| Author |
Message |
doc
Member
Post Number: 1
Registered: 01-2007
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 24, 2007 - 3:38 am: | 
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Ahhh, the excitement, the magic...
A year ago I was a canoe tripping innocent. Sure if you asked me last spring I would say I had tripped before, but in reality those were one or two day fishing trips that happened to involve a canoe. That’s not going all the way, second base at best. The sad fact was I was a forty-one year old trapped in a not so young anymore, upwardly mobile professional life
It had been twenty years since I had spent a night in a tent. Fortunately I had expert advisers regarding gear. I couldn’t believe it though, when they suggested only one backup change of clothes. I mean after 7 days weren’t we going to be awfully ripe, Wow,if I only knew how ripe at least one of us was going to get. Nonetheless, I dutifully followed the list. I spent the next few weeks online and ended up buying a bunch of cool new stuff.
So there we were at the end of day one, still on Lake Temagami, the same lake we started on. There had been 2 portages, including the first hundred meters from the car to the beach. My doctor’s hands already getting sore and raw and I am wandering what the big deal is about. If we had my powerboat we could have been at Sharp Rock in twenty minutes without all this work. Anyway the food that night was startling good and the company better.
Day Two, I awakened with a scare, in the soft blue light coming through the wall of my tent I noticed a purplish, black lesion on my upper arm that I had never seen before and it looked very suspicious for melanoma. I fretted for much of the morning that it would be a week before I could get this checked out, and by then it could have metastasized God knows where.
Another issue came up. I had noticed earlier there was no TP in my exhaustive gear list. Did this mean we would use some special, biodegradable tissue my expert partners were bringing, or maybe leaves or our hand. I forgot to ask and all of sudden the need arose and there I am one item short in my pack. So on top of having to ask for my daily ration, I worry about cutting into my companion’s supply all while learning about the joys of digging cat holes and the race of the mosquitoes with my privates being the finish line.
As the day wore on things got better and I saw lots of wonderful things. I was also becoming more confident I could at least physically keep up with my buddies even if I was clueless regarding techniques. That evening as we pulled up to our campsite it began to absolutely pour. I had wondered what would happen in this case and had brought along a couple of books, cards, even a book on card games and a headlamp anticipating a wet miserable night huddled in the tent. Miraculously though, out came a quickly rigged tarp, a fire and some good whiskey mixed with the last can of ginger ale and all of a sudden things were looking way, way up. These guys I was with were brilliant. Even better I now had multiple purple spots on my arms and realized it was not melanoma, rather blackflies: I was going to live after all and it just doesn’t get any better than that.
Throughout the trip, the feelings intensified, highlighted by my company and places and events both large and small. A day of clearing portages, a near-miss lightning strike, steaks and merlot for dinner. Another day of thinking we couldn’t possibly be further out of mankind’s grasp, only to be graciously hosted that night in a fully equipped cabin with a cell phone and DVD player. Next up were Spirit Rock, old-growth, ancient Nastawgan, then wolf tracks and a most amazing meal of moose steaks with sauteed peppers and onions.
A feast for the senses, it was all too much. Oh to feel so alive and so free. I could go on, but would much rather hear other people’s tales. With all I hear and read, it seems so difficult to save this little slice of virgin land, but we must try so that the magic can continue. |
ed
Moderator
Post Number: 392
Registered: 03-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 24, 2007 - 7:54 am: |
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It must have been a late night for you when these "musings" were being written....Posted at 3:38am.
Doc Wrote:
" Next up were Spirit Rock, old-growth, ancient Nastawgan, then wolf tracks and a most amazing meal of moose steaks with sauteed peppers and onions."
Was there no beer?
Doc, are you going out again this Spring?
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alscool
Moderator
Post Number: 121
Registered: 02-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 24, 2007 - 3:05 pm: |
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Hey Doc, sounds like a great first time experience, likely due in part to execptional tripping partners You know, there is an old adage that goes A fox can't smell their own scent! I don't have to imagine how bad the smell must of been as I have spring tripped where we left the Old Spice at home. Maybe you should have got the offender to wash their shirt with the last of the campsuds while under way, that should have taken care of the problem till you got back in the canoe over the next portage.
When are you tripping again? People want to know! |
chris
Member
Post Number: 56
Registered: 03-2006
| | Posted on Thursday, January 25, 2007 - 9:23 am: |
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Doc,
GRRReat read!
You might be giving your pals a bit too much cred. "Brilliant?" - well maybe that Curly one...
