Tidbits from the Voyageur Trail Newsletter

Stories in the Winter2012 edition:

2011 VTA ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING by Susan Graham
The Sugar Shack on 5th Line in Sault Ste. Marie was the location of the 2011 AGM of the Voyageur Trail Association held October 29, 2011. The Coordinating Council met in the morning to hear updates on several topics; probably the most exciting was the news from the Thunder Bay area, reported by Kelsey Johansen. There are approximately 25 people there who have been investigating the development of a multi-use Rails to Trails project between the town of Red Rock and Thunder Bay, and they would like to form a new Thunder Bay VT Club. If this trail becomes a reality, it would be a significant addition to the Voyageur Trail system as well as the Trans Canada Trail. ...Want to read more?
FIND US ON FACEBOOK
We encourage all members to check out the VTA on Facebook.

Facebook is a great way to share pictures and thoughts on your favourite hikes, get a group together at the last minute, or to stay in touch with your many VTA friends!! Social media only works if members are using the site...so have a look and consider contributing!

Voyageur Trail Association: http://www.facebook.com/voyageurtrailassociation

Saulteaux Voyageur Trail Club (only) page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Saulteaux-Voyageur-Trail-Club

ANNUAL 'GALES OF NOVEMBER' HIKE by Gayle Phillips (Excerpt from Saulteaux Club blog)
The sun came out and 17 people joined us for our annual "Gales of November" hike (including the 3 original 'gales'!)

We hiked the Red Rock shoreline and the waves rolling in would have been great for surfing! I was pushing the snow on the road on the way there (as the plow hadn't been by yet), but once we hit the shoreline of Lake Superior, there was not a snowflake in sight--in the air or on the ground! ...Want to read more?
TRAIL SECTION CLOSURE
After a number of years of unsuccessfully trying to reroute a section of VTA trail in the Saulteaux area that had landowner issues (unauthorized motorized use and logging), this section has now been decommissioned due to the landowner retracting permission for our use. In Version 4.0 of the guidebook, Map 21, this section is from A2 (the 2.3 km mark) east to A5 (at Creek Road), a distance of approximately 10 kms. Please respect the landowner's wishes and do not use this section of closed trail.

WHAT'S HAPPENING IN THE WAWA AREA? by Andy Stevens
I have finished a busy summer and finally have had a chance to look at some of the trails in the area. The winds of 'November' have been hard on the trails. Obviously, the trails close to Lake Superior get some very high winds but the area has had a few occasions with sustained high winds. Therefore there are numerous trees down along the trails. I had to detour around the major tree obstructions along the various routes. ...Want to read more?
THANK YOU LANDOWNERS!
The Voyageur Trail Association is able to offer its members and the general public a superb hiking and snowshoe trail that leads to all kinds of wilderness adventures. This is due in large part to the generosity and goodwill of private landowners, who are kind enough to allow us to trek across their properties. Continued use of the trail is dependent upon the proper care of the lands entrusted to us by these landowners. Please be respectful of the landowner's wishes and property and adhere to the Trail Users' Code at all times whenever you venture out on the trail. Thanks once again to the landowners who support the VTA and make these outings possible.

BUY A GIFT CERTIFICATE!!
Looking for a practical gift for that outdoor lover on your list? Consider buying a gift certificate valid for purchases made through the on-line store. The store offers new or renewed memberships, guidebooks, GPS maps and more. Certificates can be purchased using your credit card on our secure PayPal site. Visit www.voyageurtrail.ca.

HIKE ONTARIO LEADERSHIP COURSE by Mike Landmark
On Saturday, November 12, 2011, a Hike Ontario Certified Hike Leadership course was held in Sault Ste. Marie and Mike Landmark was the instructor. Ten people received their certification.

A big thank-you goes to the Saulteaux Club for sponsoring the course to assist the VTA with its Risk Management initiatives!

The following people received certificates: Garry Koteles, Gale Koteles, Carole Blaquiere, Doris Welz, Gayle Phillips, Don McGorman, James Kohut, Jonathan Turik, Mhat Briehl, Anthony Perreault.

DONATE ON-LINE!!
The Voyageur Trail Association is able to accept credit card donations on-line. Payments are made via our secure PayPal site, through the on-line store. There is no need to set up a PayPal account.

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!!...Want to read more?
JOIN US ON THE ORIGINAL VOYAGEUR TRAIL!
Step back 200 years....voyageurs, Anishnabe and Canadians are joining to form a flotilla of canoes travelling down the ancient water trail that is the upper St. Mary's River, bound for For t St. Joseph. This flotilla is joined at the fort by others arriving from the east. In the early hours of July 17th 1812 the combined force makes the voyage from Fort St. Joseph to Mackinac Island. Fort Mackinac was surrendered by the Americans hours later without a shot being fired. Thus, Algoma was the stage for one of the opening actions of the War of 1812. 2012 marks the bi-centennial of the start of the war. ...Want to read more?
WALKING MAKES YOU SMARTER
Regular exercise in midlife may improve brain health and improve thinking and memory in later life. A 2010 collaborative study from researchers at the University of Pittsburg, U. Nevada, and U. California suggests that people who regularly take long walks experience less brain shrinkage and less cognitive impairment as they grow older than sedentary folks. ...Want to read more?
TRANS CANADA TRAIL HAS A NEW WEBSITE!!
The Trans Canada Trail just launched a brand new website with an interactive map function. Check out www.tctrail.com and learn more about Canada's longest footpath that will eventually link the entire country coast-to-coast.

