Kayaking with Venture Outfitters

                                                A day to Remember

Belleville’s West Zwick's Island Park is a splendid place to roam. The walking path features the majestic view of Lake Ontario’s great expanse that scenically embraces the curvaceous 121-kilometre-long arm of Quinte Bay.  Today, I was about to become a kayaking water babe on the Bay.

I headed towards Zwick's Venture Outfitters, housed in a pop-up on the Bay. It was here that I would set out for my kayak experience. Easy to find with its beautiful mural, I found Mark Schwartz - owner of Venture Outfitters. I was about to fulfill my dream for the day.

Mark Schwartz

the lovely mural

The go-to-guru for your paddling needs

For the past four years, Mark Schwartz been Belleville's kayak guy at his own  pop-up positioned at the park's prime waterfront spot for nearly four years.  A while back, he owned for eight years a travel company, but from a young age he began his underwater journey, making countless dives into the vast network of remote Caribbean islands. Not one to shirk the cold, he even dove in the Artic.

His dedication to helping novice and expert alike to safely paddle away in a peaceful manner, reflects his love of people and their yearning to get close up and personal on the water while using the best equipment in the business that you can buy on line.

 Visit the complete list of equipment here: www.ventureoutfitters.ca

                                                    

Mark carefully laid a grand variety of kayaks, canoes and stand-up paddle boards on the ground after he emptied them all of water. Then the paddles came out.

Emptying out the water

Here come the paddles

 

The giant Mega stand-up paddle board (18'x 6').
 It holds up to eight adults and/or 20 kids - a total of 1500lbs.

"You can social distance on water using this big guy." 

 Mark owns and runs Venture Outfitters in several cities in Canada, where a vast top-of-the-line equipment is sold to outdoor enthusiasts of all ages who hike, bike and paddle. 

                                        Kayaks, canoes and boards galore

Checking those back seats

                           He also sells those lifejackets you'll wear when you go out. 

the iconic Stohlquist lifejacket

Sporting super comfy front padding, and handy, easy-to-reach-storage zippers with straps at several levels, this jacket totally outclassed all the others I had worn when on the water.

“You want to make sure a lifejacket doesn’t keep slipping up on you as older ones do. I want to make sure everyone is wearing the right size to give them, maximum comfort and safety, so they won’ t take them off while boating. “

                                             Pretty in pink or blue

“So, Nancy, which colour of kayak do you want?”  There was pink and orange, blue and white with top seats. There were sleek tandem kayaks (made for two; kayaks for three and the ubiquitous single seat kayak. Did you know you that there are blow up kayaks – perfect for the globe gliding kayaker?

Before setting out, he gave newbies a complimentary quick lesson on paddle grip and paddling technique.

                                                                   Mark giving a mini lesson

Bridge and launching dock


 "No, ducks; you can’t come along!"

   

Eager to launch off

We headed to the right of the bridge. Seven kilometres across, we could see Prince Edward County.  The skies were grey and the wind was clearly affecting wave force.

I was glad Mark came along to bring more muscle power to the paddling.

The rocky shoreline 

The view was interesting. Stacked rocks called caims dotted the shoreline. Their presence marks a trail path, while spiritually signifying balance patience and growth. Across the water on the left, Prince Edward County came into view with its houses nestled along the shore. 

           “The waters are calmer on the other side of the bridge."

            Maybe I'll explore that during their 10 pm full moon paddle.

 A plethora of pop-ups

 I went up Zwick's hill, and to my surprise, I came upon a series of pop-ups.

                              Belleville's poutine festival was in full swing.

A crowd was gathering around the food trucks

                                                                

I indulged myself biting into Quebec’s popular poutine dish. Then I made the circuit exploring the plethora of pop up offerings of food, favorite gifts and quirky surprises.

mmm... yum yum

                                                       

                                                                         

real squeezed lemons

                                         

I heard my name being called.  I turned around and there was Mark. He led me to his snow cone machine.

“Would you like one?”  What a generous guy! How could I refuse?!

Wow! The strawberry and coconut topping over tiny bits of crushed ice was so tasty.

 That certainly sealed a delicious dessert deal.

What a wonderful day! 

Thank you, Mark!

 

Visit Venture Outfitters website:

www.ventureoutfitters.ca

Email:info@ventureoutfitters.ca

Call: 1 888-204-4137

Facebook.com/ventureoutfitterscanada

 

 

 

 

 

SINGO IS EXCELLENT

SINGO, directed by Alireza Mohammadi Rouzbahany

This fabulous Iranian film is all about a strong girl named Shaifa who is determined to save the crabs her father caught and want to sale. He promised the head honcho of the village he will take care of them before a sale is made. But Shaifa has other plans for these crabs. She steals away in the night and sets them free in the ocean. Her family is now shunned by the villagers. There are lively characters that really add to the plot.

