Sheila Tequila [British Columbia]

Sheila, originally uploaded by Michael Mitchener.

I came across an old shot of Sheila Tequila in my Dad's photos this week. I bought her at Woolco many years ago and enjoyed much camping, weekend paddles and general fun in her sturdy fibreglass form. You could fill her full of people, camping equipment, dogs, and beer and still plow through the roughest of waves without skipping a beat. When I moved from Vancouver to Toronto, Sheila didn't make the trip with me but I know she still had many more adventures. Thanks for the countless safe journeys and good times Sheila.

Please consider dropping by our Paddle the Don fund-raising page.

Paddle the Don [Don River]

Child of Nature, originally uploaded by Michael Mitchener.

It's official. On Sunday, May 2nd, William Self and myself will be be joining over 400 other enthusiasts to participate in the ultimate urban environment tradition: a paddle down the Don River.

The 16th Annual Paddle the Don event brings together conservationists, business people and recreationalists to traverse one of Toronto's most important watersheds. All donations received will be put toward regeneration projects in the Don watershed.

I invite you to show your support of regeneration efforts on this urban river by sponsoring us as we paddle its lower reaches to Lake Ontario. Wish us luck :)

What's In A Name?

What's in a Name?, originally uploaded by Michael Mitchener.

My first canoe was orange, fibreglass, 17 feet in length and heavy as a pig. Despite Sheila Tequila's girth, we had many good times paddling, camping, partying, etc.

This is my second and current canoe which is obviously green, 15 feet in length and much lighter than Sheila but missing a name. Can you help? With double digit temperatures in the forecast, I'm thinking a name is way overdue and it won't be long before the first paddle.

Let me know if you have any suggestions or like/hate any of the following names:

• Green Eggs & Ham
• Evergreen
• Urban Escape
• Geeze Louise
• Wave Runner
• Sheila Tequila II
• Barely A Wake
• Channel Surfer
• Green Meanie
• It's Not Easy Being Green
• Green Eyed Monster
• Big C
• Sea Monkey
• Green Hornet

Your Suggestions:

• Nessie
• Evelyn
• Miss Otis
• Pea Pod
• Gertrude
• The Hulk
• Envy
• Downtime
• Ogopogo
• Jade Junket
• Otter Buster
• Greener Tequill'er
• Lorne Green
• Green Streak
• Am Beathach Uaine
• An Curach Uaine
• Am Muncaidh Mara

I appreciate any suggestions or feedback. Thanks.