Ghost Towns and Abandoned Lumber Camps

This abandoned bridge is a very significant place in the history of the Temagami Old Growth struggle. Note the pile of rocks on the abutment. As a show of concern and solidarity, canoe-ists would stop and pick a rock and then deposit it on the pile in front of the bridge. This is on the Wakamika River.

Here are some pictures of old foundations of a camp/town. There are multiple buldings on either side of the Obabika River.

Judging by the growth and the size of the trees within th foundation, these are at least 60 years old. My guess would be before trucks, back in the horse and water way transportation

One could see may outbuildings, some as large as a barn.

Here is Sue hugging one of the trees that got missed by the saw. The area is scattered with trees that were either too small, or too difficult to get to and today they are monsters. There wont be a next time through, as this area is now protected.

Throughout the bush, you can find theses reminders of older log "highways" The rivers were used to help transport the logs. There would be horses and men at these junctions. Sometimes there would be an buiding or two. All of these are now abandoned and the land is returning to natural. Some day, even these old reminders will be gone.

There was a major log transfer station here on the Obabika River. One can still explore and find these reminders.

Here is a picture of Alex Mathias being arrested for protesting for protection of this Old Growth Stand. The results of this protest, led to the creation of parks and legislation to protect this significant wilderness. Alex was one of many who were arrested.

To me, this is a badge of honour. I will forever respect and admire all those who had the courage to stand up. Candadian heros....all of them. The Temagami People, the Naturalist groups, the canoist and campers, politicians and average people, all stood up against the machine to protect this land for my grandchildrens children. Salutes...Hugs...Handshakes respect and admiration goes to these champions.

The man being arrested in this photo is my native elder and he will take his place with the ancestors with pride, knowing he did what he needed to do for Mother Earth and future generations. He wears Feathers on his head forever more. Meegwich elder Misabi...meegwich