[Home]
[Main]
[Prev]
[Next]
I slept fairly poorly last night because it was difficult to find a position which did not hurt my shoulder, so I ended
up sleeping in until about 07:30, which was good,because that was about the time the rain stopped. Breakfast was simply
oatmeal and coffee and then we hit the lake to a cloudy and windy day. A cool north wind hindered our progress, and it
took us well over an hour to get to the north end of the lake. We then began the long journey down Spray Creek. 4 km
of windy river turned it into more like 10, taking about 2-1/2 hours total. There were many obstacles, including about
a dozen beaver dams, and lots of fallen trees in the water which blocked progress. Fortunately we were going down
stream, so many of the dams could simply be run right over at a low spot. Others required getting out and hauling the
canoe over. The single portage was a short and wide easy trail for a change. Katja carried the canoe over this one
with little difficulty. We passed a group of four canoes going up stream at one point. All of them were carrying these
big wooden chests. Hopefully they are not going to be portaging much. Finally as we were getting tired and hungry, we
got to the end of the stream onto Big Spring Lake. We looked for a place to stop for lunch but did not see anything
suitable as the shores were very swampy. We entered the creek at the south end and found a little place to stop by the
shore where we ate the bread baked last night (very tasy), cheese, and meats, both of the tofu and animal variety.
Katja took the stern at this point and we travelled down the Montreal River until we hit Indian Lake. A campsite was
spotted almost immediately, so we pulled in and set up camp. The mosquitos are ferrocious so we spent the rest of the
afternoon in the tent. Got out briefly to eat a quick supper of Indian boil bags, and then paddled onto the lake to get
some water as the shores are too muddy here. A motor boat arrived while we did this and then circled around a bunch of
times before leaving. Why do people driving motor boats do this? It seems they have no destination, just drive around
and around and make lots of noise. The mosquitos were just as bad out on the water so we came back and dove into the
tent again. Played backgammon as the sun set and watched as several parties of canoes went by, each of them somewhat
dissapointed that this site was taken. We have decided to leave the fly off tonight and watch the stars. I am sure it
will rain just because of this.
[Home]
[Main]
[Prev]
[Next]