Of Inukshuks and a Stroll Through the Park
by Jim Carrier

The following day we broke camp and zipped down the Maligne. After Jean Creek, this wide-open, pretty river was a joy to paddle. We set up camp on a serviceable site just above Tanner Lake and were catching Walleye below a small set of rapids by mid-afternoon. After dinner, Ben and I explored Poohbah Creek, hoping to spot moose. Water level was extremely low. At Dusk, I dropped Ben off at camp and crossed the river to join my brother, fishing near the rapids. Suddenly, a flash in camp startled us. I heard Big Ed yell, “Drop and roll, Ben! Drop and roll!” Like meteors we shot back to camp. Everything turned out ok, but Ben learned a valuable lesson about pre-soaking campfire kindling in Coleman fuel! The result was explosive and a little scary. Fortunately, little harm was done…other than to Ben’s pride. His clothing got a little singed but he was not burned. I was glad Eddie had hung around camp and could render assistance. When Fortune smiled upon us that evening, it was wearing the cheerful face of Big Ed.

The next day, we fished the rapids, lounged around, and broke camp at midday. The weather was gorgeous. We paddled below Tanner Rapids and around the big bend, seeking a campsite close to Twin Falls, our exit point. We found a 5 Star beauty! Located less than a quarter mile above the Falls, the site was airy, spacious, and dominated by mature shade trees. It featured a natural kitchen area with “shelf rock seating” and sleeping areas well-bedded with soft layers of pine needles. We knew we must have passed an Inukshuk somewhere on the Maligne that day!

After dinner, Ben and I paddled to a stony island, just a hundred yards or so above the Falls. Gary soon followed while Eddie stayed in camp, trying his luck from his latest, most comfortable, lumbar rock yet. We beached upriver on that island and started pitching twister-tail grubs into the sets of rapids on either side. Non-stop action ensued, including several “muscle” bass which seriously challenged my ultra-light fishing skills and three pound test line! We couldn’t have asked for better angling to close out our trip!

Later, we sat around our last campfire in silence, enjoying the incredible panoply of stars and the occasional streaking meteor or satellite, all vibrantly visible before the late rising of the Moon. The Scotch was gone, but I had saved a small quantity of brandy for a final toast. That bug-free night, Gary and Ben joined Big Ed, sleeping next to dying embers of our campfire out under those stars. I retired to my tent, listening to the hum of the guys’ quiet voices as if it was a lullaby. My drowsy thoughts drifted to my buddy, Tom, once again. A favorite stanza from an old Hank William’s song came to mind:“ The silence of a falling star lights up a purple sky. And, as I wonder where you are, I am so lonesome I could cry.” The hum of voices combined with the effects of fresh air to induce a deep and restful sleep.

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Jim Carrier