Lake Kipawa, Quebec - 9/12/25

Trip Day 1 - Friday 

0540-Turned on the propane heater at about 0330 and it wasn't heating up much! It was 41F inside/34F outside! Nearly freezing. Turned out I left the head window open! I was warming up the outdoors. With it closed it is now 58F in/35F out.

Didn't sleep all that well but at least it was quiet. I kept tossing and turning on the hard bed and my head wound was sore, so I had to avoid laying on it. I could not find a comfortable position.  Time to make coffee.

0650-Study time complete. Verse for today: "I have hope in God, which they themselves also accept, that there will be a resurrection of the dead, both of the just and the unjust. This being so, I myself always strive to have a conscience without offense toward God and men."  (Acts 24:15-16). 

Will pray and then prepare breakfast.

Went outside to do a little work before breakfast but it was quite cold yet.

I guy came by and said I had to move the boat since it was in the way of a big house boat that was going to be pulled out and parked in the same area. He wanted me to move down to the extended parking, which I did. So much for a quiet launch! I thought it would be quiet mid-week. Seemed early to pull out houseboats.

I had to wash the boat first because it was required to remove bugs. Awful cold to wash the boat and more work before breakfast than planned.

0900-Just finished breakfast. Washed the windows Removed the boat tie down straps and the bungee holding the boarding ladder. Need to put up the camera boom.

1000-Finished the chores and am now ready to launch so I headed to the ramp to see if the houseboat was out. It was clear and not near as big as the guy made it out to be. They could have maneuvered around my boat.

I walked back to where the boat was parked, a short hike, and brought the boat back to the ramp area and got lined up to put in. But then two small power boats came in, so I told them to go first given the amount of time I needed.

While waiting I checked the Park Visitor Center and told the gal there to say hello to Marrisa the person I had communicated with at the d'Opémican National Park who gave me a lot of help. Gave her my card and went to set up the cameras.

Finally the guys finished pulling their boats out so I launched with no hiccups. I warped the boat around to the other side of the dock since I needed to pump up and launch the dinghy and did not want to hold anyone up.

1100-Another snafu! The air pump battery was dead. Something heavy must have pushed the button on.

I pumped up the tubes partially with a hand pump. In the meantime I put the power bank on the pump battery to try to restore enough power to help finish.

That worked partially. I was able to get the tubes up to 2 PSI. 3 PSI is recommended and the floor I got to 7.5 PSI, 8 PSI is recommended. That will do until I get the pump battery fully charged.

1200-Another boater launched while I finished the dinghy. I put in the seats, oars, and registration plates, then mounted the dinghy on wheels to get it over to the ramp and eventually hooked to the boat.

Decided to have a cold beer and chips to get reenergized. I was out of juice with all the activity.

Preparing To Depart

1230-I finally departed the ramp area and headed down the lake in fair weather and calm winds and seas. Temps in the 60's.

I'm Finally Off!

It Feels Good To Be Underway

Beautiful Calm Fall Day

Homebuilt Seaplane - Spotted On Departure

Channel Entry

Entering Channel To Anchor

Preparing To Drop Anchor

The Anchorage

Hoping It Holds - Unfortunately Not!

1430-My planned destination did not turn out due to a mucky bottom the anchor would not hold in.  I felt it was fruitless to keep trying given that it was unlikely to get a grip. There was no place to tie ashore.

So, I headed out of this very narrow bay. As I was coming out I observed a island of mostly barren rock that looked like I could tie up to.

On Approach

1500-Traveled 9.3 Miles to the final stop. The site is a good one with some firewood. I will stay two days if weather cooperates.

Leg 1, Day 1 Track

Destination Detail

Tying Up

Boat Is Secured

1600-Did a pile of dishes collected over a couple days. 

1630-Made chicken fajita soup, salad, rolls, and white wine for dinner.

1700-Adjusted lines a couple of times since boat wakes were rocking the boat loosening the lines.

Decided to jump in and take a swim despite 63F water! I felt grungy and needed to do something about it.

1900-Sat on the aft deck with a glass of red wine enjoying the absolute calm and quiet of the setting.

Debated having a Baileys before bed or stick with red wine. I will hit the sack when it is dark. No mosquitoes harassing me.

YouTube Video

(Click To Play)