The Paddler Autumn/Fall issue 2017

Giant tranquil paradise
We made land quickly, literally a mile or so later
full of paddling promise. Darren the pilot had
departed leaving us with the deep peace of this
giant tranquil paradise. We crossed a small sandy
spit forensically investigating an old cabin, loitering
another year and waiting for some much needed
TLC. Onward we paddled, towards one of those
beautiful wild campsites inviting adventurous types
with its large ancient rocky shelf. We accepted the
invite and made camp. Hap and Andrea came into
their own with a host of tasty morsels fit for any
banquet. I am pleased we brought the MSR Elixir2
tent with its geodetic design as it stood proud on
the rocky outcrop.
Given the ‘Indian summer’ and our sweaty attire,
we opt for the obvious solution and embarked
on the first of many memorable wild swims on
Florence Lake. It is said that you can see almost
60ft below the surface with its crystal clear
waters. This one was orchestrated in shifts as we
‘skinny dipped’ and swam around the bays and
temples of rock, completely free in the moment.
The sunset transformed our camp, showcasing
the full repertoire of vibrant colours, as we
swapped stories of trips and adventures nestled
by the camp fire. Already away from digital inputs
and demands, we were reconnecting with our
inner dreams and ideas.
Morning brought more culinary delights with
waffles and local maple syrup heated on the
reflector oven and ‘cowboy coffee’. The mist over
the water burnt off quickly as the sun declared its
intent to stay golden. More reflections, on the
water and within ourselves, as we paddled along
winding marshland, smaller lakes and connecting
rivers. Periodically, we reached a portage trail
around rapids or waterfalls. It was bizarre how a
calm lake would transform into a raging torrent of
white water with little or no warning. Certainly
the relief and terrain was not sharing this ancient
knowledge. The portages were traditionally
Canadian in style with large boulder fields and
uneven trails often hundreds of metres.
Trekking through the scrub
We quickly became adept at balancing the
lightweight Swift Canoes on our heads (well
shoulders) and trekking through the scrub. Some
rapids were runnable, although the carbon shiny
boats and ‘boney waters’ made this a slightly more
nerve racking experience. Reading the water is a
skill like riding a bike and we were soon running
chutes and ‘swifts’ confidently. Our next campsite
was chosen for its vantage point over a rapid. Our
team work and routine was synchronized into a
smooth operation to light the fire, make camp
and cook. Then came obligatory wild swim
Wild swimming. Photo: Ash Kenlock
The three musketeers, Hap, Rich and Alex. Photo: Hap Wilson
Garter snake at Cabin Falls. Photo: Ash Kenlock
ThePADDLER 111