Bushcraft expert Ray Mears reports on the northern Ontario Wabakimi Provincial Park canoe trip that Canoeroots was a part of (look for our feature in the February print issue of Canoeroots!):
“Canadian canoe journeys are always special; they have a unique ability to purge the spirit of the unwanted static that accumulates in our technological lives. I am not sure why, whether it is the simplicity of life as a canoeist, or the pristine quietude of the wilderness; perhaps it is the honest labour of muscles propelling you through the lakes and waterways. Whatever it is, the effect is to cleanse and rejuvenate the soul. So when I was asked if I could squeeze a late September reconnaissance expedition to Northwest Ontario into my schedule, I took a crowbar to the fixtures in my diary.
Having given my paddles a fresh lick of boiled linseed oil, and packed my outfit into old canvas canoe packs, I set off. My journey would be in two parts – first, a quick look at Wabakimi Provincial Park, followed by a more detailed navigation of the Kopka River Provincial Park, which runs along the southern boundary of Wabakimi. Joining me would be Becky Mason, who as well as being an old friend, is one of the most talented and influential paddlers in the world…”
Get the full story on The Ray Mears and Woodlore Blog.
