Rugged Omimi Trail - WATAP LAKE - Day Fifteen

​After leaving the beautiful site of Partridge falls we began our trek up the Pigeon River. You know what the best part is about going the wrong direction on a river? When you're exhausted and boiling hot from paddling hard against current, you get to cool right off as you walk waist deep up the river, pulling your boat where the water's moving too quickly to canoe. We thoroughly enjoyed the high waters though they continued to knock Brynley off her feet time and time again. Erik would comment on how strong the current felt (standing mid thigh deep) only to look back and find Brynley in water up to her neck as she held onto the boat to stop getting whisked away.

The Pigeon River is Erik's definition of a perfect paddling destination. He enjoys the muddy swamps on the edges with the tall grasses and little flowers. He likes seeing the bottom to spot fish, observing frogs in the weeds and being closer to shore to feel like you get to know the area more. Probably also in part because he likes to laugh at me when I find myself in an encounter with a leech.

The Omimi trail is pretty untouched wilderness where, especially in the bog regions, one could expect to see some big wildlife. While we failed to see anything big other than tracks on the portages, poop at the edge of the trail and many beaver lodges, there is one species we have seen in abundance. The mosquitoes here are a thriving population and because of our passing through, they have likely spawned a few new kingdoms.

With a fresh food refuel we have also been enjoying the most decadent diet. For breakfast today we devoured a 12 egg omelet. It tasted all the better knowing that we portaged the carton of eggs along 4 muddy portage trails without cracking a single egg. Last night we had a stir fry with five chicken breasts, a zucchini, a pepper, 2 carrots and boy was it good. It also could have served six people.

Today we came along a portage where Erik and I started and ended together but walked the trail in different countries. Much of the route along this part of the Path of the Paddle lies directly on the border. There are many markers and posts designating which country we currently stand in.

I write this now lying in my hammock looking out at a point across the lake where Erik has gone to fillet his first fish. Yup, it's been a good day.