Time for NatureManitoba and Ontario’s Canadian ShieldPhoto Journal by Julie Sveinson PelcJuly 2-6, 2012During my “Time for Nature” I had the opportunity to hike, fly in a float plane, swim, kayak, visit an NCC Property and relax with friends and family in Manitoba and Ontario on the Canadian Shield. Day 1 my cousin Laura and I set out to hike the 66 km Mantario Trail located in southeastern. The Mantario Trail is a rugged footpath through the boreal forest for the experienced backpacker located within the Whiteshell Provincial Park near the Manitoba/Ontario Provincial border. Highlights of the trail include granite ridges, bogs, marshes, rivers, creeks, beaver dam crossings, lakeside campsites and wildlife sighting are common. It is thought to be Manitoba’s most challenging backpacking trail. However, we had not anticipated how much the above +30C weather would affect us while hiking. After our stay at the Caribou Lakeside camp the first night and hiking a few kilometers on Day 2 we decided that it was too hot to continue and called in a float plane to come get us (luckily we got cell phone reception on the ridges!). This unexpected turn of events allowed us the opportunity to experience the Lake of the Woods, Ontario area from above. We were able to visit places that would have otherwise been difficult to access by foot due to the wetland habitats. Day 3 was a relaxing day fill with site seeing to various locations, including Rainbow Falls at White Lake, Manitoba. Days 4 & 5 were back to Lake of the Woods to spend time with friends and family. We spent time swimming and kayaking the Winnipeg River, Ontario. While kayaking, much to my surprise, I spotted a faded NCC property sign in a tree for the Duffus Property on the Winnipeg River and pulled into shore to visit the property. Unfortunately all good things have to end with my last stop at a family cottage on West Hawk Lake, Manitoba. Thank you NCC for the opportunity to take “Time for Nature”. I really enjoyed slowing down and reconnecting with some of my old and new special places which I have shared through a photo journal.
Day 1 – Hiking
Cousins – Laura and Julie at the West Hawk Lake, ManitobaMantario Trail Head
Beaver Pond
Julie Brought the GPS just in case!
Jack Pine Rock Ridge
Wetland between the ridges
Caribou Lake, Manitoba
Day 2 – Hiking in the heat
This is supposed to be an easy hike...
Not so easy with +30⁰C and thunder showers!
It’s too hot. Let’s get out of here!Pilot, fellow hiker and Laura
Caribou Lake, Manitoba from the float plane.
Laura and Julie at Lake of the Woods, Kenora, Ontario.
Day 3 – Site seeingRainbow Falls, White Lake, Manitoba
Julie Pelc enjoying Rainbow Falls, Manitoba.
Days 4 & 5 – Relaxing & FunWinnipeg River, Keewatin, Ontario
Visiting NCC Duffus Property, Winnipeg River, Ontario by Kayak
NCC Property
NCC Property
My final stop before heading back from my Time for Nature. Thank you NCC.
