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22-Day / 400km+ Wilderness Camping Trip on Notorious Lake Nipigon

Lost Lakes・102 minutes read

A 21-day journey around a remote lake in Ontario, Canada, involved encountering unique wildlife, unpredictable weather, and challenging conditions, culminating in a 400 km trip around the largest lake wholly contained within the province. The trip led to diverse experiences, including encounters with wildlife like Caribou and black bears, along with scenic views and reflections on the challenges faced during the adventure.

Insights

  • Ontario, Canada boasts around 250,000 lakes, with the largest one entirely within the province, known for its violent winds that can quickly turn a leisurely experience into a dangerous situation.
  • The journey around the largest lake on Earth involves encountering unique and almost mythical Fish and Wildlife, with a diverse array of animals like eagles, moose, black bears, and even Caribou, emphasizing the need for caution due to unpredictable weather and rough waves.
  • The 21-day trip spanning 400 km showcases challenges like strong winds, rough paddling conditions, and the need for strategic planning, culminating in a sense of accomplishment at the journey's end, marked by intense cravings for home comforts and a memorable visit to a diner called Duckies, affectionately known as the Krabby Duck.

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  • What is the largest lake in Ontario, Canada?

    Lake Superior

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Summary

00:00

Ontario's Treacherous Lake Adventure: A Journey

  • Ontario, Canada has around 250,000 lakes, with the largest one wholly contained within the province.
  • The lake is notorious for its violent winds that can turn a pleasure cruise into a horror.
  • The Fish and Wildlife in the remote lake are unique and almost fictional.
  • A trip around the entire lake is being attempted, requiring a couple hundred paddle strokes from each person.
  • The journey starts at Alexander Dam on the Nipin River, the largest tributary to the largest lake on Earth.
  • The trip involves minimal conversation, loading a 17t prospector canoe, and mental checklists.
  • The first day includes crossing Three Mount Bay and reaching a beautiful campsite.
  • The journey covers around 400 km, with various points of interest like Otter Head and Grand Cape.
  • The trip involves encountering wildlife like eagles, moose, and possibly Woodland Caribou.
  • The weather on the lake is unpredictable, with sudden thunderstorms and rough waves, emphasizing the need for caution.

30:22

Lake adventure with calm weather and wildlife.

  • The satcom weather forecast indicates a calm afternoon, prompting a break from the water.
  • Covered canoes with spray decks have filming disadvantages, leading to a decision to avoid rough waters.
  • After lunch, a platform is constructed for relaxation as the lake settles down.
  • Progress resumes on the lake, aiming to reach the next campsite about 10 km away.
  • Hammocks are finally set up for the night at a Stone Beach campsite.
  • A black bear encounter occurs in the morning, adding excitement to the trip.
  • Day six begins with a sense of self-reliance and anticipation for upcoming stretches.
  • Lunch break at West Bay reveals a fish sanctuary and abundant wildlife.
  • Camp number six in West Bay offers a unique setting with wildflowers and a beach.
  • Day seven is marked by a stormy morning, prompting a relaxing day and an anniversary dinner of poutine and Peanut M&M's.

01:00:32

"Day Trip to Echo Rock Adventure"

  • The trip involves bringing the book "Braiding Sweet Grass" recommended by a friend.
  • Departure at 6:40 with breakfast bars and Earl Grey tea for a day trip to Echo Rock.
  • Observations of Caribou browsing and tracks, along with a pelican sighting.
  • Exploration of Echo Rock for faint pictographs and encountering big spiders.
  • Encounter with young kayakers from the US on a camping trip.
  • Lunch with PB and honey wraps, noting interesting tracks on the beach.
  • Passing by an Old Hudson Bay Company trading post and learning about the history of the area.
  • Spotted a bald eagle with a fish, blueberries, and Saskatoon berries at an old campsite.
  • Setting up a tarp during a downpour for lunch and drying out afterward.
  • Decision to stay at a campsite due to expected showers, having done 26-27 km that day.

01:31:40

Wildlife encounters and historical exploration at camp.

