I usually do my solo trip in May but this year with getting full time at work my schedule wasn't conducive to a trip and I had to wait until the fall to get it in.
I hadn't done a fall solo in about 10 years and the second I gazed out on the lake from the access point that I would start doing all my solo trips in the fall again. The day temps are warm, nights cool, there are no bugs, fewer people up in the park and if you time it right, the colours are incredible.
I was a tad early for the fall colours, only saw a couple trees so far really turning, but that had progressed pretty nicely over the 4 days I was there, with the night time temps dipping into the single digits, the coldest night getting down to +2.
I also timed this trip with the new moon, in hopes of getting some really nice star shots and had one decent night, with the others cloudy and one night of rain.
I stashed my camera in the tent for my day trip up to David Creek in search of Moose as it was raining nice and steady, I'd already lost one camera to water and wasn't taking any chances! The paddle was awesome, a nice light kevlar boat, small pack with food, water and my axe. I didn't see any Moose but did see signs they had been around, maybe next year. One thing though that paddling this year taught me is that my knees and body are starting to show some wear and I will be investing in a pack boat from Swift.
I grabbed a 10 stop filter as well along the way up, something I had wanted for a long time, I'm glad I did. It was fun figuring out how to adjust exposures and compose, etc. Still working on it but loving the results so far with it.
I had some awesome meals, steak, the classic hot dogs, marshmallows, S'mores and most importantly a nice Scotch. Nothing like resetting ones clock to the tune of the sun and nature. Hearing the Loons call during the day and night is one of my favourite sounds. Even the rain on the tent somehow makes me sleep even better.
Next year, the plan will involve a pack boat, rented or bought, my hammock, pack and food, single portages and do either a loop or paddle the Oxtongue river.
Enough talk, on to the pics!
Essentials by
Zen, on Flickr
Familiar orange by
Zen, on Flickr
Home for the nights by
Zen, on Flickr
Smooth waters by
Zen, on Flickr
Steaks on by
Zen, on Flickr
Golden delicious by
Zen, on Flickr
Warmth by
Zen, on Flickr
Algonquin glow by
Zen, on Flickr
As it sets by
Zen, on Flickr
Under milky skies by
Zen, on Flickr
Cascadia by
Zen, on Flickr
Whisky by
Zen, on Flickr
There's more over @
https://www.flickr.../72157658668789475 Cheers,
Zen