My first trip is from June 1 to July 26 in eastern Central Saskatchewan, extending into Manitoba, 302 km in and out on the same route, south of and into the Churchill River.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Rainfall accompanies me on the drive to my launch point on June 3, and continues as I canoe three km to my first camp, where I have camped previously. It has been a long day after arising at 3 am and driving for eight hours so I am glad to camp early. A tarp protects my gear from the rain where I plan to set up the tent.
A second tarp covers other gear that will stay under a tarp shelter after it is erected.
Because I had to be flown out by float plane but leave my "good" Clipper canoe at the last campsite the previous year due to forest fire, I am using my 5 m (17') Grumman aluminum canoe which is 44 years old and has seen better days, having been patched where it leaked at the keel. Hopefully it will not start taking on water during the one month trip to retrieve the other canoe. More importantly, I hope the canoe I left on an island in Manitoba last September will still be there. I would hate to have to canoe back out with the Grumman.
New this year, is a "65 Litre Harmony Waterproof Barrel", that dampens odours and is small-animal proof and bear-resistant. It has a sturdy gasket in the lid which locks into place with a clamp. To "lock" the clamp I insert a metal clip through it to hopefully make it more difficult for a bear to open the clamp. Thanks to Steven for making the clip out of spring steel. I have permanently removed the handles to eliminate a means of grabbing by a bear. I also remove the harness in camp for the same reason. The "North Water Quick Haul Harness" is only required for carrying the barrel on portages. A concern was that the barrel system would be heavier than the pack and waterproof bag previously used, but surprisingly the weights are the same. I can already see that I will be purchasing two other barrels for transporting grub, one barrel holding a one month supply. Another advantage of the barrel is that fragile gear is better protected.
Also new this year is a sturdy PVC waterproof "NRS 65L Bills Bag Dry Bag" pack for day-use and travel supplies. For simplicity sake I refer to this bag as my "Rubber Pack". I have tried various systems, including non-PVC bags, over the years that have never stood up to wear or remained waterproof. (This pack proves to be quite robust and in great condition at the end of the season, exceeding my expectations. Another advantage is that on portages, I am able to carry the pack on my back along with the canoe to help streamline the number of portage carries.)
The first currant bannocks being baked.
While eating breakfast, I am updating my journal. Two gray jays visit while I sit near the fire. They softly talk to each other while I update my journal. I hear red-breasted nuthatches nearby and gulls overhead. A flock of migrating tundra or trumpeter swans fly high overhead sounding their occasional deep "hronk" call.
The first spring flowers, bearberry (top) and lily-of-the-valley.
Because of the rain and cool 6℃ weather, I erect the canvas tent and wood stove. It rains on and off for two days and all one day and night. There are already a few lazy blackflies and mosquitoes active once the temperature reaches 10℃. The warmth of the stove sure feels good, especially after I have my first very cold lake bath.
As I usually do, I test fire expired bear spray which generates 13 one-second spray bursts. It is good to be comfortable and practise use of the spray so as to be prepared if ever needing to use. I learn an important lesson after testing. Some liquid spray runs down the canister and contaminates my fingers. Even after rinsing my hands, there is residue that contaminates my lips when applying lip balm. Thank goodness I did not transfer any spray to my eyes.