Happy caNEW Year!!!

Thank you to all of our family, friends, customers, followers, and fans for such a wonderful season. We wish you all much peace, prosperity, and good health, in 2012... and beyond!

Happy caNEW Year everybody!!!

An Algonquin Christmas Carol: Paddling in a Winter Wonderland

This "Algonquin Carol" is whistled (or can be sang!) to the tune of the famous Holiday Christmas Carol: "Walking In A Winter Wonderland". It is the same song, in every sense, but some of the lyrics have been reworked from the perspective of a paddler in Algonquin Park, Canada. We hope you enjoy this fun version of a classic carol.

Paddling in a Winter Wonderland

Link to YouTube video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LP5qkx1fGYQ

(Lyrics reworked from Walkin in a Winter Wonderland)


Paddling in a Winter Wonderland

The wolves howl

are you listening

On river banks

snow is glistening 

A beautiful sight

We're happy tonight

Paddling in a winter wonderland. 

Gone away are the crowds now

The view is clear off of our bow 

I'll whistle a song, as we go along

Paddling in a winter wonderland. 

In the meadow there's a short portage

With a felled tree to walk around

I'll say: Are you tired? 

You'll say: No 'mam

I only feel the peace that we have found.

The north star draws even nearer

Reflected by the lake's mirror   

We drift on and away   

In Algonquin, we play

Paddling in this winter wonderland.

Seasons Greeting to our paddling friends around the world!

Mike and Fiona wish you all the best for this holiday season

and thank you for your support for Badger® Paddles this past year.

Have a merry holiday (however you celebrate) and a happy new year!

Badger® HOLIDAY STOCKING SALE!

Badger® and our fellow paddling friends at Swift Canoe & Kayak are having a "Stocking Sale" on our paddle stockings... er... um... we mean socks!

Right now, and up until December 24, 2011, we have reduced the price on our one-size-fits-most, stretchable, Badger® Paddle Sock - from our regular retail price of $18.95* to only $14.95* - all in celebration of the holidaze. Perfect for the paddler on your list, especially when you can now put this Paddle Sock on your index for Gifts Under $15!

To purchase a Badger® Paddle Sock from Badger® Paddles:

 Call 705-783-6016 or email us. 

To purchase a Badger® Paddle Sock from our friends at Swift:

Call 1-800-661-1429 or email Swift Canoe for more details.

To find out more about our versatile paddle sock, visit www.paddlesock.com.

So... we don't want to badger you, but... remember... you only have until Christmas Eve to take advantage of this holiday sale price. Thanks to our friends at Swift Canoe & to Digger for giving us the idea!

Happy holidaze everyone!

*Taxes and shipping not included

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!

Badger® Demo Paddles For Sale Autumn 2011

BadgerPaw - Photo credit: R. Parnis

It's that time of the year where many outdoor manufacturers and retailers sell off some of the old demo gear to make way for the new. And so that means it's also the time for YOU to save $$$.

If you are looking for a handcrafted Badger® Canoe Paddle (or two) to add to your collection, be sure to check out the following list for some of the paddles we have available for quick sale.

And if you see something you are interested in, be sure to contact us A.S.A.P. to ensure that get your paws on the paddle you are diggin' on!

How to purchase from this list:
Contact: Mike Ramsay Ph: 705-783-6016
Email: sales(@)badgerpaddles(dot)com

List of Demo Paddles & Blems*
Note: All prices are listed in Canadian Funds and do not include tax(es) or the cost of shipping (where applicable).


Demos (A Series - Like New)
57" Sliver, Cherry, Oiled - $100.00
60" Sliver(s), Cherry, Oiled - $100.00
57" BadgerPaw, Cherry, Oiled - $100.00

Demos (B Series - Used)
57" Tripper(s), Cherry, Oiled - $90.00
60" BadgerTail(s), Ash, Oiled - $85.00
60" BadgerPaw(s), Ash, Oiled - $85.00

Unfinished Blems (with identified issue)
60" BadgerPaw, Tulip (A-symetrical blade shape) - $70.00
60" Digger, Cherry (Thin grip) - $80.00
57" Tripper, Cherry (Filled in knot on blade) - $70.00
57" BadgerPaw, Cherry, (Varnish sanded off blade) - $80.00
57" BadgerPaw, Cherry, (Fill in on blade) - $65.00

