NOTE: Clicking a picture well enlarge it.

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Canoe Artisans Sharing Their Skills

Canoe being built by Paul Wilson

Break time for the crew
Jane working on Kayak with Rob Smith
Rob explaining how to assemble kayak
Showing how to make a canoe rib
After touring the Les Chaneaux (pronounced Lay-shen-o which is French for "channel") Maritime Museum in Cedarville Ken and I decided to step across to peek into the sanctuary of the artisans of canoes. They are  made totally by hand in an age old technique that few take the time to learn but which the artisans would be willing to pass on.  Seeing us, they welcomed us in eagerly to tell us all about their trade, and show us the way in which they built the canoes, and in one case a kayak. They were so friendly, and offered the history of the area. One of them, Rob Smith, had seen us in the waters that very morning, and commented on how he liked our boat.  We thought that was pretty cool that he had seen us!

At any rate, we took pictures with Paul Smith who was building the kayak and let me work on it, and pictures of Rob Smith who can be seen in one picture with me (he has a furry white beard).  He is building the beautiful canoe. It will be raffled off for the benefit of the museum next year.  It's amazing that he uses his art so selflessly for the benefit of something he so dearly loves.

These are special men, and we came away blessed by the time we were able to spend with them.  What they do is remarkable! These photos depict that remarkable talent and the ease in which they give up their time to someone interested in what they do so selflessly.

Paul was appreciative of our visit

No comments: