However, we did start as planned, which was to launch in Johnnie Lake and portage into Ruth-Roy Lake, where we would camp at one of the two sites there. The first launching of our boats did not bode well as far as bugs go! The mosquitoes and little black flies outnumbered us hundreds to one, and began their attack immediately; it took several minutes of fierce paddling to finally lose them. I was in the kayak for the whole trip except one day trip we made. It didn't take long for me to realize kayaking wasn't my favourite mode of water travel. I've never spent much time in kayaks, so that may have influenced my experience, but there were several aspects I didn't enjoy. I found it cramped in the cockpit; there is little freedom of movement to get comfortable, and after sitting in one position for some time, there really isn't the option of shifting to another position. Paddling a kayak is the same repetitive motion all the time with no opportunity to change. Unless the group agrees to stay together, you're on your own with no one to talk to. I much prefer a canoe, where there is plenty of room to move about and stay comfortable, one can switch sides, grips, or sitting positions if paddling gets tiring, and there's always the other person in the canoe to talk to unless you're going solo. I found all those things to be true on this trip, and was often some distance away from the other guys, hearing them talking and feeling a bit left out. It didn't help that I'm wasn't very quick in the kayak either, so I couldn't easily catch up or keep up to them to join in the conversation.
The route to Ruth-Roy had one short portage. Once again the mosquitoes came for us, but we still spent a little time exploring the small creek between the lakes and took some pictures at a nice, small waterfall. We were welcomed to our campsite by a heartily singing sparrow, and another small army of mosquitoes! As we discovered later, the campsite was just around the corner from a marshy area, as well as some large swamps and marshes a short distance away. After setting up our camp, we still had enough time to do some exploring across the lake, trying to find Bunnyrabbit Lake, which one of the park staff had said was a beautiful lake. Upon reaching the top of the cliffs we had seen from the campsite the mosquitoes were much better, however the black flies took their place quite effectively; bug nets were essential most of the time. To find the lake we had to bushwhack, and though we had a map and compass, and though some would deny it, we did arguably get lost for a time. It has never been concluded whether we actually saw Bunnyrabbit Lake, nor has it ever been truly concluded who was right and who was wrong about where we were and how we were to get back to the lake, but we did make it there, and with still enough light to cook supper. Unfortunately, as the evening drew to a close, rain began to fall, driving us to the tent for the night. The rain was steady, heavy at times, and lasted well into the next day.
When morning arrived, we awoke to the steady whine of hundreds of mosquitoes. They were everywhere surrounding our tent, between the rainfly and the screen. It was quite incredible! While waiting for the rain to go, we played cards, dozed, and ate snacks, and were generally lazy until finally the sun came out in the early afternoon. Our planned route was now definitely out of the question, since we only had a couple hours of the day left in which to paddle, so we decided to paddle back into Johnnie, and then into Bell Lake, seeing how far we could make it. Despite a couple more mosquito-ridden portages, it was nice to be on the water in the sun. We were able to make it to a wonderful site on Bell Lake, right at the tip of a point. It was very nearly an island, being almost completely cut off from the rest of the land by a marsh. A perfect breeze was blowing across the point through the trees. The breeze kept up almost the whole time we were at the site, driving all but a few mosquitoes from our site - a pleasant change. We were also thankful for the breeze to dry out some of our gear which got a bit wet from the rain.
On Saturday, we decided to go for a day trip and hike to the top of Silver Peak the highest point in the park. Getting there meant we needed to paddle a short distance, and Greg thought he would try the kayak for part of it. He's a bigger guy than I am, and his experience was consequently more unpleasant than mine. If I'm remembering right, there was a fair bit of water in the kayak for a few moments! The hike up Silver Peak was moderately challenging. Portions of the trail were quite steep at times, though fortunately the higher we got, the bugs became less of an added problem. There were several streams we followed for short sections. As we neared the top, we met several people around our age who were impressed with, but also quite jealous of our bug nets. At the top of Silver Peak, we were able to see a great distance all around, viewing much of the white rock for which Killarney is known, and also many lakes. We could even see Georgian Bay to the south, and the smokestacks of the mines at Sudbury to the east. Hiking back down was a strain on the knees. It seemed easier to travel faster, because of which an unfortunate stumble led to Greg's infamous "Long Fall", in which he stumbled another 30 feet or more as he tried valiantly to keep his balance and to resist falling to the ground! Unfortunately his efforts were unsuccessful, though no serious injuries were sustained.
After another enjoyable evening at our campsite, we retreated to the tent, ready to pack up the next morning and head back to the car. Though the trip back on Sunday was uneventful, the weather was not pleasant, with wind and some slight rain. We ended up stopping at the second last portage, which was another entry point, and I got a ride back to the car.
This was a good trip, and a great introduction to Killarney Provincial Park for me.
