A tapestry of color surrounds the traveler. The moss and small leafy plants of the hummocks are a mixture of greens, yellows and browns that contrast to the red browns of the ponds’ muds and mud cracks. These minute views are encircled by the open grandeur of the sweeping views to the far lines of spruces that mark the next lake. They are pierced by the cold and refreshing storms that blow across the muskegs and pelt you with hard rain and hail.

             Jon Berger

Sketches: Jon Berger

Photos: Tom Terry

Relic Beach Ridge and Old Trail Found

Jon Berger:

There was a trail on the ridge when we got there. It was well kept up (as seen in the above photo) by wildlife — mainly caribou. In some places it was down to gravel, though sometimes splitting into two or three branches. And yes, there was an old set of tent poles leaning against a jack pine at the end of the portage. 

The ridge was quite visible from the air photo as a straight white line. But on the ground there was only a very slight rise in elevation from the surrounding muskeg — almost imperceptible — and yet enough of a rise to give drainage a chance. That let reindeer moss and bigger spruce trees get established.

It was a real relief to get there. It meant that all we had to do was follow the straight shot to get to the lake we wanted. No need for compass. No sighting problems across the open muskeg. Just a straight shot.