Brantford – A Treasure Trove of Outdoor Activities

When we think of outdoor activities like hiking, camping, fishing, paddling, and cycling our minds usually tend to wander to remote vistas and wilderness solitude. You know the old saying, "Perception is reality!" Well, the reality is that you often don't have to go very far to find the perception of wilderness solitude. In fact the City of Brantford is one such hidden Southern Ontario gem.

I always thought of Brantford as the home of Alexander Graham Bell, Joseph Brant, and of course Wayne Gretzky, but I was thrilled to discover another side to Brantford. Nestled along the banks of the Grand River Brantford is a treasure trove of activity for outdoor enthusiasts. Some of the highlights include: the Grand Valley Trail, Brant Conservation Area, and the Grand River Exceptional Waters Region. Fishing in this area is second to none with an abundance of species from small mouth bass, pike, and channel cats, to walleye and rainbow trout. There are many access points and the river can be fished from shore in many locations, or wade and cast the shallows. If you're looking for something a bit more leisurely you can drift the lazy current in a canoe or kayak.

Whether you hike, fish, or paddle, the perception of wilderness solitude is very real, especially on and around the Exceptional Waters region that runs from Brantford to Paris. Even though you are surrounded by everything from towns and cities to farmland and major highways, you'll likely never know it. All you will experience is that tranquil feeling that only comes from a wilderness experience, but with all the advantages of being close to a major urban area.

Depending on your interests and pocket book, accommodations range from 4 star hotels to B&Bs to tranquil campsites along the Grand River, and local attractions are abundant and varied. If you're feeling lucky why not head to the OLG Casino, or take a side trip to the Canadian Military Heritage Museum, Chiefswood National Historic Site, Bell Homestead National Historic Site, the Woodland Cultural Centre, or take in a show at the Sanderson Centre for the Performing Arts.

Be sure to put the City of Brantford on your list of must visit places in Southern Ontario.

©2010 Lloyd Fridenburg – All rights reserved click here for copyright permissions

Treepedo – A Logging Tool That’s Ideal for Hunters, Campers, and Paddlers

Sometimes you have to think outside the box and every once in a while, even in my foggy world, the lights come on. Recently I met Thomas Amorium, the inventor of a device called Treepedo. In short this is a neat little gadget intended for use by loggers and tree removal experts to throw a messenger line that is used to pull a rope into the tree to isolate tree branches for safe removal or to direct a falling tree when working in tight quarters. It was really cool and I thought that at least it would be worth a mention to some of my friends that own large woodlots; but what has this got to do with our outdoors adventures?

First let me tell you what this device does and why it is unique. In order to tie off a tree or a limb in a given direction a light line (messenger) is attached to a weight (typically a bag filled with toxic lead shot), the weight is then tossed into the crown of the tree and maneuvered into position to obtain the desired pull angle. A heavier rope is then attached to the messenger line, pulled back through the crown, and then anchored. If you're like me the wheels are already turning.

The problem with the traditional method is that it can be time consuming and frustrating. The lead filled bags get stuck in the branches or snag and break, spilling their lead shot contents onto the ground. Treepedo is a three part, aerodynamic, environmentally friendly device that easily worms its way through tree branches and virtually never gets hung up. It's easy to see because of the bright stainless steel finish and, in the rare instance that it does break off, it is easy to find and non toxic to the environment.

Although this was really cool my interest stopped at the purpose it was designed for; then the lights came on! Being one that's always on the lookout for new gadgets that can potentially add to my enjoyment of the outdoors I began to see new applications.

Hunters, have you ever struggled to find a secure and safe way of hoisting your tree stand, or tried to lasso a branch to hoist up a deer to keep it safe from varmints until the next morning?

Campers and paddlers, have you ever gazed longingly at that tree branch 30' off the ground and thought "If only I could get a rope around that branch to keep my food away from animals?"

Well Treepedo just might be the answer to your prayers. It's small enough, and light enough, to pack along on any hunting, camping, or paddling trip. It's easy to use and will allow you to safely, accurately, and easily secure a rope exactly where you want it.

