There is a small 'croo of Gonzos that has been hiking/paddling into the boonies a few times a year (summer/winter) to fix up an old DNR cabin on Three Mile Lake. The big work...digging out, levelling and stabilizing the cabin is pretty much all done...and now we are free to go in there to fish, skate and rappel the 50' cliffs. What?

Historic Three Mile Warden's Cabin - Jack Saw

I guess this all started a few years ago, when Bernie (Jack Knife) and a few of us were in to this cabin.

It was pretty rough shape. Broken windows, falling over, stove was past its' "best before" date and the pipe was rusted thru, - you are getting the idea. We looked at each other and said "We have the skills to fix this place up"

We checked with DNR and Environment and soon found that the cabin was on the list to be burned down as it had become a liability that the province was not ready to assume. It took a few more calls to get a hold of the person whose responsibility it was. I gave my background and experience and it was determined that we could have a "go" at it. DNR dropped in by helicopter a new stove pipe and pit toilet and 6 of us paddled in one day.

It was Bernie and Gordon in one canoe and DNR wardens in 2 other canoes, and -Only Bernie and I had been there before.

It is always a treat to see people who don't canoe but who have them actually have to use them. I mean canoeing looks so easy when you see Bernie in one but it is not. ----So these two wardens put their heavy 80lb+ canoes and start the short walk into the first put in. ------Bernie and I quickly determine that if these guys determine our speed(?) In we might not get out before dark, so we tell them we will wait at he next portage and show them the way and then we will leave them.

We arrive at the cabin and immediately start to work hooking up the stove pipe. Bernie is absolutely meticulous on getting the pipe plumb and level. ----After some discussion we pick a spot for the pit toilet.

After promising more help the DNR people leave and Bernie and I stay back to take some measurements and discuss a plan of attack. ----We give DNR a list of materials. A short time later DNR drops them by helicopter and we have no more excuses. -A team, Bruce Murphy, Keith Taylor, Bernie and Gordon are assembled. ------- and the work begins.

Of course we now need saws and an axe and hydraulic jacks and shovels and a pick and tape measures and plexiglass, and of course a level, but this we can carry in. -This cabin, once we got down to the real work, was 17" out of level. The far right corner had sunk that far. -We had to dig a 15" deep trench around the building to get rid of the water. -We had 8 - 12' long 8"x8"s to use as beams and posts.

We would work around the building lifting it a couple of inches at a time. Cut another post (thus my name of Jack Saw), Bernie with his handy multi tool knife becomes Jack Knife....Murphy becomes Jack Post as he is the only one of us small enough to get under the cabin and get these posts installed.

Keith becomes Jack Hammer cause when we need some big time hitting or hammering and picking, he is the man.

So the cabin is now level and we have repaired all the windows (one is so deteriorated now we will replace it next visit) . The stove works great. Bernie has rehung the front door so that it now opens and closed and stays shut. -We put steps on the bunk ladder so that one doesn’t kill their feet anymore. -We have reinforced the ramp into the building so that it doesn’t bounce.

The cabin has 4 double bunks, so it can sleep 8 easy, with a bit more room on the floor if you happen to get there with another group.

To get there, some paddle portage from Aerotech Park behind the airport. ---In the winter you use the same route and walk on the ice. Some travel in from North Preston either across the ice or a trail along the eastern side of the lake. ------We haven't yet found this trail, probably because we haven't really looked. -Some have bushwhacked from Aerotech park straight in and some have come straight from Waverley. Better be good with a compass.

Bernie was back in this past August (I was a little out of the game) and since that weekend there have been 13 visits into this cabin.

So the Four Jacks decided that this past week was a good time to go in and use "our" cabin. When we arrived this time the cabin was spotless. Quite an improvement over previous visits when there was a bag of garbage left just in the stove alone. --People are taking pride in it and leaving more firewood than when they arrived.

So this trip, I cut firewood, Jack Knife rappelled down a couple of 60' rock faces, Jack Post spotted him, and even though Jack Hammer wasn't first he did get skating on Three Mile Lake under the moonlight.
It usually takes about 3 hours to paddle/portage in and about the same time to walk in over the ice. -----It took us just over 2.5 hours to go in on Tuesday as the ice was in great shape. It took 3.5 hours for the return on Wednesday as there was now 4" or 5" of snow.

