Trip Journal - James Bay Explorers - 1998

Charles Duncan
Natalia MacDonald
Eric Muszynski
Dave Panofsky
Jessica Sherman
Robb Evis
Helena Longpre
Sue O'Rorke

DAY 1
JULY 11, 1998
LAKE MISSINAIBI
We set out at 7:30am after a 7am wake-up call. Everyone crashed out in the van for approximately 2-3 hours until breakfast...yummy strudels and muffins and other road trip food. "Are we there yet?" "He's bugging me!" "Make her stop hitting me!", were just some of the loving conversations of our morning in the van together. We stopped for lunch at a park by some remote town past Val D'Or (Rouyn-Noranda), where we were the main tourist attraction of every souped-up pick-up truck in the county. After lunch, we had more driving, more whining and more sleeping. Later, some barnyard animals and a few sprinklers appeared in the back of the van, to liven up our long trip. We were once again the main attraction in Timmins, where we had to last resort and go for Wendy's (Eric's choice). Nena has a little trouble ordering in Ontario. Jess's "yo mamas" was topped off by Natalia's "yo mama's mama". Sue gets slightly delirious at dinner...just can't hold her caffeine any more! Timmins is lucky we weren't staying for breakfast. Nena, once again, sleeps the entire trip, thanks to the Gravol. After extensive bear warnings, we had our first moose and bear sightings from the PaddleVan - making Missinaibi Road Trip history. Honourable mention goes to Robb, who survived 18 hours without saying "Dude Man" more than once, Eric who survived constant harassment for massages, Charles who can now write a book on "Road Trips...How to Catch Some Z's With No Cervical Spine Support", and to the rest of us who survived while Dave's feet were positioned directly in front of the air vents! At the end of a long dirt road, we finally arrive at site Missinaibi Park site #19, 1:30am.

DAY 2
JULY 12
LAKE MISSINAIBI
Robb and Sue split around 11am to rendezvous with Lars in Chapleau. Nena and the gang are left to deal with the bears and themselves. We get a first look at Missinaibi Lake and get our first thunder and lightening storm (Storm Management Lesson #1).

-"Natalia, how's the tent?"
-"It's O.K."
(Two minutes later)
-"Natalia, how's the tent?"
-"Oh F***!"
After everything calms down, we start going psychotic and bitching at each other:
-"You're stupid.."
-"Your Mama's stupid."
-"Children, calm down!"
Shortly after Eric breaks the axe, Robb, Sue and Lars arrive, and we all hear about the Viking's wacky adventures.
DAY 3
JULY 13
QUITTAGENE RAPIDS

Menemen for breakfast, prepared by Lars, followed by a hectic extendo packing session. We finally managed to "fit" all the food into packs and barrels, and after our goodbye to Lars, we discussed the maps. We made our sacred tobacco offering to the River God (from Robb's Sacred stash), which proved positive on Eric's behalf, as his offering to the wind make an amazing afternoon of sailing, followed by the sighting of an immense bull (male) moose. We crept up slowly and stealthily (still rafted), until some of us thought he was going to charge us (never fear...we know moose). Instead, he just stared, and eventually lost interest, and limbered away, but not until after Sue got some primo shots. We then returned to our own canoes. After stopping at the site right above Quittagene, Sue and Robb set off to scout the rapids. Since the water levels appeared low, we shot the rapids. Eric's comment, "Impressive but Easy". Jess' comment, "WooHoo!". Robb's comment, "Low water". Sue's comment, "No, that's O.K.".

During campsite set-up Eric goes down while bringing some wood back to the site. Our first injury - strained ankle. Jess and Dave bring back a live tree on the second attempt, followed by a quick lesson, and then finally a dead tree. Nena builds her first fire, and aided by Tal, cooks some awesome falafel.

DAY 4
JULY 14
PETERBELL MARSH

Wake-up and campsite is taken down. Jess climbs a few trees before breakfast, and we have our first delicious Cream'O'Wheat breakfast. Before hitting the water we have our river talk. We practiced our draws and cross-bows, shot some rapids, and it was a very bright and scorching day. We shot Sun Rapids, Barrel Rapids, and no other named rapids. Apres lunch, we swam, and almost caught a glimpse of Nena's barely exposed tummy. We saw a large bull moose crossing the river below Sun rapids, had the comfy helmet convo and headed into the marsh. It was a long afternoon paddling. Sue and Tal started telling life stories, Eric and Charles paddle silently, and Jess and Nena zig-zagged along the river ("yes boss, no boss"). Charles, Eric and the girls tell their pubescent stories of first bras and periods, and Dave and Robb motored their way to the site. The ops-mission lead to a woogie Robb, and a gorge campsite to share with our new friends Tim and Steve. Nice guys...really nice guys. Nena had a small problem putting up the Walrus this evening, Jess and Charles set-up a beautiful first tarp, and Dave holds ropes impatiently. Outrageously buggy site, and Jess' bum gets munched to shreds by the time she finally gets to the bottom of her fourth toilet hole of the evening...while the rest of us enjoy a gorgeous sunset, while good'ol Tim cranks out a few tunes. It was a 34km day - the first of our big river days.

