Whiteshell Canoe Trip - July 2012.

In July of 2012 we canoed from Caddy Lake to Big Whiteshell Lake, a roughly 40km route with only two portages. The route takes you through Caddy Lake, South and North Cross Lakes, Sailing Lake, Little Whiteshell and Big Whiteshell and includes the option to take the 3km detour before reaching Little Whiteshell to Lone Island Lake. There is a campground on One Island.

Entrance to the first tunnel.

Our first day involved traveling from Caddy Lake to Sailing Lake. Going from Caddy to North Cross involves paddling through two tunnels carved in to the rock. It’s quite a neat experience and well worth a day trip to see. This leg of the trip is easily accessible by motor boats and other paddlers. It’s still enjoyable but it doesn’t completely feel like you’re in the wilderness. The first portage of the trip is between North Cross and Sailing Lake. There is a small waterfall with a well travelled portage around it.

Mallard Lake

Day two took us from Sailing, down a short river and through Mallard Lake, to Lone Island Lake. Our Mallard Lake experience was a little unexpected; we quickly discovered that by July the water levels have dropped to a couple of feet and turn the lake in to a giant field of wild rice. It took us quite while to make it across the lake with multiple stops to check the map and discussions about whether were headed in the right direction. We learned that it’s better to do this trip in the spring to avoid the lower water levels.

Mallard Falls

The lake flows in to Mallard Falls and upon first sight our frustration was forgotten. The falls are gorgeous. There are tons of spots to stop and take in the surroundings and I would highly recommend hanging out there for a bit if you’re passing through. To the right hand side of the falls there is a portage. We carried our gear and canoes down the slippery rocks and through water only to be informed by a nearby fisherman that there is path in the bushes that runs along side the falls. Our route may have been a little more dangerous but it certainly made the experience that much cooler. We finished off the day by taking the river to Lone Island Lake and camping on One Island. The island was pretty busy but we were still able to grab a great campsite.

Lone Island Lake sunset.

Our final two days started off with some stormy weather, the only bad weather we had, but by the time we reached Little Whiteshell it had been replaced by clear, sunny skies. There was just enough of a breeze to set up a tarp sail between our two canoes and sail across the lake. We spent our last night on the shores of Big Whiteshell and then paddled across the lake to Big Whiteshell Lodge where we pulled the canoes out and headed home.

Gear Review #2: Snow Peak Trek 700 Titanium Pot

Purchased for $45 Canadian off of the Snow Peak Website

The Snow Peak Trek 700 is a lightweight, 700ml titanium backpacking pot. It weighs in at about 4.8 ounces, which includes the mesh bag that comes with it. On the inside of the pot there are measurement markings for ounces and milliliters.

When I cut open the box and lifted it up for the first time I was instantly surprised at just how light it is. I’m used to my GSI Pinnacle Dualist that carries 1.8L of water and weighs about 8 ounces; a little overkill for a single person. The lid has two small hooks that go over the edge of the pot to keep it on. Those hooks, used with the tab on the opposite side of the lid, make it easy to pour out any water inside the pot without losing any of the contents; perfect for pasta on the trail! My only real issue lies with the handles. They fold around the pot for compactness, which is always good, but they’re really short. If you’re cooking on a fire I highly recommend using a bandana or camp towel when touching them. That being said, they does cool off rather quickly.

I’m also a fan of the mesh bag. I like to cook on the fire and when my pot gets dirty I know I can put it in the bag to prevent my pack from getting dirty on the inside. Also, the ability to put my stove, 110g fuel canister, and my Snow Peak Titanium Spork in to the pot means that my entire cook set is in the mesh bag making it a great way to stay organized.


I love this thing. It’s light, it’s simple. If you’re interested in a pot with greater capacity Snow Peak also sells the Trek 900 and the Trek 1400 both of which are titanium and very lightweight.

"Danger in the Backcountry"

I just came across this article on the Winnipeg Free Press website. It's a good read for anyone planning to spend any time in the Whiteshell.

http://www.winnipegfreepress.com/breakingnews/danger-in-the-backcountry-127182898.html

-Alex

Gear Review #1: Primus Classic Trail LPG Stove

Price: $24

Purchased From: Mountain Equipment Co-op

I purchased this stove over a year ago now. It's been with me on two summer trips, one fall trip and one winter trip.

Like most items the stove has it's shortcomings but considering the price it does the job well. In the right temperatures it can boil water in about five minutes and a small canister of fuel will last you about 2 to 3 days (excluding lunch on the trail). A large canister will last you about 4 to 5 days. My main issue with this stove is that the burner screws in to the top of the cansiter without a hose. The resulting height of the unit leaves it somewhat unstable on uneven ground. If you're using it on a rocky surface be careful not to spill the boiling water on yourself. My only other issue is that it was nearly impossible to boil water on our winter trip. This stove is not meant for below-zero temperatures.

Overall it's a pretty good piece of gear and I don't regret my purchase. That being said, if it were lost or stolen I don't think I would buy another one based only on the fact that you can get better stoves for under $100. If you're just getting in to hiking and you aren't sure if you're going to stick with it, or you just need a small portable stove for weekend use, this is the stove for you.