Well, this is a follow-up to my previous post on The Paddle Project Workshop. The first thing I had to buy in preparation for the journey was a pair of rubber boots. Springtime is a muddy affair in a town with no paved roads. The photo above was taken on the Polar Bear Express Train on the way up north. The carpet was quite fascinating, as was the ashtray built into the armrest on my seat.
Apart from everyone’s enthusiasm for the project itself, there was a lot going on in Moosonee while I was there. Most notable were the helicopters flying back and forth overhead carrying nets full of goods, the cancellation of heli-transportation for students living on Moose Factory Island due to freezing rain, the breakup of the Moose River, ice jams, the authorities declaring a state of emergency due to flooding, the evacuation of vulnerable persons by air, and oh yeah… I learned how to make sushi rolls of all things!
Yes, it was a pretty memorable week to say the least!!! I documented everything, and posted photos daily on my Facebook page. I was quite impressed with all the unique paddle designs, but unfortunately none of the paddles were completed due to the inclement weather and evacuation notices. All in all, I met some pretty awesome people, and it was a pretty fantastic trip. There is talk of doing it again next year.
View The Paddle Project Goes to Moosonee photo album here.
Addendum: In the end, the river took out some shoreline, numerous trees, some park area structures, and several boat houses. Evacuees were allowed back home within a few days. Mother Nature sure can be frightening!
Watch my short video of the Moose River breakup here.
Special thanks to Teal Paddles for their high quality paddles and prompt service.
Michelle LaRiviere 