Finished Blems (with identified issue)
63" Sliver, Cherry, Oiled, (A-symetrical blade shape) - $90
60" Tripper, Cherry, Combination Finish [oiled shaft/grip and varnished blade] (filled in knot hole on blade - under Badger® logo) - $90.00

Questions? Contact: Mike Ramsay Ph: 705-783-6016 or Email us: sales(@)badgerpaddles(dot)com. But don't forget to hurry - because at these end of season sale prices these paddles won't be available for long!

*Blem (or blemished paddles) refer to paddles with slight imperfections that do not affect the over-all usefulness of the paddle but may not be as strong as we would like. These paddles may or may not bear a BADGER® logo. For the record, we do not believe in blems based on aesthetic appeal otherwise known as cosmetic blemishes. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Wood has many features; very small knots or discolourations, and/or variations in grain that do not affect the overall strength of a properly maintained paddle, are not considered seconds. Whereas our blemished paddles (or seconds) refer to paddles that have slight imperfections that have been fixed or may affect the strength of the paddle. Paddles that are unfixable or deemed unusable are sold as paddles for paintings, wall hangers, and made into Badger Paddle Slice necklaces. Demos (or demonstration paddles) refer to paddles that have been used as sales samples (A Series) or have been lightly used (B Series) for demonstrations, in canoe photo shoots, etc.

MOpaddlers in MOvember Contest

Hey! It's MOvember again! And YOU CAN WIN some great prizes (and help to spread awareness for men's health), even if you can't grow a moustache!

Mike finally gives into the 'badgering' and allows us to take his picture.
Coming soon: Poppa Badger's photo.

For those who are not aware, this is the month of November (or MOvember as in MO for MOustache!) that marks the annual global awareness campaign for men's health (namely Prostate Cancer). It also helps to raise millions of dollars each year for the cause with almost 1/2 million participants who sported facial hair for the month of Movember just last year alone. That's alot of MO's!

We have always watched the month of Movember with interest. It is always fun to see how the mo's grow. But Poppa Badger has always sported a moustache and Mike usually has facial hair as well... especially as the colder months approach. But this year - after being contacted by participants Preston and Jim of Portageur.ca and H2O Paddles, respectively - Mike and Poppa Badger have decided to join in on the fun and grow a mo. But we aren't stopping there!

We have also joined with other paddlers and outdoor companies to show support for this important global initiative for men's health by providing various prizes for a number of draws over the month of MOvember.

Help Us Show That Paddlers Care:

All you have to do to enter this contest is simply retweet, like or comment on a post - or better yet post your own Mo pic to any one of the companies' (via Facebook or Twitter)- and you'll be automatically entered in to several draws throughout Movember for some great prizes from the participating companies including gear, gift certificates and more! 

Be sure to visit all the pages to participate and for best chances to win.

The Canadian Paddling Companies to visit on Facebook are:

Backcountry With The Kids

Badger Paddles... for those who dig the water.

Dog Paddling Adventures

H2O Performance Paddles

PARKBUS

Portageur.ca

Swift Canoe & Kayak

On Twitter:

@Swift_Canoe

@portageur_ca

@BadgerPaddles

@H2Opaddle

@parkbus

@backcountrykids

@dogpaddling

And, after entering this MOpaddlers Contest a few times, if you would like to donate to the Movember Campaign, please visit http://mobro.co/mopaddles. For full contest details please contact H2O Performance Paddles.

Algonquin Paddlesports Assembly - What you missed!

Algonquin PaddleSports Assembly
SEPTEMBER 23 - 25, 2011

Did you miss the Algonquin Paddlesports Assembly this year?!! That's too bad. No, seriously, that's really too bad!


Because that means you missed out on all of the great seminars and demonstrations with some of the industry's leading experts like... boat designers David Yost or Bill Swift. And paddling icons such as Mark Scriver and Charlie Wilson, including Swift's own Brian Duplante and Skip Taylor... along with Mike Ramsay (of Badger® Paddles, of course!), as well as the knowledgeable John Gall (Johnny's Boat Shop: Canoe & Kayak Repair Centre) and even Brian Smith (of Hobie Kayaks) too. Not to mention some really great deals on new & used boats plus other great outdoor gear.


