QEII Wildlands - Mid August

  QEII Wildlands P.P. is getting more attention lately. Passing over the Head River on Hwy 45, I got an idea.

  I would start at Head Lake, go on Head River, Smudge Creek, camp on Smudge Lake, come back the same way to Head River and continue downstream till the bridge on Hwy 45. Then I would hike back 6km to my car. It didn't work exactly as planned.

          What sparked my interest...

  Starting at Head L. on a beautiful day, I continued on Head R. Somehow I passed the creek, I was expecting something bigger. After a while I turned around, now being convinced that I'm too far downstream. The river was starting to change the character, while so far being flat water with 2 rapids/waterfalls, now the current was present on some sections. I would find more about it the next day.

  So I'm going back and start on Smudge Creek. Not long after beaver dams had to be passed but the real problem was low water levels. It must have been at least one feet down from the June levels (as seen on a report). So instead of paddling I was pulling my way through the water plants, sometimes standing up to find the best route on the maze of bushes. I had hopes that eventually it will open up, but that wouldn't last too long.

  The first 2 portages weren't too bad. The last one started with a steep ascent, all the tapes and the portage sign were on the ground(?). I got on the other side of the portage, everything loaded. When I pushed from shore a rock shifted under my foot. Next thing I know I am standing in 2 feet of water with the canoe flipped & my bags floating (a first for me).

  Something was nagging me to turn around but I wanted to see the lake, so I kept going.

  The moment I saw the creek opening up to the lake I heard shooting on my left. It turns out there is a hunting camp I wasn't aware of. I pulled ashore and filtered water, ate something and pondered what to do.
  I felt MY SPACE violated not only by shootings but by people shouting like crazy. It was a quick decision. I would go back as far as the daylight would allow me.
  I stopped just in time to get my camp organized. Went to bed early with pain in my right arm (pulled muscle). I could still hear the hunters on the ATV, shooting not too far, till the darkness fell over. Later on I could hear the coyotes and my park favorite, the whippoorwill.
 In the morning I continued down the creek, got to the river and hoped for an easy paddle downstream, since my arm was still hurting. Instead I had to portage around 6 rapids/waterfalls. Not what I expected...

          Head River before getting to Smudge Creek

  This trip was a good lesson...