"It's not me, must be the the Dog! Honestly!!!" I've heard that one before. One of the dangers of cold water tripping with a stong sun - once the funk creeps in then its hard to get it the funk out!
You ever see a shirt rot right off a man's back? That funk got an attitude!
Glad to hear you melanoma wasn't!
You getting your sched linned up and clear for spring?
Chris
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doc
Member
Post Number: 2
Registered: 01-2007
| | Posted on Thursday, January 25, 2007 - 2:12 pm: |
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Hi Guys
The beer was all gone long before the moose steaks, we’ll have to plan better next time.
Speaking of which, I don’t know when I’ll be back, but I will. What can I say: I’m hooked. No can do this Spring Maybe in the Fall, otherwise it will have to be next Spring.
In the meantime I’ll have to make due hearing about everyone else’s adventures. That’s why I’m hoping other folks will post their tales here, be they about first-times or otherwise.
p.s. Alscool, thanks for the great tip about the campsuds. I wouldn’t think you would want to wash something as foul as that shirt in the lake.
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mike
Member
Post Number: 49
Registered: 12-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, January 25, 2007 - 11:31 pm: |
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Doc,
I must say, an extremely well written and fascinating post. Im sure there are many of the old timers like myself that learned a bit to say the least.
There is one bit of advice I may be able to give you that should help on your next trip and that pertains to the" bugs" and the lesions that occasionaly result from their appetite. I have a little place over on LE lake and I can assure you there is not a bug around at any time of the year. I guess you can call it God's country. here is why.
A couple of years ago I built a large house out in the country and in the process I disturbed a lot of dirt. The following fall we were inundated with literally thousands of what I found out to be "cluster flies". They are very similar to the black flies. Well, with a little research I found some stuff that was supposed to solve the problem.I cant recall the name of it but I still have a bit around if you are interested. As I remember the name of the product started with CYON which I believe is some derivative of cyonide[a tough word to spell even with a dictionay]. Anyway it was not legal where I live so I had my daughter in Cal get me some and she sent it to me.[out there they probably drink it]
I received it and proceeded as instructed. What a difference. Not a bug around.I then took some up north and the same results.
There is one downside tho if you look at it that way.I have 4 acres here and I dont have to cut the lawn any more. Everything is real curly and brown all year long. Up north it is the same. Finally those damn ferns are gone. The bluberries are back in full force although there is a greenish tint to them. They still taste the same tho. The one thing one has to be very careful of is that they dont mix up the booz mix with the cyno mix. It can happen if you are very tired after a long day of canoeing.
All and all Doc I hope I have provided you with some really usefull info for your next trip.Remember, once you cross the river it is pure heaven.
Mike |
doc
Member
Post Number: 3
Registered: 01-2007
| | Posted on Friday, January 26, 2007 - 12:54 pm: |
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Mike
Thanks for the sound advice, hopefully more old-timers will chip in. I guess we now have an explanation for the reports of two headed fish in Lady Evelyn.
On reflection, I think a more appropriate use for your potion would be to have my malodorous buddy bathe in it. It might work better than his Old Spice.
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mike
Member
Post Number: 50
Registered: 12-2005
| | Posted on Saturday, January 27, 2007 - 7:28 pm: |
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Doc,
Your application of the Cyno juice as a bathing lotion seems very feasable to me. I am sure it will completely eliminate any body odor for God knows how long. It may just tint the skin a bit. Lets say like the individual has frequented a tanning salon all winter. People in my area spend a lot of bucks getting ready for the summer by doing this. Just think how excited those gals on the lake will be when they pass a canoe with two Bronze chested warriors in it. The potential seems to be limitless. Another benefit from the Cyno juice is that the individual will never have to shave again.
Something like this really happened to me years and years ago. We were out and about on LE and decided to stop at the ranger station for a beer and a snack. Suddenly out of no where about 10 canoes appeared. Normal, right? Not in this case. There before my eyes were about 20 beautiful and very scantly attired young ladies and one male. Ill never forget it. Eric was his name and he ran a commune in New Hampshire that raised goats and chickens and God knows what else. I still have his address somewhere, that is if he hasnt expired from pure exhaustion. A real nice fellow and in fact I wrote him a few times trying to find the secret. Never could tho.I didnt know what to say at first and in total desperation for words I said we were from National Geographic Magazine. Talk about a photo op! Just unbelievable. Then suddenly my 65 year old father of 13[two sets of twins] came wandering down the trail. I tried to convince them that his surname was Grosvenor[the founder of the magazine] but that was a little too much. My brothers and I vowed to leave him back at the cottage with a bottle of rye and vermouth the next time.
