Hornet Nest on the Portage Trail

 Portage trails are as much a part of a canoe trip as a paddle.  Some trails are easy to navigate as you trundle along with your supplies, other trails; however, are brutal on the body and mind.

Boulder and root strewn with steep inclines and declines, these trails will test the most experienced trippers.

A misstep on a portage trail could potentially end your trip or worse, leave you wondering how you are ever going to get out of the bush. 

There are other hidden dangers though, like the camouflaged wasp nest shown in this video. These nests are made from the pulp of dead trees. Wasps and hornets masticate the pulp into paper which blends perfectly in with the forest. 

The nest shown in this video was built at the exact height of a canoe bow if it were being portaged, that means you could bump into it and find yourself running for your life from hornets which have awesome eyesight and can fly at well over 30 kilometers per hour - you will never outrun them. 

The secret to having a great trip is to be aware of everything around you. After all, that is why we do what we do. 

Please don't destroy these nests when you find them, take some photos and keep on walking, the paper makers will not bother you. 

They live there, we are only visiting. 

Simply living - Out here. 

 

 

 

Canoe Day Trip - Perfect way to relieve stress

 To a canoeist, the sound of the paddle as it propels the boat across an expanse of water is enough to elicit a feeling of accomplishment and freedom. 

When time does not permit a long canoe trip, a simple unplanned day excursion helps to quell the incessant craving that all experienced canoeists feel. 

Any day that you feel the water flowing under the thin skin of your canoe, is a good day. 

Happy Paddling    

 

A Blustery day - Opeongo Lake

 After dropping my novel off at Algonquin Outfitters, Opeongo Lake, I decided to put my canoe in the water and go for a paddle. 

Opeongo lake can be brutal to paddle due to the ever present wind. It always seems to start with a gentle breeze which stirs the rivulets into small waves. Then brother wind decides to show off and the next thing you know, your facing waves which toss your small boat around like a bobber.

Inexperienced paddlers would do well to pull their canoes up on the shore and wait out the wind.

Experienced paddlers load their boats heavy to the bow and drive their paddles deep into the frothy surf; keeping a wary eye out for cross waves which seem determined to swamp the humble boat known as a canoe. 

This day was to put my skills to the test. As I paddled downwind, I was fully aware of my return journey which would be directly against a steady wind which seemed determined to keep me from my destination.

This video is about the short lunch break I took prior to facing - Brother Wind.  

Happy Paddling

Lunch Time In the Wild

 Wildlife in wilderness areas are very aware of their surroundings. Any disturbance within their sensory range will evoke an instant reaction. 

The secret to remaining neutral, is to lower your energy signature by controlling your emotional state. Your excitement will trigger a flight response in all the wild ones. Unless of course your photographing a chipmunk; Those little creatures know they are cute and use it to their advantage. 

I always try to carry a camera with me when I am out and about. This is simply to ensure I have the ability to capture the moments when one of the wild ones decides to make an appearance. 

This video displays some of those random moments when I have been wandering and a denizen of the forest allows me to share it's space for a few fleeting moments. 

I am not a photographer, most of my digital captures don't merit a second glance; but, they do rekindle memories which allow my spirit to wander when my body is trapped in the world of humans. 

Happy Wandering. 

Otters and more on the Tim River

Way back in August of 2015, my son and I planned a trip which would take us down the Tim River in Algonquin park. 

The main purpose of this trip was to do research for my book. I had to gain a first person perspective on the route my protagonist would take on his fateful journey. 

We connected with the river via the portage from Queer Lake. Debris dams and beaver dams were brutal for the first two kilometers, this forced us to load and unload our canoe many times before finally reaching navigable water.  

The river bends and twists as it flows to Shippagew Lake, so much so, that I swear your compass will get dizzy.

If you decide to tackle the Tim, give yourself at least seven hours, yep, 7 hrs, to make the run from the falls to Shippagew Lake. 

This video highlights small portions of the river as it was back in 2015. 

Happy Paddling! 

Canoe Tripping - What to expect

 Canoe tripping is an experience which has to be lived to be understood. 

A canoe trip can be a simple drop and plop. This is when you park your car, load your canoe with your gear, paddle to a campsite on the same lake. This type of trip is great if you need some respite from everyday life and you want to "melt" into the landscape for several days of relaxation and rest.  