From learning to SUP to boat repair and from canoeing freestyle to paddle maintenance, this assembly had it all. And for those of you who were unfortunate enough to miss this great opportunity, we have uploaded a copy of our Wood Paddle Maintenance & Storage Handout that will available to download for a limited time! Click here to download our Canoe Paddle/Gunwale Maintenance & Storage Handout now.

Click on this text link to download the handout now.
automatic download - 257 KB PDF file

So what did you really miss at the ALGONQUIN PADDLESPORTS ASSEMBLY?

World renowned paddlers Mark Scriver (SUP) and
Charlie Wilson (Freestyle - yellow canoe) take to the water for their clinics.

Here is the schedule of events from the weekend....

SATURDAY CLINICS AND DEMOS

• 9:00 am Intro to Rowing Demonstration Bill Swift – Waterfront A
• 10:00 am Design & Construction Presentation David Yost /Bill Swift – Swift Boat Yard
• 11:00 am Boat Maintenance, Storage & Repair John Gall – Clinic Area A
• 11:00 am Intro to Kayak Demonstration Brian Duplante – Waterfront A
• Noon Intro to Stand up Paddle Boards Demonstration Mark Scriver – Waterfront A
• 1:00 pm Tandem Canoe Boat Control Demonstration Skip Taylor /Charlie Wilson 
• 2:00 pm Canoe Paddle Making, Selection & Maintenance Mike Ramsay, Badger Paddles – Clinic Area A
• 2:00 pm Hobie Pedal Drive Kayak Demonstration Brian Smith, Hobie Kayaks 
• 3:00 pm Kayak Paddle Selection Marc Scriver – Clinic Area A
• 3:00 pm Solo Canoe Choices Demonstration Skip Taylor - Waterfront A
• 4:00 pm Freestyle Canoeing Demonstration Skip Taylor - Canadian Solo & Charlie Wilson - Freestyle Solo & Freestyle Tandem

SUNDAY CLINICS AND DEMOS

• 9:00 - 10:30 am Learn to Row Bill Swift – Cost $30.00 On Water Clinic
• 10:00 - 11:30 am Learn to Kayak Skip Taylor - Free On Water Clinic
• 11:00 am - 12:30 pm Freestyle Canoeing Clinic Charlie Wilson - Cost $30.00 On Water Clinic
• ~ ALL DAY ~ Learn to Pedal Drive a Kayak Brian Smith - FREE On Water Clinic
• ~ ALL DAY ~ Learn to Stand Up Paddle Board Mark Scriver - FREE On Water Clinic

Sorry we can't say more but what happens at the Algonquin PaddleSports Assembly, stays at the Algonquin PaddleSports Assembly. So don't forget to keep your eye out for next year's Assembly... 'cause you know you won't want to miss it again!

A special thanks to our hosts, Algonquin Outfitters and Swift Canoe & Kayak, for reviving this event... and for having BADGER® Paddles there. Such a beautiful location and great people to assemble and celebrate the power of self propulsion with. Mike says he had such a great time, already he can't wait until next year!

A Canoe is a Canoe is a Canoe

The other day, a friend made the comment to me that although there are some differences here and there in it's design, in the end, a canoe is a canoe. That got me to thinking about how different canoes and kayaks can really be - and would a canoe still be a canoe, by any other name?

We know about the traditional boat making methods and designs from history to modern times: From dugouts to birchbark to wood and canvas; from aluminum to fibreglass; then on to the various plastics and other modern materials such as Kevlar®, Carbon-Kevlar®; or even the stunning Barracuda® cloths of today. But what about making a canoe or kayak from the rind of a huge squash?!!

Take for instance the pumpkin. Not the usual material to make a boat from, right?! Well, tell that to the many who paddle giant pumpkins every year...

Or how about the coffin as a canoe? Sounds creepy, I know. But it's been done!

