S.M.M. Spring Canoe Trek -2026

Friday - April 24

We, William and Char, met just before dusk at the northern end of lake Långasjön just outside the village Åker in Småland. We packed up and headed out onto the lake on an incredible spring evening that offered sunshine and calm winds.When we had crossed the lake it was time to start an old SMM classic on the river Storån, also called Snaggy River.

After an hour of paddling it was time to set up camp for the night, so we went up on land to lay out our bedrolls and make a small fire. When the fire had died down, we decided to explore the hunting grounds and set traps* to hopefully bring some imaginary beaver plews with us to the next rendezvous. After this it was time to go back to camp for a whiskey and good stories. 

Saturday 25 April

 Up with the sun to enjoy a quiet morning with coffee, pork and bannocks. After breakfast it was time to get in the canoe and pack for the trip along the Snaggy River. During the morning we encountered obstacles in the form of felled trees which resulted in a few portages* and orienting ourselves through the tree traps.

Just before lunch we came across a deer swimming in the river. We waited to make sure it made it ashore safely, which it eventually did and disappeared into a clearing. After this it was time for a much awaited lunch consisting of Bannocks, boudins* and trail mix. While finishing our meal the weather chose to change from previous sunshine to rain. So, we decided to start paddling again as soon as possible. The afternoon consisted of more portages and chopping trees to get us through. We eventually made it to Flaten, which was the last lake on our voyage. When we got out on the lake, we were greeted by strong northerly winds, rain and hail. We turned for the northern shore, kept our heads down and just kept on paddling.

Safely ashore, though tipping over was close once or twice, it was time to pack up and head back home.

/William

Sketches: Click here to see more sketches from the trek.

*Trapping disclaimer

As always with the S.M.M., the trapping scenes mentioned in our journal entries and seen on our sketches are always practice sets that never pose a risk of catching or hurting any animals. The traps are never left loaded and unattended. The intention is to practice and experience as much as possible of the tools and techniques used by the original mountain trappers while at the same time respecting all Swedish game and hunting laws while doing so. A compromise resulting in cold and wet limbs with now plews to show for it.

*Portage/portaging

Transporting/carrying a canoe and all the cargo by land between two bodies of water or to pass obstacles such as fallen trees or waterfalls.

*Boudin

Read about SMM’s 2026 winter trek to learn more about these tasty treats.