We stayed one last night at Thompson's Camps/Osprey Wings Inc. and showered off the grunge. Creature comforts of the cabin quickly took the place of our canoe camps. I watched the screen door smugly. Mosquitoes swarmed toward the warmth of the cabin. Tonight they will have to bite through steel to get their draw of blood. Matthew and I went to the trading post (grocery) for a few simple items. We could not resist the draw of fat and quickly picked up bacon and eggs for breakfast and the few simple items for supper.

After supper we hired a floatplane so that we could see our backcountry travels from the air. What a ride we had. To the north, the sky was completely overcast, but we were in the clear and enjoyed the brief moments just before sunset. Seeing the lakes that we just canoed over was an experience that I will never forget. I quickly picked up the shape of familiar points and lakes. Freda Lake was visited one last time.

Paddling the wilderness was an experience, but seeing the expansive tracts of forest and water from the air was incredible. One could spend a lifetime exploring the complex web of lakes and rivers just under our wings. On the horizon, green and blue stretched out before us and then stopped abruptly against a massive bank of clouds. It did not take a weatherman to see more rain was coming our way. Below us, the lakes and bogs blended to form a mosaic of forest and water that was fascinating to see. Down there, it was a formidable barrier to cross, but up here we glided over the portages and lakes without worrying if a head wind was blowing.

Our flight came to a close as the pontoons bounced roughly over the choppy water of Otter Lake (The Churchill River). It was a bit unnerving to watch the water speed toward us during our approach.

Night was closing in but we still had time to get one of the fantastic ice cream cones at the trading post. This was another tradition. We always craved calories after our canoe travels. It has been a long day, and I am not ashamed to say that it was nice to close the door on the elements and sleep without putting up the tents. In the morning rain came down in buckets and I fried bacon and eggs under a roof and ate at a table....... simple pleasures.

Side notes:

1) I believe that the regulations for camping on Crown Lands (like our US Forest Lands) in Canada differ between Provinces. When I paddled in Saskatchewan camping was permitted anywhere on Crown Lands, and without charge. This policy may have changed, so it would be best to ask an outfitter. I loved the freedom to camp where I pleased. However, flat and open spots were sometimes difficult to find.

2) Search for information on Sask canoe trails at: http://www.canoesaskatchewan.rkc.ca/

Look under Documented Canoe trips. Each documented trip pamphlet provides you with information on necessary topographic maps and descriptions of where the portage trails are (many are not marked on the maps). These pamphlet are invaluable tools to make up a trip (from the comfort of your kitchen table)

3) My 1993 trip was called Canoe Trip #6 La Ronge - Lynx Lake - Sulphide Lake - Freda Lake - Otter Lake Length of Trip: 92 kilometres (57 miles) Time Required to Complete Trip: 4 to 5 days Number of Portages: 11 to 15 (depending on starting point and on individual choice)

The first picture is of my wife and I on the last night of the trip at Moose Narrows on Otter Lake. The second picture is a view of Otter Lake and adjoining waters.