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Serpent River Paddle, July 5, 2026  A bald eagle gently swooped over us  to perch on a pine bough just downstream and welcome us to his domain - what a thrilling start to a fabulous day!  The sunny blue skies were matched with a very light breeze to make for a perfect paddle on the Serpent River.     First, a short exploration of of the downstream portion, below the giant culverts, which took us to the beginning of the rocky lead-up to Quirke Lake (to be explored further on another day).  Beautiful water lilies in bloom lined our way, or in places, 'carpeted' the river, through pretty much the entire length of our paddle.   We reversed direction to complete our exploration of the upstream portion of the river as far as navigable water would allow.  The giant culverts under Panel Mine Road proved to be no obstacle - it was actually a little thrilling to paddle through them!   Shortly after the lunch break, we entered the 'tu...
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 We had a peaceful paddle on Little Basswood Lake on June 28th.  Thank you to Tony Sladden for the photos!
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Little White May 2026

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  Little White May 2026 by Sirje Pomerleau Five eager paddlers gathered at the put-in and set about preparing for a wonderful day of paddling on the river ... and the day did not disappoint!  Beautiful blue skies, a sun that would not quit, a just-right breeze, and a current that carried us forward perfectly - not slow but just fast enough to create interesting decisions about which way to go around (or through?)  the 'swifts' to avoid bottoming out or getting carried into the shore.  The two canoes and the one kayak at times differed on route selection, and there were some miscalculations, but all was good in the end.   Paul even demonstrated a unique and entertaining one-legged running technique with his canoe to conquer shallow waters in a current!  Wildlife sightings included a trout, many ducks, and even more birds, which, if you were close enough to Ray to ask, could be identified by sound!  Great conversations and time spent together ro...
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Voyageur Canoe Spring Move

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Please mark May 9th, 2026 on your calendar!  We are looking for volunteers (12-15) to assist with moving the two Voyageur Canoes out of the 12 Sided Barn and on to the trailer.  We will meet at 11am at the 12 Sided Barn, Basswood Lake Road, Sowerby, Ontario.  Please email padders10@gmail.com if you are able to come out to help.  Refreshments will be available for our volunteers!
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Big Canoe Rides - Elliot Lake Heritage Days

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55 people of all ages took rides in the 36 foot Montreal canoe as part of the Elliot Lake Heritage Days celebrations.   Rides averaged 40 minutes in length.  To avoid problems dealing with wind, we followed the north shoreline past the industrial area to the Glassy Bay Outfitters airbase, where the younger paddlers got a kick out of seeing the float planes docked there.   ORCKA* training of trip leaders for the voyageur canoes was made possible through Ontario Trillium Foundation grant monies.  The Algoma Paddlers have 2 - 36 foot Montreal canoes.  The canoes take to the waters on day, overnight trips and community events such as the Elliot Lake Heritage Days.  Upcoming event: Town of Thessalon is sponsoring rides on August 17th. *ORCKA=Ontario Recreational Canoeing & Kayaking Association  
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Lessons In Thessalon, partnered with Algoma Paddlers

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Spots still available, contact info noted on posters below...deadline for sign up Thursday, July 11th 4 pm
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July 7 2024 Day Paddle - Caribou Lake CANCELLED

 Due to unforeseen circumstances, the trip planned for Caribou Lake is cancelled.  😞
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