ADVERTISEMENT The Gibson exits Woodland Lake into Woodland Rapids. In high
water you may be able to run the rapids; unfortunately for us, they were reduced to a mere a trickle. The adjacent portage was heav- ily overgrown and it was obvious most choose to run or line the rapids. Opting to line, we soon reached the confluence with pictur- esque Brotherson’s Lake, where we paddled to a perfect island site nestled among towering pines. Following a successful fishing outing to nearby Narrow Lake, we headed back to camp and prepared a scrumptious supper of rice and fresh-caught fish. As the day wound down, the rains returned and we retired to the tent, drifting off to the soothing sound of raindrops dancing on the fly. We awoke the following morning to a landscape immersed in a
thick blanket of fog. After spending an hour taking pictures and video of the mesmerizing scene, we packed up camp and headed to- wards the Turtle Lake portage. The steep portage skirts Scenic Falls, an aptly named set of cascades which make for a great photogra- phy opportunity. We would have stayed to photograph the cascade ourselves had the persistent rains not returned. Pressing onwards to Nine Mile, the rains became heavier. By the time we had completed the final portage of the trip, we found ourselves soaked from head to toe.
As we journeyed back to the marina, a passing boater spotted our canoe and slowed down. We must have looked a pair of drowned rats to him as he shouted through the downpour asking if we needed a tow back to the marina. We thanked him for his kindness but contin- ued onwards under our own power. In hindsight, the tow would have been a good idea as the next few kilometers were met with driving rains and a chilling headwind that sent shivers through our sodden bodies. By the time we reached the marina, I was thrown into a fit of uncontrollable shivers that lasted for quite some time even after I had changed into dry clothes. Despite the un-forecasted rainy conditions, the Upper Gibson River loop had established itself as one of my favorite Muskoka Routes. The mixture of lake and river travel, scenic lakes, lack of cottages, excel- lent campsites and prime fishing made for an ideal weekend getaway. I look forward to returning to the area, under sunnier skies.
Brad Jennings is a backcountry explorer, canoeist and blogger at
www.explorethebackcountry.com
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between AdventureSmart, the Canada-wide initiative to help people “get informed and go outdoors,” and Paddle Canada, Canada’s national paddlesports training organization. PaddleSmart is one of many educational sessions being offered in an effort to promote healthy, active living in our beautiful country, while decreasing the number and severity of search and rescue incidents. The outdoors is one of Canada’s great assets, but every outdoor activity has its risks. From trip planning to choosing and taking the essential gear, AdventureSmart has the sport-specific programs and tools to help people play safely.
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