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Labrador Voyageur
11 day strenuous
white water camping trip. A challenging adventure in one of the last
great wildernesses. Labrador Voyageurs
meet in Goose Bay Labrador Canada and are offered on:
August 21-31, 2006
Trip
Price: $1795.00
Requested Single Supplement: $150..00.
Sleeping Bag Kit $55.00
Canoe Rental: included in trip
price
Questions
jim@battenkill.com
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Lure of Labrador Itinerary
A spellbinding river
surrounded by vast tundra, majestic
mountains and rugged coastlines.
A challenging adventure
in one of
the last great wildernesses.
Vast,
wild, and unpopulated, Labrador is a rugged and remote wilderness --
consummate  Canada
on a grandiose scale. From start to finish, canoeing in Labrador is
a challenging adventure. Labrador is naturally striking and culturally
intriguing. This is the land of stark, rugged scenery, from deep forests
to treeless tundra, majestic mountains to rugged coastline.
It is home to the Inuit peoples, whose cultures and history are especially
unique. Labrador is also home to black bears, eagles, osprey, terns
and puffins, as well Arctic fox and the largest caribou herd in the
world. In the sea, the whales continue their ageless migration while
the seals play among the icebergs on their journey south. Timeless Labrador.
We have come to experience the vastness by canoe on an extended wilderness
white water canoe trip.
 Our
trip focuses on the north central part of the province, its most remote,
wild and scenic section. Paddling the Ugjoktok River -- the "River
of Bearded Seals" in Inuit is our mission.
We meet in Goose Bay/Happy Valley and spend our first evening at the
Blake House. We are immediately immersed in the history of Labrador
as the Blake House located in Northwest River is where the Hubbard expedition
started their journey. In fact George Blake of Blake House, is the grandson
of Blake who rescued the ill?fated Hubbard expedition.
The next morning after breakfast we are off to meet our float plane
and begin our journey into the Ugjoktok river. We fly into Harp Lake
and set up our first evenings camp on an isolated sandbar beneath the
canyon walled lake. As we explore the lake in the afternoon the majesty
and size of Labrador begins to sink in. A fitting introduction to vast,
unspoiled Labrador. If time permits, the short hike to Leila Falls makes
real the landscape of our adventure.
The river's current is a mix of challenges and quiet sections giving
us time to  take
in all that we can see. Mammoth sand and gravel banks line the river
corridor, giving the power of the ice age a new reality. As we travel
down the river we become a part of it nurturing and soothing the spirit
and body.
The river keeps us spellbound on our float east to the icebergs of the
Labrador Sea. Black Spruce, huge sand bars, and stark bluffs reinforce
the sensation that Mina Hubbard wrote about years earlier of being on
top of the world. It would seem that we are absolutely the first people
to set footprints on the sand. Campsites are unlike any others... either
vast sand bars, or protected interior sites carpeted with caribou moss.
Wood is plentiful so the evening fire lasts far into the night, after
the bugs have gone to rest.
Our first portage is an immense waterfall with a sneak route through
Owls Cove. Sunset Point is a remarkable campsite with nearly 360 degree
views of the canyon from Harp Lake. Rapids continue, with names like
Fire Rapid, Boulder Dash, Paddle Right or Die, Ray's Run for Home and
more. We will take the time for side hikes, and maybe wet a line or
two as well.
 When
our river journey ends in Hopedale. We choose our return to Goose Bay/Happy
Valley by charter plane or coastal ferry, but first we want to share
some time with Inuit peoples. We will meet friendly and resourceful
people, learn of their life and art, and explore the costal environment
that has sustained them for thousands of years. Labrador is the land
of the imagination, and imagination knows no boundaries, where the morning
sky is an invitation to adventure and the night sky is the backdrop
for the Northern Lights. Paddling in Labrador is an opportunity to awaken
your heart and soul.
The Lure of Labrador is a moderate to strenuous camping trip in the
wilderness, so that some experience
is necessary as well and being comfortable in the wilderness.
Labrador
Voyageur Itinerary
Where and when to go...and how to get there
Meeting
Location
Blake Bed and Breakfast
Northwest River
Phone 709.497.8348
The
Blake B&B is located just over the river about 20 miles from Goose
Bay. Lodging and meals for this evening are not included in the overall
trip price. We can choose from cooking in or going out to one of the
many local restaurants.
Geting
to Goose Bay and Northwest River
Driving -- Driving to Goose Bay is not for the timid. One can either
take the ferry from Lewisport Newfoundland or drive the Trans Labrador
Highway a class VI road from Labrador City.
