Thelon River Above Aleksektok Rapids - Thelon River 25km from Baker Lake
Distance 54 km [1220 km]
Portage 0 [20]
Very Fast Water 0 [40]
Rapids 1 [37]
We awoke to a strong headwind but determined to use the favourable swift current to make miles towards Baker Lake. The first priority of the morning was to run the Ateksektok Rapids, it was to be our last rapid for the journey and reputed to have large waves and a “hole that would eat a house” [Layman 2002]. We scouted it together from the right bank and ran it tight RR thus avoiding the hole. Though there were some very high waves and it was an exciting ride it was not as challenging as some others we have run. After the rapid we were paddling into the teeth of a headwind, fortunately the current was very strong so we were able to make progress despite the wind though we had to work hard all day. It was a shame as we had both been looking forward to the famous “ride” on the current which is fast all the way to Baker Lake.
Scouting Aleksektok Rapids and the ‘hole that could eat a house’ – we ran it tight river right, an iron cross up on the hill was another reminder, someone died here, don’t do anything stupid
The countryside was spectacular with steep rugged rocky cliffs on both sides and high hills, especially the “Halfway Hills” which were reminiscent of the Scottish Highlands. Camping places were difficult to find and it was 7.30 pm before we finally found a flat spot for the tent. Unfortunately high on a bank far back from the water it was ‘home’ to a million insects to the sq. cm. This canoe trip looks like challenging us to the bitter end. It is now only about 25 kilometres to Baker Lake so fingers crossed for fair winds.
Lunch, 16km below Aleksektok Rapids
Half Way Hills, Thelon River, we commented that they reminded us of Scotland
Last camp, on a terrace above the Thelon River about 25km from Baker Lake