DAY 5
JULY 15
WAVY RAPIDS

We have an unscheduled sleep-in to avoid the attack of the swarms of wasps, and had a long camp take-down. Robb tells us his childhood secret of keeping his woozy-wal in his pocket. It was a yummy french-toast breakie. As we broke camp we checked out the large boulder supported by two small pebbles and Robb goes for a swim with his river radio. It was an overcast day, with periods of intermittent rain, We headed into Swamp Rapids, no swampage. A bunch of Class I's where everybody polished up their white-water paddling...only one or two small jam-ups. Eric and Charles ride up on a few rocks. The Allen Island Portage (175m) was our first portage - Charles shows us some of his hidden talents on the trail. We had a quick granola bar break, and headed down to Wavy Rapids. At eh bottom of the CI's at Allen Island Dave spotted two moose calves, the rest of us spotted moose calf bums. Dave, Robb, Sue and Tal head down Wavy for downstream safety, and manage to get safely into the eddy without going over. They prepare for Charles and Eric. Almost through the set, Charles is suddenly submerged. As the gear is popping up above the gunnels, and Eric was laughing as the stern of the canoe was popped up into the air, before sinking like the Titanic. Meanwhile at the top, Nena sings every french song she can think of to keep from wetting her pants as she and Jess watch the rodeo round-up and canoe over canoe down stream. They managed to stay upright, although he gunnels were topped with water on either side. Tim and Steve came out to help out, and Sue and Robb finally tip the boat over for Jess and Nena. We unload very wet packs, and set up the site at Wavy. Tal has the toilet mission of the century. We had lunch for supper and Charles fantasized about having his own four-person tent and the bugs are so bad I have to stop writing.

DAY 6
JULY 16
WAVY RAPIDS

Duff day at Wavy Rapids...sleep in. Pancakes for breakie-small ones for Sue! Everyone cruises around doing their own thing. Dave encounters another moose alone on the rocks, along with a very interesting fossil. We dried out all our gear from yesterdays swamping - 6 clothes lines! Barrel straps and wannigan tump are prepared for tomorrow's portage. The girls went for a skinny dip, and the guys went for a swim in the waves. The sacred ceremony of offering Robb and Sue's rings into Wavy Rapids. Nena's first chilli was a huge success. Therma-rests were repaired. Charles cleans his socks...the most momentous event of his day. We learned a few lessons from a dragonfly...watched it all day as it almost revived...lay some eggs and then slipped away. Eric, Tal and Sue plucked wings of natural art, and gave it a proper send off to the next life. Rice Cripsy balls are passed around in a never ending round...mmm. Robb found an old relic...piece of pottery with paint on it. Dave gives up on snapping the spoon. Early to bed tonight.

DAY 7
JULY 17
ST. PETER'S RAPID

Morning rain almost led to an extended sleep-in. Our first quick morning tests the group's early morning skills. Iodine milk in our granola and a group decision to boil the milk water from now on. A little too much sass for the early hour. A short paddle down river to Greenhill Rapids, and then, unfortunately the ensuing 1.4km portage. A quick talk before the port explains Sue's fancy shmansy 1 and ½ technique (maybe 4 ½ is more like it!) Charles proves his strength carrying the dreaded canoe, while the bush women lug the 50lb barrels. Dave just didn't seem to mind the work (mental note: Dave might actually enjoy portaging). Eric hobbles over the trail to make lunch, but runs into a minor fire problem. After the port the group cooled themselves in the river with "the most refreshing swim ever". The tank-top and hat ornaments are found amazingly cast aside by the river's edge. Then out of nowhere, "I've got candy!". The group indulges in soup and Sammies and a short nap. Calf rapids proves to be a classic rock garden, but all the boats make it through without incident. Our first lining experience puts us all to the test but provides a good photo-op. St. Peter's Rapid is home for the night. Sherman sets a sweet tarp and cooks some yummy mac and cheese (garlic added by Robb). Nena digs a gorgeous toilet. The pump is pumped out man! Early night for everyone.

DAY 8
JULY 18
THUNDER FALLS

Slow motion for the boys. Oatmeal breakfast by Sue. Quick pack-up motivated by the cinnamon smells wafting from the kitchen. Morning's chat about the implications of efficiency around the campsite. Eric finds a sweet rope (our new clothes line), Robb's saw, Sue's shirt, Nena's hat and a partridge in a pear tree. An embarrassed staff try to redeem themselves with a talk about losing stuff. The boats switch up and Jess finds herself in the bow and Nena in the Stern! The rapids for the morning prove interesting but instructional. Great practice of the eddy turns and Eric is Smooth Like Butter while Jess and Sue buzz the tower. Eric paddles. Small port around Split Rock Falls proves yet another photo-op. Back on the water. Eric paddles. Drifting for lunch proves to be a gorpy experience. 10km later the gang arrives at Thunder Falls for a final push to the campsite. The nasty ending log-rolls Charles and barrel into the Missinaibi. Firewood collection and then the awesome site of Thunder Falls as a backdrop to the traverse to the campsite. Eric paddles. The gang sets up camp in record time to make it for a swim. Nena whips up the world's tastiest Lazy Perogies that according Mr. Muszynski (Polish representative) taste nothing like real perogies. Help!!!Help!!!Help!!! - just kidding...it's just a porcupine. Later that evening, Dave mysteriously wound's himself with the axe. Slow evening leads to chats and bonding...massages and snuggling around the campfire before bed.

