Mark Steele (Finance Committee)
While I have always loved the outdoors, I had never been to Algonquin Park until 12 years ago when my oldest son asked, "Can we go on a canoe trip in Algonquin Park?" After collecting a little bit of information for a simple two day trip into the interior for me and my family, we headed off, and I started on a long, fabulous journey with Algonquin. I fell in love with every aspect of the backcountry travel there. Ever since then, I have returned for canoe trips and hikes as often as I can. And joining ABR was one way to help keep the backcountry experience intact for many years to come.

Derek Specht (Leave No Trace and Watchdog Committees)
I grew up in rural New Brunswick where the outdoors was a way of life for our family and it was in this natural setting that I spent my childhood camping and hiking. I joined the military and had the opportunity to take my desire for the outdoors beyond my rural borders. With over 10 years in the Navy I managed to find some sweet places to make camp but mostly in coastal British Columbia. With the end of my service I followed work to Ontario and discovered canoeing in Algonquin Park within 6 months. My first canoe trip was a 5 day solo from Canoe Lake up thru to the Otterslides and back. My trips into Algonquin renews my spirit and love of nature and anything I can do to repay even a little of what I get out of it is time well spent. As an individual I felt powerless to protect Algonquin. With the ABR, I feel we are making the right first steps in preserving what we as a collective love so much.

Bill Warren
I came to Algonquin Park for the first time on a family vacation at the age of 12, in the late 1950's from Windsor. The hills, rocks and lakes were like nothing I had ever seen and I was hooked. I made my first canoe from hockey sticks and canvas as a teenager in Oakville, and took to the water (Lake Ontario in February). I actually worked for MNR as a Parks Planner in the 1970's, some of it actually in the park. Twenty years ago, I was leader of a scout troup with my son and daughter that focused primarily on canoe tripping, much of it in the park (yes-we made our own canoes). Since then I have returned many times in all seasons with family, friends, the dog .. whoever will come with me. The "interior experience" of Algonquin Park is important to me.

Sean Rowley (Membership and Leave No Trace Committees)
Growing up in a military family, I've had the opportunity to see Canada from West to East and North to South. As kids, we would spend a lot of time camping and fishing. It wasn't until my teens that I got my first taste of a canoe. As an adult, I received my first taste of canoe tripping and once bitten by that bug, there was no turning back. I now have a family of my own and spend a lot of time with them in Algonquin Park. Teaching my children to respect and love nature, and teaching them the art of canoe tripping and camping has become a big part of my life.

My first canoe, I named "HMC Chase Adventure". As a new 'tripper', everything was an adventure and I was heading out to chase that adventure within Algonquin's borders. Now, many years later, Algonquin's back country has come to mean so much more to me. I have put many miles under my hull and have come to love Algonquin as my second home. My second canoe has been named 'Spirit Of My Soul'. A solo canoe, it enables me to travel alone and reflect on many things as I travel the waterways of Algonquin Park. To become one with nature. To bare my soul and find the Spirit that drives it.

Jeffrey McMurtrie (Leave No Trace and Forestry Committees)
When I was 8 years old my father took me and my brother on our first canoe trip (8 days.) Since then our trips have gotten longer and longer trips and my trips have gotten much more plentiful. Those trips have made Algonquin a second home for me (Literally!) and have sparked a lifelong passion for all things Algonquin Park. Only together can we protect Algonquin Park for ourselves and future generations. (York University and and hobby cartographer)
jeffrey.mcmurtrie@gmail.com

Barry Bridgeford (Website, Forestry, Membership and Leave No Trace Committees)
Back in 1991 with my son, I rediscovered Algonquin Park after an absence of many years. After some drive-in camping, we were soon canoeing into the backcountry. Over time, some of my trips became 'solo events', boys growing up like they do. However, I've become thoroughly bitten by Algonquin's solitude, wildlife and natural beauty. Algonquin Park's backcountry has become a second home to which I regularly return. It is such an important element of my life that I want to do what I can to care for it.
bridgeford@abrweb.ca