INTERESTING 'SIGHTINGS' FROM 2011 by Dawn Elmore
This year, I led a number of hikes where I had the opportunity to discover interesting natural phenomenon. I am seeking assistance from the VTA member ship in answering the following questions about the photos below: ...Want to read more?
VTA MARKETPLACE
FOR SALE: 1 Pr Black Diamond Expedition Poles 7075-T6 Aluminum. Brand new, still in package. Three-stage poles with FlickLock* system. Ergonomic, dual-density foam grips with Variable-width wrist straps. BD *-baskets with a toothy front edge for climbing. Weight:610g. Extended Length 140cm. Shortest Length for traveling 62cm. $80 Ian 705-206-5422

FOR SALE: Sierra Design TENT, stretch dome, sleeps 3, like new, $85. Phone 705-942-9636.
STOKELY CREEK LODGE "the destination that will capure your heart"
2012 Events: Womens Weekend Away (Jan. 20-21); Snowshoe Festival (Jan. 28-29); Super Bowl Weekend Hut to Hut (Feb. 3-5); Paintball Biathlon (Feb. 18); Wabos Loppet (Mar. 3); Ski & Snowshoe the Frozen Lakes (Mar 9-11); Season Finale Spring Fun (Mar. 16-18). Contact #705-649-3421. ...Want to read more?


