Imagine gliding over glassy waters
that surround Canoe Island at sunset or traveling to a campsite nestled in the
San Juan archipelago. With the arrival
of our new 29-foot Langely Voyageur Canoe, this experience will be one of the
countless magical memories that campers make at Canoe Island French Camp this
summer. Our canoe was built in the style that the French fur traders used
across Canada and even into Washington. It
can comfortably fit up to 12-14 paddlers with plenty of freeboard left for
camping supplies.
Shipped to
Bellingham from Clipper Canoes near Vancouver B.C., our big canoe was brought
across the Salish Sea by Executive Director Joseph Jones with the Ferry Queen.
On the prow was hung a cedar wreath made from cedar that Camp Director Connie Jones
gathered on Canoe Island. The cedar
wreath was in the tradition of those we have seen on the native canoes that
often come through the San Juan Islands on the annual Tribal Canoe Journey,
Paddling a big canoe takes group cohesion and determination.
The Voyageur Canoe took its maiden voyage paddled by volunteers at our Spring
Work Party on May 3, who lived up to both of theses requirements, and our
paddle around Canoe Island was a success! As we tossed the cedar wreath into
the current of Upright Channel, we wondered where this spirit of exploration
and friendship will lead us in the Voyageur Canoe this summer.
Tossing the cedar wreath into the Salish Sea
No comments:
Post a Comment