Quick trip to the "Wet" Canada Lakes Wilderness- Cedar Lake

 

Picked up Shannon at 8am in Syracuse and we drove to Wakely Dam. Weather called for rain and we hoped get on the trail before it really hit. In preparation we put on our rain gear and pack covers. Rain started soon after. We took a break a Carry lean-to for lunch. A group of four had kayaked in and set up a large tent. The lean-to had their chairs and their stash of wood. They kindly moved aside and let us sit out of the rain for lunch. 

After about 8 miles, we both were getting tired of the rain, and the trail seemed to go on forever. Some sections of the NPT just feel longer. At least the SCA crew had side cut my section so a majority of the car wash areas were free and clear. I also noted they cut the ground logs so there was less to step (or climb) over. Just before the Cedar Lake dam, we ran into "Shaggy". He was on his way to the Carry lean-to but after hearing about the party going on, he opted to head back to Cedar #1 where he had left another hiker. Shaggy was in his 70's and recounted some memories of his first time to Cedar Lake in 1967. I asked if he recalled the old ranger station which he did. We were told Cedars #2 lean-to was empty so we continued on the extra mile to, in my opinion, the better lean-to. 

Shannon changed into dry clothes immediately. I took off my rain gear and put on a dry shirt. I was hoping the rain would subside soon so I could gather wood to make a fire. By 6pm, the rain stopped, so I headed out and gathered some kindling. I found a giant downed birch tree from which I gathered an armful of bark. A dead leaning barkless maple would mostly complete what I needed. A few wet spruce branches would later be gathered. Using the charred logs, the bark and kindling a decent fire was going. the dead dry maple was soon providing enough heat to dry us out completely.

A few beers later and both of us were ready for bed. The night went quickly (for me at least). the few times I awoke, I noted the strong winds. I tried to sleep in, but was eventually up a  little before 7am.

 There was a chill in the air, so I started the fire for some morning warmth, After breakfast we headed out. I set out first so I could get photos of the other lean-to in preparation for Lean2rescue. Shaggy had already departed, Pat was still getting ready. I took a panorama of photos for George. Soon Shannon arrived as did a few sprinkles. We had hoped for a nice day for the walk out but it was not to be. On & off rain for most of the hike out. A few times the sun would peek through the clouds and we could take off our rain gear to let our bodies breathe. 

Back at the car close to 1 pm and the temp was 47 degrees. We knew if was chilly, but not that cold. Even with the rain, it was a fun trip. Am ready to head back to spend more time without the rain; hopefully do some fishing before trout season ends.