September 10, 2009
Canoe Trip To Remember for Students of SRFSS
It was a trip to remember for ten students at Smooth Rock Falls Secondary School, their teacher J.P. Desilets, local outfitter and owner of Howling Wolf Expeditions, Rick Isaacson and his wife, Jocelyn Isaacson. The group took the school van to Fraserdale where they flagged down the Little Bear train, loaded their canoes and travelled for two hours to Moose River Crossing where the Ontario Northland Railway crosses the Moose River. The group portaged their canoes one kilometre down to the Moose River where they spent five hours paddling and exploring along a 5 km stretch of the Moose River. Highlights of the trip included the gypsum caves, traditional native burial grounds, and many soakers!
The students also learned about traditional lifestyles from some of the year round residents of the area. The native approach to burials was of particular interest to the kids. Mr. Isaacson explained the importance and significance of various rituals and traditions evident in the site including Sleeping Children's Creek where women would go, sometimes for a week or more, to mourn the loss of their children. The babbling creek facilitated the grieving process and helped wash the grief from their hearts.
After the tour, the kids portaged the canoes another kilometre back up the hill and flagged down the train for the return trip. Supper was provided on board the train and the kids returned home at 10pm. Mr. Isaacson and the students hope to plan a extended 3-day trip in the spring to Moose Factory and Moosoneee.
View Photos from the Canoe Expedition
