From Turtle River it took two hours to drive to Atikokan for shopping; we then went to Quetico Provincial Park (PP) where we picked a great campsite in the Ojibwa Campground. After setting up, we started preparations for paddling in the backcountry plus did our laundry. Deb hosted a belated Birthday dinner for Cindy consisting of BBQ NY Strip steak with corn on the cob, potatoes plus a wonderful wild blueberry dessert.
Our trial excursion was three nights to First Island in Pickeral Lake where we made note of the additional items we would need on our next longer trip. Even though we were in a high traffic location, we only saw two canoes pass by. A huge thunderstorm missed us but Atikokan got hammered with strong winds and quarter-sized hail. Although wildlife viewing was limited, we did see Turtles and an Otter in the river plus numerous Trumpeter Swans and Cygnets in Pickeral Lake. The only thing that gets to Yukon when camping are Squirrels dropping cones on the tent or camper; not often is he afraid of anything.
On our return we scooped site fifty-four in the Ojibwa Campground; this site gives access to Baptism Creek which Yukon loves. We also had our morning coffees on the creek bank and saw an American Bittern plus Beavers. Ranger Deb supplied us with lots of Moose Burger; Cindy made Shepherds Pie which was really delicious. The extra pie was frozen for our upcoming backcountry paddle.
On our six night excursion the wind picked up significantly on the first day and we ended up staying at Pointless (adjacent to Sand Point) where the view of whitecaps on Pickeral Lake is good. By tradition, our first meal is nearly always Quesadillas using pre-cut veggies; a simple but tasty dinner in the woods.
With fairly low winds the next day, we paddled to The Beach where we setup camp at Yukon's favourite campsite. Our first night's dinner was the Moose Shepherd's Pie reheated on the campfire. From The Beach, we explored potential Moose habitat via canoe but were unsuccessful in any sightings. The weather while in Quetico has been fantastic; mainly warm (not hot) during the days but chilly overnight; I am glad I had my warm sleeping bag on this trip.
From The Beach we paddled to First Island but all the sites were taken; we ended up camping at Moose Cemetery on the NorthEast shore of Pickeral Lake. Except for the steep climb up from the water, this site has an awesome view along with an almost level area for the tent.
Breaking camp early after making coffee to-go, we headed back into the wind and one-foot waves. On the Pickeral River while paddling toward French Lake, we encountered an awesome sized Moose; while Cindy took pictures, Yukon behaved really well and just watched the scene some thirty-feet (ten metres) away.
We reclaimed Yukon's favourite site (fifty-four) before heading to Atikokan for our paddling reward - Poutine with Beer. After grocery shopping plus refilling a propane tank, we got to stow all our paddling gear and of course do more laundry. Ranger Deb invited us over for a Grouse dinner before we head East on the next leg of our journey - yet another delicious meal.
Until next year, so ends our short visit to Quetico PP. Stay tuned for the next Blog from Chapleau Crown Game Preserve where we will celebrate Canadian Thanksgiving on October Fourteenth.
Tidbits:
- Bears 21:7 Moose
- Quetico PP has cheapest laundry; $1.75 for wash and $1.00 to dry
- Need cartop carrier for boat paraphernalia to make canoe easier to use
- Somebody removed the Moose skull from Moose Cemetery
- Lousy weather reduced our chances of viewing the Northern Lights
- Cute: Quetico now sells “Into the Wild” clothing
SPOT:
- Ojibwa Campground 2024 09 13-16, 20-23 & 30-10 02: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=48.65668,-91.15881&ll=48.65668,-91.15881&ie=UTF8&z=12&om=1
- Pickeral Lake, SW First Island 2024 09 17-19: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=48.63878,-91.24142&ll=48.63878,-91.24142&ie=UTF8&z=12&om=1
- Pickeral Lake Pointless 2024 09 24: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=48.65192,-91.20267&ll=48.65192,-91.20267&ie=UTF8&z=12&om=1
- Pickeral Lake, The Beach 2024 09 25-27: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=48.60280,-91.32556&ll=48.60280,-91.32556&ie=UTF8&z=12&om=1
- Pickeral Lake, Moose Cemetery 2024 09 28&29: http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&hl=en&geocode=&q=48.65030,-91. 22933&ll=48.65030,-91.22933&ie=UTF8&z=12&om=1
Ranger Deb
2024-10-08
Glad you got to see your moose Cindy and great pics! See you guys in May!
nicki
2024-10-15
That moose was awesome!!!! What an experience! Super moon was just beautiful.