter addthis_pill_style" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6047037126620620136"></a></i></div>
<div style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; line-height: 14px;">
</div>
</div>
<i>
</i>
<div style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; line-height: 14px;">
<script type="text/javascript">var addthis_config = {"data_track_clickback":true};</script></div>
<i>
<div style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; line-height: 14px;">
<script src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/250/addthis_widget.js#pubid=badgerpaddles" type="text/javascript"></script></div>
<div style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; font-style: normal; line-height: 14px;">
<!-- AddThis Button END --></div>
</i></div>
</div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047037126620620136.post-41495270909122766472013-04-20T11:21:00.000-07:002013-04-20T11:21:00.583-07:00Pt 6 :: How To Make Room For Autism In Your Canoe - Paddling & Eating<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i style="font-weight: normal;">Dig this: April 2nd is World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) and April is also known to many as Autism Awareness Month. This multiple part story/part guide, written in honour of The Six Degree Project (Autism Awareness Celebrity Campaign) and WAAD, is the tale (with tips) of how we got to the end of the portage with our son. With hopes to help raise awareness about autism and the extra challenge it brings to lives of many families, including ours; we also hope this Making Room For Autism In Your Canoe "series" helps to inspire other families to get out there and live their dreams as best as they are able - because even though, with autism, our lives are different - they shouldn't be less. ~Fiona</i></blockquote>
<h4>
<b><i>That tastes funny!</i></b></h4>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Another consideration for bringing children or people with eating sensitivities is how eating and preparing food in the outdoors can affect taste and texture. Especially when cooking over a fire. Makobe had many opportunities to eat meat and other types of food that had been cooked over a fire as we regularly do so as we visit Poppa Badger & Grammama’s land next door to us and camp. He will eat some of the items we cook over a fire but it is important we have a good coal base for cooking when preparing Makobe’s food. We cannot rush a cooking fire when he is around. If there is too much smoke flavor or black soot – he will not ingest it.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k2jJrm02ymw/UTpJXZqnF6I/AAAAAAAAB40/yt-K5yDFKLU/s1600/kobecamp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-k2jJrm02ymw/UTpJXZqnF6I/AAAAAAAAB40/yt-K5yDFKLU/s320/kobecamp.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
It is most important to consider all the aspects of a canoe trip when planning to take a sensory-sensitive person into the interior or backcountry - and practicing anything you think may become an issue at the campsite, before hand at home. Food intolerances can be tricky to deal with when on a canoe trip as space is tight (less choice) and the outdoor elements can alter texture and taste of some foods (food gets cold fast, rain can make everything wet and damp, etc.) But we noticed keeping Makobe physically active on trip (a natural by product of wilderness canoeing) kept him hungry and much more tolerant of what he put in his mouth.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<h4>
<b><i>Not just along for the ride:</i></b></h4>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Depending on the child, you may not wish to introduce the actual physical side of paddling until they are older or have shown they are interested. With Makobe, he liked to dip the canoe paddle in the water to create more of a resistance than to help paddle. He has some difficulty with it still (mainly because it can be hard work!) but has taken rather well to the simplicity of using a kayak paddle on a stand up paddle board. But the key to anything with Makobe (and autism) is motivation. It works much better if we have a destination in mind with a small tangible reward at the end of it for him. As for using a canoe paddle properly - still working on it!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<b><i>Coming next: Backcountry or Car Camping?/Conclusion</i></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"></span></div>
<div>
<!-- AddThis Button BEGIN --></div>
<div>
<div class="addthis_toolbox addthis_default_style ">
</div>
<div>
<a class="addthis_button_google_plusone" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6047037126620620136"></a></div>
<div>
<a class="addthis_counter addthis_pill_style" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6047037126620620136"></a></div>
<div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<script type="text/javascript">var addthis_config = {"data_track_clickback":true};</script></div>
<div>
<script src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/250/addthis_widget.js#pubid=badgerpaddles" type="text/javascript"></script></div>
<div>
<!-- AddThis Button END --></div>
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A-u7eBAuSmk/UTtyUwRXRKI/AAAAAAAAB5E/F7_gqSjxSnI/s1600/algonquin-portage-makobe-painting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A-u7eBAuSmk/UTtyUwRXRKI/AAAAAAAAB5E/F7_gqSjxSnI/s200/algonquin-portage-makobe-painting.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="138" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Written by Fiona Westner-Ramsay in support of</span> <a href="http://thesixdegreeproject.com/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">The Six Degree Project Autism Awareness</span></a> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">campaign.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">To read all the parts to this story guide, click here: <a href="http://badger-canoe-paddles.blogspot.ca/search/label/making%20room%20for%20autism%20in%20your%20canoe">Making Room For Autism In Your Canoe</a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">To read our report from Makobe's first wilderness trip into Algonquin, please click here:<a href="http://badger-canoe-paddles.blogspot.ca/2010/08/making-room-for-autism-in-your-canoe.html" target="_blank"> Making Room For Autism In Your Canoe - A Trip Report</a></span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
**<i>Stim(s) or Stimming are the terms most used to describe a self-stimulatory behaviour or activity that is performed repetitively and usually to the alienation of others. Examples can be screaming, hand-flapping, finger play, rocking, spinning, lining up objects, verbal behaviour, etc.</i></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047037126620620136.post-87219193705843928312013-04-13T11:06:00.000-07:002013-04-13T11:06:00.091-07:00Pt 5 :: Making Room For Autism In Your Canoe :: Meltdowns & Communication<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><b>Dig this:</b> April 2nd is World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) and April is also known to many as Autism Awareness Month. This multiple part story/part guide, written in honour of The Six Degree Project (Autism Awareness Celebrity Campaign) and WAAD, is the tale (with tips) of how we got to the end of the portage with our son. With hopes to help raise awareness about autism and the extra challenge it brings to lives of many families, including ours; we also hope this Making Room For Autism In Your Canoe "series" helps to inspire other families to get out there and live their dreams as best as they are able - because even though, with autism, our lives are different - they shouldn't be less. ~Fiona</i></blockquote>
<h4>
<b><i>Paddling & Planning For A Meltdown</i></b></h4>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6AMKkNUAfb0/UTo6mjX4C3I/AAAAAAAAB4Y/vGuX-hTrAnc/s1600/windpaddle-makobe-mommy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-6AMKkNUAfb0/UTo6mjX4C3I/AAAAAAAAB4Y/vGuX-hTrAnc/s200/windpaddle-makobe-mommy.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="200" /></a>Meltdowns can come at the most unexpected time and in the most unfavourable places. Plan for the worst and stay closer to the shoreline when you paddle with someone with autism, especially if the person does not have much experience in a canoe. If you are out in the middle of a large lake and a meltdown occurs - there is a possibility of tipping the canoe and it's cargo into the depths, ending in a very serious life-threatening situation. If you paddle closer to shore, not only will the trip become more visually interesting (along with an increased chance of spotting wildlife), but you will be safer as well. If you stick closer to shore, a meltdown situation can be steered towards the shallows or shore edge - protecting the person who is out of control, you and your gear from a potentially dangerous situation. Similarly, precautions must be used if the person is an escapist - or runner. Tying the zipper ends together with a short length of rope with a small bear bell attached, can give you enough time to wake-up and hear if someone is trying to escape from the tent at night. Making sure there is one person, at all times, who is watching the camp throughout the day is also a good strategy. Mike and I would frequently make sure that one of us was aware of Makobe's movements at all times and that he always remained within sight and on site.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ct8SJCNmJDc/UTpA1lhHWqI/AAAAAAAAB4o/-A97NCqL2ng/s1600/kobe-ipad-tent.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ct8SJCNmJDc/UTpA1lhHWqI/AAAAAAAAB4o/-A97NCqL2ng/s320/kobe-ipad-tent.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Electronics can serve a real need in the wilderness with autism.</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<h4>