In the end everyone had a real good laugh and we went on our separate ways.Unfortunately I dont think my dad ever made it up again but thankfully I have those memories and you cant put a value on them.
Mike |
ed
Moderator
Post Number: 395
Registered: 03-2004
| | Posted on Sunday, January 28, 2007 - 9:47 am: |
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Hey Mike:
I had a few of those "naked nymph" experiences in Temagami as well.
They all seemed to ocurr during a 2 year period in the early to mid 1970's, if memory serves me correctly. |
mike
Member
Post Number: 51
Registered: 12-2005
| | Posted on Sunday, January 28, 2007 - 2:27 pm: |
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Ed,
That is exactly the time frame that this happened to me. I have been there since 70 and this adventure, to say the least, was within the first few years.I guess that during that era the communal style of living was fairly popular and as I look back now it seems like a pretty good idea, especially considering Eric's situation at the time.
A NOTE TO ALL YOU YOUNG GUYS AND GALS:
SHOULD YOU EVER COME ACROSS A SIMILAR SITUATION WHEN IN THE BUSH, ALWAYS REMEMBER THAT A GOOD CAMERA AROUND YOUR NECK AND THE WORDS " NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC" WILL GET YOU JUST ABOUT ANYTHING YOU WANT!
Hey folks! Other than the TIP issues, it is really the slow time of the year. I am sure there are many out there who have had experiences that all of us would like to hear about. So far its only been Doc,Ed and Myself who have commented. Dont be shy, a little humor goes a long way. By the way Ed, we are all anxiously waiting for the "rest of the story" concerning what happened when you encountered the " Naked Nymphs".
Mike |
tsm
Member
Post Number: 89
Registered: 03-2004
| | Posted on Sunday, January 28, 2007 - 3:45 pm: |
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Wow
My canoe adventures were never fun like that.......bring back the 70's |
hillbilly
Member
Post Number: 227
Registered: 03-2004
| | Posted on Sunday, January 28, 2007 - 5:11 pm: |
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Well, I quess I could put in my little story. It is nothing as good as Mike's. What was it 2002 the big fire in Quebec had brought the smoke down to Temagami and I was camped at the Trails Campsite (Ceremony Site or Tall Pines Site some call it) I was soloing and had just got back from walking the trails to Shish Kong. A group of 4 canoes,1 man and 1 woman per canoe, came by so I went down to the water and asked if they were going to walk the trails, they said they were and since it was about 3pm I said if you want to camp here tonight you are welcome. They said they were going to camp further down the lake at Ranger Point. a couple of hours later I heard them coming back and comtinued to read my book. A few minutes latter I heard a lot of laughing and splashing. I walked over near the shore and they all were swiming. Then one of the women climbed out of the water and was nude. With further investigation I could see they all were. Well that just made day 7 of an 8 day solo trip worth all the extra paddling I had to do since my normal canoe partner could not come and cancelled at the last minute. 4 naked women 20 feet away with either there husbands, boyfriends, or whatever with them and they did not mind me standing there for a couple of minutes seeing them nude. About a half hour later they paddled by and waved and headed down lake.
That was also the last time I saw Mary Carrol, for those of you that knew her.
Bill
(Message edited by hillbilly on January 28, 2007) |
ed
Moderator
Post Number: 396
Registered: 03-2004
| | Posted on Monday, January 29, 2007 - 3:30 pm: |
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Mike wrote:
"By the way Ed, we are all anxiously waiting for the "rest of the story" concerning what happened when you encountered the " Naked Nymphs"."
Nothing Mike, my wife was with me.
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chris
Member
Post Number: 57
Registered: 03-2006
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 30, 2007 - 8:47 am: |
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Am I the only one who finds this a bit disturbing?
This is a joke - right...?
quote:There is one downside tho if you look at it that way.I have 4 acres here and I dont have to cut the lawn any more. Everything is real curly and brown all year long. Up north it is the same. Finally those damn ferns are gone. The bluberries are back in full force although there is a greenish tint to them. They still taste the same tho.
Just a thought, but this MIGHT be why such products are regulated. |
otter_mel
Member
Post Number: 65
Registered: 03-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 31, 2007 - 12:47 pm: |
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It's true about the nymphs!