Apparently canoes are not always made to merely float, either. In 1947 Britain introduced the MSC, a Diving Canoe, built secretly for wartime attacks on ships in enemy harbours. Note: MSC was the acronym for Motorized Submersible Canoe.

But even when we want to see what's underneath, most of us want to stay on top of the water when we paddle. And so a perfectly transparent canoe will surely provide a much more comfortable experience then that submarine canoe, the MSC.

Then there are canoes and kayaks made from paper, cardboard, or even blue tarps, where the optimal load capacity - as well as over-all design and function - varies greatly. Probably best to stay away from the rocks in these boats!

These are all pretty weird canoes and kayaks, you will have to admit, but this one is my personal favourite.... it's an inflatable canoe... that doubles as a cloak. Yep... you read that right. It's a Cloak Boat, otherwise known as a Halkett Boat. According to Wikipedia: "Halkett's first design was a collapsible and inflatable boat made of rubber-impregnated cloth. When deflated, the hull of the boat could be worn as a cloak, the oar used as a walking stick, and the sail as an umbrella. This was followed by a two-man craft that was small enough to fit into a knapsack, and when deflated served as a waterproof blanket." For some reason, it failed to be a commercial success...

But at the end of the day, the weirdest (and probably worst) canoe there ever is to paddle... is one that is sinking! Hey! Somebody get this guy a bailer, would 'ya?!!

Do you have any images of a canoe/kayak as weird and wonderful as these?!! Send us your picture(s) and we just may post it here!

Image Sources:
diving canoe source: http://blog.modernmechanix.com/
coffin canoe source: http://richardtulloch.wordpress.com/
clear canoe source: http://surferjerry.com/
pumpkin canoe source: http://vancouver.24hrs.ca/
sinking canoe source: http://users.xplornet.com/~osprey/
Boat Cloak source: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Halkett_boat
tarp kayak source: http://www.shelter-systems.com/kayak.html
cardboard boat source: http://www.thecardboardboatbook.com/

The Fat Paddler's 2011 Grab Life By The Shaft Tour - Algonquin Park Edition

As I walked with the canoe planted on my shoulders towards the water, I could hear Sean's excited declaration "It's so Canadian!". Sean was about to really paddle a Canadian lake for the first time*. It would also be his first taste of Algonquin. And he was more then ready for it.

The Fat Paddler's 2011 Grab Life By The Shaft Tour

- Algonquin Park Edition -

A Trip Report by Fiona Westner-Ramsay

"Thinking of a brief side-trip into Canada again"
When the email came thru from author and paddler, Sean Smith (a.k.a. The Fat Paddler), that he was thinking of coming to Canada again, this time with hopes to do some paddling while experiencing a much warmer season, it was hard to contain my excitement. His last attempt to paddle in Lake Ontario was during one of the coldest of our months (January) and, although it was beyond freezing, the very tough & hefty Auzzie did live to tell the tale. But this was the end of our summer season this time, and The Fat Paddler was about to be in for a real Canadian paddling treat!

He was picked up by my mom (a.k.a. Gramma Badger) at the Husky station in Bradford (on Saturday morning) and finally arrived around noon to be whisked away in the Badger® Paddles truck for a tour that included a stop at Algonquin Outfitters in Huntsville... and the very Canadian(??) Pizza Pizza franchise for a quick lunch.

"Can't take you to Algonquin without a trip to the Outfitters"
When we finally arrived at AO, Sean was delighted by the store and all it contained. Of course, he was able to sniff out the paddle section just like he can sniff out those sausages, and was soon drooling over the many paddles in the Algonquin Outfitters' racks.

Service with a smile:
Randy from AO -
Huntsville sports his
new Fat Paddler hat!

With Sean about to take on the Hawkesbury Canoe Classic again this October (111 km paddle thru-out the night, people!!) he was keen on getting a bent-shaft wide bladed paddle that was made from timber. He really liked the warmth and feel of timber over some of the other materials he was using and was wishing for the perfect paddle for this monster marathon. So it wasn't long before his eyes landed on a Whiskey Jack bent shaft paddle. But not just any Whiskey Jack. This particular paddle was laminated with some pieces of uniquely burled redwood. It was absolutely stunning!