DAY 9
JULY 19
SMALL ISLAND
We set out early to avoid the storm, after Robb made a short visit to India in the woods. What we thought was going to be a long hard day turned out to be pretty good. With a strong tail wind, we sailed for half of the day, while the deer flies hunted us down. We pulled into a nice island campsite, where we find a message saying "Welcome Ottawa" with a beautiful green string, which Jess adopted. Eric, after repeatedly hitting a hidden hornet's nest, gets stung on the forehead and neck. Sue and David both get stung on the legs. We battened down the hatches for the storm that flies over our heads. Eric and Robb solo down the rapids where Eric dumps, but doesn't give up. Later on, a storm hits us for real. BABOUM!! Lightening strikes twice around us and freaks us out. Everyone instinctively ducked down when lightening crashed, and Jess squeezed soy sauce out of a closed Nalgene! Despite the storm we eat delicious fried rice (really fast) and talk about scary stories. We all go to bed hoping another storm won't hit us.

DAY 10
JULY 20
TWO PORTAGE FALLS

A gorgeous morning, Cream'o'Wheat for breakie. Long meeting, river talk down by the river, and slugs on our life jackets. Set out for a gruelling 32km day. 20km till lunch, paddling and more paddling, spiced up by the occasional unmarked swifts, more proof that Hap's on Crack. Floated for a cheese lunch and Nena does not lose a spoon. Eric's pleas to wind gods proved fruitless. More paddling. Hawk owls are spotted near our site. Eric and Jess experience uneven bowman syndrome, and we all arrive very bushed at our campsite. Nena is left in charge of camp set-up, and Robb takes a breather. Charles cooks up some tasty spaghetti, and some dinner as night sets in. Mosquito to human population 100 000 to 1. Dave Charles, Robb, Sue, Tal and Nena hang out for an hour and a half cleaning and organizing camp. Everyone finally gets to bed to be rudely awakened an hour later by thunder, lightening and rain. The boys were in their bomb shelter. They turn over once and go back to sleep. In the girls tent Jess discovers a lake under her thermie, and Tal only opens her eyes briefly breaking sleep to see Nena, uncovered by the flashes of the raging storm, waiting in the Lightening Position. Nena and Jess packed up their expensive new down bags at 3am, and toughed it out until the storm passed. In the guide tent, Sue doesn't wake up 'til Robb's third attempt, "Get with the program!", check out the campers and campsite and finally back to sleep.

DAY 11
JULY 21
LEDGE SITE

Sleep-in! Cloudy/sunny periods in the morning. Brought the packs down to "crappy" campsite. Did bottom of Two portage falls with empty boats. We loaded the boats and set out for the portage around Pond falls. Paddle to Devil's Cap Falls, which Robb and Sue carry over all the canoes, involving Robb in a freaky X-Files leech incident. Lunch on rocks, gorp and spaghetti; and shoot Devil's Shoepack Rapids. Fun!! Pulled into ledge (or island) site, and set up camp. Suddenly the winds strike, the rain falls, sue gets thugged by a falling tree part, Robb sets up a crazy wind fortress consisting of canoes, tarp, barrels, etc... Everything finally dies down. "Eric" (Robb & Sue) cooked cous cous. A cold wind sets in as Robb hands out jujubes to those hanging around the fire. All to bed, and a tree falls in the woods (did it make a sound?).

DAY 12
JULY 22
BIG BEAVER RAPID

Cream'o'Wheat for breakie (tired of it yet?), followed by a short port and scoutage of the lower "ledge" rapids. Rapids are shot - well done by all, and we head off with fear in our stomachs for the dreaded Z-Drag Rapid (Z-drag being a pulley system used to unwrap a canoe). Everyone gets through smooth like buttuah to make PaddleFoot History - topped off by Robb's screams of Valhallah. We paddled and paddled until we found a good lunch spot and had a quick bite. Search for a pee spot, Dave, Tal and Eric crash out for 10minutes on the rocks. Sleeping Beauty followed by a CII, in which Robb and Charles almost tip, Sue and Tal hit some rocks, Eric and Dave ran up on a rock due to lack of communication, and Nena and Jess go down smooth as silk. More paddling at high speeds, quick delirious session, finally pull into Big Beaver portage, set up site after port, and enjoy a falafel dinner by Nena and Eric. Good Night!!

DAY 13
JULY 23
GLASSY FALLS

We get up to cold and wet morning and shoot Little Beaver rapids, under Robb and Sue's directions. At sharp Rock Falls, we slide down the canoes one by one, while the challenged one takes pictures. Glassy Falls. We do a short portage and arrive at a beautiful campsite, but for the fact that it's garbage littered, as well as full of 4-wheeler tracks. WE clean it up, find out here's and outhouse, and Robb once again sets up a prim. tarp. After a good dinner of Mac and Cheese from Nena, everyone takes time alone to write letters, read, whatever. Everyone crashes while Sue and Eric, and Robb and Tal chat on the rocks under the bright bright stars. Before getting in the tent, Eric sees a shooting star.