<b><i>Accessibility & Communication in the Great Outdoors</i></b></h4>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Many families would agree one of the greatest technological advancements for special needs learning and communication came with the iPad. Even more so with an iPad2 (which includes a camera). For those who have come to rely on an electronic device (like an iPad/iTouch/iPhone) for their communication needs or visual aids, a canoe trip may seem like an impossibility. However, with the multitude of choices that are now available for charging devices by way of solar, battery packs, or even the new Biolite stove, plus the availability of waterproof protective covers, the portage has been opened to us all! The great thing about being able to bring along a device that takes pictures (paired with an app that allows you to create visual aids and social stories on the fly) is that you can customize your visual aids as needed on trip. Also, if the device also carries apps used in their autism intervention programs, you can continue schooling right at the campsite without having to cart around any heavy materials or supplies - thus keep some of the same routine as at home. Being able to bring along a much needed device like this, allows for greater communication and much longer trips. So while we are advocates for the special needs of our son and the increased quality of life that an iPad brings to our family, we do not use the internet while on a canoe trip. After all, we want our son to connect with Nature while we are in the bush, not Youtube!<br />
<br />
<b><i>Coming next: Paddling and Eating</i></b><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"></span><br />
<b><i><br /></i></b>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A-u7eBAuSmk/UTtyUwRXRKI/AAAAAAAAB5E/F7_gqSjxSnI/s1600/algonquin-portage-makobe-painting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A-u7eBAuSmk/UTtyUwRXRKI/AAAAAAAAB5E/F7_gqSjxSnI/s200/algonquin-portage-makobe-painting.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="138" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Written by Fiona Westner-Ramsay in support of</span> <a href="http://thesixdegreeproject.com/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">The Six Degree Project Autism Awareness</span></a> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">campaign.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">To read all the parts to this story guide, click here: <a href="http://badger-canoe-paddles.blogspot.ca/search/label/making%20room%20for%20autism%20in%20your%20canoe">Making Room For Autism In Your Canoe</a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">To read our report from Makobe's first wilderness trip into Algonquin, please click here:<a href="http://badger-canoe-paddles.blogspot.ca/2010/08/making-room-for-autism-in-your-canoe.html" target="_blank"> Making Room For Autism In Your Canoe - A Trip Report</a></span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
**<i>Stim(s) or Stimming are the terms most used to describe a self-stimulatory behaviour or activity that is performed repetitively and usually to the alienation of others. Examples can be screaming, hand-flapping, finger play, rocking, spinning, lining up objects, verbal behaviour, etc.</i></div>
</div>
<br />
<div>
<!-- AddThis Button BEGIN --></div>
<div>
<div class="addthis_toolbox addthis_default_style ">
</div>
<div>
<a class="addthis_button_google_plusone" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6047037126620620136"></a></div>
<div>
<a class="addthis_counter addthis_pill_style" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6047037126620620136"></a></div>
<div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<script type="text/javascript">var addthis_config = {"data_track_clickback":true};</script></div>
<div>
<script src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/250/addthis_widget.js#pubid=badgerpaddles" type="text/javascript"></script></div>
<div>
<!-- AddThis Button END --></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047037126620620136.post-2999364840162770992013-04-09T10:47:00.000-07:002013-04-09T10:47:00.441-07:00Pt 4: How To Make Room For Autism In Your Canoe - Practice Portaging & Gear<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Dig this: April 2nd is World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) and April is also known to many as Autism Awareness Month. This multiple part story/part guide, written in honour of The Six Degree Project (Autism Awareness Celebrity Campaign) and WAAD, is the tale (with tips) of how we got to the end of the portage with our son. With hopes to help raise awareness about autism and the extra challenge it brings to lives of many families, including ours; we also hope this Making Room For Autism In Your Canoe "series" helps to inspire other families to get out there and live their dreams as best as they are able - because even though, with autism, our lives are different - they shouldn't be less. ~Fiona</i></blockquote>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ojH7QKipd0Y/UTpMOdAbbYI/AAAAAAAAB44/OTAVahsE2kA/s1600/kobeportage.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ojH7QKipd0Y/UTpMOdAbbYI/AAAAAAAAB44/OTAVahsE2kA/s320/kobeportage.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="240" /></a></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Practicing for the portage at home.</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<h4>
<b><i>Portaging at Home:</i></b></h4>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Just like practicing in the canoe, we also had to practice carrying packs around. Makobe is not always happy to carry things in his hands or have weight on his back, so this was a skill we needed to make sure he was able to partake in without much complaint before we expected him to pull it off on the trail after a long day of physical demands. Starting with lighter packs, Makobe would practice carrying gear on some of our walks and around our backyard trail. In the photo above, Makobe is carrying small pack filled with some gear for a day trip and our Wind Paddle for sailing in the canoe.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<h4>
<b><i>Appropriate Gear Makes For An Appropriate Experience:</i></b></h4>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
It is very important to bring proper rain gear for everyone on a canoe trip, but it is especially wise to invest in a good breathable waterproof outerwear for any child or person with sensory sensitivities like those found with an autism diagnosis. Some people with autism are more sensitive to their environment and temperatures while others may not be able to communicate that they are feeling chilly. Sometimes a weather system can come in and catch you by surprise - things can get soaking wet and people can get cold really fast. Dressing in layers, including a fleece under a waterproof and breathable shell jacket/pants with waterproof boots can make for a very happy camper in wet conditions. The breathability factor is important as otherwise you really perspire, which can make you cold as well as your cloths remain damp from perspiration. </div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N0qKXwEVDKA/UV8RiOx5ogI/AAAAAAAAB8A/6mi2DlNl0Ks/s1600/makobe-baby-bugcoat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="220" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-N0qKXwEVDKA/UV8RiOx5ogI/AAAAAAAAB8A/6mi2DlNl0Ks/s320/makobe-baby-bugcoat.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Bug coats are also a really good investment. <i>Deet</i> is not at all good for you and for people with a sensitive olfactory system, the mere smell of it can make for a horrible experience. Not to mention the fact that many people with autism have an oral fixation and like to put many things, including their own hands and sleeves, in their mouths. It is also a difficult concept to teach a delayed child not to breath in the bug spray if they can help it!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
For our first family back country canoe trip, Makobe had a bug coat, a youth shell jacket and pants from MEC and a pair of CROCS boots (he has a thing for CROCS, what can we say?!). Please note: Tarps are also a must for shelter or wind blocker in harsh conditions or heavy downpours, and bug nets can also help during the bug season if the child expresses major discomfort and frustration over the biting and buzzing insects. </div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
<i><b>Coming next: Meltdowns & Communication in the Outdoors</b></i></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"></span><br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A-u7eBAuSmk/UTtyUwRXRKI/AAAAAAAAB5E/F7_gqSjxSnI/s1600/algonquin-portage-makobe-painting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A-u7eBAuSmk/UTtyUwRXRKI/AAAAAAAAB5E/F7_gqSjxSnI/s200/algonquin-portage-makobe-painting.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="138" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Written by Fiona Westner-Ramsay in support of</span> <a href="http://thesixdegreeproject.com/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">The Six Degree Project Autism Awareness</span></a> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">campaign.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">To read all the parts to this story guide, click here: <a href="http://badger-canoe-paddles.blogspot.ca/search/label/making%20room%20for%20autism%20in%20your%20canoe">Making Room For Autism In Your Canoe</a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">To read our report from Makobe's first wilderness trip into Algonquin, please click here:<a href="http://badger-canoe-paddles.blogspot.ca/2010/08/making-room-for-autism-in-your-canoe.html" target="_blank"> Making Room For Autism In Your Canoe - A Trip Report</a></span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
**<i>Stim(s) or Stimming are the terms most used to describe a self-stimulatory behaviour or activity that is performed repetitively and usually to the alienation of others. Examples can be screaming, hand-flapping, finger play, rocking, spinning, lining up objects, verbal behaviour, etc.</i></div>
</div>
<br />
<div>
<!-- AddThis Button BEGIN --></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">
</span>
<br />
<div>
<div class="addthis_toolbox addthis_default_style ">
</div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><a class="addthis_button_google_plusone" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6047037126620620136"></a></span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"><a class="addthis_counter addthis_pill_style" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6047037126620620136"></a></span></div>
