Tusket River Project featuring paddling, Big Boat adventures
The public is invited to get involved in these events
Last summer, the Argyle Township Court House & Archives (ATCHA) and Blooming Ludus – an interactive theatre company – partnered to create ways to celebrate ATCHA’s 35th anniversary in 2024.
The result? A socially engaged community art-making project combining ecology, archival research, and paddling. It didn’t take long for the Southwest Paddlers Association (SWPA) to come on board.
Starting in May and continuing until the fall, there will be a wide range of activities to suit all ages and interests.
May 10 will see SWPA members Eko Raharjo and Alec d’Entremont start a trip paddling the length of the Tusket River. Their journey is in two stages: fresh water and salt water.
The fresh water segment is May 10-12 by canoe from Barrio Lake to the bridge in East Kemptville, onwards to Lac de l’Ecole in Quinan, finishing in Tusket close to Carl’s Store.
The salt water segment will be paddled by kayaks July 19-21, from Tusket near Carl’s Store to Fish Island in Wedgeport, onwards to Peases Island, ending the journey at Comeau’s Hill.
The paddlers hope to have company along the way. To join them contact Sandra Phinney at sandracphinney@ gmail.com or 902-648-0462.
The second big event is all about a big boat.
Big Boats – a.k.a. voyageur canoes – were used in the 1600’s to the mid1800’s, primarily by French Canadian Voyageurs who transported furs to trading posts. Today, there is a huge interest in Big Boats as a recreational activity.
Last summer, the association hosted a number of Big Boat public paddles in partnership with Yarmouth Recreation. Bolstered by the interest and enthusiasm for the sport, the executive approved the building of a Big Boat and raised the funds to do so.
Master canoe maker Wayne Doucette has led the project. He started working on it on New Year’s Day and the voyageur canoe is nearing completion. The Big Boat will be launched on Sunday, July 7, at 1:30 p.m. at the Argyler Lodge in Glenwood. The event will include public paddles in the Big Boat. PFDs and paddles will be provided.
Francine Dulong who heads the Tusket River Project will be leading a Big Boat Art Day on July 6 at ATCHA’s archives. Participants will create crafts, banners and an anthem for the Big Boat launch. To take part call 902-648-2493.
Finally, SWPA will be hosting free public paddles in the Big Boat as part of the Tusket River Project on Saturday, Sept. 7 at the Tuna Museum Wharf in Wedgeport, and at the Argyler Lodge in Glenwood on Sunday, Sept. 8. Outings will be at 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. both days. Life jackets and paddles for all ages will be provided. For more information call 902-648-0462 or 902-648-2493.