Hi Everyone,
I just wanted to remind everyone that this is a potentially dangerous sport/leisure-activity that we all enjoy (as a few people found out last year).
But, I wanted to add this story:
A 73-year-old Ontario woman drowned Wednesday after her canoe flipped in the Klondike River, just outside Dawson City, Yukon.
23/07/2009 3:15:45 PM
CBC News
The woman and her husband, both described as experienced canoeists, were paddling down the river when their boat overturned around 6 p.m. PT, Dawson City RCMP said Thursday.
The man swam to shore and walked to the North Klondike Highway, where he flagged down someone to help.
The woman was swept downstream. Her body was located near the Dredge Pond subdivision in Dawson City a short time later.
The RCMP did not identify the couple Thursday, pending notification of other family members.
Police are reminding all recreational boaters to wear lifejackets, wetsuits and other protective gear when going out onto the water, especially on wilderness expeditions.
http://news.sympatico.msn.cbc.ca/Local/YK/ContentPosting?newsitemid=north-klondike-drowning&feedname=CBC_LOCALNEWS&show=False&number=0&showbyline=True&subtitle=&detect=&abc=abc&date=TrueI know this family, and I know that they have been paddling together for probably 50 years. I don't know how well they knew this river, or what "really" happened, but we all know that it doesn't take much for the worst to happen.
With all of the rain, it could be as simple as slipping in the mud or on a wet rock while portaging and carrying a kayak, and breaking an ankle or a wrist while in the "middle of nowhere".
Be safe, and have fun.
Sean