Canoe tripping; however, is a strenuous ordeal which requires planning and skill to execute effectively. I have seen people reduced to tears on a well planned trip. The reasons vary but inevitably the "tears" are the result of the persons expectations not meeting the reality of the situation. 

Some people have the Hollywood or YouTube idea of tripping in their mind when they plan a journey through the lakes and woods. They envision soft gentle clouds dancing across a blue sky and calm gentle waters upon which their canoe glides. The portage trails are relatively flat with gentle undulations in ground elevations. Torrents of mosquitoes and blackflies don't enter the theatre through which their mind is wandering.  

Canoe tripping has some of those elements; however, I can guarantee the bugs will take part in your trip; unless your trip is booked when the temperature is below 10 degrees. I can guarantee the portage trails will test your resolve. After walking the second 1,000 Meter portage you will ask yourself; "Why the heck did I pack all this junk?"

I can assure you that the wind will try to push you back to where you started and halfway through your adventure you will vow to never to do it again.

Experienced trippers know this simple truth and yet we plan our trips as soon as our tents and gear are stowed for the winter.

Tripping takes skill and patience, it takes courage and tenacity to complete a trip of extended distances. It will teach you everything you need to know about yourself. Your strengths and shortfalls will be highlighted by the trials and tribulations of a long canoe trip.  

When you plan a trip, add at least 20% onto your estimated time. Plan and then plan again. Expect rain and wind. Leave the YouTube versions of tripping on your computer. 

When your gear is packed, unpack it and pack it again leaving out the unnecessary items which are simply useless. Remember, wet gear can weigh five times the weight of dry gear therefore pack all clothing in dry bags and ensure your pack is water tight. 

When you launch your canoe onto the first leg of your trip, smile and draw the fresh forest air deep into your lungs. Dig your paddle deep into the water and pull your boat up to speed. Leave all your expectations and trepidations behind you in your canoe's wake. Every stroke of the paddle from that point on will be one of discovery and adventure. 

Happy Canoeing Everyone! 

An Amazing View

The view from the lookout on Big Crow Lake in Algonquin Park has to be experienced to be fully appreciated.

If you find yourself paddling across Big Crow Lake in Algonquin Park, take the time to hike the trail up to the lookout. The trail is located behind the Ranger's cabin. 

Once you reach the summit, you will be greeted with a view that will take your breath away. 

I know this because it took mine away. 

Happy Wandering. 

Winter Campfire Tips

 Wandering through the woods is always an adventure. You never know what you may find or what you might see. 

Eventually, you will get chilled and lighting a fire will keep potential hypothermia in the shadows. 

The secret is to know how to light a fire in all conditions. 

This video shows a few tips which will help you bridge the gap between being warm and warming up lunch or being cold and wondering if your toes are going to fall off. 

Always be prepared and you will never have to worry. 

Happy wandering. 

Collecting firewood

 Most sites I have camped on are picked clean of firewood. 

Shreborne Lake - R.G. Wright

Generations of canoeists have wandered in ever-widening circles into the woods to gather the dry firewood which will sustain them while on-site. 

Most of the time, I find it much easier just to venture out in my canoe to collect the dead wood which is normally in abundance along the shoreline of any wilderness lake. 

A campfire is something we all look forward to, especially when the temperature drops into the single digits. The shear volume of wood required for a couple of days of camping, can be somewhat daunting. 

Camping is a lot of work, but in this case, work is fun. When you're collecting your firewood, use the time to investigate the forest. You will be amazed what you can discover when your canoe is beached and you are wandering through the woods with your saw in hand. 

Happy adventuring.  

How to dry out a tent

Setting up camp is full of expectations and excitement, the days ahead show promise of adventure and freedom. 

When it's time to strike camp - thoughts of unpacking your gear once you arrive home fills your head with thoughts which are not conducive to making you smile. 

A wet tent is a problem because you can't leave it packed. Mold and mildew will ruin the shelter and stink up your camp closet. You must set the tent up upon arriving home and wait until it dries out. 

A simple way to preclude this extra step is to dry the tent out at camp before packing it away. If the campsite has bushes, simply place the tent on top of the them and let the air dry the shelter out. 

It's fast, efficient and beautifully simple. The entire tent will be ready to bag and put away until your next adventure. 

P.S. 

Make sure the bushes are the gentle type and not full of thorns.  Of course, this method doesn't work if it is raining. 😉

Happy camping!   

