GLSKA’s First Official Trip

A DAY TRIP ON LAKE ONTARIO

Michael Kundu

The following is a report of the first-ever official GLSKA Trip. It took place on May 7, 1989, on Lake Ontario in the Ajax-Pickering area. It was organized by Michael Kundu, who was also a member of the Board of Directors. This report was originally published in the Summer 1989 (Vol. 1, No, 2) issue of Qayaq.

Our first official GLSKA outing was held on May 7, on Lake Ontario along the eastern shoreline of Pickering and Ajax. Paddlers participating were Stephen Threkheld (who drove in from Hamilton), Vic Thompson and Michael Kundu.

With a small craft warning in effect, we decided to paddle a few kilometres along the shore and then explore the lower reaches of Duffins Creek through a channel from the lake. Despite a constant drizzle, our sightings of birdlife were excellent! We travelled in the company of over 150 Common Loons, both in winter and spring plumage. We also sighted 11 Double-crested Cormorants, a Cerulean Warbler, a Belted Kingfisher, and a number of Trout or Salmon, among other wildlife.

On the way downstream, we floated with the current and relaxed in the warmth of our gear, even though we faced rain and wind and the temperature dipped below zero. After a bit of surfing and moderate bracing practice in the shallow swell, we returned to the beach and our sandwiches and coffee.

Vic and I tried each other’s kayaks, Solstice and Puffin respectively, which gave us new perspectives. Stephen elected to ride the swell in the graceful lines of his Seafarer. The trip was an excellent beginning for our club. Hopefully the trips to come will be as enjoyable as this one was. Too bad we forgot the champagne!