Couchain Lake

September 1, 2024

Another gorgeous day. We paddled across Basin Lake and retraced our steps from the day before. After completing the road portage to Basin Depot we spent a bit of time exploring the old building and nearby gravesites. The route down the river was a little easier as this time we had the water flowing in the correct direction. Knowing the key to the way around each of the obstacles also helped. The first rapid we portaged around, and the second one I just lined the canoe the whole way while wading along behind it. This took a long time as the canoe kept getting hung up on rocks, but got it done.

Gravesite at Basin Depot

Departing from our high point on the Bonnechere River

No trip is complete without a bit of bushwhacking

Lining down the rapids

Threading the needle

After a lot more obstacles and paddling the endless meanders, we finally arrived at Couchain Lake. The first thing we noticed was that the slide had moved eastwards about 500m. The hillbillies were still hanging around but did not notice us as we slipped past this time. Down the lake a bit and around a small corner from hillbilly camp we found a beautiful campsite. As this was our last night of our vacation, the draw of having a relaxing afternoon instead of more grunt work won out, so we pulled in and settled in. Unfortunately it was not as peaceful as we had hoped, since the hillbillies had a habit of yelling... constantly. Nevertheless we had a nice evening by the fire and a starlight paddle (further down the lake to get a a little more quiet). Just as we were about to go to bed, the fireworks were set off. I think someone must have thrown the whole box in the fire as the dramatic display only lasted about twenty seconds. It quieted down for a few minutes for some reason and we crawled into our sleeping bags.

Escaped slide

A peaceful momement at yahootee camp

Travel time: 6 hours

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