CdB Forum
CdB Whitewater Paddling Club Discussions => Paddling => Topic started by: Bill Schlarb on May 03, 2017, 10:48:17 PM
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With all the snow melt and rain we've gotten, Champlain/Bate Island is as high as it has ever been.
Last count was 60.12 on the Britannia gauge: http://wateroffice.ec.gc.ca/report/real_time_e.html?stn=02KF005
Some of us will be there to paddle (or just watch?) after work and head over to Whispers for after 7:00pm or so.
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Sounds like a plan. Question is, what boat to bring? Perhaps a sea kayak?
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Won't be able to make it tonight.
Apparently the wave is totally washed out.
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I was there on Tuesday and the first wave was completely green. The second wave was barely breaking and very hard to catch/stay on with the play boat. The guy who was on the SUP was able to get some nice soul surfs on the first wave so maybe it's good enough for a longer kayak.
I'm out for tonight but I will most likely be there as soon as the level goes back to 59.95m or below.
Elizabeth
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Well, if there is no paddling, we can still be at whispers to make weekend plans
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Too bad about the wave. We'll see what next week has in store for us.
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I will definitely be there.
It's been way too long since I've seen my paddling friends.
Paul :-)
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A group of us will be going to Champlain around 6 and heading over to Whispers after (May 11)
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Bill posted as I was about to see if anyone would be at Whispers tonight, haven't seen any CdBers for months. In March June & I were in Cape Town for my 109km bike race with 35,000 registrants that didn't happen because the infamous SE wind ("Cape Doctor") blew at 100+kph not 50kph, race cancelled for all. 3 Elite riders in hospital within 38 minutes. Watch "CTCT flying bikes like kites" on YouTube. But we're registered for Sunday 11 March 2018 if we want.
We cycled to Hog's Back in yesterday afternoon's beaut warm sunny weather, took videos of RAGING waterfalls, will show you tonight. Not for any w-w kayaker!
Denzil
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Champlain Bridge is closed due to high water level.
Meet directly at Whispers at 7pm.
See you there!
Paul:-)
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Happy spring, everyone. My first time on the forum, and I should have gone on yesterday before I headed to Champlain.
The sawhorses were still there at the entries to Bate Island, but the ones at the northbound entry and the southbound exits had been moved aside so people could enter. There were a fair amount of people on the island but not a paddler in sight. I hope someone's going out today, because the wave looked quite nice, and I always want at least one other paddler around at Bate, just in case :)
I'll bet the wave is even better today.
Anyone thinking of going out today?
Cheers,
Stefan
Champlain Bridge is closed due to high water level.
Meet directly at Whispers at 7pm.
See you there!
Paul:-)
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I will go after work today Monday. No more dry suit? Looks like the high levels broke the gauges! Can't access the water level website!
--C.
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Is it just my connection, but Environment Canada Water Office gauge website is offline? --C.
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Not working on my computer either, though it did work Saturday (and I think I recall it working yesterday as well).
Unfortunately can't make it out to paddle tonight - have fun! I'll be looking at houses, including one on Clearview just a couple of blocks from Champlain Bridge. If I can convince my wife to do the extra bike ride from there (~7:30 pm), then we'll stop by Bate Island for a look.
I still wore my drysuit yesterday, but the water's definitely warmed up.
Cheers,
Stefan
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Just to let everyone know, apparently the NCC says that bates island is officially closed indefinitely, so it might be good to put in on the ontario side and paddle over to the way.
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Interesting... Level is around 59.9 m according to [http://www.ottawariver.ca/river-levels-flows.php].
--C.
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Just to let everyone know, apparently the NCC says that bates island is officially closed indefinitely, so it might be good to put in on the ontario side and paddle over to the way.
I was there yesterday, and saw no real signs that it was supposed to be closed. Didn't notice any damage from any erosion activity or anything like that either.
