Haderondah loop

 With Shannon & Andy. Weather was great.  Shannon and I hiked in from the Thendara trailhead about 7ish miles to Middle Settlement Lake. When we first started out we passed by a trail crew mining and splitting rocks to  shore up the creeks righ near the footbridges. Made good time to MSL, it has been a long tome since I was here. Lake level was super low. The island was surrounded by grasslands. The shelter log indicated the beaver dam went out in 2023 lowering the water level significantly. Shannon went to her tent for a moment and when she returned, she said a group of Mennonite women were standing behind the lean-to. A dozen of them, not making a sound. They moved on to the campsite around the point. Andy arrived just after dark, he saw our campfire which helped him navigate the sparsley marked path to the lean-to. A little chilly the first night as the wind kept stealing my warmth from the underquilt.

Cool morning made for great hiking weather. We crossed over the outlet and saw where the beaver dam had been. Made our way on the Lost Lake trail towards Pine Lake. Stopped a few times for some breaks. Lost lake was pretty. Passed by a huge beaver dam. The flooded section from 5 years ago was still there, but with the drought, it was just muddy. Had to be careful where we stepped as some spots were quite deep. At the junction to Pine Lake, the inlet was flooded. Andy went to scope out a reroute as the signs indicated. He found a well worn herd path. Shannon and I were talking with a hiker from the Niagara region. He was waiting for the other ten in his group on their way to Middle Settlement. Shannon and I found the herd path, but then lost it right as we crossed the inlet. We were checking out some old stove remnants alongside an uprooted tree. Made a hard left turn through the brush to re-capture the main snowmobile trail with the lean-to only a few hundred yards away.

A canoe was near shore, later on I would check it's seaworthyness only by pushing it out into the shallows and standing in it to see how quickly it would gather water. It will need some patching if anyone wants to really use it. Also no paddle. Lean-to was in good condition. We checked out the site of the old cabin which showed on the old maps. Some concrete and iron were all that was left in the overgrown field. 

The next day we headed to Middle Branch Lake. We stopped at the campsite on Big Otter Lake for a water break soon after we checked out the new bridge. I took the group off trail a short ways to the waterfall/cascade on the South Inlet Creek which eventually feeds into Big Otter. We sat on the rock and had lunch. Someday I would like to fish the pool just below the falls. There appears to be a campsite on the far side. I had recalled this from my visit here with Jim 5 years ago. Getting to it would likely require a wet crossing.

After lunch we hit the wet section which was now completely underwater for over 200 meters. Shannon tried to skirt the edge along the beaver dam. Andy donned his crocs and headed right through the water, he was glad it was an old roadbed with a durable bottom instead of the sometimes squishy muck. I removed my boot liners and socks and waded through. On the other side I poured out the water from my boots, replaced the liners and my socks. Socks were then damp all afternoon, but it was better than really soggy had I left them on.

At Middle Branch I opted to set up a ground set-up with my tarp just for practice. andy and Shannon stayed in the lean-to. We had some laughs about the entries in the shelter log. Apparently the previous night the Menonnite women came upon a couple celebrating their anniversary and witnessed a bit more of nature than they bargained for. 

A great sunset over the lake. Some small showers over night. Just enough to add some moisture to the super dry trail and make my tarp wet to pack up. Rained a bit more on the hike out. We saw the work the trail crew from the first day had completed. Next time here I think I will do the northern loop on the minimal maintenance trails and fish the South Inlet at the falls.

Middle Settlement Lake

Middle Settlement Lake

Middle Settlement Lake 

Morning at Middle Settlement Lake

Beaver Dam on Lost Lake trail

Lost Lake

Lost Lake

Pine Lake

Big Otter Lake

Big Otter Lake

Otter Brook Trail

Middle Branch Lake

MBL at sunset

MBL sunset

Quick trip to McKenzie

 Overnight at Placid lean-to on Jackrabbit ski trail. Short hike in, great weather. A lot of hikers came by. Lean-to needs some work; I sent a message to the adopter when I got home. Lean-to #178 and another area I have not yet stayed in for my "Quest". I am 90% complete, only 5 more areas (out of 49) remain.

