A month in Temagami (part 6)
- Jonathan Kelly
- Apr 13, 2017
- 5 min read
May 29, 2016
Day 26
Awoke after 8am and milled about camp for a while, wondering what to do. With a thunderstorm forecasted for the afternoon, I eventually decided to pack up and hustle out of there. I was on the water just after noon and the storm was becoming more imminent with each passing minute. A strong southwest wind was highly favourable for my route, as planned, and I flew back to the launch. On the way I got another ~4-lb laker. Minutes from the launch, a bit of rain hit, but at least I had dodged any severe weather.
En route to Wicksteed Lake, I made a couple of quick pit stops along highway 11, picking up some bread, honey, and a couple of Heinekens to get some variety in my diet, which had become all too routine.
I didn't get launched until nearly 7pm. Aside from the dead horse or moose (somehow, it was unclear) rotting in the water by the dam, Wicksteed made a promising first impression. Dotted with islands, no cottages, and no lodges from what I saw, which was surprisingly rare, even in my travels. I was also still reaping the benefits of the southwest wind, and again I was flying, making it nearly 8km to my site with adequate daylight to get set up. I was also greeted by sun dogs, gleaming resplendently on either side of the setting star. The campsite was nearly perfect, with much charm, and very cosy. I settled in to my tent, cracked open the Heineken, and made a couple of the most delectable PB & honey sandwiches I'd ever eaten. I was practically giggling with delight. And with that, I prepared for bed and eagerly awaited what else Wicksteed might have to offer. Oh---there you have it: a lightning storm on the eastern horizon beneath a broad, starlit sky above. I believe that's a first for me.
P.S. Oh, and how could I forget my visit to Finlayson Point PP. I dropped off some trash I had accumulated in the van, and took one of the longest and most cleansing showers of my life---the first since before the trip began. Not to mention that the dip in the lake two days ago didn't do much for the smell.
May 30, 2016
Day 27
The wind was still blowing fiercely from the south, so on my little island I did not do much of anything, besides a little laundry, reading, and eating until 4pm. At that point I finally ventured out in the canoe, not daring to go outside of a kilometre radius around camp, fearing that I would end up windbound somewhere. A decent pike bit my Rapala Husky Jerk on the troll, and a caught a small walleye on my trusted flasher jig with a paddletail swimbait. I thought to keep it for dinner, but then, at the thought of it being a child in the realm of fishes, I released it and hoped for a bigger one that never came. Oh well, I had peanut butter and honey sandwiches awaiting me at camp, with no filleting required.
May 31, 2016
Day 28
With the wind still gusting and the bugs still buzzing, I was tent-bound all morning, though not too upset about it, being engrossed in The Name of the Wind from the Kingkiller Chronicles. The trip had certainly rekindled my affection for reading. By 2pm I was in the canoe, as the winds relaxed a little. No trophy fish to be had, but an enjoyable afternoon to be sure.
Returned to my island for dinner and was invited by the nearby camp to join them for a drink later that night. Close to 10pm I paddled over to their site, but it was quiet and only one of their two boats was there. Not sure whether to enter camp, I sheepishly paddled back and returned to my solitude and my journal. Home in a few days anyway, so no matter.
Also watched a dragonfly undergo its metamorphosis today. Nature is remarkable.
June 1, 2016
Day 29
A late night of reading a chilly morning brought about my latest rise of the trip, just after 9am. Following oatmeal, I set out westward on this fair weather day. The smallies were biting like crazy and I ended the day having caught eight of them, despite targeting pike and walleye, since bass season did not open until the fourth Saturday of June in this region.
I finished the last of the PB & H sandwiches and paddled around Leonard Inlet for about seven hours, enjoying the weather and the unexpected lack of bugs. All things considered, it made for one of the most pleasant days of the trip.
I returned to camp with some beautifully dry driftwood for a fire after dinner, then curled up in the hammock for some reading before bed.
June 2, 2016
Day 30
The wind returned and was howling from the south, bringing with it huge, tall clouds and the chance of thunderstorms. Not a morning for a canoe. So, I continued reading The Name of the Wind, finishing the book and sorely wishing I had part two with me as part one had been an exceptional read. Alas, it was back in the car so I'd have to wait.
After lunch I took a good, long nap and rested my weary joints, tendons, and muscles, especially the ones in my left arm which were starting to bother me. I awoke just after five with the wind still gusting, but went out for a quick fish anyway. I caught a few smallies and, near the end of the outing, a pike close to five pounds. The pike was too large for the dinner plate, but it took the hook in the gills and I had no choice. After one more bug-riddled filleting session, I had a big fish fry and ate until I could do so no more.
It was time to go home for a little break, so tomorrow the plan is to pack up after breakfast, paddle back, fish some, then make the long drive home. After 30 days there are things that one begins to miss terribly. Namely pizza, family, friends, hot showers and toilets, veggies, a soft mattress, the internet, music, and many other things that the otherwise fulfilling backcountry lacks.
Hoping for one last big fish tomorrow, which would be the most fitting conclusion to this leg of the trip, given that the biggest fish came right at the start.
June 3, 2016
Day 31
Packed and paddling by 9am, and back at the launch just after noon. Stopped for pizza in North Bay, and arrived home before dinner.
My roommate Katy and her boyfriend Mike were cooking up a huge batch of ribs and told me that they were having a party with their cohorts to celebrate their convocation earlier that day. Ribs and socializing---perfect! I threw in some laundry, had a good shower, and was a presentable human being again in time for the party.
I'd stay in Lindsay until Wednesday morning, then head down to the city to visit the family and the Shopper Events team. Next, Catherine's cottage Friday through Sunday, then back to the backcountry. Time to soak up the comforts of civilization.
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