#1: [10-Aug-04] (incomplete)

12-Aug-2004 -- On our second attempt we successfully captured this confluence point! Prior to heading out we reviewed a map and realized we could land closer to the goal. A fresh crew along with a couple of veterans from the first attempt enthusiastically headed out by boat from Hind’s Lake Dam.

Unlike our first attempt we were more careful not to sink our truck’s tires in the sand at the boat launch. As we crossed the lake we observed some moose or caribou off in the distance. We made our way across the lake and landed the boat 1 km from the confluence point.

Wearing rubber boots and armed with bug spray we headed towards the point on foot. We observed moose or caribou tracks scattered across the sandy beach, and then crossed a large pile of driftwood that bordered the entire lake. We then entered an area of thick bush, which gave way to a marshy area dotted with pitcher plants and other brightly coloured flora. Just as we thought the journey had gotten easy, we reached an area of even thicker bush, tuckamore and bugs. We forced our way through the bush for about 800m, swatting mosquitoes and flies the whole way until we came to the point of confluence.

It took us about 45 minutes to reach the point, 15 minutes to take pictures before being driven mad from the now swarming insects, and 30 more minutes to return to the boat. We decided to take a different route across the lake into what we thought was deeper, safer waters. However, this wasn’t the case. Without any warning we hit a large rocky sand bar and damaged our propeller. We made it out okay though, except for having lots of mosquito bites. All in all the adventure was fun and the area is very beautiful!

To see more pictures from this trip visit the gallery at http://www.outports.net/49n57w.html