The Home Support Team

John Mowle 

Our Uncle John shares a passion for the water! He resides in our nation’s capital, with a wonderful view and access to the Ottawa River right at his footsteps. During our adventures, John is in constant communication through e-mail as he provides updates for us by tracking our progress. John tracks us on our GPS Tracking Device (SPOT). John also loves to dance and to teach others to dance. He enjoys puzzles that challenge his mind which keeps him quick on his toes! John is a proud grandparent and sees his grandchildren whenever he gets a chance! We always looked forward to his statistical reports and information as it shows us potential hazards and points of interest along the route. John plays a very important part of the Home Team by providing encouragement and support as we paddle on!

It is with sadness that the love of John’s life and our dear Aunt Marion passed away during our trip. We will always remember her jest for life, her love and support.

Rachel Vandertol 

Rachel, one of our adventurous children is the Content Manager for the website. She has a zest for living and passionately immerses herself in anything she takes on. She is a teacher and has taught abroad in Guatemala, Venezuela and South Korea. She loves finding and taking in the sights that only locals are privy to! Rachel has enjoyed everything from river paddling in Mongolia to climbing switchbacks up volcanoes in Latin America. She has accepted the role of compiling, writing, editing and inserting updates sent from us during the trip to the website blog. Together with DFC International, she ensures accuracy and professionalism when it comes to our website and social media updates. Rachel is also an emergency contact shared with Paul Vanden Engel.  What would we do without her!

Paul Vanden Engel

Paul is a steward for the environment and has a passion for trees and their extremely vital role. He has made a huge impact in Kingston by restoring, teaching, and working towards preserving its urban forest. Paul not only tracks us daily through our GPS Tracking Devise (SPOT), but we have the reassurance from him that if we are ever stranded, Paul will find a solution to bring us home. Nothing will hold him back from retrieving us off any river, lake, or swamp anytime or anywhere in Canada!  Paul has driven days to pick us up at the end of our route and is always ready with his wife Denise, to help us get to our next destination. We want to thank Paul for his ongoing commitment in this important role for our Home Team! What an awesome brother!