<div>
</div>
</div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">
</span>
<br />
<div>
<script type="text/javascript">var addthis_config = {"data_track_clickback":true};</script></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">
</span>
<br />
<div>
<script src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/250/addthis_widget.js#pubid=badgerpaddles" type="text/javascript"></script></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">
</span>
<br />
<div>
<!-- AddThis Button END --></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">
</span></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047037126620620136.post-81042615588823906402013-04-07T10:27:00.000-07:002013-04-09T09:08:32.146-07:00Pt 3 :: Making Room For Autism In Your Canoe - Visual First-Aid<br />
<h4>
<i><blockquote class="tr_bq" style="font-weight: normal;">
Dig this: April 2nd is World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) and April is also known to many as Autism Awareness Month. This multiple part story/part guide, written in honour of The Six Degree Project (Autism Awareness Celebrity Campaign) and WAAD, is the tale (with tips) of how we got to the end of the portage with our son. With hopes to help raise awareness about autism and the extra challenge it brings to lives of many families, including ours; we also hope this Making Room For Autism In Your Canoe "series" helps to inspire other families to get out there and live their dreams as best as they are able - because even though, with autism, our lives are different - they shouldn't be less. ~Fiona</blockquote>
</i></h4>
<h4>
<b><i>Visual First-Aid</i></b></h4>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Many people with autism learn and are able to understand their world better when they are given visual examples and verbal warnings of what may come. Visual aids can be like first-aid when anxiety is an issue. Similar to the idea of using the canoe seat as a visual marker in the canoe, we also relied on other visual aids as well.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OBtkYeRbjDw/UV8LKm7DJwI/AAAAAAAAB74/lfs2cj9Kix4/s1600/photo-44.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OBtkYeRbjDw/UV8LKm7DJwI/AAAAAAAAB74/lfs2cj9Kix4/s320/photo-44.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Our visual aids included information about where to go to the bathroom (i.e. the “Thrones” which are covered wooden boxes (with a opening for a toilet hole) placed over a dug hole that are used for going to the bathroom in Algonquin Park’s interior. Other parks, like Quetico, it is possible there will be no facilities available - where you are to dig a 6 inch hole in the ground instead). We had Makobe use the “Throne” when we were there as he has used an outhouse before. But as we know they aren’t pretty and usually present a very unpleasant odor, we also brought a back up toilet bucket for him to use in case he was unable to use the “Throne” due to sensory reasons and to prevent any health concerns or issues.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
For our visual aids we used photos from our past trips (from before Makobe came into our lives), hand drawn pictures (including some of Makobe's own art) and even borrowed a few from the internet too. At first we used paper visuals but now rely more on the iPad<b>*</b> for a quick catalog of visual aids on the go.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Another visual and verbal strategy is the "FIRST-THEN" concept. It is a strategy that we, like many other families, use to help Makobe cope in certain situations. At first used in a visual aid, we now use it verbally( or sometimes bring out visual aids for newer concepts). For a verbal example, we used "FIRST paddle to the campsite THEN swim in the lake.” Note: when we returned from our trip we updated Makobe's Canoe Trip "picture story" with actual photos of Makobe and events that will be repeated on future trips as an updated visual aid and to help build his episodic memory.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ybpvTM4dpjQ/THP4KWC2T4I/AAAAAAAAAew/wwLDGW8DDJ4/s1600/kobetree.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="205" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-ybpvTM4dpjQ/THP4KWC2T4I/AAAAAAAAAew/wwLDGW8DDJ4/s320/kobetree.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div>
<b>*</b>More about the iPad in the outdoors coming in the next post.</div>
<div>
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div>
<b><i>Coming next: Practice Portaging & Gear </i></b></div>
<div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A-u7eBAuSmk/UTtyUwRXRKI/AAAAAAAAB5E/F7_gqSjxSnI/s1600/algonquin-portage-makobe-painting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A-u7eBAuSmk/UTtyUwRXRKI/AAAAAAAAB5E/F7_gqSjxSnI/s200/algonquin-portage-makobe-painting.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="138" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Written by Fiona Westner-Ramsay in support of</span> <a href="http://thesixdegreeproject.com/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">The Six Degree Project Autism Awareness</span></a> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">campaign.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">To read all the parts to this story guide, click here: <a href="http://badger-canoe-paddles.blogspot.ca/search/label/making%20room%20for%20autism%20in%20your%20canoe">Making Room For Autism In Your Canoe</a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">To read our report from Makobe's first wilderness trip into Algonquin, please click here:<a href="http://badger-canoe-paddles.blogspot.ca/2010/08/making-room-for-autism-in-your-canoe.html" target="_blank"> Making Room For Autism In Your Canoe - A Trip Report</a></span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
**<i>Stim(s) or Stimming are the terms most used to describe a self-stimulatory behaviour or activity that is performed repetitively and usually to the alienation of others. Examples can be screaming, hand-flapping, finger play, rocking, spinning, lining up objects, verbal behaviour, etc.</i></div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">
<!-- AddThis Button BEGIN --></div>
<div style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">
<div class="addthis_toolbox addthis_default_style ">
</div>
<div style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">
<a class="addthis_button_google_plusone" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6047037126620620136"></a></div>
<div style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">
<a class="addthis_counter addthis_pill_style" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6047037126620620136"></a></div>
<div style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">
<script type="text/javascript">var addthis_config = {"data_track_clickback":true};</script></div>
<div style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">
<script src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/250/addthis_widget.js#pubid=badgerpaddles" type="text/javascript"></script></div>
<div style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;">
<!-- AddThis Button END --></div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047037126620620136.post-1522551994731705532013-04-05T08:05:00.000-07:002013-04-09T09:18:52.297-07:00Pt 2 :: Making Room For Autism In Your Canoe - Paddling At Home<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><b>Dig this:</b> April 2nd is World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) and April is also known to many as Autism Awareness Month. This multiple part story/part guide, written in honour of The Six Degree Project (Autism Awareness Celebrity Campaign) and WAAD, is the tale (with tips) of how we got to the end of the portage with our son. With hopes to help raise awareness about autism and the extra challenge it brings to lives of many families, including ours; we also hope this Making Room For Autism In Your Canoe "series" helps to inspire other families to get out there and live their dreams as best as they are able - because even though, with autism, our lives are different - they shouldn't be less. ~Fiona</i></blockquote>
<h4>
<b><i>The Journey Begins, Paddling at Home</i></b><b><i>:</i></b></h4>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CPLyvYpJFfo/UVsw54uerWI/AAAAAAAAB7w/9cm8v1cahqk/s1600/1autismcanoe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-CPLyvYpJFfo/UVsw54uerWI/AAAAAAAAB7w/9cm8v1cahqk/s200/1autismcanoe.jpg" width="200" /></a>The first time we put Makobe in a canoe - he was moving everywhere and not happy with the demand to sit in one area for any period of time. So we started with pretending to canoe in our living room using our paddles and our ottoman. Then in a real canoe with very small 10 to 15 minute paddling trips at first, working up to longer trips until we were able to spend a few hours in a canoe with a bit of motivation (usually a swimming spot for Makobe), a number of favourite fidget toys, and some edible reinforcement (gluten-free gummy bears or crackers). Using the principles of ABA (Applied Behaviour Analysis), we would praise Makobe for the behaviours we wanted to see. "I like how nice you are sitting!" and "Good job sitting quietly!" helped to let him know what we wanted from him by giving attention to those things. We allowed stims** that did not affect the balance of the canoe. And we always tried to end the paddling experience on a positive note so that his last memory of canoeing with us would be a reinforcing one.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-bottom: 0.5em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; padding-bottom: 6px; padding-left: 6px; padding-right: 6px; padding-top: 6px; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCxu62z-yJVteZoAhWYpjPC9To2zXCvZQ9kmY3aiv3mlfAljNIhn9_AxKlU5YuSEnp9OZoisxtWzI-Y8l4O3vIKzOIVJYGBUH1EQ4MePKcQBrFjsKOz6PtLJnZWDklthhB53EeJVVTz_s/s1600/figettoys.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCxu62z-yJVteZoAhWYpjPC9To2zXCvZQ9kmY3aiv3mlfAljNIhn9_AxKlU5YuSEnp9OZoisxtWzI-Y8l4O3vIKzOIVJYGBUH1EQ4MePKcQBrFjsKOz6PtLJnZWDklthhB53EeJVVTz_s/s320/figettoys.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
