Monday, April 25, 2011

First Paddle of 2011 - The Lower Kananaskis


On April 22nd this brave group of canoers and kayakers defied the weather and launched into the Kananaskis River at Canoe Meadows, Alberta.


Driving to the river we passes hundreds of skiers heading to the ski at the resorts.



The launch started with a sleigh ride down to the river.




At one point a canoe got loose and would have launched itself, with most of our gear, except it hit a fallen log which saved an immediate rescue.



The launch was quite slippery because the sun had yet to melt a lot of ice on the shady side of the river.



Jim and Chip were inspired by the river, the weather and the company.



Jiri Stolarik, the new coach for the Bow Valley Kayak Club, escorted us down the river.





Linda showed her leadership to anyone downriver of her boat.



Jim and the dogs!



Jim and Kira keeping a lookout both for and aft.