DAY 14
JULY 24
MATTICE CAMPGROUND
Long morning meeting for the staff and we set out with Eric as our fearless leader. He does a good job: everyone manages to survive the day. We stop for a group pee and 2 granola bars 5km before Mattice. We pass the early Cree/Ojiway grave site and see the bridge in the distance. We pull up at the Mattice campground where Robb and Sue run up to town for business matters, while the rest of the group set up camp. Sue comes back with Peggy, the food and the mail/care packages. Sue, Eric and Tal leave for the Hearst Hospital with Kathy's Chocolate Chip Cookies. They are accompanied by Peggy's great grandson of three years, Apac, who falls in love with Tal. Then Eric and Tal have a two hour wait to see the crazy doctor who beats both of them, uses acupuncture on Eric, and tells Tal he hopes he doesn't have to identify her body at the bottom of Thunderhouse Falls. Meanwhile, back at the campsite in Mattice, the rest of the group enjoys poutine. Nena finally gets her ever-so anticipated Coffee Crips that Jess bought her and Charles gets to drink a coke out of a GLASS bottle. Then everyone meets up again, finishes up their phone calls and Robb and Sue finally get some time. WE all fall asleep stuffed to the brim with chocolate and junk food.

DAY 15
JULY 25
THE CAP

Eric, Tal, Charles and Dave wake up and go up to town for breakfast and enjoy the juke box which consists of 50% Shania Twain. While Robb, Sue, Nena and Jess re-organized the food drop. Then Eric, Tal, Charles and Dave return and stuff barrels while the rest get their turn to enjoy a big Mattice breakfast. When they return our dear friend Peggy (who conveniently owns a very comfy minivan) offers her services for another trip to Hearst. Dave luckily doesn't get the same psycho doctor as Tal and Eric. Meanwhile, the rest of the group finishes packing and takes showers...except for Jess who spent another hour in the phone booth/sweat lodge organizing Dawson stuff with her Mom. Just before leaving a wedding party comes to take their pictures beside our campsite. WE all enjoy a pizza dinner (courtesy of PaddleFoot) and paddle off into the sunset to our next campsite, where we set up camp and go right to bed (BUGS!).

DAY 16
JULY 26
BLACK FEATHER RAPIDS

Robb sets off for a 10km trek for toilet paper first thing in the morning, before any of us wake up. After his return, we enjoy a breakfast of granola followed by a mid-trip Pow-Wow. Then we cruised for Rock Island rapids (CII-III!). We first scout it, then bring our canoes to a little pool and takeoff one by one while Robb stands on a rock in the middle air-guitaring and flinging boogers. We all get down alive and enjoy sun-ups at the bottom. We paddle then sail due to a wind that we could not ignore and enjoy cheese Sammies. WE all split up before Black Feather Rapids. Where Nena and Jess have a hard time. We camp at the bottom on a rocky beach. David and Nena get stung by wasps near the toilet. Later, Robb goes for a pooh and finds out the nest is right beside the hole, and gets stung on the butt. After eating yummy grilled cheesers, we all set out for our 10km trek to our tents....Foot Fungus continues to ravage it's way across Nena, Charles and Eric's feet.

DAY 17
JULY 27
ALICE ISLAND

We wake up at Black Feather and hike to the fire bowl. Cream'o'wheat for breakfast, and dismantled the massive tarp shelter. At first we were paddling through annoying swifts, but we wound up having a morning of full-on rapids - 3 sets of CI's and a CI Tech. that became slightly congested. Robb and Jess merged canoes and then we practiced paddling before hitting the big waves at Beam Rapids...so fun!!! Nena realizes that she lost her bracelet from last summer's trip before the short paddle to Kettle Falls, where we shaved 100m off of the 250m portage. Due to rain, drizzle mist and pouring, we decided to go for a little hearty soup lunch...oops. Most of the group climbs a large rock to scout the rapids below Kettle. No use crying over spilled soup. Alice Island and Isabel and Skunk...how were these places named anyway?! WE pushed on the extra 10km (thanks to Charles motivational speaking), to camp right after Alice Island, right before Bare Rock point. Robb, Sue and Eric deflated the Zodiak, and we all dealt with tables and a fire bowl that was rather exposed. Big hill up to site. Robb & Sue cooked spaghetti while the rest of the gang wrote trip log from the days before. Charles found a large feather, and we chose names for the "Friendship Sharing" (hush hush top secret!). Sue called out Nena's name in her sleep.
DAY 18
JULY 28
THUNDERHOUSE FALLS

