The Stern Fathers

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".

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"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." ~ David Polis

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Daddy-Daughter Canoe Session with Fat Paddler from Fat Paddler on Vimeo.
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!

Proudly brought to you by FatPaddler.com and BADGER® Paddles.

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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." ~ Charles Cook

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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. The Fat Paddler) and his adorable daughter Gracie for sharing one of their very special and inspirational adventures, 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.

Written by Fiona Westner-Ramsay

Happy Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day Poppa!

Pt 6 :: How To Make Room For Autism In Your Canoe - Paddling & Eating

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

That tastes funny!

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.

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.

Not just along for the ride:

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!

Coming next: Backcountry or Car Camping?/Conclusion

Written by Fiona Westner-Ramsay in support of The Six Degree Project Autism Awareness campaign.

To read all the parts to this story guide, click here: Making Room For Autism In Your Canoe

To read our report from Makobe's first wilderness trip into Algonquin, please click here: Making Room For Autism In Your Canoe - A Trip Report

**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.

Pt 5 :: Making Room For Autism In Your Canoe :: Meltdowns & Communication

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

Paddling & Planning For A Meltdown

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.

Electronics can serve a real need in the wilderness with autism.

Accessibility & Communication in the Great Outdoors

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!

Coming next: Paddling and Eating

Written by Fiona Westner-Ramsay in support of The Six Degree Project Autism Awareness campaign.

To read all the parts to this story guide, click here: Making Room For Autism In Your Canoe

To read our report from Makobe's first wilderness trip into Algonquin, please click here: Making Room For Autism In Your Canoe - A Trip Report

**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.

Pt 4: How To Make Room For Autism In Your Canoe - Practice Portaging & Gear

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

Practicing for the portage at home.

Portaging at Home:

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.

Appropriate Gear Makes For An Appropriate Experience:

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. 

Bug coats are also a really good investment. Deet 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!

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. 

Coming next: Meltdowns & Communication in the Outdoors

Written by Fiona Westner-Ramsay in support of The Six Degree Project Autism Awareness campaign.

To read all the parts to this story guide, click here: Making Room For Autism In Your Canoe

To read our report from Makobe's first wilderness trip into Algonquin, please click here: Making Room For Autism In Your Canoe - A Trip Report

**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.

Pt 2 :: Making Room For Autism In Your Canoe - Paddling At Home

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

The Journey Begins, Paddling at Home:

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.

Fidget toys can be a very helpful tool in a canoe!

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)

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.

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.

Coming next: Visual First Aid

Written by Fiona Westner-Ramsay in support of The Six Degree Project Autism Awareness campaign.

To read all the parts to this story guide, click here: Making Room For Autism In Your Canoe

To read our report from Makobe's first wilderness trip into Algonquin, please click here: Making Room For Autism In Your Canoe - A Trip Report

**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.

The Twelve Days of Muskoka - Christmas & Holiday Local Gift Guide :: Day 3

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.

The Third Day of Muskoka Christmas & Holiday Gift Giving Guide

Johnny's Boat Shop

Maintenance, Repair & Storage

John Gall

John is an example of a modern day artisan of services. For almost 2 decades, John has been working intimately with fiberglass, Kevlar, carbon fiber, Royalex and aluminum, even specializing in thin laminate construction and repair. Located in part of Ontario's cottage country, Johnny's Canoe & Kayak Repair Centre is the one stop boat repair place for when you are at the lake, the cottage or touring beautiful Muskoka. He also offers maintenance packages and storage.

What better gift to give then to have someone take care of your canoe for you!

Seriously, that would be a really great and unique gift idea. Have Johnny's Boat Shop sand and oil those gunnels, adjust the screws, or clean and store your boat so your friend has a worry free winter and  great start in the Spring.

And after knowing John for many years now, we can vouch for his quality of work and experience.  His friendly personal service and special expertise always includes helpful advice as can be seen on the Algonquin Outfitters' blog where John guest bloggs about putting your canoe away for the season. Read John's advice here: Putting Your Canoe Away For The Winter contact him today: Contact John @ Johnny's Boat Shop.

A Celebration of Kirk's life through his Collection - Auction

"A Celebration of Kirk's life through his Collection" 

Of art, artifacts, canoes, paddles, furniture, books, baskets, collectables and much, much more.

Click here for a PDF version of the official AUCTION pamphlet below.

See the items here: www.ruslands.com
Direct link to gallery of items.

Auction Date:

 Sunday, July 29, 2012 at 10am

Location:

2691 County Rd 2, RR8 Peterborough, Ontario K9J6X9

Viewing:

Saturday (July 28) from 2:00-4:00pm and on Sunday from 8:00am

Go to www.ruslands.com to view some of the articles.

Click here for the PDF version of the image above.

Personal note:

Please be sure to share this auction information as far and wide as is possible. Kirk Wipper, recipient of the Order of Canada and a founder of the Canadian Canoe Museum, had an extensive collection of the most interesting of objects. Many of them museum quality. This auction should definitely prove to be beyond interesting. Hopefully we will see you at the farm on Sunday July 29th!!!