How to tame campfire smoke

 Once the tents are set and the gear is organized, Campers gravitate to the fire pit and spend hours contemplating life while staring into the flames. It is a beautiful sight. 

The smoke eventually finds you, targets you, and the game is on. You and your friends end up running around the fire pit trying to get away from the smoke. So much for the tranquility.   

If you make a few simple changes to the pit, the fire will burn efficiently and smoke will take a back seat to your ringside seat. 

This is my go-to technique for creating an efficient and safe wood burning fire pit. 

R.G.W. 

  

Morning Lesson

The play between cold air and warm water can result in a magical display which is irresistible to the wandering eyes of an outdoors person.
I paddle into the mist and become invisible to the world. My mind conjures up images of spirits dancing to a melody which only they can hear.

 As my canoe drifts through the surreal scene, an island appears from the depths of the lake. It seems, for the moment, that I am standing still and it is the island which is moving.

The Earth spins a few more degrees and the sun's heat begins to dissipate the dancers on the lake. I paddle to shore and spend a few minutes immersed in the magic.

A thought moves into my mind; unbidden but welcome. It's message remains shrouded for a short time and I do not search for it's meaning. Slowly it moves to the forefront and I write it into my memory. 

The message is clear and poignant. It tells me that life is fleeting. Most of us believe that the future holds more promise than the present. We look beyond the moment to moments which have not occurred yet. We miss the lessons of today for the hope that a greater lesson will present itself tomorrow.

As I walk back into my campsite, I become aware of everything I did not see just moments earlier. I turn my eyes back to the lake and thank the universe for the lesson I have just learned.

Welcome Home

As the sun slowly slips down the western arc of the sky, shadows extend out from the surrounding trees pointing to the place where the sun will appear the next day. Wood smoke rises in a thin blue haze reaching upwards towards the pink hued sky. You sit quietly on a log in front of the fire pit immersed in thought.

 

The Light begins to fade and the cool night air stalks into your campsite forcing you to forgo your contemplation and move toward your tent. Opening the zippered door, you rummage around in your clothing bag looking for the hoodie that you know you packed. 

Clothed for the cool night air, you take your seat by the fire and resume watching the flickering flames as the fires' light pushes the relentless darkness back toward the forest and creates shadows which seem imbued with life. 

A loon cries out, the plaintive call filters through your mind and pulls your soul deeper into the wilderness.  Within the blackness of the forest, a barred owl calls out; four haunting notes repeated twice, then silence fills the camp site. A slight shiver runs up your spine as you realize you are a stranger in this wilderness, simply visiting from a place which does not allow the wild to exist. The realization that you are being watched by creatures which do not need the aid of artificial light, makes you feel inept and out of place.  

 Pulling yourself away from the warmth and security of the fire, you wander toward the shoreline upon which your canoe is resting. Keeping your headlight off, you gingerly make your way down the time-worn path. Your eyes begin to adjust to the darkness and you begin to see the world in black and white. A slight glow to your right alerts you to a phosphorescent fungus which imbues the forest with a hint of magic. 

A slight breeze tickles the water which reacts by sending ripples to tease the shoreline. You close your eyes and breath in deeply. Holding your breath for several seconds you then exhale the baggage your mind has conjured up. 

When you open your eyes, the sky is filled with pinpoints of light which are mirrored by the lake. The Big Dipper points toward Polaris, Orion stands on guard and Cassiopeia forms the letter W. 

Your eye focuses on Cassiopeia and your mind formulates two words, why and who. A question walks out of the fog within your consciousness.

 "Why am I here?"

As your mind grasps with the enormity of the query, a creature, unseen, laps at the water. You listen as it drinks. Not daring to move, you are instinctively frozen to the ground, becoming part of the wilderness you paddled into. Within a few heartbeats, the animal vanishes without a sound; you begin to breath again. 

The answer to your question has dislodged from your civilized brain. It is simply answered by two words; 

"To feel."  

Another question forms in your mind, coalescing out of the darkness like a far distant flashlight. 

"Who am I?"

The stars have rotated clock-wise while Polaris remains in place. A slight chill has wormed its way to your skin and you want to return to the fire, yet you linger because the question of "who?" requires some more thought.   

Shuffling your feet slightly, your right foot slips into the cool water sending ripples out into the blackness, informing everything they touch that you exist. The clarity of the moment lifts the fog from your mind and the question of "Who am I?" is answered. 

