My second trip of 2017 - Rabbit River to Cole Lake
I was feeling tired and low on energy but still wanted to get out for the May long weekend so a trip to Cole lake seemed like a great idea. The weather had other ideas but the first day was perfect. My one stop from leaving Winnipeg was at Trappers Bay for gas. It’s a great spot to grab gas prior to entering into the Nopiming provincial park area and has a very friendly crew working there.
The start of my adventures including another late start time.
Some very shallow spots as per the norm. I still would bottom out the paddle and was surprised how shallow most of the route is.
Lots of short portages over the small rock rapids and beaver dams, great trails on each of the regular spots
One of the couples I passed on the way in. I was trying to give a link to my other trip from the start of the year but was failing miserably on remembering the link. If you found me through your google search here is the link that I was recommending.
http://www.canoetripping.net/forums...1st-adventure-of-2017-nw-ontario-27-5-km-loop
I did check the weight of all the gear and I was at 85lbs with the canoe included. This included several pounds of unneeded gear such as IPads etc.
I was allowed to pass on the second port and was on my own again till hitting Cole Lake.
My very graceful drag it through the mud port.. lol
And finally on Cole lake!!! I was surprised at how many small power boats are in on this system. Must be tough with all the ports to get in this far.
A special thanks for the offer from the crew at Camp # 11. I regret saying no but was already in my anti-social – solo mind frame for the weekend! I can’t believe how fast you got to the site! I would love to know how long the exit from the camp site to the parking lot took you as I timed myself and used 4.5 hours to get back from site #10.
My site for the next two nights…
Room with a view!
A small room! My new ultralight tent system. I will do a complete list on the next post listing gear and weights.
Day two had lots a rain for the day with short periods of clouds and drizzle.
As I was without any energy I hid in the tent and watched old TV shows for the rainy times…IPad to the rescue. Point if you can guess this show from the picture.
I did have my Zombie Rabbit come visit during my night snack. I did not have a chance to get pictures during the first visit but had a second chance when he returned for a second visit. Was not worried about me at all and I was within 4’ on the first visit. Second pic he is right in front of the chair. On the first visit he was at the drybag while I was sitting down.
After a rainy night I woke up to find my tarp support was on the ground and my tarp was being a rain water collector. I did take advantage of this and refilled my water bottles.
Now time to break camp and head back towards the truck for the days adventure
And yes it rained. Had my wet shoes on for this trip so no boots to worry about.
One of the new portage areas due to the busy beavers installing a new dam…
And back to the regular ports and waters. A fun trip even with all the rain and other than being a little cold was a great time. Was definitely nice with the low weight as I was so tired before even starting this trip so every pound saved was a treat! Even with the cold weather sleeping bag and rain gear and extra cloth I managed to stay under 85lbs all in. I will Post my camp gear list below..
And a final view before hitting the staging area.
I was feeling tired and low on energy but still wanted to get out for the May long weekend so a trip to Cole lake seemed like a great idea. The weather had other ideas but the first day was perfect. My one stop from leaving Winnipeg was at Trappers Bay for gas. It’s a great spot to grab gas prior to entering into the Nopiming provincial park area and has a very friendly crew working there.
The start of my adventures including another late start time.
Some very shallow spots as per the norm. I still would bottom out the paddle and was surprised how shallow most of the route is.
Lots of short portages over the small rock rapids and beaver dams, great trails on each of the regular spots
One of the couples I passed on the way in. I was trying to give a link to my other trip from the start of the year but was failing miserably on remembering the link. If you found me through your google search here is the link that I was recommending.
http://www.canoetripping.net/forums...1st-adventure-of-2017-nw-ontario-27-5-km-loop
I did check the weight of all the gear and I was at 85lbs with the canoe included. This included several pounds of unneeded gear such as IPads etc.
I was allowed to pass on the second port and was on my own again till hitting Cole Lake.
My very graceful drag it through the mud port.. lol
And finally on Cole lake!!! I was surprised at how many small power boats are in on this system. Must be tough with all the ports to get in this far.
A special thanks for the offer from the crew at Camp # 11. I regret saying no but was already in my anti-social – solo mind frame for the weekend! I can’t believe how fast you got to the site! I would love to know how long the exit from the camp site to the parking lot took you as I timed myself and used 4.5 hours to get back from site #10.
My site for the next two nights…
Room with a view!
A small room! My new ultralight tent system. I will do a complete list on the next post listing gear and weights.
Day two had lots a rain for the day with short periods of clouds and drizzle.
As I was without any energy I hid in the tent and watched old TV shows for the rainy times…IPad to the rescue. Point if you can guess this show from the picture.
I did have my Zombie Rabbit come visit during my night snack. I did not have a chance to get pictures during the first visit but had a second chance when he returned for a second visit. Was not worried about me at all and I was within 4’ on the first visit. Second pic he is right in front of the chair. On the first visit he was at the drybag while I was sitting down.
After a rainy night I woke up to find my tarp support was on the ground and my tarp was being a rain water collector. I did take advantage of this and refilled my water bottles.
Now time to break camp and head back towards the truck for the days adventure
And yes it rained. Had my wet shoes on for this trip so no boots to worry about.
One of the new portage areas due to the busy beavers installing a new dam…
And back to the regular ports and waters. A fun trip even with all the rain and other than being a little cold was a great time. Was definitely nice with the low weight as I was so tired before even starting this trip so every pound saved was a treat! Even with the cold weather sleeping bag and rain gear and extra cloth I managed to stay under 85lbs all in. I will Post my camp gear list below..
And a final view before hitting the staging area.
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