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Just to let everyone know, apparently the NCC says that bates island is officially closed indefinitely, so it might be good to put in on the ontario side and paddle over to the way.
I was there yesterday, and saw no real signs that it was supposed to be closed. Didn't notice any damage from any erosion activity or anything like that either.
I was there yesterday and it was obvious that it was supposed to be closed, but someone had moved the barriers to the side so that they could access the island, the kind of thing that could annoy the authorities and delay re-opening. If you are interested in getting it open I suggest you call the NCC at 613-239-5000 and explain that the conditions are great for kayaking and surfing and encourage them to open it as soon as possible. They will explain that it had been flooded the previous weekend and they feel that they need to inspect the site for damage and/or hazardous conditions and that might take time because they have a lot of sites to inspect. Fair enough, but you can point out, as I did, that kayaking
only lasts for a few weeks in the spring and conditions are currently ideal, and it would be much appreciated if they could get to it sooner rather than later. It may, or may not, make a difference but it can't hurt to call and voice your opinion.
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there's an online petition setup ...
https://www.change.org/p/national-capital-commision-mission-de-la-capitale-nationale-request-to-the-ncc-ccn-to-re-open-bates-island-in-ottawa-on (https://www.change.org/p/national-capital-commision-mission-de-la-capitale-nationale-request-to-the-ncc-ccn-to-re-open-bates-island-in-ottawa-on)
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there's an online petition setup ...
https://www.change.org/p/national-capital-commision-mission-de-la-capitale-nationale-request-to-the-ncc-ccn-to-re-open-bates-island-in-ottawa-on (https://www.change.org/p/national-capital-commision-mission-de-la-capitale-nationale-request-to-the-ncc-ccn-to-re-open-bates-island-in-ottawa-on)
Great job Larry. Well written and to the point. Hopefully it will make a difference.
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Great job indeed. But I believe John Rathwell wrote it, not Larry "Cracked Kayak" Wong... I just signed it.
By the way, I am sure that at least one guy 'bates there after dark, but it is in fact called Bate Island.
--C.
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Correct - I got nothing to do with creating or writing the online petition... just passing along the stuff.
Larry W
Great job indeed. But I believe John Rathwell wrote it, not Larry "Cracked Kayak" Wong... I just signed it.
By the way, I am sure that at least one guy 'bates there after dark, but it is in fact called Bate Island.
--C.
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When they say closed, do they mean closed to pedestrians as well? I will be going tomorrow after work and either portaging to Bate if pedestrian access is allowed. If not, I will put in somewhere upstream.
Elizabeth
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When they say closed, do they mean closed to pedestrians as well? I will be going tomorrow after work and either portaging to Bate if pedestrian access is allowed. If not, I will put in somewhere upstream.
Elizabeth
Yes, they mean everyone, both motorists and pedestrians. However the barrier is just a couple of sawhorses and
some yellow tape so you could easily duck under the tape and access the island. However, you would be risking arrest and/or a fine by the RCMP and you could jeopardize the lobbying effort to get the NCC to re-open the site. The best thing you can do is sign the online petition and call the NCC at 613-239-5000 and politely lobby them to get on with their inspection and re-open the island.
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Hi Rick,
Thanks for the information. I will ferry over from another location and make sure I do not use the island for access. As far as I know, the river is still fair game as long as you don't create a wake...
Elizabeth
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I phoned the NCC yesterday. The woman said that there was to be a meeting today to decide when it could be opened. The engineering assessment had to take place to make sure it was 'safe' (health wise etc.) She is supposed to get back to me today.
I encourage others to phone as well.
Adam
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Thanks for calling them, Adam!
It's important not to sound whiny or entitled, not to brandish 'Navigable Water' etc.
They know that at least once somebody pulled a 'ghost kayak' found empty (but with name and phone number) behind parliament after going down Chaudière Falls in Spring 2007, and how much it cost then to have police divers search the bottom of the river, all the while said kayak owner was busy driving along shore to try to find the boat. Old club members know who that person is (hint: now living in Montréal).