By simply re-arranging the words, the answer if forthcoming.  The sentence embeds itself  in your consciousness and you smile. The answer to the question is simply; 

"I am." 

As you walk back to the fire, the light of the moon begins to fill the site. Fear no longer lingers in the corners of your mind, you have blended into the wilderness and the simple act of breathing becomes special. Wood smoke fills the air with it's comforting aroma and you feel as if time is standing still. 

You place another log on the fire and resume your vigil beside the fires' glow. Heat seeps into your clothing and chases the chill away. Once again the owl calls out into the moonlight bathed world. You cup your hands over your mouth and call back in poor imitation.  Surprisingly, the owl responds. You have now become part of it's world, blending in and flowing within the dictates of nature. Any thought of dominance has evaporated and a sense of belonging has infused your soul. 

Welcome Home. 

 

"Dam" Beavers!

How many times have you cursed the number of beaver dams blocking your route as you traverse a river?

The itinerary you painstakingly worked on during the planning stages of your trip is now in serious jeopardy of failure. A far distant lake is going to serve as your sanctuary for the coming night, yet this small wall of sticks, stones and mud is hampering your forward momentum.

"Damn Beavers!" You yell aloud to the reeds and cattail that surround you like a living wall as you pull your canoe and gear over the engineering works of the resident beaver. 

In reality, the problem is not caused by the beaver and it's penchant for building dams; the problem exists within our minds. We are habituated to time schedules and as such, anything that impedes our progression becomes an irritant.

It takes me several hours of paddling to leave my "society" mind behind. The pressures of everyday societal life slough off me as my paddle digs into the water. The first few beaver dams I encounter are considered annoyances, the following dams are welcomed. Without the dams, we would be forced to portage or walk our canoes down many water courses. 

The beaver builds the dam to ensure adequate water for its existence. That sequestered water is deep enough to navigate with a fully loaded canoe. 

The much maligned beaver is in fact responsible for shaping the multitude of original watersheds found throughout Ontario. Without this large rodent, Ontario would not be a paddlers paradise. 

I grew fond of these large intelligent creatures while traversing the forests and ponds of my youth. Their tenacity and strength was always something I marveled at.  

These images are those of a female beaver who became a companion of mine, she would follow my canoe whenever I chose to invade her pond. 

She would sit mumbling to herself as she groomed her fur. I would talk to her quietly as I surveyed the world she had built.

Climbing back into my canoe, I would paddle away as she followed in my wake. As I pulled my canoe over her large dam, I would thank her for her company and bid her farewell. 

The pond I once shared with her is now marshland; she and her family moved onto another area of the river where the food supply would sustain them through the winter. 

One day, the marshland will once again become a pond and I will pull my canoe over the rebuilt dam and make acquaintances with the resident pond builders. 

Happy Paddling. 

 

Mayhem on a cottage lined lake

I often wonder what draws me to the quiet solitude of a wilderness lake or forest.

As a child, I spent as much time as possible wandering the forest trails around my home. It was within those green walled paths that I learned the ways of the forest and learned to "see" the lessons painted on the forest floor. It was there that I learned to remove myself from society and become a part of something that was ancient and profound.

Nothing has changed since those days long past, I have no power to resist the siren call of the woods. The trials I have traveled slide beneath my bare feet as body sleeps and my soul searches for messages and insight.

There are times when curiosity pulls at me and forces me to venture into places I would usually avoid, places where people rule and all other creatures must step aside and stay hidden.

I ventured out onto a cottage lined lake near my home. The cacophony of noise which bounced from shore to shore shattered any illusions of a peaceful paddle within moments. Boats and high powered watercraft created a chaos of waves which shattered on the shoreline continuously. My prospector canoe handled the waves perfectly; but the rat race on the lake forced me to retrace my strokes back to the seclusion of the marsh and then the portage trail from whence I came.

 

R.G.Wright

As I pulled my canoe back up onto the shore where the portage trail beckoned me home, the silence of the forest filled my being and pushed aside all the "noise" that had encapsulated me. I hoisted the canoe on my shoulders and walked the portage trail home pondering many questions pertaining to the impact of humans on the world. I have my thoughts which will remain my own. I am more than thankful that there are many wilderness areas here in Ontario which have been protected and provide us quiet paddlers a place to roam.