• No such luck. Someone had actually skated in....in 1.5 hours.
• Someone else has actually rode in on a fat tire bike.

Scouting Trip #3 - Oct.28, 2015  

Gordon, Bruce M, & Bernie via Levy Cruiser. Day trip, scout out cabin's under structure and possibly measure cabin for required material. Oh yes, and scout out my cliff!

You Don't Know Jack - Jack Post (Fall 2016 visit)  

A few of the 'croo were playing Poker (Jacks or better to open) at the Clubhouse when the call came in. We were being assigned to a death-defying, hush-hush gov't job. There were four of us there to answer the call and we all whopped it up pretty good. Keith's (AKA Jack Hammer) yelling woke up his dog, Joey (AKA Jill), who was dreaming of romping thru apple orchards with her buddy Bruce (AKA Jack Post)

Turns out, the Feds had already been persuaded by Gordon (AKA Jack Saw) to do a helicopter drop of supplies at the secluded site, but because the operation was now considered covert, we had to go undercover. Bernie (AKA Jack Knife) decided we would stay stealthy and go in canoes.

We hauled in tons of supplies...canoes are the camels of the lake system. Enough clothes to start our own Patagonia store. paddles that cost more than your father's first car, some illicit alcohol and even fresh eggs. Obviously, this 'croo was not still wet behind the ears....and liked its comforts.

On the first "Jack" operation, we consumed a lot of tea, hot chocolate, a few bags of dried mango, some Irish stew and kgs of pasta. The winner of the "Are you serious?" award was Jack Saw, with his 16-year-old hot chocolate. The little marshmallows didn't seem to mind the wait. The winner of the "OMG" food award was also Saw...with his freshly boiled eggs.

The winner of the best new gear award goes to Knife with his solar-powered LED camplight.

Bedtime was 8:00 PM, which might seem early. Come out on the next operation and see if you can do better. For sleeping, Squat chose the 10C floor, Knife and Saw stayed in the bunks at 20C and Hammer toughed it out in the 30C attic ( I exaggerate...the attic was more like 40C).

All in all, a very enjoyable and productive trip. Hope I am part of the 'croo when the operation is signed off and the heroes' identities made public.

Squat (AKA Jack Post)

Three Mile Winter Olympics  

With the cabin all fixed up, what challenges were left out there? Turns out, everyone but Jack Post had an itch to scratch, so a winter overnighter was planned out to Three Mile. Jack Hammer...he wanted to maybe be the first person to skate on the lake (OK, maybe the first that week). Jack Saw wanted to prove that his new parts were Gonzo-worthy and Jack Knife had decided that it was time to rappel down 2 of the 50' cliffs on the lake that had been taunting him for a few years.

Jack Post still trying to adjust to the fact that the other Jacks are crazy...

Rappelling the Three Miles Cliffs - Jack Knife  

Rappelling down granite rock face, 50 ft or so. Been on my bucket list since I discovered it behind the thunder box we installed at the Historic Warden's Cabin on Three Mile Lake. I had aggressive boot grippers on because of icy conditions and they impeded my descent. Much thanks to Bruce Murphy (AKA Jack Post) for descent support, and Keith Taylor (AKA Jack Hammer) for camera work and for helping to make this happen.

Jack Knife

Three Mile Fishing Trip...May 02-04 2019  

Three Mile Fishing Trip with Jack Sprat...July 18-20 2019  

Ethan Levy and 2/4 Jacks. The weather was perfect, well could have been a little cooler coming out Saturday, 30 c. As far as I know we had a first on Preeper Big Lake when Gordon spotted a large White Tail Deer on the way out. We all got to see the three foot tail go up and off it bounded, very cool.

I took my Grandson Ethan, one of Ben's sons, on this trip. We fished, had a swim and hiked over to Frying Pan Hole, plus helped Gordon with lifting and such as he replaced the wooden bridge going into the Cabin. We spent two nights there, bugs were pesty at times.......... We built a smudge fire which worked very well, Gordie was pleased, "Just like that , no bugs".

