An unexpected evening of socializing on Reindeer Lake!
Iʼve been on other large lakes but none have been so complicated, involuted and be speckled with islands as Reindeer Lake. There are bays you can go downfor 60 km if you make the wrong turn, so knowing where you are at all times is absolutely critical.
The advantage of all these bays and islands is that you have options. You can use them to shield you from the wind and waves as well as have them in your back pocket as potential bail out points on the longer crossings.
Since leaving Southend yesterday at about 11 am I spent the day taking advantage of the placid conditions and the light tailwind while sneaking up channels and hugging islands in case the weather changed (which it didnʼt).
A few fishermen and natives traveling to Kinasoo and back were also on the lake, speeding along far away with their outboard powered Lund boats. So In the evening while approaching McFarlane Island I was quite surprised to hear music. Was there another camper or cabin owner with a ghetto blaster cranked up all the way perhaps?
After a quick search the source of the music became evident: there was a huge celebration going on with at least 250 people. It was the 20th annual Family Camp of the Peter Ballentyne Cree Nation.
I wasnʼt angling to attend but I quickly got invited up for a cup of tea by Victor and that soon turned into a delicious dinner, socializing and even a place to stay for the night!
#peterballentynecreenation #northernhospitality #unexpected #1000milesolo #stephankesting #canoeing