</td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="font-size: 13px; padding-top: 4px; text-align: center;"><div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Fidget toys can be a very helpful tool in a canoe!</div>
</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Later, once he had learned how to sit balanced nicely, it became naturally reinforcing for Makobe to be out in the canoe, especially when he could drag his hand in the water as we paddled along. We also provided Makobe with a camp seat (a soft folding chair, also known as a stadium chair, that can be strapped to a canoe seat to keep it in place) so that he was aware visually where he was supposed to sit and to help maintain balance in the canoe. Mike and I have many years experience paddling in canoes and we both lean our boats when soloing so we are aware of a canoe’s balance points, therefore we are both comfortable with Makobe leaning over to trail his hand in the water as we paddle along. Although in some conditions like rough weather, large waves, or with a heavily loaded canoe, this wouldn’t be possible - that is where the small fidget toys take over. (Fidget toys can be anything small that a child favours to help keep their hands and minds occupied - for example, some of Makobe's favourites are: Tangle Therapy, Spaghetti Balls, Stretchy Frogs, Koosh Balls, etc., see above photo)</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
We found the best place to sit Makobe (especially in the beginning) was within easy reach of the stern paddler. It is much easier to physically control a child just in front of you than if you had to reach around behind you in a canoe. (This is also an important consideration in a meltdown situation, but more on that in a bit.) Later, once Makobe began to understand the balance of the boat better and his concept of canoeing had matured a bit, we moved him more to the middle of the canoe to allow room for gear and more leg space.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZSmCyPXtA80/THP3IBuQ8kI/AAAAAAAAAek/bQ8fUEpPGoI/s1600/kobemommy.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="123" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZSmCyPXtA80/THP3IBuQ8kI/AAAAAAAAAek/bQ8fUEpPGoI/s200/kobemommy.JPG" width="200" /></a>When we all felt comfortable with the progress made, the next step was paddling with large amounts of gear in the canoe - as this affects the feel and balance of the canoe considerably. It also gets a bit more crowded once all the packs and drybags are filing up the space. Thus, it is important to make sure that the child is comfortable and has some room to move around and shift to get comfortable on a longer paddle. We found that Makobe sometimes preferred to be packed in a bit but usually would sit up on a small pack for part of the journey for a better view and position.<br />
<br />
<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"></span>Coming next: Visual First Aid</i></b><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"></span><br />
<div>
<!-- AddThis Button BEGIN --></div>
<div>
<div class="addthis_toolbox addthis_default_style ">
</div>
<div>
<a class="addthis_button_google_plusone" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6047037126620620136"></a></div>
<div>
<a class="addthis_counter addthis_pill_style" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6047037126620620136"></a></div>
<div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<script type="text/javascript">var addthis_config = {"data_track_clickback":true};</script></div>
<div>
<script src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/250/addthis_widget.js#pubid=badgerpaddles" type="text/javascript"></script></div>
<div>
<!-- AddThis Button END --></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A-u7eBAuSmk/UTtyUwRXRKI/AAAAAAAAB5E/F7_gqSjxSnI/s1600/algonquin-portage-makobe-painting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A-u7eBAuSmk/UTtyUwRXRKI/AAAAAAAAB5E/F7_gqSjxSnI/s200/algonquin-portage-makobe-painting.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="138" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Written by Fiona Westner-Ramsay in support of</span> <a href="http://thesixdegreeproject.com/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">The Six Degree Project Autism Awareness</span></a> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">campaign.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">To read all the parts to this story guide, click here: <a href="http://badger-canoe-paddles.blogspot.ca/search/label/making%20room%20for%20autism%20in%20your%20canoe">Making Room For Autism In Your Canoe</a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">To read our report from Makobe's first wilderness trip into Algonquin, please click here:<a href="http://badger-canoe-paddles.blogspot.ca/2010/08/making-room-for-autism-in-your-canoe.html" target="_blank"> Making Room For Autism In Your Canoe - A Trip Report</a></span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
**<i>Stim(s) or Stimming are the terms most used to describe a self-stimulatory behaviour or activity that is performed repetitively and usually to the alienation of others. Examples can be screaming, hand-flapping, finger play, rocking, spinning, lining up objects, verbal behaviour, etc.</i></div>
</div>
<br />
<div>
<!-- AddThis Button BEGIN --></div>
<div>
<div class="addthis_toolbox addthis_default_style ">
</div>
<div>
<a class="addthis_button_google_plusone" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6047037126620620136"></a></div>
<div>
<a class="addthis_counter addthis_pill_style" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6047037126620620136"></a></div>
<div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<script type="text/javascript">var addthis_config = {"data_track_clickback":true};</script></div>
<div>
<script src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/250/addthis_widget.js#pubid=badgerpaddles" type="text/javascript"></script></div>
<div>
<!-- AddThis Button END --></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047037126620620136.post-48165890976383017772013-04-02T10:13:00.000-07:002013-04-05T11:40:43.777-07:00Pt 1 :: Making Room For Autism In Our Canoe - We Used To Canoe Too<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rRDHnTS8rAw/UVssUQXaUtI/AAAAAAAAB7o/5Dhw0rArjXk/s1600/HAP-WAAD-autism.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="292" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-rRDHnTS8rAw/UVssUQXaUtI/AAAAAAAAB7o/5Dhw0rArjXk/s320/HAP-WAAD-autism.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Legendary environmentalist, author, artist and cartographer<br />
<b>Hap Wilson</b> wearing the Six Degree Project scarf for<br />
Autism Awareness and Acceptance - WAAD 2013<br />
(April 2) in snowy Muskoka, Canada.<br />
(Abbey supports autism too! Ruff ruff!)<br />
photo credit: Andrea Turner-Wilson</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i><b>Dig this:</b> April 2nd is World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) and April is also known to many as Autism Awareness Month. This multiple part story/part guide, written in honour of The Six Degree Project (Autism Awareness Celebrity Campaign) and WAAD, is the tale (with tips) of how we got to the end of the portage with our son. With hopes to help raise awareness about autism and the extra challenge it brings to lives of many families, including ours; we also hope this Making Room For Autism In Your Canoe "series" helps to inspire other families to get out there and live their dreams as best as they are able - because even though, with autism, our lives are different - they shouldn't be less. Thanks to our family and friends who have shown their support and a special thank you to Hap Wilson for showing his support for autism awareness and acceptance. ~Fiona</i></blockquote>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><b><i>Hey, we USED to canoe too!</i></b></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8SBli-MHQIUoWpTNC1gAgd0hNtddOtO3WrPc917K2kW_faob_9lZZxdeoAyg4qBvqJm4AYwgWTiZGNxU_B4S3dRoT7U1zFbVM4LOATvfyesdnEi6z4yU9fxboeVpm1GsuNxCtiXtUE4k/s1600/autismcanoe.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="164" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8SBli-MHQIUoWpTNC1gAgd0hNtddOtO3WrPc917K2kW_faob_9lZZxdeoAyg4qBvqJm4AYwgWTiZGNxU_B4S3dRoT7U1zFbVM4LOATvfyesdnEi6z4yU9fxboeVpm1GsuNxCtiXtUE4k/s200/autismcanoe.jpg" width="200" /></a>When our son, Makobe, received his diagnosis of autism at the age of two, we really didn't realize just how much our lives were going to change. My husband and I had met and it didn't take us long to find that a mutual love and passion for paddling and the outdoors were not the only things we had in common. Soon, after an extended travelling trip to B.C., we were married. Two years later we had our beautiful son. Even still, our relationship and careers were built and shaped by the paddle sports industry. We lived for paddling. However we soon realized Makobe's autism, with his over-hyperactive behaviours and inability to self-regulate, had made it nearly impossible for us to continue our regular paddling and wilderness canoe trips as a family.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Indeed, we were not alone. Mike and I have met many families along our autism journey that had given up a beloved pursuit because it didn't fit in very easily with the demands and difficult behavioural issues that autism brought to the child and family. "Oh we used to canoe too!" was a statement I grew weary of hearing. I knew why, of course - it is difficult enough to get thru a normal autism day let alone try to take on the extra challenge of a wilderness canoe trip! Unable to plan for a paddling trip, we knew we were well on our way to saying something similar to our friends and family ourselves until we discovered the principles of ABA (Applied Behaviour Analysis) and decided we were going to be a family of paddlers - even if it took us years to get there.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
