To
raise awareness of our waterways through photography, writing, and other
means.
Relatively few people
are aware of the great natural and cultural heritage that is made up
by our inland waters.
They are very important ecosystems that support countless numbers
of species. They are
also rich in history, having once been the lifeblood of Canada. Today,
they are all too often
dammed, polluted, mismanaged and destroyed. Fortunately, there is
hope for their preservation,
but only if enough people are aware of the value of this
important heritage.
I hope that the Kayak Canada 99 expedition will make a difference.
To
retrace historic fur trading routes. For most of the trip, I will follow
historic fur trading
routes once
used by Indians, coureur des bois, explorers, traders and voyageurs. I
wish to
get an appreciation
for the adventurous, but hard life led by these men. I will take with me
the diaries
of early explorers like La Vérendrye and Mackenzie, so that I can
witness the
changes that
have occurred since their time.
To
become the first person to cross Canada by kayak from the Pacific Ocean
to
Montreal
in one season. By doing so, I want to show other people that dreams
can be
accomplished
by believing in them and persevering.
THE KAYAK I MADE FOR THE EXPEDITION
