History is for the Pits!

After spending a few rest days at Naturally Superior Adventures, Jon and I paddled into one of the most remote sections of our journey this year - Pukaskwa National Park. Pink and grey hills line the coastline intermittent periodically by fine sand and cobble stone beaches. Due to the topography of the area, highway 17 was built around this section of the shoreline so the only way to see it is by hiking, paddling or boating. Our camera beckoned us to take pictures around ever corner. In every direction, the views were stunning. Pukaskwa’s trance was upon us. Our pace slowed and we enjoyed every moment. We swam under waterfalls, hiked up rolling hills and searched the park for one of its greatest mysteries - Pukaskwa pits.
Generally found on the highest terrace of beaches, Pukaskwa pits are depressions in the cobblestone that are usually of a round or oblong shape. Normally a couple meters across by a meter deep, these pits can also be as large as the foundation of a building. Constructed by the Ojibway people, the oldest of the pits are thought to be 10,000 years old with the most recent being 500 years old. Although they are not strictly found within the boundaries of Pukaskwa National Park, the highest concentration of these historical mysteries are located here. The curiosity surrounding Pukaskwa pits remains in their intended use. Were they used to catch fish, provide shelter, or spiritual guidance during vision quests? No one knows.