Have you seen Google Trekker?

Have any of you seen this big blue ball bounding around on trails, crawling through caves, and making its way around other nooks and crannies that a car, bike, trolley, or even a snowmobile can't reach?

Google Trekker has been making its rounds across the world. And recently, it was spotted in Canada's 1000 Islands National Park.

Hello world! For three days, from August 20-22, 2013, Google Trekker visited the 1000 Islands National Park of Canada.

The views from Google Trekker around the world gives me chills of the best kind. It sure beats traditional Street View!

What is Google Trekker?

Google Trekker is a backpack-mounted, sophisticated camera system that captures 360-degree panoramic images. It weighs about 40 lbs and is worn by a Google operator who can leave the street and go anywhere a person can hike. It’s Google Maps Street View gone wild – I mean off-road.

Google Trekker needed a boat to get to the 1000 Islands trails on Camelot, McDonald, Mermaid, Beau Rivage islands, and more. I don't think you'd want to haul that 40 lbs pack and camera on a kayak!

For more information and pictures about Google Trekker in the 1000 Islands, my next story is up on The Great Waterway, a cool Ontario Tourism website where I've been a regular blogger for three years:

Google Trekker in the 1000 Islands National Park

Happy trails!
The BaffinPaddler

Credits: Special thanks to Parks Canada for providing me with information and images about Google Trekker in the 1000 Islands and other Canadian national parks and historic sites, and for answering my questions. Sophie Borcoman, is the Visitor Experience Manager for the 1000 Islands National Park of Canada and is the spokesperson for the Parks Canada project with Google in the 1000 Islands. Images courtesy of Parks Canada.

When one sport informs another . . . where's your center?

I love this question. I began thinking about it while cycling. I haven't cycled very much this summer, but why do I feel so strong and have so much cardio despite the heat and humidity?

Why do I feel more balanced? Why do my standing yoga poses (on land and in the studio) feel so much easier and grounded? I can hold them longer in comfort and relaxation.

Nothing hurts. My muscles are long and lean.

The only thing I did differently this year from past years was lots of SUP (Stand up Paddleboard). What I call "simple SUP". Just paddleboarding at a relaxed easy pace for an hour (or two) several times a week. Even 30 minutes feels good if that's all you've got time for, or if a thunderstorm rolls in and you have to get off the water.

The results of simple SUP, something I find just plain fun and easy, are amazing.

When one sport or practice informs another, they are complements to each other. Athletes call it cross-training.

When one sport or activity informs another, and improves your performance and feels good . . . where's your center?

It's in balance! There's harmony and good flow in your body and mind.

Enjoy the many benefits of SUP (Stand up Paddleboard)!
Happy trails.
I wish you a safe, peaceful, and happy Labor Day holiday.
The BaffinPaddler