 

The Portage - Repairing the marsh crossing

 

Portage trails are varied in length and can be anything from an easy walk through the woods to a muscle challenging trail that would test the most athletic woodland traveler.

Many portage trails cross bodies of water which are not navigable by canoe. Bridges of all sorts can be found throughout canoe country. These range from simple planks of wood which test our sense of balance to engineered crossings complete with railings. Most deep woods crossings are made from logs gathered in the surrounding area or rocks thrown into strategic places. 

This video displays one method of crossing a marsh area. I describe marsh-land as a submerged or a semi submerged area which has a tendency to suck shoes off unsuspecting hikers. 

This building method maintains water flow and helps to mitigate damage to the wetland.  Nails and fasteners are not required.  

                    Happy wandering!

   

River Otters - Weasels who love to have fun.

The river otter is a member of the weasel clan. These powerful predators patrol waterways in search of fish, frogs, turtles and a host of other species which live in, and around water. 

Otters usually travel in groups and are incredibly playful. I have seen them playing a game of water tag where one otter chases the others; they in turn try to avoid being tagged. The game usually falls apart quickly and the whole gang gets into a rollicking game of "pile-on" which entails a lot noise and chatter which is hilarious to hear and see.

I spotted these otters chilling out on a floating log grooming their fur. I moved in as close as I possibly could and watched them for well over thirty minutes. 

The secret to this kind of interaction is to keep your excitement as contained as possible. Keep all movements to a minimum. Move position only when the otter submerges.  

I have spotted them on almost every canoe trip I have undertaken through Algonquin Park and the Haliburton Highlands Water Trails.  

I truly hope you have an opportunity to see otters in the wild. They are truly amazing creatures. 

First portage of a 10 day trip and my son gives me lip. Great.

We had just arrived at the east arm of Opeongo lake in Algonquin Park. I make one simple comment about the canoe pack that I am about to carry and my son decides to give me a piece of his mind.  

The fun had just begun. 

Excerpt from the novel, "A Long Paddle Home."

The novel "A Long Paddle Home," follows the life of a park ranger as he carries out the duties of his position. He is haunted by a past of which he has no knowledge, and a future which tears at the very fabric of his soul. 

Accompanied by Rusty, a Labrador Retriever, the protagonist wanders into a surreal world which challenges his sanity and forces him to make decisions which could alter the very essence of who he is. 

Mystery, love and fear team up to create a novel which will portage you into the depths of the wilderness where shadows come to life and control is just an illusion. 

This video was taken on site 17 on Sherborne Lake. The text within the video is from the book "A Long Paddle Home." 

Campsite 17 on Sherborne Lake is the place where the book first manifested itself. I was sitting on the "outlook rock" and I could feel the presence of something which was just outside of my understanding. 

 

 

A quote from a reader's review:

"The novel is set within the wilderness of The Algonquin Highlands. The lakes, forests, campsites and portages as detailed within the book are real places, places where the reader can actually visit and feel what the writer is conveying."

Enjoy the adventure!  

 

A TENT IS JUST A TENT - RIGHT? PART TWO.

When a single person or two person tent just won't do, you will have to scale up to a larger shelter. Tents are usually sized by the amount of people they can hold.

The problem with this measurement is that gear is never taken into account. A two person tent will house two adults and their sleeping equipment. All other gear must be stowed outside. As you scale up, the same holds true. 

The size of tent you bring to any camp will be determined by the number of occupants wishing to share the tent. Once that is determined, comfort becomes a factor. If you wish to share your tent with one other person, a three person tent will give you wiggle room and a place to stow a couple of packs. The trade off is weight. The larger the tent, the more it weighs. A few pounds extra seems like no big deal until you get into your third portage of a long day and I promise you, you will wish your pack had wheels. 

Algonquin. R.G.Wright.

A tent becomes your home when you are camping.

It's imperative that you choose your shelter wisely. 

I have seen many broken poles, ripped tarps and a 

myriad of other problems due to people purchasing 

substandard tents. 

You can get away with this if you are car camping 

as the car can become a shelter if something should 

go wrong. 

Interior camping is another story, a ripped door or

broken poles will ruin your stay in the woods if no

repair can be made. 

Please see my previous post "A Tent Is A Tent, Right?" 

Part One, on other tent models, for the best fit. 

See my YouTube video explaining more below.

It is my hope that these videos will help you choose a 

tent that is right for your needs. 

Happy camping.