“Had a snorkel at Pukaskwa Park a few weeks ago. Jimmy Lockard and our sons Chris and Gord undertook an underwater photography project here, on behalf of the park, about 30 years ago. It focused on Hattie’s Cove. At that time we had our Avon inflatable fitted with an electric motor to go further into the Cove. This snorkel dive was in quite shallow water near where a channel to Lake Superior is located. I found it very nice to see a freshwater area devoid of zebra mussels and gobies—what freshwater areas were like before these were introduced to the Great Lakes ecosystem.” David Gilchrist
The word “Pukaskwa” has multiple spelling variations and numerous folktales pertaining to its definition. Some claim the word is descriptive vocabulary related to fish cleaning. Some interpreters translate it as “something evil,” “eaters of fish,” or “safe harbour.”
The Ojibway and Cree Cultural Centre in Timmins has sources that suggest “Pukasu” is the proper Roman spelling for “Pukaskwa.” “Pukasu” refers to the process by which people boil the marrow found inside animal bones. The carcass’s leftovers are tossed onto an open fire and roasted until the marrow is tender and all of the meat has burnt away.
Though its exact origins may never be known, the word has come to be associated with the untamed coastline of Lake Superior known as Pukaskwa National Park.
Inside Pukaskwa National Park is the Hattie Cove Campground for campers, hikers and scuba divers. 67 sites are available from May to October for RV’s and tents.
Thanks to David Gilchrist for the video
Dedicated to the friendship of David Gilchrist and The Scuba News Canada longtime diving buddy Jimmy Lockard. Saturday, October 19, 2024, was Jimmy’s last dive.
The group “Save Ontario Shipwrecks” was founded by Jimmy. He supported the Ontario Marine Heritage Committee Jimmy re-created “The Dive Team” (Facebook), a special website for David Gilchrist, Bill Lindberg, Ferdinando Correia (of Madeira), and himself to showcase their aptitude for photographing and filming the majesty of the scuba world.