Trail Maintenance...Oct 08 2019  

Autumn Maintenance. Jacksaw and Jack-knife did an in and out trip to do some trail work.

Window Dressing...Nov 13-14 2019  

Fall Retreat. Stephen Rand (Randy Jack) and Jack-knife went in middle of Nov for a retreat from life and to replace window.

Skip Fenwick visit...Feb 26-27 2020  

Latest trip into the Historic Three Mile Lake Warden's Cabin in the Waverley-Salmon River Long Lake Wilderness Area. Due to priorities we had a late start on Wednesday Feb 26th, leaving Aerotech Park at 2:00 pm. Gordon, Skip (Greg), Keith and Bernie headed in on a very warm +8 afternoon. Lakes were solid but a little slushy at times.

Bernie Levy solo 3 day visit...May 06-08 2020  

Since my last trip in, in February by snow and ice I've been looking forward to a early spring fishing trip. Well... Covid-19 put a damper on that trip, although looking at the log book it didn't stop everyone. When I heard they opened fishing season the first of May allowing fishing from shore or boat I quickly planned a trip in. Not able to entice Wendy to a getaway trip to a Cabin in the pines on a lake, I was on my own planning a three day, two night solo trip. As the trip day got closer, the forecast got worse but still had sun for going in and coming out, middle day not so good.

Got an early start on May 06, started the first portage around 8:45, taking 3 hr 22 min to cabin. Being solo added extra things to carry including paddles, PFD, throw-bag, bailer, sit-upon, normally carried by my partner. Carry in weight 100 lb plus.

Pandemic Paddle...June 16-18 2020  

It took my best debating skills plus a small bribe to get Wendy back into the Historic Wardens Cabin on Three Mile Lake. After getting stuck in “the Boot Sucking Bog” on the third portage going in in June 2016, she was adamant that she was not going in again. We were in with Keith and Peggy, and Peggy came to her rescue, supporting her while Wendy extracted her boot from the bog.

Fogey Foray...July 09 2020  

The "Lure" is too strong; we just can't stay away. Jack Saw and Jack Knife proved once again they still have what it takes to get in and out in the same day. With almost 145 years of experiences between them, they portaged and paddled into the Historic Warden's Cabin on Three Mile Lake. As usual that last portage is a doozy, only 0.35 k but a steep uphill for 150 meters and then a steeper 200 meters down.

Three Generation Trek...July 2020  

One of the joys of Three Mile is sharing it with others. This past July, I led a two day, one night Three Generation Trek into the Scenic Historic Warden's cabin on Three Mile Lake. The Party consisted of Son-in-law Darren, his two sons, Levi and Sam, my son Ben and myself Poppy. We took about 3hr 15 min going in and about the same coming out.

It should be noted that after Poppy stressing to double check and sweep well, not to leave anything behind on carries. On the way in I managed to leave my water bottle, plus a shoulder bag with extra water and fuel at the top of Preeper Big Lake! No pictures available. Here are some pic of highlights and camp activities.

Above All You Need a Roof...Nov 2020  

For the past 5 years, an itinerant 'croo of Gonzos led by Bernie Levy and Gordon Warnica have been fixing up an old Warden's Cabin on Three Mile lake. This trip, the plan was to get a new chimney in place and then fix up and re-shingle the roof. The pics and movies below document that successful project.

The newbie in this work party was one Eion O'Connor...born in Trinidad...now a supplanted Canadian. Tough as nails...but not a cold weather guy. Somehow, this supposedly bright fellow was convinced to head out into the boonies for a few days...4 lakes and 4 portages away from civilization...during a snow storm!!! to climb up home-made ladders and staging to help replace a roof.

The good news. Eion is now a tried and tested Canadian and a full-fledged Gonzo. Basically, he hit the Gonzo jackpot...showing his mettle when it counts. He'll be telling this story to the grandkids every winter from now on.

Cleanliness is next to...Nov 2020  

Gordon and Bernie headed back out to Three Mile to cleanup all that roofing material before the season ice up. They also built a replacement for the ramp and installed the Four Jacks plaque, which you can see just above the front door to the cabin.

Trip in to Saw Firewood...Feb 2022  

Hello friends of Three Mile Cabin.