10 Reasons Why National Canoe Day Should Be A National Holiday

June 26th marks another National Canoe Day. The day was founded "with the aim of increasing participation in paddlesports in Canada, engaging new paddlers and reaching across generational and cultural divides to introduce the canoe to those who haven’t had the opportunity to experience this great national heritage.

In the intervening years, National Canoe Day has grown to become a truly countrywide event, with participants paddling across the country, from the midnight sun of the north to the urban rivers of the south. National Canoe Day is also celebrated internationally by groups in the United States, the United Kingdom, France, South America, and beyond."

Celebrated around the world?! We can dig that! But still.... Many of us are unable to get out and paddle in order to truly celebrate as intended, usually due to work or other routine commitments. So we have come up with....

10 Reasons National Canoe Day (NCD) should become a national holiday in Canada 

10) The canoe has measurable official importance as it was already named as one of the Seven Wonders of Canada as voted on by Canadians, and even has it's very own museum!

9) It would be good for Parks Canada as an income generator, not to mention paddling instructors, local outfitters who supply canoe rentals and equipment - as well as all paddling equipment and gear manufactures (i.e. canoe paddles, etc.) - seeing the demand for canoes, kayaks, SUPs and gear (hint hint) will increase as people's interest in paddling increases with the special honour of a holiday.

8) A day to honour our past (our nation's history and Native heritage), should also celebrate our present (by giving us the day off), and our future (as we pass a day of paddling, as a holiday tradition, on to future generations).

A holiday to celebrate the past,
present and future of Canada.

7) It would be a brand new holiday without social expectations - no forced family dinners or paddling sessions - you can even celebrate the day by paddling alone if you want to. We could set our own personal paddling traditions.

6) Society could use an annual break from the fast pace of the modern world - paddling would force our great nation to slow down and enjoy the moment.

5) It could be added onto the already long weekend holiday given for Canada Day, making it officially the extra longest and most fun weekend in the summer. And, National Canoe Day already has the word "NATIONAL" in it's title - so it's really the next logical step anyway....

4) Canoeing, kayaking, and paddling is a fabulous form of exercise and can be enjoyed by those of just about any age or ability.

3) Being in a canoe or kayak gets you out into nature. Being a part of our natural world is good for the mind, body, and spirit. It connects us to our world. All great reasons to celebrate with a holiday.

2) Gives us all another good excuse to raise more awareness about PFD use when boating. As in WEAR ONE.

1) It promotes that everyone get out and paddle for the day instead of work - 'nuff said.

So..... if anyone wants to start a petition to make NCD into a National Holiday - you wouldn't have to badger us - rest assured we'd sign it!!!! For more information about the canoe or National Canoe Day, visit www.nationalcanoeday.net/ or visit the Canadian Canoe Museum website.

“Mom’s Canoe” by Rebecca Foust - For Mother's Day

Not long ago I came across this wonderful piece by Rebecca Foust titled "Mom's Canoe". It brought back many memories from my childhood as I spent many hours with my mom's back in view as we paddled a number of canoe routes throughout Algonquin Park.

My mom and I in our old canoe - made of aircraft aluminum
and with wood ribs and wood trim. This canoe is still in our family.
All-Girls-Canoe-Trip Circa 199?

I am sharing this poem here for Mother's Day, in celebration of all paddling moms (as well as those who have yet to canoe) and in thanks to it's author, Rebecca Foust - who captured, perfectly, the magic that moms have in, on, and out of the water. To read more works by Rebecca Foust, (who also happens to be an autism advocate as well), please visit her website www.rebeccafoust.com.

Mom’s Canoe

Do you remember your old canoe?
Wooden wide-bellied, tapered ends
made to slip through tight river bends
swiftly, like shadow.
Hull ribbed delicately, wing of bird
Sometimes seen, never heard when it flew
through the water more glider than boat,
ponderous in portage, weightless afloat.
Frail origami, vessel of air,
wide shallow saucer suspended where
shallows met shadows near the old dam.
Remember how it glowed like honey in summer
rubbed with beeswax and turpentine
against leaks, cracks, weather and time.
All your housekeeping went into that canoe,
then you rode high, bow lifted,
arced up like flight, all magic, power,
evening light. You j-stroking,
side-slipping, eddying out, frugal
with movement, all without effort,
just like you walked and ran.
I still see you rising from water to sky,
paddle held high,
river drops limning its edge.
Brown diamonds catch the light as you lift, then dip.
Parting the current, you slip
silently through the evening shadows.
You, birdsong, watersong, slanting light,
following river bend, swallowed from sight.

“Mom’s Canoe” by Rebecca Foust
For more written works by Rebecca Foust, visit her website: www.rebeccafoust.com

Apparently you can have your canoe - and eat it too!

We always enjoy pictures sent in by our paddling friends. Especially when they involve paddling and SUGAR. MMmmmmMMMMmm. Here is a canoe birthday cake we all wished we could to dig into!

Made for a paddling Dad, by his Daughter.
Looks like Dad has been captured in miniature! 

