July 1 – 4, 2010

Dagmar, with her intrepid group of paddlers – Dot, Steffen, Helen, Peter, Judith, Mike, Kevin, Gill and Dan - set off on the evening of June 30 for a four day adventure tripping the Dumoine.

The first evening at Pine Valley was kicked off with a toast to Kevin’s and Gill’s first-ever river trip. Bright and early on July 1^st the team boarded their shuttle for the three hour, 65km trip deep into the ZEC to put-in north of Lac Benoit. Jumping right into the action, with the D Team of Dagmar and Dot in the lead proudly flying the Maple Leaf, our paddlers were into the rapids immediately as the voyage down the mighty Dumoine began, ducky-style, with Steffen and Helen in the sweep.

Water levels and weather cooperated, as we spent the four days daringly shooting the CI and CII, scouting the CIII and CIV, and portaging around falls. Kevin and Mike hold the dubious distinction of being the only boat to dump – be on the lookout for Kevin’s chair if you happen by. The Dumoine offered challenges and thrills through Sleeper, Snake, Gooseneck, Little Steel, Thread the Needle, Red Pine (this paddler’s personal fav), Three Sisters, Drowned, Lance, Potvin and dozens of other rapids ranging from swifts to rock gardens (pinball anyone?), to shoots, to a downright character-building portage at Grande Chute. The riverbank offered beautiful campsites with available firewood, great vistas, sunsets and an honorary membership in the Dumoine Club.

Peter survived Canoe Eater (He is Canadian!), while Judith practiced sterning. Helen and Steffen made the switch too. Dan and Gill were paddling like partners in no time. Dot delighted the group with canoe ballet. Time-outs were taken for fabulous lunches, playful swims and even a solemn visit to the grave marker of Chas Champanard. 65 km. and an Ottawa River crossing later, we were back at Pine Valley. Three cheers for Dagmar and the wonderful 4 days!