2011 David Thompson Columbia River Canoe Brigade

2011 David Thompson Columbia River North Canoe

Brigade

Are you ready to be a Voyageur?

June 1 to July 15, 2011

http://2011brigade.org/

http://2011brigade.org


3.An invitation to paddle4.Why You Should Join the Brigade9.Route Map10.Schedule11.History- David Thompson12.History- The Voyageurs13.History- The North West Company15.Medical Fitness18. Are You Ready to be a Voyageur

Table of Contents

2011 David Thompson Brigade

Box 517

Invermere, B.C.

V0A 1K0


email

[email protected]

[email protected]



mailto:[email protected]




In 1811, David Thompson, trekked and paddled to the mouth of the Columbia completing the overland Northwest Passage. Two hundred years later a brigade of voyageur canoes powered by teams of 8 to 14 members will evoke the era of the fur trade and of exploration embodied by David Thompson, the pre-eminent map maker of North America. Following the inspiration of David Thompson and of the 2008 retracing of Thompsonʼs canoe journey from Rocky Mountain House, Alberta, to Fort William (Thunder Bay), Ontario; sixteen to twenty 26 foot voyageur canoes will travel from Invermere, British Columbia, to the mouth of the Columbia River near Astoria, Oregon. Some of the maps produced by Thompson affected the route chosen by Lewis and Clark as they traversed the United States. During his life as a fur trader with the North West Company, Thompson established much of the fur trade existing in the area of present day Washington and Oregon.

Since this brigade will traverse the Canadian-American border, paddlers from both Canada and America are needed to mark this 200th anniversary. Both experienced and beginner paddlers are encouraged to discover more about this adventure and to register at http://2011brigade.org . Individuals may register and be placed on a list of paddlers searching for a team or groups may register a canoe and complete or partial team.

Paddling a north canoe is unlike paddling a tandem canoe. The power and speed are amazing. Speeds of 8 kilometres an hour or 5 miles an hour are common on flat water and on river currents speeds of 15 kilometres an hour are usual. These canoes are amazingly stable. Individuals may travel the entire distance or only a portion. Read the following article to discover why you should participate.

Slightly inebriated from last night, the all-inclusive guest drags herself out of bed at five a.m., fumbles with the robe supplied by the

eleven star hotel beside the bay, and stumbles down to the pool to throw a towel on a lounge chair to preempt the other guests, and then it is back to bed. After a massive breakfast, she and her husband leave for the day’s adventure. Quickly the two reach their destination for the day- the hotel pool, slop on sun tan lotion, and lie down on their goldrush stake and claim their maximum allotment of sun exposure. Rolling off the sticky plastic loungers a couple of hours later they slide straight into the infinity pool The cool water which washes off sweat and tanning lotion, refreshes them, and then our adventurers exercise their way to the swim-up bar for margaritas and snacks, before heading back to the broil pit until the sun sets. A hundred dollars will put our adventurers on a banana boat behind a motor boat or one hundred fifty will put them on a paraglider to entertain those still beached on shore. Supper comes with another massive buffet and all the liquor that can be consumed. After five days, everyone flies home and rushes gleefully off to work in order to describe adventure stories with workmates. (Sound effect- tires screeching to a halt on pavement) The 60 year old Swede in the 1973 ParticipAction advertisement has nothing to fear. The 30 year old Canadian is not going to pass the 60 year old Swede’s

Why You Should Join the Brigade

fitness level any time soon. (Check Youtube- 60 year Swede) The North canoe with its complement of six paddlers pushes off from shore at 7:00 a.m. Scraping a light frost from the seats as the sun’s first crescent rises above the horizon, modern day voyageurs prepare for departure by loading day bags and safety equipment. A slow exercising of sleep affected muscles soon has the team warmed up as mist on the river envelops the canoe and hides it from the watchers on shore. The gouvernail in the stern directs the canoe around the river bend and into a mild rapid. Finally, two weeks into this voyage, paddle strokes are approaching synchronization and paddlers are starting to act like a team. Two weeks ago, each team member had an individual style. Photos taken straight on had beautiful angles as paddles angled in all directions. Not efficient; but beautiful. Now, paddles flash in unison and the canoe surges forward with power and speed. Paddles exit the water, turn sideways to feather and barely clear the water before slicing sideways into the river again; all together, all in unison. Depending on the current, speed is twelve to sixteen kilometres per hour. Pretty good for a bunch of people who had never seen each other a fortnight ago and who had never paddled a twenty-four foot canoe previously. Initially, switching sides to distribute the work to both arms was negotiated to occur every five minutes and now experience convinces the crew a two minute switch is better. A stroke rate of thirty-five was difficult to maintain on the first day and now, two weeks later, the

2011 David Thompson Columbia River Canoe Brigade

cadence is forty-three to forty-five. In the future, paddlers will be calling for switches every minute and if the switch timer misses

the call, a team mate attuned to the rhythm will within a few seconds, be sending a reminder.