And it did. Eight years, in fact. Eight years before our son was ready for <a href="http://badger-canoe-paddles.blogspot.ca/2010/08/making-room-for-autism-in-your-canoe.html" target="_blank">his real first wilderness canoe trip</a>. There were many tears and meltdowns along the way but each struggle and hand-drawn visual aid was worth every minute when we walked across that first portage - a huge transition for Makobe - with great success, a little giggle, and a big smile. The smile was his Dad's. The giggle was mine but the great success all belonged to Makobe.</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M7LSMHpYFs8/THP2a3CL6FI/AAAAAAAAAec/7KfQCq5Rnxw/s1600/kobeportage.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="270" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-M7LSMHpYFs8/THP2a3CL6FI/AAAAAAAAAec/7KfQCq5Rnxw/s320/kobeportage.JPG" style="cursor: move;" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
So after years of practicing and planning, <a href="http://badger-canoe-paddles.blogspot.ca/2010/08/making-room-for-autism-in-your-canoe.html" target="_blank">we had finally made it</a>! Yet there was more to this journey than we realized. Yes, we had learned how to make room for autism in our canoe; but by doing so, we had also learned how to better make room for autism in our lives. With the help of visual aids, the proper teaching techniques, breaking the big skills down into individual skills before being taught as a whole, Dr. Vince Carbone's Verbal Behaviour (VB) protocols, plus lots of patience and creativity - we realized that our son could do anything he put his mind too with our support and encouragement. Not to mention the principles of ABA (and VB) can be applied anywhere - yes, even on a portage!<br />
<br />
<br />
<b><i>Start'em Young</i></b><br />
So while much of the tactics we used and will be sharing are for families of children with autism or special needs, much of this approach could also be applied to paddling with any child, really. It is important to remember that how our parents spent time with us as children influenced our idea of comfort when we later became adults. The more positive time you spend outdoors, in nature, with your children (at any age) - the greater chance they will seek out the wilderness later in life and with their own children as their chosen pastime. Getting young children to feel comfortable and enjoy spending time in the the outdoors is important; and remembering our connection with Nature is paramount for our survival on this planet. Besides, getting your hands filthy with camp dirt and feeling your feet get wet in the warm summer waters of a fresh water lake - or the salty sea - is something that everyone should have the pleasure of experiencing in their lifetime. And when children see their parents enjoying an outdoor experience and simpler life-style, they do too. It is also important to remember whether the child has autism or not - there is always room in a canoe for fun!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><b><i>Coming NEXT: The Journey Begins, Paddling at Home</i></b></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-weight: bold;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: 'lucida grande', tahoma, verdana, arial, sans-serif; font-size: 11px; line-height: 14px;"></span><br />
<div>
<!-- AddThis Button BEGIN --></div>
<div>
<div class="addthis_toolbox addthis_default_style ">
</div>
<div>
<a class="addthis_button_google_plusone" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6047037126620620136"></a></div>
<div>
<a class="addthis_counter addthis_pill_style" href="http://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=6047037126620620136"></a></div>
<div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<script type="text/javascript">var addthis_config = {"data_track_clickback":true};</script></div>
<div>
<script src="http://s7.addthis.com/js/250/addthis_widget.js#pubid=badgerpaddles" type="text/javascript"></script></div>
<div>
<!-- AddThis Button END --></div>
</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A-u7eBAuSmk/UTtyUwRXRKI/AAAAAAAAB5E/F7_gqSjxSnI/s1600/algonquin-portage-makobe-painting.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-A-u7eBAuSmk/UTtyUwRXRKI/AAAAAAAAB5E/F7_gqSjxSnI/s200/algonquin-portage-makobe-painting.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="138" /></a></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Written by Fiona Westner-Ramsay in support of</span> <a href="http://thesixdegreeproject.com/" target="_blank"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">The Six Degree Project Autism Awareness</span></a> <span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">campaign.</span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">To read all the parts to this story guide, click here: <a href="http://badger-canoe-paddles.blogspot.ca/search/label/making%20room%20for%20autism%20in%20your%20canoe">Making Room For Autism In Your Canoe</a></span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">To read our report from Makobe's first wilderness trip into Algonquin, please click here:<a href="http://badger-canoe-paddles.blogspot.ca/2010/08/making-room-for-autism-in-your-canoe.html" target="_blank"> Making Room For Autism In Your Canoe - A Trip Report</a></span></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
**<i>Stim(s) or Stimming are the terms most used to describe a self-stimulatory behaviour or activity that is performed repetitively and usually to the alienation of others. Examples can be screaming, hand-flapping, finger play, rocking, spinning, lining up objects, verbal behaviour, etc.</i></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047037126620620136.post-34714351287035619822013-03-13T19:01:00.000-07:002013-03-14T10:41:45.469-07:00Of Badgers and Portageurs :: Canoecopia 2013 <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b_LU8l_hNjI/UUEWDynBr5I/AAAAAAAAB6g/A2y67RPbptk/s1600/blog-SR-WC-Canoecopia.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-b_LU8l_hNjI/UUEWDynBr5I/AAAAAAAAB6g/A2y67RPbptk/s320/blog-SR-WC-Canoecopia.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Badger</i>® WaterColours at Canoecopia 2013<br />
Photo by attendee Stephanie Rochon</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Our second year at <a href="http://www.canoecopia.com/" target="_blank">Canoecopia</a> was another whirlwind of sales and smiles. Mike was happy to see all the familiar faces as well as many new ones too. Without Fiona, who stays home with Makobe (but really hopes to be able to attend next year if Badger is invited back again!), Mike is all alone in the booth for the entirety of the show. Thankfully, both this year and last, popular blogger Preston (from <a href="http://Portageur.ca/">Portageur.ca</a>) attended as well - offering to help out so that Mike was able to catch a break here and there while <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10151300514861394&set=a.89454701393.95914.81395996393&type=1" target="_blank">Preston closed sales</a> and made himself otherwise available to people for questions and conversation (about canoeing and portaging, what else?!).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ajmniC8Qb7w/UUEkPGZRXFI/AAAAAAAAB7Q/WXQ0Z34BDIY/s1600/booth-Canoecopia-2013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-ajmniC8Qb7w/UUEkPGZRXFI/AAAAAAAAB7Q/WXQ0Z34BDIY/s320/booth-Canoecopia-2013.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The calm before the storm -<br />
the booth is ready for Canoecopia 2013.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
At first, there was some confusion about our paddle shapes. Mike hadn't had a chance to review the Canoecopia Gazette/Show Guide but realized something was up when people were coming into the booth looking for the bigger bladed paddles. Thankfully Mike had brought some <i><b><a href="http://www.badgerpaddles.com/paddles/DIGGER.html" target="_blank">Diggers</a></b></i> with him so those really hoping for the larger blade surface, over our more traditional shapes, were satisfied and left with an ash or cherry paddle of their preference. He later realized that the mention of a paddle that was a "tad larger" (in the show guide) had gotten everyone a bit confused but he was able to match up paddles to people's preferences without a problem once he knew what they were.<br />
<br />
Mike, as it happens, was really excited for this show as both the <i><a href="http://www.badgerpaddles.com/paddles/BADGERTRIPPER.html" target="_blank">Badger-Tripper</a></i> and the <i><a href="http://www.badgerpaddles.com/paddles/BADGERTAIL.html" target="_blank">BadgerTail</a></i> were <i><b>NEWLY redesigned </b></i>this year for a more fluid paddling experience.<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZbB5bWRGiFw/UUEXT4PHrVI/AAAAAAAAB6o/g7GWJW6ibLk/s1600/new-paddle-shapes-2013-BLACK.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-ZbB5bWRGiFw/UUEXT4PHrVI/AAAAAAAAB6o/g7GWJW6ibLk/s320/new-paddle-shapes-2013-BLACK.jpg" width="134" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">BadgerTail (top)<br />
Badger-Tripper (bottom)</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">The <b>BADGER-TRIPPER</b>, a very effective and popular canoe tripping paddle, is based on our "slicy" modified ottertails. A hybrid paddle, we have taken our favourite aspects from the original BadgerPaw and Tripper designs and combined them into one. The result is an extremely fluid, quiet, and aesthetically pleasing paddle. This design is definitely a top choice for trippers - or those who spend most of their day in the canoe.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">The<b> BADGERTAIL</b> paddle has a deep and wide blade with a lot of surface area to move large amounts of water but still sits deep enough to be a very effective rudder. Based on a traditional beavertail, the </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i>Tail</i> is also great for prying strokes.</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"> By redistributing the volume of the blade, we have created a smoother paddling experience. With the bulk of the blade’s volume pulling in the deeper, more still waters - instead of higher up where the water is bubbling and gurgling from your stroke - the paddler's energy is conserved.</span><br />
<br />
