Trips And Trails Adventure Outfitting

Celebrating 20 Years

1992-2012

Trips And Trails Adventure Outfitting is an Eco Tourism based wilderness outfitting company located in Bancroft Ontario. Owned and operated by Christine and Clive Emery the business has outfitted cottage country for the past 20 years.

 “We Provide The Gear, Mother Nature Provides The Rest”

Is the companies slogan and for good reason…………………………..

“We have always realized that there is a need for people to explore their destiny through sport and recreation, as much as there is a need to explore the areas around us. When the time comes to “rekindle your adventurous spirit” follow the call of the wild by exploring North Hastings Naturally. It is here that you can evoke the passion within and go seemingly where on one has before and explore at your own pace, the pristine natural beauty, scenic country side, vast wilderness, fresh air, clean lakes, wildlife and ancient granite bedrock that towers high above The Canadian Shield is certain to fuel your desire to explore this unique region.”

Pacific Yurt

In the beginning Trips And Trails Adventure Outfitting began as Tips And Tails Nordic Ski School. The Tips And Tails represented both ends of a Cross Country Ski. The business operated in Silent Lake Provincial Park for eight years.  Tips And Tails Nordic Ski School provided Park visitors with 56km of groomed and track set Nordic Ski Trails, Ski and Snowshoe Rentals and Cross Country Ski Lessons. The business later expanded introducing alternative roofed accommodations to Parks Ontario.  At that time the business renovated and winterized an abandoned staff house within the park known to many park visitors as “The Old Pine Lodge”. We were able to run a variety of outdoor experiences from this facility for park visitors which included corporate team building programs, one of which was Elder-hostel Canada.  In keeping with the Parks Management Plan the Emery’s also introduced Pacific Yurts and Prospector Tents to park visitors realizing this would enhance the winter experience through offering park visitors overnight accommodation.

Later the business evolved from Tips And Tails Nordic ski School to Trips And Trails Adventure Outfitting. The name change offered the company a more global expression and accommodated the shift in the company’s marketing approach. Expanding into the Cycling,  Paddling and Outdoor Adventure – Experience markets Trips And Trails opened it’s first Bancroft Location in 1994.

With an increase in sales and a more Global Marketing approach Trips And Trails showed steady growth and continued to diversify it’s product lines, services and offerings forming what has now become cottage country’s number one choice when it comes to outdoor gear, adventures and experiences.

Bancroft Broken Spokes Cycling Club

Trips And Trails Adventure Outfitting has been the driving force behind not only the success of the business but also The Bancroft Broken Spokes Cycling Club Inc. with annual memberships of approximately  100 cycling enthusiasts.  The club offers members a variety of organized weekly rides, the opportunity to compete in various cycling events and acts as a catalyst to inspire up and coming cyclists. The club also supports regional and local cycling initiatives and has become an advocate in the development of Bancroft as a cycling destination. Through the creation of The Hastings Highlands Hilly Hundred billed as Ontario’s Toughest Century Ride that annually attracts 250 riders to this one day event, the Broken Spokes Cycling Club and Trips And Trails Adventure Outfitting have proven the levity of cycling in the Bancroft area in terms of the economic impact.

Heritage Trail

 In 2010-2011 The cycling club and Trips And Trails worked together to raise the funds necessary to resurface a 5km section of The Hastings Highlands Heritage Trail in the Bancroft area. The idea was the brain child of Christine Emery whose vision is “Connecting Communities” with a wilderness trail that cyclists could use by improving the surface.  Future plans are to encourage other communities along the trail to do the same. Hasting Heritage Trail is a four season recreational corridor stretching 156 kms from Glen Ross in Quinte West to its most northern point adjacent to Lake St. Peter Provincial Park in Hastings Highlands.

Christine and Clive Emery owners of Trips And Trails Adventure Outfitting are the driving force behind these initiatives. Both have achieved many athletic accolades during their careers in the sports industry. Christine has represented Canada at The Worlds Masters UCI Mountain Biking Championships where she competed at a world class level achieving a bronze medal.  Christine has competed in numerous Canada Cup, Ontario Cup and Citizen cycling events. Her list of achievements also include  Nordic skiing events in both Ontario and Quebec.  Clive has also represented Canada twice at The world Solo 24hr Mountain Biking Championships and has completed 27/24hr solo mountain biking events. Other achievements include The Canadian Ski Marathon Gold Award, numerous Canada Cup, Ontario Cup and Citizen Cycling Events. He has also achieved excellence in the sports of Nordic skiing, paddling, running and cycling.