We wake up to discover that the feathers on Eric's staff had been munched off during the night, by some small creature who disappeared into the hole in the ground in the middle of the campsite. Nena comes out of her tent streaking...in her newly developed fashion tripwear - the modified rain skirt. Yummy oaters for breakfast, before skiing down the hill while loading boats. Nena was in the stern, and Eric takes a bow seat for the day. The sun shines on us, and we cruised into the swifts, CI's CI techs...then break for lunch on a quiet little rock beach. Three large storms just miss us, and we finish our spaghetti and gorp lunch and head for Thunderhouse. Paddled swifts and CI's and culminating in CII's. We were quite sure someone would go for a swim in the CII...Robb gave all of us warning so we won't feel too bad. We all pulled through smooth like butter with a few chunks. After the rapids, there was an uplifting discussion of fatalities related to camps and canoe trips, as we approach Thunderhouse Falls. Once we were all sufficiently petrified, Robb herded all the canoes into the big portage at the Head of Thunderhouse canyon. We began the portage in the bright sun, but sure enough, we get dumped on. Eric sets up a gorgeous site at the Gorge site. Jess bumps into 2 priests and 2 freaks along the way (note to self: talk to them about this weather we're having). The T-house portage went smoothly. We collected water off the tarps.. No trek down to the bottom of the canyon for water. Jess and Nena go and kill a tree "(sniff, sniff)...I don't know, does it smell dead? If you're not dead, play dead for Robb." Water levels are high, and the site of T3 from our rock shelf campsite was truly breathtaking. Tal passed out before dinner, and missed Jess' perogies (nobody was lazy) and the bedtime story. The campfire flickered as the sole light in a canyon of darkness that night, as we heard the tale of "One Beetle, a Bowl of Cous Cous and the Raisin that Shook His World". We all fell fast asleep after a long paddle the Thunderhouse.

Day 19
July 29
Thunderhouse Falls
The group catches up on some much needed rest. Wake up to the chipping of the axe on the stones by the fire. We had a pancake breakfast, with CHOCOLATE chips...we all cooked our own and some turned out better than others! We started to work on our gifts, before we sat down to have our route Pow Wow. After much conferring, we decided that pushing through to Moosonee was less important than enjoying our time out here with each other, and appreciating where we were, instead of focusing on where we were going. Again, everyone dispersed for more work on gifts. Good thing for some of us, that we had the extra day to work on them. Dave's knife took a dive into the canyon - never to be seen again. Tal finishes her gift with remarkable speed, Eric begins a self-stabbing epidemic by slicing his index finger...he will be known as Slash. "Eric, has anyone ever mentioned you may be accident prone?", "No, but I'm beginning to figure it out for myself." Jess finishes her book, while Dave attempts to slowly drive her over the edge (of insanity, not the cliff). Natalia cooks her first veggie chilli for dinner, and Nena experiments with Rice Cripsies for the first time. The group oozed into hypoglycemic slide and crash. Nena burped!!

DAY 20
JULY 30
THUNDERHOUSE FALLS

Another sleep in! Wake up to french toast and muff-cakes. Robb and Sue do a little morning Sun Salutation to work out the kinks acquired over our day of repose. An active afternoon included continued work on gifts, reading Peggy's intellectually challenging books... and Dave conducted the workshop this afternoon on napping - various techniques, health benefits and risks, etc... Robb fails in his attempt at some thermie repair, Jess and Nena scaled the cliffs for some water...the Macaroni Salad fiasco begins. A clean-up of the campsite takes place before Robb takes over the kitchen to prepare the Thunderhouse Feast. The gift exchange we held was really successful. The thought, time and love that went into these natural creations and expressions was really amazing. Our circle and connection with each other felt strong, and the only thing that could break it was the small rodent who was trying to make off with our sacred Chocolate Cake. We dug into the Pasta Alfredo with enthusiasm, and didn't really leave enough room for cake...but that didn't matter. We all pulled through the overdose, with just a few busted guts and split sides, but Dave learned the hard way about pushing the limits with cake batter. Robb stayed clean of chocolate....downstream safety shall we say. Since none of us were sleeping anyway, we all followed Eric's lead, the eight of us in our pack on the rock cliffs of the canyon, overlooking Conjuring House Rock, we quietly checked out the Northern Lights.

Day 21
July 31
Grand Portage
We woke up early, and had a quick granola breakfast followed by our photo shoot. Robb has a very close call with his hat. The group heads up to TI and TII for a guided tour by Dave, our intrepid explorer. We pack for portaging today, and boats are loaded while the staff have a morning meeting. We start of the day on the water with swifts and CI's, which take us to Stoney Rapid Portage, 750m of sheer hell. Nena gives us our portage talk with her best Canadian accent, and then she and Jess tandem the canoe for the first time. Our macaroni salad lunch somehow leads to talking about the underground city of Derinkuyu, Goreme and Ilhara Valley, in Turkey, and tales of the Christians who built elaborate cave labyrinths, to ensure their peoples survival throughout thousands of years of crusades and conquerors. After lunch, a short bump'n'grind down the side current CI's to the 2.3km portage around Hell's Gate Canyon. Eric heads off for some photo op's while the group toils up the first 75m. Jess and Nena tell stories about blue carrots and homosexual dandelions-loving daisies. Eric Hop-Along sets up a sweet camp. Dave strode along the trail, while Sue jogs along behind him to keep up on her first trip back to the start! Later, Sue portages her canoe out to the lookout to catch the view. Charles headed back for a third run to see if Jess and Nena needed some extra hands. The ensuing kafuffle brought out sides of some that had never been seen before! A ground hog was spotted, and talk quickly turned to guns. A minor mouse invasion turns an otherwise delightful falafel dinner into a laughing fit. Everyone heads off to bed to battle with the weight of the day, the aftermath of the kafuffle, and the slug-maggots.