Flying
-- Our gateway airport is the Goose Bay Airport in Goose Bay/Happy Valley.
Goose Bay is served by Nova Air, the Air Canada connector, and Air Atlantic,
Canadian Airlines partner. Flight connections are via Deer Lake, St
Johns NFLD, or Halifax NS. Return flights should be made after 9:00pm
on the day after the trip ends. This will allow enough time for travel
back to Goose Bay from Hopedale where the trip ends. Please check flight
arrangements with us prior to confirmation and confirm with our office
again 10 days prior to the trip.
Trip
Logistics and Gear
BATTENKILL CANOE will provide all community camping equipment including
cooking gear and tents. Participants are expected to furnish their own
sleeping bag and pad, although rentals are available.
All meals are included beginning with lunch on Day 2 after flying into
Harp Lake, and end with lunch on Day 10. Lodging and meals in Goose
Bay and Hopedale are not included in the overall trip price. In addition
travel from Hopedale to Goose bay is on your own. We can help you with
travel arrangements on the coastal ferry or Lab Air, depending on your
time schedule.
We will furnish dry bags for your personal gear as well. One dry bag
will be given to each two people. The dimensions of the bag are approximately
17"x32". Thinks of is as the size of being able to fit your
personal gear (clothing etc) in a small carry on bag that will fit under
the seat of an airplane not including your sleeping bag and pad. Regarding
sleeping bags, it is most important that we utilize modern compressible
sleeping bags to economize on space.
A packing hint that our guides use is to use small stuff sacks to help
organize gear inside the dry bags making it easier to find individual
items. We will have an assortment of colored (organize by person by
color) stuff sacks for use, as well as some compression sacks for compressing
sleeping bags.
The trip price includes canoe rental. We have an assortment of canoes,
usually Dagger Dimensions, and Legends along with Mad River Revelations
and Explorers that are fully outfitted for whitewater paddling, with
knee pads, thigh straps, tie downs and supplemental floatation. . If
you would like to bring your own canoe please give us a call to make
sure it is appropriate for this river
The float plane space is limited and restricted by weight. Our trip
prices are based on tandem canoes, and because of logistics, space and
weight restrictions involved in flying in solo canoes a surcharge must
be assessed for solo paddlers.
The
Trip
Our pace will be leisurely, to enjoy the wilderness and spectacular
scenery. We will have free time for photography, fishing, swimming,
sunning and relaxing, or for day hikes to cliffs and waterfalls along
our route. We'll make camp at isolated wilderness sites fully immersed
in Labrador=s natural beauty. Meals will be special affairs featuring
fresh food and dutch oven delights, served around the crackling campfire.
The trip is participatory in that your assistance is welcome and encouraged.
While our guides will organize and provide direction, many hands help
make short work.
As with all our trips, we incorporate instruction including paddling
strokes, river reading and scouting techniques, as well as responsible
camping practices.
The suggested itinerary is subject to revision due to campsite availability,
trip logistics, weather, and other circumstances outside of our control.
This trip entails several portages ranging in length from 50 yards to
1500 yards. Portage trails are primitive, rough and rugged. Guests will
need to assist in each portage to the best of their ability.
Day
1
Travel to Goose Bay/Happy Valley. We will meet folks at the airport
and transfer to the Blake House. In the evening we will conduct an orientation
and repack for the trip. Welcome.
Day
2
Our flight is planned for about mid day, but we need to be flexible
since bush pilot schedules are always subject to change. Our day is
filled with exploring Harp Lake, and perhaps catching some fresh fish
for dinner.
Day
3
This will be a casual day allowing time for further instruction and
exploration. We will be paddling Harp River as it runs out of Harp Lake,
mostly class I water today with a few swifts and fastwater sections
thrown in. Camp tonight will be on the Ugjokotok, near the mouth of
the Harp river.
Day
4
After a hearty breakfast we leave the cliffs surrounding Harp Lake behind,
and begin our descent of the Ugjokotok River to the Labrador Sea. We
will work through our first portage, and once complete we will look
forward to a day of moving water and exciting rapids.
Day
5
After running several rapids, our goal for the day is to reach Copter
bay, aptly named for our first trip when a helicopter landed in our
campsite to warn us of nearby forest fires.
Day
6
We typically choose to have a layover day today. This enables us to
settle into our camp sight, have a leisurely brunch, try our luck fishing,
or play in the rapids. All in all a relaxing day letting ourselves be
pulled deeper into the fabric of the river.
