Cockburn Pointer Boats: 2009

Monday, August 17, 2009

Spanish River Pointer Boat recreating old times

Friends replica log driving pointer boat did an historical voyage down the lower Spanish River in early July. A crew from southern Ontario rowed from Espanola to Spanish over 3 days, replicating the log drives on the river from the 1850’s to the 1930’s.

Pointer on Parade

The Friends of the Spanish River's Pointer Boat, (complete with 'crew') entry in the 2008 Canada Day parade in Espanola, Ontario won an award featuring an historically important theme. The banner on the boat says it all.

Ernie Marion in the bow running a pointer through the 'Graveyards' on the Spanish in 1952.

'Friends' Pointer Boat & Miss Bikini Crew Steal Show at Grand Opening of New Marina in Spanish

On July 14 & 15, in between huge thunderstorms, the Friends’ pointer boat and crews helped celebrate the Grand Opening of the new Shedden Four Seasons Complex and Marina in Spanish, Ontario. The public were invited to crew for the Friends’ Captain Blight and learn how to maneuver this 32' double-ender with only large wooden oars and two paddles.

The Miss Bikini Contestants signed on as crew and quickly had this remarkable logging work- boat gliding through the harbour like old salts.

The pointer boats were used during the river runs to move men and supplies on these “highways of the wilderness” with great efficiency and speed, even shooting rapids to get from camp to camp. We should all be proud of our rich Northern Ontario Heritage!