A lovely canoe cake maker with a lovely canoe cake!

This talented daughter surprised her dad with her creative cake masterpiece.

Obviously, this would take lots of artistic talent. But Nikki, the daughter of canoeist dad Hugh, has no shortage of that. She is a wonderful photographer, and when not making fabulous canoe cakes for her dad's birthdays, Nikki keeps herself busy, and her audience delighted, with her amazing work. Visit Nikki's website here: http://nikkiwesley.com/ And thanks Nikki - and Dad (Hugh) - for letting us share your great canoe cake here. We really dig it!

A Canoe is a Canoe is a Canoe - Part Two

Not long ago we asked the question whether a Canoe was a Canoe (by any other name?), and posted about some various odd canoes and kayaks that have been designed, built and/or paddled. We soon found there are many examples of "canoes" and "kayaks" that weren't made for paddling... but are referred to as a canoe or kayak, all the same. In fact, when you come to think about it... canoes, kayaks, and canoe inspired items - can be found in many every day places.

Canoe Furniture
First, there are quite a few examples of canoe shaped furniture. From stacking your household treasures to putting your feet up - canoes have proven themselves to have many purposes. Even moving into quite a number of homes and cottages.

Canoe Book Shelf
photo source: www.giftedgarden.com

Canoe Coffee Table
photo source: www.giftedgarden.com

Canoe Couch
photo source: Nova Craft Canoe

Canoe Bed
photo source: www.renaissancebeds.com

Canoe Food
From Chocolate to cakes to sandwiches.... our taste buds seem to delight over the thought of an edible canoe.

Chocolate Canoes
photo source: www.charlinda.com

Big Dog in Canoe Cake
photo source: www.kategreencakes.com

Tofo Wrap and Squash Canoe
photo source: www.floridacoastalcooking.com

Canoe Games
Food and entertainment go together... so it only stands to reason that the canoe theme would eventually find it's way into our cottage games and past times.

Canoe Cribbage Game
photo source: www.wildwings.com

Canoe Domino Game Set
photo source: www.thefind.com

Repurposed Canoes

So what happens to that old canoe that no one ever paddles anymore or the old beater that is so unseaworthy it couldn't make it across a puddle of water? Some become flower beds, bookshelves, or in some cases - sidecars!

Canoe Garden Container
photo source: www.hometips.com

Canoe Cooler
photo source: www.cocoonhome.com

Canoe Side Car
photo source: www.royallman.on.ca

Canoe Accessories
From women's accessories to those for your home or christmas tree, the canoe shape has made it's way into the hearts and minds of the masses. From the purely fashion inspired....

Canoe eau de toilette
photo source: www.perfumezilla.com

Canoe Inspired Hat
photo source: http://annamariajunus.blogspot.com

Canoe Inspired Shoes
photo source: NotCouture-notcot.org

.... To the more obvious designs. From door knockers, signs and cabinet pulls; to fabrics, light fixtures and t-shirts; canoes can definitely be deemed a part of our (just about) everyday culture.

Canoe Fleece Fabric
photo source: http://fabric1.blogspot.com

Canoe Jewelry
photo source: www.spruce-mountain.com

Christmas Canoe Ornament
photo source: www.countryporch.com

Canoe Lamp
photo source: www.gifts.com

Ride in Canoes - No Water Needed

Because we love canoes so much, we bring them onto land for fun and entertainment. After all, who doesn't love a canoe ride where your mom doesn't make you put on your life jacket?!!

Canoe and Train at Mundo Divertido
photo source: www.themeparkreview.com

Canoe Car at a Burning Man Festival
photo source: www.cs.faculty.stanford.edu

Canoe Bike
photo source: www.amazingdata.com

Canoe Stuffies & Toys
Be it toy or dog bed, the canoe shape is one that is obviously in demand beyond it's normal use on water.

Dog Canoe Bed
photo source: www.kaboodle.com

Stuffed Canoe Toy
photo source: www.softstuffcreations.com

Buddy L Canoe & Jeep Combination - Toy
photo source: http://film.queensu.ca

Canoe As Art, Canoe As Life

And finally... and most popular.... is the canoe as a form of art. Now, we know our friend Mike Ormsby would argue that a canoe, especially a wooden canvas canoe, is an art form all on it's own. And normally, we would completely agree with him. But clearly, when you think about it, the canoe really has taken on a life in itself. It can be seen in our sculpture, our paintings, our every day items, and is still paddled around the world in it's various forms. It inspires us, it transforms us, it is an ancient gift, and still... it is always there with us... thru the ages. Can there really be any doubt that the canoe is a gift we celebrate?

Tom Thomson Statue
photo source: http://paddlemaking.blogspot.com

Canoe Sculpture
photosource: www.latimesmagazine.com

The Canoe by Tom Thompson - Painting.

So in answer to our question as to whether a canoe is a canoe is a canoe ... or not ... we would have to come to the conclusion that, in the end, it doesn't really matter. Because, quite frankly, most of us know a canoe when we see one!