By Harold Keevil

Another successful year was celebrated at the FOT Annual Meeting in Temagami. Guest speaker Craig Macdonald, who spent 26 years creating the Historical Map of Temagami's Traditional Canoe Routes (published in 19xx), kept members spellbound with his stories of the Map's creation and his research with local Elders and others. This work could not be duplicated today, and is the foundation on which the FOT is developing its new, updated map.  To that end, proofing by members continued in the backcountry this past year, and the prototype map is nearing completion and looks fantastic.

Bob Olajos was awarded Member of the Year distinction to recognize his hard work in preparing for and meeting with the MNR and Forestry Companies in the ongoing battle to protect these canoe routes.  The FOT believes strongly in informed dialogue rather than confrontation, and the hard work of Bob and others has resulted in the protection of many of our backcountry gems.  That work is ongoing, and it was heartening to see that the membership is growing in numbers and experience.

Mike McIntosh's slideshow on his many canoe trips included a mouthwatering theme of gourmet dining in the bush.  It got me so hungry I went back for a second helping of Alex's moose chili.  Bill Buchan shared his research into the surprisingly numerous pictographs and petroglyphs in the area.  It was fun to learn more about the interesting meaning behind some of these pictographs.

It was another perfect weekend in Temagami.