Mike was also excited to meet and see everyone again and to talk paddles and paddling. But there was another subject on his mind as well this year as he had brought with him a blue scarf from <a href="http://www.thesixdegreeproject.com/" target="_blank">The Six Degree Project</a> - which aims to get celebrities to wear their scarves in the name of autism awareness. We had already approached <a href="http://www.kevincallan.com/" target="_blank">Kevin Callan - The Happy Camper</a> (and <a href="http://www.ecotrailbuilders.com/" target="_blank">Hap Wilson</a>!) who (both!) agreed to help bring awareness and attention to autism for the next little while as totally willing participants.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h9areD3EfLE/UUEfQ2Ud4MI/AAAAAAAAB64/2-aCIUuLqbQ/s1600/KevinBlueScarf_PC.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-h9areD3EfLE/UUEfQ2Ud4MI/AAAAAAAAB64/2-aCIUuLqbQ/s320/KevinBlueScarf_PC.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Author and popular outdoor celebrity <a href="http://www.kevincallan.com/" target="_blank">Kevin Callan</a> wearing<br />
a <a href="http://www.thesixdegreeproject.com/" target="_blank">Six Degree Project</a> Scarf in the name of Autism Awareness<br />
in honour of Makobe & people living with autism every where!<br />
photo credit: <a href="http://Portageur.ca/">Portageur.ca</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
So this is where <a href="http://Portageur.ca/">Portageur.ca</a> comes in again as he was asked in <a href="http://blog.portageur.ca/paddlingtheweb/canoecopia-2013-day-2" target="_blank">an *urgent* message pleading with him to photograph Kevin wearing the scarf </a>as he was running around the show. Preston, always a trooper, came thru with a flying spectrum of colours and tracked Kevin down for a shot and included Mike (Kevin's connection to autism is through<a href="http://badger-canoe-paddles.blogspot.ca/2010/08/making-room-for-autism-in-your-canoe.html" target="_blank"> Makobe</a>) in a great photo. Thanks to <a href="http://www.kevincallan.com/" target="_blank">Kevin Callan (The Happy Camper)</a> and to our portage loving friend, for helping to bring autism awareness to Canoecopia this year!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yOlyJx7428I/UUEl_kw1kPI/AAAAAAAAB7Y/aHevDPQET5M/s1600/preston-salesman.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-yOlyJx7428I/UUEl_kw1kPI/AAAAAAAAB7Y/aHevDPQET5M/s320/preston-salesman.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A happy portageur and a happy paddler too.<br />
Thanks for being such a great salesman Preston!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
On Sunday, Mike was excited again to be able to present our Maple Pancake Pitch to those he shared breakfast with. Last year Mike brought down some <a href="http://badger-canoe-paddles.blogspot.ca/2012/03/badger-bow-jam-on-toast-no-special.html" target="_blank">Bow Jam</a> with him but this year, the Canoe Trippers' Syrup proved to be really popular with the pancake eating paddlers.<br />
<br />
Prepared by <a href="http://www.yummiesinajar.com/" target="_blank">Yummies in a Jar</a> located right here in Muskoka, we were more than delighted with the flavour of our specially made "pancake glue".<br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r7p6M2rwqe0/UUEcBZBKR5I/AAAAAAAAB6w/7-LdSTsJztE/s1600/maplesyrup-badger.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-r7p6M2rwqe0/UUEcBZBKR5I/AAAAAAAAB6w/7-LdSTsJztE/s320/maplesyrup-badger.jpg" width="199" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Our Maple Syrup was a favourite<br />
at breakfast this year!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
We only made up a few bottles of this novel, but very delicious Canadian <b><i>pure maple syrup,</i></b> however we are definitely going to be getting more soon due to it's deliciousness and popular demand (we got a more than a few private inquiries from family and friends who would like to try it after <a href="https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2939831192973&set=a.1026667805084.3587.1776970586&type=1" target="_blank">seeing it posted on Facebook</a> and those who did try it want MORE!).<br />
<br />
If you are are wanting to try some yourself, send us an email or drop us a line via <a href="http://www.facebook.com/badger.paddles" target="_blank">our Facebook page</a>.<br />
<br />
At the end of the breakfast, full of pancakes, Mike was ready to greet the last day of the show and was soon on his way home. But not before he made lots of new friends and made sure that many of his Badgers had found new paddling families.<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-947OOloI7_E/UUEg_pECzqI/AAAAAAAAB7A/IEcslREo6Xw/s1600/badgermaplepancakepitch-LABEL.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="188" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-947OOloI7_E/UUEg_pECzqI/AAAAAAAAB7A/IEcslREo6Xw/s320/badgermaplepancakepitch-LABEL.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Copy of the label on our (imaginative) Maple Pancake Pitch.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Thanks to everyone who helped to make Canoecopia 2013 another great success for Mike and Badger Paddles. <a href="http://www.canoekayak.com/gear/best-in-show-canoecopia-2013/" target="_blank">We were even honoured by Canoe & Kayak Magazine by being picked for their Best In Show list</a> (we just found out ourselves!). So thanks to you all for helping us become the Badgers we are today. Paws up to everyone! And paddles up to everyone too!<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iiq0CBjXWNY/UUII7PHafGI/AAAAAAAAB7g/0oOM5-vuxT4/s1600/watercolours-field-640x480.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-iiq0CBjXWNY/UUII7PHafGI/AAAAAAAAB7g/0oOM5-vuxT4/s320/watercolours-field-640x480.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Badger</i>® <i><b>WaterColours</b></i> make <a href="http://www.canoekayak.com/gear/best-in-show-canoecopia-2013/" target="_blank">Canoe & Kayak's Best In Show list</a>!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i><b>Special thanks to Preston (Portageur), Stephanie, Kevin Callan, Darren & family, Roch, Scott, David, Seaward Kayaks, Jerry Vandiver, Jeff Fitch and his very lovely wife, the very happy lady paddlers Donna and Joan, as well as Lou, and the Kayak Sailors, and the nice lady who let Preston make a sale - plus many more who helped to make Canoecopia so much fun for Mike again this year. Hope to see you all next year (when I hope to be able to come too)! ~ Fiona</b></i></span><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047037126620620136.post-92029999609857643032013-02-03T17:29:00.000-08:002013-02-06T12:18:42.227-08:00Testimonials - Getting To The Heart Of ItWe have received many heartwarming emails from paddlers over the past few years about their Badger® paddle(s). Some even ended up serving as testimonials. Some of these testimonials make us feel pride in our work and relationships with other paddlers, others have wowed us, a couple have made us smile, one or two made us laugh, and the most recent messages received actually made us tear up with emotion!<br />
<br />
It may sound a little weird to think that a customer testimonial could make a business owner laugh or get all teary eyed, but it happens! Especially when we put so much thought and effort into each paddle and what (in our case Badger<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">®</span>) our business stands for.... when each thing we do or make contains so much of us, ourselves. It becomes.... well.... it becomes <i>very</i> personal. For us, there really is a piece of ourselves in every paddle we make. So, yes, sometimes a person's reaction can evoke pretty strong emotions for an artisan. I can say this because I speak from experience. It really means a lot to us when our customers, clients, and friends, share their experiences and thoughts with us about Badger<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">®</span>.<br />
<br />
Here is a small collection of those testimonials and messages that fall into some of the categories referred to above:<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l_7Skua6DrE/UQ26ovSILSI/AAAAAAAABzk/_fVBtfKhu6Q/s1600/fpbadpad.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-l_7Skua6DrE/UQ26ovSILSI/AAAAAAAABzk/_fVBtfKhu6Q/s320/fpbadpad.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Read Sean Smith's full review here:</span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://fatpaddler.com/2011/07/review-badger-paddles-and-paddle-socks/" target="_blank">Badger® Paddles Review - Fatpaddler.com</a></span></span></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
We first were wowed by the <a href="http://fatpaddler.com/2011/07/review-badger-paddles-and-paddle-socks/" target="_blank">great and lengthy review from The Fatpaddler</a>. We felt really lucky to have made it onto ( author and paddling adventurer) Sean Smith's radar. As fans of Sean's, and followers of <a href="http://fatpaddler.com/" target="_blank">The Fatpaddler blog</a>, we were really excited to see our paddles in the hands of someone "down-under" and a welcomed part of Fatpaddler's web-based chronicle. (Besides writing the popular blog, Sean also <a href="http://fatpaddler.com/books/" target="_blank">wrote a book</a> depicting his near-death experiences, his struggle within the abyss of depression, and finding his way out again with the help of taking up paddling and the support of his new and loving family. It is inspirational and <a href="http://fatpaddler.com/books/" target="_blank">a "must read</a>"!)<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Read Sean Smith's full review here: </span></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://fatpaddler.com/2011/07/review-badger-paddles-and-paddle-socks/" target="_blank">Badger® Paddles Review - Fatpaddler.com</a></span></span></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