	TIDBITS FROM THE LATEST EDITION VOYAGEUR TRAIL NEWSLETTER If you wish to receive your newsletter by visiting this page when prompted to download the pdf version of the latest newsletter OR by mail--now the choice is up to you! Contact our Membership Secretary call (705) 779-3409 or 1-877-393-4003. Email to contact the Voyageur Trail News Editor: cheryl.landmark@sympatico.ca Stories in the Winter2012 edition: 2011 VTA ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING by Susan Graham The Sugar Shack on 5th Line in Sault Ste. Marie was the location of the 2011 AGM of the Voyageur Trail Association held October 29, 2011. The Coordinating Council met in the morning to hear updates on several topics; probably the most exciting was the news from the Thunder Bay area, reported by Kelsey Johansen. There are approximately 25 people there who have been investigating the development of a multi-use Rails to Trails project between the town of Red Rock and Thunder Bay, and they would like to form a new Thunder Bay VT Club. If this trail becomes a reality, it would be a significant addition to the Voyageur Trail system as well as the Trans Canada Trail. ...Want to read more? FIND US ON FACEBOOK We encourage all members to check out the VTA on Facebook. Facebook is a great way to share pictures and thoughts on your favourite hikes, get a group together at the last minute, or to stay in touch with your many VTA friends!! Social media only works if members are using the site...so have a look and consider contributing! Voyageur Trail Association: http://www.facebook.com/voyageurtrailassociation Saulteaux Voyageur Trail Club (only) page: http://www.facebook.com/pages/Saulteaux-Voyageur-Trail-Club ANNUAL 'GALES OF NOVEMBER' HIKE by Gayle Phillips (Excerpt from Saulteaux Club blog) The sun came out and 17 people joined us for our annual "Gales of November" hike (including the 3 original 'gales'!) We hiked the Red Rock shoreline and the waves rolling in would have been great for surfing! I was pushing the snow on the road on the way there (as the plow hadn't been by yet), but once we hit the shoreline of Lake Superior, there was not a snowflake in sight--in the air or on the ground! ...Want to read more? TRAIL SECTION CLOSURE After a number of years of unsuccessfully trying to reroute a section of VTA trail in the Saulteaux area that had landowner issues (unauthorized motorized use and logging), this section has now been decommissioned due to the landowner retracting permission for our use. In Version 4.0 of the guidebook, Map 21, this section is from A2 (the 2.3 km mark) east to A5 (at Creek Road), a distance of approximately 10 kms. Please respect the landowner's wishes and do not use this section of closed trail. WHAT'S HAPPENING IN THE WAWA AREA? by Andy Stevens I have finished a busy summer and finally have had a chance to look at some of the trails in the area. The winds of 'November' have been hard on the trails. Obviously, the trails close to Lake Superior get some very high winds but the area has had a few occasions with sustained high winds. Therefore there are numerous trees down along the trails. I had to detour around the major tree obstructions along the various routes. ...Want to read more? THANK YOU LANDOWNERS! The Voyageur Trail Association is able to offer its members and the general public a superb hiking and snowshoe trail that leads to all kinds of wilderness adventures. This is due in large part to the generosity and goodwill of private landowners, who are kind enough to allow us to trek across their properties. Continued use of the trail is dependent upon the proper care of the lands entrusted to us by these landowners. Please be respectful of the landowner's wishes and property and adhere to the Trail Users' Code at all times whenever you venture out on the trail. Thanks once again to the landowners who support the VTA and make these outings possible. BUY A GIFT CERTIFICATE!! Looking for a practical gift for that outdoor lover on your list? Consider buying a gift certificate valid for purchases made through the on-line store. The store offers new or renewed memberships, guidebooks, GPS maps and more. Certificates can be purchased using your credit card on our secure PayPal site. Visit www.voyageurtrail.ca. HIKE ONTARIO LEADERSHIP COURSE by Mike Landmark On Saturday, November 12, 2011, a Hike Ontario Certified Hike Leadership course was held in Sault Ste. Marie and Mike Landmark was the instructor. Ten people received their certification. A big thank-you goes to the Saulteaux Club for sponsoring the course to assist the VTA with its Risk Management initiatives! The following people received certificates: Garry Koteles, Gale Koteles, Carole Blaquiere, Doris Welz, Gayle Phillips, Don McGorman, James Kohut, Jonathan Turik, Mhat Briehl, Anthony Perreault. DONATE ON-LINE!! The Voyageur Trail Association is able to accept credit card donations on-line. Payments are made via our secure PayPal site, through the on-line store. There is no need to set up a PayPal account. WELCOME NEW MEMBERS!!...Want to read more? JOIN US ON THE ORIGINAL VOYAGEUR TRAIL! Step back 200 years....voyageurs, Anishnabe and Canadians are joining to form a flotilla of canoes travelling down the ancient water trail that is the upper St. Mary's River, bound for For t St. Joseph. This flotilla is joined at the fort by others arriving from the east. In the early hours of July 17th 1812 the combined force makes the voyage from Fort St. Joseph to Mackinac Island. Fort Mackinac was surrendered by the Americans hours later without a shot being fired. Thus, Algoma was the stage for one of the opening actions of the War of 1812. 2012 marks the bi-centennial of the start of the war. ...Want to read more? WALKING MAKES YOU SMARTER Regular exercise in midlife may improve brain health and improve thinking and memory in later life. A 2010 collaborative study from researchers at the University of Pittsburg, U. Nevada, and U. California suggests that people who regularly take long walks experience less brain shrinkage and less cognitive impairment as they grow older than sedentary folks. ...Want to read more? TRANS CANADA TRAIL HAS A NEW WEBSITE!! The Trans Canada Trail just launched a brand new website with an interactive map function. Check out www.tctrail.com and learn more about Canada's longest footpath that will eventually link the entire country coast-to-coast. INTERESTING 'SIGHTINGS' FROM 2011 by Dawn Elmore This year, I led a number of hikes where I had the opportunity to discover interesting natural phenomenon. I am seeking assistance from the VTA member ship in answering the following questions about the photos below: ...Want to read more? VTA MARKETPLACE FOR SALE: 1 Pr Black Diamond Expedition Poles 7075-T6 Aluminum. Brand new, still in package. Three-stage poles with FlickLock* system. Ergonomic, dual-density foam grips with Variable-width wrist straps. BD -baskets with a toothy front edge for climbing. Weight:610g. Extended Length 140cm. Shortest Length for traveling 62cm. $80 Ian 705-206-5422 FOR SALE: Sierra Design TENT, stretch dome, sleeps 3, like new, $85. Phone 705-942-9636. STOKELY CREEK LODGE "the destination that will capure your heart" 2012 Events: Womens Weekend Away (Jan. 20-21); Snowshoe Festival (Jan. 28-29); Super Bowl Weekend Hut to Hut (Feb. 3-5); Paintball Biathlon (Feb. 18); Wabos Loppet (Mar. 3); Ski & Snowshoe the Frozen Lakes (Mar 9-11); Season Finale Spring Fun (Mar. 16-18). Contact #705-649-3421. ...Want to read more? Take me the membership page! Next Newsletter Deadline: April 1, 2012. I wish to contact the Voyageur Trail News Editor. ARCHIVES:* Fall 2011 edition (No. 109) Spring 2011 edition (No. 108) Winter 2011 edition (No. 107) Fall 2010 edition (No. 106) Spring 2010 edition (No. 105) Winter 2010 edition (No. 104) Fall 2009 edition (No. 103) Spring 2009 edition (No. 102) Winter, 2009 edition (No. 101) Fall 2008 edition (No. 100) Spring 2008 edition (No. 99) Winter 2008 edition (No. 98) Fall 2007 edition (No. 97) Spring 2007 edition (No. 96) Winter 2007 edition (No. 95) Fall 2006 edition (No. 94) Spring 2006 edition (No. 93) I have comments about this web site. home / expect / history / membership & store / recognition / misc. links Trail Route: Thunder Bay / Nipigon & Red Rock / Terrace Bay & Schreiber & Rossport / Marathon / Pukaskwa / Wawa / Lake Superior Provincial Park / Harmony & Haviland / Goulais & Stokely / Sault Ste. Marie / Echo Bay / Desbarats & Bruce Mines / Thessalon / Iron Bridge & Blind River / Elliot Lake / Spanish / Massey / Espanola / Manitoulin Island /