Mark: This was the first time I've been in through Canoe lake. I've been all over the drive in camping lakes (pog - whitefish - rock - pen), plus opeongo. I've also been Temagami.... however this was not only my longest trip ever (groups include), it was my first solo.
I recently resigned from my IT job of 10 years and needed to forget work real quick. This seemed to be the natural way to do it and it did wonders! I read about the route in Kevin Calan's Algonquin Canoe Routes, and then a long-lost buddy from highschool recommended it as well and gave me some tips (Thanks Birkezauod!)
So, there will be lots more paddling this summer, including a monster trip on Monday. More about it AFTER we get back in one piece (or not.... regardless... you'd rather here about accomplished trips rather then the "we're gonna.... trips".
Rob: After not sleeping too well for a few reasons, I was really bagged as time went on! I got my best sleep the last night. Once my focus shifted from "keep my bag and all the contents dry" to "keep my next pair of socks & underwear dry", things got much better! I left my pack outside my tent the last couple nights and that gave me the room to lie diagonally in my tent. When I was lying straight, either my head hit, or feet hit... and with all the rain, that created a spot for moisture to work its way in.
Kermode: It wasn't a "camcorder" per say. It was my small digital camera that has video functionality as well (Fuji F610... a great little cam!). I used it for video and my bigger camera (Sony Alpha 100 - dSLR for the other photographs). I carried it all in a pelican 1400.... a bitch on the portages, but worth the peace of mind in the weather!!!!
Stay tuned for the next video: Missinaibi River.... leaving on Monday!
