September Missinaibi River, Day 8

After only a mile of flat water in the morning, we came to Albany Rapids—welcome fast water. There were some ledges and Class II. We were not sure which one was named Sleeping Beauty. Hard to tell since Albany is a series of rapids and drops, all Class II technical, fun whitewater paddling and all boat scouts. There also are a million rocks and a few of the drops demand wise choices in a loaded boat. Boffo. By far the most exciting day and still more to come.

Lunch was atop Big Beaver Rapids with its dramatic rock formations other-worldly. Enjoyed the view immensely. Like the rest of the trip, the falls and the river were all ours. We took the portage river left. Some honcho should scout it on the right and see if the drop is runable in an empty boat. This was the longest portage for us so far, a quarter of a mile and the first evidence of ATV activity on the river. Big tires gorged part of the portage and turned it into a quagmire (yuck!).

Little Beaver is a Class II technical but by this point a piece of cake.

At Sharp Rock, aptly named, the rocks are really sharp and the portage narrow. We carried some of the gear to the end of the portage. Doug, feeling frisky paddled solo to the right with two duffels. He liked what he saw and joined the ranks of Hap Wilson’s “incorporeal beings” and ran the drop. After the run Trish took a video of the drop on her Nikon.



Our assessment is that it is a Class III at these water levels. With a three-foot-wide slot you need expert boat control.

After two and a half miles of flat water we were at the top of Glassy Falls. Took the portage to the sandy beach at the end. The enjoyment of camping in sight of the postcard-perfect falls, sun setting beyond them, was fractured by the vast quantities of detritus, the residue of many drinking parties. Obviously locals on ATVs have a lack of respect for the environment and mother nature’s beauty. What a shame.

Total miles paddled was 16.