A couple nights camping at Hoel Pond

 My planned five day canoe trip in the St. Regis area was postponed, so instead I met up with Gary and Cold River Bob for a relaxing two night campout at Hoel Pond. 

Gary has a multiple week permit to camp at this spot. Without a permit, users are limited to a 3-night stay. Bob is joining him for about a week, I stopped by for a few days. 

We paddled a bit on Hoel Pond so Gary could use his giant lens to photograph loons and their chicks. I saw a couple decent sized fish in the clear water below me. One even rose and splashed nearby. The loons also surfaced nearby to check us out. 

Was very windy the first day, so we stayed off the water. The second day was very calm. Rain came in the evening the second night along with some distant thunderstorms. By morning it was mostly gone. I did pass through some more showers on the drive home.

Now planning the redo trip with my paddling partner.

Overnight at Cedar Lake

 May 21-22. Quick overnight to Cedar Lake

Only car at Pillsbury trailhead. As I was getting ready, two more pulled in. Mitch and Rob were spotting a vehicle and heading to the Jessup River trailhead. Both were avid fisherman. We talked briefly about fushing here. It had been a few years since either had been in the area.

Cool temps and light breeze kept black flies at bay. Trail went quickly. Just under two hours to the dam. Stopped at the new lean-to to admire the work and get a shovel for the Beaver Pond Outlet lean-to. Another mile, plus a quick stop at the spring to fill water bottle. 

A family was at the lean-to finishing their lunch break. They were doing the loop starting/ending at Jessup TH. Plan was Pillsbury lean-to for the night. 

When breeze stopped, flies were immediate visitors. Glad these moments were short. Made lunch; a test recipe for Chef Corso. 

Hung out, explored a little, gathered a little wood, had a beer.

Not hungry for dinner, so just had a snack. After sunset the loons made all kinds of racket. I slept well, but every time I would momentarily wake up, the loons were at it again.

I tried to sleep in, but with the lean-to facing east it gets the full sun as it rises. Did not get as cold last night as expected. I am certain today will get buggy, so instead of waiting around I took advantage of the coolness of the morning hours to hike out.

A lone tent was at the site near the dam. A few more cars in the lot when I returned. One guy was just loading up his pack and canoe to meet some friends who were already in at Pillsbury. One was the guy who caught the state record brook trout last year at St. Regis.