We should instead reassure them that we wear immersion-ready dry suits, many of us have rescue certifications, and that we are a sort of 'quick-response asset' when paddling there, if some bozo ends up in trouble (like the pair in a canoe rescued by a runner, search old news on CBC TV).
So let's see what they do. Level is now going down a bit.
--C.
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Hi all.
I was just on the phone with the NCC, identifying myself as a kayaker normally paddling at Bate Island. She assured me that the re-opening of the Island was a priority. It turns out that this island is important not just for paddlers/surfers, but to others as well: families pic-nics, fishing etc.: we are not the only ones calling them about it. She believes that tomorrow the NCC website will be updated.
They are legitimately worried about erosion and damage to the island. Let's be realistic: if one young child falls in the river because of wall collapse (or whatever), a mob would be screaming to punish the NCC for re-opening an unsafe island.
Let's be patient, the river level is still 20 cm higher than peak level last year, see below. If they re-open it by Thursday, let's all go and celebrate it--first in the water, then at the pub! Cheers all...
--C.
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Just got a call from the NCC. Bate Island has been reopened as of earlier today!!!!!
Adam
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Super! I'll be there Thursday after work!
--C.
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At risk of stating the obvious, a group of us will be at Champlain this evening and heading over to Whispers after 7:00p to cope with this terrible weather... (May 19)
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May 25: anybody going tonight? Could be the last chance, as river level is droppintg fast... Then visit the pub to iron out weekend plans!
--C.
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Not sure about Bate Island tonight, but will be at Whispers afterwards. Paul will be there as well
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Cool.
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If the famous Paul is there, I also be at Whisper
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If the famous Paul is there, I also be at Whisper
LOL/MDR :-)
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Will be down at Champlain after work tommorow. Might head to the pub after.
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See you there around 5:30!
Paul:-)
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I should be there, probably closer to 6 though.
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ya I might not be there by then. I will be there around 3:30.
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I'll be there, but a bit later--around 5?
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Will be there around 6:00p and over to Whisper's afterwards
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Sorry was off the river by 5:30 decided to just head home.
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Sorry was off the river by 5:30 decided to just head home.
How was the wave?
Elizabeth
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It's good. Had some great surfs.
I might be back tomorrow evening as well.
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Anybody going tonight? Should be still good, above 59 m in June!!! --C.
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Was a great level last night. Can't make it tonight though.
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I'll be going later this afternoon, Whispers after?
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Sure!
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See you there.
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Anybody going tonight? For long boats, 1st wave would be good. My sea kayak is on the car already...
--C.
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Can't paddle tonight but Tibor will be there at 6pm and I will be there too. Bill is also coming.
Paul:-)
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Bill, I and others will be at Whispers tonight at 7pm! June 22
Join us!
Paul:-)
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Bill, I and others will be at Whispers Thursday, at 7pm! July 6 th!
I'll be at Champlain paddling at 5pm since it seems the wall is almost coming up again!!!!
Join us!
Paul:-)
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You're optimistic. I'll be listening to Beethoven tomorrow. --C.
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Well going to cancel plans for paddling but if some are still willing to go to Whispers post here.
Paul
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I'll be at Whispers tonight
Bill
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That's great!
See you there!
Paul
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me to long time no see
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I won't be able to make it. I am as sick as a dog.
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A group of us will be going to Whispers around 7:00pm (July 13)
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A group of us will be going to Whispers around 7:00pm (July 20)
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I will be there!
Paul
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A group of us will be going to Whispers around 7:00pm (July 27)
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Thanks Christian now I can pay for 2017 and see you & NOT drink your beer tonight while at Whispers.
Denzil
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A group of us will be going to Whispers around 7:00pm (august 17)
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A group of us will be going to Whispers around 7:00pm (August 24)
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A group of us will be going to Whispers around 7:00pm (September 7)
Paul
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Christian, Bring your boat so I can see it!
