Kipawa Fishing Forum

So...what's the front page news up around Kipawa? I certainly don't want to read the real front page news.

Snow on the ground yet? Edges of the lake icing-up yet? Everyone getting their Santa wish list ready for 2019 gear and restock?

I noticed some lakes to the west are iced over already....LOTW, Chapleau, etc. I know Kipawa is so much deeper it certainly takes longer, though I can recall around US Thanksgiving it can get a layer to it.

I recall an old post from Ian (Kipawa forum OG) way back where he and the owner of Miller's Camp McKenzie went into camp over US Thanksgiving weekend, launching out of Kipawa, where they had to break ice to get into the camp on the north side of McKenzie Island. Quite an adventure, if I recall correctly.

Hope everyone is well and dreamin' those Kipawa dreams....

255...

as of last Sunday there was a foot of snow on the ground.

Funny you say that T-bone. I just got to camp. We have about 4 inches of snow on the ground. Maniwaki is snow covered with some icy sections. When I hit the turn for Red Pine rd I slid right past it. Made a quick U-Turn and was back on track. Red Pine is packed snow from sleds and trucks. I made it to camp around 2pm. Swamps and still water is starting to freeze over, It was -7C outside when I git here. -9C now. My place is still warming up, got the wood stove cranked lol. Here's some pics...
The road in...
(http://i66.tinypic.com/14t2b2o.jpg)

(http://i63.tinypic.com/qrg9pj.jpg)
@camp...
(http://i63.tinypic.com/s5xsna.jpg)
The temps when I got there. The upper number is the outside temp in C
(http://i68.tinypic.com/qouijc.jpg)
And the reward for surviving another drive. My friend Wisers....
(http://i63.tinypic.com/90zhom.jpg)
The only guy at Red Pine?
Priceless :)  :D 8)

Nice report PG!
Nice looking bottle as well, my fav!
Cheers

Thanks Puck...nice to see you got the appropriate provisions for a little time alone in the cold north. The pic of the shot waiting for a drinker...priceless....

As a side note lake levels are rediculously high right now. Almost at summer levels. My dock is floating now. It should be sitting on the bottom this time of year.
(http://i64.tinypic.com/vyurnl.jpg)

Thanks Puckster, I'd love the solitude also. The Sleeman's Draft is my son's beer of choice when we're at TBL. It's going to be a long time before our next trip, so keep your updates coming.

Tacks in the snow...
(http://i68.tinypic.com/ji2u81.jpg)(http://i68.tinypic.com/33dwj9e.jpg)(http://i66.tinypic.com/abnn00.jpg)

Are those wolf tracks?

Hey Puckster,

Firstly, thanks for the pics. Secondly, is your solar array fixed or can it automatically move to optimize access to the sun? Thirdly, how long does it take to warm up your cabin to your desired comfort level?

Jay

Quote from: T-Bone on November 14, 2018, 01:24:03 PM
Are those wolf tracks?

I think so. There are no dogs here.
@Jay. They are fixed but I can angle them up or down. I would like a way to be able to spin them to follow the sun manually.

Thanks for the pics! Man would I love to have a camp to go up to this time of year. I fear I will be in winter mode very soon down here in Southern Ontario, not looking good for the rest of my duck season.

Water was freezing around me this past Saturday as I picked up my decoys, yup that's my hunting partner curled up in the front as I do my work :)

(https://whyzcq.dm.files.1drv.com/y4mt3Q1PHEiGXFHGx2jnBgEXjXyt7E2Qgx6bMdnQhARxlWVr0JZfZ_jVfaxfukDky0BDz8fRn3-R_VqwWJ-opL4Rgd42Rto2UI_nAMuImqUvhmrEpik9S45-ydjnlzQM1PzfYHgqbohEM21MgehACL8MsH2hYpjx4wpPUXGWMc7ha5pUbSHtPyEM2-ehGnc5bsD9H3HTc_uQsWjh4SXpQ-z9Q?width=576&height=1024&cropmode=none)

Cool Gre. I'm glad at least two of us are out enjoying the weather lol.

 I will be until my boat doesn't float, I think I'll need sled not a boat this weekend LOL!

Quote from: puckster_guy on November 14, 2018, 01:46:15 PM

Quote from: T-Bone on November 14, 2018, 01:24:03 PM
Are those wolf tracks?

I think so. There are no dogs here.
@Jay. They are fixed but I can angle them up or down. I would like a way to be able to spin them to follow the sun manually.

@puckster_guy pm me your email, I'll send some pics on how we set up our solar array for manual tracking......we can tilt vertically (generally we just have a winter and summer tilt position) and pan to track the sun.
Might be something you can add / change on yours easily depending on the way it's currently set up.

Take care and thanks again for all the pics! You're a savior to a lot of us!

 I don't mind posting it here @Fort Wisers  puckster_guy@yahoo.ca I just made it home. Should be my last trip till after Christmas. I bought an old Skidoo Citation. So I can make it this winter once the snow closes my road. I'll do another trip report when I get in this winter. E-mail me anytime bro. Hopefully we can get together next summer. I retire in April or May. My first summer off in over 20 yrs. Looking forward to it.

