Calling All Canadians!

[Gary]

Hello my fellow Canadian members of the WCHA. I've just reurned from having attended this year's Annual Assembly at Keuka College. Although this was an oustanding event, kudos to Rob and all the volunteers for everything they did in making it a resounding success, I was quite lonely there.

Other than Rob and his family members I believe I was the only other Canadian there? I can't speak for any of you, or for your reasons for not attending, but I hope you'll consider making an effort to being there for next year's assembly. It is an amazing facility, with all the amenities needed for whatever you enjoy doing at the assembly. Situated only 30 minutes south of interstate 90 it is easy to get to. I can't comment on our dollar and its health but I know those who've organized this event have done their best to keep the costs to a minimum and offer a scale of options to those needing to do it on a budget. This event is well worth the price paid!

Politics aside, I know that the only ones who are suffering by our absence are those who work at bringing us this event, and each of us who chooses to not attend. I've always said that although the canoes are what draw us all together, its the people who make this organization so special. You are not only missed in your absence but very much needed, and would be much appreciated by being there.

Lastly, and I close with this, a member explained to me that in response to our "elbows up" effort, our neighbours to the south are waiting with their right hand extended welcoming us as family.

Hope to see more of us there, Gary Shaver WCHA member Greely, ON, Canada

 

[1905Gerrish]

Nicely written Gary. I also hope next year more of our neighbors to the north will attend the event. They were very much missed, and I look forward to seeing them there.

 

[MGC]

Gary, thank you for taking the time to put that to pen. Many of us on this side of the river feel a kinship with our Canadian neighbors. We grew up crossing back and forth, sharing customs, food, recreation, sports and culture. Politics aside, I struggle to understand the current tone we project from here. As a hockey player, I totally appreciate the "elbow's up" sentiment. Mine are not, but I sure do know how to use them. Aside from our Canadian roots, our trips to Ottawa to skate on the canal were as frequent as our visits to Whiteface to ski. We still laugh about my father driving to Ottawa in his slippers to go to a concert. Going to Cornwall for "Chinese" was a treat growing up. Asian food was scarce here back in the day. We've been to every small rink between here and Owens Sound and know our way around Quebec City as well (better) than we do Albany or Watertown. I love the time we spent in my friend's family lodge on an island on the Rideau, and I do know where to get the best cheese. Turn me loose in Toronto and I will burst at the seams from eating dim sung. Our entire family sings along to the Canadian national anthem, and we get goose bumps about "we stand on guard for thee." What great words.
Eventually politics and foolishness must be put off to the side in the spirit of what our wooden canoe community cherishes, the preservation of our unique associated values.

 

[Andre Cloutier]

Eventually politics and foolishness must be put off to the side in the spirit of what our wooden canoe community cherishes, the preservation of our unique associated values.
Everything you mention is still intact, we travel to the US even for day trips often, havent curbed our behaviour one bit, weak dollar notwithstanding. Elbows up is the most ridiculous sloganeering to come out of an election campaign to date, so much so its embarassing.
Assembly this year collided with so many life events it was impressive, else we wouldnt have missed a chance to drive a scant 3 hours to see old friends and the Curtis museum among other attractions. As demonstration of this, i would drive to NY again in an instant to pick up a Wolf Pond Old Town again. In need of any Chestnut for thwarts these days? ;o)

 

[Gil Cramer]

Thanks!!

 

[MGC]

Andre, thanks for sharing some additional perspective. It helps to square things. Personally, I'm still planning to head to Newfoundland with my smoke pole this fall, elbows down of course . My Jack Russell had a "date" with a cute "girl" from around Georgian Bay this morning, so not everyone is put off.
I don't currently have another wolf pond to tempt you, but stay tuned. I have a line on one. It's a long term proposition....I have already waited over 10 years. You know how that works....

 

[Gary]

Hi guys, I in no way meant to point fingers at anyone with my post. I simply was hoping to encourage those who didn't/couldn't attend this year and let people know that this was a first class event! But what else would we expect from Rob and his crew.
Thanks to all who've responded, discussion is always appreciated!
Andre I look forward to chatting at next year's assembly.
With next year's theme being Old Towne canoes I'm currently restoring a 1945 Old Towne HW which I hope to have some of my grandkids paddle in the "paddle by and salute".
Gary