  • A large animal, possibly a moose or a caribou, ran through the area close to the campsite, leaving tracks on the beach.
  • The campers observed tracks on the beach, likely from a moose, with distinct d claws that could indicate a caribou.
  • The campers encountered a variety of wildlife, including a black bear, a wolf or coyote, and trumpeter swans, during their trip.
  • The campsite was set up near a river, providing a peaceful change of pace from the lakeside campsites.
  • The campers explored historical sites, such as a former Hudson Bay Company trading post, along the shoreline.
  • The campers engaged in relic hunting, searching for signs of Caribou and other wildlife in the woods.
  • The campers enjoyed a rest day due to inclement weather, with one camper making banic, a traditional dish, with dehydrated raspberries.
  • The campers were prepared for potential windbound days, as the lake's weather can be treacherous and unpredictable.
  • The campers appreciated the unique mirages created by the numerous islands on the lake, with some appearing to float above the water.
  • The campers planned to continue their journey towards Windigo Bay, exploring the diverse landscapes and wildlife of the area.

02:03:00

Lake Hazards and Movie Night Adventure

  • Wind speeds on the lake, combined with long fetches of open water, pose hazards for small watercraft.
  • Shoreline lacks suitable camping spots, necessitating caution for those venturing onto the lake.
  • Setting up movie night with a special treat during the trip.
  • Enjoying popcorn during a movie intermission.
  • Day 13 involves stargazing and a potential meteor shower.
  • Heading into Windo Bay, known for folklore about the evil spirit Windigo.
  • Dropping a phone in the lake but retrieving it with a magnet.
  • Exploring Windo Bay's unique landscape and wildlife sightings.
  • Enjoying peanut butter and honey wraps as a convenient meal option.
  • Encountering a Caribou on a pristine beach, along with other wildlife sightings.

02:35:00

Wildlife, fishing, and weather on expedition.

  • Weather conditions are expected to worsen, prompting the need to cover distance quickly.
  • Discussion about wildlife sightings, with odds of seeing a caribou versus a moose.
  • Manifesting fishing opportunities through conversation.
  • Witnessing an impressive pike jump.
  • Passing by the massive Umbaba Bay.
  • Catching a walleye but unable to keep it due to time constraints.
  • Observing aircraft possibly scouting forest fires.
  • Progressing towards South Peninsula for a strategic position.
  • Discovering blueberry shrubs and collecting a handful.
  • Setting up camp in a cozy spot, with a potential injury but deemed non-fatal.

03:07:36

"Kayaking Adventure: Challenges, Progress, and Reflection"

  • The journey begins at 5:45, waiting for First Light to start a big day of travel if the wind permits.
  • Witnessing a beautiful morning with nav beacons on Nippan and a memorable night with Bats, stars, and Northern Lights.
  • A 4 km Crossing across Humbolt Bay is completed, with 100 km left on the route, hoping for a good sailing day to make up ground.
  • Arriving at Livingstone Point provincial nature reserve, facing rough paddling conditions but balancing safety with progress.
  • Camping at Park Point after a long day, exhausted but ready for rehydration and rest.
  • A 1999 fire area campsite with a view, preparing rehydrated sauce and veggies for dinner.
  • Planning the route ahead, aiming for a big progress day despite wave-bound challenges.
  • A rest day due to strong winds, exploring the surroundings and attempting shore fishing without success.
  • Gathering rose hips for tea, reflecting on the journey's challenges and missing home comforts.
  • Pushing for a 50 km day towards the final stretch, reminiscing about landmarks passed and nearing completion of the journey.

03:32:14

Epic Journey to Great Lakes and Krabby Duck

  • Covered over 400 km in 21 days, with a 50 km journey on the last day.
  • Battled headwinds and challenging conditions to reach a unique setting where the Great Lakes begin.
  • Cravings for sweet potato Masala, milkshakes, and lemon custard were intense after the journey.
  • Planned to visit a diner called Duckies, affectionately nicknamed the Krabby Duck.
  • Created a song about the Krabby Duck during the trip, culminating in a performance after dinner.
  • Experienced diverse wildlife, including pelicans, swans, eagles, Caribou, and moose.
  • Enjoyed thunderstorms, forest fire haze, Northern Lights, meteor showers, and stunning sunsets.
  • Explored various landscapes, campsites, beaches, cliffs, and rivers, encountering unique flora and fauna.
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