Leave only footprints
I know this won’t be the most interesting blog for some people but I am more so writing it because I need to vent.
During the week we try to do atleast one outdoor activity a night. We went biking, seadooing, did some gardening and on Thursday I decided to take Mike to some of the beautiful lakes in the area. He is new to the area so there are still a lot of lakes that he has yet to explore. I was pretty excited to show him two new beautiful lakes. The first lake we went to is called Limestone Lake. I was pleased to see that there was no garbage and that the last people who camped there took care of the site.
We continued our tour and our next stop was Wabun Lake which is a popular camping spot, especially on May Long weekend. When we arrived at the lake instead of Mike saying “wow, it is so beautiful” he said “wow, this is disgusting”.
I was disappointed immediately, not by his comment but by the fact that someone who went there to camp and enjoy nature for the weekend left it that way. I have camped many times in my life. I grew up camping. One thing that was drilled into my brain as a child was to never litter, never leave my garbage, and if there was garbage, I was taught to pick it up. Luckily, I travel around with a garbage bag in the back of my truck for these kind of occasions but one was not enough. We will have to go back again with a few more bags to finish cleaning it. But look at the difference one garbage bag can do.
I don’t understand how people can litter.
I don’t understand why people would litter.
Especially when they were out camping or fishing. That should mean that they love nature and being outdoors, no? Then how can they leave it like that?
To end this rant, I am going to post a picture that is not mine. These are pictures I found off google and put into a collage so I can show people the RESULTS of littering. If I can inspire one person with this blog to throw a garbage bag in their vehicle and pick up litter whenever possible then it was worth writing. If not, atleast I got to vent a little.
Please think of animals when littering or when you see litter.
GREAT blog!! I completely agree… It’s so sad to me that people can’t take care of the outdoors. Your not the only one who uses it, leave it the way you found it. I was in Havasupai less then a months ago, you wouldn’t believe the amount of garbage I saw on the trails. I wish I had a garbage bag to fill. When I go back next year, I will be packing in a garbage bag. Lets preserve the places we love, for our kids, for the earth… There are only so many of these places on our planet, if we don’t take care of them, there won’t be any. Thanks for sharing
I have been to Wabun lake too. It’s pretty dirty with trash. If you go into the bush there’s toilets. Who the hell brings porcelain toilets to go camping? The last thing on my mind is where to take a crap. If you’re that useless and need a toilet, stay in the city!
Hey there!
I went to camp at Wabun many years ago with friends but I dont remember how to get back. From what i remember, it’s a pretty hidden turn/road and you have to go through quite some shrubbery. Can I trouble you for some directions? Promise to keep it clean!
Hi! Of course. Take Calabogie road and go past the ski hill. Turn left onto Mountain Chute Dam rd. I think its the second on the left but there should be a Wabun Lake rd sign. Stay on that road til the end and u can go left or right. If you go left you will get to the Wabun Lake boat launch. If you go to the right its the Madawaska River. There is a beautiful spot to camp if u walk over the hill. Check it out if u go. 🙂 hope that helps
I’m happy I’m not the only one with a concern. My friends and I have been camping Wabun 8-12 times a year during all 4 seasons for the past 15 years. Used to be beautiful. Now I spend the entire drive up there wondering how much garbage I’ll have to clean up before I get site ready. We’re doing another spring clean up this year. As soon as the snow is gone. I’ve had 20 “Leave tracks, NOT trash.” Signs made. 12″x6″. They’re going up as well. Not sure if it will help but I’m out of ideas. Anyways, thanks for your effort. It’s nice to know there’s like minded people in the area.
That’s so great to hear (that you’ve made signs and help to clean up). It’s such a beautiful spot and it’s really sad that it gets so trashed every year. We will have a newborn come May otherwise we always do a Spring clean up. But if you need a hand cleaning up my husband would be happy to help. Thank you. I look forward to seeing your signs up! We did a canoe camping trip there with our toddler this past summer and luckily the site we had was fairly clean. (The one with the hockey sticks)
I was wondering if I could use your picture of trash at a campsite for my website. I’m doing an article on top 10 common backpacking mistakes. This picture would be perfect
Yes you definitely can!
Thanks!