Wednesday, September 27, 2017

To Dalles Rapids

On day three of our trip to the French River we headed out for a serious paddle, 20 km. down to Dalles Rapids and back again.  My shoulders were just a little sore by the end of the day!

We headed down the Eastern Outlet channel of the French, a wide channel that takes you half-way to Georgian Bay.  Then we turned southwest and entered the 'Whale's Mouth', a route that logs were driven during the lumber era.

Several pairs of Common Merganzers, a common sight on northern lakes and rivers, paddled away in front of us at various points.

After about 3 hours of paddling we stopped for lunch on this small island, covered by windblown White Pine.

A great illustration of how the lower pine branches survive under the snow cover in the winter, while the rest of the tree has to withstand the elements.

Lots of moss, and always those beautiful curves in the bedrock, carved out by winter ice.

Otters were obviously plentiful here; clam shells were scattered all around the island.

Across the 'Elbow', and the 'spilling ground' where logs were released from their rafts, we headed for Dalles Rapids.

On the way we were watching for the old 'Alligators' that some members of the group had seen in the past.  But water levels were high, and all we saw was this bit of an engine sticking about the water.  'Alligators' were steam-powered barges that pulled the log rafts.

Within sight of the landing, we paddled past this old Alligator boiler up on the rocks.

And here is Dalles Rapids.  We had to walk part of the portage to see them, but then there they were, one of the most picturesque rapids I've seen, with acres of open rock on this side making them easily visible from one end to the other.

Here's a short video I took.  Hope it works.  What do you think - is it runnable?


17 comments:

  1. 20 kms is a very good paddle and would sure wear me out . Saw the Alligators at a museum in Algonquin Park they sure did a great job in their day.

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  2. More beautiful country. Your video played well; the rapids certainly look runnable, but it would take someone with more skill than I possess and the right canoe.

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  3. Those big eddies make me think that it would be runnable if you can stay out of them. I am more familiar with being on rivers in the west on pontoons. Back another lifetime ago, I ran rivers with my former husband. Those were exciting days. I have never been in a canoe. I am missing something, I can tell. "Oh give strength to the boatman's arms." I can only imagine how tired you must have been after a day on the river. Beautiful and descriptive photos made this adventure even better for us "viewers only."

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  4. What grade are those rapids? Look a bit fast to me, and judging by someone standing and looking, maybe leave them alone. What a beautiful place to travel, those rock formations are amazing.And the history there, it must have been a wonderful sight to see the logs travelling downstream.

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  5. The video is great, FG. Such beautiful country! You earned your rest at the end of such a day!

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  6. Beautiful scenery FG. I can only imagine the serenity you experienced on the paddle.

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  7. Hello, my hubby would love the rapids. He used to be a guide for a white-water rafting co. I love the beautiful scenery. The wind blown pines are lovely. The clam shells are an interesting sight. Happy Thursday, enjoy your day and weekend ahead.

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  8. Absolutely lovely paddle. And your video works just fine. I enjoyed going out with you, FG. :-)

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  9. I've never run rapids, but they don't look too bad (do they?). Great little video. Lovely scenery. Paddling 20 km is great! I usually measure our paddles by the clock, and the time sure did extend further now that our kids no longer come out with us. My husband got an app on his phone showing route travelled and distance, and is continuously sharing this information with me. BTW is this your Chestnut canoe?
    Wendy

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  10. Simply fabulous, FG. A world far removed from the one I know. You paddled for THREE HOURS?! I'm out of breath thinking about it.

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  11. Sorry the video didn't work on my computer, but your photos are marvelous. Wish I was there! I only had my kayak out once this whole summer. That's down from about seven time last year . . . so sad :( Great post!
    Happy paddling.
    Connie :)

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  12. Breathtaking landscapes! The video didn't work on what I'm using at present, but I'll try another system in the evening. As your first comment noted, I too have seen the alligator at that logging museum in Algonquin.

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  13. My what a trip -and the views are amazing - though the alligators are beyond scary. I have a great fear of running into something that is just barely under the water. Love the photo of the rocks, I'm intrigued by rock formations - and the windswept trees are amazing.

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  14. That is a long ride, no question that you still have it! :)
    Those otters must have had quite a feast!
    You had me concerned about the "alligators" until you explained. :O
    The video of the rapids brings it home, great finish to your day's travels.

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  15. Wonderful trip through a beautiful area. Lots of history too!

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  16. Your shoulders may be sore but you got some great photos of some great scenery :-)

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  17. Video worked fine. I think if I paddled 20 kms I would be needing arm replacements. Great scenery. Wished I could have spent more time in Northern Ontario years ago.

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