Day
7
Today will probably be our longest day of rapids. Fire rapid and two
kilometers of class II/III rapids will provide the spice to life. Boulder
Dash is a run for our life, and if there is time, a side hike to Shapio
Lake will be our dessert.
Day
8
Swifts and sand bars make our day, while no rapids, the current continues
our reach for the sea. We will find camp on one of the many sand bars
or perhaps up from the river a bit in the forest blanketed with Caribou
Moss.
Day
9
Our last portage is Falls Portage, and perhaps we will linger in camp
a little longer this morning, not quite ready to get back into the real
world. Our last two kilometers is on Ray's Run for Home, great fun and
a fitting end to a spectacular trip. Finally we find ourselves in the
saltwater of the sea, and Fred will meet us with his magnificent motoring
machine for our last shuttle to Hopedale.
While officially our role as canoe outfitters and guides ends at Hopedale,
we need to take time to explore the village. There are local craftspeople
and cravers offering wonderful handmade crafts from soapstone and wood.
The restored Moravian church is also well worth a visit.
Our evening will be at Hopedale Lodge, a modern hostelry with hot showers
and cold beer. Lodging and meals for this evening are not included in
the trip price.
Day
10
Travel back to Goose Bay, our first step back to the world awaiting
us. You can choose from the coastal ferry or an Air Lab flight depending
on your time frame. We will coordinate your plans with the ferry or
Lab Air. Travel from Hopedale to Goose Bay along with tonights lodging
and meal is not included in the trip price. Departures from Goose Bay
should be planned for the following morning.
It must be understood that the schedule outlined is tentative at best,
and always subject to change. Travel to Labrador is subject to many
delays, not limited to weather and logistics so additional time must
be allowed. Additional time is mandatory if excursion non-refundable,
no change tickets are purchased.
Day
11
Depart from Goose Bay to home.
Trip
Notes Supplement
General
Information
If you have any questions or need special arrangements please call our
office. Regular office hours are 9:00 am to 5:30 pm Monday to Friday
in season. We are open Saturday and Sunday for day trip rentals, but
our office staff is limited on weekends. We are generally closed Saturday
through Tuesday November through April, although you may catch us in
by chance other times.
Trip prices include lodging, and meals (except when noted) guide services
and accompanying support van. Trips generally meet mid to late afternoon
of the first day, and disband mid to late afternoon of the last day.
We may be compelled to increase or decrease trip prices on trips due
to matters beyond our control, such as currency exchange, airfare, taxes
or price increases. Gratuities for BattenKill guides and other staff
are appreciated, but are left entirely to your discretion.
Reservations and Confirmation
Often it is easier to call our office to check for availability and
to make reservations. We request a deposit of $100.00 per person for
the two to four day trips, $250.00 for five to six day trips, and $350.00
per person for longer trips. Immediate confirmation is possible using
your credit card for the deposit.
On receipt of your deposit we prepare a complete confirmation packet,
including a full itinerary,personal equipment list, meeting location
with directions, and application for short?term trip cancellation insurance.
Your confirmation letter will outline the balance which is due at the
trip meeting for domestic trips, and 60 days prior for Canadian and
other International trips. We strongly recommend that you obtain this
cancellation insurance, which reimburses you for nonrefundable costs
and deposits should you have to cancel your trip due to a personal emergency.
Cancellation and Refunds
Notification must be received by BATTENKILL CANOE LTD. (BCL) in writing.
If you must cancel, but wish to reschedule for another trip, we will
do our best to accommodate you. If you must cancel more than 45 days
prior to departure, a refund of 50% of the per person deposit, OR a
100% credit valid for another trip. There are no refunds possible with
less than 45 days notice or for leaving a trip early or arriving late.
Final
Payment
Final payment is due 60 days prior to the departure date and can be
paid by credit card or personal check. Please refer to your confirmation
letter for amount due.
Tips
and Gratuities
Gratuities for the inn and food portion of your trip are paid by BCL.
Gratuities for BATTENKILL guides are appreciated, but are left to your
discretion. Each year the guide staff of BATTENKILL CANOE pledge to
pool a portion of their tips and donate them to an outreach program.
Over the past several years these outreach programs have included a
scholarship program for a high school student in the remote village
of Yorkin in Talamanca, Costa Rica, supporting the Ninos in la Calle
program (alternative education program for the street kids) in Somotillo
Nicaragua, financial and educational support to the BattenKill Watershed
Council and an annual donation to the Vermont ACLU.
If you would like to find out more about these projects or have suggestions
for other projects your guides would be happy to visit with you. This
is just one of the ways we are able to reach out to the greater community
and practice socially responsible travel.