Quote from: puckster_guy on November 15, 2018, 05:25:15 PM
My first summer off in over 20 yrs. Looking forward to it.

You've had an entire summer off in the last 20-years? I'm not sure I've ever had an entire summer off since I was about 14...

Hey...really...congrats on the pending retirement...I'm hoping to be there sooner than later myself, but still have a few more years....

I was laid off between jobs at the time. It's still not really a summer off but close enough. I turn 62 in March and am debt free with a 20 yrs worth of pension at work. It all adds up to an early retirement. I've done my bit for God and country. It's time foŕ Joe to look after Joe.

Trust me Joe, retirement ROCKS!! Been retired for 10 years after 36 years of teaching 6th grade. I still miss the kids, but not the States new regs. Keep your updates on your camp coming, it looks awesome!
 

Quote from: puckster_guy on November 15, 2018, 05:25:15 PM
I don't mind posting it here @Fort Wisers  puckster_guy@yahoo.ca I just made it home. Should be my last trip till after Christmas. I bought an old Skidoo Citation. So I can make it this winter once the snow closes my road. I'll do another trip report when I get in this winter. E-mail me anytime bro. Hopefully we can get together next summer. I retire in April or May. My first summer off in over 20 yrs. Looking forward to it.

Hey Joe!

Sending you an email this aft....
Yes let's get together, it's long overdue.
You're going to love having a sled up there.....the places you can explore up there in the winter will keep you busy for a lifetime.

And Congrats on the retirement!
Brent

Hey Joe

Were you on the Dash 8 line?

Quote from: RHYBAK on November 19, 2018, 10:16:15 AM
Hey Joe

Were you on the Dash 8 line?

Ya I'm building them. They're gonna continue the build in Downsview for about 2 years or so. Then it can be moved anywhere in Canada Likely staying close by, They need us to build it, for now anyway. It's moot to me, I retire in the spring and am gonna spend most of my summer at camp. We'll see how it plays out.

Got back last night from a quick one day turnaround trip to camp.
About 1-2 feet of snow, it's compacted a lot, gone granular and is quite wind blown (hence the variable depths).
There's a hard crust layer maybe 4" from the surface.
Lots of tree branches down including some large ones, assuming due to the wind and recent freezing rain, in addition to the snow weight.

Got the driveways cleared of snow and the pond cleared off.
We're hoping to clean up the ice surface of the pond in order to have a couple of family hockey "tournaments" over the holidays.
I'll get an ice thickness next time.


Heading up again this weekend...........

 Solid, it's great you made it in. I was wondering what the snow was like up there. Sounds like a lot of work for a one day trip. I hope you have a good snow blower. I'm gonna try and hit camp between Christmas and New years. Maybe spend new years there I'll have to bring champagne lol. You going up soon?

Hey @puckster_guy we were supposed to head up tonight (Friday) for the weekend but the week (month) has spilled over and there's just too much going on to head North, such is life.
So, our next trip planned is over the New Year's week as well!

My "new toy"  I just bought an older snowmobile in order to access my camp in winter. Roads are plowed to within 2km of my place and this will make my way in a ton easier. I'll prob explore the trails in the area as well. (http://i63.tinypic.com/9k9w8i.jpg)(http://i68.tinypic.com/k2fqde.jpg)

Nice little sled Joe; Keep us updated of when you go in this winter because I sled around the lake with another couple of guys who have camps on Kip. We'll make sure to drop in to see you. Always great to expand that social circle.

Hey Luc. I am going up on Dec 28 to about Jan 3. If you guys are cruising around drop in. At least the beer will be cold. For sledding I still need to buy a helmet and a suit. I pick up the machine next week. Never had, or wanted a sled before however I never had a camp befor either. I gotta find some ice fishing spots on Lake Sheffield. At least I can ice fish there. Gotta get a ton of gear. Kijiji here I come. I'll do that in January.

Hey Joe,
Great little machine! Looks to be pretty clean.
Those 377 engines (assuming that's what it has) are pretty darn solid/reliable and they were used in a lot of skidoo platforms so the parts are cheap and plentiful.
For just putting around the yard working and maybe short trips on some local trails I just wear a heavy work jacket and pants.
A proper suit is obviously superior (especially on colder days crossing the lake), but heavy work clothes will do to get you by if the need be.
You'll be surprised how much heat comes out of the tunnel vents around your feet from the engine......
If the machine doesn't have grip warmers you may want to invest in them, they aren't expensive and all it will take is one cold lake crossing to realize they're well worth the money.

Be careful on the ice, check with locals who ride the ice a lot on your end of the lake, Kipawa does have a couple known spots where the ice is not great and a few areas where open pressure cracks do often develop.
I don't know your end of the lake well enough to know how it is in the winter.
Just be careful and don't ride on the lake unless you know for sure it's solid ice under you.

