Float Trip to Ungava- Info on Route and Gas wanted

[Durango skywagon]

Thought I'd pick the collective brain out there. I am scheming to head up to the Ungava region of Quebec. It seems smart to use Barnoin River Camp N-58° 33' W-065° 27' as a base and heading on trips from there.

First of all gas is $1200 a drum at Barnoin River Camp. Are they my only option in that area?

Any recomendations on places to camp, things to see? I'll have an expedition grade inflatable canoe and am looking for an area to set down for awhile and paddle for a few days.

Any advice on weather patterns up there would be helpful too. I'll be headed there around August 15th.

-Brad

[Liquid Charlie]

type of airplane wheels, floats or both ? -- and yes av gas is your main problem but the weather in that area is likely some of the worst in Canada for change and possibility for being stuck for days - you did likely pick the best month but no guarantees.

[Durango skywagon]

Good point Charlie, missing some info.

I've got a 185 on straight floats, 88 gallon tanks. My bird seems to love cruising LOP at 11-12 an hour at 115kts, which gives me pretty good endurance.

One thought I had was Avgas at Schefferville and at Lac Pau is affordable, I could do a shuttle trip up to stockpile some extra gas and maybe avoid buying a Drum. Complicated logistics there, but at $6 a liter at Rapid Lake Lodge that price encourages creativity.

Also, Are any of the communities up there float plan accessable? It would be nice to have a cultural experience as well.

[Rudder Bug]

If you plan a stop in Kuujjuaq, I suggest you give Johnny May a call. He might have a spot for you at his dock, the only one in town (Stewart Lake). He is kind enough to offer you a ride dowtown if you need groceries or a room. Last year, you could have a drum of 100LL delivered for $800 but I don't know for now.

Fly safe

RB

[Durango skywagon]

Thanks RB,

I can't get ahold of Johnie May at any of the numbers listed. I have found Avgas in Kuujuaq for a reasonable price, compared to what Alain at Rapid Lake Lodge is charging. Which Northern Quebec communities are float plane friendly? If I can't get Johnie May where else can I dock in Kuujuaq?

Thanks

Brad

[Rudder Bug]

Brad,

I don't thinks there is any other place than Stewart lake for a seaplane around Kuujjuaq. There is a marina, away from town, not attended and the tide is quite big.

There is an outfitter 25 miles west of there, Diana Lake but I am sure Johnny would not mind you using his dock. He is quite the gentleman.

I can not think of any other community along the coast where a seaplane and a pilot could be "happy", unless you could access someone's mooring. You are defenitely going to Twotterland.

I can make some phone calls or email some people for you, feel free to ask.

RB

[Liquid Charlie]

None of the settlements along the ungava are float plane friendly since they all are on rivers and close enough to the coast that tides are an issue - you would need to find an inland lake and as suggested you should co-ordinate through Kuujuak and likely a good place to make as your "base" and do your trips from there - good idea to invest in a sat phone rental since the wx does change there rapidly and if you are camping out it would be great to know wx before you launch - gas is critical for you and wandering around trying to deal with wx can put you sitting on a lake with no fuel to get anywhere --

enjoy ---

[Rudder Bug]

Brad,

I just found out about Kangiqsualujjuaq There is Alain's Lake, three miles northwest of the community, where there's a dock you can use.

It might get quite busy in fall, due to mining activities but you should be good earlier. I will PM you the phone number of a local who can give you a ride when you get there.

When are you planning to gear up?

RB

[Durango skywagon]

Whoa, thats awesome RB. I'll check out the topos and find Alains lake. I think the co-op there has Avgas as well.

I'll be ready to go in Northeastern Ontario on August 22nd. My plan is to wait for a good weather window, then go for it. Routing looks like: Val D'Or- Lac Pau (Air Sagenay near Caniapiscau)- then either Kuujuaq or Kangiqsualujjuaq.

I'll have to arrange delivery of a drum or two to Alains Lake or to your friend or have it ready for pickup.

Looked at the Map and Alain's Lake looks good, I assume its big enough for me!

Thanks again,

Brad

[Rudder Bug]

Brad,

Even better, if you can do a little dog leg to CYFJ, my brother in law has a beach for you next to his 172's dock. I can come get you, take you home for overnight and we will call all the people along your way, while having a cold one.

My wife's cousin runs the Air Saguenay Lac Pau base. You'll be in good hands there. I have some good friends in Kuujjuaq too and we can arrange to put you in a good and safe house.

RB

[Durango skywagon]

Thanks RB! I'll PM you.

-Brad

[casey]

Stewart Lake 819-964-2321

[Durango skywagon]

Thanks

[sheephunter]

I'll be leaving from Huntsville around Aug. 15th (weather dependant) and go through Matagami (last fall was Amos coming south.. would do that again instead of Matagami but who knows), LG-4 and then straight to camp 85 miles west of Kuujjuaq. Give me a shout prior to then if you need a place to call home for a day or two. Or if you want to fly up with me at the same time is not a problem. Serge is at Johnny May's float base on Stewart Lake in Kuujjuaq at (819) 964-2321. I spoke with him today. I am sure he can be approached about 100LL as well tie downs at the dock as he is there every day now until fall. Going to Lac Pau is a little further east than you need to go but sounds like you have some good contacts there, so weigh that all out. Sometimes mileage isn't as important as who you know when you get there. Have fun.

[Durango skywagon]

Headed north this morning, here's our spot: http://share.findmespot.com/shared/face ... 0mZtv6OxWk

Weathers not perfect but manageable.

-Brad

[sheephunter]

Weather is still bad. I've been stuck in Kuujjuaq for the past 3 days. Wind the first day and fog for the past two. Hopefully will be flying again in the morning. I should be home around Oct. 01 or so and will have more time to see how your trip went.