Our Annual Canoe Adventure
Over the long weekend, we embarked on our annual canoe trip, a tradition we’ve upheld for 14 years. The journey covers a 74-kilometer route along the North Thompson river, starting near Clearwater and ending at McClure Ferry. While the route is generally easy to navigate, it does require some experience to avoid obstacles like deadheads, shallow areas, and occasional rough waters. Paddling is essential to reach certain sandbars where we set up camp, allowing us enough time to pitch our tents, eat, and enjoy some downtime.
We take several precautions to ensure the trip is safe and enjoyable. Wearing a hat and applying sunscreen is crucial to prevent heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and sunburns. Regular breaks every 2-4 hours to stretch and cool off in the water help keep us refreshed. We also dip our hats and soak our lifejackets frequently while paddling to stay cool. Preparing our food in advance makes mealtime simpler, whether we heat it up or eat it cold if our camp stove fails to light. We pack healthy snacks for easy access while on the water.
Hydration is key, so we bring plenty of water, being mindful of how much we can carry. Boiling river water for over five minutes is a reliable method for morning coffee or refilling water bottles, and we carry a water purifier straw as a backup. Electrolytes are also important, as they help replenish salts lost through sweat under the intense sun. Over the years, we’ve become more efficient at packing light and keeping things minimal yet functional. Compact, inflatable bed mats have replaced bulkier options, and freezing water bottles serves a dual purpose of keeping food cold and providing a refreshing drink as they thaw.
The preparation may seem extensive, but the rewards of the trip are immense. This is the most anticipated and enjoyable adventure I look forward to each year. It’s a time when I can truly disconnect from the busy world and immerse myself in nature. The experience is enriched by encounters with wildlife—eagles and deer are regular sights, and this year, a deer captivated us by frolicking along the sand and sipping water. Bears have also become a more common sight in the last three years, so we’ve adapted by being more cautious with our food storage, placing it near the canoes and setting up camp at a safe distance.
Despite the challenges, the grounding effect of this trip is unparalleled. Being surrounded by the natural environment and soaking up the sunlight has a profound impact on both physical and mental well-being. It’s a time to slow down, reconnect with nature, and find peace away from the hectic pace of everyday life.
Regular exercise and healthy eating are essential, and this trip offers a unique way to blend both. Paddling gives me exercise that doesn’t feel like a workout, and I get to enjoy healthy foods that are different from my usual routine. This experience allows me to pause, recharge, and is a valuable part of a balanced, healthy lifestyle.
If you’re unsure how to start or incorporate regular exercise and a healthy diet, contact me at DEEM Health + Fitness!
Mikkie Nettles-Pollon, Certified Personal Trainer/Holistic & Sports Nutritionist
Not sure where to begin, contact me at info@deemhealth.ca
250-541 -0411.
www.deamhealth.ca
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