Our group of eleven paddlers, led by Victoria Best, departed the Massey Motel at 10 a.m. on Monday morning, crossed the Spanish River, and entered the Sagamok Anishnawbek First Nation community. We were welcomed by Andy Southwind, who has lived at McBean Harbour, and managed it for many years. This experienced group of paddlers loaded kayaks, parked cars, and set off.
We paddled up the West side of Fox Island, and around the point hoping to occupy the campsite on the headland at the entrance to Fox Harbour. Instead, we found a member of the Wild Women Expeditions kayaking trip, nude bathing on the shore!
We continued our search for a base camp, exploring each inlet, and getting out to walk areas the looked like possible sites. On the Southeast shore of the island, we returned to a site with a long point of rocks jutting out into the water. There were enough flat areas to accommodate our group, and we decided to set up camp.
We encountered healthy, vibrant wildlife, from the Bald Eagle that inspected us on our first day, to families of Otters, Mergansers, and Sandhill Cranes living near our campsite. From our perch on the pink rock outcrop which jutted into the bay, each evening we watched the sunset in the west and then pivoted around to watch the full moon rise in the East, and we counted ourselves very fortunate.
On Day 2, we headed to the pink granite rock of the North and South Benjamin Islands, circumnavigating the pair of islands, taking a break along the way to stop for a swim and lunch at a sandy cove flanked on each side by high, steep hills. Except for the sailboats in the cove between North and South Benjamin, we encountered few watercraft.
The original plan for Day 3 was to explore Frechette and Hotham Islands, however at our first shore break of the morning, it became clear that one of our group had an eye infection that required medical treatment. After the group reviewed the available options, Ron and Jay volunteered to accompany our friend back to McBean Harbour and on to Espanola. The rest of us paddled around Hotham Island and returned to our campsite on Fox via McBean Harbour to meet up with Ron and Jay. An appointment with a specialist the next day meant that our friend would not be rejoining the trip.
We paddled to Croker Island on Day 4; the rock formations along the shore presented the shutterbugs in the group with many opportunities to take pictures. After lunching on the beach at Baker’s Bay, the group paddled out to the Sow and Pigs. From a distance they had a curious shape and as we paddled closer they began to resemble giant grey hippopotamus. Ever curious, we then headed off to explore a starkly white island two kilometres North of the Boars. As we approached the island, a fowl smell and their presence indicated that Cormorants populated the island; waters lively with fish attracted them.
On our last paddling day, we explored the coastline east of our campsite paddling past Toulouse Bay to lunch on McTavish Island. Each day was blessed by ideal weather, inviting us to stay and enjoy the camaraderie and perfect paddling.
The challenging waters of the North Channel provided long crossings and miles of islands to explore. We were often alone in this environment, except for the multitude of wild life encountered. Great leadership, swimming in welcoming water, appetizers and wine at four o’clock, shared meals, and a new adventure each day, made this trip a delight. Andy was on the shore when we returned to McBean. The trip finished as it began with excellent weather and a kind, helpful, supportive group of paddlers. Lots of hugs and farewell wishes, until the next time!
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