2010 - Canisbay Lake

Thirty years of marriage
celebrated in Algonquin Park

By 2010, after thirty years of marriage, my wife and I had already camped in Algonquin Park seven times. Three of those – our honeymoon in 1980, and then again in 1995 and 2005 – we camped without kids, so we were keen to go back in 2010 with just the two of us. But now we wanted to up the ante by camping in the interior again, thirty years after the abandoned attempt at canoe tripping on our honeymoon.

We decided to try a compromise between car camping and canoe tripping. Canisbay Lake had a number of sites that we could canoe into and just stay put. We had already camped as a family in the Canisbay campground, so this seemed safe. We wouldn’t be that far from the parking lot, if comfort called.

On the scenic side

The Canisbay Lake backcountry sites can be reserved, but like the Algonquin interior canoe sites, back then, you were only guaranteed a spot – wherever. The sites were all first-come, first-served, so we had no idea what we’d end up with. Paddling up the west shore, we noticed various empty spots, but soon concluded that one of the first was the best, so we turned back and we hoped that it had not been taken in the meantime. Fortunately it was still vacant, and when we made landing we found a very nice, spacious site. Our practice of beginning camping after a weekend has served us well. On this stay from Monday to Friday the lake was quiet.

The view out is definitely better than the view in to this site and we very much enjoyed the opportunity to just sit and look. The shoreline of Canisbay Lake is rather dull by Canadian Shield standards but it is still lovely, and the large pine tree that straddles the rock framed our view with lots of Tom Thomson character. We wouldn’t do this trip again, but Canisbay Lake was a good introduction to canoe camping and the thought of comfort stations within paddling distance will be as appealing to some as it was to us.

Gearing up

We’ve got thirty years of family camping behind us and the old ways die hard. We also didn’t feel like investing in all new, light-weight gear for a trip that might just be a one-off. We considered the options carefully when we were planning and it became obvious that one canoe load of gear would not support us in the style to which we were accustomed. Then, when we reached the tipping point of needing a second load, we didn’t hesitate to make it worth our while and fill it up.

We had camped at Canisbay Lake before and had seen that loading up the canoe required only a short carry from the parking lot. And we wouldn’t have to portage to get to any of the campsites. So no herculean efforts were required. Otherwise we might not have had three crates with us – they’re great to pack odd’s and ends into, but a bear to carry over long distances. So we say to anyone considering interior canoe camping; don’t let your lack of “approved” gear stop you. You can still enjoy the experience as long as your campsite doesn’t require a long paddle and/or a portage to get to it.

