Chiniguchi Lake loop

 Few years ago I was taking a canoe certification course, and a requirement for completion was planning a trip. So finally I got to put my good plan to a test.
 We put in from Lakeland Lodge parking lot, seems like a good spot to start.
 Our first camping spot was on Silvester Lake, after paddling the expanse of Matagamasi Lake/ North arm.

                                Silvester Lake narrows

 Second day we continued on Wolf Lake,Dewdney and Chiniguchi Lake. We camped on the site next to The Elephant. I didn't feel like climbing it, so we stayed put.

                                Chiniguchi Lake

 On the third day we looked for "the alligator" in Telfer Bay. We saw remains on the shore but not much underwater.
 This was planned as a short day so by 11 am we got to McConnell Bay, all 3 campsites for ourselves.  The beach was nice but the place is in dire need for thunder boxes. TP flowers everywhere once you go a bit inside the forest. Not a pleasant look.

                                McConnell Bay beach - looking West

                                McConnell Bay beach - looking East
 4th day we continued South on a series of small unnamed lakes, Marjorie Lake,Rathwell Lake.

                                Marjorie Lake

                                Out of Marjorie Lake

 The most exciting moment of the trip came when looking for a passage out of Rathwell Lake. The map shows a 30m portage but it looked like we can navigate through.
 And then I saw him. On the other side of the pond I spotted a big black bear who was starring at us.
 Not sure of his intentions I couldn't take my eyes off him. My friend says "get the camera" and then I scrambled to get the camera out of the waterproof bag.
 By the time I am ready to shoot he is moving away.

                                Going away...

                                He stops to check us out.

                                He is going away.

 The whole episode didn't last more than 2 minutes, but it felt much longer...
 Now we had to take the portage into Laundry Lake, the bear took a left path , ours was on the right side of a creek. No issues whatsoever and we continued on our journey.
 After paddling Laundry Lake we took the long portage instead of splitting it in 2 shorter ones. Given the low water levels I think we took the right decision.
 We spent the night on Wolf Lake, on a nice campsite with sunset views.

                                Wolf Lake

                                Wolf Lake at sunset

 Last day after battling head winds most of the time, we reached our car finishing another beautiful trip.

Happy trails!

Killarney Backpacking Trail - mid August

 After finishing the loop in 4 days 5 years ago, I returned with a friend and his kids to complete it in 6 days.
 The first day we stayed at H8, not before visiting few sites along the way. H7 is located on a famous by now Topaz Lake, that gets even day-trippers from George campground.

                                Topaz Lake

Second day we reached Bodina Lake, our next destination.

                                Bodina Lake

 Our 3rd day would take us to H33, going through more difficult terrain.

                     Steep rocky descent past H21

        Little Mountain Lake in the morning, after leaving H33.

 On the 4th day, before reaching H38 we took a side trip to Silver Peak. Very popular place.

                                Taking a break on the top

 The fifth day was a long one. On the way we stopped for swimming on Heaven Lake and Proulx Lake, refreshing waters.

                                Shingwak Lake

                                Little Superior Lake

The last day was a very short one, just 5km left to complete the whole loop.

              Sheguiandah Lake, with George Lake in the back

 It was a good trip, the weather was pleasant most of the time and the kids behaved beautifully on the trail. While I was having a work-out they were singing while carrying their backpacks. Impressive.

Happy trails!

QEII Wildlands - May 2-3

 A very nice week-end spent into the wildlands of QEII park.
 This time accompanied by a new adventurous paddler with his daughter.
 The weather couldn't have been better for this time of the year, 20-25 C at mid-day.

 Just few days before it was still cold, keeping the black flies at bay.

 After setting camp on Crooked Lake we still had time to explore the surroundings.

 The night was apparently cold, but I couldn't feel any with my winter camping sleeping bag.

 Sunday morning, 7 a.m.

 Reflections... well, it was a good trip!