Kipawa is also notorious for heavy slush spots on the lake, the first time you hit one you'll think you've hit open water, the slush can get knee deep.
The slush pockets collect under the snow that's covering the ice and the slush never freezes, so you don't know theyre there until you ride over one and break into the slush.
When you break through the snow layer into the slush the whole thing just become an aweful mess, and when you do hit one, you'll want to do your best not to get stuck in one.
Everyone who's ridden Kipawa has been stuck in the slush at least once....LOL.

Carry a shovel and tow rope if you can, a spare belt and spare spark plugs are also a good idea.
A small axe/hatchet will prove useful if you trail ride as the winter drops a lot of branches and weak trees and once the branches freeze into the snow layer they are nearly impossible to move by hand.


Happy trails my man, don't let all of the above scare you too much, just want to make sure your first year with a sled up there is a good one!
I think you're going to have one heck of a fun time this winter.

Cheers

I close my plant from Dec 21 until Jan 2nd so I may take a ride through your neck of the woods. I heard there's some walleye fishing available on the Kip river east of Red pine chute bridge and in a back lake not far from you.
Need to check that out.

While we're on the ice thickness and travels, thought I'd share this with the board.

(http://i68.tinypic.com/2iiyk60.jpg)

 It's a 1980 Safari with the 377 motor. I'll stick to the main lake and stay away from narrows or just do land trails. I'll see if I can find someone to show me around a bit. This should be fun. I'm thinking a good suit is a good idea. It gets cold up there. Do I need a balaclava under a helmet? This is gonna be interesting...

 Hey LC I'll have the computer up with satellite internet working so you can reach me at camp. Let me know when. I'll get the bbq going for lunch if you like. I hope to see you up there.How much snow do we have on the ground there?

Quote from: puckster_guy on December 17, 2018, 09:06:46 PM
It's a 1980 Safari with the 377 motor. I'll stick to the main lake and stay away from narrows or just do land trails. I'll see if I can find someone to show me around a bit. This should be fun. I'm thinking a good suit is a good idea. It gets cold up there. Do I need a balaclava under a helmet? This is gonna be interesting...

All clothing is geared to what the temperature is, or will be.  Balaclava in January and February is probably a good idea, you can always remove it if you're to warm, but if you don't have one with you, then you're of out luck.  Always prepare for the worst in a sense, you can always adapt afterwards.  And always carry matches, always.

Quote from: puckster_guy on December 17, 2018, 09:06:46 PM
It's a 1980 Safari with the 377 motor. I'll stick to the main lake and stay away from narrows or just do land trails. I'll see if I can find someone to show me around a bit. This should be fun. I'm thinking a good suit is a good idea. It gets cold up there. Do I need a balaclava under a helmet? This is gonna be interesting...

Good little machine Joe, the 377 is a workhorse, cheap and easy to wrench on.

Agreed with @crunchie on the balaclava and matches.
Better to be looking at it then looking for it.....

As for snow depth, when I was at our place last (about a week ago) there was 1-2 feet (wind blown so the depth was variable).
More than enough to run a sled on, that's for sure (I ran ours up and down the hill a number of times dragging various loads from the truck to camp).
I'm sure other folks who are up more often can chime in with something more accurate / current, as things can change quickly this time of the year.

Thx for the help guys. I'll let you know when I head up and/or am there. I'll do some short runs up and down red pine rd. till I get used to operating this thing. I'm thinking I'll go up about once a month this winter. A major priority next summer? Insulate under the floor. I got R20 in the walls and R30 under the roof. But that floor gets cold....

Hey Joe!
I think you'll have a lot of fun with your new machine, it's a nice way to travel and see stuff you wouldn't normally see in the non-snow season.

Agreed on the floor, we are now finished 3/4 of the floor insulation under our little cabin and it's made a big difference.
We insulated and then covered from the underside with 3/8" ply to hopefully keep the critters out, so far so good.....

The last 1/4 that is not insulated is under the bathroom area and still has some plumbing work we need to get done before we can close it in, all in good time.
Inside the cabin, on really cold days the non-insulated section actually forms ice crystals on the subfloor nail heads, no matter how hot we get the inside temp.

Good luck on getting yours done, I'm sure you'll find it to be a big improvement.
In the mean time slippers work LOL.

The last time I was there. It was -7C outside. If you spilt water on the floor it froze lol. What R value did you use? Is spraying a better option? I'll deal with that next year. Can't wait for spring...

Quote from: puckster_guy on December 18, 2018, 12:44:23 PM
The last time I was there. It was -7C outside. If you spilt water on the floor it froze lol. What R value did you use? Is spraying a better option? I'll deal with that next year. Can't wait for spring...

LOL, i could see that happening on the cold floor, wait until you hit the -30 to -40 days.
Our floor is 2x6 so the insulation was likely R-20, it was a John Mansville fibreglass batt product.
It went on sale one week at a local Rona so we picked some up and went to town.

I have no personal experience with the spray foam (other than the little cans for doing around doors and windows) so I can't really comment.
For us, the batts and plywood method worked for our needs, it was fairly simple to install and pretty cost effective.
Even on the coldest days we can walk on the insulted portion without slippers.
Foam may be a good way to go, I just can't comment without having used it myself.