DAY 22
AUGUST 1ST
FIRST SHOAL NIGHT

Small sleep-in and we wake up to Sue's rap-song, and the discovery of more albino slugs. Yumm! Let's have some Cream'o'Wheat. We talked about what happens when "it's cold enough to freeze a cat, university, and interesting roommates. The end of the portage challenges the group first thing in the morning, and the added horror of Robb's sunglasses nose-piece mysteriously disappearing into the paths of the Missinaibi. A quick river talk while Charles likens the wannigan to a small air-con wall-unit. Start the morning on the water with a set of CII's and many rapids to follow. The gang clears the rapids with no problems and take on lots of water at the CII's into Bell's Bay. A short paddle to a drifting lunch and into a sailing session. The strawberry Jam is a big hit today. The sailing continues right to the swifts that precede the campsite. Our first shoal campsite proves no challenge in set-up. The long distance to the toilet is a bit much for Tal after a non-stop talking session during dinner. Jess lights a great fire for an unappreciated Paddle-pasta dinner. The fabulous tarp turns out to be a bit unstable, and the group heads out for a refreshing swim, and a good laugh. The bugs come out for the bridge-making sessions, and star-gazing with pop corn clouds. The trip log proves to be quite a mission.

DAY23
AUGUST 2ND
HUDSON BAY OUTPOST SITE

Very grey granola morning, but hot chocolate and vitamins with breakfast brighten everything up. The toilet gets good use. Slight boat mix results in a slow morning, and a great lunch on the shoals...Hearty Soup (Actually Missinaibi Blood!!). Rock castle wars and convo about development and culture lead to an easy afternoon. Jess searches for fish with her new flashy goggles. Eric decides to communicate with his newfound rock-slate and stone-pen. For the afternoon we switch spots in some boats and Charles and Dave take the sterns. We spotted the first of the Canada Geese headed south already. We stop for wood, and are soon back en route for the campsite. The group arrives, sets up camp and the fire is going while we all slum. Another great swimming session in the water, Sue and Robb have a visit from the Brits, we become our new neighbours across the river. Cous cous dinner goes over well, and another group of four clean-up session goes down. Dave develops a new bubble-blowing technique using burps. Eric shares the last of his chocolate with tout le gang...thanks Rick. The stove and kettle make for an interesting addition to the campsite this evening, and here, at the confluence of the Missinaibi and the Pivabiskau Rivers, water levels are looking higher than in the years past. Good Night Irene.

DAY 24
AUGUST 23RD
GORGE ISLAND SITE

Got up - misty morning on the Missinaibi. Robb and Sue are spotted doing some Yoga before breakfast is ready, down on the shore of the river. Some Cream'O'Wheat for breakfast with convo about city friends, and a fast morning. Charles took a small tumble down the ladder/hill with a barrel on his back. Robb goes to bid farewell to the Brits, and give them a quick lesson in Canadian methods to flip a canoe. We paddled through some unmarked swifts, and stopped for lunch on a shore, where we see a dead, big fish (no skinny sipping for the boys). Some yummy chesses Sammies with lots of mustard for some. Robb needs some help at the end with his Sammies. Talk about movies, books little kids on trip, and Sue's camp. Lame CI's right after lunch and paddle through land-slide territory. Nice drifting through this section of the river...and we talked about Madonna on our way the campsite. Quick set-up at the campsite, Dave takes a long rest in the lawn chair (furnished campsite? How do these things get here anyway?), and Robb takes down his largest tree ever without a saw/tool. Lots of portaging lessons on the shore, and a little fly-fishing before our delicious fried rice dinner. Funky clouds all day with a nice sunset at the end of the day...pee on the tree again. Beautiful moon. Good Night.

DAY 25
AUGUST 4TH
ISLAND OF THE BLEEDING TREES
This morning, Robb, Sue, Charles, Nena and Jess do Yoga. Wake up the rest of the crew, and have a quick granola breakfast. Bully talk, revenge, pumpkin smashing, and a boy who used to be Robbie. We load the boats and hit the water. It is hot and sunny, a real scorcher. Paddling and paddling through marked and unmarked swifts, i.e. low water and lots of rocks. Nena kills a few songs, and she, Tal, Robb and Jess talk about gear and braces, while Sue, Eric, Charles and Dave watch a hawk while it hunts upriver of us. Fried rice proves to make itself a good seconds lunch, along with Gorp. Robb and Sue spot some Eastern Wildcat tracks, and Nena and Jess crashed hard. All of lunch was spent talking and fantasizing about delicious foods in far-off places. Nena and Charles hop into the stern for the last 6 or 7 km. "Is that some sick birds I hear off in the distance?" (Nena burps, and has gas...it's quite a day!) We pull into the island campsite and set-up in a hurry...ready to swim. Rick ad Dave walk all the way across the river, Jess, Robb and Nena stick to the middle, Sue and Tal stick to the shore, and Charles is on the most serious wood mission ever. Evil schemes are formed to punish Kevin and Jason, Nena (& Robb) cook up an Mac and Cheese dinner. Robb makes a noose to catch some meat (little chipmunk), Dave impales himself, and it stinks sporadically of fish. Eric's always right...Banana pudding does suck - Thanks Robb!

