Deb and I were presented with paddle #082 for our week long canoe trip in the Chiniguchi Waterway Park by Sportsman’s Lodge owners Jody and George Robbins, who received it from Kevin Callan who just returned from a trip with his family. Knowing how “Paddle, Post and Pass it on” originated, we were honoured to continue the paddle’s journey and tell its story.
 
Through the 7 days of our trip, paddle #082 travelled through Kukagami Lake, Donald Lake and its clear blue aqua waters, McCarthy Bay and a visit to the pictograghs, Laura Creek and its history of running logs down it, Chiniguchi Lake and its stunning white quartzite rock and crystal clear water, Wolf Lake’s rugged quartzite ridges and large stand of old-growth red pine, past Paradise Lagoon, with the last night spent on Matagamasi Lake. A paddle down McClaren Creek to finished back on Kukagami Lake. 


Paddle #082 was there to witness a joyous event that took place. I decided this was the perfect time to propose to my girlfriend Deb. With ring in hand I asked her to marry me and she said “wait’ and ran off to the tent. I was puzzled for a few seconds but then Deb came back with a ring for me and asked me if I would marry her. We both said “YES”.  If paddles could only talk!!
 
Mike MacHugh & Debbie Hutchins

In Yellowknife on June 26th, the days are long enough that it doesn't get dark.  To celebrate National Canoe Day in a way that was unique to the north, we put together a 'Midnight Paddle.'   We met at the government dock in old town at ten o'clock PM to go for a paddle on Yellowknife Bay.  About a dozen canoes braved a rather windy evening.  Following the paddle, we were all invited aboard one of the houseboats for caribou sausage.  We all had a good time, and can't wait for next year.

Ryan McCord