Some New Areas for my Quest -solo

Wednesday Aug 13 - Saturday Aug 16

Sunset at Clear Pond

Wednesday Aug 13th

I set out to check off a few new places on my quest to camp overnight in every Wild Forest and Wilderness Area within the Adirondacks. First is the Grasse River Wild Forest. I had been hoping to do this as a canoe trip, but so many other canoe areas seem better so I opted for a easy to hike in spot. Picked up a sandwich and some beverages near Cranberry Lake and headed to Tooley Pond. There is a loop trail here which also climbs the mountain. I noticed some maps showed a side trail to the pond. I wondered if there was a campsite there. My plan B was the drive-up ADA campsite near the parking area.

It had rained all morning so the trail was wet. The ferns and witchopple graciously shared their water with my pant legs. The trail was easy enough to follow, but stayed well away from the water. The terrain on this side of the pond has a relativelt steep drop to the water's edge. I followed a drainage down where the terrain was not as steep. I then hugged the shoreline pushing through the wet understory not finding an old campsite or even a suitable spot. A few game trails eased the burden of bushwhacking, but still nothing. I headed back up the hill and regained the trail which I then followed back to my starting point.

The ADA campsite nearby had a "picnic area" sign, but no "camp here" disk. It was close to lunch time, so I drove to the boat launch area on the pond. A remnant firepit was here, but no disk signifying camping was allowed. I set up a chair and had my lunch enjoying the view of the pond. A westerly breeze kept any bugs away, it also dried out my clothing.

After lunch I moved on to Plan C, Leonard Pond in a different area of the Grasse River area. This was a small parcel not attached to the main section. Not sure how driveable the road will be to the pond, but I could get close as the road also goes to some private land. Worst case, I park on the main road and hike in a couple miles. Turns out the road section was in great shape. Not very wide, so glad others were not coming the opposite way.  I parked at the top of the trail near the intersection with the other dirt road (this one also continued west). The side trail to the pond was only a hundred yards or so. I could have driven in further, but there was no need. The marked campsite appears to get some use. It was small, but definitely suitable for one person. 

I went back to the car to grab my pack but first I would hike down the other dirt road where other roadside campsites were shown on the map. The old dirst road seems to not have been driven in quite a while. The woods along side were quite pretty. Probably more of a snowmobile route now. I approached the first campsite, about half way to the main road. The area was open and the firepit obvious. Did not look like it had been used in quite some time. Looks like a good spot for a larger group with a wall tent. Not much to see here except the woods. Water source might not be available either. I did not see one immediately, but did not look either. 

Immediately after the campsite was a steeper section of the road which has been washed out. Possibly a high clearance vehicle could make it, but I would not want to test it out. I continued on towards the main road. the other campsite is within a quarter mile of the highway, so I was starting to hear vehicles as I approaced. There were some trucks parked at the campsite along with at least one tent. I did not get any closer to inspect. Headed back to my campsite.

There was no breeze here, even right next to the pond so I made a smudge fire and peaked through the overhanging trees to enjoy the view. Could hear some splashes in the pond, likely bass. A few slaps of a beaver tail also broke the silence. The afternoon turned to evening and the air dried out. The clouds also went there way exposing some blue sky. Hopefully the nice weather will last. 

Thursday August 14th

                                                      

Bugs arrived soon after I laid down in the hammock last night. It was warm, so I did not really use the quilt. I awoke to some colors in the eastern sky. I had arranged my hammock closer to shore to catch any breeze and also provide a clearer view of the pond. The colors faded quickly. I packed up and headed to the Cold River.

Suprised to see an almost full lot for a Thursday. According to the register most, if not all, were day hiking the peaks. I was on the trail at 8am. Early start here for me since I usually have a 5 hour drive. The familiar trail passed quickly. I noted blowdown from the spring had been cleared. The path was very dry even with the recent rains. No real mud pits along the horse trail. The drainages where I would often fill up were either trickles or bone dry. I filled up at a decent one just before Calkins Brook. I am looking forward to seeing how much work has been done on the new bridge.