Given your proximity to the lake, you may want to consider a skirt around the front underside of the cabin to break that cold wind coming off the lake from blowing directly under your floor.
The winds off the lake can be brutal, as you know, only adding a windchill effect to your floor heat losses.
I know of a few guys who have done a skirt alone and it's made a decent difference.

Really though, I believe you're going the correct route insulating.....just my opinion.

Hey Joe,

If you're out sledding that means others will be out there too. It's a pretty busy place in winter, even down your end of the lake. More so on weekends. So if you break down chances are someone will be along any minute.
Nonetheless, always good to carry emergency supplies with you. Maybe get a saddle bag for the back end of your sled. That's what I got. I keep a tow rope, booster cables, a jar of Vaseline coated cotton balls, matches and lighter, chicken soup powder, extra mitts and a map in my bag. Some guys even wrap their sandwiches in foil and place them near the engine so they always have a "hot lunch". 

A balaclava is definitely a must or you'll get frost bite on your neck. Helmet with full face shield is best. Oh by the way, you should always bring your phone with you but you can't just put it in your coat pocket. You need to keep it close to your body so the cold doesn't kill the battery. 

As for insulating your floor, I heard the spray foam stuff is not recommended for horizontal applications. I don't know if that's true. I also heard that there's a ROXUL product that mice don't like because it's made with basalt rock and slag. No need to enclose it.

I'll talk to my buddies and get back to you about visiting when you're in. Cheers.

 I'm not planning any long trips this winter. I've never been on one these things before so I gotta figure out how to drive this thing. I used to have a DZ lic and have driven anything from cube vans to dump trucks. This should be a piece of cake lol. I'll put that safety kit together before I go up. I'll wait till my next trip before I plan an ice fishing trip, not set up for that yet either. One thing at a time I'll get there.

Tons of videos out there on "building" a winter survival kit; this guy (Joe Robinet) is based in the Soo area I think and he makes a lot of great videos, though they are typically long. I think his sole source of income is YouTube, so you know he's popular and makes engaging vids. He has his haters though...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=akezrF9Ry58

I have a small pack I take in the boat whenever we leave the dock on Kipawa; it's built basically around "if something happened and we had to spend the night out in the bush, this is what we'd need". Thankfully I've never had to use it (yet), but we access it often on the trip as it's loaded with almost anything to MacGyver a fix together for nearly any situation.

Great project to keep you busy Puck...good luck with the sled.


219...

Puckster,

nice you got the sled prior to red pine being built up you had to come by sled from the main road which was a little challenging.

You will notice some marked trails on kipawa make sure to stay on them. Certain parts in the lake never freeze overly well especially this year with the snow on top

I noticed you mentioned Sheffield lake, not sure if you are referencing above red pine chute but if you are that area doesn't freeze the best I wouldn't suggest venturing too far up that way in the winter.

You will also want to find out but I think the turn past birch creek (above red pine before you get to Sheffield) is zec you want to look into it.

If zec is open to ice fishing in the winter I would strongly suggest going up to clear lake for lake trout or gordon lake.  Mckillop is also easily accessible in the winter and has some very large pike and pickerel in it.

Deleted

 I'm still waiting to pick up the sled from the shop They're waiting on a brake caliper to arrive from Ottawa. I'm hoping to have it on friday and come up on sat morn. O/W I'll make the trip later in Jan.
Hi Crunchie, when I mentioned Sheffield I was referring to this area, https://www.google.ca/maps/place/46%C2%B048'50.0%22N+78%C2%B033'31.8%22W/@46.81389,-78.5610227,598m/data=!3m2!1e3!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x0:0x0!7e2!8m2!3d46.8138899!4d-78.5588343
I understand there's a trail that goes out that way. and the ice is safe enough. However I don't need to go for another swim, I'll err on the side of caution. The purpose (for now) of the sled is to get into camp and get to some local ice fishing holes. A little bit of touring as I learn to operate this thing. I'm looking at google earth and bing maps looking for trails and roads and there's lots out there. I'm gonna try to get to Mckillop this winter It's close enuff. Pisses me off no end that I got a great spot in front of my camp and I can't fish it. nuff said...Are the logging roads useable? or is it best to just follow everybody else's track? I got time, retirement looming, I'm looking forward to spending more time there, between grand kids and camp I got lots to do...

logging roads are groomed but I find they pretty tough on the track and if assuming your is air cooled your sled wont like it either.

Once thing I learned very quick up in Kip during the winter is not to go off the beaten path.

Enjoy the new sled, lots of trails up there to small back lakes that will surprise you.

Note: you will need a license to fish mckillop (if it is open for the winter)

Puckster,

The spot your are referencing is known as birch creek on the way up to shefield.  On your way to ragid chute if your turn left at that point and take it all the way back to the road that is the bridge that goes to mckillop.

Back in day this was the only way to get to mckillop before the roads got cut in.

I am not certain but you may want to check if anything past the point you are referencing is Zec

Hint: that point is very productive in June/July but a couple shoals (hint area right across from hit and up the river on that side can be good also, dont go on the left side some nice boulders that will take out the prop)

 Cool, ty bro. I wanna get to know that section upto the chutes this summer.Been everywhere else in the area except that water. Len fishes there a lot so it's gotta be good lol.

