Paddler's Guide to Happy Camping

This is Kevin Callan's blog about his trips, his (mis-)adventures, and his favourite gear.

January 2009 archive

Classic NFB films now free on-line

I just caught wind of this yesterday while listening to CBC Radio. The National Film Board has created a web site free NFB films The site has over 700 NFB Films for free viewing. This is gold for us outdoor enthusiasts! Not only is all of Bill Mason’s films there ...

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I'm presenting this weekend at the London Lifestyle Show

I thought everyone would want to know that I'll be speaking about "Wilderness Pleasures" - a presentation on how to make your next camping trip more enjoyable - this weekend at the London Lifestyle Home Show (in the Adventure Expo area). When I'm not presenting, then I'll be hanging around ...

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My "How to Be a Happy Camper" College Course Finally Available.

I’m excited to announce that I am finally offering a camping course at the college I’ve taught part-time at for almost 20 years. Yes, it’s about time. This is something I’ve always wanted to do at the college but never quite found the time to organize. It’s titled “How to ...

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WOW! Paddle, Post and Pass It On is a Major Success

I knew it was a cool idea at the time but never thought it would be such a success. The idea was to celebrate the Canadian Canoe Museum's National Canoe Day by handing out a number of paddles and have canoeists make use of them, then post their trip and ...

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Students Sleeping During Environmental Issues Lecture – Our Earth is Doomed!

I write this blog while sitting in on the Environmental Issues opening lecture where I teach part-time. I teach the lab portion of this course – a time set to discuss and debate issues (the fun part of the course in my mind). I sit in on the lecture as ...

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Bailey has passed away

Dogs' lives are too short. Their only fault, really. ~Agnes Sligh Turnbull Bailey was the perfect canoe dog. Sadly, she passed away today from liver cancer. My best friend was 12. That’s a good life for any dog, but twelve years of Bailey’s life added up to one huge adventure. ...

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CBC Radio's Fresh Air "Winter is Fun" Interview

Here's my interview from this past Sunday's CBC Radio Fresh Air show. It was all about how fun winter activities are, especially snowshoeing. Check it out and pick up a free Ontario Tourism calendar at any MEC store or other outdoor retailers for great winter activities to do. Also, see ...

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Samuel de Champlain – My Favorite Family Provincial Park map_icon

My daughter Kyla had a rule in 2008 before we took her interior camping. We had to camp at a campground before and after our trip. Yes, it’s true, my daughter likes car-camping. I’m not afraid to admit it. I don’t mind it either, as long as you don’t have ...

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