Here we are, paddling down Amable du Fond River on the way from Kawawaymog Lake to North Tea Lake. As the crow flies, the distance is probably a couple km at most. This river winds so much it felt like we paddled 10x that distance!
Here's a typical campsite marked with the orange sign nailed to a tree. These are visible from a fair distance. We found an island site on the west arm of North Tea the first night. It was quite rocky, but had a great view and lots of space for the tents once up 10 ft above water level.
Colin said he had his best sleeps ever in that little tent on the island in North Tea!
Look who caught dinner! We ate so much fish that night we almost burst. Caleb's "Bass Call" had them nearly jumping into the canoe.
A beautiful sunset at the end of the day. The weather was perfect the entire time. Highs were in the mid-high 20's, lows at night in the low teens.
Here's a view through the top of our island campsite on the east arm of North Tea. It came complete with two beaches for swimming and easy canoe launching. We explored the whole island from end to end, cut down a dead tree for firewood, and played hide and seek amongst the trees.
Is it a squirrel?? A racoon?? Nope, that's Colin at the top of a 30 ft pine.
One morning we left early to look for moose. We paddled down through Mangotasi Lake to the portage to Hornbeam Lake. No sign of moose, but the still water was beautiful. In places the steam rising off the surface was making these amazing little tornadoes.A group of loons did an amazing dance on the water trying to scare us off as well. Nothing like a 4-hr paddle before breakfast to build up the appetite. Too bad the Austrian Crepes tasted like camping soap!
Speaking of food... We ate chicken with mushrooms and red peppers, pancakes, hot dogs, fresh fish, "lazy perogies", KD, potatoes, and more. We brought enough food to survive for a week at least.
After a long paddle out on Saturday morning, we took a break at the portage by the rapids. A little lunch and the a dip in the rushing water really helped to rejuvenate us for the 3hrs paddling that remained. Paddling upstream with a gusty wind was a challenge. Once back to Kawawaymog, we had another swim, and then put the kids in their own canoe tied behind ours. James and I towed them the rest of the way at a much quicker (and straighter!) pace.