More recently the couple have been engaged in multi day cycle touring, marathon style Canoe Trips and living life to the fullest through what they have branded as “Real And Incredible Experiences” Future plans are the expansion of Trips And Trails Adventure Outfitting through the introduction of new products, On line Store and the creation of “Plug And Play” adventure packages. 2012 will be an exciting year for the business as we will be hosting customer appreciation days, in store promotions, paddle and pedal demonstration days, celebrating 20 years.

Celebration Calendar Coming Soon

Teepee Grill

TEEPEE GRILL

After many years of living life in the great outdoors and struggling to balance cooking grills over everything from rocks to logs one of the guys who I camp with Guenole Decaudin came up with a brilliant solution to the problem. The Teepee Grill

The Teepee Grill is the perfect solution for out door camp style cooking. This innovative design can be set up in minutes over any campfire. Constructed from three steel poles a grill is suspended on three supporting chains that can be easily levelled on uneven terrain. Depending on the height of the coal bed you can easily raise or lower the grill accordingly by lengthening or shortening the chains. Another really cool feature is a central pot of soup or stew can be hung over the fire in the centre of theTeepee to keep warm. This pot can also be raised or lowered.



The heart of the Teepee Grill is the adjustable apex, that enables adjust ability of the pole lengths on uneven terrain. This combined with variable chain lengths enables set up any where. The whole rig is built tank tough and is a welcome addition to any camp. So when you are ready to do some serious outdoor cooking  and the nearest BBQ is ten miles away you need a Teepee Grill over your fire.



Adjustable Apex Heart Of The Teepee Grill

Teepee Grill comes complete
with
 three stainless steel poles
adjustable apex
all chains
fire grill
Pots, Pans,Fire not included.

Teepee Grill Suggested Retail $549.00 pus HST

Shipping And Handling Additional

info@tripsandtrails.ca

For more information



Where Eagle's Soar





 

Eagles Nest Panorama

A trip to Bancroft is not complete without a visit to the top of the eagles nest for a panoramic view of the York River Valley below.A popular location is a craggy lookout called Eagle's Nest, a short distance north of the town. This scenic cliff, with a height of over 60 m (200 ft), overlooks the York River valley, the town of Bancroft, and other densely forest-covered ridges that surround it. It was the location of one of Ontario's first ever heavy steel fire towers in the 1930s built by the former Dept. of Lands and Forests. 12 m (39 ft) icicles dangle from its largest and most massive cliff in the winter and conceals parts of it entirely. It is a popular spot for climbers to practise ice climbing in the winter. However, the road to the top is steep and generally impassable in the winter. \

 

    

 When researching the history of The Eagles Nest the most talked about appears to the story told by Mr. and Mrs. Gabel. In the summer of 1883 the Gables heard the screams of a child playing in the yard, who was according to the Gables, being carried away by a great Eagle. It is then said that the Gables attacked the Eagle and after releasing the child, the great Eagle flew away. Following this horrific episode it was decided that the Eagles would pose further problems and the eggs were later removed from the Eagles Nest. 12 year old William Gabel was lowered into the nest dangling from a rope, as the story goes, and was able to destroy the nest.

The Bancroft Field Naturalist Club built the Hawk Watch Platform in 2001. Several species of Hawks, Turkey Vultures and other birds may be seen soaring the thermals as they migrate south. The club has also developed hiking trails on the Eagles Nest with three benches located at different habitats along the trails.




