Camp Robbers

THis Whiskey Jack spent a lot of time at camp waiting for treats and scraps of bread.

Popcorn theif

This little red squirrel was visiting the popcorn bag gettign his fill just like the bears do. Up north hauling ouats anf barrels is a little out of the question.

l

Motion Camera

We placed a motion camera on one of the baits cause we could not figure out when and what was hitting the bait. So far only the guide has been here and that is all that was at that bait the second week

Manitoba North

As we flew over the lake from the south I took a photo of the ice still on it only the small bay our camp was on was open water. But the wind we had next day did break it up and open it up. We did have snow banks on many shores and back in the woods Tom through snowballs at  me when we were getting baits set up next day.

Erosion

I went for a walk one afternoon up the huge hill behind camp and standing looking out over the lake I could hear this eery squeeking, so slowly I head toward the sound. As I am getting closer I cannot see animal which would be making this sound and around this birch tree I see what is going on. With the wind gusting high this fallen spruce had rubbed the side of this dry birch tree causing a deep cut in the tree. The gouge was warn smooth and sharp edges just by one dry tree rubbing on another of softer grain. Amazing what happens in nature.

Guides work is never done

Because when we got up Sat morning wing was howling at a very high speed, 4 ft rollers and white caps on this huge lake were not something we wanted to challenge on first trip across it. We stayed in camp all day, getting settled, as not all our equipment had arrived, and had no chairs we made a couple of benches to catch a rest on infront of the fire. With it never really getting dark here,  you do not know when to quit.

Timber wolf tracks

After supper we decided to go for a walk on the sandy beach  and towards the west side we came across a wolf track which was not all that old. Also there was a huge moose track along with lots of droppings, something small like a fisher or mink or pine martin, and many seagull tracks. As we were headed back to camp towards the north point of the lake a lone wolf howles and a few minutes later one replys east of the camp. This was the only nite we heard them but what a nice welcome. There is nothing like the sound of a timber wolf calling to its mate as the sun is dropping but darkness does not come.
 

11pm

Can you believe this darkness is not even close? We had tents up, boat and motor ready for tomorrows baiting, and hot dogs over a fire for supper , the good part it has been cold enough mosquitos are not even too bad. A cup of coffee and a little rest was much needed since we did get up early this am because we were anticipating leaving the dock by 1 pm. Oh well we are here now. No clocks, no phones, just wilderness.

Sprott Lake

We arrive at 8pm to our lake, 2 boats, a motor and gas tank, couple tents and frames, 4 bags of popcorn for bear bait,  2 boxes of food plus a few things we robbed from the supply trailer at the float dock, all our gear including a chain saw. First thing was to get our sleeping tent  up as forecast we heard from pilot was to be rain tomorrow. 

Leaf Rapids Float Dock

We arrived at the dock at 1pm however we did not fly till later. , Here Donna Houle a lady pilot and flight instructor gets her cargo ready to take out to another tent camp. 6pm 4 other guides arrived and our Otter did also and away we went  150 miles north.