The crew was just packing up as I arrived. We talked for a bit. I guess I  missed Tate by a few days. One of the guys was not a fan of the outhouse. I told him about the  somewhat hidden "executive toilet" for their next trip. The river was low so rock hopping was easily achieved. I stopped on the sand hill for a snack and enjoy the breeze. I re-stocked from the "Pub and Grill". Note: Inventory low.

2 hours more of walking to the Cold River, then another half to the lean-to. I filled up at the spring which is always delightful. At the river the beavers have really started to do some work. Making the trail a mess of water and chewed ends of alders poking up. I found the lean-to empty, but the fire-pit with some trash. Not much, it will burn up quickly in my fire.

Washed my shirt at the river. Will wear it dry and appreciate the A/C it provides while I eat a sausage and cheese lunch and read the log book. I fell asleep for a bit, not on purpose just a result of the sun and sound of the river. Made a small fire to eliminate the trash well before I needed to cook. even after I make dinner, I will allow it to cool. Not really feeling like a hot meal. Beverages are busy cooling.

Around 4pm a trail runner stopped by doing a training run. The 30 mile loop just for training is impressive. I mentioned the beaver flooding up ahead and to be careful of the punji sticks.

Friday August 15th

I fell asleep in the lean-to. The temperature dropped overnight. the chilly air made sleeping with the quilt enjoyable. I slept in until well after sunrise. I love staying here.

Even though I slept in and was not in a rush, I was still packed up and moving at 9am. With the cool night I expected some dew. The humidity must be really low now. Crossed the muddy beaver dam and headed back along the familiar trail. I of course stopped at the spring and the "overlook" opening of the Seward Range. 

While backpacking solo I am always aware of any movement around me and will stop immediately when it happens. This time was no different and the creator of the motion ahead of me came into view. He soon was aware of my presence as I could hear him making a "clicking sound". Not sure if it was annoyance or anxiousness, but I had no desire to find out. He walked slowly ahead of me, taking his sweet time stopping every once in a while to look back. I made some noise hoping it would encourage him to move into the woods to no avail. Eventually the trail widened, and he was far enough to one side that I was able to get around without getting to close. He stayed to his side, but with his tail quills ready. The wide berth I took was enough to get by safely. Was neat to see mr. porky.

The rest of the trail was uneventful. Back at the car by 1:15. My next stop would be the White Hill Wild Forest, but first a quick stop at rhe grocery store for a sandwich and beverages. The road into Clear Pond in this management area was another dirt road used as a snowmobile trail in the winter. The parking area and main trailhead were near the pond, so the road was in decent condition. 

There were two trucks parked at the boat launch campsite along with  a few tents. I parked near the gate and hiked the 150 yards to another site along the pond. A significant amount of ATV tracks in the area, even going around the gate right under the "ATVs Prohibited" sign. My campsite had a significant amount of trash. Otherwide this would be a very nice spot. The kids from the nearby site were fishing and catching frogs. I hung out by the water and enjoyed the view. Hoping for a clear night and maybe see the perseids.

[end of entry]

Clear Pond

 

Cribbing for new bridge at Calkins

view of Seward Range

Cold River in the morning

Leonard Pond

Leonard Pond

Solo in the West Canadas

Thursday July 24

Arrived at the Pillsbury trailhead just before noon. Ate lunch at the car before setting out. Only two other cars in the lot. Heavy pack with 7 days worth of food. Was able to fit it all in my Ursack XL with a tiny amount of room to spare. About 6 miles to my destination, the Beaver Pond lean-to which Andy & I adopted this year. A nice slow pace would get me there before 3pm. The trail follows Old Military Rd, named after some War of 1812 event I think. Was a jeep rd until the 1970s. Now nature has reclaimed it. The plant and tree growth encroaching on the trail is nothing compared to the erosion from the last few decades of spring run-off. About 1 mile and a half to the first junction with the French Louie Trail, then another three to Cedar Lake, lastly another mile and a half to the lean-to. Taking a slow pace to not overheat and tire myself out. It took 45 minutes to the french louie trail, then another 90 to Cedar Lake. The bridge over the river just downstream from the breached dam had a very nice breeze. I paused a while to take it in. Almost every drainage was dry on the hike in, so I am just about out of water. Hopefully the spring I cleared out earlier this year still has water.