But then... We were wowed again when we received this testimonial from <a href="http://www.ecotrailbuilders.com/" target="_blank">Hap Wilson, artist, author, environmentalist, photographer and the Eco Trailbuilder</a>, himself! Both Mike and I had read Hap's work and used his Temagami Guide book (the "bible" for canoe tripping in Temagami, ON) for years, and were in awe of his powerful history, his fascinating life and his impressive accomplishments.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4-O2yUFIxCs/UQ26XZFqdNI/AAAAAAAABzc/uUMs3PYeQCA/s1600/hapwilsontesimonial.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4-O2yUFIxCs/UQ26XZFqdNI/AAAAAAAABzc/uUMs3PYeQCA/s320/hapwilsontesimonial.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<i>"In this age of 'techno-gear' you don't often come across any hand-made products that really stand out. Badger Paddles is the exception. ... Every avid paddler needs a 'real' paddle, and I love my Badger" </i>~<a href="http://www.ecotrailbuilders.com/" target="_blank">Hap Wilson</a><br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Read Hap Wilson's full testimonial here: </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><a href="http://www.badgerpaddles.com/paddles/Testimonials_-_Badger_Paddles.html">Badger® Paddles Customer Testimonials</a></span><br />
<br />
<b>We were just this past week also given another surprise testimonial from Hap Wilson, this time by way of an illustration to be published in his<a href="http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=452328848167177&set=a.450959178304144.103114.449639148436147&type=1" target="_blank"> new Trans Canada Trail Path of the Paddle Guidebook</a>. One of the scenes decorating the iconic map for the <a href="http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=452328848167177&set=a.450959178304144.103114.449639148436147&type=1" target="_blank">Maukinak Trail</a> actually depicts two Digger paddles! WOW!</b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<b><i><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;">Take a look here: </span></span><a href="http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=452328848167177&set=a.450959178304144.103114.449639148436147&type=1" target="_blank">Maukinak Trail Map ~ Hap Wilson - Eco Trailbuilders</a>.</i></b><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: small;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Also... Mike Wenholz sent us a testimonial message a while back, and it made us smile really big!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
"<i>I bought a Sliver in cherry, and really like the paddle. It's the first otter tail-style paddle I have owned. I have been learning to paddle the canadian stroke, knifing the paddle back through the water on the recovery, often keeping the paddle in the water the entire stroke. This paddle has made learning this stroke much easier.</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<i>Also, while battling significant whitecaps that were coming from two directions (across the lake and down an angling bay) the length of the paddle made it possible for me to keep us headed in the right direction with speed by reaching out wide to steer us through the angling waves.</i>" ~Mike Wenholz</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Read Mike's full testimonial here: <a href="http://www.badgerpaddles.com/paddles/Testimonials_-_Badger_Paddles.html">Badger® Paddles Customer Testimonials</a></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KCdg7J7dVNU/UQ8EBBHCykI/AAAAAAAABzs/1zW5dJ2T4Ps/s1600/PB010008.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KCdg7J7dVNU/UQ8EBBHCykI/AAAAAAAABzs/1zW5dJ2T4Ps/s320/PB010008.JPG" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scott's made us smile big too, we love when people feel the strength of our paddles:<br />
“I've used the paddle on some trips. I must say I love it!<br />
It's solid, sturdy and it produces power.<br />
I had little trouble fighting the current of the Vermilion River.” ~ Scott H.</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
We definitely felt a sense of pride when we read the following comments from Roger Parnis:</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqMl8KiXS2lc2mEqep2Yyc0qY2HQahM42ED8Fwk1kSUxyywuHgBnf1PbI1OEPFb3evZbfstdZfjKIetUCnMMXGdhZKm17axtsdSqxs965NUs1_RK6UqyNZn-q2_qeJ_lt1nZy7FhYHEN4/s1600/IMG_0002.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="213" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqMl8KiXS2lc2mEqep2Yyc0qY2HQahM42ED8Fwk1kSUxyywuHgBnf1PbI1OEPFb3evZbfstdZfjKIetUCnMMXGdhZKm17axtsdSqxs965NUs1_RK6UqyNZn-q2_qeJ_lt1nZy7FhYHEN4/s320/IMG_0002.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Photo credit: Roger Parnis</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<i>"Hi Fiona and Mike, I just got back from a 3 day trip to Little Trout Lake and I wanted to let you know how impressed I was with the paddle you made for me. The oil rub on the handle and shaft make it grip wet or dry. This was the most important feature to me. I found I had more power and control over the canoe than my previous paddle. The glossy finish on the blade looks great on my wall too! So it's the best piece of gear I've bought in a long time. Thank you." ~ Roger Parnis</i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
But then there was the Angelina testimonial from Marcus:</div>
<br />
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bWV1kiv0CBk/UQ1mZXVMltI/AAAAAAAABzM/6GFCW1xsOHo/s1600/angelina.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-bWV1kiv0CBk/UQ1mZXVMltI/AAAAAAAABzM/6GFCW1xsOHo/s200/angelina.jpg" width="152" /></a><i>"Had a new paddle arrive this week,a Badger Paddles Sliver. Shape wise it's an elongated ottertail,the timber is cherry. It's the Angelina Jolie of the paddle world,very long,very lean and totally sexy!! Using it is an absolute joy,very easy to move through the water,very slick it made underwater recovery very very easy.I was also surprised at the speed I managed from it." ~M. Grose</i><br />
<br />
Marcus Grose's testimonial came at the same time that Angelina Jolie was <a href="http://storify.com/jeffelder/angelina-jolie-leg-meme-photos-funny-legbomb" target="_blank">in the news for sticking her leg out from under her highly split dress at the Oscars</a>. There was even a Twitter account made for it called @<a href="http://twitter.com/angiesrightleg/" target="_blank">AngiesRightLeg</a>. So we couldn't help but laugh out loud when we read Marcus' comment regarding the association between the sexy Angela Jolie and our paddles! Right away the wacky thought of Angelina's famous right leg becoming a paddle came to mind. I (Fiona) sent Marcus the image (see the Angelina picture on left) for a laugh after receiving his email. I still smile when I think about that "very long, very lean and totally sexy" Badger paddle leg and the wonderful testimonial Marcus sent us. Thanks Marcus!!!<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Read Marcus' full testimonial here: <a href="http://www.badgerpaddles.com/paddles/Testimonials_-_Badger_Paddles.html">Badger® Paddles Customer Testimonials</a></span><br />
<br />
Another great review came from Nige Ayers (founder of the Simply Canoe and C-wav) complete with pictures which can be read here: <a href="http://simply-canoe.co.uk/badgerpaddle/" target="_blank">Badger Sliver In The U.K.</a> Thanks again Nige!<br />
<br />
But the one unexpected testimonial that made both of us (Mike and I) actually tear up was this message just recently received from Ian. He took note of all the things that matter most to Mike and I as paddlers, paddle-makers, and outdoor enthusiasts:<br />
<br />
“<i>there's a lot of ideas about paddles out there -- i'm just advocating for things as i see 'em -- i notice little things, the subtle thickening of the shaft just before the blade, fine edges on the sides, stoutness still at the blade end, a well grained wood in a solid serviceable, not show-room-gloss finish, -- i see a lot of over-engineered laminate and composite paddles, or the clever and finely finished furniture grade pieces...i mean, they are nice, and i appreciate them for what they are -- but there is an elegant functional simplicity to (my) badger paddle that really works for me -- i wouldn't mind hanging it on my wall or snubbing off a rock in mild moving water mid-expedition. one the fantastic things about canoeing is the intersection between simplicity, aesthetic, and solid functionality and the badger paddle hits it dead centre...then factor in being able to banter 'bout paddle-stuff at a show with the paddle-maker...that's almost master-card priceless...</i>” ~Ian Hanna<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rT05WMfROew/UQ8L1tahaFI/AAAAAAAABz0/bebkmjGm4mw/s1600/saffyr-ambigram.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-rT05WMfROew/UQ8L1tahaFI/AAAAAAAABz0/bebkmjGm4mw/s400/saffyr-ambigram.jpg" width="265" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This hand painted <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ambigram" target="_blank">ambigram</a> paddle also came<br />
with a laser engraved sparkly blue peace sign and<br />
a personally written message to "Saffyr" from her Uncle's<br />
own hand. This ambigram says "Saffyr" one way and<br />
"Peace" when looked at from another angle.<br />
Besides being one of Fiona's most favourite<br />
commissions ever, it also led to a very cute<br />
and personal video message that us Badgers will never forget!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
But, truly, when all is said and done, one of our most favourite <strike>paddler</strike> portageur testimonials <i>ever,</i> came by way of a personal "surprise" video from <a href="http://blog.portageur.ca/paddlingtheweb/portageur-gift-buying-guide" target="_blank">Preston of Portageur.ca</a>* starring his sixteen year old paddling and portaging niece Saffyre (a.k.a. "<i>Saffyr</i>" - belonging to the next great generation of <strike>paddlers</strike> portageurs) whose thankful smile stole our hearts, made us laugh, made me (Fiona) shed a tear, and helped us become truly aware of how thankful we are for being able to connect with such wonderful people like "<i>Saffyr Peace</i>" and <b>YOU</b>!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/eE0VE0xXkXE?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
<br />
So a heartfelt <b><i>thank you</i></b> to all of our paddling friends who have taken the time to write to us and tell us how much they genuinely dig their paddles. Everyone of you has impacted our lives and business in a way that we will be forever grateful for. Thank you. No really... <b>THANK YOU</b>!!!<br />