DAY 26
AUGUST 5TH
SHOAL SITE AT RABBIT RIVER

We had a nice sleep in and had Oaters for a change (much enjoyed). Accident with Sue's glasses case, but luckily Nena comes to the rescue. Discussion about rifles over breakfast, where Charles educated us about M-16's and MK-47's. During staff meeting, Dave discovers the rock game (fun for everyone for hours). We set off and after about 5km we were at Opakatika River when we saw a young bear, probably about 1 ½ years old. Big photo session of the bear, and many many swifts made for a fun morning. Small CI after the bear, and we passed into the forest fire struck area. We finished off a long 11km day at our lunch site, where we set up camp after some spaghetti and Sammies. We went for a long group dip in the River. Robb and Eric discover "the death zone" - the very dense forest you must pass through to get into the burn zone. Rescue 9-1-1 for minnows came in..."it's like Free Willy but smaller!" Then we all sat down for amazing PaddlePasta, courtesy of Robb and Sue. Then we all enjoyed Rice Cripsy Balls. It was a real scorcher of a day...the tarp shelter was a major group effort, and Tal and Jess, and Robb and Sue paddled together for the first time.

DAY 27
AUGUST 6TH
TALL PINE ISLAND

Jess and Nena do breakfast this morning: a bit sloppy, but good. Eric has a half solo breakfast, while the others talk about multinationals...then Eric and Jess make night and day mud-men. We all go for a dip before taking-off. Many, many unmarked swifts prove again that "Hap's on Crack". WE spot a Sandhill Crane in the morning and get close, trying to ignore it's loud call as we pass by it's nest on the river's shore. We paddle through CI and scramble for shade. Small honey incidents at lunch (lucky bears), and Robb shares his sardines (Ew!). After another dip, we bump and grind 5km to campsite. Many tall pines greet us, but sadly, Kevin must have stayed here. We set-up and swim, and then Eric tries to poison the group, and Jess fries her brain. A ferret follows Robb from the toilet all the way to his tent. Everyone but Tal (who sleeps) gets in to an intense Hearts game: Charles and Dave devise new ways to screw themselves over, Nena hides her mistakes from Eric, Eric gets vetoed on the first round (Queen of Spades), Jess gets control, and the two university graduates win in the end. A beautiful spaghetti dinner on the beach, talking about schools. It ends in yet another rock game. Jess chokes down her first glass of Metamucil. The full moon comes out and Tal and Eric stay up very late talking.

DAY 28
AUGUST 7TH
IMPROVISED SHOAL SITE

Granola for breakfast, speedy departure with once again, quick dip in the frigid water. Paddle a quick 10km through completely unmarked swifts and rapids, to Dah Dah Dah... Deception Rapids!! All goes well, no dumpage or swamping. Another 7km to lunch, where we ate in a precariously high, muddy, wet, but most importantly shady crevice...it was a very hot day. Dave threatens Jess with Pasta - "What I'd really like to do in smear this spaghetti all over your face"! We had a religion/cult discussion, and slid back down to the canoes, forgot our spoon, went for a swim, and then we were off. A 7km paddle through yet more unmarked swifts and rapids to improvised, huge, nice shoal. Quick set-up, and in for the best group swim yet. Models pose for the photo shoot in the water, then out where everyone chills on the shoal. Delicious Alfredo pasta (soupy), and a gorge-me-i pink sky...which may in the end be a cyclone - but don't worry, we'll be fine.

DAY 29
AUGUST 8TH
PORTAGE ISLAND

We woke up to a slight sprinkling and Cream'o'Wheaters. First silver day in a while. We had all been waiting for some clouds for some time. Eric performs a 5km hike to retrieve his Werther's. Raincoats are pulled out, boats loaded, and we're off. At breaky we talked about our dreams...Sue had a horse!? WE paddled through shallow swifts, and pulled in after 20km, and a lengthy food craving morning for lunch on the shoal. Alfredo pasta and buffet sandwiches were abound, and Eric made a primo honey spreader. Authentic. We had a Howard Stern bashing moment, and pulled out for the final 10km of the Missinaibi River. Robb and Tal spot a HUGE 3FT Northern Pike, and Tal nearly jumped out of the boat, and Robb laughs maniacally. We all paddles in synchronicity through he last of the Miss to Portage Island...silently. We sat and stared at the river for about 10minutes, thanking her for our good weather and fortune. Finally, we set up camp and indulge in naps and falafel. We got a chance to get to know some of our neighbours...Grey Jays, and went to bed pretty early.

