View from camp 1 to the south and east. The small island mid photo and the shore to its left were burned earlier this month. Even though the island is surrounded by water an ember must have blown to it from the mainland.
The large island to the north where I have previously camped burned but thankfully camp 1's small island was spared. Note in the middle photo the tiny isle near the large one survived intact.
Thanks to Jeff of The Old Boathouse YYC for more repairs to my canoe. He added three layers of epoxy coating to the keel and replaced the bent rear aluminum thwart with a sturdy ash wood one. The downside is repairs added 4 lb to canoe's weight. https://www.oldboathouseyyc.com/
Notes on use of LifeStraw® to purify drinking water.
LifeStraw® removes bacteria and parasites but does not remove viruses.
To make it easy to drink through the LifeStraw® I use a container to hold raw water. I previously used a Rubbermaid® plastic container which became scratched, hard to keep clean and too tall. The new stainless steel cup is easier to keep clean and just the right height so there is less risk of unfiltered water contaminating the mouthpiece ("Contigo West Loop 2.0" travel mug, 16oz/473mL, inside dimensions 2.5" x 6"). Thanks to Jeanette for donating her travel mug! Last season my LifeStraw® plugged prematurely. I thought it could be kept clear by simply shaking it vigorously but realize now that the directions state to blow through the unit to backflush; directions ... who reads directions? I find it best to backflush frequently as well as when finished drinking. It takes one very long hard blow until the water stops running. (Follow-up: This year the LifeStraw® continued to work well for the entire season after implementing the proper backflush procedure.) To drink from the LifeStraw® you usually have to suck hard to get started. It helps to fill the cup with raw water then let the LifeStraw® sit in the water for a minute or so before using. Once the LifeStraw® is in use do not let it freeze which will damage the filter system. If storing the LifeStraw® at home at the end of the season there is a cleaning procedure to follow. Because I use a LifeStraw® for a long period of time I replace with a new one every year.
Two different American white pelicans.
Male and female common mergansers along my island.
The island is home to many spring plants (below).
Alumroot (edible).
Prickly rose (edible).
Stemless lady's slipper pink orchid.
Wild lily-of-the-valley.
Bunchberry (edible white bracts in spring and orange berries in autumn).
Red-osier dogwood (edible white berries in autumn).
Black spruce (showing edible spring tips).
Wild raspberry (edible).
**********************
Summary:
Preamble discusses trip delay. Much wildfire burned forest. Pelicans and mergansers greet me at camp. Canoe repaired in off-season (epoxy coating to keel and replacement thwart). Notes on use of LifeStraw® for purifying drinking water. Distance paddled 14 km. Glad to rest after the long drive before moving on.
Preamble:
My scheduled departure date was June 1 but out-of-control wildfire forced delay. Not only that but I could not take my usual route east of Besnard Lake through Prince Albert because of highway closures due to fire and smoke. Many communities had already evacuated to escape fire. I had to travel from the west through Meadow Lake and Beauval. Initially there was a Saskatchewan-wide fire ban but by the time I start canoeing the ban only applied to areas south of the Churchill River. Most of my camping will be north of that. In fact there were many such fires and evacuations across all four western provinces, later across northern and eastern Canada as well. Some of the fires are preventable, especially those that start along roads, human caused, discarded cigarettes being one source. The past few years a new unenviable record of wildfire is set annually.
June 15:
Weary from driving over 1000 km in two days I launch the loaded canoe at 12:15 after activating the SPOT™ Satellite GPS Messenger to notify my contacts I have arrived safely. Paddling 14 km before deciding on a small island campsite it feels good to stop at 17:00. I could have stopped at 15:30 on the west mainland but this is a better campsite and bears are less likely. While paddling I am happy to see from a distance that both areas remain green; however the east shore forest is brown from fire, designated the label 'Pisew' which was apparently human caused, that has advanced all the way to La Ronge forcing its evacuation. The fire has destroyed cabins including that of my friend Michael. The island where I have previously camped just north of here was burned according to the fire map viewed at home. I drove through rain all yesterday to reach Meadow Lake where I stopped overnight; unfortunately the rain never reached Besnard Lake. Because of bothersome mosquitoes I have a late supper in the Bug Tent. The meal is a cold one as will be those until I reach the Churchill River in a few days. I cannot see any visible smoke. This island rises steeply but there is a levelish spot near shore to set up the tent; there is just enough flat area on one side of the tent for my bed and a restful sleep.
June 16:
Sleeping in until 07:00 it is a cool 17°C, very cloudy, clearing in late afternoon, temperature rising to 23°C. A fire would feel good this morning but not possible because of the fire ban. Several mergansers have landed in my little bay and swim away; they obviously land here regularly and I try to avoid scaring them. Walking to the north side of my isle I confirm that the nearby large island has burned in the recent fire. On my way back I pick fireweed salad greens. I am cheered to see many spring plants and flowers. Before supper I have a cold bath but am plenty warm in the west sunshine.