Started early in the morning and drove up to Bayfield Inlet to launch the canoes. We were originally going to head out of Point Au Baril Station but the winds would have prevented us from getting past the point...Seemed we were paddling into the wind most of the weekend. Parked at Thompson Marine and started the trip.
I was paddling solo with the exception of my dog, my friend George was also solo and Brian and his sister Gail were in another canoe. We took some detours through many of the smaller channels and islands to avoid the wind and I was blown away by the scenery. No matter how many times I come up here I am always in awe.
Very easy to get lost in the maze of channels but since my former bosses are all hydrographers they had everything under control...
Here is a very cool rock formation...
Spent many hours paddling and looking for the perfect site. The winds were howling and a little cold so we needed some decent shelter. We decided on a large island that was really close to the opening of Georgian Bay. It had some nice pines blocking the winds. Very few cottages in this area so it was very secluded. Since the wind always ripped through, there were not bugs at all...
Here is the site...
Group shot. I am wearing my rain suit because after setting up camp, we started to feel a littel rain. Did not last but the cold winds sure did the first night.
Not much of a sunset the first night but still amazing. This is looking west from out site out to Georgian Bay.
This trip was very relaxing since we decided not to pack up each morning and find a new site. Each day when we finally finished breakfast we would decide where to paddle to and just do short day trips.
This is the way to relax and cook at the same time...
All packed for the day and Baron ready to go...
More great scenery...
All set up ready to watch the sunset....
Tried out the macro setting on my crappy camera. Turned out not bad. Anyone know what type of flower this is??
We faced rain skies most of the weekend but it never came.
Here is a shot of the sun trying to get through...
Baron relaxing. This is what he did most of the weekend when he was not out checking that everyone was safe and doing his rounds on the island...
Checking out a nice spot....
On the second day out we ran out of wine and rum.
We decided to make the trip back to Bayfield Inlet and drive back to town to get supplies. My dog was really good in the canoe. He would just sleep and watch the scenery go by while I was working hard paddling. Not a bad life... I toook him canoeing before about 3 years ago and he was good then too. He just loves being outdoors...
Most of the time when we were not paddling I tried fishing in many locations. I was really not familiar with how to fish this area since the depths go from very deep to shallow within a few metres. Almost no weed cover at all and the bottom is scattered with rocks and large boulders. Whenever I tried to troll I would get snagged and would have to paddle back to try to get the line free. >:(
I had hoped to get into some pike, perch or walleye but nothing at all. The water was very clear and I don't think I ever saw a fish when looking into the water all weekend. I saw many frogs, tadpoles, leeches and minnows but could not locate any fish.
I would even have tried to cook up some rock bass or other pan fish if I could find them. The last night was perfect out so I decided at sunset I needed to fish. I was hoping to get a least a rock bass or better yet a nice pike. I chucked my mepps #4 spinner into a small bay and WHAM, first cast. A nice OOS smallie. ???
Tried again and all I could get was bass so I just gave up and went back to camp to relax...Oh well, better than working.....
Baron relaxing again...
Water crossing...
The sunset on the last night...
I was lucky to see lots of wildlife during the trip. Many loons and ducks, a family of muskrats, a river otter, mink and tons of birds.
On one of the main pathways we used to get to the canoes and back to the campsite was in an area of pines and shrubs. Just before sunset the one night I was collecting wood and had to fall backwards to avoid my right foot stepping on this!
This little Massassauga Rattler was out basking in the sun and had possibly just eaten because he was very slow to move when we tried to encourage him off the trail. I maybe missed stepping on him by about an inch. I had sandals on too. Would have been a crappy end to the trip if I had been bitten.
He finally moved off the trail only to show up when we were packing up the last day. The rattle is very loud and I am thankful they use it to let you know they are there.
This was one great trip. I will be up there again before the fall to enjoy this beautiful area again.....If anyone wants a good easy canoe route to take, PM me for details.....
Thanks
Edited to remove the OOS pic. Sorry. Fishface
