LEAP Nottawasaga Paddling Trip

By Lilli Charlize S., Grade 11

On October 1, the Grade 11 Leadership, Exploration, Adventures & Perspectives class went on a paddling trip. Our route covered a distance of approximately 15 kilometers.

Our journey began at Edenvale Conversation Area. Before getting in the canoes, our guides Jim and Tim provided us with some important safety instructions. To prepare well, we reviewed some paddling strokes and techniques. Moreover, they also informed us about the river environment and gave us key tips to have a smooth canoe trip.

While paddling along the river we enjoyed looking at the first fall colours around us. In fact, we observed a variety of wildlife including turtles, hawks, and geese. Throughout the journey we worked together as a team to navigate around logs, branches, or rocks.

Around midday, we stopped along the riverbank for lunch and recreation. Everyone enjoyed a well-deserved break and delicious cookies!

One of the highlights of the trip was discovering a beaver dam and a bald eagle nest which was impressively large. Our guides explained to us that the bald eagles were an endangered species, but in this area, their population was recovering well.

After around four hours we finally reached our destination at Wasaga Sports Park. On one hand we were glad to arrive, but on the other hand it was sad that the experience had come to an end! Overall, the Nottawasaga Paddling Trip was incredibly fun and interesting, but also a challenging experience that combined adventure, teamwork, leadership skills and a connection to the environment.