Grey Owl and Other Trails - June 2021

One of Andrew's running goals this year was to run the Grey Owl Trail (40 km total). He was continually checking the weather forecast and finally found a day wasn't too hot or too rainy, and that I was able to go with him. 

Before

Finishing strong!

After

He finished the run in very good time and looked strong when I saw him coming back into the parking lot.  Here's his post about how it went.  

While he'd been running, I did a leisurely hike out and back to the Chipewyan campground (approx. 13 km total). There had been reports of bears along the Kingmere Trail on the other side of the lake so we both carried bear spray and both had our inReach devices with us. Andrew sent me a message when he arrived at Grey Owl's cabin so I knew he's made it that far and could guess at what time he'd be back. We arrived back at the parking lot within a couple minutes of each other. 

Not a great photo of this little guy but he sure was cute. That acorn is half the size of his head!

The cloudy day made it perfect for hiking and stopping along the lake helped take a break from the mosquitos that were ferocious if you stopped for too long on the trail.  

So many ferns in the boggy areas. 

Remembered the veggies ... forgot the chocolate bars. Dammit! 

We'd arrived in Waskesiu the day before, early enough to do a late afternoon hike along the Waskesiu River trail. There are so many beautiful flowers out this time of year. 

On our third day, we did a few more hikes before heading home -- Boundary Bog trail, Shady Lake trail, and stopped at Height-of-the-Land Tower. 

A very typical photo of Andrew on most of our hikes.

A lovely evening on the beach at Waskesiu.

Views from Height-of-the-Land Tower

Four Generations at Grey Owl's

"Far enough away to gain seclusion,

yet within reach of those whose genuine interest prompts them to make the trip,

Beaver Lodge extends a welcome to you if your heart is right."

- Grey Owl - 

Some people might think it's crazy. A family canoe/kayak/boat trip into Grey Owl's cabin with the young (2 years old) and the young at heart (85 years old). I blame my Dad. He's been throwing out subtle hints for years now about wanting to do this trip. This year we finally got our act together.

On Friday, Andrew & I, along with my nephew and his wife and son (Andrew, Gretchen & Karsten) headed up to Waskesiu and took our kayaks and their canoe into Southend Campground. We were very lucky that all the rail carts were at the side of the portage we needed them to be at and we quickly made our way across. Karsten is fanatic about trains these days (Thomas, Percy, James, etc. Those of you with kids will know exactly what I'm talking about!) so he was pretty excited and, with the help of his Dad, named the rail cart "Bernie." (He even remembered this name two days later when we came back.)

Kingsmere Lake, which can be very nasty when the wind picks up, hardly had a ripple in the glass-like surface. And yes, I'd been stressing for days about the weather forecast and what we'd do if the rain, wind and waves made our plans more "exciting."

My Dad, my sister Bev and her soon-to-be-husband Al, picked up the motor boat we rented from Waskesiu Marina on Saturday morning. While Gretchen and I packed up camp and entertained Karsten (or, more accurately, while he entertained us), Andrew & Andrew hiked back to the start of the portage to help get the motor boat across. Thankfully a couple other guys came along and helped because the boat was much bigger (and heavier!) than we expected it to be, despite being the smallest the Marina had to offer.

Getting ready to load the boat on "Bernie" the rail car. 

A climber in the making!

There was only a slight breeze but it was enough to produce waves that splashed water into the kayaks so it was a good reminder that you do have to think (worry?) about it and be cautious.

Karsten lasted the first hour in the canoe and then wanted to get on the "big boat" with Grandma. From then on he didn't want to go back in the canoe. But he was able have naps in the arms of various family members, play with Alfie (one of Thomas the Tank's friends), and help Al drive the boat which he really enjoyed.

Karsten's spot in the canoe. 

Helping Al drive the boat.

Having a nap in Great Grandpa's arms.

Auntie Shelley makes a pretty good back rest.

Can't let go of Grandpa's hand!

The National Park website estimates three hours to canoe/kayak to Northend Campground and we thought that was a bit optimistic. It took us just over four hours with a short stop for lunch but that still left plenty of time to hike the remaining 3.2 km into Grey Owl's cabin.

Four Generations - My nephew Andrew, sister Bev, great nephew Karsten and my Dad. 

The paparazzi -- no wonder Karsten didn't want to smile for the photo! 

Beautiful Ajawaan Lake. I can see why Grey Owl loved it. 

Karsten & Uncle Andrew picking the chocolate M&M's out of the bag of trail mix.

Hiking with Mommy and Grandma. Does life get any better? 

On Sunday morning I was so proud of my family for taking only 1 1/2 hours to get up, eat breakfast, pack up camp and get everything loaded into the boats. Usually larger groups take forever to do this!!

The lake was again glass-like calm. We definitely could not have asked for better weather. Most of us  made it back to Southend Campground in 2 1/2 hours with my Andrew arriving a half hour later -- he followed the shoreline, took lots of photos and enjoyed some of the wildlife (e.g. otters) that likely wouldn't have come out with more people around.

Calm waters on Kingsmere Lake

My nephew Andrew and my Dad. 

After lunch we lucked out again as all of the rail carts were at the "right" side of the portage and we got all the boats loaded on for just one trip across.

Ice cream cones at Big Olaf's in Waskesiu rounded out a fabulous and memorable weekend. I have the most awesome family! Thanks everyone!