Hey LC and guys. I'm not heading up this week. Several things conspired against me lol. I'm not at work till friday but I doubt I'm going up. I'll try again later in Jan.

Thanks for the msg Puck. Awful weather up here. Lots of rain has formed a hard crust and there's not a lot of snow beneath the crust. I may quad into Hunter's Lake to see a friend who's at his camp. Hopefully he brought a couple of moose steak for us.

 Rain here in Toronto too. Then a deep freeze tonight. The weather was a factor in my call. Have fun LC.

Didn't end up going Joe. I didn't like all that water on the lake. Once I go through the crust and into the slush, its hard to get outta that even with a quad with trax.  But my buddy put his shack on Hunter's lake and said there was 12 inches of ice.
The trails were very bad. With all the rain we had forced the branches to sag over the trails. Lots of cutting to get around. The locals will fix that up in no time.

I'm off to Hawaii now for some vacation. Catch ya at the end of January.

 Solid! enjoy Hawaii, souinds like fun. By the sounds of that report it looks like I can drive right to camp. Gonna try to head up on the 14th. If I can't get far with the sled then I'll just hang around camp and go for a few walks or something. I'm thinking of making a small rink in front of my place but not this year. We'll do the red pine hockey tourney lol. I'll make a trophy out of all the empty Wisers bottles I got laying around.

Aloha, LC!

Thanks Oarin.
We usually stay on the big Island but its not recommended yet. It's apparently still cloudy and smelly from the volcano erupting.

This time: one week at Waikiki and one week in Kuai.

Just finished moving my daughter into Residence at UofO. Jeezus kids are expensive.

Catch you guys later.

You're going to love Kuai. Try to get to Poi Po Beach(sp?) It's beautiful.

Spent a week at camp the week passed....
Good base of snow, I'd say a solid 2 feet.
We left to come home first thing Sunday morning (with a stop at Myrts for breakfast).
They got more Monday night and I believe are calling for more today / tonight.
I'm planning to head up sans family to get some work done this Thursday (trim in camp and drop some poplars and skid them away to the "log yard" with the snow machine).

@puckster_guy, sorry to hear you didn't make it in, hopefully soon...
@limacharley, have a great trip!

Lol, Brent. I just came on to post I'm heading in on my sled on monday the 14th. Then I see your post. I'm picking it up today so I'm dying to try it out. Staying till thursday or friday. I'm told Kip is still too slushy and dangerous to venture out on. So I'm staying on land and stick to the main roads Till I'm comfortable operating this thing. If you guys are in the area drop by...
Shopping on line now for a Propane tankless hot water heater. Nice to see the prices come down some.

hey Joe!
I'm a little late in wishing you a good trip in but better late than never.
I returned home from our cabin yesterday, dropped a bunch of poplars and reopened one of the local Vmuts trails that had some dead fall on it.
It was a great few days to work in, bright blue skies, nice and cool.
I wasn't down near Kipawa this time (although my brother had me half convinced to head to his place Saturday) but next time we're in the area, if you're there we'll stop for a visit.
Take care

LOL I Love your timing Fort Wisers. I got to camp at about 4pm The new sled worked flawlessly and got me to camp OK. About 2 feet of snow on the ground here and the lake is a combination of ice and slush. I'm not sure I wanna be out on it. The stove is just starting to warm this place up now. I'm at 11C now, up from -7 when I got here. I got a propane heater helping the stove warm the place. -6C outside now. I sure hope to get some sunshine here it'll be nice to go to the beach...

Joe you definitely don't want to go on the lake if there is slush under a good layer of snow. Even with a good long freeze it can take a longer time than one would think before that slush finally freezes. Apart from that I'm sure you will relish your time up there. Cheers

(http://i65.tinypic.com/30u8nww.jpg)(http://i66.tinypic.com/2644dgm.jpg)(http://i68.tinypic.com/2jzm34.jpg)
I tried to make a u turn beside my cabin and got the sled stuck in soft powder snow. Ya gotta Love it. I'll see if anybody is around to help pull it out. I got some shovels so I gotta dig it out. Very pretty out here.

Hey Joe!
Pics look great, winter is the best time to be in the bush IMO.
Looks like you got her buried pretty good there (your top picture) lol.
We carry a small shovel on the back of our sled for just such an occasion, I'm sure you'll get it out.

(http://fort-wisers.ca/Albums/Camp%20Pics%20for%20Forum%20Use/FW%20(26).JPG)

Stay safe, stay warm and thanks for sharing the pics.

Oh my
That does look bad.

When I owned my cottage , we would come in the first time without any sleds behind us.
We would do a few circles to form a base them bring in the sleds.

Easier to turn without anything in tow and easier to get out if stuck.
Once the base is set, your good for the winter.
Live and learn.