During the winter months The Eagles Nest is a spectacular place to visit on snowshoes. We offer guided excursions from one to three hours in duration. Highlights of this "Real And Incredible Experience" include the Hawk Watch Platform, Frozen Black Spruce Bog crossing and visiting several different winter habitats. The Hike also visits a frozen lake, numerous Granite outcrops and stunning vistas. Our excursion Begin at Trips And Trails Adventure Outfitting where you can either provide your own snowshoes or choose from our extensive rental selection, the right snowshoes for you. Bring warm layered clothing a small day pack with snacks and drinks, camera and hiking poles if you have them. Departure time is 10am and we return by 1pm. Following this adventure is a roaring fire and hot chocolate in a North American style Tipi. For more information or to plan you adventure on The Eagles Nest contact http://www.tripsandtrails.ca/





A Trip To Whetung Ojibwa Center

Whetung Ojibwa Centre "A Real And Incredible Native Experience"

Located close to Buckhorn on The Curve Lake Reserve The Whetung Ojibwa Centre is open to the public and well worth the visit. You will need a few hours here to fully appreciate all the centre has to offer. The premiere Native Art Collection includes arts and crafts from reserves all across Canada and the United States. Quill and sweet grass baskets, Iroquois stone carvings and pottery, North West Coast Carvings, jewelry and more. There is over ten thousand square feet of Native and Canadian items. There is a huge selection of the very best original works of art, mukluks,moccasins and clothing. There is a also a stunning display of crystals,geodes and fossils.

There is a section at Whetungs dedicated to the celebration of the past. On display in the Museum are many one of a kind artifacts from the past. Many of the articles are family heirlooms that give an insight to the history of The Iroquois Nation. Original arrow heads, pottery bowls, tools,utensils and other amazing discoveries are on display. There are also photographs from the past and written history.

The Kawartha Lakes region has been home to the Mississauga of The Ojibwa Nation for three centuries. The Curve Lake Reserve consists of 1000 acres of mainland and is home to about 1200 Ojibwa.



Authentic Artifacts

During a visit to Whetung Ojibwa Centre you can experience the beauty of  Native history and learn about  modern day life on a reserve. Traditional and contemporary artistic expressions of Canada's First Nations have been collected from tribes across the continent and are on display in a magnificent log building for all to experience.









Caving "A Real And Incredible" Experience



Tight Fit Going In

 After searching for several hours in really rugged terrain we came across two suspected caves that we hoped lead to the mother load below. After gearing up with ropes, lights and other gear it was time to try and squeeze through a tight, and I mean tight opening to do the initial search below. There was barely enough room to get into the opening. I had to inhale and make the final push through. At that point I wondered now I'm in, how do I get out? The anticipation and the adrenaline were both running on high at that point as I descended into an awesome small cavern with a pounding heart and all senses on fire. Wow what a rush!


Other Side Of The Entrance Going In

 This is my fellow caver coming through the entrance into the cavern. Using the rope to support body weight and not relying on loose rock that can break off and bury you is what caving is all about. The rule is NEVER rely on any structure to support you unless it's below your feet and even then it's risky to some degree. Usually the air quality in caves is not that good, however we have no way of knowing how bad so exposure times are limited depending on how bad the stench. In this case the air seemed good. Typically other creatures lurk in caves other than humans and leave their scat behind and in some cases more than others depending on the size and number of creatures that happen to reside there. 



The Rope Is Your Way Out



 The Rope is your way out so protecting it's integrity is paramount. As we descend further into the abyss great care is taken with rope placement. Jagged edges of rock can shear the rope and leave you stranded below. Pictured to the right is the rope between a rock and a hard place. I am on the other side of a precarious crack looking back after laying rope. In some cases we lay secondary ropes which  are rigged to huge boulders as a fail safe to get back, in case the main rope shears.

Passage To The Abyss

This is the main passage into the world below there was a draft coming up the tunnel meaning there is another end to this cave somewhere? This part of the decent was more open and so we were a little less concerned than the previous two tight squeezes behind us. It's about this time that you are checking for spare batteries and other equipment before descending further.

Life Beneath Canada

We are using ARC lights with Nickle Metal Hydride batteries. The ARC light burns with incredible intensity pictured here, with a burn time of six hours on the low setting. These lights are great for caving as they burn a blue white light mix, close to daylight. This enables us to see into every crack and crevice and penetrate the blackness  well into the caves interior. When we turned off the lights you can't see a thing, only the glow of my watch and the iridescent glow of moss or lichen stuck to the caves walls. We wonder if it is radioactive.

The Final Push To The Corridor

Finally we get to what we think is the only passage to the mother load below. After squeezing through this tight spot we soon realised we would have to turn back. Over the years falling rocks have virtually closed the passage below. However we were able to get a good look into this low corridor that ran about 50 feet further down and appears to open into a larger cavern below. There was now wind in my face coming up the 30 degree rock strewn tunnel indicating an other opening somewhere.The plan is to explore the exterior and try and find another way in. The other plan is to send a remote control "Cave Rover" equipped with an on board video and lighting system down the tunnel.



