#4: [13-Sep-21]

#3: [08-Jul-14] (incomplete)

#1: [01-May-02] (incomplete)

06-May-2002 -- Continued from 46N 77W

As we drive across Canada, Liam and I are really impressed with the friendly, relaxed atmosphere of the place. It seems that when we get tired we are free to pull over and camp just about anywhere, in sharp contrast to much of the U.S. After our botched attempt in Quebec, we've set our sights on 49N 88W, a confluence fairly close to the highway, and to Lake Superior. Once again, darkness will potentially be an issue. The road makes some sharp turns here, as it winds around Nipigon Bay near the village of Kava. We finally decide to park at the beginning of a steep 4WD road that turns out to be a snowmobile trail. Unbeknownst to us, it's the same trail fellow confluence hunter Dave Osborne had scouted just a few days earlier. As we follow the well marked snow highway, I'm a little nervous about leaving our loaded-down truck so close to the highway. Then I remember... it's Canada! Eventually the trail intersects a powerline which seems to more or less follow the 49th parallel.

We follow this powerline up a steep ravine, delighted to have a free and clear path, and notice that a moose had the same idea.

This route brings us to within 200M of the confluence which involves a scramble over a steep ledge to find the confluence in an evergreen thicket. The first success of our trip! By this time the rain that's threatened all afternoon is upon us, and darkness is looming. So, we fairly hustle back to the car, enjoying on the way a nice view of Lake Superior afforded by a temporary break in the clouds. On to Manitoba and 50N 101W.....