The PaddlerUK magazine December 2015 issue 5 | Page 68

PADDLERUK 68

Story: Margaret Anthony
Photos: Dave Wortley

GB

Throughout the summer athletes arrived at the famous Wilderness Tours rafting site in
Forresters Falls, Ontario with the excitement building as the training regimes began.
Wilderness Tours nestles in a lovely spot on the river, one of the most beautiful places in the
world and an area that is regarded by many as the pride of Canada. Led by Matt McGuire
and his devoted team, it opened its doors to the athletes with a hearty welcome, lovely
lakeside cabins and, most importantly to our kayakers, great wholesome food. It must be said
that the steak nights at Wilderness Tours, in particular, are the very best. Every night after
training our athletes relaxed and watched the sunset over the beautiful lake while they
enjoyed listening to local Canadian singers, sitting in the hot tub or playing snooker or darts.
This was a time when lifelong friendships were forged amongst young people from all over
the world. Funsters Islay Crosbie and Heidi Walsh led the way finding new friends and
paddling compani ۜ