Portaging - 2009

So once again we have undertaken the portaging experience and this time although filled with different mini adventures it was as satisfying as ever. This time we arrived up north around 9:00 pm, and unfortunately any chance at getting a canoe was shot so we were left relying on some very helpful and accommodating friends who with only two guys managed to tow and portage three canoes to pick us up at the distant shore in the late evening. With our luck, the rain started the moment we got onto the canoes, arriving at our campground at around midnight there was nothing more satisfying than a beer and a fresh campfire-fried sausage.

If I can write anything else about this trip, it is to describe my mere appreciation for this land that we live in, and the beauty it offers. How often do you get to stay up the whole night by a grand camp fire, made with your own hands and saw (the guys efforts anyway)? See the sun rise, take the canoe on the still water of the morning, and watch the sun climb from the horizon as abstract clouds float past in the distance. When do you get the chance to sit on top of a cliff hanging above the water surveying the numerous lakes that spread like canals between the islands providing a wide roadway for the miniature canoes in the distance. The best part of it all I think, was the satisfying reward of having the ability to sit and enjoy the power of the rapids who's primary placement was the reason for the strenuous portion of the portage.

In the words of Emily Carr (Canadian Artist) ; It is wonderful to feel the grandness of Canada in the raw.

Post Scriptum
Some lessons learned: Lesson 1: Don't Canoe at night, its unsafe and people have been killed doing it
Lesson 2: Don't forget allergy medication
Lesson 3: "Dumping a log" on a log, will usually not be funny when you actually do it. It just may upset the rest of the village when placed on exhibition in the public common-area.

Pictures
TopRight: Our canoes spread out on the shore down hill from our campsite
MiddleLeft: Sitting on the cliff admiring the view
Bottom: The Polish Flag waving in the wind, as sun rises and clouds float in the far distance

Portaging...

In light of our upcoming Portaging getaway weekend, i thought it would only suit the situation right if I did a post on our last trip two years ago. First of all, the title of this post should not be portaging, but more like 'Mission Impossible'. I will give you a brief overview of what such an excursion is all about, and most importantly what you should avoid. Overall, thanks to our friend Ziggy and his coordinating skills this trip is by far one of the best things to do in the summer. What's better than missioning out to the middle of no where with about 20 people, of which you probably dont know half and camp out on some real crown land.

Above is a general map of what the mission entails (click on map for Google Map Link).
Directions:
Take 400 North of Barrie
Exit 156 - After Passing Port Severn Bridge
Right Onto Muskoka Road (which turns into Port Severn Rd.) - This is your Canoe Rental!
Get Back onto the 400 N
Exit 168
Right onto Crooked Bay Road
Right onto Georgian Bay Road (as if you were heading back on the 400 S)
Just before the ramp to the highway, there is a down hill left turn
Park where ever you can!
Bring all your things by the shore, and start your Portage!

It looks pretty simple from far. Drive up north, rent your canoe, drive it over to the parking lot an exit away, pack your stuff, and you're off!

Alright, so now, what to avoid.

Where do we start? First of all before you set out make sure you understand what 'portaging' means. Definition: Portage refers to the practice of carrying a canoe or other boat over land to avoid an obstacle on the water route such as rapids or waterfall in a river. Aka you will have to carry everything you bring.
Here's some other tips, based on our last experience.

Lesson 1: Don't bring anything useless. Just remember, you will have to carry it.
Lesson 2: Don't steal "Ontario Parks" canoes from Six Mile Lake Provincial Park, you can probably only get away with it once.
Lesson 3: Bring good ropes, you will be left holding that thing up with you hands out the window, as you are driving down the highway.
Lesson 4: Don't throw an axe in you shin, the hospital is a minimum 45 min canoe ride away plus a drive.
Lesson 5: You car will probably get towed (get there early)
Lesson 6: Bring garbage bags!

Overall, the whole trip has its own rewards. Its a beautiful area and I can't wait to do it again!

Pictures:
MiddleRight: Dina and Me taking out the Canoe, 5 am, after all nighter
BottomLeft: Fishing at Sunrise. The water still as ever.