We came across one on Bergeron Lake (at the old mine shafts)in 1983 and another one along the Northeast Arm of Lake Temagami in 1984!! |
mike
Member
Post Number: 52
Registered: 12-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 31, 2007 - 6:53 pm: |
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Mel,
Its kind of funny how Doc's post opened a completely new facit of Ottertooth.It kind of joged our ancient memories that we all thought would have to remain silent forever. I guess that we have to agree that the Nymphs, in reality, do exist.
Lets keep those stories coming. I have a million of them from when the sleigh I was pulling crashed through the ice as I came down an embankment on to LE river to what it is like being inside a small cottage when a rogue bear is tearing the hell out of everything on the porch,clawing at the windows and door that he had destroyed on two previous ocassions. He met his match. No more problems.Some pics of what he did will follow.
I think this is a great opportunity for everyone to do a little research and come forward with those thoughts that affected one or more of their trips. Dont be shy and think that your story will mean nothing. To one individual it may not be of interest but to others it will be great. There is a great amount of respect among individuals on this forum.
Mike |
ed
Moderator
Post Number: 397
Registered: 03-2004
| | Posted on Wednesday, January 31, 2007 - 8:25 pm: |
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The nymphs were all over the place. I think my sightings were in the 1970's. In the early 1980's we had 2 kids and that curtailed our canoeing activities for a short while.
I recall the best nymph sighting was on Temagami in the early morning around about 8 to 8:30 AM.
We had camped on Seal Rock Point heading north towards Sharp Rock.It must have been around about 1974 -1975 time frame.It was early August and we had got up early and packed up. I had a problem that morning. While packing the canoe, I had slipped on the rocks ending up in the Lake, boots and all. I used to wear high cut Kodiak boots back then.They got filled up with water and when Ruth finished laughing at my folly, and I had finished swearing at her for being so amused with my predicament, we got out on the Lake. It was dead calm and misty with a nice fog that obscured my Eagle eyed long range vision.
As we paddled North, I began to see some other canoes come into sight. I think there may have been sex of them. At least I thought that was how many I counted yes it was sex red canoes. It was difficult to tell. My brain was being distracted and was becoming unfocused . We were heading straight at them. I secured our course. We were going to go right through the middle of this flotilla. As we got closer I thought that my eyes were deceiving me, my vision was getting blurred.We were moving through a flotilla of upwardly naked nymphs.This mixed group had a couple of young guys about 17 or 18 years old stearning 2 of the canoes, and 2 younger boys about 12 years of age. The remainder were topless young women about 15 to 18 years of age.I could hardly contain myself. I would have liked to dally a bit and take in more of this passing scene, but alas my young wife was with me and knew I had better not let the crass animal that lived within me out of its cage.
I paddled on hardly missing a stroke staring straight ahead off into the mist......with the scene forever burned into my brain.
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doc
Member
Post Number: 4
Registered: 01-2007
| | Posted on Thursday, February 1, 2007 - 10:01 am: |
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Bravo Ed!
I had a dream last night about sex red canoes.
Since Mike hasn’t said so himself, I’ll vouch for the fact he was just spinning a tale about the cyno stuff….I think.
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mike
Member
Post Number: 53
Registered: 12-2005
| | Posted on Thursday, February 1, 2007 - 9:40 pm: |
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Doc,
Thanks for your support. Of course the cyno stuff is just a spin of the pen. Remember when I wrote you on the side recently and expressed my concern that someone might just believe me? As I said at the time, I tried to make the tale so silly and far fetched that no one would ever believe me. I guess I was wrong. Im sure that Orson Wells back in the 30's had the same intention as did I on his haloween brodcast. Unfortunately in his case many people comitted suicide. By no means am I comparing my literary talents to those of Orson Wells. In fact my writing skills are very limited. I am sure you young guys dont have any idea what I am talking about. You might want to look him up and see what the power of words can do.
And so I want to apologize to anyone that I have offended. I try and find a bit of humor in every facit of my life. Over the years I have presented a eulogy at at least a half dozen funerals including my great friend, Sonny Mitchell. In most cases I have had them laughing till it hurts. I dont know, Am I wrong?
Ed, that was a great "rest of the story" we were looking for.I have another one.
Several years ago my friend Sonny had to take a fellow and his son back to Frank falls area. He would drop them off and then pick them up a week later. They had a canoe. Where they went ??? Anyway on the way back through Suckergut, there on the largest open area of boulders within miles we happened to glance up and here was a couple procreating the human race in full view. [The boat was an IO and was very quiet.] When they finally realized we were passing through the guy jumped up and put his hands on his hips in full aray. I have always wondered what was on his mind at the moment. She quickly scampered back and squatted down behind one of those ferns I missed. We continued on as I am sure they did.