For full details check out www.ropearmour.com
.

©2010 Lloyd Fridenburg – All rights reserved click here for copyright permissions

Keep Kids Busy with Geocaching

Geocaching – that high tech game of hide and seek – isn't just for adults. "I'm booorrrred", a refrain that all parents dread…especially during the family vacation! Let's face it, it isn't easy keeping the kids entertained all day long and how about some time for you too. So why not get creative and break out the GPS for the kids.

Kids these days tend to grasp the intricacies of electronic devices like we used to grasp kicking a beach ball or throwing a Frisbee. Set up a course around your cottage or campsite with treasures hidden in each place. You can make the course as long or short as you like but it will keep idle minds active for quite awhile, especially when you know just what treasures will pique their interest. Here are a few suggestions that will make it a bit easier:

• Let the age of your kids determine the length and complexity of the course.
  
• Pre-program all the waypoints and show them how to navigate from one to the other.
  
• Choose an area that is relatively free of biting insects.
  
• Give them a list of things they will find at each set of coordinates.
  
• Encourage them to use navigational terminology like coordinates, waypoints, etc.
  
• Be sure the last set of coordinates is your home base…we just want them busy for awhile and want them to find their way back home easily.
  
• Give them a set of clues for each cache and, again, let their ages determine how well hidden the caches will be.
  
• Give them some questions to answer about each location that will help them learn about the outdoors
  

Make his a fun experience and you'll not only get the kids active but they will be learning about our great Southern Ontario outdoors at the same time. Have a safe and happy summer season wherever you are in Southern Ontario.

©Lloyd Fridenburg - 2010

Don’t Put That in Your Mouth

There is simply no better gift that you can give your child than to share Southern Ontario's great outdoors. Even infants will love the chance to explore new territory and getting dirty is a bonus. But parents of toddlers and infants also need to be vigilant to ensure that children are safe in their surroundings.

This can be a difficult task even at home, but on the trail or in the bush it is essential. Of course there are the obvious dangers that can result in scrapes, bruises, or sprains but there are also those that can result in severe illness or even death. Many of these dangers are hidden under the guise of beautiful plants or insects. You as a responsible parent need to take the time to educate yourself about the hazards in your area and what to do about them.

Mosquitoes can transmit West Nile Virus; ticks can transmit Lyme Disease; and the venom from wasps, bees and hornets can cause a life threatening allergic reaction, especially if multiple stings are inflicted. Plants to watch out for include daisy, periwinkle, poison ivy, poison oak, nightshade, morning glory, some varieties of mushroom, arrowhead, and milkweed. Some of these plants – or parts of them – are edible at certain times of the year and some are even medicinal, in the correct proportions, but unless you are an expert it is best to avoid them all together.

Here are a few tips to help keep your kids safe:

• If they have eaten any form of vegetation remove any pieces from their mouth and try to identify it.
  
• If you are able to identify it and it is amongst the poisonous varieties seek medical attention as soon as possible, or call the Ontario Poison Centre at 1-800-268-9017.
  
• If you can't identify it or even if it is something you believe to be harmless watch the child closely for several hours so see if any symptoms arise. Symptoms can include being lethargic, trouble breathing, fever, loss of appetite, and vomiting. Don't hesitate to call the Ontario Poison Centre, they can tell what symptoms to watch for.
  
• Know the risk category of the region for things like Lyme Disease and West Nile Virus. There is actually a very low risk of contracting one of these diseases and an even lower risk of serious symptoms developing, but know the symptoms. Take precautions, but don't live in fear of mosquitoes and ticks.
  
• If your child is stung by a bee, wasp, or hornet watch closely for any signs of a reaction. In the event of multiple stings or if symptoms arise, seek medical assistance immediately! For more information read the article titled Bees in the Bush on the Southern Ontario Outdoors camping blog dated June 2009.
  

"Knowledge is Power"! It simply isn't practical to think that you can protect your kids from all things that may be harmful, but a bit of research will help you keep them safe and happy in our great Southern Ontario Outdoors.

©2010 Lloyd Fridenburg – All rights reserved click here for copyright permissions