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see you there
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Maybe... Ok, I'll bring it.
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Christian: jai ma facture pour le Beastfeast 47.48$
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A group of us will be going to Whispers around 7:00pm (Sept. 14)
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Bill,
last time we did the Ouareau section 'pont du gouvernement' it was low and a great day.
Do you remember if over the actual 28 cms?
http://quebecwhitewater.com/region_detail/?zone=14
http://qcrivers.blogspot.ca/2007/10/ouareau-pont-du-gouvernement.html
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A group of us will be going to Whispers around 7:00pm (Sept. 21)
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Bill,
last time we did the Ouareau section 'pont du gouvernement' it was low and a great day.
Do you remember if over the actual 28 cms?
http://quebecwhitewater.com/region_detail/?zone=14
http://qcrivers.blogspot.ca/2007/10/ouareau-pont-du-gouvernement.html
Your memory is very good, it was around 30 cms on the INFODEBIT guage (http://www.canot-kayak.qc.ca/info_debit/index.html)
Right now, InfoDebit says it's at 22.3 cms, too low...
Bill
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A group of us will be going to Whispers around 7:00pm (Sept. 28)
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A group of us will be going to Whispers around 7:00pm (Oct. 5)
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A group of us will be going to Whispers around 7:00pm (Oct. 12)
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A group of us will be going to Whispers around 7:00pm (Oct. 19)
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A group of us will be going to Whispers around 7:00pm (Oct. 26)
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A group of us will be going to Whispers around 7:00pm (Nov. 2)
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A group of us will be at Whispers starting around 6:30pm (Nov. 2)
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A group of us will be going to Whispers around 7:00pm (Nov. 23)
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I will join you.
Paul ;D
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A group of us will be going to Whispers around 7:00pm (Nov. 30)
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A group of us will be going to Whispers around 6:30pm (December 6)
Paul
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A group of us will be going to Whispers around 6:30pm (December 14)
Paul
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Let’s get together at Whispers before Christmas!
Our usual meeting this coming Thursday, December 21 at 6:45pn.
It would be awesome if our new President and the whole CdB Exec made an appearance too!
Paul😊
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Sounds like a wonderful idea. Elaine and I will be in Ottawa to celebrate Christmas with our daughter so we would like to join you at Whispers. :)
Thanks Paul for getting this started.
Allan
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My pleasure Allan.
We have a table reserved for 12 people.
Paul
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A group of us will be going to Whispers around 7:00pm (January 11)
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A group of us will be going to Whispers around 6:45pm (January 25)
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I wish I could join you all, but this semester is rather busy and I often need to stay late on Thursdays... At least I have a conversation piece in my office--til the Health and Safety Officer takes ombrage to it as a 'fire hazard' in my office...
--C.
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A group of us will be going to Whispers around 6:45pm (February 22)
Christian, hope you can make it this time.
Paul ;D
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A group of us will be going to Whispers around 7:00pm (March 8)
Bill
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A whole bunch of us will be at whispers this evening starting at 6:45 or 7 PM hope to see you all there so we can talk about spring paddling!
Paul 🧜♂️🌊
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I'll try to make it, but probably won't be paddling much this spring.
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Tonight’s meeting cancelled.
Paul :-(
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No, it hapenned...
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Is that like if a tree falls in the forest and no one is there to hear it, does it make a sound?
Paul:-)
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A whole bunch of us will be at whispers this evening. April 19, starting at 6:45 or 7 PM hope to see you all there so we can talk about spring paddling!
Paul 🧜♂️🌊
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I will try to make it this week!
Edit: tonight is Paddling Film Festival at Bytowne, so if it's not sold out I will go there instead.
--C.
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A whole bunch of us will be at Whispers Pub, on Richmond Road, this evening. April 26, starting at 6:45 or 7 PM hope to see you all there so we can talk about spring paddling!