Signed in at the interior register noting some familiar names from earlier this summer. Passing by the old ranger cabin site, I scared up a grouse and she flew off. Appears I have the lake to myself at least for the time being. The first spring along the main trail was not as deep as earlier, but still had plenty of cold water. I drank my fill and then topped off my water bottles. It isn't that far from the lean-to, so I could walk back here if the other spring is dry.

Crossing the bridge between Beaver Pond and Cedar Lake, the boards squeaked. The lean-to just off the trail past the bridge was unoccupied. Dropped my pack and went to the lake to wash up a bit. Was hot today. Even with the slow pace, sweating was unavoidable. Washed out my shirt and will wear it dry. Should keep me a bit cooler too.

Next job is to bring the paddle to the hidden sportspal, check on the spring, and gather some wood. Spring level was low, but still able to fill up. Next visit I will bring a shovel for the lean-to and use it to dig out the spring more. Pleanty of wood farther away from camp, so gathering was easy. Expecting rain tonight so will collect enough to store dry. Made a smudge fire and set up my gear in the lean-to. Occassional breeze across the lake is nice and cooling with the damp shirt. It is drying quickly though. The lake is mostly silent except for the piercing calls of the loons.

Gathered some more wood, should be enough for a few days since it is only needed for cooking and not warmth. After a couple days here, my plans are open. Will need to check on the Colvin Brook lean-to, and clear some more trail. Possibly meet up with the DEC Forester, Jaimie, at West Lake on Tuesday.

Ate the second half of my lunch sandwich for dinner. Then heated up some water for a woods shower. Now just enjoying the quiet of the lake, the feeling of the occassional breeze and the calls of the loons. One is very close by, the other on the other side of the lake. Sky is clear blue, so doubtful a sunset from the bridge will be great. Will go down though, just to watch the end of the day.

note: broom is gone, also need shovel, rake and oakum.

Lunch- Sandwich

Dinner-rest of sandwich

Friday July 25

Up early as usual. Wanted to sleep in, but the sky tempted me with a pink sunrise. The colors gave way quickly but I was now up for good. Made some coffee and prepped ingredients to test one of Chef Corso's recipes. "Spam, salmon and egg brekkie bowl". For his recipe test he likes us to time everything, and and take photos along with other notes. I spent a little extra time frying up the spam to get it a bit crispy. I thought the texture would make it better. The downside is the frying really brings out the saltiness. I also added the salmon on top cold instead of heating it through to get a temperature contrast. Overall the recipe was good, I think it would be better not as a low-carb meal and plate it over some potatoes, or put into a tortilla as a breakfast wrap. Chef Corso put the recipe up on his website with one of my photos: https://outdooreats.com/recipe/spam-smoked-salmon-egg-brekkie-bowl/

Clouds moving in, then the sky became overcast. Breeze increasing. Supposed to rain in the afternoon. I can hear some other birds in the distance. I wonder if they are signally the change in the weather. Should really download that Merlin app Dan uses. As the sky began to get more threatening, I went to gather a bit more wood and top off my water bottles. The breeze is keeping the bugs away. Felt a few drops over at the bridge but so far no real rain. The sun came out a bit, then disappeared. This dance would continue all afternoon. Plan is to do trail work and go to Colvin Brook tomorrow. 

