Allenwaters Saga – Summer 2004
By Elizabeth Hutchins
Four adventuresome women set out on a trip,
Led by Chris and Marty, her trusty sidekick.
To the Allenwaters we wended our way
With the goal to explore and certainly to play.
White water, lakes, and per chance a ‘bou,
Filled our hopes and paddling hearts anew.
At Armstrong Station, we waited adorned
With numerous canoes on a cloudy dawn.
But all gear got into the baggage car,
With Ruby and Red safely stored for the port afar.
We traveled the train with a number of folks
Hyper Outward Bound kids and decent Ottawa blokes.
Allenwater Bridge was the stop of choice
Accompanied by “Canoe Party” yelled with boisterous teenage voice.
We searched for the Wild Waters’ new abode,
But finally chose a launching site of old.
Off we paddled behind Outward Bound,
Who at the first portage let us pass,
While they continued to clown.
Departing in fierce, cold pelting rain,
Hypothermia beckoned and bodies were strained.
We ran the first rapids leaving teens behind,
But stopped at the second, a fire to find.
Instead we ran into the Ottawa boys,
Who peered at our map with considerable joy.
They left; we stayed to get wonder stove alight.
No luck, so cold chicken we ate with genuine delight.
Got back on the water to warm ourselves up,
Paddled the rapids and dreamed of a good long sup.
Ran more ripples and rapids but then stopped at 2:00,
Because truly, we all were wet through and through.
Farmers cheese and crackers became the snack desired,
At a time when quick energy was sorely required.
Spent two hours getting two stoves a-blazing,
Then ate spaghetti of taste beyond amazing.
After hot food, we donned all clothes we had
And crawled into our tents to get more warmly clad.
Rose briefly at 9:30 P.M.
To eat apples and peanut butter – oh what a gem!
The weather was cold, the wild life few,
Save a pair of loons and one tern who filled the view.
So we retired once more for a cold summer’s (?) sleep,
While in our dreams we experienced very chilly sleet.
Spirits lifted with long rest and bright sunny morn,
Day Two was ahead with white water and song!
My back was a pain and Ann was with bugs,
But all felt much better with warm women hugs.
Lady Slippers, Wild Rose, and Bunch Berries galore,
Filled our eyes with beauty, carpeted the forest floor.
Wild Berry tea and a view that was stunning
Had the rapids a-calling us to get ready for running.
We ran many swifts with Marty and me in brave Red.
Little did we know what lay up ahead.
Big rapids, low gunwales, and rolling huge waves
Had us mightily swamped with a laugh and a save.
No – of course – we didn’t dump. How could that be,
When we were still upright and laughing with such glee?
Some clothes were wet but most the gear was dry,
I portaged the next rapids while others ran it so spry.
Campsite number 2 was lovely and new,
So Elizabeth tried fishing but the fish were few.
Yet, she learned about rod and lost only two lures.
Rotini and Dove chocolate rivaled famed camping smores.
Day Three was lovely - white water ahead lay.
The pace of this trip allowed us time to play.
Passed trapper cabin and upon mighty rapids we came.
Portaged the gear, then began a wonderful game.
Ran the big waves six – seven - eight times.
Trading partners and canoes while cheering our climbs.
Chris on the left and Elizabeth on the right,
We bounded with joy, confidence and delight.
Ann in the stern, Elizabeth in the bow,
Back paddling big Red – ending with “Wow!”
Then Marty and Chris decided just for the fun
To paddle Red forward on a very wet run.
What a trip, what a high, this is what it’s about,
We danced, we paddled, filling the air with our shouts!
Eventually moved on through three more big ones
Two were portaged and one without gear we did run.
Past high rock point, on to double waterfall site,
Feasted on wild rice and mushrooms, then in for the night.
Day Four began with a leisurely hop,
Down river, small rapids, and on to a notable spot.
As we scouted high waves and looked out at b-i-g water,
Chris and Marty said, “Now this run we just oughta.”
Elizabeth fell for it, mouth open wide,
“Oh no, “she said. “We’d not stay alive!”
Laughter abounds, yup the joke’s on me,
What fun to be with gals who are filled with such glee.
So portage we did with whirlpools at the put-in.
Yes, a challenge and tricky but no one did spin.
Paddling one last rapids, we wended our way east.
Found a rock, took a break, and ate our 2 p.m. feast.
Brennan Lake wide and open with outposts and boats,
Cushy fishing, fancy planes, and a number of floats.
Found a stunning site on Caribou Point,
Swam, tried fishing, and relaxed our sore joints.
Chris’s feet are frozen; Ann’s bites are bad;
Marty’s muscles are stiff, yet we’re all still glad.
What a stunning sunset as I perched on a knoll,
Ann bedded early while others did stroll.
Day Five dawned with caribou mom and babe
Swimming cross the lake to a forested glade.
Much excitement as Chris saw one here before,
So, now no longer a legend but fact for sure.
A leisurely morn as we lingered over food,
Some shared stories of childbirth when they birthed their brood.
Paddled Brennan Lake for the entire day,
Ann and Elizabeth in Red each had her say.
Canoe trips are great places for stories to share,
A gift held sacred, then sent off in the air.
Chris and Marty saw men afar in white t-shirts,
Then realized these were gulls and felt like jerks!
Chris played the flute evoking a deep sacred way
While we rested, listened, and gave thanks for the day.
Long, sunny, calm paddle on to Granite Falls site,
A spot Chris knew from a previous night.
Ramen has never tasted so fine,
Simple food on a trip morphs into something divine.
Quick swim by three eased their bites and sweat
While Chris looked on - happy not to get wet.
Once more no-see-ums urged us to bed
Amid bugs and scratching, we laid down our heads.
Day Six arrived with even more leisurely tune,
A lay-over morn with breakfast at noon.
Hash browns and eggs fried up with a flare,
Consumed with a smile while comfy in chairs.
Water bottles again filled for the umptieth time,
As hot water for washing to a boil did climb.
Then off on a hike to Granite Falls we did go.
What a site, what power, what a glorious show!
The rains moved in with a torrential downpour,
So all retired to tents for an afternoon snore.
Early evening arrived, pizza deluxe finely made
While this saga was shared to fair accolade.
Here endeth the tale of a wonderful time
With Chris, Marty, and Ann on Allenwaters sublime.
Written with love and thanks to all three by Elizabeth - July 9,
2004
© 2006 Elizabeth Hutchins
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