Will Christian show up? ::)
Paul 🧜♂️🌊
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A whole bunch of us will be at whispers this evening, May 3, starting at 6:45 or 7 PM hope to see you all there so we can talk about spring paddling!
Paul 🧜♂️🌊
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are any folks paddling at Champlain tonight ?
Bill
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Some folks have said they expect to be at Champlain tonight.
A group of us will be going to Whispers around 7:30pm (May 8).
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Some folks have said they expect to be at Champlain tonight.
A group of us will be going to Whispers around 7pm (May 31).
Paul
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A table has been reserved, come one come all!
A group of us will be going to Whispers around 7pm (June 7).
Paul😀
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A group of us will be going to Whispers around 7pm (June 14).
All are welcome!
Paul😀
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A group of us will be going to Whispers around 7pm (June 21).
All are welcome!
Paul😀
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A group of us will be going to Whispers around 7pm (July 12).
Making plans for the CdB weekend at River Run.
All are welcome!
Paul :)
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A group of will be meeting at Whispers Pub This Thursday, July 19.
Among other tall stories, we will be making plans for running the Gatineau this weekend.
All are welcome!
Paul :)
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A group of will be meeting at Whispers Pub This Thursday, July 19.
Among other tall stories, we will be making plans for running the ??????? this weekend.
All are welcome!
Paul :)
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A group of us will be going to Whispers around 7:00pm (August 16)
Bill
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A group of us will be going to Whispers around 7:00pm (August 16)
Paul:-)
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A group of us will be going to Whispers around 7:00pm (August 30)
Paul:-)
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Anyone wanting to paddle before Whispers? I plan on going to the Pumphouse for 6PM for a few laps and then heading to Whispers. The course is usually sparsely used on evenings. There is a $5 fee (unless you are an ORR member).
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Anyone wanting to paddle before Whispers? I plan on going to the Pumphouse for 6PM for a few laps
I'll likely be game for that, and I might even get started before 6.
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See you there, Dave.
Anyone wanting to paddle before Whispers? I plan on going to the Pumphouse for 6PM for a few laps
I'll likely be game for that, and I might even get started before 6.
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I teach from 16:00 to 19:00 on Thursdays... Have fun!
--C.
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Come on over to Whispers after your class then!
Paul:-)
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A group is meeting at Whispers tonight, Thursday September 6, at 7pm.
Join us!
Paul:-)
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So far it's just me on patio...
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Sorry for my no-show Christian,
I should’ve posted here. Got a bug at school. Phoned Bill to let him know. I hope he showed up!
I’m resting so I can make it to Valleyfield Saturday!
Paul
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A group of us will be going to Whispers Pub to plan our paddling weekend tonight,September 13, at 7pm.
Join us!
Paul:-)
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A group is meeting at Whispers tonight, Thursday September 20, at 7pm.
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A group of us will be going to Whispers Pub to plan our paddling weekend tonight,September 27, at 7pm.
Join us!
Paul:-)
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Sure!
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Excellent!!
Paul ;D
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A group of us will be going to Whispers Pub to plan our paddling weekend tonight, October 4, at 7pm.
Bill
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A group of us will be going to Whispers Pub to plan our paddling weekend tonight, October 11, at 7pm.
Paul:-)
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A group of us, including myself, Bill and Tibor, Daniel will be going to Whispers Pub this evening, October 25 at 7pm.
We could talk about the upcoming AGM!
Join us!
Paul:-)
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will be there and we could discuss of our 2018 fall Agm and see if someone could host it
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Hello all
Sorry I could not be there. It was almost 7pm before I was out of work that night. I asked Dani if she could host. Unfortunately she is going to India for three weeks for work so she is unable. My place is really too small for everyone to sit at once in my living room for a proper meeting. Does anyone else have an idea?
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Anyone heading to Whispers tonight?
