As we approached Kenora we were met by some of Ross' family, who had brought us delicious snacks and cold drinks to enjoy on our quick portage over the Keewatin Boat lift. The short paddle to the campsite from there was interesting, if not slightly terrifying, with planes taking off close by, and boats speeding past from every direction. We spent the rest of the afternoon, doing boat repairs, organizing food, and trimming gear for the upcoming section. We had decided to adjust our route, hopping from lake to lake, and avoid paddling upstream on the Rainy River, and hopefully making up some time.
Our first day onto Lake of the Woods, we were followed by dark ominous clouds, and as thunder and lightning approached from the distance, we decided to take refuge on an island, with another group of canoers from a nearby kids camp. We had just enough time to set up our tarp and pull the boats out of the water before the storm hit. We sat in our makeshift shelter and shared stories and coffee as we waited out the torrential downpour and tempestuous winds. Luckily, it past quickly and before long, we were saying our goodbyes and were back on the water.
The following days were filled with sunshine, swimming, and lots of portages. We made our way from Lake of the Woods to Kakagi Lake to Osapisinni, to Sandhill, to Schistose, to Pipestone, to Stonedam, to Loonhaunt, to Jackfish, to Footprint, to Despair, and finally to Rainy lake. The portages ranged in distance and difficulty. Many of the trials were maintained by fisherman and cabin owners who seemed to leave motorboats on either side of the trail for ease of transport, and even though we only passed a few cabins on the lakes, sometimes there were up to 20 motorboats sitting at the end of a chain of lakes. Others, clearly hadn't been maintained for years and challenged us with fallen trees, thick reeds, or beaver dams built across the trail. Some, to our pleasant surprise, we found wild raspberries, blueberries and saskatoon berries to pick along the way! The portages have been a fun and exciting challenge and the beautiful scenery in the area have made this section of the trip truly unforgettable.
We are now at Labelles Birch Point Lodge, 50 kms north of Fort Frances, staying in a beautiful cabin courtesy of Mrs Phillips, preparing for our next stage of the trip. The usual organizing, food preparations and downloads are accompanied with a trip down to International Falls to obtain the necessary permits to cross the border into the States during this next portion that will take us through the Boundary Waters, Quetico Provincial Park and on to Grand Portage.
Over the last 97 days we have grown from acquaintances, to friends, and have now become like a family. We are together, all day, every day, and yet we continue to get along, growing closer all the while. We have all stepped into our respective roles, working as a team to efficiently complete our everyday tasks: setting up tents, cooking meals, doing dishes and packing boats, and when faced with unexpected challenges, our ability to work as a team becomes especially evident. We spend our days sharing stories, joking with each other and discussing everything from the foods we wish we had, to how to make the world a better place.
When Ross is not focused on the map, navigating us through jumbles of lakes and islands, his silly songs and antics entertain us, and his encyclopedic knowledge of world history educates us. Shane ensures we chat with the passing motorboats on the water, always asking "How's the fishing?” and with him around you always feel like your with an older brother. Nathalie's giggles are infectious and we never tire of her random stories. Stephanie, with her childlike ability to be amazed at every new site; declaring everyday, "This is the best day ever!”. Abby is always there to keep our spirits high, amazing us with hidden talents and hilarious jokes. As I look around, the constant smiling reminds me how extraordinarily lucky we are to spend each day, paddling our canoes, with friends, discovering and getting to know our most precious resource <Steph and Whitney>.
Our first day onto Lake of the Woods, we were followed by dark ominous clouds, and as thunder and lightning approached from the distance, we decided to take refuge on an island, with another group of canoers from a nearby kids camp. We had just enough time to set up our tarp and pull the boats out of the water before the storm hit. We sat in our makeshift shelter and shared stories and coffee as we waited out the torrential downpour and tempestuous winds. Luckily, it past quickly and before long, we were saying our goodbyes and were back on the water.
The following days were filled with sunshine, swimming, and lots of portages. We made our way from Lake of the Woods to Kakagi Lake to Osapisinni, to Sandhill, to Schistose, to Pipestone, to Stonedam, to Loonhaunt, to Jackfish, to Footprint, to Despair, and finally to Rainy lake. The portages ranged in distance and difficulty. Many of the trials were maintained by fisherman and cabin owners who seemed to leave motorboats on either side of the trail for ease of transport, and even though we only passed a few cabins on the lakes, sometimes there were up to 20 motorboats sitting at the end of a chain of lakes. Others, clearly hadn't been maintained for years and challenged us with fallen trees, thick reeds, or beaver dams built across the trail. Some, to our pleasant surprise, we found wild raspberries, blueberries and saskatoon berries to pick along the way! The portages have been a fun and exciting challenge and the beautiful scenery in the area have made this section of the trip truly unforgettable.
We are now at Labelles Birch Point Lodge, 50 kms north of Fort Frances, staying in a beautiful cabin courtesy of Mrs Phillips, preparing for our next stage of the trip. The usual organizing, food preparations and downloads are accompanied with a trip down to International Falls to obtain the necessary permits to cross the border into the States during this next portion that will take us through the Boundary Waters, Quetico Provincial Park and on to Grand Portage.
Over the last 97 days we have grown from acquaintances, to friends, and have now become like a family. We are together, all day, every day, and yet we continue to get along, growing closer all the while. We have all stepped into our respective roles, working as a team to efficiently complete our everyday tasks: setting up tents, cooking meals, doing dishes and packing boats, and when faced with unexpected challenges, our ability to work as a team becomes especially evident. We spend our days sharing stories, joking with each other and discussing everything from the foods we wish we had, to how to make the world a better place.
When Ross is not focused on the map, navigating us through jumbles of lakes and islands, his silly songs and antics entertain us, and his encyclopedic knowledge of world history educates us. Shane ensures we chat with the passing motorboats on the water, always asking "How's the fishing?” and with him around you always feel like your with an older brother. Nathalie's giggles are infectious and we never tire of her random stories. Stephanie, with her childlike ability to be amazed at every new site; declaring everyday, "This is the best day ever!”. Abby is always there to keep our spirits high, amazing us with hidden talents and hilarious jokes. As I look around, the constant smiling reminds me how extraordinarily lucky we are to spend each day, paddling our canoes, with friends, discovering and getting to know our most precious resource <Steph and Whitney>.
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