Bloodvein River, Canada

Day 7: Kautunigan Lake – Dancing Fire Rapids (31km)

by Mike Alter

Despite what Nikki has said about Day 6, we (Ruth & I) were never in any danger of inspecting the riverbed. Well, that is how it felt whilst running the rapid and giving a big palm push off the rock whilst the boat was at about 45 degrees, I may however review this opinion if we see some external footage.

Anyway, enough about yesterday – today was looking to be a glorious day, another glorious day! Only 119km to go.

Waking early at “Panoramic Campsite” we were all now well into the routine of smoothly breaking camp – especially as the weather gods were being so kind. For Ruth and I, we breakfasted on some oatmeal porridge, a rice crispy bar and some coffee, before splitting tasks to be efficient within the group.

The lake was calm, to the North the wilderness was just referred to on the maps as “Swamp of the New World” – let’s not go there – so like the explorers of old we headed west to investigate the next batch of pictographs. Sadly, we didn’t find them, but the blast across the lake had got those paddling muscles toned up (just need to worry about the rest of the body).

We entered the river channel under blue skies, aiming to cover some distance before the blazing sun hit hard. The aim of the day was to reach a proposed campsite at the beautifully named “Dancing Fire Rapids”.

The first rapid of the day (named rapid 47) was supposedly a class 1, but felt like a lovely class 2 play wave, came and went. We paddled on.

After more flat miles we passed a rather nice-looking lodge that Ian and Graham decided to have a mooch around – we paddled on.

After more paddling, and having been on the water for over 2 hours, we passed a canoeist who was still breakfasting in his camp (obviously had more time than we did). He advised that he has already been paddling for 12 days, had put in about 10km further up than us, and was portaging everything above G1. He looked like a man enjoying his solitude, so we didn’t tarry too long.

The next named rapid (48) was the class 4 Chap falls. As with all the larger rapids, we stopped to have a look – remember, on the expedition, you MUST paddle within your limits and protect the boats! The guide suggested a 10m portage if it was not running. We saw the size of the river-wide hole,

the only break was a shallow slide near the bank that would likely damage the boats or push you into the hole or large standing waves beyond (swamp). So, with thoughts of protecting the boats, we decided to portage an extra 10m (it’s a hard life) and put in on the G2 below.

However, seeing as it was about 11, and this was a lovely spot, we decided to stop for elevenses. I normally enjoy elevenses, but the unexpected heat had destroyed my cheese on the first full day and had melted the mars bars into soft lumps of mess. Luckily I had a fruit pot for each day, but day 7 of dry crackers and a fruit pot was not great. I was surprised that Ruth hadn’t hit me with her paddle.

Anyway, we launched into the fast-flowing G2 and were on our way.

Rapids 49 (G1) and 50 (G3) were great fun – and then we reached Meekinako (Turtle) rapids.

Meekinako is only G2 Technical, and we were all feeling great in our paddling, so Nikki stayed with the boats whilst the rest of us went to scout as, although not too difficult, it was a very wide rapid that covered a long stretch. Assured of his line, knowing what curling wave he wanted to hit so as to access the correct downstream V, Martin returned to collect Nikki and run it first.

They headed out into the middle of the river, but it soon became apparent that there were so many curling waves, it was impossible to identify the specific curling wave they had been aiming for (especially as Nikki didn’t know what curling wave she was meant to be looking for). Never mind, with a few more scrapes and bumps, that we could see on the bank, they skilfully navigated the rapid.

Ian and Graham went next,

before Ruth and I followed last. We were continuing to use our cunning plan – Ruth volunteered to film everyone from the bank, so we could identify best lines. Heading into the rapid, Ruth strained like a giraffe to spot our agreed line, and we got it. Great job Ruth!

Rapid 52 was fun! A lovely little entry that suddenly dropped you into big standing waves that sploshed into the boat. We all had huge smiles.