Sat, Jul 27 2013, Sun, Jul 28 2013 - KAWARTHA HIGHLANDS CANOE TRIP (View Original Event Details)
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Nine people, four canoes, two dogs and a kayak...
Even if it's gonna rain it's great to get up north for an overnight! We left the city early Sat am, expecting rain + thunderstorms on Sat + more rain on Sunday. Heh! The weather forecasters were surprisingly wrong and before long it was sunscreen all around.
After picking up our canoes at Long Lake (where we were very clearly instructed by the outfitter not to use the rope in the bailers under ANY circumstances, unless we were willing to buy it) we set forth. It was a beautiful Saturday morning for paddling: slightly overcast + very little wind. There wasn't much other boat traffic + it didn't take us long to arrive at the portage into Buzzard Lake. It's an easy track, very wide with minimal change in elevation. The few other people on the portage were slightly startled to see what looked like a huge blue- eyed timberwolf wearing a red life jacket bounding past them! Both dogs were thrilled to be out running around, and provided much entertainment as they romped around, chasing sticks and each other.
Our campsite at #426 had plenty of room for all of us. After setting up camp some of us went paddling+ fishing, others explored on foot, Priya tried out paddling in the stern, while Kevin + Alexandra swam across the lake to say hello to our neighbours at campsite #426.
Late afternoon the weather changed. Dark clouds rolled in with some accompanying short rain showers. Fortunately Galina had brought what had to be the world's largest tarp, so we were set for the evening. Dinner as always on a camping trip was wide ranging, from Twizzlers, to steak to roasted sweet potatoes, and buckwheat salad. Alexandra made veggie noodle soup and Kevin had picked up a watermelon on the drive up, which Dima decided to try roasted over Helena's amazing campfire. We had just finished with the bear hang when the rain + thunder began in earnest, but after such an early start to the day we were all pretty happy to pack it in by 10:30pm.
By Sunday am the rain + clouds had vanished + it was the start of a gorgeous day. Dima was up super early, eager to get back out in his kayak, and Julia+ Suzanne were also up and on the water with Bauer early on - unlike those of us snuggled up in comfy hammocks....
After a relaxing morning spent swimming, exploring, fishing (and eating!) we packed up camp after lunch and paddled back to the put in.
A fun overnight with great company! Thanks everyone for all helping out and adding to a memorable weekend
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