 Ya I dug it out this morning and went out for a couple of spins as well as got the rest of my stuff out of the jeep. Most of it is staying behind. I got no real place to leave it so I'm gonna trailer it in everytime I come up. Maybe find a parking spot in N bay and just haul it in from there. 2 good short runs and it performed great. One snag for the shop. Going up a steep hill just before the bridge at red pine the machine stalled near the top. After about 20 minutes of prodding and re priming the carbs it started and git me home. I think its a carb issue. Interestingly it snowed last night just a couple of inches. When I got to the bridge and south on Red Pine rd. the snow was clean with no tracks on it. This was about 1pm. I have no storage space on this thing so I may have to pull a trailer just for the survival stuff I need lol. I'm heading home on Friday.
I got more pics for you guys
(http://i64.tinypic.com/invjn5.jpg)(http://i63.tinypic.com/334ru6c.jpg)(http://i64.tinypic.com/2wohw6p.jpg)(http://i67.tinypic.com/15wylph.jpg)(http://i65.tinypic.com/o3c47.jpg)

A favorite chair is still a favorite chair in winter....
(http://i67.tinypic.com/vwsheq.jpg)

Very nice pics Joe!
Thanks for sharing....

Thanks for sharing your pics Joe. Very picturesque up there during the winter.

Jay

Awesome pictures puckster !

Thanks for sharing your adventures !

Very cool!  Thanks for sharing. It is always hard to really envision what it is like up north in the winter when we have only seen it in the very green summer. So how far could you drive in? Is Red Pine clear to the bridge and beyond , like all the way to the Bearn rd. ?

 Ouch, what a cold morning. -29C outside and +2C inside when I got up. Cranked the stove and a propane sun heater to try to warm the place back up.
J&D, Maniwaki and red pine rd are plowed. Red Pine all the way to Bearne. I'm sure the Bearne rd also gets plowed for some distance as logging trucks are hauling out lumber in winter. My road gets plowed about a km in then it's fresh powder snow the rest of the way. Once the machine packed a trail it was easy sledding in.

Great pics Puckster...nice to see the place in its winter dress. The 'chair' pic is great...and the line-up of Wisers dead soldiers in the background is hilarious!

Yikes on those temps. For us Fahrenheit folks, that's a solid -20F. I know there's a big-time cold blast going to hit us this weekend...down into the single digits. That's cold enough for me. I've felt -22F once in northern Michigan...so cold it takes your breath away.

Safe travels home...

190...

So Joe, did you survive? How did you enjoy your time up there?

 Hey guys. I got home from a great trip to camp. Winter cottaging has it's challenges alright. Like no running water. I was able to use the inside toilet (I do have a septic system put in) You just pour water into the tank/bowl to flush it, that's huge. We have about 2 feet of powder in undisturbed areas once the sled packed down the snow it was easy to walk on as well. Otherwise your knee deep. Snow shoes are in the picture. I got some amazing boots rated for -50C best investment I ever made. n -20C trudging thru snow my feet were warm and dry, The model is called "Baffin" as in the island in the Arctic. I had to dig out the BBQ and Jenny and both worked TG. My "new" sled worked awesomely. I'm not sure I'm into long distance trips but to get in and out, visit neigbours(if they ever show up at the same time) or go ice fishing it's just fine.
The wood I was burning was still very green and didn't burn as hot as it should. I bought 2 trailer loads in September. It'll do for now. A new salamander type propane heater saved the day 80,000 BTU's throw off a lot of heat. I've got a high "Cathedral" type ceiling 19 ft high and a loft where the peak is 9 ft. That's a lot of ceiling and air to heat. Takes a little longer but I'll take it. Other issues I've already spoken about. As for cold weather as long as you dress for it, it's fine and doable. I like going up in winter, I wasn't sure if i would or not. A totally different dynamic to summer  The silence is something else and everything is white. Driving in and out the roads were plowed and sanded in spots. 4 ft snowbanks should keep you on the road lol they were easy to drive. Ya, I think I'll be doing some winter trips. I designed the camp to be a 4 season place so I might as well use it as such. Just open the darn ice fishing on Kip. at least only for walleye and perch. The outfitters could make some bread renting out huts too.
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Get harvesting some wood asap Joe so that it will season all spring / summer.
It will make a world of difference next winter.

Our first year at the latest cabin we were late in cutting our wood so it was too green, that winter had many "not so cozy" trips.
The year after that we were prepared and now we're often opening windows at -20 weather because of the heat.

Assuming your stove is sized well for the camp, getting a good supply of seasoned firewood will make next years trips much, much more tolerable.
Glad you had a good time!
Yes the winter silence is almost deafening isn't it?

Take care and thanks again for sharing your trip and pictures.

Hi Joe-nice looking pics
Give me a heads up next time you're coming up; would love to visit. As long as it's on the weekend.

Just a couple of ideas as you were describing your pictures:

I also have a cathedral ceiling and I put in a 12v ceiling fan. Man what a difference.
We cut a large hole thru the ice and pull up 5 gallon buckets of water and keep it inside for use....dishes, toilet, washing.
……….just remember to empty your toilet before you leave and put some plumbing antifreeze in there or you know what???

Ryback's advice is sound-take the first spin without a trailer/sled and pack down all your trails you foresee needing over winter.
What you are essentially doing is compacting all the moisture in the snow.