<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: xx-small;">Written by Fiona Westner-Ramsay</span><br />
<br />
*Scroll to near the bottom of <a href="http://blog.portageur.ca/paddlingtheweb/portageur-gift-buying-guide" target="_blank">this Portageur.ca blog posting</a> (Christmas gift ideas) to read the short back story on this very special paddle for his very special paddling niece.Unknownnoreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047037126620620136.post-17252364923755202092012-12-12T12:00:00.000-08:002012-12-12T12:00:01.249-08:00The Twelve Days of Muskoka - Christmas & Holiday Local Gift Guide :: Day 12 <br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i>We really dig living in Muskoka. The area is home to many beautiful iconic features and creatures that have come to help symbolize Ontario and Canada as we know it. But one of features that we like the most is how inspiring it is to live amongst the many artisans and crafters - that have made this land of rock and water their home - as well the smaller businesses that have come to be part of the personality and character of the Muskoka we have come to know and love. Thus Twelve Days of Muskoka, inspired by Suburban Tourist's Twelve Days of Holiday Gift Giving, is meant to celebrate these people and their businesses as well as introduce you to some new gift giving ideas and remind you of some old favourites.</i></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<b><i>The Twelfth Day of Muskoka Christmas & Holiday Gift Giving Guide</i></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<b><i><a href="http://www.sproutstudios.ca/" target="_blank">Sprout Studios ::</a> <a href="http://w.sproutstudios.ca/the-team" target="_blank">Dave Spolnik :: Nick Snyder :: Brooke Atkins :: Hailey</a></i></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<b><i><br /></i></b></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
If you thought the most expensive gift idea on the list of <a href="http://badger-canoe-paddles.blogspot.ca/search/label/12%20Days%20of%20Muskoka" target="_blank">The Twelve Days of Muskoka</a> was going to be a canoe, you were mistaken. We just happened to have saved the best (and most luxurious gift idea) for last with the thought being the ultimate Yuletide gift is a custom environmentally responsible home built for you and your family by <i><a href="http://www.sproutstudios.ca/" target="_blank">Sprout Studios</a></i> - right here in Muskoka!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PC8CmyIOLP0/UMerpSQuwSI/AAAAAAAAByk/PitC3055IsQ/s1600/sproutstudios-screenshot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="236" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-PC8CmyIOLP0/UMerpSQuwSI/AAAAAAAAByk/PitC3055IsQ/s320/sproutstudios-screenshot.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Screen shot of the start of the Sprout Studios Gallery page.<br />Seriously..... How beautiful is that!?!</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<i>Sprout Studios</i>, a team of four talented and eco-conscious individuals (especially Hailey!), does not follow a corporate business model but instead deliver a more personal approach with their clients. They are passionate about what they do as well as where they live. The harmony their designs bring to the area are inspirational. Their dedication to environmentally sound archetechture and alternative construction includes knowledge on strawbale construction, rammed earth, and/or green or living roof systems. As well, they offer knowledge on solar, geothermal, wind, micro hydro generation and the classic wood burning systems. And no, this is not a big hint from Fiona to Mike but a Sprout Studios designed home is definitely on her dare-to-dream-wish-list!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<i><b>Badger Summary:</b></i></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Thanks for following <a href="http://badger-canoe-paddles.blogspot.ca/search/label/12%20Days%20of%20Muskoka" target="_blank">The Twelve Days of Muskoka - Badger's Christmas & Holiday Local Gift Guide 2012</a>. We have definitely highlighted some truly amazing individuals, families, and businesses. Each an artisan in their own right, whether it be for the photographs they take, the leather they engrave, the words they write, the maps they make, the food they make, or the wonderful service they provide. Please be sure to take the time to visit or explore each featured artisan or business if you visit Muskoka. We truly recommend each one personally. And to think... Muskoka is full of even more inspirational artisans, crafters, and wonderful family businesses, then mentioned in this 12 day guide. Truly, is it any wonder why we dig living here so much?!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
Happy Holidays to everyone in Muskoka and beyond!!!</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<b><i><br /></i></b><br />
<div>
<div>
<!-- AddThis Button BEGIN --></div>
<div>
<div class="addthis_toolbox addthis_default_style addthis_32x32_style">
</div>
<div>
<a class="addthis_button_preferred_1" href=""></a></div>
<div>
<a class="addthis_button_preferred_2" href=""></a></div>
<div>
<a class="addthis_button_preferred_3" href=""></a></div>
<div>
<a class="addthis_button_preferred_4" href=""></a></div>
<div>
<a class="addthis_button_compact" href=""></a></div>
<div>
<a class="addthis_counter addthis_bubble_style" href=""></a></div>
<div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<script type="text/javascript">var addthis_config = {"data_track_addressbar":true};</script></div>
<div>
<script src="//s7.addthis.com/js/300/addthis_widget.js#pubid=badgerpaddles" type="text/javascript"></script></div>
<div>
<!-- AddThis Button END --></div>
</div>
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6047037126620620136.post-33035289938023746222012-12-11T13:46:00.000-08:002012-12-11T13:46:24.431-08:00The Twelve Days of Muskoka - Christmas & Holiday Local Gift Guide :: Day 11<br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><i>We really dig living in Muskoka. The area is home to many beautiful iconic features and creatures that have come to help symbolize Ontario and Canada as we know it. But one of features that we like the most is how inspiring it is to live amongst the many artisans and crafters - that have made this land of rock and water their home - as well the smaller businesses that have come to be part of the personality and character of the Muskoka we have come to know and love. Thus Twelve Days of Muskoka, inspired by Suburban Tourist's Twelve Days of Holiday Gift Giving, is meant to celebrate these people and their businesses as well as introduce you to some new gift giving ideas and remind you of some old favourites.</i></span><br />
<br />
<b><i>The Eleventh Day of Muskoka Christmas & Holiday Gift Giving Guide</i></b><br />
<b><i><a href="http://www.ontariobusinessguide.com/listings/nutty-huntsville.html" target="_blank">The Nutty Chocolatier :: Huntsville</a></i></b><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F5l1hOd8GtM/UMd8CCpJEfI/AAAAAAAAByc/R7Ilzf1aXPU/s1600/nutty-chocolatier.gif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-F5l1hOd8GtM/UMd8CCpJEfI/AAAAAAAAByc/R7Ilzf1aXPU/s1600/nutty-chocolatier.gif" /></a></div>
<br />
Most of us have come to expect chocolate at Christmas. Such treats have become a tradition for many. Stockings filled with milk chocolate, hard candy, and nuts are a delicious treat that most take delight in. A trip to the old fashioned chocolate, candy, and ice-cream store however is the stuff Yuletide dreams are made of! The Nutty Chocolatier in downtown Huntsville is one of the magical places we like to take visiting friends to during the summer... but at Christmas... it just becomes that much more special. Like stepping back in time, this shop of tasty treats has many hard-to-find childhood favourites and all the old classics. (Makobe really digs on the "chocolate frogs" whereas Fiona tends to favour the truffles and the "pecan puddles".)<br />
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ECcm7_htAjI/UMd3_izTABI/AAAAAAAAByU/QlxvY-Vj3_c/s1600/nuttychocolatierstorefront.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="197" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-ECcm7_htAjI/UMd3_izTABI/AAAAAAAAByU/QlxvY-Vj3_c/s200/nuttychocolatierstorefront.jpg" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Nutty Chocolatier on Main St. in Huntsville</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
Their hot chocolate, on a cold wintery day is truly the perfect treat while you sit window-side in some old fashioned ice cream parlour chairs. Unique and imported items (like real English toffee) line the shelves. And specialty shaped chocolates in the form of tools, animals, shoes, and all sorts of other unique designs are a great edible gift and conversation starter - for any chocolate lover. You will be able to fill everyone's stockings while fulfilling their unique tastes too. There is even a selection of no sugar added products. Regardless of the time of year, this is definitely one of our family's favourite shops to frequent in Muskoka. We really dig it there!<br />
<br />
Find out more about The Nutty Chocolatier franchise on their website: <a href="http://www.thenuttychocolatier.com/" target="_blank">www.thenuttychocolatier.com</a> - there are a few locations to choose from dotted on the map of Ontario.<br />
<br />
<br />
<!-- AddThis Button BEGIN --><br />
<div class="addthis_toolbox addthis_default_style addthis_32x32_style">
</div>
<br />
<a class="addthis_button_preferred_1" href=""></a><br />
<a class="addthis_button_preferred_2" href=""></a><br />
<a class="addthis_button_preferred_3" href=""></a><br />
<a class="addthis_button_preferred_4" href=""></a><br />
<a class="addthis_button_compact" href=""></a><br />
<a class="addthis_counter addthis_bubble_style" href=""></a><br />
<br />
<script type="text/javascript">var addthis_config = {"data_track_addressbar":true};</script><br />
<script src="//s7.addthis.com/js/300/addthis_widget.js#pubid=badgerpaddles" type="text/javascript"></script><br />
<!-- AddThis Button END --><br />
<br />
Unknownnoreply@blogger.com0