It all sounds beautiful. However, this brigade of sixteen north canoes is heading for challenges, which sounds bad, but which is not. Daily exercise has muscles strengthening and the days are exhilarating.

Which eulogy would you wish for? Following the route of David Thompson to the mouth of the Columbia or following the hordes an all inclusive resort.

Teams are forming now for the 2011 David Thompson Columbia River Brigade travelling from Invermere, British Columbia, to Astoria, Oregon. You may paddle a portion of the way or the entire distance.

Departure- June 3, 2011 Arrival- July 15, 2011

email info@2011brigade 2011 David Thompson Columbia River Canoe Brigade

2011 David Thompson Columbia River Canoe Brigadehttp://2011brigade.org/



2011 David Thompson Columbia River Canoe Brigade

Two hundred years ago, in 1811, fur trader, explorer, surveyor, and mapmaker David Thompson reached the Pacific Ocean adding the Columbia River as the final leg of the fur trade highway between Montreal and the Pacific. His route would be used for fifty years as the major route across the Rocky Mountains by the twice annual Columbia Express, later adapted by the Hudson’s Bay Company to become the York Factory Express.

The fur trade was a unique era that depended upon collaboration between native peoples and Europeans exchanging furs and other bounties of the land and rivers for trade items manufactured far away. Fur trade exploration shaped the boundaries of Canada and the United States.

photo- Darrel and Deb Tetz




In 2011 salute the Columbia River Basin and its history by paddling voyageur canoes 1800 kilometres (1200 miles) along David Thompson’s historic route from present day Invermere, British Columbia, to Astoria, Oregon.

Tentative Dates - June 1 to July 16, 2011

If you would like to be added to the email update list, click on this link. Webmaster- [email protected]


mailto:[email protected]?subject=email%20update

mailto:[email protected]?subject=email%20update






Below are the communities or areas that the brigade will pass through from Invermere, British Columbia, Canada, on our way to Astoria, Oregon, USA.