Just before dinner a small shower came through. Not enough to warrant rain gear while outside of the lean-to. Could hear some voices across the bay towards the 1st Cedar Lake lean-to. Hope the clouds clear a little for a nice sunset and maybe bring the temperature down overnight. Just before sunset a couple of guys with dogs were near the bridge, possibly at the campsite. One was yelling to his dog trying to get it under control. This went on for 5+ minutes. Then he was yelling to his friend. Sound really carried over the water. Probably had no idea I was even here.

Saturday July 26

Foggy morning. Temp really dropped overnight making for some very comfortable sleeping. Watching the sun burn through the fog was quite pretty. Very nice tapestry to view with morning coffee.

Plan for today: hike to Colvin Brook lean-to to check on it, clear trail. 6 miles each way. Should be a good day for a hike and a decent workout. After breakfast I packed my day pack with saw, gloves, rain gear, food, water and hygiene kit. While packing I heard a squeak on the bridge. A few minutes later another. Over the next 15 minutes others crossed the bridge. It was then I realized today was the Wakely Dam Ultra Marathon trail race. 36 miles, crazy.

As I hiked north along the NPT I would need to step to the side as runners came by. Was nice to see many still smiling after 12+ miles. I would nod, and they would nod or wave. Oddly as they passed waves of emotion would crash over me. A few times I even began to weep. Not sure what was going on there. I have no description of my emotions, I guess I just neede to release something. This would happen every time a runner would go by me.

I stopped at Cedars #1 and talked to the guys camped there. They are hiking the French Louie Loop, this was their first night. They asked about which sites would be best for their next night based on their mileage. They were also trying their hand at fishing with no luck. It was too warm, and the lkae to shallow here. The trout would all be in the deep holes. All through our conversation more runners would come by. We had to keep re-directing them back to the trail. As I left, I made a giant arrow with sticks to help guide them.

Only had to cut three logs on the way to Sucker Brook trail junction. The trail is super open now between my work the last few years and the DEC chainsaw crew last year. The spring along this stretch was deep enough for me to fill up. The typical muddy spots were all dried up like play-doh. Great conditions for the race today; cool weather and dry trail.

Trail to Colvin Brook is starting to grown in more. will need to do some side cutting next time. Not much blowdown, except for the giants which I cannot take care of with the hand saw. The river was low enough for me to rock hop without needing to wade. According to the shelter log, I missed Marshall by two days. He and two others were the only other entires since my visit last fall. Took photos of the journal to update the lean-to "blog"  https://colvinbrook.blogspot.com/

Should take about 2.5 hours to get back to Cedar Lake taking it slow. 

I stopped again at Cedar #1, this time to read the journal. The other guys have since departed heading counter-clockwise around the lake. Breezy here. Nice! Time to head back to camp, wash up and have a snack. 

While reading after dinner I recalled the stars were out last night. Maybe if tonight is also clear I will head to the beach and lean against a rock to look for meteors.

Sunday July 27

Awoke to a steady rain. Made sleeping in that much easier. Made some coffee and sat in the lean-to day dreaming. Every so often it would seem like the rain was slowing, but this was just a tease as the decrease was immediately followed by a wave of heavy rain. Glad I brough the trail umbrella, it is a great tool for a quick trip to the outhouse or to get water. About 10:30 the rains seemed to be done, glints of sun poking through. Made myself a PB&J as an appetizer before real breakfast. I guess this would be brunch. A group of 8 stopped by, they asked about the 3rd lean-to, colloquially known as "the fishermans lean-to", and whether the trail to it was easy to find. They had hiked all morning from the Pillsbury trailhead in the rain. After I finished answering their questions, they pressed on.

There is a 50% chance this will be my last night. So far this has been a fun test of different recipes and food preparations. Loving the small skillet, makes breakfast enjoyable and when the trout are biting, it will be nice to have. The afternoon and evening turned out to be quite nice. I finished the book I brought. I had forgotten how enjoyable reading at camp can be especially on these solo trips. Had a snack earlier and now onto dinner.

Saw a heron earlier and now some canada geese making a racket. The heron was hanging out over at sunset bridge. Seen a few people and groups, but surprised no NPT thru-hikers. Sitting here on sunset bridge, hopeful. Sky growing a bit more threatening to the west. The heron is enjoyong this area too.

