Elliot Lake 2009

Well I know I don't post here as much as I should, and when I do, it's really late. Like now--I'm actually getting around to posting about last summer's trip up to Elliot Lake.

The funny thing is, it wasn't much of a trip because I only went for 3 days. I used my vacation time last year to go to Parry Sound...and only had the August long weekend for Elliot Lake. So I didn't do much, but I did camp at Cobre Lake. And I tell you, that will be the last time I camp there, unfortunately.

Sometimes I wish I had kept all my photos of Cobre Lake private, and not written about it. I know other people know about it, but I can't help but feel like I contributed in part to the increased amount of people that go up there now...and when too many people start going to a beautiful, natural place, it doesn't stay beautiful and natural for long.

I camped there several times over the years, and never had people come into our camp. At most we would see or hear people who are coming to hike the trail. But last year off and on all day we had people coming and going through our camp. I never saw so much traffic there. It was ridiculous. I took my family there, hoping to show them a nice, peaceful spot to camp and we had visitors all day.

One guy and his sons(?) came over to talk to us, and tried to tell us that we couldn't camp where we were because it was a boat launch. He seemed nice enough, but I could detect an underlying tone of contempt in his voice, like we had no right to be there and how dare we set up camp in this PUBLIC place where I have NEVER seen a boat. He tried to tell us that if someone came with a boat they'd be mad and want us to leave. He was telling us nicely enough, but I was thinking that there are a million lakes in the area, and if someone wants to get in our faces because we were here FIRST, then I would tell them to take their damn boat to any of the other lakes in the area. As far as I'm concerned, I camped there in that same spot many times before, and judging by the fire pit I always see there, other people have too. And if we are there first, then my message for boaters is TOUGH LUCK. But that's no longer a point because I will not camp at Cobre Lake again. I will move on to a more private, secluded spot where I don't need to be bothered by anyone.

I did hike the trail again, but not as far as I would like, because my hiking partner and I got off to a late start. I would like to get out there next summer to just explore the trails. It is a beautiful area for hiking, that's for sure.

So I hate to say it, but from now on, I won't be mentioning names of places that I go to anymore. I'll still write about them and describe my experiences. But I'll leave the names out. My intention was to hopefully introduce some beautiful places to people who weren't aware of them, but I should have known it would attract too many and/or the wrong type of people. I feel sad about it. Who knows, maybe next year if I camp at Cobre, no one will come around, which has always been the case. But I don't want to take the chance, and I definitely don't want to be told by anyone that I don't belong there.


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During my short stay in Elliot Lake, I did get down to Horne Lake, but it was night and I was there for just a short time. I have to say, I do not like at all the paved path that's there now. It was beautiful the way it was, why fix something that ain't broke? My private little bench where I would go have my breakfast and read and sometimes have a nap is no longer private...And I never understood why humans think concrete or asphalt looks better than Nature. But hey, that's just me. On the other hand, I can understand why they did it--it's easier for seniors, people in wheelchairs and kids in strollers to get down there. But I just hope they put more garbage bins and have maintenance people there on a regular basis, because with more humans comes more litter and more vandalism. Like I mentioned, I didn't really get a good look at how they did everything up, because it was night, but next summer I'll check it out more. But I already know I don't like it...

Anyway, I have lots of pictures of my trip but I haven't posted them online yet. I'm in the process of redesigning my main web site (http://www.emma-o.net) and will post all new photos there when it's done.

Well I hope to have more stories to tell when I visit next summer...Oh, and I still have stories and photos from previous year's trips, which I will get around to...someday, lol.