Sat, Oct 18 2008 - Grand River Kayaking Daytrip from Cambridge to Paris (View Original Event Details)
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Another amazing day kayaking with the Grand Experience Canoe and Kayak Outfitters (GECKO)!
The day was your typical brisk, sunny, colourful fall day in late October but out on the water we found ourselves shedding some of our layers as we warmed up under the sun. Nothing like spending your day floating down the Grand. A gentle meandering river that takes us through one of the most diverse areas in Ontario. The Grand River is approximately 300km long from Orangeville to the Elora Gorge. And grand it is! 82 different species of fish; 242 different species of birds including the Trumpeter Swans and Bald Eagles (still considered endangered in southern Ontario are making a comeback in the Grand River watershed) and home to 80 of the species at risk in Ontario. The Grand River is ideal for both the seasoned and beginner kayaker and canoeist. This day our group traveled just a mere 22km.
Jamie our guide along with Jeff and Darren his assistants led us down the Grand and through the more tricky bits with a couple of stops along the way. First stop was the ruins of an old Mill where we lazed about eating our lunch and second stop was to the 300 year old Sycamore, thru a grove of Hemlocks, and finally to a wonderful look-out of the Grand itself and the surrounding area in all it’s fall splendor. We didn’t manage to find a puffball or bottle of beer this time – perhaps next year! But we did see some deer drinking in the river and spot a couple of hawks (perhaps bald eagles).
No mishaps other than a wet camera (Alexander) and finger cut (Dave). Finding myself on a rock in the midst of the flowing river was a bit daunting for a couple of minutes thinking I might very well be going in head-first but didn’t! Ghanesh once again took on the duties of resident photographer along with Jamie and Jeff. Afterward we enjoyed a pint next door from the Outfitter’s store at The Cobblestone and watched a slide show of our day on Jamie’s computer.
A great day! Thanks to all for coming out and making this another memorable event.
Have some photos from this event that you'd like to share in our photo album? Please forward them to Erik Sonstenes at photos@torontooutdoorclub.com. Please note that we prefer to receive the photos in approximately 640x480 or 750x500 pixels - do NOT send original high-res photos. If you have a LOT of photos, please submit up to twenty of your favorites (only) for a day event, or up to forty of your favourites for a multi-day event. Thank you.