by Debbie Darling
What began inauspiciously with a drive through the pouring rain to Muskoka, quickly turned into one of the most enjoyable experiences one could hope for. There were five of us paddlers in all: Keith Rodgers our gracious leader, Mike and Sharon, Howard and me, Debbie. This was my first trip since joining the club, hence my status as a GLSKA “virgin.”
I had been a little apprehensive about whether all of my gear would fit into my Kestrel 120, a 12 foot touring boat not really meant for camping voyages. But, with room to spare, I was able to get everything in, plus a 4 litre container of water and my camping stool! Surprisingly, the extra weight added to my boat’s 25 lb hull, made it handle even better in the water!
Just before entering Massassauga Park, a 13,050 hectare (50 square miles) wilderness area, Howard and I saw a family of four bears wandering at the side of the road; thankfully, the only bears we saw on this trip. Shortly thereafter, we met up with Keith and were on the water by 10:45 a.m. A little way out from Pete’s Place, paddling through Blackstone Harbour, we met Mike and Sharon who had been camping since the night before. The five of us then paddled on together through Wood’s Bay to a sparkling beach where we ate our lunch and rested a while. Shortly after, we packed up and turned our bows towards Sharpe Island.
Saturday’s paddling conditions were perfect, with a cool, gentle wind under an overcast sky which cleared as the day unfolded. Somewhere on this part of the journey, we spotted a magnificent osprey diligently working at building her nest of sticks. The sight was mesmerizing and we watched her for some time before setting off again. Of all the wildlife we saw, this earnest osprey was the most amazing, at least to me!
After setting up camp on Sharpe Island, and finally discovering the infamous “thunderbox” which everyone who knows anything about wilderness camping kept telling me about. We climbed back into our boats and paddled the pristine channels and bays to Wreck Island for a hike. While Keith refreshed himself with a swim, the rest of our group hiked the interpretive trail, enjoying splendid views of Georgian Bay as we clambered over the island’s one billion year old pink and black rock formations. Lady’s Slippers and Blue Flag Irises dotted the island here and there. Perhaps, next visit, we will see the wrecks, too.
Back at camp we cooked supper. I learned a few tips about cooking from Sharon: how to assemble and turn on my stove! I marvelled at Keith’s nifty, bagged, gourmet dinner which you can just throw into a pot of boiling water. After breaking bread together and cleaning up, we enjoyed some conversation sitting under a few stars around the campfire. From Howard, I learned where Saturn can be spotted in the night sky.
Sunday morning we enjoyed a leisurely start, with a swim and breakfast, before packing up and paddling back to Pete’s Place. We stopped for lunch and a swim on the way. Mike practised his roll and wet exit. I feel I’ll never be able to do this, as simply watching is very distressing to me! Yet Mike came up with a big, reassuring smile on his face, indicating that there was nothing at all to worry about!
It was hard to pack up after lunch. With conditions perfect on every front, leaving the beauty of nature behind us as we headed off towards our exit gave me a pang of sadness. But there’s always “next time,” and for this Virgin Tripper that was a happy note to end on!