Jeff White, a chap we met last year as we were coming out from the cabin, and I were into the cabin last week, 7th to the 9th on a firewood cutting trip. Cut up dead falls on east side of cabin and up the hill to the right of the toilet. A lot of it has been brought to the cabin and split, thanks to Jeff and Darryl W. Below is the link to the video of the trip.

The cabin was very busy this winter with others cutting wood supply also, cutting mostly downed trees. When we arrived there was a lot of wet wood in the corner, we removed it and left the floor clear to dry out. There has been some talk about a wood shelter, thinking about using the old ramp that Gordon replaced two years ago as a base, lots of shingles to cover a roof.

FYI: Have several names for future work parties.

Last Ice Trip...Mar 2022  

The safe ice window is coming to a close. Bernie, Ben and Ethan (grandfather, son and grandson) were able to get in and out on Monday for one last winter visit to Three Mile. King, North Red Trout, and Three Mile Lakes were passable with caution but the north end of Preeper Big Lake had only 3 to 3 1/2 " of ice. We bushwhacked the whole length 1200 meters going in, but on the way out found 6" of ice at the south end, bushwhacked the last 400 meters or so. Ice getting very easy to chop through.

Took in Gordie's chain saw and sawed in the round most of the big blowdowns we had worked on early in Feb on the east side of the cabin. Also cut down the remainder of the dead spruce 12 - 15 ft still standing to the right of the toilet and chuncked it up. Lots of round blocks now available for splitting and stacking at the cabin for next winter. Lots of good branches to cut up also.

Thinking of taking old ramp (now in water near shore) , putting it between two trees behind cabin and stacking split wood on it to dry. Possible tarp or shingles over top for rain protection.

Latrine Duty...May 2022  

Hello Friends of Three Mile Lake Wardens Cabin. I was into the Cabin this past Monday and Tuesday for some fishing and cleaning out of the latrine.

Also, I dug a new pit to the left of the thunder box and then shoveled out the latrine putting the contents into the new pit and covering it over with forest debris. There is still room in the new pit for a couple more cleanings. The existing hole was dug in Oct 2018, taking about 3 1/2 years to fill up. I had modified a shovel to use as a poop scoop and it worked very well, left it in the woods to gas off for a while.

Cabin is being well used, nice paint job on the door and frame... Ian.

Firewood Upkeep...August 2022  

I went into Three Mile last Monday and Tuesday with my son Ben and three grandsons. Great trip, we brought down some of the wood off the south west hill, restocked the cabin with wood that dried under the front of the cabin, and piled some under the ramp and in front of the cabin. Still more to bring down from the left and right side of the cabin that we cut last winter.

Fiona's Wrath...October 2022  

Last Wednesday 4 of us went into the cabin from Aero Tech Rd. The first three portages all had blow-downs but we were able to remove all, easier ones going in and then more difficult coming out. The fourth portage from the south end of North Red Trout Lake to Three Mile Lake was a different story.

A group had been in the previous weekend and had noted in the sign-in book there were a lot of blow downs, but it was more than we had envisioned. From the take-out point to the top of the first hill almost every major tree is blown down (mostly uprooted) about a 75 meter section. After the trail levels out some it was clear, except for a few smaller branches, until you reach the first hand rope that Dusan installed a few years ago, about 200 meters or so.

We were able to remove that large branch across the rope but the rest of the way 75 meters had several large tangled messes. In all, that portage is very difficult now, we had to go around, under and over many trees, (removing limbs as we go) but doable, just takes more time!

Czeching In...October 2022  

Our friend Filip, who we met in 2015 while teaching English as a second language in the Czech Republic, an outreach program our church was involved with, came to visit some of the people involved with the program. I thought taking Filip into the Three Mile Warden's cabin would be the perfect wilderness adventure.

He got the full meal deal, canoeing, paddling, portaging the boot sucking bog (or as Filip called it "boot eating bog"), sterning, navigating through a hurricane tossed forest, eating my burnt pancakes, and last but not least paddling in the rain. All being positive things I think.

At the cabin we split some wood, cut some blow downs, carried to the cabin some wood cut last winter, and finished out the evening with a game of Qwirkle!