Kind of interesting how this scenerio has started to develope. Doc, what do you think?
Mike |
chris
Member
Post Number: 58
Registered: 03-2006
| | Posted on Friday, February 2, 2007 - 9:48 am: |
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The problem must lie in the reception if the delivery is sound. I just wish you had told me all that before I went off and commited cybercide...
Incidently, my Grade 5 teacher was talking about "The War Of The Worlds" just last week.
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chris
Member
Post Number: 59
Registered: 03-2006
| | Posted on Friday, February 2, 2007 - 4:16 pm: |
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Ok - well, I've never actually seen nymphs - but I have had a strange occurance or two.
I'm reminded of a tale that Hap recounted at the fall celebration:
It seems there was a Holy-man, I can't recall where he was from - Tibet or India or something... Anyway, when this gent arrived in Temagami - in the Shish-Kong area, he was in awe of the Power of the place. Apparently, if my recollections are correct, this Gent spoke of special areas on Earth where there was a convergence of energies - and this area was one of the most potent areas that he had even encountered. The tale went on to say that as an area such as this become over-exploited, these energies are deminished and whatever resident "Spirits" that may be in the vacinity will leave when that happens.
If you believe in that sort of thing...
I reminded of my favourite Temagami Experiance;
My Wendigo
T’was early fall not long ago,
The day The Towers fell.
I can clearly recall My Wendigo,
And this story that I now tell:
A vision in warning - or so some say,
Who appears upon times bleak.
A mission informing - but not relayed,
For he fled and did not speak.
T’was up in the wilds - near height ‘o land,
Somewhere deep in the afternoon.
The wind was mild - the rain fell in bands,
The pine in the breeze softly crooned.
From aft on my perch - I scanned the far lands,
For the break marking trail downstream.
My stomach then lurched - for a man seemed to stand,
Upon distant landing he gleamed!
As I squinted my eyes - my bowman decried,
“Ho! There’s someone in sight!
Some traveller I spy” and he gave a great sigh ,
“For now - where to rest upon night?”
“I don’t know" I confessed, “It seems a contest,
Yet perhaps if we’re fleet upon trail;
Using speed at our best, we can wrest -
The fair camp at the falls in the vale.”
Closer we came ‘till we could make out his frame,
As he stood regarding us so.
But he cut quick the game, with no greeting proclaimed
So swiftly from sight did he go.
He slid through the trees - with such grace and ease,
Not to trail, but to elsewhere he left.
Like a silent breeze - as quick as you please,
Through the forest he speed with such deft.
“That was quite queer,” we agreed hauling gear,
“Yet surely we’ll meet upon track.”
And though I never felt fear - I’ll confess to you here,
I felt somebody’s eyes on my back!
And so without tire - we pushed on through the mire,
Eyes down to the trail under boat.
I was somewhat inspired, for though I enquired,
No sign of his passing was wrote.
Soon without fail, we reached camp upon dale -
And I still expected our “friend.”
So we sat drinking ale and retelling our tale,
And a shiver to the night did he lend.
Just who he was and where he was to,
Perhaps we’re never to know.
If you wander take pause, be respectful because
You walk under eyes - Wendigo!
Whispered tails on Ojibwa trails,
Speak of strange and mysterious sights.
The bravest may fail and the madness prevails,
When shadows run loose in the night.
Shaman and Seers and the wisdom of years,
Recount mysterious wonders - surreal!
The dream-world lies near to vision that's clear,
And the power that Spirits yet weild.
Now I’ve heard it said so - that the Spirits will go,
The magic lives and it dies with the land.
Was it the final show of My Wendigo,
To say one last good-bye to the damned?
C
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john_v
Member
Post Number: 57
Registered: 01-2005
| | Posted on Friday, February 2, 2007 - 4:25 pm: |
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Chris,
Bravo!! I enjoyed that very much. |
mike
Member
Post Number: 54
Registered: 12-2005
| | Posted on Friday, February 2, 2007 - 4:29 pm: |
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Chris,
Thanks for being so good natured about this whole thing and refreshing my memory as to the name of Wells' epic program from way back when. I guess Ill have to promise never to do it again until the next time.
I appreciate you being right up front about it. I was wondering if there were any others who believed my yarn?
Mike |
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