When Randy offered Sean a deal he couldn't refuse (there are so many great sales going on at AO right now you wouldn't believe it!! Seriously, you gotta check it out!) Sean had to take the paddle home with him. Even though there was a distributor for Whiskey Jack in Australia, Sean knew he wouldn't come across a special paddle, as perfect for it's Hawkesbury purpose as it was beautiful, and so this one had to be his. So you can imagine how eager he was to put it to the test as soon as possible! (Check out FatPaddler's website for pictures and more details ... I don't want to ruin it for Sean... he'll want to show you all, himself!!!)

So we threw a Badger Paddle Sock on the paddle to protect his new (and beautiful) purchase and made our way to Algonquin Park. But first we had to make a stop at Swift Canoe at Oxtongue (just outside the Park) to pick up a canoe. Sean was not only lucky enough to be experiencing clear sunny skies, but he was also fortunate enough to meet Bill Swift, the owner and founder of Swift Canoe & Kayak.  Bill took some time with us and showed us some of the new Barracuda cloth samples (there was a turquoise that was to die for!) while we looked around at the canoes.  Then Beth, from Algonquin Outfitters, gave Sean a tour of the facilities which included a glimpse of the tripping/guiding gear rooms.

Upon arrival at the sunny Rock Lake Access Point.

Eventually, we picked up a Keewaydin and tied it down on the racks of the Badger® Paddles' truck. We were both hoping for a Swift Winisk but the boys were busy with lots of customers so Sean & I took what we could get and got on the road. There was a lake waiting to be explored, after all!

Blue Lake & Rocky Shore
When we arrived at the Rock Lake put in, we were both ready for a little paddling adventure. We packed the paddles (lots of 'em!), a safety kit, some drinking water, put on our PFD's and hit the water. Between the fresh air and the sunshine, Sean soon settled in as best as he could while I prattled on in the bow. But Sean, ever the gentleman, politely matched my conversation while he tried to take in all he could of his picturesque surroundings.

Enjoying the beauty of Rock Lake, Algonquin Park.

As Sean tested his new Whiskey Jack paddle, he also tried out a Badger® or two as well, as we paddled along. I used my Butternut Tripper for the entire trip as I always enjoy it's weightless feel. However, I was a bit disappointed when, as we made our way across the lake, I realized that we had yet to be lucky and spot any wildlife. As we crossed the second bay we were greeted by some ducks and a couple of loons. We also spotted a small heron as well, on the river to the take out, but no beavers or moose. There was a chipmunk later in the day, but it was so small & fast that Sean could barely spot it before it scurried away. At least we didn't see any bears! (However there is a black dog at the Wolf's Den that, at a quick glance and with the right Canadian accent warning of it's approach, could easily be mistaken for a Black Bear.... right Sean?!!) *giggle*

Unfortunately I started to feel a bit queazy around this time and suggested we head back, trying to steer the canoe in the straightest and therefore quickest route possible back to the take out. I had yet to share how bad I was feeling with Sean but he had a good sense of humour about being steered from the bow and voiced no objections... but perhaps there was a bit of laughter on his part... but only once, okay... maybe twice! But that had more to do with my "oversteering" then anything else! *giggle* What can I say... I was woozy!

The Beaver Cabin at the
Wolf's Den Hostel & Retreat

The Beaver (Cabin, that is!)
Once we arrived back at the truck, we were on our way to the Wolf's Den. Sean grabbed a quick nap en route, crink-ing his neck a bit in the process (poor guy!). When we arrived at the Beaver Cabin/Wolf's Den, Mike was there to meet us. His big truck was empty of the canoes and without the large trailer that he had been pulling all day (doing the canoe transfers for the big Petawawa Ironman Challenge this week), but Mike was full of excitement to see his Australian friend again.

It didn't take long for the steaks to be cooked on the BBQ and the Canada Dry Ginger Ale (special ordered by the Fat Paddler) to be mixed with a little bit of rum and a lime or two... to "keep the scurvy away".