Monday July 28

Another rainstorm rolled through early last night. I was up before the dawn and was able to watch the sunrise from the bridge. The heron was also here, but too shy to have his picture taken. Both Beaver Pond and Cedar Lake were like glass. A loon swam by, quitely. I headed back to camp for some smudge, and coffee. The still air after all the rain, the skeeters will be out in full force. I carried my coffee back to the bridge to watch the sunrise. I took a couple pictures, but mostly just sat and enjoyed the moment. Would have been nice if others were here to share it. Again waves of emotions came over me the same as when the runners passed by.

                                

 Returning to camp, I pushed the log ends closer to the middle in a star shape to keep the coals burning without making the fire too big. I have been using the "star fire" a lot this week. It does a great job of prolonging the fire and maintaining the coal bed. To "fire" it up, just pushing the log ends in a little is all it takes. Also a very stable platform for pots and pans. Perfect setup for the skillet.

 

Long Pond in St. Regis w/Paul

Friday July 18th

A long drive for both of us to St. Regis. Longer for Paul. I would get there early to go claim a site and then return to the launch and pick him up in the canoe. Brought the tandem Bell Morningstar. Short carry to the water, so I doubled it instead of trying to do everything at once. Lot was almost full, not sure how many were on their way in, or just out for the day. Not many signed in at the register. Out on the water I was the only boat visible. Paddling into the wind from the north east was odd. I did my best trimming out the boat with gear, but the bow was still catching a lot of wind. Stayed close to the S. shore for protection and to scout the campsites in case they were needed. Never saw the site closest to the other portage trail and inlet. I think this was the one Dan and I heard all night a few years ago. Sound really travels across the water. I turned the canoe to head to the north shore to campsite #3, which was my first choice. Found it unoccupied. Set up my tent and the GoLite shelter and made lunch. The breeze cut right through the site keeping it mostly bug free. Gathered a bit of wood and relaxed at camp. every so often another canoe would paddle by. I could hear the paddlers comment as they passed, "nice site" and "it has a picnic table" were often heard. Tried to take a nap in the chair. If I did fall asleep it was brief.

Plan was to pick up Paul and the launch around 6pm. I figured about a half hour paddle. In case he was early I would depart at 5pm. With the canoe empty, I tried to kneel in the middle. By now the wind had shifted and I was again paddling into it. With no pad for my knees, it was not comfortable. I found it was ok if I knelt on one, and lay the other leg flat and switched legs every so often. Reminded me of the position that the olympic canoe racers use. Not sure how correct my form was. I was just trying to not be in pain. At the cars, I set up a chair to await Paul's arrival. There was a very weak cell signal which allowed me to get a text from Paul giving me an updated ETA of 6:30 due to major traffic backup in New Paltz apparently.

Paul arrived a little before he expected. Gave him a paddle and pfd. We carried his gear down to the canoe along with a cooler. Another cooler would wait in the car. The lake had since layed down so the paddling was much nicer. Paul paddled aggressively in short bursts, while I maintained a steady relaxed cadence, only switching sides when Paul did.

At camp, I started up the fire as Paul set up his tent. He brought clams from the island for us to grill. With the grill, my large pot, and skillet we cooked up the clams "3 ways". There was definitely a difference in taste between the ones on the grill vs the ones in a pot. We would eat as the clams opened. Stayed up rather late, probably around 10 or 11 by the time we retired.

Saturday July 19th

Clear skies allowed the temperature to drop. The moon was bright. Slept great as expected. While I did wake up at my usual time, I was able to coax myself back to sleep. When I heard Paul moving around, I got up. Started the fire and made coffee for myself (Paul did not want any). Plans for the day:

Breakfast (Bacon, eggs, sourdough toast)

Beer run

Paddle to site #9/portage trail

Climb Long Pond Mountain

Lunch/Beer at summit

Hike/Paddle back to camp

Relax

add more pine needle cushioning for Paul under his tent.