I can show you how us northern boys get our sleds unstuck since you don't have a lot of experience.
It's important now because of our ages.....you don't need a heart attack.

I don't know if you've met Bob Derochers near you but he fishes the river....it's NOT CLOSED.


Give me a call at 705-498-2827; I may be able to store your trailer and sled in North Bay at my manufacturing plant. All gated, video cameras...secure.

I'm going in this weekend to get my chainsaw. I need to convert the chain into a ripping chain to use on my chainsaw mill. 2 dock stringers coming up...!

 Hi LC I've met Bob a couple of times, I'll talk to him this summer about where he goes. I've been meaning to learn that lake anyway. I've been up there a couple of times. Thanks for the offer about parking the trailer there, I think I'd like to take you up on it next winter. I left the sled at camp and have the trailer down here. I got some stuff to bring to camp in spring. Anyway I programmed your number into my phone and I'll give you a call on Sat. They took me off my weekend shift and am back on a regular shift so I will hook up one weekend this winter. I retire on April Fools day (how fitting lol) That changes everything.

Went up to camp this Friday past for a quick turn around to clear the parking areas, the old blower worked hard this trip.
Lots of snow, I'd say between 3-4 feet standing in the bush, maybe more in low spots.

Dog Huts:
(http://www.fort-wisers.ca/Albums/Camp%20Pics%20for%20Forum%20Use/FW(30).JPG)

Gazebo roof is looking heavy (Shoveled some off while there):
(http://www.fort-wisers.ca/Albums/Camp%20Pics%20for%20Forum%20Use/FW(31).JPG)

Hope everyone is having a great winter.....

 Headin' up to camp wed or thurs. Coming home on monday. My weekend shift just got changed back to a mon to fri routine So I'm using up my last few holidays to make a last winter trip this year. I handed in my notice at work a couple of weeks ago. April 1st is my official retirement day. I thought April Fools day would be a fitting time to leave work.  :) ;D 8) I'll send a note and pics when I get there

You should find a Scottish bagpiper to play as you leave work for the last time. A colleague of mine did this. It was like sticking it to management.

 Brilliant LC. I may just make a recording on my phone and blast it thru a portable speaker. That would be fun and to be drummed out... ;D 8)

Hi guys. I made it to camp close to 3pm. The roads were snow covered with ice underneath. Maniwaki I was doing about 60 kph all the way in. Red pine rd was the same doing close to 60 in. The road is plowed to within 2 driveways of my place. I walked in got a fire lit and tried to move the snowmobile. No trouble starting it. It was just buried in the snow. About 3 feet here. A few neighbours are here so I'm gonna see about getting a hand tomorrow.  Temps are -7C outside and a bit warmer inside lol.


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That bump in the snow is my sled. Next year I haul it in everytime.

Awesome to hear from you Joe!
Glad to hear the roads are plowed and that you made it in ok.
Thanks as always for sharing your pics and trip reports.
Keep warm....

That s a lot of snow. Here in northeast Ohio yesterday we had snow in the AM and rain in the PM so now it's mud and 40.

Wasn't sure where to post so figured I'd revive this thread!
We spent a week at the cabin for the kids March break.

The weather was all over the map.
Some days nice and sunny, some snow days, some with heavy rain, a few nights well into the negative double digits and even one night with heavy rain and some lightning!
Camp and woodshed roofs finally let their snow loads slide during the rain one night.
We got some general tree clean-up / firewood done, took a snow shoe out to the ski hill for fries / poutine one day and managed to fit in a few games of crib, war or crazy eights during more miserable days.
Some of the warmer days and rain certainly helped put a bit of a dent into the snow pack but there's still a lot of snow in the bush.

(http://www.fort-wisers.ca/Albums/Camp%20Pics%20for%20Forum%20Use/FW(32).JPG)
(http://www.fort-wisers.ca/Albums/Camp%20Pics%20for%20Forum%20Use/FW(33).JPG)
(http://www.fort-wisers.ca/Albums/Camp%20Pics%20for%20Forum%20Use/FW(34).JPG)

Say hello to my new friend.  When I retired I got my 4 weeks vacation pay. I just replaced the drowned Lowrance unit with this guy...(http://i65.tinypic.com/b84xnp.jpg)

Have fun with your new Garmin, @puckster_guy! I just got last year's discontinued version. And like it bunches.

How cool,Nancy ty. I'm looking forward to playing with the mapping tool. Does anybody know if it'll correct the built in map? I know on the old one some areas were wrong.
Looks like I'm heading to camp tomorrow (the23rd) Or possibly Wednesday depending on circumstances. The snow has come off the roads and looks like I should be able to drive in. I heard there a washout on Red pine road on a hill coming up to the bridge at the 8km mark. I'm gonna be hauling in my trailer with some stuff including my old tool box from work and some skids I wanna use to build a firewood shed. Gonna be an interesting ride in. I hear the roads are a bit rutted.

Joe. Curious to hear how the road in is. Hoping to take a drive up first wknd in May. Keep us posted.

