Keji in the summer of 2023 was very wet with flooded rivers, landings and campsites. That, however, did not stop us from going to the back country for another adventure. Despite the rain, we did have lovely weather while paddling.
It might seem odd to the uninitiated that we could get lost on a lake, but in fact with the size of the lakes, and the number of coves, curves and bays, one can easily get confused and spend a lot of energy and time paddling in the wrong direction. Thus, the map is a key piece of backcountry gear.
We went to Site 6 on Frozen Ocean Lake. We started from Big Dam parking and launched into Big Dam Lake. An hour’s paddling took us to the first portage – Portage R – to Still Brook.
As you can see, the portage landing at the Still Brook side was quite flooded.
The fast flowing stream between Big Dam and Still Brook caused a lot of frothing which spread out over the brook.
As we paddled down Still Brook, we were greeted by an otter and her (his?) family. This was actually on our return trip. The family quickly swam into the swampy sides, and the mother came out to bark and growl at us.
At the end of Still Brook, Portage S was similarly flooded.
It is hard to tell in the image, but the current was quite strong here as well due to the impending rapids, so we had to make a tricky landing into the flooded weeds and rocky shoreline.
Nevertheless, we survived that section and finally paddled out into Frozen Ocean Lake. By the time we arrived at Site 6, we had been paddling for about 4 hours. Not exactly a voyager excursion, but yet strenuous with the gear and portages.
The landing was quite flooded, but luckily the wood shed was still above water. Not all were given their proximity to the water’s edge. One reason I love Site 6 is that it has a lot of huge hemlock trees and so at ground level, it is quite clear. This allows for wind to blow the flies away and gives a better view around.
After setting up our gear, …
It was time for a bit of rest and relaxation. In the wet and rainy woods, this means a fire and a glass of wine.
After a very wet night in our new tent …
… we made some coffee …
… had a bite to eat and then struck out to explore further into the back country.
We had planned to go through to Channel Lake, but when we arrived at Portage T, we discovered that it too was flooded and that the brook had become a fast flowing stream. Going down would be quite fun, but coming back might turn into a very long portage.
We wandered through the portage to check it all out.
The trail is actually a long boardwalk. At the other end we found flooding …
… and a fast current out in the stream.
As we walked back to the canoe, we were caught in a sudden lightening storm. Luckily we were prepared!
After the rain stopped, we went to check out a few spots on the lake. The landing at Site 8 was also flooded …
… but the site itself was fine. We styed here a few years ago. It has a lovely shelter for rain, but otherwise is very closed in and so buggy and damp.
Onwards to the ranger’s cabin!
There were no rangers so we stopped in for a stretch of the legs and a photo op.
After a leisurely few hours paddling around checking out other shoreline features, we returned to our lovely site 6. The sun was started to come out.
After a beautiful walk through the trails, and a peaceful evening, we struck camp and headed out for home.
On the way, we stopped to check out another site that I had not seen before.
Site 5 offers a grand view of the lake, huge hemlock trees and a lovely spacious area for tents and fires.
After a selfie …
We spent about 5 hours to slowly paddling and portaging …
… through the three sections and trails …
… we finally made it back to civilization.
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