JOURNEY #25 - April 20, 2003

Rideau River (Chapman Mills/Black Rapids): "Oh...Chutes!"

The weather was unbelievable. Over 20 celcius and plenty of sunshine. It was early afternoon by the time we got moving, so we thought we would go up to the Jock River Landing. We used this launch site several times last year, it is a great place to get started when you are in a hurry, since it is close, has free parking, and has a nice launch area.

The normally timid Jock was rushing into the Rideau today, which is at very low levels, as the dams upstream have not yet been opened. The launch area was of no use at all today. It was all rocks, with shallow fast-moving water. Even if we could have managed to get into the kayaks, we wouldn't have made it far.

Undaunted, we started driving north back towards Ottawa looking for another site, and didn't have to go far. We pulled in to the Chapman Mills Conservation Area (created through a partnership with the developers of the subdivision across the road) and after a quick run to the water's edge to check things out, found a nice sandy bank and finally got underway.

The wind was at our backs so it was a rather pleasant start to the season. It felt just amazing to be out on the water and to feel the heat of the sun and the cold spray of the spring waters. The river certainly looks different at such a low level. All sorts of interesting sandbanks and mud flats appear adjacent the marshy bays in the area. Mosquito Creek was nothing more than a trickle.

We disturbed what must have been about 2000 (at least!) Canada geese that were relaxing in one of these muddy areas, it was somewhere close to where Merivale meets Prince of Wales. Not far from there some very frisky kingfishers were making a racket on the east bank. In addition to the natural surroundings there are some very attractive homes and properties along both banks. One of our favourites is a modest finger joint cabin with a green metal roof. If you would like something a bit roomier, there are a few properties where the word "mansion" would not be out of place.

Looking at the map, you can also see why you will have the opportunity to observe endless aircraft overhead. We saw everything from a single engine Cessna careening in the wind to a 747 jumbo jet.

Some of the nicest landscape can be found in the last bend before the Black Rapids lock station. Be careful, however, as for some reason the usual warnings to boaters about open dams are not present in this area. There are two open chutes to the east of the lock (which is adjacent the western shoreline) and if you were poking around near the dam you might suddenly find yourself on one hell of ride! After we finished the return trip we stopped off at the locks to check them out, and were quite shocked to see the open chutes with no barrier or warnings (except for a couple of signs that are not in proportion to the danger) whatsoever for boaters.

Fortunately, Julie had expressed concern that with the strong wind blowing in the direction of the dam, it would be best that we not venture too close. Turning back into the stiff wind, our muscles were starting to complain quite loudly. No matter where we are on the Rideau or where we start, we always seem to have the wind in our faces on the return trip. But it felt good to feel a little shoulder burn and we rose to the challenge.

More than half way back we were looking for a place to take a break from the wind and have some water. We coasted into a little bay adjacent a large mud flat, and to our delight discovered a huge family of turtles. We coasted into the shallows, and the turtles seemed to have a silent debate about whether or not to slip into the water and hide. Eventually they all did so, but provided no end of entertainment by continuously popping their heads out of the water to check us out. The red-winged blackbirds were also rejoicing in the warmth and sunshine, and it was a very pleasant place to stop.

We paddled back out into the headwind and used our reserve power to return to the Chapman Mills launch site. There were many curious folks about taking advantage of the walking path. One couple took our picture as we pulled in to the muddy beach, and another tried to force their child (without asking what we thought of it either!) to sit in Keenan's kayak when it was up on the grass.

Today was also our first time trying out "water socks" instead of the water boots that we wore last season. They worked out great! Not bad for a $12 investment. They kept our feet completely dry, and they are much more comfortable in the boat as they do not interfere with circulation as much as the boots. They aren't going to be as useful if you want to get out and clamber around in a rocky area, but we will keep the boots in the hatch and wear the socks from now on.

We did about 12km in about 2.5 hours, which would put us behind last year's typical pace, but nevertheless an awesome workout. It was a great start to what will hopefully be a great season!