Barat Khan wants to marry the older sister and it is only he who can stop the villagers from maligning the family of Shaifa. One night she takes an old boat in search of the crabs so her sister who loves another man won’t have to marry Barat who actually caught crabs and is making a deal on his own, cutting out the villagers share of the money,

 Shaifa spends two nights trying to find the crabs, but she can’t. She almost dies in trying to find them. Bit by bit, her life is endangered as her boat and water are gone.

She is saved, and finds the crabs in Barat’s boat. This strong-willed girl not only retrieves the crabs but uncovers just how wicked Barat is and makes a speech to the villagers.

Traditions play a colourful part in this gem of a film that shines authentically when this girl single-handedly saves the day.

SHALOM PUTTI, Directed by Tamas Wormser***

           

                                

In 1919, Semei Kekungulo, a tribal leader from Uganda founded a Jewish community, defying both Christina and Islam missionaries. They call themselves: Abajudya the People of Judah. They read the Tora in their small community, wear Jewish worship clothes; the menorah and Star of David are on their clothes and house facades. These devout poor people make up 250 Jews living in Putti out of 2000 strong in Uganda. It isn’t until Shlomo Riskin, an enthusiastic, revered rabi from Israel visits them along with his bossy assistant that they learn more and one of them. Moshe Madoi Yashiirah, wishes to go back to Israel with them to become a rabi himself. Both his uncle and father practiced Judaism, and even his great grandfather did. Without giving away the entire story, suffice it to say, after some conflicts and much effort, his dream comes true. He studies two years in Israel, and when the rabi returns to the community, he converts them all the people in a truly formal manner.

This documentary film is touching in many ways. In 1919, Semei Kekungulo, a tribal leader from Uganda founded a Jewish community, defying both Chri er brings to life the true story of a determined people intent on becoming Jews and learning so much from the Zionist rabi. The synagogue they build is an enduring testament to the spirit and religion of the people of Putti.

TOO COOL TO KILL, directed by Xing Wenxiong *

 A film within a film, this gangster spoof has unique funny scenes within an implausible confusing plot. A Chinese comedy, its true star is Wei Xiang, is cast in the role as Killer Karl whose name becomes synonymous with gangster rough and tough action. The actor has spent years dreaming to become a film star and when he meets and stars opposite his female idol, Milan – played by Ma Li - his wish comes true (though his acting is less than desirable).  he gets entangled in danger with duplicitous characters. This actor could well compete for a Charlie Chaplin award. He’s very funny. His slap stick movements and facial expression a steal the whole show. Who cares if this plot is hard to follow, it’s pure fun at its silliest.

STRONG FEMALE LEAD, directed by Tosca Looby *****

 

Australia is right at the top when it comes to misogyny. In fact, so wide spread is it, it has reached the country's highest echelons of government. Of course, when most of the leaders are men; but then along came Julia Gillard who ran for Prime Minister in 2010, and won, putting the Labor Party at the helm. The insidious hatred of women was overtly up front and center. No shame at all.

A tirade of outrageous attacks on Ms. Gillard were not about her policies, but her gender. She was called a liar, a witch bitch, the leader with a huge behind and more. Upon the death of her father and her two-week absence, she was accused of having her father die in shame with her leading the country. She lashed out with a venomous attack against Tony Abbott, leader of the opposition party who spearheaded the humiliating campaign against her while she was in power

 Her speech became “I was offended when this man said this; I was offended when this man said that". And so on and so on. It was surely the most powerful speech every voiced against a misogynist leader. She called an election after being in power for only 3 years and she lost. But she forever changed the perceptions and attitudes that profoundly affected her country. She went on to lecture around the world for education, women’s rights and for the physically and mentally challenged. This is a brilliant documentary about a very brave and strong person.

VERA DREAMS OF THE SEA (Directed by Kaltrinia Ktasniqui) ****

 

 A stark glimpse into men controlling inheritance laws in Kosovo. But this is  really a film about a strong woman who signs for a living. Her husband, a judge has just committed suicide. This is covered up in the news, as is his gambling problem. Vera is pressured to sign away a little home to her brother-in-law and his posse of manipulators. Vera is magnificently played with stoic focus by the brilliant actress Teuta Adjini. The film is dark yet heroic.

BREAD AND TULIPS, directed by Silvio Saldino*****

 I loved this charming Italian film about a woman who finds love and her own freedom - by not staying behind for the bus to pick her up at a stop during a tour of Italy. The bus driver has forgotten her and  the bus returns to get her, but she is nowhere to be found. Her husband is mean and furious. She decides to go to Venice and this is where her authentic self begins. Moving from room to room, she meets a mysterious and very kind man named Fernando. He gives up his room for her as well. Fernando runs a restaurant with no cook. This is how Rosalba and him meets. The relationship grows ever so subtly but genuinely into a love. But Rosalba is shamed into returning to her dull house wife work back home to an angry ungrateful husband. How it ends is so heartwarming. This romantic gem shows that love can happen at any age with the least suspecting suitor at the most unsuspecting times.