Tuesday, May 27, 2014

Things were still a bit damp as we prepared our breakfast, but the bright sunshine of the morning quickly evaporated any residual condensation before we started packing up.

As I look back and try to accurately recall this morning, I can’t say for certain exactly what Aurora was doing while we tore down camp. But, I can say that in no way was she a bothersome burden while we were doing so. And, to comment on the trip as a whole, she really did an almost unbelievable job of knowing (and respecting) the boundaries we’d set for her regarding the perimeter of camp & the fire grate. Furthermore, she usually kept herself contentedly occupied at times when we needed her to. We actually joked that we wished she’d behave this good at home. The wonders of wilderness!

After one last check of camp we shoved off and paddled for Baker Lake. Also, I didn’t even consider it at the time, but we were able to leave Aurora’s moose skull behind for others to enjoy without her realizing it.

From Aurora’s perspective, I think this trip was about the right amount of days. As we double portaged back into Kelly Lake, she didn’t have her usual gusto, and Daddy wound up carrying her on the last leg. We would only have one more short portage today so it was not an issue.

We paddled down the eastern flank of the Kelly Lake. As we approached the camp site on the prominent eastern peninsula I noticed some movement just across the lake. Against all odds, this would be our third moose sighting of the trip! By this time Aurora was an old pro who was whispering and shushing Vickie & I. As we neared their location it was obvious that there were 3 moose. It appeared to be a cow with 2 yearling calves that she hadn’t run off yet. They didn’t seem too concerned with our intrusion and lingered on the lakeshore. By this time seeing moose was old school for Aurora, and after getting a good look, her interest waned rather quickly.

We paddled away in stunned awe at our incredible good fortune.

The rest of the journey back to the EP was an idyllic- relaxing paddle. Although, to play it safe, we did stop short & walked the canoe up to the landing for our last portage. Once at the Baker Lake landing, after we were loaded up and changed into dry clothes/socks, we made tracks to Schroeder Baking Company. There, as promised, Aurora was treated to pizza & ice cream before returning to the long plaintive road home.

Jack Lake, Kelly Lake, Peterson Lake, Baker Lake

SOME FINAL THOUGHTS: I can't recall the last time we had a Memorial Day weekend where the weather was so close to perfect right throughout. It was mid 70's the whole time with manageable winds and only an hour or so of rain,and that before the sun came up.

Overall we were ecstatic over how well our new gear performed. Especially the Souris River canoe. It was a little sluggish but, proved to be very stable. A trade off we'll make all day long! At first I kind of wondered about the protruding ribs on the floor but, being wet footers like we are, the ribs did a great job of keeping the excess water in smaller areas instead of allowing it to run the length of the canoe getting everything wet. This proved especially convenient when we'd lay Aurora on the floor for a nap,as her area would stay completely dry. I'd like to thank the bwca.com community for the suggestions & advice given in our search for a family canoe. I'm sure there were many others, but, I seem to recall ducks as being especially helpful. Thanks again to all!

The wildlife viewing was beyond description. Three separate sightings and five moose total will likely be very difficult to top for some time to come. But, beyond that, seeing the diving eagle & the friendly campsite animals was a very special treat for Aurora. Even the dead animals (moose skull) kept things interesting too.

As I mentioned in the report, Aurora did a great job in most all aspects of canoe camping. It was a real treat to see her take such pride & pleasure in doing the necessary tasks the come with the territory. (Canoeing, portaging, sleeping in a tent etc.) And, doing them safely! As parents we couldn't have been prouder, and we are looking forward to more adventures with our young voyager.

Lakes Traveled:   Jack Lake, Kelly Lake, Peterson Lake, Baker Lake,