It was a nice day, a huge lift after all the rain. I’d lost track of how many days I’d been out total, but I knew I was almost through the 35-kilometer whitewater section of the Kesagami. And after a couple nice runs, along with some not so nice portages, I finally left the Kesagami’s rapids behind me.
To give you an idea of how difficult what I just completed was – it took me almost 8 days to get through the 35-kilometer whitewater section. The next day I’d paddle 50kilometers in about 8 hours.
Looking back at the last rapid I took a moment to reflect. Despite the concerns of friends, my burnt hand, and my own healthy dose of pre-trip fear, I’d made it through in one piece. It felt good, but it wasn’t time to celebrate just yet.
My next challenge was approaching quickly. Soon, I’d be paddling on the salt water of tempestuous James Bay were massive tidal flats can strand you kilometers from shore, and bad weather can whip the sea into a life-threatening fury. Many say paddling the bay is more dangerous than the whitewater on the Kesagami.
Putting the approaching danger out of my mind, I enjoyed the obstruction free river as I cruised down countless swifts towards the sea.