Airline
Reservations
Our airline desk is able to assist you in making our airline reservations,
and we are pleased to do so. We can book with all the major carriers
and would be happy to assist you with your travel plans.
Non-Performance
We almost always follow through with our entire trip schedule. However,
we must reserve the right to cancel a trip or to make changes to the
itinerary if necessary due to weather and/or water conditions, insufficient
reservations or other factors outside of our control. Although it is
unlikely, if we must cancel your trip, you may choose between: 1. A
100% refund of all monies paid, or 2. A 150% credit of your original
deposit for a future trip with BATTENKILL. This constitutes full settlement,
and BATTENKILL can not be held responsible for other costs incurred.
Guaranteed
Dates & Small Trip Charge
Since you plan your vacation around our trip, it is our responsibility
to run every trip scheduled if four or more persons are on the roster.
A number of fixed costs make it more expensive to operate a trip with
six members than one with 12. We budget our trips with a nearly full
sign up, to enable us to price them at the lowest possible cost.
We will still run your trip if four or more guests are on the roster.
However, we will be obliged to add a small trip surcharge if there is
a low sign up of between four (4) and seven (7) participants. The small
trip surcharge is ten (10) percent of the published price.
If you make your reservations 6 months prior to departure, you will
qualify for our Earlybird Discount which guarantees your departure regardless
of the number of people on the roster.
the number of people on the roster.
Value Vouchers
In the event that
we discount a trip on which you are booked, we will automatically extend
to you a courtesy voucher representing the value of the promotional
discount. You may apply the discount certificate to any future BattenKill
trip. You may combine discounts, however the maximum is 20% off any
one trip.
Accommodations
& Meals
Our standard accommodation is two per room, generally with a private
bath. Usually singles and triples are available. BCL provides three
meals per day, beginning with dinner on the first evening and ending
with lunch on the last day (except where noted).
On our Voyageurs we provide top quality tents along with all other group
camping gear. You are requested to bring only a sleeping bag and pad,
as well as your personal gear. If you choose not to bring your own sleeping
bag, you may rent one of ours which includes a cotton liner and foam
pad.
Bringing
the Kids
We believe that sharing an adventure with your kids or grandkids
is a life-enhancing experience. Children twelve years of age or older
are welcomed on all trips. Special arrangements must be made for all
children 7-12. Regular discount is 25% off the trip price for folks
under 18 years old.
Guest
Responsibility
You must understand that river trips involve some risk. Guests are responsible
for: choosing a trip that suits their abilities, level of fitness and
state of health; arriving at the trip start with the clothing and gear
recommended in the confirmation packet; respecting the laws and customs
of the countries visited; following environmental guidelines and regulations
while on the trip in accordance with guides direction; and respecting
the rights and privacy of other trip members. You will be asked to sign
a Hold Harmless and Release of Liability form prior to your trip.
BATTENKILL CANOE reserves the right to substitute lodges, leaders and
to alter the itinerary when deemed necessary or advisable. BCL shall
not be liable, directly or indirectly for any delay, cancellation, mishap,
inconvenience, expense, personal injury or death, or damage of property
for any reason whatsoever, including acts of God. BATTENKILL reserves
the right to decline to accept, retain, or ask to leave any person whose
actions or deportment impede trip operation, or rights, welfare and
enjoyment of other trip members. No refund is possible under these circumstances.
Payment of deposit, and release of credit card number represents your
acceptance of these terms and conditions. All disputes shall be settled
by binding arbitration in Bennington County Vermont.
About
BattenKill Trip Guides
We are proud of the folks who lead our trips, and help make an extra
special adventure for you. Each recognizes, welcomes and encourages
the varying skills and interests of each guest.
On the first evening of our get-together, we will conduct a simple orientation
of the trip to come, and go over safety regulations. You will be asked
to sign a liability of release form, and we will collect your final
payment then.
A
Word About Equipment
The trip price includes canoe rental. We have an assortment of canoes,
usually Dagger Dimensions, and Legends along with Mad River Revelations
and Explorers that are fully outfitted for whitewater paddling, with
knee pads, thigh straps, tie downs and supplemental floatation. . If
you would like to bring your own canoe please give us a call to make
sure it is appropriate for this river
And
So On...
Also, enclosed is our suggested personal equipment checklist. Little
things like lip balm, sun blocks and dry socks make a big difference,
so check it over carefully.
Contact
Us
BattenKill Canoe, Ltd.
800.421.5268 or 802.362.2800 fax--802.362.0159
©2002 BattenKill Canoe, Ltd.. All rights reserved
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