Starting at trip launch on Nemeiben Lake the devastation of last year's 2025 Pisew wildfire is readily apparent. The fire covered a large expanse from Besnard Lake through Nemeiben all the way to La Ronge destroying some buildings in its path. I will progress through similar landscape for the next two weeks.
There are some spared green spots, often islands like that of my first campsite though there will be some areas completely ravaged. Canoe is placed next to the tent to help shield against the wind.
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Summary:
Starting late and tired from yesterday's long drive I stop early, distance travelled only four km. All around me the mainland landscape and some islands are brown, burned by the 2025 Pisew wildfire, so pay close attention for possible campsites. Lose my only pair of sunglasses, a careless mistake. Very hot mid 30°C temperatures. Feels good to be back in the bush again, welcomed by wildlife (loons, beaver, crows, northern flickers, pileated woodpecker).
May 31:
After yesterday's tiring 1000 km drive from home to a La Ronge hotel I travel the 80 km on gravel road to Missinipe where I and my gear get shuttled to Nemeiben Lake to start canoeing. Thanks to Martin of Churchill River Canoe Outfitters and driver Alvin for providing the service.
I paddle away by 12:00. This year for the first time in a long time I am not bringing canvas Tent and stove which were never used last year so have a smaller load. A few loons welcome me diving and surfacing nearby. There is a moderate sidewind that insists on pushing me towards shore. Halfway out of the long bay I stop for a bathroom break at a stand of small pines. There are just enough short trees to provide a bit of shelter where it would be possible to make an uncomfortable camp. With so much burned bush I pay closer attention than usual for possible campsites. Moving on to the end of the bay and into the lake proper I see a cottage spared from fire on an island where it is obvious sprinklers protected the building bordered by a small green area surrounded by burn. Last year with so much wildfire the government Saskatchewan Public Safety Agency (SPSA) fire protection service was unable to service many such properties and many owners had to provide their own defense, a good idea in any case. Just ahead there are four green islands and I circle the largest to check for the best campsite and to make sure there are no cottages. The likeliest location faces the wind so I hope I can situate camp somewhat protected. It is only 14:00 but I decide to stop for the day travelling only four km. I think about continuing but am tired after travelling all day yesterday. My neck is stiff from driving so I perform neck exercises and will continue to do so at least twice per day on arising and at bedtime to alleviate soreness from paddling. From my journal: "As I set up camp am glad I stopped. Am not performing at 100%. Everything seems to take too long! Hot! Sweaty!. Will be good to settle into camp mode again." Years ago someone camped here as evidenced by old fireplace stones. There is an open area for the tent at the top of the slope. The wind pushes against the side of the tent, unfortunately the only way the tent can be situated. I have to anchor all the tent pegs with stones; some of the pegs are on bare rock so have to be laid crosswise and held down with two stones. Fortunately the ground beneath is relatively flat and mossy, later providing a comfortable bed levelled with the small tarp folded along one side underneath. Because the wind is buffeting the tent badly I move the canoe to the windward side to serve as a shield. Almost deciding to forgo setting up the Tarp shelter I am glad I do to get protection from the sun; I am sure it is over 30°C. I create a fireplace from the remaining stones of the old fireplace but in a more sheltered position, keeping the grill as low as possible and well surrounded by rocks to serve as a windbreak. From my journal: "At some point I realize I have lost my sunglasses from the shirt pocket where I 'temporarily' placed them. Aie! Stupid, stupid, stupid ... Barry! They would have slipped out as I bent forward at some point. All the time now I keep an eye out for them. My only pair with me ... and on the very first day! Always used to carry a spare that I have never needed. They may have even fallen into the lake when I filled the pots to boil. I put the glasses in my open shirt pocket on landing. I know better! Aie!" After dousing the fire I am on the bed by 20:45. Hot and sweaty I lay on a bedsheet, no clothes on until 22:30. Drinking lots of water using the LifeStraw® after reaching camp I prove to be well hydrated in the hot conditions, no leg cramps. As I drop off to sleep a beaver splashes nearby, crows and northern flickers call, good to be in the bush again.
June 1:
Arising at 06:30 after nine hours in bed, I slept well, two hours longer than usual. The sun heats the day quickly hitting full on under the Tarp shelter, 34°C by midday. I hang the small tarp white side out at the front of the Tarp shelter to provide shade until the sun moves west. A refreshing cold bath feels good. Hanging on a clothesline my clothes dry quickly in the sun and wind. As I sit under the Tarp ants crawl over me and under my jeans, one biting me as I update my journal and do some puzzles. A pileated woodpecker calls nearby with its distinctive 'cuk, cuk, cuk ...' call. After prepacking in advance of moving on tomorrow, I am in bed by 20:45.