Returning To The Outside "The Climb"

 I managed to grab this shot of my caving partner on the ascent back to the surface. This cave is a "Real And Incredible Experience" without a doubt. We will be returning some time in the future in hopes of discovering the rest of the hidden passages below. Stay tuned to the blog for updates.



Cave Rover In Action





"The Daltonator" Woodstoves And Storage Tanks

Bakers Choice Cook stove
Heart Of
"The Daltonator"

The Bakers Choice Wood Cook stove is the heart of "The Daltonator" DIY project and plays a vital role in the domestic hot water "off grid" heating system. Not only does this stove heat our house we also prepare some really hearty home cooked meals and what's more produce all of our hot water. The Bakers Choice Wood Cooker is a utilitarian style stove that is built like a tank from solid cast steel, without the flashy brass and copper that you find on modern day stoves. Built by the Mennonites this stove is all about getting the job done. It has a large stainless steel cooking surface with two removable cooking rings. A bread warming oven and a large enough cooking oven to fit a 20lb turkey. You can stoke the firebox with a 20 inch log and it will burn all night. The really cool thing with this stove is the stainless heat collector that fits inside the firebox.





Stainless Steel Heat Exchanger



Pressure And Temperature Gauges

Water is pumped with a Grundfos Boiler Pump through the heat exchanger and circulated through the domestic hot water tanks. I have increased the storage to 100 gallons of on demand hot water and the system is capable of boiling the storage tanks and so I had to engineer ways to control this. By using two control valves I was able to redirect hot water into a preheating heat exchanger and then back into the system. This effectively heated more cold water and acted as a heat dump for the tanks. Later I will be building radiators to heat other areas of the home. I also installed a 220 psi blow off valve and temperature and pressure gauges.



Water Storage Tanks



This is the storage system and pipe work that resides in the basement. I used the NASA like insulation rated at R60 to minimise heat loss. During the colder months we rely on the Cook stove to maintain the water temperature. When the sun is strong enough we then we rely on the Hydroponic Panel to do the job. Both can operate at the same time or independently.





Pumps Glycol Pressure And Heat...nasty if it goes wrong



Grundfos Boiler Pump

This the part where you HAVE TO GET IT RIGHT. I used a Grundfos boiler pump to circulate solar heated glycol which has 3 speed settings depending on the flow rate that you choose. The red tank top right is a boiler expansion which will compensate for pressure changes in the 1/2 inch copper pipe as the fluid expands and contracts with heat. Without this tank you could have an explosion due to boiling glycol, nasty stuff....I also installed a second pressure relief valve after the expansion tank, just in case and made certain to face the blow off away from the wife's laundry area. The pump is hooked to a 74 stage timer and kicks the pump on every 45 minutes for 15 minutes during the daylight hours. The green hose of which there are two in the system are to bleed air and to do fluid top ups when required.

Torpedo Casing Heat Exchanger

I used an old Torpedo Casing, (that's another story!) I just happened to have one lying around to house the heat exchanger. After winding two 50 ft lengths of 1/4 inch copper pipe around a 4 inch pipe to form two large spring like coils that ended up being 3ft in length each. After intertwining the two coils I had a first class heat exchanger. In a closed system such as this Glycol travels through one coil and water travels through the other and in a perfect world the heat transfers from one coil to the other.
After a lengthy battle of bending and coiling copper pipe I wrangled the heat exchanger into submission and got it tightly packed with the NASA insulation into the torpedo casing. One end of the casing threads off to get the Torpedo out or in my case to get to the heat exchanger in.


Temperature And Pressure Gages

 After hooking up the distribution lines and filling the system with Glycol, about 4 litres, I turned the pump on and had boiling glycol running through the heat exchanger within minutes. The heat exchanger looses about 10 percent across the board and the rest ends up in my domestic hot water tanks. I installed 2 pressure gauges and 2 temperature gauges to monitor the system. One set upstairs and one down, just to be on the safe side. And one last word pressure relief valves are worth their weight in gold , if all else fails, they don't. Stay tuned for the next component of "The Daltonator" Storage tanks and Wood stoves.