After some great conversation, lots of laughs, and even some guitar playing by Sean (who was awesome by the way...  make our ears bleed, indeed! Pish Posh!!!), we eventually retired for the evening. Sean took the bunk beds (what are the chances he chose the top bunk, anyone?!!) and Mike and I took the bedroom with the queen sized bed.  We were all quick to fall asleep as Sean was completely jet-lagged, Mike was exhausted from a week of canoe transfers, and I was now under the full influence of some sort of cough or virus.

These two trucks and trailers are carrying 94 canoes!
(And that was just one transfer of many this past week for Mike.)

Change of *cough* Plans *cough cough*
The morning came soon enough with Mike on his way out the door before the sun was up. Sean and I slept in past nine and made haste to get our things packed and on our way before checkout time. Unfortunately, we had to change our plans for the day as I didn't have the energy to paddle to Ragged Falls as we wanted due to the way I was feeling. Instead, we headed to Buck Lake (our local lake) and Sean paddled around cottage country in Poppa Badger's kayak , while I feel asleep in the sun. But not before a quick stop at a local tourist trap for a short shopping trip... 'cause that's just tradition, right?!!

The only bear that Sean encountered on his first
trip to Algonquin Park, Canada.
Note the complete lack of fear in his eyes.

In the end, we wished Sean could have stayed longer, and in my foggy muddy mind (I was really feeling the cold/cough by this time) I know I failed in my hostess duties that day. But Sean was the perfect guest and road-trip companion. Never a complaint or frown. And before I knew it, with a quick hug and a gentlemanly kiss on my cheek, Sean was off with Gramma Badger to find his next adventure with Alan Drummond, the crew of LearnToKayakdotCA, ... and beyond.

Roll the Credits
I would like to thank Jim of H20 Paddles for dropping Sean at the Husky for pick up on Saturday as well as the staff at Algonquin Outfitters (especially Randy, Lynn, Beth and Gord) and the boys at Swift Canoe (Bill and Brian) for making Sean feel so welcome on his first ever visit to Algonquin. That goes for Ben (and the visitors) at the Wolf's Den too!

Also, a great big fat THANK YOU to my mom (a.k.a. Gramma Badger) who graciously stepped up to help out with not only watching Makobe but with watching over Sean, as well. We couldn't have done this awesome tour of Algonquin & area without your support and talent for driving! *wink* I hope you enjoy Sean's book... I know you have it with you somewhere on Opeongo (Algonquin Park) right now!

Plus a big thanks to Rebecca (Grace and Ella too) for sharing Sean with us for a few extra days with a side-trip to Canada. But the biggest thanks is to the Fat Paddler, himself, Mister Sean P. Smith.... your friendship is something that I will cherish forever, as well as the memories of your visit. Please know the pleasure was all mine but I do hope you enjoyed Algonquin as much as we all do. Mike and I both also hope your remaining travels are enjoyable, fruitful, and that you arrive safely back into the arms of your family at your tour's end.

So What's The Fat Paddler Really Like?
To those of you who wonder what Sean is really like: Well... what can I say, really, other then read the book... and just know that you would love him if you ever meet him.  And never doubt, regardless of the adversity Sean has faced, that this is a man who truly knows how to grab life by the shaft!!! Paddle on, Fat Paddler! Paddle on!

Oh, and be sure to check out The Fat Paddler's page on Facebook for a FREE ENTRY CODE to the Algonquin Outfitters' Live Your Own Adventure Contest (over $10,000 worth of prizes to be won - including a Swift Canoe, Badger Paddles, a kayak, some hiking boots, a mountain bike and so... so much more!).  Click here for your free Fat Paddler code now! Plus head on over to the Badger® Paddles website for another FREE ENTRY CODE here: Live Your Adventure Contest Code via Badger® Paddles. What a great way to celebrate The Fat Paddler's Algonquin adventure and North American Tour - Thanks Algonquin Outfitters!!!

*Sean's (The Fat Paddler) first attempt to paddle a [near frozen] Canadian Lake can be found here: http://fatpaddler.com/2011/01/canoe-paddling-in-toronto-with-badger-paddles/ with Mike's (Badger® Paddles) account to be found here: http://badger-canoe-paddles.blogspot.com/2011/02/fatpaddler-in-toronto-trip-report.html