Dinner

Beer

After breakfast and cleanup we prepped for our beer run. The lake was calm so we took the long way around the island. Noted the hornbeck canoes at site #2. Loons were all around the entire paddle. They did not seem to be bothered by us. At the car we loaded up the soft cooler with beer and pork chops and returned to camp. Took a short break at camp while we prepared for our day's main adventure. About a 2 mile paddle, then a 2 mile climb up the mountain with elevation change of around 300+. As we paddled around the bend and through the narrows we noted these sites were more occupied. Except for those passing by, our site was relatively secluded.

At the portage trail, we switched to our hiking boots and donned day packs with lunch and summit beers. There were two other canoes here as well. Note: super deep muck at the take-out. The portage trail to Mountain Pond was very nice. Paul really enjoyed the flora, he would comment often and take photos. After the pond the trail began its climb. Signpost said 1.6 miles to summit. Not long after we started up the well maintained trail the occupants of the other canoes made there way down. They commented it was a nice view from up there. As we climbed I noted how out of shape I was, it was tiring and steeper than expected. Pausing at the false summit I figured we must be getting close considering the elevation we have already gained. Then it hit me, 300 meters not feet. Sheesh, felt stupid and relieved at the same time. Stupid error, but relieved I was not getting tired on a short 300 foot scamper. Still a ways to go. Tough little climb, but I needed it.

Finally at the top, we took some photos. It was bright and sunny. We could see rather far to the South and East. Needed to look at the map to figure out which water bodies we were seeing. An eagle soared overhead and then ducked down behind the trees. Cracked open the beers and lunch. Soon another hiker joined us at the summit. He was a local guy just doing a day paddle &  hike. This is a favorite of his. Cell coverage here, so we checked weather report. As expected tomorrow would be on/off rain with heavier rain at night. The report validated our choice to do this adventure today. 

Down the mounatin was significantly easier on the cardio, but the other leg stabilizer muscles now got a work out. Back at the canoe we switched footwear. Glad the bugs were not bad here as they often are at the portage landings. We used the edge of the landing to enter the canoe to avoid the muck. The other hiker had since caught up with us again and watched to see how we avoided the muck. Success and with an audience! Easy paddle back to camp. Good work out for the day.

Went to gather some more wood. Paul had seen a big dead birch tree so I went and harvested some decent logs from it. We relaxed around the fire with some cold ones from the cooler. Paul did his James Dean impression leaning against the giant pine by the water's edge. We pan fried the pork chops for dinner. They were thn cut, so they cooked quickly. Paul would continually add them to the skillet and we would eat them as they finished. Hoped the sky would stay clear after sunset so we could paddle out and look at the stars. Sadly it did not.

Sunday July 20th

Slept in again. Sky was overcast and threatening. Started the fire and made some coffee. Small showers would come and go all day. Made cheese quesadillas in the skillet, Paul ate leftover pork chops. Many paddlers passed by the site on their way to the launch. Paddling in the rain is not the most enjoyable but neither is sitting around camp in the rain. The GoLite shelter did provide some dry areas for us to sit when the rains picked up. A small leak in the shelter will need to be patched up. Later in the afternoon the clouds lost their battle with the sun and blue skies appeared. We used the opportunity to bring some gear and trash back to the cars and restock on beer. Also grabbed the last of the fresh food from the other cooler. 

Just before sunset, the sky opened up and rain it did. I headed to my tent and did Paul. Loons sereneded us all night. A nice complement to the rain.

Monday July 21st

Up early so we could pack up and dry out tarps etc as much as possible. We both had long drives ahead. Was a smart move yesterday to bring a load to the car already. All our remaining gear now would fit below the gunwales helping to keep the boat stable and balanced. Was a relaxing paddle back to the launch. Very few cars remained in the lot. Paul helped me lift the canoe onto the car. As I finished tying down the canoe and signing out I thought next year Dan Denn and I should come here in earlier June before the water warms and the trout go deep.