By 2010, after thirty years of marriage, my wife and I had already camped in Algonquin Park seven times. Three of those – our honeymoon in 1980, and then again in 1995 and 2005 – we camped without kids, so we were keen to go back in 2010 with just the two of us. But now we wanted to up the ante by camping in the interior again, thirty years after the abandoned attempt at canoe tripping on our honeymoon. We decided to try a compromise between car camping and canoe tripping. Canisbay Lake had a number of sites that we could canoe into and just stay put. We had already camped as a family in the Canisbay campground, so this seemed safe. We didn’t go to much trouble minimizing equipment so that we could travel light. We simply resigned ourselves to taking in two canoe loads of stuff, since we wouldn’t be that far from the parking lot.
Algonquin Park, Canisbay Lake: From the canoe launch (1 – right by a parking lot) to the campsite where we stayed (2) is about 1.5 km. At a speed of 3km/hr, this makes for a trip of about half an hour. So it is quite feasible to go out for hamburgers at the Portage Store, if the urge strikes. Click on the google map icon to view a map location.
This is the Canisbay Lake canoe-in site we called home for four days, in the evening, when the sun has long since advanced over land. This is the wrong side of the lake for sunsets.
We arrived mid-afternoon with our first load. By early evening we were nicely established on our spacious campsite.
These are 30 year old tv tables (wedding gift) and a dishpan setup on a bag frame. We’ve used the tables for everything but tv.
High water mark ~ My first nature picture of the trip shows a fringe of wetness at water’s edge.
Duck Din ~ We were roused the next morning at six-fifteen by a very large and noisy family of ducks.
The sunrise that first morning, looking out from the side shore of our campsite, does not show the same strength of character as those on later days.
The sun lays down its yellow brick road directly to anyone who cares to look.
The wild life ~ Quarter to eight, July 27, 2010 – the first time I have been able to capture on camera the here-to-fore elusive phenomenon of a skinny-dipping Wendy. She emerged from our tent, took a look around at the vast expanse of uninhabited wilderness, felt the warmth of the rising sun and went for it. I had already been up for an hour and a half so I just stood back in amazement and pointed my camera at the wild side.
So much lies ahead and gets left behind ~ If we but look beyond our wake we find infinity.
After her refreshing swim, Wendy combs out the wildness while still enjoying the view.
Morning Coffee
Into the darkness ~ Between bright light and the deep darkness is but a small space.
There are some luxurious spots of softness among the hard rocks and roots and trees.
A mushroom stands alone.
Moss grows under-foot around the root snaking down to the canoe landing.
We set up the dining canopy for an overnighter, to give shelter from the drizzle.
The coffee is being measured out once more.
Cool it ~ Henry could use more time to cool his heels and read a book.
This snake slid out from under the tangled roots of the pine tree long enough for me to get in a couple of shots.
Wendy’s colourful new hat and matching top are a wonderful counterpoint to the natural hues.
The far shore catches the setting sun while we are reduced to getting our warmth from a campfire.
This sunrise gets its character from unique cloud formations.
We were pleased to have our very own ‘Group of Seven’ pine tree.
After all the work of keeping our food secure we saw only one chipmunk on site. As someone suggested though, there is probably a cause and effect here.
Renovator’s rule: always consider the view when planning a kitchen.
“There was no picnic table, but a construction of logs gave us some height to build on with our crates. Forgive us if this all seems a bit over the top for a canoe trip. We’ve got thirty years of family camping behind us and the old ways die hard. We also didn’t feel like investing in all new, light-weight gear for a trip that might just be a one-off. We considered the options carefully when we were planning and it became obvious that one canoe load of gear would not support us in the style to which we were accustomed. Then, when we reached the tipping point of needing a second load, we didn’t hesitate to make it worth our while and fill it up.
We had camped at Canisbay Lake before and had seen that loading up the canoe required only a short carry from the parking lot. And we wouldn’t have to portage to get to any of the campsites. So no herculean efforts were required. Otherwise we might not have had three crates with us – they’re great to pack odd’s and ends into, but a bear to carry over long distances.
So we say to anyone considering interior canoe camping; don’t let your lack of “”approved”” gear stop you. You can still enjoy the experience as long as your campsite doesn’t require a long paddle and/or a portage to get to it.”
Broken but not down ~ This butterfly came on its own and seems to be waiting for a fix.
The campfire was started with kindling from my shop and with a propane torch. My apologies to the purists.
These ducks came back regularly. When they found food they made a huge racket, splashing around in the water. This looks most like the female common merganser in our field guide, but this one lacks a white breast and throat.
The nineteen ducks proceeded single file to the next feeding station.
I awoke to this spectacular sunrise, just after 6 am on our last day. Thank you Lord for aging bladders.
There is just a touch of light on the rock to the right in this view of the morning mist over Canisbay Lake.
To the left there is more to catch the sun and throw off some colour.
Break forth ~ I had only six minutes to experience this sunrise. Though it was cold, I didn’t dare take the time to get dressed. No one seemed to mind.
Open to the light ~ Creation, too, expects new life and waits with open arms to embrace the sun.
Half an hour later, it’s much lighter, but the mist persists.
Long shadows ~ Well after the light show was over, Wendy finally got out of bed. Here, our height difference is quite pronounced.
Moose in the mist ~ Within minutes of setting out on an early morning (7:00) canoe exploration we saw a bull moose just down the shore from our campsite.
As we came quietly closer, the moose kept eyeing us suspiciously, before finally crashing back up into the woods.
Towards the bottom of Canisbay Lake we met a couple of old ducks like us.
Complementary colours ~ Opposing colours can seem serene in some settings.
The morning mist is close to being burned off by the rising sun.
Henry at the stern
On our last day we paddled past a group of seven loons, the most we have ever seen together.
We saw loons every day. Three came by regularly.
By eleven we were packed and ready to leave our beloved site. Please note that we recycle. My pelican case for the camera was the last to be stowed.