Canoeing in Killarney (continued)

After two relaxing days on O.S.A it was time to pack up camp and move on to our next destination, Three Narrows Lake. However, there was a steep 2 km portage between us and Three Narrows. At the top of the ridge of the infamous portage we took the advice from a paddler we met and went for a dip in Topaz Lake. It truly is a gem of a lake with its brilliant topaz colour and clarity.While swimming a hummingbird hovered near by. Then at the end of the portage on the shore of Three Narrows we spotted a little black bear which was a comfortable distance away eating ants and blue berries. As we paddled into camp we spotted two deer wading in the reeds.

Day 3 - Saying farewell to O.S.A. Lake and preparing ourselves for a big day ahead.

Paddling through lily pads and reeds

Tom at the stern

Day 3 - Enjoying the evening but not the mosquitoes on Three Narrows lake

From our first camp site on Three Narrows to our next we had an easy paddle through one of the narrows to Doris Island. We had this island to ourselves. Doris Island was my favourite site on the trip. There is a grassy patch under a tree where we lounged for the afternoon, a fire pit surrounded by large rocks for sitting and cooking, a little cove with high rocky cliffs that are pinky orange at sunset ... and it has a loo with a view.

Day 4 - A loo with a 360 degrees view

A rocky bay vegetated by wind swept pine

Looking towards our site on Doris Island in the evening

We had fires more for the smoke to ward off mosquitoes than the warmth

On our fifth and final night in Killarney we made our way through the second and third narrow. This section of Three Narrows is so beautiful. The lake becomes, well narrow at points with rocky faces on either side and water plants lining the winding shores. One thing I love most about canoeing is that I can get a whole new vantage point of plants and wildlife. We really were able to experience this aspect on our final night when we went for a paddle at sunset in a bay near our site. It was like we were in a wildlife sanctuary and all the animals supper was just set out. We saw several beavers including a baby who was trying with all its might to dive under water but its bum as too buoyant, a deer with a breathing problem (Tom thinks it had asthma), an owl that was leading us away from its nest, and a big green frog that was actually sitting on a lily pad.

Day 5 - The home of beavers, deer, owls, and frogs

Day 5 - The sweet canoe we bought two days before our trip off kijij.

On day 6, our final day and the Saturday of Canada Day long weekend we had a 3 km portage to tackle along with a couple shorter ones. We finished the 3 km portage in one trip which meant that I carried two packs (sorry, no pictures to prove it) and took plenty of breaks.  As we neared George Lake, that was our starting point, we came across more and more groups of people. This was a bit of a shock to the system as we had hardly talk to anyone else for more than five minutes over the six days. But it was refreshing to see so many people enjoying the water by boat, kayak, swimming or playing on the shore.

Day - 6 Homeward bound

Killarney was a fantastic trip. We relaxed and worked hard, saw some iconic Canadian landscape, contemplated the affects of acid rain and marveled at the nature around us. Next trip Frontenac Provincial Park. I love canoeing!