Hi Penner. The road in is  typical spring conditions. Maniwaki was rutted in spots but over all speed was around 60 to 70k's. Red Pine road was similay but in good shape. There is a nasty spot where the road is rutted two chasms lol side by side about  a foot deep and and about 18 inches wide. My Cherokee and trailer had no issue going thru. An easy drive the snow is off all the major roads. I had to park the Jeep at the end of the drive way and walk in. Still almost 8 inches of snow there but half the lot is clear of snow. I gotta fire up the fire pit tonight.  The lake in front of me is about a third open water with lots of wood floating in it. The main lake is still ice covered. I'm set up and going home in two weeks then back for the opener. Gee retirement sucks. Many years of planning made it aĺ possible. I'll see you when you come up Penner. I'll be here. Now that the camp is almost done. It's time to look after a neglected lot. A ton of trees about as thick as my thumb have to be removed etc. I hot pics for all y'all. Heres a handful ..
(http://i65.tinypic.com/2zh1wcx.jpg)(http://i67.tinypic.com/15dq96v.jpg)(http://i65.tinypic.com/258qqg0.jpg)(http://i66.tinypic.com/2je8r9e.jpg)(http://i65.tinypic.com/2hwpvn5.jpg)
That last pic was at the IGA in town. That Eagle came down there and that kid was feeding it hot dogs. What an amazing sight.

Hey Joe-it was nice to finally meet you yesterday.
Have fun the next 2 weeks. I may be able to bring you some pallets next Friday. Gotta get permission from the warden.

You need to summarize that sled so you don't have problems next winter.
You can google how.
Keep in touch.

Great pictures, thanks.

Happy to share Oarin, NP. LC, If you can save me a drive back in to the bay, I'll buy the first case of beer lol.

Wow...that snow melts fast up there, and it appears the ice is starting to open up already. Nice. Thanks for the pics Puck...cool stuff.

And I'm not sure feeding an eagle hot dogs is good or bad, but certainly is unexpected. A domesticated eagle. The size of that thing is what startles me. Sheesh.

Trout fishing opens today Joe, April 26. Start casting with a Little Cleo off your dock.
I'll text you next week if I come in. How big do you want your wood shed to be will determine
how many pallets I bring.

Great looking pics Joe!
Glad you're now getting to spend some good time up there, enjoy every minute as I know you will!

Quote from: limacharley on April 26, 2019, 08:52:40 AM
Trout fishing opens today Joe, April 26. Start casting with a Little Cleo off your dock.
I'll text you next week if I come in. How big do you want your wood shed to be will determine
how many pallets I bring.

I thought for the floor space 4-6 standard pallets and 8ft high. Your totally awesome bro,TY. I can get some 4x4's to frame it and fill it in with the skids. I have a bunch of projects to catch up on. Between fishing trips...

 Quick roads update....I'm back home now and as of yesterday maniwaki is very rough and rutted with the first 15km the worst. After that it's not too bad for this time of year.  Red Pine rd. is rutted as well but not bad it seems to be Maniwaki's mini me. I can still get good speed on it. There is no snow on any of the roads and back roads are mostly clear with snow in shady areas. I saw little snow in the bush just clumps here and there so in my opinion the worst for run off is over and has peaked. having said that the water under the bridge is running at prodigious levels wit about 4 feet in elevation difference on either side. You should be able to get to where you need to go with roads in rough spring time conditions with some mud in lower sandy roads.

 I made it to camp yesterday, YAYYY. Maniwaki and Red pine roads were graded since I was here a few weeks ago and in very good shape. I've noticed Red Pine rd is as dusty now as Maniwaki, same road surface. All ice is clear now and water levels behind the bridge are scary high. Water on my shore is some 18 inches above summer levels and neighbours had to rescue my dock as it floated away. Didn't know I needed a tether, this never happened before. Season opens today so safe boating everyone, there's lots of wood in the water this year be careful on your travels...

Nice update Puck...thanks. I supposed a $25 investment in chains and stakes to tether your dock would be well worth it versus having to replace it. Good luck chasing those pesky 'eyes this weekend.

6/70

The spot where my dock is has sone large boulders submerged . Normal summer levels it's ok. But when levels go down I knick my prop. I wanna move it about 15 feet over to avoid those rocks and better swimming too. The previous syatem with posts was adequate. Never had qater levels this high. When I set my dock next I'll use concrete anchors.

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Hey @puckster_guy Joe,
Nice looking grouse, great picture as always my man.....have you noticed a fair bit of them this spring?

When I was up a week ago I saw a number of them hanging right around camp, maybe waiting for me to fill the bird feeders LOL.
This guy in particular didn't spook and fly like they usually do no matter how close I got, he held his ground and kept showing of his "might" like so:

(http://www.fort-wisers.ca/Albums/Camp%20Pics%20for%20Forum%20Use/FW(35).JPG)

I got to maybe within 10 feet of him, watched the show and then let him be.
He walked off with pride, his breast feathers were all puffed out as if to say to me "that's right punk, this is MY land, be off with ya!"
Being mating season I guess he didn't like me cramping his style!