Note Color code is

Day OFF or NO Travel Portage

DAY DAY & DATE START DISTANCE Cum. Dis Dist. to Go Cum. Dist. END

km/mi km km km mi

1 Thurs, June 2 Meet for start Invermere BC

2 Fri, June 3 Invermere BC 50K/30mi 50 50 1666 31.3 Canal Flats BC

3 Sat, June 4 Canal Flats BC 47K/28mi 47 97 1571 60.6 Wasa BC

4 Sunday June 5 Wasa BC 45k/27mi 45 142 1524 88.8 Fort Steele BC

5 Mon, June 6 Fort Steele BC 50K/30mi 50 192 1479 120.0 Kikomun Prov. Park BC

6 Tues, June 7 Kikomun Prov. Park BC 45K/28mi 45 237 1429 148.1 Rexford MT

7 Wed, June 8 Rexford MT 68k/42mi 68 305 1384 190.6 Libby Dam

8 Thurs, June 9 Portage from Libby 168K/105mi 305 1316 190.6 Thompson Falls MT

9 Friday, June 10 Thompson Falls MT Day Off 305 1316 190.6 Thompson Falls MT

10 Sat, June 11 Thompson Falls MT 52K/32mi 52 357 1316 223.1 Noxon MT

11 Sun, June 12 Noxon MT 40K/24mi 40 397 1264 248.1 Clark Fork ID

12 Mon, June 13 Clark Fork ID 50K/30mi 45 442 1224 276.3 Sandpoint ID

13 Tues, June 14 Sandpoint ID 50K/30mi 50 492 1179 307.5 Newport Wa, 3K past Brdg

14 Wed, June 15 Newport WA 30K/19mi 30 522 1129 326.3 Cusick/Kalispel Ind. Res

15 Thurs, June 16 Cusick WA 50K/30mi 50 572 1099 357.5 Tiger WA

Portage from Tiger 72K/45mi 572 1049 357.5

16 Fri, June 17 Meet @ Kettle Falls Day Off 572 1049 357.5 KETTLE FALLS, WA

17 Sat, June 18 KETTLE FALLS, WA Day Off 572 1049 357.5 Kettle Falls City Park

18 Sun AM, June 19 Kettle Falls Wa 39k/24mi 50 622 1049 388.8 Inchelium WA

19 Mon, June 20 Inchelium WA 50K/30mi 39 661 999 413.1 Fort Spokane Nat Hist

20 Tues, June 21 Fort Spokane Nat Hist 40/24mi 40 701 960 438.1 Kellers Ferry

21 Wed, June 22 Kellers Ferry WA 25k/15mi 25 726 920 453.8 Grand Coulee, WA

22 Thurs, June 23 Grand Coulee WA 39K/24mi 39 765 895 478.1 Wilderness

23 Fri, June 24 Wllderness 39k/23mi 39 804 856 502.5 Bridgeport WA

24 Sat, June 25 Bridgeport WA 45K/27mi 45 849 817 530.6 Azwell WA

25 Sun, June 26 Chelan Falls WA Day Off 849 772 530.6

26 Mon, June 27 Azwell WA 45K/27mi 45 894 772 558.8 Orondo WA

Alternate camping at pull out 894 727 558.8 Orondo WA

27 Tues, June 28 Orondo WA 30K/18mi 30 924 727 577.5 West Wenatchee Wa

28 Wed, June 29 West Wenatchee Wa 48K/29mi 48 972 697 607.5 Sunland WA

29 Thurs, June 30 Sunland WA 50K/30mi 50 1022 649 638.8 Vernita Bridge WA

30 Fri, July 1 Vernita Bridge WA 50K/30mi 50 1072 599 670.0 Savage Island past Hanford

Support teams proceed to Pasco WA 1072 549 670.0 set up camp at

31 Sat, July 2 Hanford Reach 52K/32mi 52 1124 549 702.5 PASCO WA

32 Sun, July 3 PASCO WA 24K/15mi 24 1148 497 717.5 Port Kelly WA

33 Mon, July 4 PASCO WA Day Off 1148 473 717.5 PASCO WA

34 Tues, July 5 Port Kelly WA 48K/24mi 48 1196 473 747.5 Irrigon OR

35 Wed, July 6 Irrigon OR 54K/33mi 54 1250 425 781.3 Arlington OR

36 Thurs, July 7 Arlington OR 55K/34mi 55 1305 371 815.6 Maryhill WA

37 Fri, July 8 Mary Hill WA 30K/19mi 30 1335 316 834.4 The Dalles Locks

38 Sat, July 9 The Dalles OR 30K/19mi 30 1365 286 853.1 White Salmon Wa

39 Sun, July 10 White Salmon/Hood Riv 37K/22mi 37 1402 256 876.3 North Bonneville Wa

40 Mon, July 11 N. Bonneville WA 57k/35mi 57 1459 219 911.9 FORT VANCOUVER, WA

41 Tues, July 12 Fort Vancouver Wa Day Off 1459 162 911.9 Fort Vancouver

42 Wed, July 13 Vancouver Wa 57k/35mi 57 1516 162 947.5 Kalama, Wa

43 Thurs, July 14 Kalama, Wa 55K/34mi 55 1571 105 981.9 Cathlemet, Wa

44 Fri, JULY 15 Cathlamet WA 50K/30mi 50 1621 50 1013.1 ASTORIA, OREGON

45 Sat, July 16 ASTORIA, OREGON Party 1621 0 1013.1 ASTORIA, OREGON




the 30th of April 1770 in the parish of St John the Evangelist, Westminster (London), the son of David and Ann Thompson. By instructions of his employers and by his own initiative, he explored and surveyed more than a four million square kilometres of wilderness, accomplishing the staggering feat of mapping one sixth of North America. A recent National Geographic story on Thompson stated that David Thompson made Lewis and Clark look like tourists.

Even Alexander Mackenzie, the renowned explorer, was quite astounded and remarked that Thompson had performed more in ten months than he expected could have been done in two years. Perhaps Thompson's greatest achievement his great map which hung in the Great Hall at Fort William, and was so accurate that 100 years later it remained the basis for many of the maps issued by the Canadian government

and the railway companies. David Thompson’s many journals have also enabled us to witness the early fur trade and the ways of a world that has long since vanished.

