Opeongo Store to North Arm of Opeongo(3 hour paddle):
Some rain, lots of wind. It was a long paddle with frustration and anxiety as to our exact location. Many islands not on the map. The compass is important and watching water taxi's go by all day. The question is, should we have taken a taxi? It was a four hour paddle (hard paddling) and we were surprised to find ourselves at the site just east of the Proulx Lake partage. The site was okay, many downed trees with a nice bay in behind and a table! I would suggest taking the water taxi if the weather is at all rough, but the paddle was fine as long as you use the compass. We realized on the way home that we could not have entered the East Arm in error as it is well marked.
North Arm of Opeongo to Big Crow Lake via Proulx Lake and Little Crow Lake (1 portage and 3 hours):
The start has the option of a 175 M portage, paddle a small lake and a 965 portage or a long 1450 M portage. We chose the longer. Because of weight of packs we made 2 trips. A combination of easy cart-trail and rocky clinbing portage meant that we were glad to arrive a Proulx Lake. Paddle through Proulx was beautiful. Often hard to find river access as the water is low and there are many places that look like small rivers but are dead-ends. Entrance to river had one large lift-over. Nice paddle now. Narrow, lots of Pickeral Weed. Nice change from the lakes but it sure meanders. Then through Little Crow Lake and into Big Crow. Frustration as the sites we wanted are all taken. No sandy beaches left. Nice site though close to the Crow River. Paddled accrss to the Rangers Cabin and it was creepy. Bucket, knife, plates with fresh ketchup, tongs, gloves and no-one there? Were they in a hurry to leave? Finally found the trail to the fire tower. VERY unused. Many downed trees crossed our path but after a 20 to 30 minute hike up, up, up, finally at the top and what a view. Back to camp for dinner and bed.
Big Crow Lake to Lake Lavielle via the Crow River(7 portages and 8 1/2 hours):
Into the Crow River (were were warned of low water levels) we headed. At first it was ok. We did a 240 M portage and arrived at what are usually small rapids. We ended up dragging the canoe and wading though ankle deep water over the rapid section. Approximately 6 hours of shallow paddling and 7 portages and prbably 12 lift-overs we paddle thought to Crow Bay, and unnamed lake and arrive at the entrance to beautiful Lake Lavielly. After an 8 1/2 hour day we are tired!
The site at Lake Lavielle is beautiful. We heard wolves howling the first night. Found a bird nesting on the ground too. It flew away and then the nexst day it was back in the same spot. We stayed 2 nights to rest and air out everyhing, do laundry, bathe, sun tan and eat. On day 2 Kevin spotted 2 moose (no antlers) acress the narrows in a bay. I ran for my camera, snapped a few, the dog barked, and the moose were gone. The stars were beautiful both nights. Still no sunsets.
Lake Lavielle to Dickson Lake (3 1/2 hour paddle and 1 portage)
We headed out at our usuall time between 8 and 8:30 a.m. and had a nice paddle through Lake Lavielle. Many canoes and kayaks travelling and trolling. Met some who had cought one lake trout each and a Brookie. "They're deep" they say. A short 90 M portage into Dickson and an easy paddle to our island closest to the portage. This one has a table! Rufus is catching frogs!
Dickson Lake to the East Arm of Opeongo via Bonfield Lake and Wright Lake (3 portages and 8 1/2 hours):
It is a beautiful morning and we slept in a little (8:30 a.m.). We departed by 9:30 a.m. and said good-bye to our island paradise. It was a short paddle to the portage which is a 5,305M treck to Bonfield Lake. It was a good trail but had lots of small ups and downs. With 2 large packs and one small, a dog and a 70lb canoe it was not easy. We struggled and had lots of stops along the way but did it in one trip. We rested about every 15 minutes for water, snacks, adjusting packs and gear and finally arrived at Bonfield Lake after 4 hours. This is not an easy portage with a lot of gear on one trip. We met many people who said the same, even with light gear. After, a pleasant 2 short paddles and 2 short portages and we arrive at the East arm of Opeongo, drop our gear, remove our boots and jump in the sandy shores of the lake....Wow! After a refreshing dip we choose to paddle a short way (1 hour) to find a beautiful site on the south shore across from Opeongo Island, have a big pasta dinner, finally a beautiful sunset with our final 4 marshmallows and chocolate and bed. As a side note, the dog couldn't wait for the tent to be set up, he was exhausted too!
East Arm of Opeongo to the Opeongo Store (3 hour paddle):
Our last day was a pleasant paddle (3 hours) back to the Opeongo store. It is long and still easy to get lost as you enter a bay that looks like a mere blip on the map but yet a nice paddle. It felt like entering the 401 as we rounded the last corner toward the Opeongo Store. There had to be 10 canoes heading out. I almost cried as we found our way back to the truck and home.
Side Notes: Kevin and I are disappointed at almost every site to find garbage, broken glass, toilet paper, cut down green trees etc. We try, and do, leave every site better than we find it. Disappointing. The dog is a great companion, loves the tent and my down sleeping bag. He has become used to the lifejacket and can easily sleep in the canoe. The hardest part of the trip is the inaccuracy of the map. Many islands are missing. I need to take a compass and map course. Patience is a must in finding portages.
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