Charles Dowdell---Aug 8, 2003

We are spending the day with our Cree Indian guides. After we beachcombed and enjoyed lunch on the island we headed towards another island. There was a large lake on the island to fish and several streams. We were warned about bugs on this new island.

Me in the canoe

Although I did not get the faces, this photo has a flavor of the calm, clear, cool water we experienced on James Bay.

Jeff and Sherman Silhouetted

This is the lake out on an island. The fish of choice is speckled trout. It is largely rocky bottom with smooth glacial rocks. You have to watch your step as you wade through the water. We didn't use waders but the water wasn't that cold. It was interesting that we had to take another smaller canoe to get around on the lake on the island.

Short clip while we were underway.

Lake on island in James Bay

We could easily see the fish if you could get out of the glare.

The water is quite clear in the lake on the island in James Bay

We had a fish and eggs for breakfast and I think it was maybe the best fish I have ever had.

Some of the catch

Some more of the catch

We talked quite a bit on the shore of the island. Sherman was surprised that no black bears came up to us here. He said they are always here. The bugs were pretty bad here, that is why Sherman has his hood up. It was not that cold but the hood and coats help protect you from the pests. It was very relaxing just talking on the shore. Just nice friendly normal conversations. As part of these normal conversations though, you learned of the culture and values of the Cree.

Sherman

Our guides brought shotguns. One kid fired once at a bird without success. They were always looking for the opportunity to catch something to eat.

Hanging around on the shore

It was time to head back to shore and our campground.

Here is a short clip of the canoe.

Heading back

The sun sets later that far north. I don't know what time it was but it was pretty late. Sherman said not to worry about it getting dark. The sun would hang there and give light long after it set. He was right. It is an extremely slow sunset.

The sunset on James Bay

I really enjoyed the trip back to the camp ground. No lights, no radio, no sign of any humans on the islands anywhere. We weaved through dozens of islands to get back. It was a great time for reflection.

We would leave the next morning.

A real life artist's imagination

Continue to Part 7- The Actual Trip