David Thompson, fur trader, explorer, surveyor, was born on

History: David Thompson (1770-1857)




"No less than ten brigades, each numbering twenty canoes, used to pass through these scenes during the summer months... I have seen four canoes sweep around a promontory suddenly and burst upon my view, while at the same moment the wild romantic song of the voyageurs, as they plied their brisk paddles struck upon my ear; and have felt thrilling enthusiasm on witnessing 30 or 40 of these picturesque canoes...half shrouded in spray that flew from the bright vermillion paddles.

Alas! The forests no longer echo to such sounds... and naught save narrow pathways over the portages, and rough wooden crosses over the graves of such travellers, who perished by the way, [nothing else] remains to mark that such things were."

R.M.Ballantyne: Hudson's Bay Company


History: The Voyageur



The North West CompanyCreated in 1779, the North West Company was a major force in the Fur Trade to 1821. Managed primarily by a partnership of Highland Scots from Montréal it also drew heavily on French Canadien labour (often referred to as Voyageurs) and experience who had forged trade with tribes into the interior of the continent.

The Nor'Westers competed head to head with the Hudson's Bay Company by pushing trade further and further inland. Brigade of 25 foot canoes, known as North or Voyageur canoes, would transport furs from scattered trading posts in the west and north back to the Lake Superior, where they




would be transferred to 35 foot Montreal canoes to continue to Montreal. To enable this far flung trade network the North West Company would push trade ever westward to gain new trading territory. Eventually the North West Company crossed the Rocky Mountains due to the exploration efforts of Alexander Mackenzie, Simon Fraser and David Thompson. At its peak the NWC trade territory stretched to the Gulf of Georgia on the Pacific.

Meanwhile, NWC-HBC rivalry increased making much of the territory unprofitable for both companies. The HBC had the advantage of exclusive access to the Hudson Bay which reduced the shipping distances significantly compared to that of their rivals. The NWC was forced to seek further and further for high value to weight cargoes. From 1815 to 1819 conflicts became increasingly violent with resulting unprofitability eventually forcing the hated rival companies into a merger in 1821with the name of the North West Company disappearing. The renewed Hudson's Bay Company continues to today.





Here are some questions to consider: 1. Has your doctor ever said that you have a heart condition and that you should only do physical activity recommended by a doctor?2. Do you feel pain in your chest when you do physical activity?3. In the past month, have you had chest pain when you were not doing physical activity?4. Do you lose your balance because of dizziness or do you ever lose consciousness?5. Do you have a bone or joint problem (for example, back, knee or hip) that could be made worse by a change in your physical activity?6. Is your doctor currently prescribing drugs (for example, water pills) for your blood pressure or heart condition?7. Do you know of any other reason why you should not do physical activity? If you answered yes to any of these questions or are unsure if you should initiate an exercise program, you may wish to discuss the matter with your doctor.

Are You Medically Fit to Participate in a Six Week Brigade?



photo- Deb and Darrel Tetz

TEST 1. Basal Heart Rate: When you first wake up in the morning take your pulse for 30 seconds (before you get out of bed and start moving). Do this over 3 days and calculate the average. TEST 2. Resting Heart Rate: During the day when you are sitting take your pulse for 30 seconds - do this over three days and provide the average. This is a person's 'Resting Heart Rate'. TEST 3. Step Test: This test takes 6 minutes to perform and you'll need the following to conduct it accurately. • A step (8 inches/20.3 cm high) • A stop watch or a watch with a second hand. • An Assistant is helpful but not necessary. • Prior to starting the test count the number of pulse beats for 30 seconds - record the

number.




• Perform a step cycle of four-step cadence (right foot up, left foot up, right foot down and left foot down - which is one cadence) completing 24 cycles in one minute. This is 2 cycles in a 5 second period.

• Have someone to help you keep to the required pace or you could use a metronome set at 96 beats/minute.

• Perform the test for 3 minutes • 30 seconds after finishing the test count the number of pulse beats for 30 seconds • Wait for 30 seconds and while still standing count the number of pulse beats for 30

seconds. • Record all three numbers derived from taking your pulse for 30 seconds. • Do this over three different days. Note: Each person is unique and some people may have a heart rate that is higher than "normal" while still being healthy and in good physical condition. The real value of these tests is to provide baseline data for each individual to gauge how effective their lifestyle choices are and whether they are getting enough exercise to keep their cardio-vascular system in prime working condition.




