Found: Paddle #6 – Wolf Lake

Found: Paddle #6 – Wolf Lake

Another paddle has been found and officially claimed! Paddle #6, a cherry Sliver was found (in Temagami) on Wolf Lake on the Paradise Lagoon portage by Matt Gray. What has really made us happy about this contest is that everyone who has found a paddle has a story to go with it. We’re feeling incredibly lucky to have been a part of those stories, proof that there are rewards to getting “Out There”.

Here is Matt’s story…

Paddle #6, hiding in the Wolf Lake Forest Reserve, just off the path from the "Paradise Lagoon".

Paddle #6, hiding in the Wolf Lake Forest Reserve, just off the path from the “Paradise Lagoon”.

 

I work for a youth leadership development organization called Coldwater Foundation that is actually based out of Grand Marais, MN. This September I am moving back to ON to launch Coldwater Canada, and so July 11 was our last day of our first Coldwater Canada wilderness trip for high school students.

 

On July 11, Wolf Lake campsites were full so we set up camp at the site on the Paradise Lagoon portage trail. When I was out gathering firewood while my students were setting up their tarps, I looked up and saw a paddle tied to the back of a massive red pine. I am incredibly grateful for the paddle and the generosity of the supporters of the Paddle in the Park contest.

 

I attached a photo of myself holding my paddle at the red pine where I found it.

 

M.Gray Wolf Lake Paddle

 

Obviously Matt knows about the rewards of spending time in the world’s largest old growth red pine forest, as he is already sharing his wilderness knowledge with the students he takes on trip. Actually, Wolf Lake was specifically chosen as a place to hide a paddle for the Paddle In The Park Contest to help raise awareness about the threat Wolf Lake is under from industry, and it’s important ecosystem. To learn more about Wolf Lake and what you can do to help Save Wolf Lake, visit SaveWolfLake.org.

I was lucky enough to find a beautiful Badger canoe paddle (57′ Sliver) hidden by Preston Ciere at Paradise Lagoon.  The paddle is absolutely awesome and I am incredibly gratefully for this fantastic contest.

Anyway, how cool is it that Matt is introducing his students to the back country and inspiring future generations to spend time in nature. Clearly Matt digs wilderness canoeing! We are really happy he also digs the extra rewards that winning this contest gave him as well. We would like to congratulate Matt on his find and for his dedication to youth leadership and wild places. We hope Matt enjoys his new Sliver as much as we have enjoyed connecting with him.

Keep on looking everyone, there are still more rewards “Out There”!

Preston hiding Paddle #6

Preston hiding Paddle #6

4 Comments
  • Pingback:With 3 Paddles Found Draw #3 Is Upon Us | Paddle In The Park Contest
    Posted at 14:59h, 29 July

    […] we’ve had our third paddle found – #6 Cherry Sliver – we’ll need to draw another prize package for all of you playing at […]

  • Pingback:With 3 Paddles Found Draw #3 Is Upon Us | Paddle In The Park Contest
    Posted at 14:59h, 29 July

    […] we’ve had our third paddle found – #6 Cherry Sliver – we’ll need to draw another prize package for all of you playing at […]

  • Sunfish
    Posted at 20:39h, 04 August

    Ah man, I was going to look for this paddle next week while on my 6 day canoe trip through the Wolf Lake area.. Congrats!

  • Sunfish
    Posted at 20:39h, 04 August

    Ah man, I was going to look for this paddle next week while on my 6 day canoe trip through the Wolf Lake area.. Congrats!