Algonquin Spring 2016 Canoe Camping Trip Day 2: Grassy Bay to Catfish Lake?

#canoe #camping #myselfreliance
Day 2 of my 2016 solo canoe trip.
myselfreliance....
Can I make it from Grassy Bay to Snowshoe Rapids or Catfish Lake today? What a morning! As usual, I woke up around 5:00 and got a fire going to make a cup of hot chocolate a cup of oatmeal while watching the breath-taking sunrise. If the still water, amazing colours from the sun and the cacophony of birds wasn’t enough, a family of six river otters paid me a visit, whistling and barking at me in curiosity, no doubt surprised at what was probably the first human they’ve seen this year.
I was on the water well before 8:00 am this morning since I had a lot of ground to cover. I knew the weather was supposed to change for the worse today, and I wanted to get past the big lakes of White Trout, Big Trout and Burntroot before the wind picked up if I could. Problem was, between the beautiful scenery and excellent fishing, it was after noon by the time I reached the far side of Red Pine Bay. By that time, the clouds had really rolled in and I could hear the wind rattling through the bare branches of the trees on the high hills surrounding the lakes.

[@pattiwalton8506]

Just beautiful

[@giselecontassotdesayvre3965]

Wow, c'est superbe. .comment ne pas aimer ? ...merci

[@nikvfr1]

Awesome place!

[@TheWoodedBeardsman]

How does that canoe handle in a little bit of chop compared to a larger/wider one?

[@MySelfReliance]

Good question. I've had it in three foot waves and whitecaps in Georgian Bay no problem, and I've never capsized. On this trip, I felt more vulnerable, I guess because of the cold water temps, and I briefly wished I was in my prospector. I would say that the lower center of gravity and pronounced tumble home makes it similar in stability, once you get used to it. You just cannot shift your weight port or starboard - get outside the gunwhales and you're probably going over. Landing and releasing big fish takes some practice for that reason.

[@TheWoodedBeardsman]

Shawn James Makes sense. Requires more finesse and respect. I don't blame you for not taking a risk, especially in the back country. It's not much fun to go over early spring, that's for sure!

[@jackiereeves9280]

I see your photography has always been amazing. Still have trouble thinking your out there alone but its something you enjoy or you wouldn't be doing it.

[@patriciabarnes6664]

What a beautiful piece of music. Absolutely enjoyed it, and, enjoyed the serinity and calm too. Nothing beats nature. Beautiful, Shawn.

[@patrickbeckett9383]

Terrific video. You got everything working together on this one. I think it is your utube masterpiece to date and one of the best of its kind anywhere.

[@MySelfReliance]

Wow, thanks for that!

[@hikewithmike4673]

damn!.....that is some beautiful scenery.....a small slice of heaven on earth......that is truly some good medicine!

[@kafejava]

I love your excellent videos! Thank you for taking us along with you!

[@miketanti4841]

doing my first solo next week and your videos get my mind of the dark at night

[@MySelfReliance]

Have a great time, I'm sure you'll love it.

[@thehutch911]

Hey Shawn Like I said on the first video, I like the newer format keep it up!

[@MySelfReliance]

Thanks man, it means a lot from you

[@chrlmn7372]

So beautiful and fresh almost timeless dawn and early morning moment you captured in this well done video! Thank you Shawn for filming & sharing the pristine natures unique beauty!

[@vicki4801]

HI Shawn, Do you typically use a paddle jacket (I noted in this video) for early spring/ late fall trips? We frequently trip during those times for 10 days or so, and I've gotten soaked through several times, once over several days of rain when the weather was cold enough to be concerned. I'm currently looking for a better option than my basic Gore-Tex jacket. Suggestions?

[@MySelfReliance]

vicki kensinger Hi Vicki. Yes, I usually wear dry pants and jacket when I paddle early and late in the season. My top and bottom are made by Kokatat. I recommend a full dry suit if you can stand wearing one on a longer trip.

[@AdamCraigOutdoors]

love otters. Such a fun critter to watch. But they are very hard on trout!! Another awesome trip man!

[@rickmoro705]

Liked the choice of music with the editing seem to glide along very nicely through out your scenes

[@amyfaith2350]

Thank you! I adore otters.

[@brianspencer4220]

Hi Shawn: Looks like you've come smack bang in the face of the reality of a multi day canoe trip. However this should not diminish in any way the joy & beauty of what you are doing. Brian nearing 76

[@Markam248]

What are you catching? Pike, musky, and trout? Anything else?

[@MySelfReliance]

In this video, I'm catching just lake trout and Brook trout. In my Killarney videos, I'm catching pike, lake trout and bass.

[@butcherbros8214]

Hey me and my brother and spouses are planning a trip for this spring. we want too do a 2 day portage and stay at a nice brook trout lake. the whole reason we want too go is for the fishing. any way you could message me the name off the best lake for that? ive been hooked on your videos for the last couple weeks now. Great material and i understand if you do not want too share :)

[@MySelfReliance]

butcher bros next May? Send me an email. I'll give you some suggestions. [e-mail]

[@mglennon5535]

Nothing but admiration

[@dragansavic7066]

❤👍 Serbia