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I
had been eagerly awaiting this canoe trip to the Quetico for
over a year. I had never been on a canoe trip before so I
jumped at the invitation to join a friend of mine, Neil,
on his annual trek to the Canadian boundary waters. The
opportunity to get into the “real backwoods”
thrilled me. Joining us were Neil’s wife,
Ruth, and David, an adventurous college student. We
started out from Morris, Minnesota at dawn. For
eight hours David and I sat in the back of Neil’s
Mazda pickup equipped with an old bus seat that smelled
like pigs. Our only view from the rear window was of the
trailer that carried our supplies and two aluminum
canoes. However, this inconvenience seemed minor compared
to adventure I expected in the Quetico. I did not know much
about the Quetico. I knew even less about the Boundary
Waters Canoe Area in Minnesota. In my mind I envisioned
pristine forests and lakes all easily accessible by short
and upkept canoe portages. I also expected to stay
clean and dry. Well I was partially right.
Quetico Provincial
Park is just north of the B.W.C.A in Ontario. The major
difference I am told is the people- there are less of
them canoeing and camping in the Quetico wilderness. I
would also add that the weather, although above normal on
our trip in late May, is a bit cooler. The lake water
felt nearly ice cold as all of us discovered by
falling into the lake (most by accident and one
intentional.). Long sleeves and pants were worn most of
the trip.
We arrived at our
entry point on French Lake at about three in the
afternoon and set off shortly thereafter. About a
half-mile from our launching point, we entered Baptism
Creek. The slim slithering switchback stream went on
forever it seemed. Left then right, left then
right—this creek was getting a bit tedious
especially when Neil and Ruth got 40 canoe lengths ahead
of David and myself. Neil and Ruth were efficient
paddlers and knew how to take the turns and navigate the
current. My arms were feeling the tension of having to
paddle against the strength of the creek.
Our first obstacle
came with a small set of rapids. Neil and David walked
the canoes through this section as Ruth and I followed on
shore. I unfortunately lost track of Ruth and the
creek. I then found the creek but no one in sight
until Neil and Ruth came paddling by. I had missed David
and the canoe by 200 yards. I hurried back to where we
disembarked and bushwhacked as near the creek I could
until I saw the canoe.
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