DAY 30
AUGUST 9TH
PORTAGE ISLAND
Sleep In!! Tal tries to climb into the boys tent..."hey, since when did Jess sleep with her shirt off?" Jess polished off the Harlequin romance from Peggy. Lunch for breakfast was the order of the day. We had melted cheese on pita and hearty leek soup by Charles. Dave spots a ferret, Jess spots a snake, Dave finds a small dinosaur fossil. We walked a long way out on a sandbar island to go for our swim, and spotted a large black bear on the opposite shore, which we promptly scared off with our noise. We had a massive chicken fight in the water...and Robb remained the undefeated champion. Some of the boys continued on the theme with a small wrestling tournament, while Sue tried fruitlessly to teach Robb how to float. Tal and Eric walked back in a straight line to the campsite, Robb and Sue floated (sort of) down river to the campsite, Dave discovers his first trip leach on his ankle, and everyone chows down on granola bars. Robb gives a Pig Rig lesson and everyone learns something. Charles invents/sets up a nine to one mechanical advantage system. Robb and Sue go to scout the rapids to the west of the island...totally impassable...just a trickle. Everyone does their own little thing for a while. Jess learns to split wood. Robb begins the chocolate and butterscotch creation...with a little pudding on the side for himself, when....STORM HITS!!! A crazy wind sets in, and sand and grit are flying through the air and lashing at our faces (sunglasses required). All remaining grommets are wrenched from their homes and a huge tree on the edge of the river bank falls, but the cake cooks on. No more butterscotch pudding though. We all run around tying down tarps, washing pots, Robb was picked up by the wind while portaging a canoe up to the site, Charles was feet away from a falling tree, and takes another tumble while tying a no-knot under treacherous conditions. The MEC tent takes a real lashing, but El Capitain Storm Shield survives. Robb ties down any volatile trees around the campsite. There was only a bit of rain, but it would be amazing if any of us were ever in winds stronger! Wow! Eat cake - Yum.

DAY 31
AUGUST 10TH
MOOSE RIVER CROSSING

Robb and Sue paddle the canoe of lead, Nena claims she doesn't need Dave in her bow. There were some fun rapids, particularly the unmarked CII just past Portage Island. Punctuated by quite a few pee breaks, it was a cold, rainy, slightly head windy trip on the Moose River. We stopped for a firewood mission, and had a photo session on the way into Moose River Crossing.
Then the great arrival...we unload the canoes for the last time, and begin the final portage up to our site, and out to the train station. We ate gorp under a tarp that was falling on our heads, and talked about grads. Sue and Robb met the boys at the station, and confirmed that it was indeed, August 10th, the day before the train departed. We got settled, made Mac Salad, and Jess and Eric slipped into Homey mode, "make Pappa G Happy", while Nena makes Lazy Perogies..."you might want to add salt, pepper, Parmesan, garlic, and fry the onions too!" They were delicious, and we talked about Native peoples and racism in different parts of Canada! Rick and Robb had a talk before dinner, and Tal and Sue had a farewell to the water, as daylight disappeared. Over a large pot of Rice Kripsies, we had our last sharing circle. It was a very chilly evening, and Sue sang for us before bed...good night.

DAY 32
AUGUST 11TH
LITTLE BEAR TRAIN DAY

It was an early morning, and a frosty wake up for Robb and Sue. We had a photo sessions as people emerged from their tents. "Who wants chocolate?...Damn rice krispie pot!" Who wants more Granola? We portaged all our gear for the standoff an noon. The train truck and driver made the morning. "It's amazing how many birds you hit in one day!" We walk to the bridge and help the other trip make it up to the embankment on time. Dave's hillside escapade provided a laugh for us all. We had our run for the train after all...the loading was a serious mission. We found a group of seats together on the train, and all crashed out after purchasing our Ginger Ale, chips, etc...Tal makes a bunch of friends on the train...the DJ's offer beer - nice move guys! Within an hour or two, it was attack of the little humans, accompanied by the freaky and pained guitar player. Macaroni salad in very tasty, and extremely mayonnaise-y, but doesn't compare to the train's burgers and chocolate bars for some! Chats about Tom Brown with Ashley, the other trip leader on the train from Northwaters. The greeting by Lars and axing the door open on the box car don't detain the group from a bit of free time in Cochrane. The group heads off to Green Water Provincial Park. The showers there are a big hit, and the feast of corn, salad and Sammies went down really well. Jenny drives by for an attack of the killer kids all over again. Group talk around the fire bowl. The gang tries to catch a few z's in the midst of a domestic dispute next door. Whispering problems.

DAY 33
AUGUST 12TH
THE DRIVE HOME

Early morning, and fast take down (even the guys tent), because we need to make sure we drop off Lars on time at the bus. Cold cereal and bagels with cream cheese provoke some serious convo. We hop in the van. Good-bye Viking. Can games go on unbridled to the point of mania in the back seat. Dave discovers the bottle game. Girls harass the boys with tickle games. Tuna lunch and two pee breaks later, we're back at base camp. My god, we almost forgot to mention Miss Patate. What a feast. Reunited with Shanti and Esprit, and we are greeting by Tim, and Sarah and Nicky, paddled all day to meet us!

Memories of Base camp:
-night 2 we have sleeping bag wrestling with Eric and Tal in the Sugar Shack
-paddle painting
-Night 1 Eric rolls around
-lying together watching the meteor shower...the truth comes out about Dave and My Little Pony

Top 10 List
10 WE get to a site with out any stinging creatures
9. Ice Tea...no Leachade!
8. Dave washes a pot, and Nena burps!
7. The sun shines for over 3 days in a row
6. Peggy comes to the rescue X 2
5. Foot Rot
4. No dumpage and swampage x2
3. Robb's chocolate cakes
2. Wildlife and the Northern Lights
1. "I'd really like to smear that spaghetti all over your face!"

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