I've camped in the backcountry previously...but I really fell in love with backcountry camping when I went on my first solo trip on the French River in August of 2017.
I made the decision to have a weekend on the French River less than two weeks before I actually ventured out. Most of my homework was already done - it now was just a matter of watching the weather to make sure that I was not heading out into 72 hours of cold, wet misery. A week prior, Sam and I had been camping at Finlayson Point in Temagami and the rain showed up halfway through the trip. Rain puts a damper on many outdoor activities, few more so than camping. The rain was oppressive for almost the entire month of August...then the forecast implied that the upcoming weekend would have nearly perfect conditions. This suddenly became an opportunity that would have been criminal to miss. The Lady was working anyway and her blessing was given. I packed and prepared.
The French River is a waterway system located in Central Ontario, approximately 6 hours from where I live: https://www.instagram.com/p/BY8vIfNh5Fq
Upon arrival, I was informed by the locals that the river had risen almost 4 feet during the week's incessant deluge and had receded only 2 feet since. This was evidenced by a noticeable water line along the entire rocky shore of the river and a sunken fishing boat at the local dock. Water had overcome the vessel due to its tether not being able to outreach the incredible level that the water had risen. I walked up, assisted with the recovery effort in progress and was rewarded with free parking for the weekend. I remain grateful to Ron of Flat Rapids Camp: https://www.flatrapidscamp.com/
I loaded up my Old Town Predator 13 and it was smooth paddling after that. The East-West current was favourable toward my desired campsite and the breeze was so slight that I couldn't tell its direction. This particular section of the French River is an open expanse of slow moving tannic water, bordered by a gorge that is adorned with impenetrable pine and cedar.
The view...and me.
There are no reservations in the backcountry - first come, first served. My desired site was not occupied. Wunderbar. After quickly exploring the surrounding area and finding the privy, it was time to unpack and get settled. This would be my first field test of the Crua Outdoors Hybrid solo tent/hammock system that I had backed on Kickstarter in 2016. The air mattress that the system comes with was left at home because I already have a Nemo 25L. The hammock modules were also left at home due to weight. Overnight temperatures were between 9°c to 13°c but high moisture in the air has a considerable chilling effect so I opted to bring the sleeping bag that came with my Crua Hybrid, rated to -9°c. I slept warmly and soundly all weekend!
The other piece of kit that helped make the trip a literal walk in the park was the Platypus Gravityworks Filter system - clean water on demand and no worries about weight. I'm not a greatly experienced backcountry camper so I found these particular items to be tremendously valuable.
Home, for a time.
The next order of business was fishing. I fished until sundown that day. I fished from 9am until sundown the next day. I fished on the way out the day after that. It was GLORIOUS. Countless small Northern Pike, one or two decent ones, and a single Smallmouth Bass graced my line. All this while taking in the amazing scenery of the French River. I couldn't have asked for more.
Lunker of the trip.
I can't talk about the fishing without also talking a bit more about the Old Town Predator 13. Once you are comfortable with its weight, it is a difficult fishing kayak to beat. I'm 165lbs, have had it for 4 years and have never flipped it. The element seat is comfortable enough to go all day in - I paddled and fished approximately 15km of water on this trip. Solid vessel! I've yet to experience a better kayak to stand and cast from.
My next kayak will be the Old Town Predator PDL. It seems to be everything the 13 is, but with a pedal drive and will therefore be faster in the water.
Evening view.
During this gratuitous angling session, my path crossed less than 10 others on the river. A couple in a canoe even disclosed the best musky fishing spot nearby (my secret now). No close calls or tidal waves from pleasurecraft. Bliss! Folks close to me wonder why I love the North so much.
A father and son attempt to hook into some morning walleye next to my campsite.
My whole French River trip seemed to go without a hitch - this made the experience all the more surreal. I've been dying to get back out there and have been in the process of planning future trips ever since. Previous backcountry trips to Massasauga, Algonquin, and Bruce Peninsula were met with varying degrees of success. This trip to the French River was by far the best one, in terms of ease and enjoyment.
The Lady and I are headed somewhere new in September but perhaps I'll see the French River again at the end of June? If not this year, then I definitely will be making an effort to return in 2019.
-B