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Come and join us at Whispers Pub, in Westborough tonight at 7pm
Cheers
Paul
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Come and join us at Whispers Pub, in Westborough, Today , Thursday, November 29, at 7pm!
Cheers
Paul :)
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see you
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Sign me up.
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A group of us will be going to Whispers Pub for a Christmas get together, December 20, at 7pm.
Join us!
Paul:-)
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A group of us will be going to Whispers Pub for a first New Year get together, January 3, at 7pm.
Join us!
Paul:-)
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A group of us is heading to Whispers this Thursday for 7 PM. Please join us!
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See you there!
Paul
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Sure...
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Thursday, April 25, 2019
A group of us will be going to Bates Island to watch/paddle the waves this evening after work, say 5-6 pm.
Afterwards we will meet at Whispers Pub (usually 7pm) to discuss our weekend paddling plans/adventures to come!
Join us!
Paul:-)
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A group of us is heading to Whispers this Thursday for 7 PM.
We'll be planning for a trip this Saturday as well as talking about, what else, high water levels!
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A group of us is heading to Whispers this Thursday for 7 PM.
We'll be planning for a trip this Saturday as well as talking about, what else, high water levels!
Join US!
Paul
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A group of us is heading to Whispers this Thursday for 7 PM.
We'll be planning for a trip this Saturday as well as talking about, what else, high water levels!
Join US!
Paul
Modify message
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I will meet you there!
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A group of us is heading to Whispers this Thursday for 7 PM.
We'll be planning for the CdB Palmer Rapids week-end trip this Friday/Saturday/Sunday.
Join US!
Paul
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See you there
Adrian
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A group of us is heading to Whispers Pub, on Richmond Road this Thursday, June 6, for 7 PM.
We'll be planning for the paddling week-end trip this Saturday and or Sunday.
Join US!
Paul
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A group of us is heading to Whispers Pub, on Richmond Road this Thursday, June 6, for 7 PM.
We'll be planning for the Newcomer day paddling weekend trip this Saturday.
Join US!
Paul
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A group of us will be going to Whispers around 7:00pm (July 11)
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I´l l see you there!
Paul
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A group of us will be going to Whispers around 7:00pm (July 18)
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A group of us will be going to Whispers around 7:00pm (July 25)
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A group of us will be going to Whispers around 7:00pm (August 1).
Making plans for the long weekend.
Join us.
Paul:-)
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Someone needs to change the title on this thread :)
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Or we paddle on Thursdays at Champlain :)
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Yeah, we missed the spring paddling at Champlain because of lack of access due to closed bridge.
Paul:-)
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A group of us will be going to Whispers around 7:00pm (August 15).
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A group of us will be going to Whispers around 7:00pm (September 12)
Rivers pondered for the weekend (Saturday Sept 14)) are;
-the Beaver for the “gnarr gnarr” crowd (all day/late evening affair)
-the Ottawa because it's always « in » interesting (leave at 10, back by 6)
-the Gatineau (at a great easy level-leave at 9-back by 6-7pm)
-Valleyfield for multiple laps and a little bit of everything (short trip-10am to 4pm ish).
-Someone is bound to suggest the Rouge.(not me, I don’t do rodeo anymore)
Be at Whispers to pitch your River and make arrangements!
Paul:-)
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A group of us will be going to Whispers around 7:00pm (September 26).
Paul
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A group of us will be going to Whispers around 7:00pm (Oct 03).
We will discuss weekend paddling.
Jim
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Cool! I'll be there. How's the bike rack?
--C.
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Bike rack is present.
Cool! I'll be there. How's the bike rack?
--C.
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A group of us will be going to Whispers around 7:00pm (Oct 24).
We will discuss the weekend paddling options.
Paul
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So... What are the conditions? It's pretty high right now!
--C.
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Washed out
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Ohh... Thanks. I'll be gone for two weeks, might miss when it comes back down!!!
--C.