BARREN LANDS CANOE TRIP
THAIDENE NENE NP, NWT

Sept. 5th

An impromtu muskox search...3.4 miles

We got up at the normal time an started preparation for flying back to Ft. Smith. Extra time was taken to be sure tents were dry before packing. At breakfast, Alex noted that there had been muskox across the bay and it was decided we would paddle over to see if we could see them. We canoed over and hiked about two miles, but despite the many fresh tracks, not a one was seen. We got back to camp about eleven o'clock.

Sunrise

Muskox hunt

We finished breaking camp upon our return. Two of the three canoes that would be nestled together for the flight back had the seats and thwarts removed and the parts carefully bagged. All the packs and gear were then stacked in the empty canoes. The campground was inspected to be sure nothing was left behind. We ate lunch, the grounds were reinspected and we then relaxed and waited for the planes to arrive.
Breaking camp	Nesting canoes
It was like a seen for the old TV Fantasy Island series when the planes arrived "the planes, the planes". Once the three planes taxied to the beach, the gear was loaded. Regulations allow only "one" canoe can be carried strapped to the outside of a plane. The Turbo Otter did not carry any, it only carried gear. The Cesna 206 carried gear, one canoe strapped to the pontoon and two passengers. The other three canoes were nestled together and strapped to the pontoon of the Cessna 185 which also carried some gear and seven passengers.
The planes...the planes	Loading up
We left for Ft. Smith about 1:30. Once there, we unloaded gear and headed to the motel. After a welcome (and much needed) shower, our gear was sorted and repacked for the trip home. The group met at the motel dining room that evening for dinner and good-byes.
From take-off	to landing

Go to Summary page, Aug. 26, Aug. 27, Aug. 28, Aug. 29, Aug. 30, Aug. 31, Sept. 1, Sept. 2, Sept. 3, Sept. 4, Sept. 5

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