The original plan was for Mark K to hike with us for two days and then head back on his own. He had a previous work engagement to get to. Unfortunately, Rob’s chronic back troubles flared up causing him to rethink his hike plans. While eating lunch at a Fish Harbour campsite, it was decided that Mark K and Rob would stay at Fish Harbour for the night and head back out the next day. They were not in a rush and could take their time. They did make it back out safely.
Rob
Rob’s wife Lori-Ann and I started teaching at our high school the same year. She volunteered her partner, Rob, as a volunteer supervisor on one of our high school Outers Club trips. Not long after that, he also joined the staff and has been a good friend and travel partner ever since. One of Rob’s uncles used to tell him tales of his canoe trip across Algonquin Park in the 1970’s. Rob suggested we try it and I was thrilled. He and I paddled across the park west to east, from Tim Lake to Achray, in 12 days. We convinced two others to join us the following year and we paddled north to south, from Kiosk to Kingscote Lake, in eight days. Rob is the guy you want along when things get challenging. He is cool under pressure, encouraging, and a wise decision maker when needed.
Mark D, George, and I continued on to Oiseaux Bay, but not without challenges. A washed out bridge and a rerouted creek hid our campsite for the night. We walked past it an extra 2 km. When we finally found our site we set up. We ate on the beach to escape the bugs, but had to run to the tents to avoid the incoming thunderstorm.