Are You Ready to be a Voyageur?Paddlers should be involved in an exercise regimen that will provide a level of fitness before the commencement of the brigade.

Are you interested in the fur trade, the preservation of historic waterways or maybe you just love to paddle? You could be a voyageur on the next Brigade. This could be the trip of a lifetime or beginning of a new tradition. Either way, preparation is critical. Brigade paddling is not for everyone. There are many challenges and you will need to be physically and mentally




prepared. The following resource material and questionnaire are intended to assist you with your preparation. It is important that you understand what a brigade involves. You are the best person to assess your fitness level and your abilities. Please be honest with yourself. Your enjoyment of this epic adventure will depend on it.

Being part of the CrewBrigade paddling is a team endeavour. You must be able to work with a variety of people under strenuous conditions. The communities along our paddle route expect us to arrive, on time. To maintain our schedule we will paddle long days, possibly in the rain, fog, wind, maybe even snow. We start early in the morning. You will be tired.

Although brigade paddling will test your endurance, this is not a race. For safety reasons, the canoes must stay together and we will attempt to balance the crews accordingly. If everyone has a positive outlook, a good work ethic and a willingness to work with others the trip will be most enjoyable.




FitnessPaddling requires strength, endurance and flexibility. Common injuries sites include the neck, shoulders, elbows and lower back. Knees, hips and ankles are also strained by switching sides. On a typical day, we will travel 60 to 80 kilometres. Current, wind, waves, even rain and sun will impact our travel speed. However, you can expect the canoes to be on the water eight to ten hours daily. Generally there will be opportunities for crew changes every 2 to 4 hours, but in wilderness areas this will not be possible. In every canoe, there will be six paddlers working together. In order to paddle in the brigade you must be able to maintain a rate of 40 strokes per minute for a minimum of two hours. Cardiovascular fitness is essential. Ultimately it is up to you to assess your fitness level and determine your ability to take part in any exercise program.




TrainingUnless you have a medical condition that precludes strenuous exercise, time and training will prepare you for the demands of brigade paddling. If you have never exercised, your conditioning program needs to start out slowly. If you are still unsure, check with your doctor about your ability to participate in a brigade or start a training program. For those who have exercised or paddled in the past, remember, deconditioning happens quickly. If you have taken years, months or just the winter off, your muscles may not be as ready as you think they are. Staff members at a health club or commercial gym may be able to help you set up a conditioning program.

The following book is an excellent resource for establishing a sport specific training program: Fit to Paddle; the paddlers guide to strength and conditioning, by Rocky Snyder, ISBN 0-07-141952-7NOTE: This book is out-of-print and may be difficult to obtain.

Ask your library to request it through inter-library loan. If anyone knows of other resources to prepare your body for canoeing, please let us know! Consider the following question:Recognizing that your fitness level will improve as the brigade progresses, initially, how long do you think you are able to paddle at a stroke rate of 50 strokes per minute? Proper training takes time and commitment. Set your goals accordingly. If you are not ready for the 2010 Brigade, 2011 may be a better option.

SkillProper stroke technique is essential for crews to work together effectively. You will be expected to provide and use a bent shaft paddle. Bent-shaft paddles are much easier to use and 20% more effective than traditional straight-shaft paddles. Graphite or wood paddles are both acceptable.




Traditional red voyageur paddles make a wonderful visual impression for arrival ceremonies. They are optional for this purpose and may not be practical for general paddling. The paddle stroke used in a north canoe is similar to that used in Dragonboating and marathon canoeing. Training in proper technique will be provided if necessary. Additional skills are required for the bow and stern positions. Consider taking a course from your local paddling club or store. Paddle Canada is a good place to find a course or a canoe club in your area and instructors for hire. Paddle Canada’s website is: www.paddlingcanada.com

Safety

The Brigade route will take us to remote areas with limited access to medical support. You are responsible for understanding and accepting the brigade’s safety plan. The brigade will provide first-aid equipment and communication devices. The north canoes will be equipped with throw ropes, bailers and signalling devices. However, you are responsible for bringing your own certified personal floatation device (PFD). We strongly encourage you to wear your PFD at all times. Current, cold water, and hypothermia are constant risks.


http://www.paddlingcanada.com

http://www.paddlingcanada.com






Documents

2011 David Thompson Columbia River Canoe Brigade