This is the Sea 4

These are two photos from Justine Curgenven's photo gallery. The shipwreck was used as a partial shelter for a short break, during the circumnavigation of Queen Charlotte Islands. This was one of two expedition documentaries making up the newest DVD in Justine's series: This is the Sea 4 disc 2.

This is the Sea 4 provides us with another motivational sea kayaking DVD showcasing local people, culture and paddlers who live and paddle in unique regions of the world.
Disc one starts off in Baja, New Mexico. Justine creates interesting opportunities to gain insight into paddlers' experiences and skill, often letting them do the talking. As a result Justine takes on the role of narrator for many of these visits,and it is this relaxed approach that allows us a unique view into the places and different lives of paddlers. Viewers actually become part of the trip. This style of filmmaking is fascinating for those of us who find it difficult to actually get to Baja, Australia or Norway. When we catch up to Dubside in Washington - we learn when he was born, his real name was Dubside - his parents just didn't know it. We follow him to several of his rolling destinations, typically accessible by bus and finish with what he calls commando kayaking.

We next visit Jim Sammons and friends Kayak Fishing in the San Diego region. There is an abrupt shifting of gears, and Justine leads us on a 350km crossing of the Bass Strait between mainland Australia and Tasmania.

Then something entirely different on the Ottawa River - Ken Whiting and Brendan Mark(Canadian whitewater experts) take Justine down whitewater in seakayaks.

Viewers share in the travel adventures to these and other locations - Israel, Norway and Lake Superior where the scenery and locations are extraordinary and the stories behind the paddling are captivating.

Basically two and half hours of action. You will want to visit these places by the time you finish watching this DVD.

Merry Christmas!

This time of year is a great time to visit family and friends, celebrate, practice those tricky yoga moves but also to catch up on reading.
I just discovered reviewing the Iles de la Madeleine tourism newsletter that the islands have launched their own water trail. I think we just missed the grande opening when we were there.

Prepared by the Centre intégré de développement touristique des Îles de la Madeleine (CIDTIM), in close collaboration with the Municipalité des Îles-de-la-Madeleine and the Îles-de-la-Madeleine ZIP Committee, the Water Trail Maps show 31 duly authorized launch sites. Used along with nautical charts, these maps provide all the pertinent information required to plan a safe excursion around the archipelago. The Maps, presented in both official languages, illustrate the suggested circuits and offer advice about local navigation conditions, distances between launching sites, special local conditions and services available to users.

This project is a part of the CIDTIM's 2008 action plan and fits neatly into the objectives of the overall tourism development policy of the Municipalité des Îles-de-la-Madeleine. Based on the concept of responsible tourism, this mapped (but unmarked) trail is designed to:

Prevent the deterioration of natural habitats by protecting them from uncontrolled traffic
Promote friendly relations between users and owners of waterfront properties
Improve safety for users
Create a new attraction, a new awareness and accrued economic benefits for the tourism industry.

This project was made possible through the partnership of Canada Economic Development, the Caisses populaires Desjardins des Îles, the Centre local de développement des Îles-de-la-Madeleine and the participation of members of the Regional Tourism Association.

I am definitely going to have to go back.

But it may also motivate the development of water trails in Newfoundland and Labrador. The idea came up at one of our recent AGMs and now with the Iles de Madeleine launch there may be renewed interest.