TR 39: Crooked Chute Cabin & The Natch (Page 2 of 4)

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Day 4: Crooked Chute back to Lake Travers

Up early today as it’s a long journey back to the car then an equally long journey back to Toronto. Ugh – going home is the last thing I want to think about but all good things must come to an end. I put on the stove for coffee and fired up the woodstove for one last bit of nostalgia. I enjoyed an extra cup of coffee this morning and while out on the porch I looked across the pool to see another foggy start to the morning. With my second cup of coffee finished, I slowly packed up and cleaned out the cabin. My breakfast today would be quick and simple – oatmeal with dried fruit. I try to keep meals on the last day very simple. It was nearing ten in the morning so I figured I best get moving. Today was sunny with blue skies so this made the idea of leaving even less desirable. Why are the exit days always the best weather days? With everything packed up, the cabin clean and stocked with wood I made my way outside for the last time. I would probably be the last occupant here as the cabin closes for the season in 3 days. I locked the cabin and loaded up for the longest portage of the day – a full 1580m plus the extension between the cabin and the actual start of the trail (probably another 150 meters or so).

tr 39: Crooked Chute Cabin & The Natch

Best way to enjoy a morning cup of coffee - or two - relaxing down by the water

I didn’t bother loading into the water for the short paddle to the trailhead, instead I just took the connecting trail. As mentioned the first bit of this portage is a little rough but once you are past the 3rd take out the trail becomes very flat and easy to navigate. I had to walk the full 1580m this time around and it took me about 30 minutes to get from the cabin to the end of the trail.

By now the fog had lifted and the wind began to kick up a bit. The canyon slow disappeared and the scenery widened as I approach Lake Travers proper. I made the long trek back down the lake and by now I could see the giant satellite from the Lake Travers research station. Just as I had suspected, it took about 2 hours to get from the last portage back to the access point. The parking lot was completely empty – everyone was gone! I drove the car it down to the shoreline to load my pack and gear into the trunk and secure the boat on the roof. At 2pm I was pulled away from the access point and began the trek down the long logging road. Still no animals. On the way out I decided to hike the Barron Canyon trail – I had time, and hey how often are you able to hike a trail like that? After spending about an hour on the trail I went back to the car. I really like Barron Canyon view, but you should get to the Natch. It’s totally worth it.

Another foggy October morning at the Crooked Chute Cabin

I left the cabin in perfect condition - just as I found it. I also left a pile of wood next to the stove

End of Day 4 - TR Home Page

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You can just make out the top of the huge Observatory Dish at Lake Travers

At noon I began my final portage of the day. The rocky trail was infinity more manageable with a lighter pack this time around. When I got to the end I decided to take a short break to enjoy the views. I considered walking over to the old dam but from what I could see it overly appealing so I opted just to relax and catch my breath a bit. After about 20 minutes I geared up for the final paddle back to the access point. This last stretch of paddling is about 10kms anticipated it taking roughly two hours to complete.

As I prepared the boat, I glared across the river and could already see my next portage – P420 around Grillade Rapids. I skipped this portage on the way in but obviously, I would have to take it. The landing was simple and as I walked up the bank to make the carry, I was please to see it was nothing more than a flat trail that followed the straight riverbank. It was over in minutes and I was once again re-launching onto the Petewawa River. For the most part the rapids were over and it would be a smooth paddle back to the car. As I arrived at P130 I realized this would be another quick carry over a seldom used portage – and it was. Finally I had a little break from portaging as the next stretch of river was several kms long. I was becoming disappointed in the lack of wildlife on this trip – sure the weather and scenery was great, but I saw nothing more than a red squirrel or two. I wonder where all the animals were. It took roughly an hour to reach the next portage around Little Thompson Rapids. This time I made quick work of it, not only because I knew what to expect but also my pack was much lighter. Upon launching into the river I found myself back in the mini canyon and fighting fast moving water. It wasn’t impossible, but it was a real challenge to get to the next portage – especially paddling up that little swift right before the Big Thompson Rapids portage landing.

Last chance to save yourself - take note of the turbulence of the water, good luck using this take-out